Tour Stories/The Check-In with Joe Plummer

Nic Gohl and Drew McBride are the guitarists and founding members of Chicago based Deeper. Their third release and Sub Pop Records debut Careful is out September 8th and is followed by an extensive North American and European tour. In this episode Drew and Nic share their musical backgrounds, how Deeper came together in their college years and the audio and visual evolution of the band to now. They discuss their progression of songwriting, share the experience of making Deeper in a fourteen day studio session and the role guitar layering has on the over all sound of the new record. The three exchange their thoughts on ranching (yes, ranching) and we hear a couple tunes from the new record.This episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at IzotopeTo learn more about Deeper go to Sub Pop and Deeper

This week's episode is a playlist of the bands Joe has recorded and toured with over the past 25 years. This chronological compilation is a celebration and an appreciation of the people he's had the fortune to work with throughout his career as a musician. Take the journey and enjoy.TracklistPositive Greed: Retribution, Bob's SongBare Minimum: Fox Channel 9, "6"Replikants: Xxenogenesis, Jazz HorseCaustic Resin: UnluckyMagic Magicians :Cascade Express, Wet Pills Pt. 2A Gun Called Tension: 10 PM LetterThe Black Heart Procession: Did You Wonder, Sympathy CrimeThe John and Spencer Booze Explosion: Lady Bird20 Miles: Life Doesn't RhymeModest Mouse: We've Got Everything, The Whale SongThe Shins: Bait and Switch, HeartwormsMister Heavenly: Blue Lines, Georges GardenUgly Casanova: CorcovaHew Time: 2020 Is Yours, Camp KurtzThe Coromadelles: Good Guy, MagliteLieutenant: The Place You Wanna GoCold Ward Kids: Flower Drum Song, You Already KnowThis episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 to for a discount on all software.Check it all out at Izotope

This episode is dedicated to the life, music and art of Rick Froberg, singer and guitarist for the bands Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, and Obits. I can remember the first time I heard Pitchfork at Fallout records in Seattle. From the moment I heard his cracking voice, the hooky jangle of his riffs, I was hooked on everything Rick. His stage presence, his vinegary and potent version of Fuck The Man messaging and of course his visual art that delivered the same message in such a beautifully sarcastic fashion. I had that chance to spend time with Rick here and there over the years, and I feel so fortunate to know him on and off the stage . I’ll always remember that constant half smirk that somehow both intimidated me and brought me in to his warmth at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with Rick's body of work both visually and musically, seek it out and enjoy.Rick inspired my ears, my eyes and my heart. RIPTRACKLISTPitchfork: Burn pigs burnPitchfork: PlaceboDive Like Jehu: CaressDrive Like Jehu: Do you compute Drive Like Jehu: LuauDrive Like Jehu: Bullet Train To VegasHot Snakes: LAXHot Snakes: If Credit’s What Matters I’ll Take CreditHot Snakes: CheckmateObits: I Blame YouObits: I Want ResultsObits: No Fly ListDrive Like Jehu: Hand Over Fist

Heather Larimer and Brian Naubert are the husband/wife duo that make up Portland based power-pop band Corvair. Their potent sophomore effort Bound to Be is out now via Paper Walls and Where It's At Is Where You Are. In this episode we discuss how their relationship plays into their writing process and how that has changed. They share their long game of record output and the process of making Bound To Be in Seattle, Portland and Oakland. Brian tells us why he's in happy song sad song limbo, Heather breaks down the idea behind new song Shady Town and the two tell us what it's like to write a love letter to your band member. We do some heavy Scirocco talk and hear a couple new tunes.This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!https://www.corvairband.com/

Danny "Lee Blackwell" Rajan Billingsley is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and founding member of Night Beats. His is, alongside Carolina Faruolo, one half of the Tropicalia infused psych rock band Abraxas and also a co-collaborator in the UFO Club with Christian Bland from The Black Angels. Rajan, the newest release from Night Beats, is a rhythmically humid psychedelic odyssey that touches on R&B, Anatolian funk, 60's pop and celebrates hypnosis of dub. In this episode we talk about Danny's parameter less approach to songwriting and the role of "rule breaking". Danny shares his point of view of "world rock" as a kid growing up in Dallas and why the young Danny found himself as a failed gatekeeper of cultural traditions. We learn how he uses rhythm to build his various projects and we hear a couple tunes from Rajan.This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!Native InstrumentsIzotopePlugin AllianceSuicide SqueezeNight Beats Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

D.A. Stern (aka David Stern) is an LA based, New Jersey raised songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. His newest record, Don't Take Your Heartache Out On The World (Sept 13 via Symphonic) is a richly produced hook party that both globally and specifically addresses the trappings of love loss, infidelity and even "punkness", all in one sincere and at times humorous package. In this episode, David shares the journey of going from songwriter/protools tinkerer to landing as an engineer at the late Adam Yauch's Oscilloscope Laboratories and finally becoming a prolific self producing artist. David also tells us why collaboration is valuable to him and how it functions as a vehicle for him to loosen the rains on his production. We hear how Matt Sweeney wound up doing a guitar solo on the new record, why comedy is at his Davids expressive core and Joe plays a couple new tunes.This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!https://www.native-instruments.com/en/https://www.izotope.com/https://www.plugin-alliance.com/

Kate Stables is a singer, song-writer, multi instrumentalist and founding member of This Is The Kit. British born Paris based Stables will be releasing her 7th full length record, Careful Of Your Keepers on June 9th via Rough Trade Records. The new effort is a complex, soothing and magnetic collection of songs produced and "toneset" by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals, Neon Neon). In this episode Joe and Kate discuss the lyrical origin and tone of the new record and Kate shares some insight into her general writing process and how that connects to the listener. Kate tells us why she's likely a "changer" vs. and "stay the samer" and how that may manifest in both her life and art. She also shares the experience of making Careful Of Your Keepers with a super furry animal, explains the meaning behind This Is The Kit and champions Joes excitement for the video for the single More Change. https://youtu.be/v25evwdaf8oThis episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!https://www.native-instruments.com/en/https://www.izotope.com/https://www.plugin-alliance.com/https://titk.cargo.site/https://www.roughtrade.com/us/product/this-is-the-kit/careful-of-your-keepers-2 Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeDistrokidSchecter Guitars

PONY is a guitar power pop duo from Windsor, Ontario by way of Toronto. Currently comprised of singer/songwriter/founding member Sam Bielanski and multi-instrumentalist/co-collaborator Matty Morand, the band has releasedVelveteen (Take This To Heart Records), a irresistible hook laden hyper catchy effort that dabbles with The Velveteen Rabbit as a vehicle for expressing the power of giving love and acceptance. In this episode, we learn why the duo are drawn to the more sugary side of guitar rock but at the same time don't feel confined to the genre. Matty and Sam also share their collaborative process, the role The Velveteen Rabbit plays on the new record and their approach to live performance. Matty hips Joe to the Windsor touring scene, we learn about their podcast 2 Much TV and we hear a couple new tunes.This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!https://www.native-instruments.com/en/https://www.izotope.com/https://www.plugin-alliance.com/https://ponytheband.ca/album/velveteenhttps://www.takethistoheartrecords.com/ Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeDistrokidSchecter Guitars

John Goff, also known as Cascadia Bagpiper, has been a professional bagpiper since 1984. Originally from San Diego, he currently resides in the Pacific Northwest and plays memorials, funerals, weddings, and various celebrations. John is also an experimental musician, playing guitar, synthesizer and bagpipes with a wide range of musicians including Crash Worship, Neurosis, Merzbow, Steve Von Till, and NØISE, a collaboration with artist Shepard Fairey. In this episode, John shares a few of his many anecdotes, experiences and insights as an experimental musician turned professional bagpiper. We also get a brief history of the instrument, the outfit and the journey that landed him in this vocation. Long time pals Joe and John get a chance to catch up, hear some fruits of their collaborations and they revisit the time Vincent Gallo visited John at his Portland home.This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/This ep is also supported by Izotope. Use code "fret10" to receive your software discount at https://www.izotope.com/https://www.cascadiabagpiper.com/http://www.noiseproject.com/

Lira Mondal and Caufield Schnug are collectively Sweeping Promises. Together, they have written, performed and recorded the last two records entirely as a duo, both efforts celebrating their unique and dynamic chemistry. Their newest record, Good Living Is Coming For You will be released on June 30th on Feel It (North America) and Sup Pop (ROW) with extensive touring to follow. In this episode, Lira and Caufield share their long journey between the records that landed them in their new studio in Lawrence, KS by way of Boston, Austin and Marfa. They discuss the intention behind their production, how meticulousness can result in simplicity and their path to collaborative songwriting. The three discuss why music criticism has likely run out of steam, why Caulfield feels like a spy on tour and we hear a few tunes new tunes.Episode supported by Native Instruments. visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ for 50% off Komplete 14 Select using code "podcast"Episode supported by Izotope. Go to https://www.izotope.com/ for 10% off all software using code "FRET10"https://www.feelitrecordshop.com/https://www.subpop.com/artists/sweeping_promiseshttps://sweepingpromises.com/ Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Aviv Rubinstien is a Philly native, musician, filmmaker and podcaster living and working in Los Angeles. He has written and directed several feature films both in the United States and Southeast Asia. A true hyphenate, Aviv is the singer for the rock n roll band Jacob The Horse, he teaches screenwriting and filmmaking at Emerson College and Hussian College Los Angeles and, along side Rachel Brodsky, he co-host of*IN SYNC, the podcast celebrating the perfect on-screen needle drop. In this episode, Aviv and Joe share their favorite needle drops and Aviv not only gives us a definition, but also the distinction between needle drop and score. We hear about the sit-com-esc origin of *IN SYNC, and how it may quell the battle of the two loves in his life, music and cinema. Last, Aviv shares a truly outrageous tour story that changed his perspective on his life at the time, all through the lens of a band created for a film project.Episode supported by Native Instruments. visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ for 50% off Komplete 14 Select using code "podcast"Episode supported by Izotope. Go to https://www.izotope.com/ for 10% off all software using code "FRET10"https://redcircle.com/shows/insynchttps://jacobthehorse.bandcamp.com/album/jacob-the-horse Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeDistrokidSchecter Guitars

Seán Barna is a singer, songwriter and has been playing drums professionally since he was 14, cutting his teeth in Floridian honky-tonks and eventually graduating to the touring broadway production of The Producers. Seán's interests have since turned to a more up front position, taking on both singing and writing for his solo efforts which has led him to recording 3 records and touring the world for the past several years. His newest effort , An Evening at Macri Park — "a character study of the dimly-lit Brooklyn queer bar, Macri Park, and the creatures who thrive within its walls" is also a celebration of protest, the social energy of folk music and lush production. In this episode, Seán shares his early life as a professional drummer, what led to theater and stage production work, and how meeting Adam Duritz from Counting Crows change his career trajectory. Joe and Seán discuss the catalyst and process behind An Evening at Macri Park and the two drummers of course..... talk drums. We learn what a gay cactus looks like and hear a few tunes. An Evening at Macri Park will be released May 12th on Kill Rock Stars.https://seanbarna.bandcamp.com/album/an-evening-at-macri-parkhttps://www.dangeroussounds.com/https://killrockstars.com/This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/This ep is also supported by Izotope. Use code "fret10" to receive your software discount at https://www.izotope.com/ Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

79.5 is a Brooklyn based disco-soul, psychdelic-electro band started by singer-songwriter Kate Mattison. Following philosophical and lineup changes over the last two years, 79.5 is now fronted by both Mattison and Lola Adanna. In this episode Kate and Lola share the motivation behind the new self-titled record (out on Razor N Tape May 5th) and the single B.D.F.Q. The two tell us how their relationship started and why their camaraderie and collaboration not only enhances 79.5, but why it is important to them personally. We look into their writing-recording process , musical background and hear a few tunes. If Questlove loves 79.5, you will too.This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/This ep is also supported by Izotope. Use code "fret10" to receive your software discount at https://www.izotope.com/https://79point5.bandcamp.com/https://linktr.ee/razorntapehttps://79point5.bandcamp.com/album/795 Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Finally, Joe Plummer tells a Tour Story of his own. He shares the true tail of a life threatening close call on a trip to Sevilla, Spain with his band at the time, The Black Heart Procession. A real life view into the romance, the love, the danger and the foolishness of life on the road from a seasoned touring musician. In this episode Joe is joined by a surprise (an mysterious) musical guest to accompany his story. Also, we hear the original version of Honeybear, the Tour Stories them song with the great Paul Jenkins from The Black Heart Procession on vocals.http://www.joeplummermusic.com/http://www.palljenkins.com/theblackheartprocessionhttps://www.ruinousmedia.com/tourstoriesThis episode sponsored by https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ and https://www.izotope.com/

Dave Lombardo is a drummer, a drum innovator, a drumming enthusiast and a founding member of the seminal thrash metal band Slayer. Since his final departure from Slayer in 2013, Lombardo has kept himself busy touring, recording and performing with Fantomas, John Zorn, Mr Bungle, Dead Cross, Empire State Bastard and The Misfits, to name a few. On May 5th, we will see his first and long awaited solo effort, Rites of Percussion (Ipecac Records), a percussive rich, tonally conscious, cinematic drum record. In this episode, Dave shares the catalyst behind his solo debut, the process of writing and recording entirely on his own and the freedom that it brought him. We learn about his practice of celebrating tone in his many collaborations and the significance it has on those recordings. Joe and Dave swap favorite drum records, Dave shares a few of his favorite moments making the new record and we hear a few tunes.https://ipecac.com/https://davelombardo.bandcamp.com/album/rites-of-percussion Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Yvette Young is a singer, songwriter and guitarist for Covet. The new record, Catharsis is out now on Triple Crown Records. In this episode, Yvette shares her process the risks and the inspiration behind this new record. Joe and Yvette discuss the collaborative effort it takes to make a record, the power of instrumental music and the conflict between writing music verses touring. We learn that Joe and Yvette share some of the same post hard-core influences and we hear a couple new tunes.https://yvetteyoungmusic.com/http://triplecrownrecords.com/artists/covethttps://covettheband.com/https://covetband.bandcamp.com/Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeDistrokidSchecter Guitars

Hayden Desser is a seasoned, self-producing singer songwriter from Toronto. After close to a 8-year break, Hayden has released a full length record via Arts and Crafts. This newest effort, Are We Good, celebrates a new writing approach and collaborations with Matt Berninger (The National) Leslie Feist (Feist) and Aaron Dessner (The National). In typical fashion the record is accompanied by thoughtful, cinematic videos that include a cameo by pal and collaborator Steve Buscemi. In this episode Joe and Hayden discuss his 8 year "break" and how it resulted in a new record and a stronger sense of patience. Hayden shares his experience of collaborating lyrically, his view on touring after a long stint at home and the importance of video to his overall expression. He shares a bit of his recording process and we hear a couple tunes. Episode supported by Izotope and Native Instruments.https://arts-crafts.ca/https://www.wasteyourdaysaway.com/https://haydendesser.bandcamp.com/album/are-we-goodhttps://www.native-instruments.com/en/

Shannon Lay is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and Sub Pop recording artist from southern California. Her newest release Covers, Volume 1, is a 9-song collection of cover songs that celebrate Shannon's influences as an artist and serve as a vehicle to share her artistic perspective with her listeners. In this episode, Joe and Shannon discuss her musical roots and what stemmed the idea to release a record of other people's songs. She also shares the process behind selecting the songs, how she recorded them and why she thinks releasing a collection of covers is important. The two delve into their mutual appreciation for John Dwyer, Elliott Smith and Vashti Bunyan and we hear a couple tunes.https://www.shannonlay.com/https://shannonlay.bandcamp.com/https://www.subpop.com/releases/shannon_lay/covers_vol_1https://www.discountmirrorsstudio.com/about/https://www.altamirasoundrecording.com/

Noble Rot is the studio project of Alex Edkins (METZ) and Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck). Long time collaborators and friends, the two began working on Noble Rot following the cancelation both of their respective tours. In this episode we hear how the two met, what was behind their drive to document this sonic exploration and what kept them dedicated to the project. They share process of recording Heavenly Bodies, Repetition, Control and why visual artist John Smith is so important to the overall experience of the release. Joe urges them to take the record from a "studio project" to a "live project" and we hear a couple tunes.https://noblerotmusic.bandcamp.com/releaseshttps://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/noble-rot-heavenly-bodies-repetition-control-curated-by-jasamine-white-gluzhttps://strangeprocess.com/index.phphttps://www.metzztem.com/https://www.holyfuckmusic.com/ Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Along with Keely Martin, Piper Torrison is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and 1/2 of the Boston based rock duo, Mediocre. Their newest effort , To You Know You're Screwed is due out April 7th and is their first release with Dangerbird Records. In this episode, Joe and Piper discuss the bi coastal effort it took to make the new record, how Piper and Keely are artistically joined and the idea behind "knowing you're screwed" and how it relates to entering adulthood. Piper also shares the meaning of the newest single Pop Song Baby , and why this perspective goes beyond the fem tokenism. Piper tells us why video and visual art are equally as important as music to Mediocre and we hear a couple tunes.https://mediocretheband.bandcamp.com/musichttps://ffm.to/toknowyourescrewed Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidSchecter GuitarsIzotope

This week we hear from Joe's other voice, his drums. In the winter of 2012 and 2013, Joe found himself on a dreaded break. Mister Heavenly, The Shins and Cold War Kids were either between tours or between records, leaving him in his least favorite position, idle. He was still playing and recording almost daily, but with records rather than bandmates. One day during a "shuffle session" ( he would hit record, shuffle his music library and start playing with whatever tune came into his ears), he got the idea to not only pay homage to one of his favorite drummers Max Roach, but to "cover" M'boom, an all percussion masterpiece released in 1970. Ultimately, Hew Time only hints at the jazzier elements of M'boom, but each composition is a song for song interpretation of spirit of the record. As soon as the skeletal versions were written, Joe brought the tunes to Dale Crover (The Melvins, Nirvana) Coady Willis (Big Business, Murder City Devils, The Melvins, High On Fire) and Kyle Crane (Rufus Wainwright, Daniel Lenois, Neko Case) where they recorded live over the course of two days with Toshi Kasai. Please enjoy, It's Hew Time. Hew Time is available on Joyful Noise Records. #feelthepassionhttps://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/collections/hew-timehttps://www.themelvins.net/To see video, go to https://youtu.be/ZE4oUmUZABwTrack Listing2020 Is Yours!KoopolderNine Pan AlleySwungBell DoorSwimming Pool (Hildalgo Blues)Tan GuyBell WindowCave Rage Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

Ed Rodriquez and John Dieterich are the guitarists for Deerhoof. Though they branch out with other projects, they have both been dedicated to the band for over 20 years and are celebrating the bands 19th album Miracle-Level (out March 31st on Joyful Noise Recordings). As standard with Deerhoof, the new record shimmers with newness and is full of sonic and lyrical surprises, but what stands out most is that this is the first "studio record" they've recorded in their long career. In this episode John and Ed share the recording experience and the motivation behind it. We also learn how John and Ed's artistic and personal relationship formed, how music brought them together and why this bond is so important them. John Joe and Ed discuss the path of their early influences and how they rear their head in the music and life. John tells us about Pond Hockey and we hear a couple tunes from the new record.https://deerhoof.website/https://deerhoof.bandcamp.com/album/miracle-levelhttps://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/collections/deerhoof Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidSchecter GuitarsIzotope

David Dickenson is the founder of Suicide Squeeze Records. Based in Seattle, David's first release was a 7” from indie duo 764-Hero in 1996. Following its success, he used his label to release singles and EPs by local acts like Modest Mouse, Elliott Smith, and Pedro The Lion. Over the past 27 years, David has greatly expanded his roster outside the Northwest with releases from The Black Keys, The Melvins, Iron and Wine, The Coathangers, Death Valley Girls and Holy Wave. In this episode, David catches us up on the newest at Suicide Squeeze, what motivated him to start the label in the frist place and what has kept him interested for close to 3 decades. He shares his philosophy behind choosing artist to work with and also his experience of working with Elliott Smith and how that relationship started. We learn the meaning behind Suicide Squeeze and hear a couple tunes from Death Valley Girls. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

Cat Clyde is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Ontario, Canada. Her third and beautifully versatile record Down Rounder was produced by Tony Berg and is out February 17th on Second Prize Records. In this episode Cat shares her musical background, her influences growing up and the music and state of mind she was in at the onset of recording Down Rounder. She explains the multi-faceted meaning behind the single Papa Took My Totems and how it relates to nature, her Métis heritage and patriarchy. She also shares the dynamic journey of making and finally finishing the record with Tony Berg at Sound City Studios. We hear a couple tunes and Cat tells us what the term "rounder" means to her.https://catclydemusic.com/https://catclydeband.bandcamp.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories

Fantastic Negrito (Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz) is a singer, song writer and three time Grammy award winner from Oakland, California. His newest record, Grandfather Courage , is an acoustic rebirth of his previous record, White Jesus, Black Problems. In this episode Joe and Xavier discuss this sonic reimagining, the rich familial story behind the record and fresh vibe this new version has created. Xavier also shares the philosophy behind Revolution Plantation, his urban farm project aimed at youth education, empowerment and community sufficiency. Xavier explains the origin of his last name and we hear a couple tunes. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Joe takes a moment to thank YOU the listeners for all the support in 2022! He also invites you to chime and let him know how he's doing, what's great, what could be better and what you'd like to see or hear from Tour Stories/The Check-In in 2023 and beyond. He also wants to thank all the guests of 2022 and encourages YOU to support them by going to shows and buying their records. And please, check out the growing roster at Ruinous Media and stay tuned for some radical new shows in 2023. Reach Joe at [email protected]://www.ruinousmedia.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

Sam Coomes is a singer, songwriter and multi- instrumentalist from Portland, Oregon. He is a founding member of Quasi along with Janet Weiss and has recorded and toured extensively with the likes of Elliott Smith, Built To Spill, Heatmiser, The Go Betweens and John Spencer and the Hit Makers. Ten years after their last record, Quasi is releasing their tenth record, Breaking the Balls Of History (Sub Pop Records) on February 10th, 2023. In this episode, Joe and Sam discuss the motivation, process and circumstances behind the new release. Sam tells us how this record is different from past Quasi records, why being in "touring shape" was so important to the recording and shares his thoughts on Janets insistence on adding a chorus to lead single, Doomscrollers. Joe reminisces on the their days touring together, they touch upon their shared affinity for British punkers Subhumans and we hear a couple tunes from Breaking The Balls Of History. https://theequasi.bandcamp.com/album/breaking-the-balls-of-historyhttps://www.subpop.com/artists/quasiUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidSchecter GuitarsIzotope

TOUR STORIES LIVE! with Joe's long time touring comrade and photographer, Rachel Demy. Rachel's has a vast experience on the road, (The Shins, St. Vincent, Neko Case) ranging from tour managing, tour booking, driving, merchandise, and everything in between it takes to support and execute a live show on the road, day after day. Now Rachel has focused on her first love, photography. Her first book, Between, Everywhere (out now, Minor Matters), is a collection of photographs and words from her time on the road with Death Cab For Cutie. Joe and Rachel discuss the inspiration and process behind her work, the power of the collective ever-moving nature of rock n roll touring and they look back on their days with The Shins. https://www.racheldemy.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

To celebrate the holidays, we are replaying Joe's favorite episode of Tour Stories with pal and former bandmate Micheal Cera. Even more, now is your chance to help him recover his favorite instrument! Listen, share! Let's get Michael his bass back in time for Christmas. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Anna Mieke is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Wicklow, Ireland. Her newest record, the potent, droning folk soundscape, Theatre, is both a freer and more focused follow up to her well received first release, Idle Mind. In this episode, Anna shares the process of making Theatre, why the live setting was crucial to the final recording, and what made it such a special experience. Joe and Anna discuss their shared love of drone and the role it plays in Anna's songwriting. She also tells us how she found herself back in her home town and why she might already be missing the city life. Anna shares her upcoming tour dates and we hear a couple tunes.https://annamieke.com/https://annamieke.bandcamp.com/album/theatrehttps://nettwerk.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories

Nate Mendel is the bass player of the Foo Fighters. He cut his teeth in the Northwest punk rock scene touring and recording with Diddly Squat, Christ On A Crutch and Sunny Day Real Estate, to name a few. In this episode Nate shares the curious history of nudity in his rock n roll career. Music by Nate Mendel, Lieutenant, and Joe Plummer. https://lieutenantmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-i-kill-this-thing-were-all-going-to-eat-for-a-weekUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstoriesMentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

Adam Halferty is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles by way of eastern Colorado. He has toured and recorded extensively with his band American Tomahawk and Nick Thorburn's band Islands. In this episode, new friends Joe and Adam talk touring recovery, the important role of humor on the road and what makes a good and bad hotel roommate. They discuss Adams new record, cc fAult, what stemmed the solo effort and his song writing process. They flirt with the idea of acting as a profession and we hear a couple tunes. https://americantomahawk.bandcamp.com/album/mr-grieverUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

John Mark Lapham is a composer, producer and animator from Abilene Texas. His newest effort Voids, under the moniker Old Fire, is a collaborative audio collage that illustrates the isolation and the cinematic landscape of his West Texas upbringing. In this episode Joe and John Mark discuss the dark inspiration behind the record, why his music tends to celebrate the visual, and why he worked with multiple vocalists (Bill Callahan, Emily Cross, Adam Torres, and Julia Holter) . John Mark shares the long process of making Voids and we hear a couple tunes. https://westernvinyl.com/artists/old-fire.phphttps://oldfire.bandcamp.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

Adam Luksetich is a musician, DJ and resident "metal head" at The Numero Group. He is also the producer of Bound For Hell-On The Sunset Strip, a multi-medium release that explores and celebrates the lesser known bands of the early 80's Los Angeles glam rock scene, just before the ultra popular Poisons and Motley Crue's of the same era. In this episode, Adam shares what he gleaned from his extensive research, why some of these bands went unnoticed and the difference between "glam" metal and "hair" metal. Joe and Adam speculate on the demise of the genre, the influence behind it and why women were underrepresented. We get a some insight on the process of making this extensive box set and hear a couple tunes. https://numerogroup.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

In this Tour Stories special, Ryan Kattner (Man Man, Mister Heavenly, Honus Honus) and Joe recount their recent Man Man tour in the southwest, where Joe sat in on drums for the first time. The conversation is supplemented and enhanced with Joe's audio diary, which sheds light on what these rock n rollers do off the stage, after the show and on the long drives in between. We hear from the entire band, hit the Bushyhead Festival in Kansas, Oklahoma and meet multi-personality driver extraordinaire, Coach Steve. https://www.manmanband.com/https://manmanbandband.bandcamp.com/album/dream-hunting-in-the-valley-of-the-in-betweenhttps://sites.google.com/view/bushyheadfarmsummerfestival/homeUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

Scout Gillett is a singer songwriter living in Brooklyn by way of Kansas City. Her debut LP, no roof, no floor (Captured Tracks) is a meditation on loss and vulnerability that’s sonic quality replaces any hopelessness with a sense of openness. In this episode Joe and Scout discuss the inspiration behind the new record and the experience of tracking the songs in a barn, in the dark. Scout also tells us how the DIY community has shaped her view on the music industry and why that led to her starting her own booking agency. She shares her upcoming touring plans and we hear a couple tunes. https://scoutgillettmusic.bandcamp.com/https://capturedtracks.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Gustav Ejstes is the singer, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Dungen. After a six year break, Dungen has released En Är För Mycket och Tusen Aldrig Nog (One is Too Much and a Thousand is Never Enough) on Mexican Summer. In this episode Gustav explains the process of working with producer/collaborator Mattias Glavå, and the role Mitch Mitchell, Public Enemy and Jungle play on the album. He shares his touring plans and we hear a couple tunes. http://www.dungen-music.com/https://www.mexicansummer.com/artist/dungen/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

LOU REED - WORDS & MUSIC, MAY 1965This Light In The Attic podcast is a companion piece to Words and Music, May 1965, an album of previously unreleased songs recorded by a young Lou Reed with future Velvet Underground bandmate, John Cale. It includes first known recordings of such iconic songs as "I'm Waiting for the Man" and "Heroin." These recordings will be released to the public for the first time on Light in the Attic Records.Our host, Tunde Adebimpe sits down with Matt Sullivan (co-owner and founder of Light in the Attic Records) and Lou Reed archivists Jason Stern and Don Fleming to get their insights into how the tape was discovered and how the songs were recorded by Cale and Reed in the spring of 1965. Listen along with Matt, Don and Jason as they share their appreciation and knowledge of these extraordinary recordings. Produced by Light in the Attic, Ruinous Media and Dann Gallucci.Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Sam Quartin is the singer, lyricist and founding member of The Bobby Lee's. Their newest record and Ipecac Recordings debut Bellevue will hit the streets October 7th. Bellevue is a ferocious follow up to the well received Skin Suit and an intense journey of manic metamorphosis that will leave you demanding to see them live. In this episode, Joe catches up with Sam from New York city, where she's in her car, parked illegally. We get Sams thoughts on touring after a busy year on the road, how she feels about Hollywood culture from an actors point of view and she tells us the origin of the title Bellevue. She also shares The Bobby Lee's songwriting process and her experience working with Vance Powell. We hear how the band will finish out the year play a couple rip roarin numbers. https://www.thebobbylees.com/https://thebobbylees.bandcamp.com/https://www.ipecac.com/artists/thebobbyleesUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Harper Simon is a singer, songwriter, producer and journalist. His most recent effort is an album and accompanying art book entitled Meditations on Crime. . The release is a vast and collaborative multimedia project that incorporates an eclectic collection of contributors including writers, visual artists and of course, musicians . It is indeed a full circle meditation on crime, expressed through song, images and word. In this episode Joe and Harper discuss the genesis of the project and how his relationship to politics motivated him to choose crime as the subject. Joe and Harper talk about the process of selecting contributors and the importance of cohesion in something this large. Harper shares his experience recording with long time friend Hal Willner, his plans to play live and we hear a couple tuneshttps://youtube.com/user/HarperSimonMusicUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Randy Randall is the guitarist, co-producer and founding member of No Age. Their 3rd record on Drag City, People Helping People, will be released September 16th with a full North American tour to follow. In this episode, Randy shares the head space he and Dean were in at the beginning of the recording and why they were itching to get weird. We hear why they feel they are in a perfect position to do whatever they want and how operating on the notion that "everything is valid" contributed to the sonic architecture of the record. Randy also tells us why he felt like Scotty Pippen playing with Bob Mould and he hips us to meaning behind Snares Like A Haircut , We hear a couple tunes and Randy offers up the stems from People Helping People.https://www.dragcity.com/products/people-helping-peoplehttps://noage.bandcamp.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsDistrokidIzotope

Abraxas is a psych/rock/tropicalia duo of Uruguayan-born/UK-based Carolina Faruolo (ex-Los Bitchos) and Danny Lee Blackwell (Night Beats). They’re releasing their debut LP Monte Carlo on October 28 on Seattle-based label Suicide Squeeze. In this episode Joe catches up with Danny on the road in France with his band Night Beats and Carolina at her home in Manchester. Danny and Carolina share the process of making the Monte Carlo, and how ease and telepathy translated directly to the final recording. They also discuss how the diverse mixture of influences, the name Abraxas and record title Monte Carlo melded over long distances to make a humid, lush and dreamy listening experience. We hear how the video functioned as their first gig and we hear a couple brand new tunes. https://abraxasintl.bandcamp.com/album/monte-carlohttps://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/09/abraxas-release-new-single-video-manana/https://suicidesqueeze.net/https://lnk.to/AMC Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Cody Votolato is a guitarist, singer and founding member of JR SLAYER. He has spent the better part of his music career touring and writing with bands The Blood Brothers, Jaguar Love, Head Wound City and Telekinesis. Now, he has focused and boiled down his artistic output to JR SLAYER, with the new record Not Rotten out September 9 on Memory Music.In this episode, Cody shares his perspective on writing Not Rotten and the process of recording with Will Yip at Studio 4. Joe brings up Cody's unique position as someone who has toured since his early teens, how he feels about it now and what may replace it. The two reminisce on the Built In Sun record and we hear a couple tunes from Not Rotten. https://jrslayer.bandcamp.com/https://www.memory-music.net/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Eva Walker is a founding member, guitarist and singer for Seattle based The Black Tones. With one full length record (Cobain and Cornbread) and a Sub Pop single under their belts, The Black Tones are embarking on their first North American tour this fall. In this episode, Eva shares her experience working with both Jack Endino and Don Farwell, the importance of a groove and the role trust plays in their writing and performance. We learn why Eva and Cedric share a free form of expression and how the root of that free spirit lies in both family and the story of a lifelong educator and a bank robber. The two Seattleites discuss their experiences as transplants and how they were both psyched to be a part of the Sub Pop family. Eva hips us to some new bands and we hear a couple tunes. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

Julia Kugel is the singer/guitarist and founding member of The Coathangers. She will release her first full length solo record , Derealization on September 30 with Suicide Squeeze Records under the moniker Julia, Julia. In this episode Joe and Julia discuss why "giving in" is not "giving up" and how her idea of acceptance shaped the record. Julia also tells us how she dealt with and recovered from losing her voice, why she wanted to sing quietly, and what the motivation was for truly making a record on her own. Julia shares her fantastic idea to perform the new record live and she hips us to the coolest festival in Long Beach, Happy Sundays (August 28th). We hear a few tunes from the new record and Joe threatens to join with Julia, Julia when she plays Seattle. https://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/07/julia-kugel-of-the-coathangers-announces-debut-solo-lp-derealization-under-new-moniker-julia-julia/https://happysundaysfest.com/https://hearjuliajulia.bandcamp.com/album/derealizationUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

Sara Lund is a drummer, drum teacher and the innovative percussive force behind the band Unwound. After a 20+ year break, Unwound is back and already have a string of sold out shows starting in early 2023. In this episode Sara shares the complicated and tragic story of the band falling apart and the difficult decision to start up again without founding member and friend Vern Rumsey. She also explains that the reunion is a celebration of Vern and his contribution to the music and why Jarred Warren is helping them get back on their rock n roll feet again. Joe and Sara discuss how she went from touring musician to drum instructor, her teaching technique and their views on improvisation. Joe shares a couple stories from his days as Unwound's "Brodie" and we hear a couple tunes. THIS EPISODE IS DEDICATED TO THE GREAT VERN RUMSEYUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Pete Chramiec is a founding member and guitarist for the pivotal hardcore band Verbal Assault. After a 20 year break, Verbal Assault are playing again, with shows booked on both coasts in 2022 and throughout 2023. In this episode, longtime pals Joe and Pete discuss what is was like for Pete to get back rock n roll shape , what spawned the reunion and why the shows are so special to him. They also talk Joe's 4th favorite subject, "crossover", how VA's lyrics have come home to roost and Pete tells us how Dave Grohl changed the trajectory of his music career with a single phone call. They play a few tunes and Pete makes Joe laugh a lot.https://atomicactionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/trialhttps://verbalassault.com/https://www.bicyclehomebuilding.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week Joe talks with Shaun Fleming-aka Diane Coffee. Shaun is a singer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist based in Southern California. His 4th record, With People (out now on Polyvinyl Records) is a personal reach into the past and a closer, sometimes darker look at the people and experiences that have made him who he is now. In this episode, Shaun shares what motivated him to look back, why he sometimes masks painful memories with uplifting melody, and why this record felt more therapeutic than his previous efforts. Joe and Shaun discuss the process of making With People with his former bandmate Jonathan Rado (Foxygen) and long time collaborator Joe Lefitz and how the power of their shorthand was a key ingredient in the production. We also learn that there just might be a vaccine for Demoitis and we hear a couple tunes. http://www.dianecoffee.com/https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/artist/diane_coffeeUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Carre' Callaway-aka Queen Kwong- is a musician, song-writer and podcaster. Like most musicians in the last couple years, Carre' has had a challenging time maneuvering the sudden change in her vocation, but her situation is different. On top of the touring limitations, Carre' was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and two months later, her husband left her. What did she do?....... Naturally, made a record. The newest Queen Kwong record, Couples Only isn't your typical "divorce record" of reflective poetry, but rather a fiercely raw and emotional look at a great loss and a future recovered. In this episode, Carre' and Joe discuss how she navigated these waters, she shares the improvisational process she uses to make records and we hear why Couples Only has an unlikely pop song on its track listing. Carre' also tells us a wild story from her days opening for Nine Inch Nails and we here a couple tunes.https://www.queenkwong.com/https://sonicritualrecordings.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html@thetourstories Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidSchecter GuitarsIzotope

Nabil Ayers is a writer, musician and the US President of the Beggars Group. He is also the son of musician Roy Ayers. His search for connection with his biological father is the subject of his new book, My Life In The Sunshine. This book is also a biographical journey of Nabil's musical life. In this episode Nabil recounts what drove him to pursue his extended family and why he wanted to share this experience in a book. Joe and Nabil discuss the uniqueness of he and his fathers relationship, how writing replaced drumming and why his move from New York City to Salt Lake City as a kid was a great experience. We also learn how Nabil's love for and involvement in music throughout his life has proved to be the building blocks for his position at Beggars Group. Nabil shares a tour story that involves A LOT of pot and the power of "knowing a guy" and we hear a tune from his uncle and musical guru, Alan Braufman, https://www.nabilayers.com/https://alanbraufman.bandcamp.com/Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software. visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories