The Trap Set with Joe Wong
386 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 645 ratingsEach Episode, Joe Wong speaks to a different musician about life.
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Episodes
178: Geoff Mann and Marcos Garcia (Here Lies Man, Antibalas)
August 01, 2018 06:30 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBOn this episode of The Trap Set Live, Joe sits down with Chico Mann and Geoff Mann to discuss: musical parents (Geoff’s father being the legendary Herbie Mann); early influences; the first records they purchased with their own money; their tenure with Antibalas; the genesis of their current band Here Lies Man—which combines Afrobeat-inspired rhythm with heavy psychedelic textures; and parenting. This episode was recorded live at The Amigo Room at Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs, CA.
177: Lucky Lehrer (Circle Jerks)
July 25, 2018 07:13 - 54 minutes - 62 MBLucky Lehrer's ferocious and agile style helped Circle Jerks become standard bearers of the nascent SoCal hardcore scene. He tells Joe about growing up in LA, his love of jazz, studying at UC-Berkeley, discovering punk, and his current creative focus--improvised comedy.
176: Dean "Clean" Sabatino (The Dead Milkmen, I Think Like Midnight)
July 18, 2018 04:40 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBFormed in Philadelphia in 1983, The Dead Milkmen created a downright hillarious sonic universe that stood in stark contrast to their hardcore punk contemporaries. But it's a genuine, heartfelt emotional core that makes the band's classic body of work stand the test of time. Drummer Dean "Clean" Sabatino charts his journey from local hero, to major label big wigs, to father and graphic designer, to part-time punk.
BNS: Dale Crover Returns!
July 18, 2018 04:40 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBThe incredible Dale Crover (Melvins) graced The Trap Set during our salad days (Episode 10). Today, he makes a triumphant return to update us on what he's been up for the past few years. A great chat with one of the most compelling and unique drummers out there!
175: Tony Hajjar (At The Drive-In, Sparta, Gone is Gone)
July 11, 2018 04:07 - 1 hour - 102 MBTony Hajjar's explosive, emotionally-raw style propelled At The Drive-In to mainstream success. He tells Joe about emigrating to the US from Lebanon, losing both of his parents at an early age, his tight relationship with his brother, the band dynamic of ATDI, breaking up just after breaking into the mainstream, Sparta, staying in a psychological "survival mode", creating the stability he's always craved, and creating a thriving business with his wife.
174: Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson, Beastie Boys)
July 04, 2018 07:15 - 51 minutes - 70.1 MBKate Schellenbach’s formative musical experience was in the choir at the Church of St. Luke in Greenwich Village; but soon enough, she was watching Clem Burke do lines at CBGB. Kate tells Joe about drumming for an early, punk-influenced version of The Beastie Boys; achieving popular success with Luscious Jackson; singing on Broadway as a child; her second career as an Emmy-Award-winning TV producer; and raising a son.
173: John "J.R." Robinson (Rufus, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Daft Punk, etc.)
June 27, 2018 04:55 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBJohn "J.R" Robinson has an extraordinary sense of time, a crisp tone, and a gift for developing rhythmic hooks. All of these attributes contribute to his status as one of the most in-demand session drummers of all time. Joe visited J.R. at his home to discuss: his childhood in Iowa; why his drum set was his best friend; attending Berklee College; joining Rufus and moving to LA; working with a host of iconic artists; and why marriage is a bad idea (at least until you have your life together).
172: Pete Moffett (Government Issue, Wool, Burning Airlines, Second Letter, etc.)
June 20, 2018 06:54 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MBPete Moffett cut his teeth in the DC punk scene, where he developed a signature style balancing angular inventiveness with oversized bombast. He talks to Joe about why he's so hard on himself; transitioning from an ELO-heavy diet to punk rock; the ramifications of being a recovering alcoholic; coming out and meeting his partner of 25 years; and drum teching for high profile artists.
171: Dave Elitch (Antemasque, Justin Timberlake, M83, Killer Be Killed)
June 13, 2018 05:46 - 34 minutes - 47 MBDave Elitch has the rare ability to deconstruct the craft of drumming on a granular level. This gift has led to a diversity gigs ranging from The Mars Volta to Justin Timberlake. Dave's primary passion, though, is for teaching. At age 34, he's taught a who's-who of professional drummers, some of whom are twice Dave's age and icons in their own right. Dave tells Joe about how he fell in love with drumming; his teaching style; his love of visual art; and the parallels between therapy and drum ...
BNS: Ezra Miller
June 13, 2018 05:40 - 4 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, actor Ezra Miller (Justice League, Fantastic Beasts) talks about harnessing anxiety for creative endeavors, diarrhea, and Philip Glass. This is an excerpt from an upcoming episode about actors who are also drummers. Check out the debut album from Ezra's band, Sons of an Illustrious Father, out now!
170: Brian Blade (Fellowship, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, etc.)
June 06, 2018 07:20 - 1 hour - 106 MBBrian Blade burst on the scene in the early 90s and has since distinguished himself as one of the all time greats. Brian met with Joe in Chicago to discuss: his musical beginnings in church; how he developed his gifts as an artist; what he learned from his older brother, drummer Brady Blade; working with iconoclasts ranging from Joni Mitchell to Wayne Shorter; being “in the moment, almost to a fault”; reuniting with his childhood sweetheart after nearly 30 years apart; and how within any o...
169: Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, Prophets of Rage)
May 30, 2018 08:22 - 1 hour - 105 MBRage Against the Machine is an exceptionally rare band that managed to combine a radical, populist message with massive popular success. At the core of the band is Brad Wilk's drumming, which combines an explosive groove and hypnotic use of space. Brad visits The Trap Set to discuss: his formative love of Van Halen; Studying with David Garibaldi; the creative dynamic of RATM, Audioslave, and Prophets of Rage; playing flute; his family's roots in the jewelry business; parenting; a nine month ...
168: Michael Shrieve (Santana, Go, Solo Artist)
May 23, 2018 05:53 - 1 hour - 105 MBIn 1969, Michael Shrieve took the world by storm with his jaw-dropping performance at Woodstock. His raw power, combined with jazz-inflected finesse, was a crucial component to the band's success. Over the subsequent 50 years, Michael's adventurous body of work has comprised collaborations with: Stomu Yamashta, Steve Winwood, Al Di Meola, Klaus Schulze, Andy Summers, Mick Jagger, etc. Joe met with Michael at his studio in Seattle to discuss Michael's childhood as a devout alter boy; his firs...
167: Live from KEXP, Seattle
May 16, 2018 03:59 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis week, we share Joe's epic live panel with Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam); Ruby Dunphy (Thunderpussy); Tendai Maraire (Shabazz Palaces); and Jason McGerr (Death Cab for Cutie). This episode was recorded in front of a capacity crowd at KEXP in Seattle.
166: Karriem Riggins (Ray Brown, Hank Jones, J Dilla, Common)
May 09, 2018 03:31 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBKarriem Riggins is a rare artist whose creative voice resonates in improvised music and popular music alike. Karriem spoke to Joe in front of a live audience at Ace Hotel Palm Springs about: being born into a musical family in Detroit; his definition of greatness and mastery; working with established legends like Ray Brown and modern legends like J Dilla; and he answers listener questions. Also, Trap Set friend--Jose Medeles--calls to talk about his new book, The Stoic Drummer.
RIP: Remembering John "Jabo" Starks
May 02, 2018 05:12 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBYesterday, John "Jabo" Starks--one of the most important drummers of the twentieth century--died of cancer. He was 79. In tribute, we're revisiting Joe's conversation with the legendary musician, originally recorded in Madison, WI, in 2015.
165: Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, Barrett Martin Group, Mad Season, REM)
April 25, 2018 07:26 - 1 hour - 101 MBIn the 80s and 90s, Barrett Martin was a member of seminal Seattle bands Screaming Trees, Mad Season, and Skin Yard; but according to Barrett, talking about his life as a rock drummer isn’t all that interesting. Instead, Barrett and Joe have a conversation about the perception of time, the feminine energy of the universe, Barrett’s studies as a Zen monk, the dangers of capitalism, and the nature of music and consciousness.
164: Adrienne Davies (Earth)
April 18, 2018 07:39 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBAdrienne Davies joined long-running Washington band Earth in 2001. She brought with her the requisite aptitude for slow tempos, and--over the course of several albums--developed a command of sonic nuance that perfectly complements and differentiates the band's meditative compositions. Adrienne speaks to Joe about: growing up surrounded by brothers, stage fright, feelings of creative inadequacy, breaking through those feelings through serious woodshedding, recovering from a serious back and h...
163: Atom Willard (Against Me!, Rocket from the Crypt, Angels and Airwaves, The Offspring)
April 11, 2018 06:02 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBAtom Willard joined Rocket from the Crypt when he was still in high school. During his ten-year tenure with the band, he honed a unique style, balancing punk rawness and precision. Atom tells Joe about: his Catholic upbringing in San Diego; his early fascination with Kiss (who would soon be displaced by bands like Iron Maiden); his time with bands like Rocket from the Crypt and Against Me; figuring out who he is outside of a band context; how he defines musical greatness; and how he is tryin...
162: Ralph Johnson (Earth Wind & Fire)
April 04, 2018 07:42 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBRalph Johnson brought his disciplined, unstoppable groove to Earth Wind and Fire in 1973; and over the subsequent 45 years, he’s played an important role in EWF’s timeless legacy of excellence. Joe visited Ralph at his home in Woodland Hills, CA, for a wide-ranging conversation about: his musical parents, growing up in LA, the creative dynamic of EWF, martial arts, nefarious technology, mind control, parenthood, and spirituality. This is a can’t-miss episode with a member of one of America’s...
161: Dan Bailey (Father John Misty)
March 28, 2018 05:32 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBDan Bailey learned to play drums in church. By the time he was in his early twenties, he was the house drummer at one of the biggest churches in the US, and he was touring with top artists of Contemporary Christian Music. But upon reaching this professional apex, Dan discovered that his personal beliefs were no longer in alignment with the faith in which he was raised; and he left the church. Now the drummer and music director of Father John Misty, Dan tells Joe about: following his gut, fat...
160: Adam Carson (AFI)
March 21, 2018 04:30 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MBAdam Carson co-founded AFI in 1991, when he was still in high school. Nearly 30 years later, the band is still going strong and has far surpassed its initial, punk rock ambitions. Adam visited Trap Set HQ and told Joe about: his drummer father; being a "bad student"; how he defines becoming "better" as an artist; the inner workings of AFI; and discovering an identity beyond the band. Also, friend of the show, Patty Schemel, stopped by to read an excerpt from her excellent new memoir, Hit So ...
BNS: Joey Castillo Answers Listener Questions
March 21, 2018 04:22 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBIn this bonus mini-episode Joey Castillo answers listener questions about: recording techniques, his time with Scott Weiland, working out, and more! Want to hear Joey's full episode and 160 other guests, all for free? Subscribe to The Trap Set on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, NPROne, or wherever you get your podcasts!
159: Joey Castillo (Wasted Youth, Sugartooth, QotSA, Eagles of Death Metal, Zakk Sabbath)
March 14, 2018 06:13 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBJoey Castillo grew up in Gardena, CA, and he found an early musical home in the vital Southern California punk scene of the early 80s. Joey's unique style combines the frenetic energy of punk with a strong sense of swing and tasteful restraint. He tells Joe about growing up in a multi-generational home; seeing his punk heroes up close; developing his own musical personality; letting his instincts guide him through life; and his thoughts on becoming a dad. Tune in next week for a bonus episod...
158: Stephanie Luke AKA Rusty Coathanger (The Coathangers)
March 07, 2018 07:43 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBStephanie Luke grew up in a conservative, southern family, but she found her true tribe after discovering punk rock. She tells Joe about being a “nerdy” child, why she began playing drums in her mid 20s, how her band is central to her identity, the internal debate about whether to start a family, and why she wants to buy a house in the woods.
157: Orpheo McCord (The Magnetic Zeros, Cass McCombs, The Fall)
March 01, 2018 23:50 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBOrpheo McCord stops by The Trap Set to tell Joe about: being raised by a Merry Prankster and a model; living without a game plan; the shortcomings of music school; his work with everyone from The Fall to Cass McCombs; and how parental responsibility is a both burden and a joy. Check out Orpheo's new album, Recovery Inhale, now available on Sound Creature Records.
156: Michael Stuart-Ware (Love, The Sons of Adam)
February 21, 2018 05:46 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBAlthough Love never became a household name like some of its contemporaries, the band is certainly one of the most innovative and influential rock bands of all time (and one of Joe’s favorites). Joe speaks to Michael Stuart about the 1960s LA rock scene; why he prefers not to listen to Love’s classic albums; how heroin became a normal part of life; how he attained sobriety; life after Love; and why being a musician is central to his identity, even though he no longer plays professionally.
155: Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (The Killers, Big Talk)
February 14, 2018 08:18 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MBRonnie Vannucci joins Joe for a discussion about his childhood in Las Vegas; the genesis of The Killers and how they've navigated band dynamics over nearly 20 years; how he regards himself as an artist; and--of course--existential dread.
Remembering Leon "Ndugu" Chancler
February 07, 2018 04:53 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBLast week, the world lost the great Leon "Ndugu" Chancler at the age of 65. Ndugu's art has been a constant presence in Joe's life for as long as he can remember, so he was thrilled that Mr. Chancler agreed to be the second guest on this show. That--in spite of his enormous success--he was willing to spend an hour with an unproven, inexperienced interviewer speaks to Ndugu's immense kindness and generosity of spirit. Ndugu, you are one of the very best, you've enriched the lives of billions ...
154: The Trap Set Turns Three!
January 31, 2018 06:01 - 33 minutes - 45.3 MB"So, it's come to this," as the Simpsons would say! This week, for the third anniversary of the show, Joe is joined by co-producer, Chris Karwowski. The pair explores themes that have emerged over the course of 153 episodes: identity, addiction, struggle, parenthood, fear, and redemption. We listen back to conversations with: Mimi Parker, Mike Clark, Phil Collins, Venzella Joy, Bernard Purdie, Lori Barbero, and more!
153: Abe Rounds (Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal, Doyle Bramhall, Andrew Bird)
January 24, 2018 06:29 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBAbe Rounds was born into a musical family in Sydney and began drumming at age one. Now 26, he has quickly become one of his generation's most sought-after drummers. Abe tells Joe about his love of golf, his one-time gambling addiction, the demons of doubt, his interest in crypto currency, learning to write his own music, and working with everyone from Meshell Ndegeocello to Seal.
152: Live in Minnesota (Eric Gravatt, Lori Barbero, Todd Trainer, Gordy Knudtson)
January 17, 2018 08:29 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBJoe sits down with four of The Twin Cities' most captivating drummers. Gordy Knudtson and Todd Trainer describe their respective approaches to teaching; Lori Barbero articulates why she doesn't believe in music education; and Eric Gravatt describes how he just "got it" at an early age and why he left a successful career in music to become a prison guard. This is a great conversation about identity, loss, getting paid, and style.
151: Chad Molter (Faraquet, Medications, Grass)
January 10, 2018 05:34 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBChad Molter grew up playing bass, but he became picked up drums in a matter of months in order to co-found Faraquet, a DC-based band that merged proggy musical sophistication with the spirit of punk rock. Chad tells Joe about: yearning to leave his native Southern California; developing his self-taught, uniquely melodic style; hiking the Appalachian trail; his disdain for haircuts; and his current calling as the director of a homeless shelter.
ML1: Laura Veirs + Carol Kaye (Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Frank Sinatra, etc.)
January 03, 2018 09:50 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBOver the past several months, Joe has been co-producing a new podcast hosted by Laura Veirs called Midnight Lightning. We're excited to share the very first episode of that show, featuring Laura's interview with the legendary bassist (and Joe's bass teacher), Carol Kaye. The Trap Set returns with a stellar lineup of drummer conversations starting next week!
BNS: Bernard Purdie Revisited
December 27, 2017 04:54 - 58 minutes - 79.7 MBThe Trap Set team is taking some time off to enjoy the holidays, so we've decided to share one of our very favorite early conversations with the inimitable Bernard Purdie. Originally aired two and a half years ago as two episodes, we've combined the conversation into one long episode for your enjoyment. For those of you who are new to the show, this is a can't-miss episode with one of the greatest drummers of all time!
BNS: Bill Ward Answers Listener Questions
December 20, 2017 03:08 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Bill Ward answers listener questions ranging from Black Sabbath to his favorite meal. Be sure to listen to last week's episode (#150) featuring Bill's full, in-depth interview.
150: Bill Ward (Black Sabbath, Day of Errors)
December 13, 2017 05:49 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBAs a child in working-class Birmingham, the only career options presented to Bill Ward were working in a factory or enlisting in the military. Against all odds, he escaped that bleak destiny and co-founded the paradigm-shifting Black Sabbath. Bill tells Joe about his journey from choir boy to unhinged rock legend; the inner workings of Black Sabbath; his road to sobriety; fatherhood; learning to love himself; and why he is at peace with the world. This is a can’t miss episode with one of the...
149: Bryan Devendorf (The National)
December 06, 2017 07:00 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBDespite a deceptively unassuming stage persona, Bryan Devendorf's cleverly deconstructed beats are central to The National's sonic identity. He tells Joe about: growing up in Cincinnati, straddling the worlds of punk rock and jam bands, parenthood, white privilege, self improvement, and the intimate relationships at the core of The National.
BNS: Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Solo Artist)
November 29, 2017 05:31 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBThis week, we're hard at work on a new live episode and a special Episode 150, so here's one of our favorite episodes, featuring the legendary Billy Cobham.
148: Aaron Steele (Chrome Sparks, Portugal The Man, Alice Smith)
November 22, 2017 06:48 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBAaron Steele grew up in New York City, raised by two Panamanian immigrants who become pastors. His adventurous spirit, deep pocket, and attention to sonic detail make him one of the most exciting young artists on the scene. He tells Joe about: how Bill Withers was his "Beatles"; growing up a believer; becoming a skeptic; how bands like At The Drive In liberated him from the culture of virtuosity enveloping the gospel scene, being "nearly homeless", getting roofied after a tour, and why he is...
147: Scott McPherson (Elliott Smith, M. Ward, Sense Field, etc.)
November 15, 2017 07:41 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MBScott McPherson's seemingly effortless musicality has made him the drummer of choice for many of his generation's greatest songwriters. He tells Joe about addiction and sobriety; working with artists ranging from Sense Field to Elliott Smith; creating his own company, Tackle Instrument; and the danger of getting what you wish for.
146: Dave King (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple)
November 08, 2017 07:02 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MBMinnesota native, Dave King, grew up a voracious listener of seemingly disparate forms of music. This is reflected in his playing, which illuminates the through line between improvised music and punk. Dave and Joe discuss: getting pumped for high school wrestling by listening to Albert Ayler and Ornette; the band dynamics of the Bad Plus and Happy Apple; how Dave transitioned from being a “Paul Motian ripoff” to forging his own creative voice; and Dave’s bizarre and hilarious web series, Rat...
145: Riley Breckenridge (Thrice, Less Art)
November 01, 2017 04:42 - 45 minutes - 63 MBRiley Breckenridge dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, but after his prospects were cut short after an injury, he turned to drums. He achieved success with Thrice, a band that features his brother Eddie and their childhood friends from Orange County. Riley discusses the benefits and drawbacks about being intensely hard on himself; struggling to find an identity when the band went on hiatus; selling suits; feeling a "loss of gravity" after losing his father; and his own approach to fa...
144: Steven Drozd (The Flaming Lips)
October 25, 2017 02:46 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MBSteven Drozd joined The Flaming Lips in 1991. His one of a kind drumming style fuses Bonhamesque bombast with a clever compositional sense reminiscent of Can’s Jaki Liebezeit; but his contributions to the band aren’t limited to drumming. Drozd plays most of the instruments on The Flaming Lips' recordings and co-writes their songs. He tells Joe about playing in his father’s band at age eleven; having his mind blown by The Jesus Lizard and The Melvins; his role in The Flaming Lips; creative co...
143: Jojo Mayer (Nerve)
October 20, 2017 21:00 - 40 minutes - 55.3 MBJojo Mayer visits The Trap Set and tells Joe about his childhood in Switzerland, artistic honesty, and pair discuss strategies for keeping existential dread at bay.
BNS: Fred Armisen on "For Drummers Only"
October 16, 2017 17:04 - 6 minutes - 8.64 MBFred Armisen stops by to discuss his new Netflix comedy special, "For Drummers Only". The show is being filmed at the historic Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, this Thursday 10/19. Visit thetrapset.net for tickets.
142: Lia Simone Braswell
October 11, 2017 05:16 - 32 minutes - 44 MBRaised in Los Angeles by a musician mother and punk rock dad, Lia Simone Braswell was playing with adults when she was still a child. She tells Joe about joining her best friend’s dad’s band, her commune-like tenure with Le Butcherettes, her fascination with linguistics, and overcoming personal tragedy.
Remembering Tom Petty, Steve Ferrone
October 04, 2017 05:10 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBThe music of Tom Petty has been an integral part of Joe’s life for as long as he can remember, so this week we’re revisiting our amazingly inspirational conversation with Steve Ferrone of The Heartbreakers. Also, Joe talks about the massive impact Tom and the band have had on his life and pays tribute to the rock genius.
141: Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot, Bombastic Meatbats)
September 27, 2017 08:39 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBChad Smith's unabashed hard rock style could have easily clashed with the funk-punk roots of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but instead he proved to be the catalyst that launched the band to international superstardom. His muscular, yet articulate drumming evokes a cross between P-Funk and Deep Purple and acts as the perfect anchor for the bestial rowdiness of his band mates. Chad grew up in suburban Detroit, feeling like a square peg in a round hole. This unease led to misadventures in car t...
140: Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Donny McCaslin, Solo Artist)
September 20, 2017 03:51 - 55 minutes - 76.5 MBA child of the MTV generation, Mark Guiliana grew up on Soundgarden, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dr. Dre. He began playing drums relatively late in life, almost on a whim. But, his strong creative voice—inspired by a combination of post-bop heroes, glitchy experimental electronica, and the pop music of his youth—has established him as one of the most lauded and influential drummers of his generation. Mark and Joe talk about: protecting and following creative joy, the balance between ...