The Interview Show with Scott Wood 2017

NY indie rock band The Lemon Twigs at its core is brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. The band’s debut record Do Hollywood  came out last year and each brother wrote five songs on the record. When you see them play live, the brothers switch instruments, so they can sing the songs each wrote. Although young–the youngest D’Addario is still a teenager–the brothers have been immersed in music since they were born. Their father is a professional musician and their mother is a lifelong music fan.
Do Hollywood got started after the brothers sent Jonathan Rado, frontman of California indie rock band Foxygen, some demos over Twitter. Before they knew it, the band was signed to legendary label 4AD (home of SOHN, Deerhunter, Future Islands, The National, among others) and working with Rado on what would become Do Hollywood.
I got to hang out with the brothers the last time they were in town. Do the brothers really fight a lot? What was it like working with Jonathan Rado from Foxygen? What are the details behind the secret debut record that the D’Addario brothers have disavowed? Which legendary musician’s career would each brother like to have? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

My hang sesh with The Lemon Twigs turned out to be so fun, there was a lot of talk I couldn’t fit into the radio version of the show. In the extended version of the show, I talk with the brothers about growing up in a musical family, two more songs from the Do Hollywood record (“Hi+Lo” and “As Long As We’re Together”) and the other secrets the brothers are hiding.

Tracks played on the extended version of the show...

1) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "These Words"
2) Foxygen, ...And Star Power (2014) "Brooklyn Police Station" (background)
3) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Baby, Baby" (partial)
4) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "I Wanna Prove To You"
5) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "As Long As We're Together" 
6) The Lemon Twigs, What We Know (2014) "The Corners I Was Locked Behind (When I Was There)"
7) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Hi+Lo"
8) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Haroomata"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show

The Interview Show with The Lemon Twigs (podcast edition) #224

NY indie rock band The Lemon Twigs at its core is brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. The band’s debut record Do Hollywood  came out last year and each brother wrote five songs on the record. When you see them play live, the brothers switch instruments, so they can sing the songs each wrote. Although young–the youngest D’Addario is still a teenager–the brothers have been immersed in music since they were born. Their father is a professional musician and their mother is a lifelong music fan.
Do Hollywood got started after the brothers sent Jonathan Rado, frontman of California indie rock band Foxygen, some demos over Twitter. Before they knew it, the band was signed to legendary label 4AD (home of SOHN, Deerhunter, Future Islands, The National, among others) and working with Rado on what would become Do Hollywood.
I got to hang out with the brothers the last time they were in town. Do the brothers really fight a lot? What was it like working with Jonathan Rado from Foxygen? What are the details behind the secret debut record that the D’Addario brothers have disavowed? Which legendary musician’s career would each brother like to have? You’ll have to listen to find out. (Also check out the extended version of my chat with the D’Addario brothers below for more fun with The Lemon Twigs!)

Tracks played on the show...

1) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "These Words"
2) Foxygen, ...And Star Power (2014) "Brooklyn Police Station" (background)
3) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Baby, Baby" (partial)
4) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "I Wanna Prove To You"
5) The Lemon Twigs, What We Know (2014) "The Corners I Was Locked Behind (When I Was There)"
6) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Haroomata"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Lemon Twigs (radio edit) #224

Pittsburg punk rockers Anti-Flag are 10 records into an extraordinary career. Since its inception, the band has been known for political activism, focusing on anti-war activism, anti-imperialism, class struggle, human rights, anti-sexism and anti-homophobia. These guys are personal heroes of mine because not only do they make music for the underclass, but Anti-Flag is a successful business that provides a living for the band and their friends.

I hung out with Anti-Flag drummer Pat Thetic in the alley behind the venue while openers Lee Corey Oswald took the stage.

Why did the band decide to make their 2015 record American Spring? Who crashed my interview? How does the band combat boredom on the road? How has punk music changed over the band's career? How will Pat answer when you offer him a joint? Which track on American Spring is a protest to drone attacks? Does Anti-Flag mentor young punk bands? Did Pat have a mentor when he was younger? Why is the song "Anatomy of Your Enemy" special to Pat? What has been the best fan reaction to Anti-Flag's music? Which musician does Pat want to thank for his influence on his life? Which Anti-Flag track was inspired by the Occupy Movement? Why don't more punk rockers run for public office? Are Anti-Flag more threatening to the political establishment than Killer Mike (from Run the Jewels)? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Anti-Flag, American Spring (2015) "Brandenburg Gate"
2) Anti-Flag, American Spring (2015) "Sky Is Falling"
3) Anti-Flag, Die for the Government (1996) "You've Got to Die for the Government"
4) Anti-Flag, Mobilize (2002) "Anatomy of Your Enemy"
5) Anti-Flag, The General Strike (2012) "The Neoliberal Anthem"
6) Anti-Flag, For Blood and Empire (2006) "This Is the End (For You My Friend)"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Anti-Flag (podcast edition) #225

Pittsburg punk rockers Anti-Flag are 10 records into an extraordinary career. Since its inception, the band has been known for political activism, focusing on anti-war activism, anti-imperialism, class struggle, human rights, anti-sexism and anti-homophobia. These guys are personal heroes of mine because not only do they make music for the underclass, but Anti-Flag is a successful business that provides a living for the band and their friends.

I hung out with Anti-Flag drummer Pat Thetic in the alley behind the venue while openers Lee Corey Oswald took the stage.

Why did the band decide to make their 2015 record American Spring? Who crashed my interview? How has punk music changed over the band's career? How will Pat answer when you offer him a joint? Which track on American Spring is a protest to drone attacks? Does Anti-Flag mentor young punk bands? Did Pat have a mentor when he was younger? Why is the song "Anatomy of Your Enemy" special to Pat? What has been the best fan reaction to Anti-Flag's music? Which musician does Pat want to thank for his influence on his life? Which Anti-Flag track was inspired by the Occupy Movement? Why don't more punk rockers run for public office? Are Anti-Flag more threatening to the political establishment than Killer Mike (from Run the Jewels)? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the radio edition of the show...

1) Anti-Flag, American Spring (2015) "Brandenburg Gate"
2) Anti-Flag, American Spring (2015) "Sky Is Falling"
3) Anti-Flag, Mobilize (2002) "Anatomy of Your Enemy" (mp3)
4) Anti-Flag, The General Strike (2012) "The Neoliberal Anthem"
5) Anti-Flag, For Blood and Empire (2006) "This Is the End (For You My Friend)"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Anti-Flag (radio edition) #225

When I caught the Vancouver soundcheck of old friends and Toronto punk band PUP, the boys were trying to make a song from the new record, The Dream Is Over, work in their live set. At that point, PUP were three months into a world tour so I was shocked that by then every song on the record hadn't been played over and over and over. 

I hung out with Stefan from PUP as he waited for his sister to come pick him up for dinner. Which song from the new record The Dream Is Over do they still not play live? How can a tour can make you want to kill your best friends? How do the members of PUP break from punk band cliches? What is the song "DVP" about? Which PUP song is about a pet lizard? What would a love song from PUP sound like? Which song from the first record will the band never stop playing live and why? Which song was inspired by a girl calling Stefan a piece of shit? What "not loud" music are the guys in the band enjoying right now? What's Stefan's favorite type of sushi? Which song does the band consider "just for them?" You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1)PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will"
2) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "DVP"
3) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "Sleep In The Heat"
4) PUP (the band), PUP (2013) "Guilt Trip"
5) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "My Life is Over and I Couldn't Be Happier"
6) PUP (the band), "You Don't Get Me High Anymore" (unreleased Phantogram cover)**
7) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "Familiar Patterns"

ALL songs CANCON--except **

The Interview Show with PUP the Band (podcast edition) #226

When I caught the Vancouver soundcheck of old friends and Toronto punk band PUP, the boys were trying to make a song from the new record, The Dream Is Over, work in their live set. At that point, PUP were three months into a world tour so I was shocked that by then every song on the record hadn't been played over and over and over. 

I hung out with Stefan from PUP as he waited for his sister to come pick him up for dinner. How can a tour can make you want to kill your best friends? How do the members of PUP break from punk band cliches? What is the song "DVP" about? Which PUP song is about a pet lizard? What would a love song from PUP sound like? Which song from the first record will the band never stop playing live and why? Which song was inspired by a girl calling Stefan a piece of shit? What "not loud" music are the guys in the band enjoying right now? Which song does the band consider "just for them?" You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the RADIO edition of the show...

1)PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will"
2) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "DVP"
3) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "Sleep In The Heat"
4) PUP (the band), PUP (2013) "Guilt Trip"
5) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "My Life is Over and I Couldn't Be Happier"
6) PUP (the band), The Dream Is Over (2016) "Familiar Patterns"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with PUP the band (radio edition) #226

While trying to find a quiet corner, The Veils frontman Finn Andrews and me got lost in backstage area of the newly renovated Fortune Sound Lounge. He rolled a cigarette as we chatted about his band's latest record, Total Depravity. Chance encounters while hanging out in LA ended up with Finn working on the record with rapper and hip hop producer El-P (from Run the Jewels) and film director legend David Lynch. (Finn will be appearing in the 2017 Twin Peaks revival.) 

What was it like to have rapper El-P produce an indie rock band? How does Finn keep his discipline as a song writer? Why do the band publish the song lyrics on the Veils website? Why did Finn want me to play his song "Nux Vomica"? How did the band navigate tough times? What sweet tradition does he have with his rocker dad? Which song on Total Depravity did the band save from the recycling bin? What was it like working with David Lynch? You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "Axolotl"
2) Run the Jewels,  Run the Jewels 3 (2016)  "Talk to Me"
3) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "Low Lays the Devil"
4) The Veils, Nux Vomica (2006)  "Nux Vomica"
5) The Veils, Live at Abbey Road (2013)  "Out from the Valleys & Into the Stars"
6) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "In the Nightfall"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Veils (podcast edition) #227

While trying to find a quiet corner, The Veils frontman Finn Andrews and me got lost in backstage area of the newly renovated Fortune Sound Lounge. He rolled a cigarette as we chatted about his band's latest record, Total Depravity. Chance encounters while hanging out in LA ended up with Finn working on the record with rapper and hip hop producer El-P (from Run the Jewels) and film director legend David Lynch. (Finn will be appearing in the 2017 Twin Peaks revival.) 

What was it like to have rapper El-P produce an indie rock band? How does Finn keep his discipline as a song writer? Why did Finn want me to play his song "Nux Vomica"? How did the band navigate tough times? What sweet tradition does he have with his rocker dad? Which song on Total Depravity did the band save from the recycling bin? What was it like working with David Lynch? You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "Axolotl"
2) Run the Jewels,  Run the Jewels 3 (2016)  "Talk to Me"
3) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "Low Lays the Devil"
4) The Veils, Nux Vomica (2006)  "Nux Vomica"
5) The Veils, Live at Abbey Road (2013)  "Out from the Valleys & Into the Stars"
6) The Veils, Total Depravity (2016)  "In the Nightfall"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Veils (radio edit) #227

New York/Vancouver indie dance act Bob Moses is a duo: Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance. Although they went to the same high school in hometown Vancouver, back then they didn't really hang out together. After graduating, they both separately went to New York to start a music career. New York is a tough place to make it and both of them struggled. Then one day, Howie and Vallance accidentally ran into each other and decided to work on music together. Bob Moses was born!

I chatted with a very tired but friendly Tom and Jimmy in a swank Vancouver hotel Business Centre while the guys waited for their hotel rooms to be ready. (I think they were ready for a pre-show nap.)

Which member of Bob Moses walked out of an orgy? Which Bob Moses track samples an obscure bangra song? What dark secrets do Jimmy and Tom know about each other that not even their girlfriends know? Who showed Bob Moses the Bobby Bland track they eventually covered? What metal bands are the two of them banging their heads to in the studio (when they need a break from electronic music)? How did Tom and Jimmy react when VICE said they sounded like "a tranqued Chris Martin" (from Coldplay)? Why do Jimmy and Tom sometimes hate on rapper G-Eazy? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the show...

1) Bob Moses, Days Gone By (2015) "Tearing Me Up"
2) Bob Moses, Days Gone By (2015) "Talk"
3) Bob Moses, First to Cry EP (2014) "I Ain't Gonna Be the First to Cry" (Bobby Bland cover) **
4) Bob Moses, Days Gone By: Never Enough Edition (2016) "Before I Fall" (acoustic version)
5) Bob Moses, Days Gone By (2015) "Touch and Go"

All songs CANCON, except **

The Interview Show with Bob Moses (podcast edition) #228

The Interview Show with Bob Moses (radio edit) #228

When I hung out with Minneapolis rapper and Doomtree Collective kingpin P.O.S outside Vancouver's Fortune Sound Lounge, he had just wolfed down a pork bun that he had bought in nearby Chinatown. The pork bun didn't quite agree with him and, if you listen closely, you can hear the legendary rapper's digestive system rebel against his snack as we chat. 

How is P.O.S' latest record, Chill dummy, his version of Dr. Dre's The Chronic? What was it like to put out his 2012 record, We Don't Even Live Here, and not be able to tour due to heath issues? How is his heath these days? Which song from his 2004 first record, Ipecac Neat, is the only one he will perform anymore? How does he know Bon Iver's Justin Vernon? What was it like to work in a strip club? 

You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the show...

1) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Lanes" 
2) P.O.S, We Don't Even Live Here (2012) "Get Down" (featuring Mike Mictlan)
3) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Faded" (featuring Justin Vernon & Lady Midnight)
4) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Gravedigger" (featuring Angelenah) 
5) P.O.S, Ipecac Neat (2004) "Duct Tape"
6) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Born a Snake"

NO tracks CANCON

The Interview Show with P.O.S (radio edit) #229

When I hung out with Minneapolis rapper and Doomtree Collective kingpin P.O.S outside Vancouver's Fortune Sound Lounge, he had just wolfed down a pork bun that he had bought in nearby Chinatown. The pork bun didn't quite agree with him and, if you listen closely, you can hear the legendary rapper's digestive system rebel against his snack as we chat.

How is P.O.S' latest record, Chill dummy, his version of Dr. Dre's The Chronic? What was it like to put out his 2012 record, We Don't Even Live Here, and not be able to tour due to heath issues? How is his heath these days? Which song from his 2004 first record, Ipecac Neat, is the only one he will perform anymore? How does he know Bon Iver's Justin Vernon? What was it like to work in a strip club?

You'll have to listen to find out.

Tracks played on the show...

1) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Lanes" 
2) P.O.S, We Don't Even Live Here (2012) "Get Down" (featuring Mike Mictlan)
3) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Faded" (featuring Justin Vernon & Lady Midnight)
4) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Gravedigger" (featuring Angelenah) 
5) P.O.S, Ipecac Neat (2004) "Duct Tape"
6) P.O.S, Chill, dummy (2017) "Born a Snake"

NO tracks CANCON

The Interview Show with P.O.S (podcast edition) #229

You might know post-punk band Preoccupations under the band's old band name Viet Cong. After the original name proved problematic, the band wisely changed the name and returned with a new self-titled debut.  I hung out  with Matt Flegel and Scott "Monty" Munro as they downed some beers in the back of their tour van.

Why did the band need to change its name? How did they find the new band name? Which song on the new record was inspired by a lot of boxes of white wine? What happens when Monty actually listens to Matt's lyrics? Why did the band record this debut record in a few different cities? How did Matt get trapped in a room infested by ladybugs? Which song on the record is really three songs in one? How did the band get Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade/Divine Fits/Operators to guest on "Memory"? Who are they most excited to visit when the go on tour? Has the band secretly formed a Black Sabbath cover band? What are Matt and Monty's favorite Black Sabbath deep cuts? Which song on the Preoccupations record has Monty not had enough time to grow to hate yet? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the podcast edition...

1) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Anxiety"
2) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Degraded"
3) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Memory"
4) Viet Cong, Viet Cong (2015) "Continental Shelf"
5) Viet Cong, Viet Cong (2015) "Newspaper Spoons"
6) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Fever"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Preoccupations fka Viet Cong (podcast edition) #230

You might know post-punk band Preoccupations under the band's old band name Viet Cong. After the original name proved problematic, the band wisely changed the name and returned with a new self-titled debut.  I hung out  with Matt Flegel and Scott "Monty" Munro as they downed some beers in the back of their tour van.

Why did the band need to change its name? How did they find the new band name? Which song on the new record was inspired by a lot of boxes of white wine? What happens when Monty actually listens to Matt's lyrics? Why did the band record this debut record in a few different cities? Which song on the record is really three songs in one? How did the band get Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade/Divine Fits/Operators to guest on "Memory"? Has the band secretly formed a Black Sabbath cover band? What are Matt and Monty's favorite Black Sabbath deep cuts? Which song on the Preoccupations record has Monty not had enough time to grow to hate yet? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the podcast edition...

1) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Anxiety"
2) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Degraded"
3) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Memory"
4) Viet Cong, Viet Cong (2015) "Newspaper Spoons"
5) Preoccupations, Preoccupations (2016) "Fever"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Preoccupations fka Viet Cong (radio edit) #230

Christopher Baio is best known for being the bassist for the New York City-based indie rock band Vampire Weekend. But a few years ago, he started a solo project under the stage name Baio. I met Chris backstage at the Biltmore while his mouth was full of humus. The Biltmore was too loud and outside was too rainy, so we ended up standing in the doorway at the top of a long set of stairs that ended at rush hour Kingsway--this is why you can hear both traffic and the echoes from the long hallway while we chat. 

What is Chris’ favorite Vampire Weekend song? Who is his favorite hockey player? What was it like going from bassist to producer? Which one of his songs does he describe as a “blackout bender?” How does he decide when a song is done? How did a visit to London’s Tate Modern Museum and a Robert Delaunay painting inspire a song? Which rookie mistake will Chris never make again? Which side project by another established musician does Chris especially admire? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show…

1) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Sister of Pearl”
2) Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City (2013) “Ya Hey”
3) BAIO, Sunburn EP (2012), “Modern Sunburn”
4) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Endless Rhythm”
5) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Scarlett”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with BAIO from Vampire Weekend (radio edit) #231

Christopher Baio is best known for being the bassist for the New York City-based indie rock band Vampire Weekend. But a few years ago, he started a solo project under the stage name Baio. I met Chris backstage at the Biltmore while his mouth was full of delicious humus. The Biltmore was too loud and outside was too rainy, so we ended up standing in the doorway at the top of a long set of stairs that ended at rush hour Kingsway--this is why you can hear both traffic and the echoes from the long hallway while we chat.

What is Chris’ favorite Vampire Weekend song? Who is his favorite hockey player? What was it like going from bassist to producer? Which one of his songs does he describe as a “blackout bender?” How does he decide when a song is done? Which song is inspired by Don Delillo, the author of the 1985 American classic novel White Noise? How did a visit to London’s Tate Modern Museum and a Robert Delaunay painting inspire a song? Which rookie mistake will Chris never make again? Which side project by another established musician does Chris especially admire? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show…

1) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Sister of Pearl”
2) Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City (2013) “Ya Hey”
3) BAIO, Sunburn EP (2012), “Modern Sunburn”
4) BAIO, The Names (2015) “The Names”
5) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Endless Rhythm”
6) BAIO, The Names (2015) “Scarlett”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with BAIO from Vampire Weekend (podcast edition) #231

May 2017 was supposed to be the start of the next stage in the career of queercore band PWR BTTM. They were set to release their next record Pageant--the follow up to the well-received 2015 full length debut Ugly Cherries. But then Jezebel.com posted accusations of sexual assault against PWR BTTM member Ben Hopkins by an anonymous accuser. Before the end of May 2017, the band found themselves dropped by their label and management team and a touring member of the band quit. The band have issued a statement on their Facebook page denying the accusations, but all this has left many PWR BTTM fans not knowing what to think.

I first saw PWR BTTM a few years ago when they opened at the Biltmore for Ra Ra Riot. While I interviewed Wes from Ra Ra Riot, he proudly wore a neon-pink PWR BTTM sweat shirt. Next time I saw the band, they were headlining at 333 on a bill with Bellows and Lisa Prank. It was a great night, a fun crowd. (Each act on the bill stayed to watch the others perform at the back of the room--which is a rare thing.) My leather jacket straight music snob friends (there to see Bellows) could mix with tank top, glitter and cotton candy colored hair queer folk there to see PWR BTTM. Two very different crowds who don't mingle enough got to enjoy a great show together and everyone felt safe.

While at the PWR BTTM show, I met Maguire (who goes by the pronouns them/they), a young PWR BTTM super fan--such a fan they had come to Vancouver from a remote community just to see the band. I wanted to get their take on this horrible situation.

"The space that PWR BTTM created was like no other. I've been to punk shows, rap shows, and rock shows of all sorts, but PWR BTTM stood out because of the way they didn't just use the space, but transformed it. For a few short hours, I felt safer at a show than I'd ever felt previously. Both band members constantly stressed the importance of their "No Mosh" policy and what consent means to them between quips about appetizer bread from the nearby Ethiopian restaurant and being berated by hot Canadian border guards. They spoke and the people listened, danced, and respected their wishes and the people around them. As someone who has woken up with bruises from errant moshers the day after a show the feeling of being able to really let go and not worry about what other people are doing in the space surrounding me, allowed me to enjoy the music more than you ever could at a regular show where people are pushing you mercilessly, unconcerned with any other person's idea of enjoying a concert. The idea that each person entered into this space purely to enjoy the music without impeding others elevated the experience.

This band has meant more to me than any other ever has. Hands down. And it still does, I can't change the way this band changed me and the effect their music has had on me. I am who I am today because of things I have learned from their records. I am sincerely devastated more than anything by the accusations laid against them."

This is my chat with Ben and Liv from PWR BTTM as we hung out in the band’s tour van parked outside 333 while it rained outside on a Friday night in November 2016.
 
Tracks played on the show…

1) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “I Wanna Boi”
2) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “Ugly Cherries”
3) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “Dairy Queen”
4) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Carbs”
5) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Gendr”
6) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Trade”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with PWR BTTM (podcast edition) #232

May 2017 was supposed to be the start of the next stage in the career of queercore band PWR BTTM. They were set to release their next record Pageant--the follow up to the well-received 2015 full length debut Ugly Cherries. But then Jezebel.com posted accusations of sexual assault against PWR BTTM member Ben Hopkins by an anonymous accuser. Before the end of May 2017, the band found themselves dropped by their label and management team and a touring member of the band quit. The band have issued a statement on their Facebook page denying the accusations, but all this has left many PWR BTTM fans not knowing what to think.

I first saw PWR BTTM a few years ago when they opened at the Biltmore for Ra Ra Riot. While I interviewed Wes from Ra Ra Riot, he proudly wore a neon-pink PWR BTTM sweat shirt. Next time I saw the band, they were headlining at 333 on a bill with Bellows and Lisa Prank. It was a great night, a fun crowd. (Each act on the bill stayed to watch the others perform at the back of the room--which is a rare thing.) My leather jacket straight music snob friends (there to see Bellows) could mix with tank top, glitter and cotton candy colored hair queer folk there to see PWR BTTM. Two very different crowds who don't mingle enough got to enjoy a great show together and everyone felt safe.

While at the PWR BTTM show, I met Maguire (who goes by the pronouns them/they), a young PWR BTTM super fan--such a fan they had come to Vancouver from a remote community just to see the band. I wanted to get their take on this horrible situation.

"The space that PWR BTTM created was like no other. I've been to punk shows, rap shows, and rock shows of all sorts, but PWR BTTM stood out because of the way they didn't just use the space, but transformed it. For a few short hours, I felt safer at a show than I'd ever felt previously. Both band members constantly stressed the importance of their "No Mosh" policy and what consent means to them between quips about appetizer bread from the nearby Ethiopian restaurant and being berated by hot Canadian border guards. They spoke and the people listened, danced, and respected their wishes and the people around them. As someone who has woken up with bruises from errant moshers the day after a show the feeling of being able to really let go and not worry about what other people are doing in the space surrounding me, allowed me to enjoy the music more than you ever could at a regular show where people are pushing you mercilessly, unconcerned with any other person's idea of enjoying a concert. The idea that each person entered into this space purely to enjoy the music without impeding others elevated the experience.

This band has meant more to me than any other ever has. Hands down. And it still does, I can't change the way this band changed me and the effect their music has had on me. I am who I am today because of things I have learned from their records. I am sincerely devastated more than anything by the accusations laid against them."

This is my chat with Ben and Liv from PWR BTTM as we hung out in the band’s tour van parked outside 333 while it rained outside on a Friday night in November 2016.

Tracks played on the show…

1) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “I Wanna Boi”
2) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “Ugly Cherries”
3) PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries (2015) “Dairy Queen”
4) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Carbs” mp3
5) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Gendr”
6) PWR BTTM, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014) “Trade”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with PWR BTTM (radio edit) #232

I hung out with Warp Records electronic, experimental, ambient, drone producer Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never (or sometimes OPN) in an unusually busy alleyway behind Vancouver’s Venue nightclub. He sipped tea the whole time to massage his vocal chords for that night’s show. 
 
His latest record, Garden of Delete, started when Daniel got really obsessed with top 40 music and wondered what it would be like to create an entire album from the discarded song ideas of top 40 pop songwriters. The record ended up being about an adolescent alien meeting a made-up hyper-grunge band called Chaos Edge and their musical collaboration.  
 
Which song on his record is about how absurd it is to ejaculate for the first time? How did top 40 song writers react when Daniel approached them for their discarded song ideas?  Which is his favorite track on Garden of Delete? Which top 40 song is Daniel’s current guilty obsession? Which Garden of Delete track does Daniel call his "psychotic clown" song? In how many different ways can our interview get interrupted by this abnormally busy alleyway? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the the show…
 
1) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Sticky Drama”
2) Rae Sremmurd, SremmLife (2015) “No Type”
3) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Mutant Standard”
4) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Animals”
5) Oneohtrix Point Never, Replica (2011) “Replica”
6) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “I Bite Through It”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Oneohtrix Point Never (podcast edition) #233

I hung out with Warp Records electronic, experimental, ambient, drone producer Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never (or sometimes OPN) in an unusually busy alleyway behind Vancouver’s Venue nightclub. He sipped tea the whole time to massage his vocal chords for that night’s show. 
 
His latest record, Garden of Delete, started when Daniel got really obsessed with top 40 music and wondered what it would be like to create an entire album from the discarded song ideas of top 40 pop songwriters. The record ended up being about an adolescent alien meeting a made-up hyper-grunge band called Chaos Edge and their music collaboration.  
 
Which song on his record is about how absurd it is to ejaculate for the first time? How did top 40 song writers react when Daniel approached them for their discarded song ideas?  Which is his favorite track on Garden of Delete? Which top 40 song is Daniel’s current guilty obsession? Which Garden of Delete track does Daniel call his "psychotic clown" song? In how many different ways can our interview get interrupted by this abnormally busy alleyway? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the the show…
 
1) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Sticky Drama”
2) Rae Sremmurd, SremmLife (2015) “No Type”
3) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Mutant Standard”
4) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Animals”
5) Oneohtrix Point Never, Replica (2011) “Replica”
6) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “I Bite Through It”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Oneohtrix Point Never (radio edit) #233

The Interview Show producer and host Scott Wood climbs into the tour van to hang out with your favorite indie bands. This podcast covers all kinds of music--anything from electronic to hip hop to indie to punk to metal. Listen!

The Interview Show with Scott Wood 2017

interviewshow