Tour Stories/The Check-In with Joe Plummer

Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards are the drummer and guitarist respectively for the Los Angeles based band, Deap Vally. Since 2011 they have recorded and released four LP's three EP's and have consistently toured the world. On February 1st , they will release Sistrionix 2.0, a newly recorded version of their 2011 LP Sistrionix. In this episode, we hear what motivated the two to form a band, how early childhood experiences influenced their interest in performance and why a knitting shop brought them together. Lindsey and Julie share their un-healthy and stressful stint on a major label, why they re-recorded their record and the magic ingredient on the new recording. They discuss the compatibility of both being in a band and a mom, what it's like touring with kids and what the future for Deap Vally holds.Deap VallyEpisode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by IzotopeEpisode supported by Native Instruments

Shilpa Ray is a singer, songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist based in Queens, NY. She has been recording, releasing and touring on records in various incarnations from 2006 to the present. Her most recent release, Portrait Of A Lady (via Northern Spy Records) is her most personal, direct record to date, and delivers a jarring honesty that keeps the listener engrossed in the wide batch of sonic and lyrical intensity. In this episode Shilpa tells us why her first instrument was a harmonium, how The Side Walk Cafe's nurturing environment help her get her start in live performance and why drums and time keeping are so important to her. She tells us how the combination of a sound check with Andrew Bird and an image of Nan Golden re-illuminated the importance of art in her life and inspired her to write a record focused on her own personal experiences. We learn who the bootlickers are in the song Bootlickers Of The Patriarchy, she tells us a wild tour story thank involves Rick James's gravestone and we hear a couple tunes.Shilpa RayNorthern Spy RecordsEpisode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by IzotopeEpisode supported by Native Instruments

Jim McCullough is a founding member and singer for the Melbourne based proto-punk band Civic. Civic has embarked on their first North American tour with three-pronged support of their most recent single Hourglass, the US release of their record New Vietnam and their most recent record, Taken By Force (all available via ATO Records). In this episode, Joe and Jim discuss the punk evolution of the band in a relatively short amount of time, what drives them to write great songs and why it's important to keep rock n roll alive. Jim tells us why the Civic live show is different from the recordings, how it relates to his background in music and he shares a bit of the Civic cooperative writing/recording process. We get Jim's impression of the first US Civic tour, his take on IHOP and we hear a couple tunes.CIVICATO RECORDS Episode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by IzotopeEpisode supported by Native Instruments

Justin Moyer is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Washington D.C. dance punkers, Light Beams. He's also an original member or El Guapo, Antelope and a reporter for The Washington Post, where his work with the Post team was honored with a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Light Beams newest record, Wild Life is out November 3rd via Dischord Records/Mud Memory. In this episode, Justin shares his firsthand experience with a school shooting, which is directly addressed in Light Beams current single, Coming Our Way. We hear about his musical education in Philadelphia, why he added more members to Light Beams and why he prefers to write songs vertically rather than horizontally. They talk biking on tour, Justin's process of balancing two time consuming vocations and he delivers breaking news on the rock n roll origin of his byline. Joe discovers a secret sound on the new record and we hear a couple tunes.Light BeamsDischord RecordsEpisode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by Izotope

Jenny Pulse is a visual artist, singer, songwriter and one half of the collaborative duo, Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse. They're newest release, Giddy Skelter (out now via Kill Rock Stars), is a multi-textured collage of live instrumentation, samples, electro beats and experimental hooks. The recording is accompanied by a beautifully written zine titled Giddy Skelter : A Case Study. How to Make The Album You're Trying To Make, which functions as an illustration and manual to the process of making the record. In this episode Jenny shares how a karaoke rig and an old synthesizer were the gateway to her learning composition and arrangement. She tells us how the accompanying zine is a document of a new process of making a recording, how trips to the art institute influenced their song evolution and why she prefers mixing in a studio. The two discuss why untethering from the computer is a cure for the CPU blues, why band names make you feel like a teenager, and we hear a couple tunes.Episode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by IzotopeJenny Pulse Tim KinsellaKill Rock Stars

Caleb Nichols is a poet and singer/songwriter from San Luis Obispo, CA. He has written, toured and recorded with Churches, Port O'Brian and many solo endeavors. Caleb is a PhD candidate in Creative and Critical Writing at Bangor University in Wales where he's writing about queer ecopoetics in contemporary poetry, films, and media. His poetry and prose have been published worldwide. His newest record Lets Looks Back, is out on October 13th via Kill Rock Stars. In this episode Caleb tell us why he stopped playing music for nearly eight years, what took its place and why a special opportunity lured him back in. He shares his writing process for Let's Look Back and why and a team effort turned him into a fan of his own record. Caleb and Joe bust out a few shared tour stories, they coin the term "dog poverty" and we hear how Caleb balances, separates and combines his two practices, poetry and music. We get an update on the UK DIY touring scene and we hear a couple tunes from Lets Look Back.Caleb NicholsKill Rock StarsEpisode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by Izotope Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

James Bertram is a bass player, guitarist and founding member of Northwest indie luminaries Lync. He has also toured and recorded with Built To Spill, 764-HERO, Beck and Red Stars Theory. This episode not only celebrates James's experiences in the 90's DIY scene, but the re-issue of Lync's 1994 record, These Are Not Fall Colors, out via Suicide Squeeze records October 20th. James takes through his journey of the far-reaching communal music scene that supported Lync, his peers, and his many other endeavors. Joe and James talk outfits, venues and general vibe of the slightly grunge adjacent scene in 90's Seattle. . We get a closer look into Lync's formation, various recording processes and the success of the band. James gives us a run-down of his rock n roll lineage and we hear a couple Lync bangers.Suicide SqueezeEpisode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by Izotope

Juicebumps is a zany no-wave tinged post punk four piece based in Oakland, CA. With an ever-changing and strong visual aesthetic, Juicebump's look, performance and supporting graphic design carries the band as much as their heavy synthesizer base and angular guitar hooks. Their new record Jumbo is out October 13 on Rocks In you Head Records. In this episode, Joe talks with Parker, Spencer and Shaina on the origin of Juicebumps, how a fear of boredom drives their artistic output and why the goal of the band is to make people move on the dance floor. The band shares their collaborative process, how 90's cartoons are a visual influence and we hear a couple tunes.Episode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by Izotope Mentioned in this episode:DistrokidIzotopeSchecter Guitars

Jenn Champion is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. She is a founding member of the legendary gloomers Carris's Wierd, recorded 4 records under the moniker "S" and now releases material and performs as Jenn Champion. Her newest self produced release, The Last Night of Sadness (out Oct. 13 via Gay Forever) is a rich and confident journey, tinged with heavy synth/pop riffs and hip hop nods, all coated in with a sheen of real life darkness and humor. In this episode, Jenn's shares her life and musical experience "pre-Carrisas Wierd" and how the band's relevance periodically bumbles into her orbit. Jenn and Joe discuss her view on success vs. fame and how the new record went from "small" demos to a much larger pop production. Jenn tells us why the new release feels more like a realized piece of art, how horror soundtracks had an influence on the production and we hear a few tunes.Episode supported by DistrokidEpisode supported by Izotope

Season 5 debut with Vice Cooler! Vice Cooler is an artist, musician, producer, director, and photographer based in Los Angeles, California. As a teenager, Vice co-founded the influential no wave band XBXRX in Mobile, Alabama and later he became a member of The Raincoats along with touring as a member of Chicks on Speed. Vice has gone on to work with Peaches, Linda Lindas, Kim Gordon, Ladytron, Deerhoof and dozens of other artists in production, performance and video capacities. In this episode we hear how Thrash Palace, his newest effort with EMA and Sarah Register, was formed and signed to Sub Pop following a 48-hour recording session. Vice shares his experiences of growing up in the Mobile music scene and how one show likely put him on the artistic trajectory he remains on to this day. Joe and Vice discuss the his collaborative process, why he likes to work quickly and how he views his overall output. Vice declares his love for theme parks and we hear a couple Thrash Palace tunes.If you are liking Tour Stories, please subscribe and tell a friend. Thanks!This episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at IzotopeAnd.....I want to welcome our newest sponsor to the show Distrokid! Distrokid helps musicians get their music on all the major streaming platforms and artists keep 100% of their royalties. Tour Stories listeners get 30% off at distrokid.com/vip/tourstories.Vice CoolerSup Pop

This week Tour Stories presents Ruinous Medias newest podcast Hyphenate with Randy Randall. On today’s Hyphenate with Randy Randall, Randy sits down with legendary Skateboarder/Photographer/Guitarist Ray Barbee to talk all things skate, music, and photos. Getting started skating in the early 80’s and continuing to follow the creative stoke through music and photography. Ray is a legend in the Skateboard industry for not only his skills on the board but also his contributions to the culture of skateboarding through his amazing black and white photography as well as his groove on guitar documented on his many solo LP’s. Learn more at ruinousmedia.com/hyphenate.This episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at IzotopeRay Barbee Links:https://www.vans.com/en-us/team/skate/ray-barbeehttps://www.instagram.com/r.barbee/?hl=enhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2XgTFrmbSf8V98EtcQSp2n?si=4xIyTYDzSIacOvSu-0qMighttps://www.merchbar.com/vinyl-records/ray-barbeeRandy’s Gear links:https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ETSPVSGH--epiphone-sheraton-ii-pro-vintage-sunbursthttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DD8--boss-dd-8-digital-delay-pedalhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DVP4--dunlop-dvp4-volume-x-mini-pedalhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PhilosMicro--pigtronix-philosophers-tone-micro-compressor-sustain-pedalhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SugarDrive--mxr-m294-sugar-drive-overdrive-pedalhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WhiteyTighty--jhs-whitey-tighty-mini-fet-compressor-pedalhttps://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AcapulcoV2--earthquaker-devices-acapulco-gold-v2-distortion-pedal

Ryan Patterson is the singer, song-writer, guitarist and founding member of Fotocrime, a cinematic tinged post-punk synth-electropop band based in Louisville. Their fourth record, Accelerated (out on Artoffact Records September 8th) takes the band a step further into the dark wave, this time with a richer melodic landscape and more inclusive genre portfolio. In this episode Ryan shares his lyrical process and inspiration for the new record and how it connects to previous releases. He tells us about his experience of growing up in rural Kentucky as a DC scene obsessed kid and how that influenced his industrious work ethic in both his music and successful non-music endeavors. We learn how he beat his allergy to cats and hear a few new tunes.FotocrimeArtofact RecordsCat Magic PunksShirt KillerThis episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at Izotope Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Tim Rutili is a musician, film maker, visual artist and founding member of Califone. The newest record, villagers (out now vie jealous butcher) is a celebration of noise, experimental soundscape and elegant melody garnished with the silk of 70's AM radio and the smooth of classic pop. In this episode Tim tells us how death is a motivator behind his 30+ year musical journey and why the search continues. He explains the ridiculous notion behind the song the habsburg jaw, why he considers himself an "anarchic noise maker" and why he see's beauty in dissonance. Joe and Tim discuss their pointillist based recording project and we hear a few tunes from the new record.tim rutilijealous butcherThis episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at Izotope Mentioned in this episode:IzotopeSchecter GuitarsDistrokid

Sarah Mary Chadwick is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist based in Melbourne. She will release her eighth studio record Messages To God on September 15th via Kill Rock Stars. Produced by Tony Espie, this playful and raw romp through personal darkness leaves the listener "entertained" and surprisingly optimistic. In this episode Sarah shares the reason for her early piano training and how it played a role in her early childhood home-life. She tells us how the low entry barrier of the of her local hardcore scene allowed her to get involved in live performance and why she stuck with it. Joe and Sarah discuss the notion of being an "entertainer", how Tetris is a model for her lyrical progression and we hear a few tunes from Messages To God. For more: Sarah Mary ChadwickKill Rock StarsThis episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at Izotope Mentioned in this episode:Schecter GuitarsIzotopeDistrokid

This week Joe shares a tour story from a show in Conway, Arkansas with The Black Heart Procession in 2002. What could go wrong could go right.This episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.Check it all out at Izotope

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