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
139: Louis Hayes (Cannonball Adderly, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, etc.)
September 13, 2017 05:19 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBLouis Hayes arrived in New York at age 19; and over the next 60 years amassed a staggeringly great body of work. His collaborators have included: Cannonball Adderly, Oscar Peterson, John Coltrane, and many more of the giants of modern music. Louis talks to Joe about growing up in Detroit, lessons in manhood from Papa Jo Jones, the difficulties that come from being an uncompromising artist, and his new album dedicated to the great Horace Silver.
138: Shayna Dunkelman (Xiu Xiu, Peptalk)
September 06, 2017 05:17 - 54 minutes - 74.4 MBXiu Xiu's Shayna Dunkelman uses her formal artistic training as a vehicle to explore the musical unknown. She tells Joe about being the only Indonesian Jew in Tokyo; her mom's new age music career; her background in pure math; her interest in socialism; and why female musicians--and drummers in particular--have to be extraordinarily assertive.
137: Greg Saunier (Deerhoof)
August 30, 2017 07:41 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBOver the past twenty years, Deerhoof's Greg Saunier has distinguished himself as one of the most fiercely adventurous, iconoclastic, and unique drummers of his generation. He and Joe talk about what it means to be a "good" artist; atomizing music; the cowardice behind the notion of "serving the song"; Laurie Anderson's Creation Stations; and Wittgenstein's Ladder. Then, Greg Answers YOUR questions about his life and art.
BNS: Mimi Parker Answers Your Questions
August 30, 2017 07:37 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Low's Mimi Parker answers listener questions! She and Joe discuss Mimi's winning bout with cancer, her favorite comedians, and the nature of personal responsibility. Make sure to subscribe to The Trap Set to hear Mimi's full episode, along with our entire back catalog--all for free!
136: Viola Smith (The Smith Sisters, The Coquettes)
August 23, 2017 05:19 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MBBorn in 1912, Viola Smith rose to fame during an era when female musicians were often relegated to novelty status; but over a career that spanned 50 years, she proved herself to be a visionary far ahead of her time. She talks to Joe about her childhood in Wisconsin, why becoming a traveling musician distanced her from religion, Chick Webb, Louis Belson, Buddy Rich ("not a likeable fellow"), and ignoring Frank Sinatra's advances.
BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Your Questions
August 23, 2017 05:14 - 4 minutes - 6.52 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Stephen Perkins answers listeners' questions.
135: Ryan Sawyer (Zeena Parkins, Charles Gayle, Boredoms, At The Drive In)
August 16, 2017 03:45 - 38 minutes - 52.6 MBRyan Sawyer grew up in Texas, where he joined At The Drive In just long enough to play on the band’s first album. Now a long time resident of New York, Ryan has honed a style that exists at the convergence of punk and jazz. His collaborators have included Thurston Moore, TV On The Radio, Boredoms, Zeena Parkins, Charles Gayle, and Gang Gang Dance. He talks to Joe about self doubt, relevancy, his computer programmer parents, and the fortuitous experience of seeing Sheila E. at a young age.
BNS: Steve Ferrone Answers Your Questions
August 16, 2017 03:43 - 5 minutes - 8.03 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Steve Ferrone answers questions from YOU, our listeners.
134: Roland & Steve Albini (Big Black, Rapeman, Shellac)
August 09, 2017 06:04 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBRoland, Steve Albini, and Joe discuss: Big Black, Shellac, the "Uberization" of the workforce, the Jungle of Life, and the one true God above.
133: John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, Bastro, etc.)
August 02, 2017 07:04 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBFor nearly 30 years, John McEntire has existed at the vanguard of a modern paradigm of musician producers. He tells Joe about the impetus to start playing, his formative years at Oberlin, Bastro, Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, and how he has adapted to sea changes in the music world.
132: Pablo Rieppi
July 26, 2017 05:47 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBBorn in Montevideo, Uruguay, Pablo Rieppi spent much of his 1980s adolescence in the Washington DC area. He tells Joe about his journey from Neil Peart devotee to Juilliard Faculty member (not that two things are mutually exclusive). Pablo tells Joe how he benefited from the naivete of his youth, and he explains why all great instrumentalists aren’t necessarily artists.
131: James Sclavunos (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Lydia Lunch, Sonic Youth, The Cramps, etc.)
July 19, 2017 05:37 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBJames Sclavunos grew up in Brooklyn and dreamed of becoming an astronaut priest or an avant-garde saxophonist. Instead, he attended film school at NYU and became a part of the musical movement that would later be known as No Wave. He tells Joe about his relationship with Catholicism; cruising the Village in a sailor suit; his initiation into Lydia Lunch's band; writing books about Motley Crue and Paula Abdul; and the family dynamic of The Bad Seeds.
130: Susie Ibarra
July 12, 2017 05:57 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBSusie Ibarra filtered her innate creativity through the prism of jazz language to develop one of the strongest, most original voices in contemporary music. She and Joe discuss: Asian-American identity; being present; time management; and art as a vehicle for wonder, play, and joy. This episode was recorded in 2015 and recently recovered.
129: Sebastien Grainger (Death from Above)
July 05, 2017 05:14 - 34 minutes - 48 MBSebastien Grainger stops by The Trap Set and tells Joe about: growing up in Canada, the origins of Death From Above, learning to define himself outside of the band, his favorite singing drummer, and bread making.
128: Mimi Parker (Low)
June 28, 2017 06:57 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MBLow's Mimi Parker uses a deliberately limited sonic palette to create sprawling rhythmic landscapes. The master of nuance and shading talks to Joe about: growing up on a farm, meeting her future bandmate and husband--Alan Sparhawk--in fourth grade, her aversion to the spotlight, her secret desire to become a comedian, and her hopes for her children.
127: Phil Collins (Genesis, Brand X, Phil Collins)
June 21, 2017 08:10 - 1 hour - 93.9 MB"Come on Joe, give me your worst!" Phil Collins tells Joe about concert toms; navigating the world of massive fame; unearthing resentment towards his father, his instinctual approach to music; fatherhood; and socks. Then, Phil answers questions from drummers such as Matt Cameron, Aaron Steele, Jon Wurster, and Fred Armisen on topics ranging from Brian Eno to relinquishing the drum throne. This is a truly special conversation with one of Joe's favorite artists!
BNS: Phil Collins Preview
June 14, 2017 09:01 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MBIn anticipation of next week's Phil Collins episode, Joe is joined by Trap Set co-producer Chris to discuss why the Phil episode is a watershed moment for the show and why Phil is a singularly fascinating genius. This episode also features musings on Phil from Clem Burke, Fred Armisen, Stella Mozgawa, Seb Thompson, Butch Vig, and more.
126: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, Chaka Khan, etc.)
June 07, 2017 06:59 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MBSteve Ferrone grew up in Brighton, UK. Although he studied tap dancing as a child, he began playing gigs as a drummer by age 12. He tells Joe about: his absent father; his angry grandfather; getting in touch with his racial identity; his big break with Average White Band; working with giants such as Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty; and conquering his addictions, ultimately righting the course of his life.
125: Live from Milwaukee (Victor DeLorenzo, Dan Didier, Shane Hochstetler, Jon Mueller)
May 31, 2017 06:18 - 1 hour - 106 MBLate last year, Joe returned to his hometown and recorded a live episode featuring: Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes); Dan Didier (The Promise Ring); Shane Hochstetler (Call Me Lightning); and Jon Mueller (Rhythmplex, Volcano Choir). This episode is co-produced by WMSE and Colectivo.
124: Leah Shapiro (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club)
May 24, 2017 05:11 - 39 minutes - 53.6 MBLeah Shapiro's bombastic energy and spacious sense of time helped launch Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to new creative galaxies, but her early years with the band were plagued with misfortune. She tells Joe about growing up with free spirited parents in Denmark; studying music business; losing her friend and mentor, Michael Been of The Call; and recovering from a debilitating brain condition.
123: Jason McGerr (Death Cab For Cutie)
May 17, 2017 07:01 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MBJason McGerr fell in love with music at an early age, and drumming provided him with solace during a somewhat challenging childhood. He tells Joe about seeing Santa Claus; his teaching style; joining Death Cab For Cutie and helping propel the band to mainstream success; his quest for self improvement; and balancing his career with fatherhood.
122: Mitchell Feldstein (Lungfish, Arboretum)
May 10, 2017 06:54 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBMitchell Feldstein's deceptively simple grooves contain a universe of poetic nuance. He tells Joe about growing up in Philadelphia, losing his parents at an early age, joining the inimitable band Lungfish, earning a master's degree in social work, being a "good nihilist", and why he is no longer compelled to play music.
121: Jim Derogatis (Vortis, Sound Opinions)
May 03, 2017 05:23 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBA native of New Jersey, Jim Derogatis raised the cash for his first drum kit working odd jobs, such as scraping gum off of school desks. He is perhaps best known as a music writer; but Jim has also toured and recorded with bands for over 30 years. He tells Joe about his childhood in New Jersey, Catholic guilt, how his writing and drumming are fed by the same creative energy, and an early encounter with Lester Bangs.
120: Jose Medeles (1939 Ensemble, The Breeders, Revival Drum Shop)
April 26, 2017 06:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBIllinois native, Jose Medeles, made his way to California as a young man; and his stunning musical versatility served him well as he performed with everyone from Joey Ramone to Ben Harper. Jose gained international exposure when he joined Kim Deal in The Breeders. He is now the proprietor Revival Drum Shop, considered by many to be the greatest drum shop in the world. Jose tells Joe about falling in love with drums, proving himself, abandonment issues, the pros and cons of an obsessive work ...
119: Jon Szanto (Harry Partch Ensemble, San Diego Symphony)
April 19, 2017 07:08 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBJon Szanto possesses a rare combination of rigorous virtuosity and emotional intelligence. These qualities have served him well in a 40 year career, spanning Harry Partch to the San Diego Symphony. Now contemplating retirement, Jon talks about why--even if he isn't playing full time--music will always be fundamental to his makeup.
BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Listener Questions
April 19, 2017 06:52 - 4 minutes - 6.26 MBStephen Perkins answers your questions about: acid, The Grateful Dead, Eric Avery, etc. Make sure to check out his full length episode; subscribe to The Trap Set on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.
118: Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, Banyan, NiN, Infectious Grooves)
April 12, 2017 06:27 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBJane's Addiction rose from the LA club scene to become one of their generation's most influential bands, due in no small part to the iconoclastic, tribal-influenced contributions of Stephen Perkins. Stephen tells Joe about growing up in Los Angeles, his tryout for Jane's addiction, his love of the Grateful Dead, fatherhood, and more. Also check out Stephen's bonus episode next week, wherein he answers your questions.
117: Marian Li Pino (La Luz)
April 05, 2017 05:45 - 34 minutes - 48 MBMarian Li Pino's wild, inventive drumming has helped La Luz emerge as one of the most interesting rock bands working today. She tells Joe about her childhood in Washington state, feeling pressured to pursue something other than music, relentlessly searching for (and finding) the right band, and her love of rest stop pretzels.
116: Ian Chang (Son Lux, Landlady, Ex Reyes)
March 29, 2017 05:45 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBHong Kong native Ian Chang grew up a voracious music listener. With a unique style metabolized from disparate influences and an innovative approach to electronic percussion, he is a harbinger of a new era drumming.
115: Ignacio Berroa (Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Tito Puente, Solo Artist)
March 22, 2017 07:52 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MBBorn into a musical family, Ignacio Berroa was a first call session musician in his native Havana, Cuba, before emigrating to the US during the Mariel Boatlift. Shortly after his arrival in NY, Ignacio began a twelve year association with Dizzy Gillespie, which led to gigs with a who's who of jazz and Latin luminaries. Ignacio tells Joe about the advantages of growing up in Cuba; losing his mother at an early age; the agonies of a perfectionist outlook; navigating through marriages and divor...
114: Butch Vig (Garbage, Fire Town, Spooner)
March 15, 2017 03:40 - 54 minutes - 75 MBButch Vig began his career drumming with various polka outfits and rock bands like Spooner and Fire Town. Also a prolific producer, Butch recorded Nirvana's breakthrough "Nevermind", along with landmark albums for bands like Sonic Youth, Die Kreuzen, and Smashing Pumpkins. Not content to stay behind the mixing desk, he also co-founded the massively popular band Garbage. He tells Joe about growing up in Viroqua, WI; developing his musical ear; navigating through conflict; and creative reinven...
BNS: Damon Che Answers Listeners' Questions
March 15, 2017 03:08 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Damon Che answers listener questions about his relationship with Ian Williams, the infamous "Pizza Incident", underwear preferences, and his propensity for Sabian B8 Pros cymbals.
113: Damon Che (Don Caballero)
March 08, 2017 06:53 - 59 minutes - 81.8 MBAs drummer for the highly influential band Don Caballero, Damon Che established himself as one of the most unique and beloved drummers of his generation. But, in 2009, his "creative window" closed; and he stopped playing. He tells Joe about his musical roots, what he's been up to during his hiatus, giving up alcohol, working a day job, and returning to music as a session musician. He also tells his side of the now infamous "Bellini Incident" and reflects on the creative dynamic of Don Cab. M...
112: Charles Connor (Little Richard, Professor Longhair, Shirley & Lee, Sam Cooke)
March 01, 2017 06:53 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MBAs drummer for Little Richard, Charles Connor helped invent rock and roll. He tells Joe about working with legends like Richard, Professor Longhair, Shirley & Lee, and Sam Cooke. He also discusses working a day job at KROQ; marrying a woman 30 year after meeting her halfway around the world; his love of "material things"; and the current incarnation of The Upsetters.
111: Live from The Drum Thing (Keltner, Hall, Gadson, Sclavunos, Drumbo)!
February 22, 2017 05:49 - 37 minutes - 50.8 MBJoe hosts a live round table discussion featuring Jim Keltner, Bobbye Hall, James Gadson, Jim Sclavunos, and John "Drumbo" French. This episode was recorded live in Los Angeles at the release party for The Drum Thing, a fantastic book of photography focused on many of the world's most interesting drummers.
Remembering Clyde Stubblefield
February 20, 2017 22:46 - 42 minutes - 57.7 MBClyde Stubblefield was a towering genius whose drumming helped define modern popular music. He passed away Saturday at age 73, due to kidney failure. Unfortunately, Clyde died with no insurance; so a GoFundMe page has been set up to cover his funeral expenses. Joe speaks to Joey Banks, Clyde's longtime friend and protege, about what you can do to help Clyde's family. Then, we re-play our conversation with Clyde from last year.
110: Martin Chambers (The Pretenders)
February 15, 2017 08:49 - 37 minutes - 52 MBMartin Chamber’s deft, propulsive drumming style helped The Pretenders break out of the British punk scene to become one of the world’s best-loved pop bands. Martin talks to Joe about how drums just made sense to him, working with Chrissie Hynde, destroying hotel rooms, parenthood, the gift of hindsight and the tragic death of The Pretenders co-founders Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott.
BNS: Martin Chambers Answers Your Questions
February 15, 2017 08:43 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this bonus mini-episode, Martin Chambers--of The Pretenders--answers listeners' questions.
109: Jeremiah Green (Modest Mouse, World Gang)
February 08, 2017 08:38 - 35 minutes - 49 MBJeremiah Green's brilliant style of drumming walks the fine line between chaos and control. He talks to Joe about challenging family situations; learning to manage depression; co-founding, leaving, and returning to Modest Mouse; and personal evolution.
108: Davey Brozowski (Modest Mouse, Black Whales, The Catheters)
February 01, 2017 09:26 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBDavey Brozowski's versatility has led to collaborations with Black Whales, The Catheters, Modest Mouse, Danger Mouse, and more. He tells Joe about how he joined Modest Mouse; teenage tours; creating an artisanal soap company; and working with legendary drum builder (and past guest) Gregg Keplinger.
107: Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms For Peace, Elliott Smith, Ultraista, REM)
January 25, 2017 10:24 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MBJoey Waronker possesses a powerful groove and a gift for nuance and shading. These attributes--combined with a deep understanding of production and a knack for electronic percussion--are what distinguish him as one of the leading drummers of the modern paradigm. He tells Joe about growing up in a musical family; studying with the legendary Freddie Gruber; his love of the punk label, SST Records; overcoming his neuroses through therapy; and working with artists like Beck and REM. He also answ...
106: Coady Willis (Big Business, Melvins, The Murder City Devils, Hew Time)
January 18, 2017 08:16 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MBCoady Willis has been busy for the past two decades, powering some of the heaviest bands to emerge from Washington State. He tells Joe about a corrupt martial arts instructor; tour adventures with The Murder City Devils; achieving a balance between self confidence and self doubt; forming Big Business with Jared Warren; turning off "the passenger"; and joining forces with Melvins.
105: Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Return To Forever, Jobim, Flora Purim, etc.)
January 11, 2017 08:52 - 50 minutes - 70 MBThroughout a career that has spanned over five decades, Airto Moreira has distinguished himself as an exceptionally innovative percussionist, singer, and composer. He tells Joe about his upbringing in rural Brazil, his early gigs on horseback, arriving in New York, recording the landmark Bitches Brew record with Miles Davis, collaborating with his wife--singer Flora Purim, and his sense of spirituality. A great conversation with one of the greatest musicians of our time.
BNS: Carla Azar Answers Your Questions
January 11, 2017 08:46 - 5 minutes - 7.31 MBCarla Azar answers listeners' questions about PJ Harvey, Jim Keltner, Elvis Costello, and...paradiddles.
104: Carla Azar (Autolux, Jack White, T Bone Burnett)
January 04, 2017 08:04 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MBCarla Azar has worked with everyone from PJ Harvey to Jack White, but her soulfully bionic style crystallized within Autolux, a trio she co-founded in 2001. She tells Joe about her childhood in Alabama, being mentored by T Bone Burnett, the inner workings of Autolux, acting in "Frank", and overcoming tragedy by aiming for the light.
103: Mark Trombino (Drive Like Jehu)
December 28, 2016 01:40 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBAlthough they were only active for five years during their initial run, Drive Like Jehu was one of the most beloved and influential rock bands of the 90s. Mark Trombino's grooves, which achieved a crucial balance between cerebral cleverness and visceral power, were--in part--the product of his obsessive nature. He tells Joe about how, after the band broke up, he was able to channel his perfectionism into a successful career as a producer, and yet another career as a restaurateur.
102: Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Hound, Open City)
December 21, 2016 08:50 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBChris Wilson's exceptional drumming helped establish Ted Leo and the Pharmacists as one of the most compelling bands of their generation. Chris tells Joe about listening to "Rhiannon" on the eight track in his mom's Camaro, losing his father at a young age, learning to be less self-critical, and overcoming a guidance counselor's low expectations to realize his dreams.
101: London May (Samhain, Reptile House, Distorted Pony)
December 14, 2016 09:35 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBWhile he was still a teenager, London May made his first recordings with Reptile House for legendary label Dischord. Soon, he joined forces with rock icon, Glenn Danzig, in the band Samhain. He talks to Joe about his childhood as a punk rocker in Baltimore; working with a young Dan Higgs in Reptile House; being the father to a business-minded son; and his multifaceted career as a drummer, actor, pediatric nurse.
100: Joe Wong interviewed by Brendan Canty (Parts & Labor, Marnie Stern, Mary Timony, The Trap Set)
December 07, 2016 09:22 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBIt's Episode 100, and our first guest, Fugazi's Brendan Canty, returns as guest host to extract the origin story of Joe Wong and The Trap Set. Joe talks about his childhood in Milwaukee; meeting his composing partner in the experimental theater scene; scoring for film and tv; and his time with artists such as Parts & Labor, Mary Timony, Marnie Stern, and Akarso.
099: Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers)
November 30, 2016 07:48 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MBBy the time Ernie Isley joined his family's band at age 15, The Isley Brothers had already made major contributions to popular music, penning "Shout" and "Twist and Shout". A dexterous multi-instrumentalist and prolific songwriter, Ernie helped usher the group to new creative and commercial heights. He tells Joe about the band's six-decade-long legacy, losing his father, living with Jimi Hendrix, overcoming creative blocks, and writing the ultimate baby-making music.