Home Archive by category "Podcasts" (Page 27)

Category: Podcasts

We’re predominantly an audio-medium website at present. Below are a mix of our [currently] two regular series, the Crash Chords Podcast (CCP) and Crash Chords: Autographs (CCA):

– The Crash Chords Podcast (CCP) airs every Thursday at noon EST.
– Crash Chords: Autographs (CCA) airs every *other* Tuesday at noon EST.

Send us feedback; we’d love to hear from you.

CCP Ep. #136: Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way | Featuring Robare James Pruyn-Bush

Today we welcome guitarist, clarinetist, and singer-songwriter Robare James Pruyn-Bush to the podcast as our guest panelist and dynamic performer. Kicking off the episode with a cover he performs with one of his many bands, The Waysties, we then lunge into our album analyis (courtesy of Robare himself). The former lead singer of My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way, is on a solo kick! But just how will his debut project, Hesitant Alien, fare in our roundtable discussion? Check out the album and find out for yourself! Also stick around for an exclusive interview with Robare and for some surprises from his other band, The Rose West.

Continue reading

Ep. #18 – Feat. Mike Phirman

First appearing on Crash Chords in a 2010 interview, following the release of The Very Last Songs I Will Ever Record (Part 1), Matt welcomes back one of the most creative comedy musicians to emerge from the west coast, Mike Phirman. With his humble self-released ditties, Phirman’s capacity for brilliant satire also extends to a penchant for over-blowing benign subjects, such as breakfast, streetmeat, and children’s games. Whatever subject is at his whim, he consistently extracts a hilarious and addicting adventure. This time around, Matt and Phirman discuss the process behind writing a great comedy-music song, Phirman’s many influences, how certain tracks came together, and finally the peculiar position he is placed in as a full-time family man — thus caught between writing funny kids songs and writing funny songs for adults.

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #135: The Pale Emperor by Marilyn Manson

Once known as a controversial figure in music for his peculiar image, scathing lyrics, and perceived negative influence, Marilyn Manson’s impact as a counter-culture figure in the 90s has undoubtedly bled into the present day. What’s more, the band and their eponymous frontman are still at it! Let’s dive into Manson’s ninth studio album, The Pale Emperor, and see how it fares. Finally, join us for a brief chat on what it means to be a frontman or frontwoman in a brand-building enterprise. When is it more effective to market a single entity as opposed to a collective? Could this be considered an “afront” to its other members? What’s your take?

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #134: What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World by The Decemberists

Described as indie folk, indie rock, and baroque pop, most genres fail to capture the plethora of avenues used by The Decemberists to spin fanciful yarns to their devoted fans. Often celebrating antediluvian themes with modern sensibilities, The Decemberists have become the paradigm for making the old-timey “à la mode”. Let’s take a trip through their latest work, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World for today’s much-awaited analysis. Also stick around for a chat on what it means to employ research in the course of band-diving. Should the discography of a band be calling the shots?

Continue reading

Ep. #17 – Feat. Beefy

Beefy is Matt’s guest today! And not only is he here to promote his nerdcore-laden LP, Grown Up (featuring the likes of MC Lars, Mikal kHill, Adam WarRock, and MegaRan), he’s also here to discuss the fascinating impact producers have had on his many albums. From there, Beefy also discusses a less-common tribulation facing artists: balancing a steady job, a family, and his art all at once. Onward to a mutual joy for the online game League of Legends, come step into the world of Beefy with your host, Matt Storm!

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #133: Solens Arc by Kangding Ray

This week, our trip through “high” art involves clearing a high “arc”. In Kangding Ray’s ambitious electronica album Solens Arc, he aims to portray the simple physics of ballistics in musical arcs of three. But just how high can our arc’s arc fly when our “arc” is hard to see? Challenge your ears with this inventive album and join us in a high-flying analysis. Also join us as we explore the line between music-infused visual art and visually-enhanced musical concepts. As our minds are constantly prone to superseding roles, when does the artist’s goal become lost in translation?

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #132: Haven’t Got the Blues (Yet) by Loudon Wainwright III | Featuring Painless Parker

Well, it’s happened. Crash Chords covers the topic of… DEPRESSION. But first, we look at the pain, the comedy, and the minor nuisances of the subject through the lens of today’s album, Haven’t Got the Blues (Yet) by stage veteran Loudon Wainwright III. This album is brought to you by our returning guest, Painless Parker. Practically a veteran in his own right, Painless helps us through the episode with some of his own aptly-focused tunes. So stick around for that and our post-album take on today’s much-maligned, and oft-avoided subject.

Continue reading

Ep. #16 – Feat. Adam WarRock

Today we arrive at the long-awaited appearance of rapper and Philadelphia native, Adam WarRock. Another pillar in the annals of nerdcore, WarRock is also known for his sincere raps about life in all respects. His latest release, Gifted Student, was produced by previous guest to the podcast Mikal kHill and was released on January 22nd, 2015. Matt and WarRock discuss this working relationship, along with their shared addiction to Magic: The Gathering. Then we hear about WarRock’s participation in the annual 24-hour Rap-A-Thon, a charity event, for which (in its latest run) Adam contributed over 18 songs — written, produced, and released, in just 24 hours. This and more chitter-chatter with today’s prolific artist and your host, Matt Storm.

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #131: You’re Dead! by Flying Lotus | Featuring Tony Catalano

Today we rejoice in the first guest appearance of our new writer, Tony Catalano! Answering up our earlier, less-refined analysis of Flying Lotus’s Until the Quiet Comes (back in CCP Ep. #19), Tony thrusts us into the artist’s latest project, You’re Dead! — this time with the combined force of the entire Crash Chords think tank. But first, we kick-start the episode with Matt’s detailed account of his journey to see the play Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and presented by the Public Theater. This clever Hip-Hop narrative of Alexander Hamilton’s life—and ultimate feud with Aaron Burr—runs until May 3rd. Finally, after the album, we talk to Tony about Tony, covering his background in jazz, his life as a copywriter, his ambitions for the website, and of course, the eternal theme of objectivity.

Continue reading

CCP Ep. #130: Evermotion by Guster

Prepare yourself for the smoothest vibes from the punchiest band name. We have GUSTER for you today! Staples of the alternative community since 1991, Guster’s craft is matched only by their humor and stage prowess. What should we be on the lookout for in their latest album, Evermotion? Listen in and join in the discussion! Also stick around for some topical thoughts on the impact of award shows, namely the Grammys. What distinguishes “awards” from “critical acclaim?” On what merits should we award… And who’s looking?

Continue reading