We had so much fun sharing our music Podcast picks right before Thanksgiving, we decided to release a second volume! Whether you’re traveling this holiday season or hunkering at home, we hope these suggestions help fill some of the downtime. Thank you for listening, and we can’t wait to see you in 2022!
Photo by Blaz Erzetic on Unsplash
For Those Who Want To Step Out Into the World: Public Space with Anthony Valadez
Public Space is described as “Real connections. Covering the intersection between Environment x Inspiration, follow LA-based DJ Anthony Valadez, his dog Smedley and his digital recorder as they venture out into public space for conversations with artists who define and defy genres.” Suggested by Customer Service Associate Jennifer Corona, who says “Anthony is a terrific host and talks to musicians such as The Marias, Hope Tala, and Koffee in very casual settings.”
For The Songwriter: The Working Songwriter
If you’re a fan of Song Exploder, check this out! Musician and songwriter Joe Pug writes, as a touring musician who logged thousands of miles a year on the road, “there was one podcast in particular that I wanted to hear: working songwriters talking to one another about life on the road, life in the studio, and life in the writer’s room. But that show didn’t exist. So I decided to make it myself.” Suggested by Outreach Program Manager Michael John McKee
For the Cultural Historian: About a Girl
This podcast “is a scripted narrative anthology series about women whose stories have long been eclipsed by the legends of their famous partners… About A Girl brings focus to the many women without whom the landscape of popular music might be very different.” Suggested by Associate Director, Early Childhood Education Joshua Abeyta
Photo by Rupam Dutta on Unsplash
For the Dads and People Who Know Dads: Holy Sh*t I’m a Dad Podcast
Our Customer Service Manager David McDaniel tells us this podcast is “hosted by Ross James (Phil Lesh) and Andy Thorn (Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, Leftover Salmon), the podcast is the duo’s oral history of early parenthood. Vulnerable, comical, and always heartfelt, the duo explores their own experiences as touring musician parents along with those of guests such as Paul Hoffman (Greensky Bluegrass), Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), and Joe Russo (JRAD).”
For Those Who Just Gotta Skank: In Defense of Ska
Is there a more misunderstood musical genre than Ska? As beloved as it is scorned, host Aaron Carnes writes “I’ve played music all my life and became a music journalist in 2010. One of the biggest disappointments I encountered was the unequivocal dismissal and mockery of ska music—one of my favorite genres—among critics and writers. This became the topic of my first book, In Defense of Ska.” This podcast is an extension of Aaron’s book, so lace up your Docs and dive in! Suggested by Music Director Ty Breuer
For the Radio Lover: Bent By Nature: Deirdre O’Donoghue and The Lost SNAP Archives
Throughout the 198s (and beyond) Deirdre O’Donoghue championed a particular strain of underground rock and pop music that later dominated the airwaves as Alternative Music. Artists like R.E.M., Concrete Blonde, The Lemon Drops, and many more appeared on her show in large part because they found in Deirdre a kindred spirit and empathetic ear. This show demonstrates how the right person in the right place at the right time can make a world of positive difference. Suggested by Associate Director of Marketing Barry Osborne
Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash
For The Banjo Player: Picky Fingers Banjo Podcast
David tells us Picky Fingers “is a biweekly podcast that features interviews, instruction, and album deep-dives with prominent members of the banjo community. Host Keith Billick interviews a wide range of banjo players as well as folks who produce instruments, gear, and generally make banjo playing both possible and interesting. Keith’s interviews are thoughtful, and the topics span careers, technique and style, instruments, studio and stage rigs, and beyond.” Thanks David!
For the Metalhead: Talking Maiden: The Podcast of the Beast
Ty says “No description necessary. Up the Irons.” For those of us less well versed in “The Irons,” Talking Maiden is “The Talking Maiden Podcast is just two guys talking about Iron Maiden.” OK, so maybe Ty was right about that description!
In case you missed it, check out the first installment of our Staff Podcast Picks!