Joe Wong Podcast

Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse, passed away 12/31/2022 of cancer. This is a re-post of our conversation from 2017. We at The Trap Set are sending love to Jeremiah's family, bandmates, and many friends around the world.

Patricia Brennan is an improvisatory mallet percussionist who as been hailed as one of the instrument's new leaders. As a sidewoman, she's worked with artists such as Mary Halvorson, Matt Mitchell, and John Hollenbeck. Her solo debut, Maquishti, released by Valley of Search Records was included on the New York Times 10 best Jazz albums of 2021. Thi…

This week, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with the fantastic Viola Smith, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 107. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

Over the last two decades, Nate Smith has emerged as one of his generation's most innovative drummers. His unique style marries a deep, earthy sense of time with cerebral adventurousness. Nate has backed artists such as Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, and Brittany Howard; and in recent years he has come into his own as a composer and bandleader. This ep…

Rick Allen's driving, tuneful style propelled Def Leppard to massive popularity during the 80s and early 90s. The band recently released its twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos. Rick met with Joe in Beverly Hills to discuss his forty year career, and the life that informed it.

Mimi Parker--best known as drummer, vocalist, and co-founder of the band Low--passed away on November 5th after a battle with cancer. Here is Joe's conversation with Mimi, originally released in June, 2017.

DH Peligro, best known as the drummer of Dead Kennedys, died in an accidental fall at his home in Los Angeles on 10/28/2022. Here is Joe's conversation with DH, originally released in November, 2015.

We return from hiatus with Academy Award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur Questlove, in what Questlove calls, “the best, most open interview I’ve ever given in my life." Joe and Questlove discuss mental health, race, religion, vulnerability, self love, the hip hop ethos (“Hustle, survive. Hustle, survive.”), J Dilla, and more!…

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, The Trap Set is back for Episode 300. Following the tradition of our previous centennial episodes, Joe is interviewed by a former guest--this time Jon Wurster (Bob Mould, Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, The Best Show). We at The Trap Set would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our guests and you--our li…

On Saturday, April 30th, Gabe Serbian died one day shy of his 45th birthday. Here's Joe's 2016 conversation with Gabe. If you're in a postion to help, please consider donating to Gabe's family here: https://gofund.me/f39cf17d https://gofund.me/f39cf17dhttps://gofund.me/f39cf17d

The great Memphis-based drummer, Howard Grimes, died at the age of 80 last week. Here's Joe's 2015 conversation with Howard, a true original whose ingenious artistry will inspire generations to come.

Today's guest is Hugo Burnham, drummer of Gang of Four. Formed in Leeds in 1976, Gang of Four was one of the most explosive and influential bands to emerge in the wake of the punk rock movement. Next month, Matador Records will release an exhaustive box set chronicling the band's incredible output from 1977-1981. During the age of social distancing…

This week's guest is Cindy Blackman Santana, an artist of exceptional skill who--over the past four decades--has made compelling contributions to the worlds of improvised music and popular music alike. Her latest album, "Give the Drummer Some" is now available

We're back from hiatus! Alan Braufman was a vital member of the New York Loft Jazz scene of the 1970s. His 1975 opus, Valley of Search, was re-issued in 2018, and his latest album, The Fire Still Burns, was released to rave reviews in 2020.

Joe speaks to Jesse Shreibman, drummer of Seattle band, Bell Witch.

Chris Frantz discusses Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, and his new memoir, Remain In Love. Also, make sure to check out Joe's new album, Nite Creatures, streaming everywhere now!

Eric Slick talks about his jazz musician grandfather, his childhood in Philly, the residual scars from growing up "a fat kid", his obsession with Mad Magazine, and how drumming opened up his world.

Joe talks to the multifaceted Alicia Bognanno about her career as the creative force behind Bully and as an audio engineer. Friend of the show, Mary Lattimorre, also stops by to discuss her new album.

Mixmaster Mike discusses his challenging childhood; his ascent to the top of the competitive DJ world; the development of his singular DJ style; joining the Beastie Boys; and his latest collaboration with Steve Jordan, Beat Odyssey 2020.

Steve Jordan is one of the most distinctive and prolific drummers in the history of recorded music. He is also an in-demand producer and record label proprietor. Join us for a 90-minute, life-spanning conversation with one of the all-time greats!

Today's guest is Sam Coomes, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is perhaps best known as one half of the duo, Quasi, a band he co-founded with Janet Weiss in 1993. Sam possesses a seemingly effortless sense of musicality and a gift for uniquely memorable melody. His lyrics are also fantastic...basically, he has all the bases covere…

This week's guest is Doug "Cosmo" Clifford. Best known as drummer of Credence Clearwater Revival, Doug's powerful, tuneful playing laid the foundation for countless rock n roll standards. In 1972, Doug released his solo debut, Cosmo. During the 80s, he began work on his second album, Magic Window. The album was shelved until Doug recently discovere…

Today's guest is Johanna Warren, author of haunting songs, beautifully sung with an ethereal yet rhythmically adventures delivery. Johanna and Joe met while working on the Netflix series, Midnight Gospel, on which she plays the singing voice of the Prisoner. She spoke to Joe in May from her home in rural Wales. Check out Johanna's latest album, Cha…

Though Spoon's style has evolved radically over its 25 year existence, Jim Eno's drumming has been consistently tasteful, disciplined, and compositionally clever. Aside from his work as a drummer, Jim owns the Austin-based studio, Public Hi-Fi, and has engineered and produced for artists such as !!!, Cornell Dupree, John Vanderslice, Alejandro Esco…

One of the most compelling artists to emerge in the past twenty years, Sharon Van Etten presents startlingly vulnerable songs with a sublimely confident, otherworldly vocal delivery. Click HERE to pre-order Joe's LP, NITE CREATURES. All profits through the end of July will benefit The NAACP Legal Defense Fund. During the age of social distancing, w…

Matt Barrick is an incredibly dynamic drummer adept at leading the listener through unexpected sonic adventure. Matt began his career with Jonathan Fire Eater, and--as a member of the Walkmen--was part of a new garden of New York bands at the turn of the millennium. He is the touring drummer for Fleet Foxes; and his latest band, Muzz, is a collabor…

Jim Keltner is one of the greatest and most prolific drummers to emerge during the age of recorded music; His discography--a spine running through the body of popular song. Over the course of the past fifty plus years, he's made landmark recordings with Warren Zevon, Bobby Womack, Lucinda Williams, Leon Russell, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, George Harris…

Joe welcomes Angel Olsen, one of his favorite contemporary songwriters, to The Trap Set. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

We've taken the last few weeks off to make room for important social dialogue. We're happy to return with a beautiful conversation with one of the all-time great drummers, Lenny White. Lenny first achieved international recognition for his contribution to Miles Davis's landmark Bitches Brew album, and he continued to make history with artists such …

Today's guest is Sahir Hanif, founder of tour production company Ghost Tech and of Masters of Maple, a drum manufacturer. Masters of Maple has teamed with MusiCares to create a limited run of their Trash Talk snare drums. All proceeds will benefit a Covid-19 fund specifically for musicians. More information can be found at MDrums.com. During the ag…

Today's guest is Ryan Kattner, also known as Honus Honus, keyboardist, vocalist, and creative leader of the band Man Man. Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In Between, the band's excellent, ambitious double double album, was released by Sub Pop on May 1.

Today's guest is Jenn Wasner, a multi instrumentalist and singer who is one half of the duo Wye Oak. Jenn also creates solo work under the name Flock of Dimes and is a touring member of Bon Iver.

Today's guest is Andy Stack, all multi instrumentalist and singer who is one half of the duo Wye Oak and who also releases solo material as Joyero. He has also collaborated with artists such as: Lambchop, Madeline Kenney, Helado Negro, and Shearwater.

Roger Manning, Jr. is keyboardist and founding member of bands such as Beatnik Beach, Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, and The Moog Cookbook. Roger's latest band, The Lickerish Quartet, will release its first EP, "Threesome, Vol. 1", later this Friday. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.…

In honor of the late, great Little Richard, here's our 2017 conversation with Richard's drummer and friend, Charles Connor.

Katie Crutchfield began making bedroom recordings as a teenager in her native Alabama. She began touring while still in high school and co-founded the band P.S. Eliot with her sister, Allison. Since 2012, Katie has released music as Waxahatchee. Waxahatchee's latest album, Saint Cloud, was released in March to intense acclaim. During the age of soc…

In 1989, Mac McCaughan co-founded the band Superchunk and the label Merge Records, both of which are still thriving today. Mac and Joe discuss: composing for film, how Mac's relationship with music has evolved over his lifetime; Mac's songwriting process; balancing planning with flexibility; and--when it comes to promoting an album--where an artist…

Today the world lost, Tony Allen, the great genius that--along with Fela Kuti--created the style known as Afrobeat. We're sharing Joe's conversation with Tony from 2015. Tony Allen, RIP.

Today's guest is Julianna Barwick, an artist that employs electronics, voice, and loops to build warm and expansive planets of sound! During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing daily episodes.

Sean McGuinness is a brutal shredder with a heart of gold. He discusses falling in love with drums; his excellent band Pissed Jeans; operating Lunar Inn, a bar and restaurant in his native Philadelphia; and fatherhood!

Songwriter Johnathan Rice joins Joe to discuss: his upbringing in Virginia and Glasgow; the serious academic ambitions that resulted from being the first child of immigrants; abandoning those ambitions to pursue music; a fortuitous meeting with Dave Grohl in suburban Virginia; moving to New York and befriending songwriters such as Jesse Harris and …

Dot Wiggin co-founded The Shaggs, along with her sisters Betty and Helen, in 1968. As the band's primary songwriter, she is the author of some of the most astonishingly unique, life-affirming music ever recorded. Dot discusses: forming the band at the behest of her father; her songwriting process; weekly performances at the town hall in Fremont, NH…

Yo La Tengo's Georgia Hubley joins Joe from Montauk, NY to discuss: her animator parents; her background in visual arts; her band-specific drumming style; and her strong sense of intuition.

Today's guest is Duncan Trussell--comic, host of The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, and co-creator of the stunning new Netflix Series The Midnight Gospel. (Joe composed the score for the show!) Duncan and Joe discuss: meeting at just the right time; collaborating on the music for The Midnight Gospel; temporal neighbors; how certain childhood trauma c…

Joe shares "Dreams Wash Away", the first song from his forthcoming album! You also can stream the song on a service of your choice here: lnk.to/DreamsWashAway Make sure to check out The Midnight Gospel, coming to Netflix on Monday, 4/20! "Dreams Wash Away" makes an appearance in the stunning season finale.…

With a formal background in sound engineering, classical guitar, and composition--coupled with a deeply curious mind--Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is the author of beautifully meditative, vast and vivid soundscapes. She and Joe discuss: how her independent study background prepared her for Berklee; how meditation made her a better listener; getting to kno…

Andrew Becker's dexterous, explosive drumming first gained recognition when he played in Dischord band Medications. Since then, Andrew has created four solo albums under the Human Potential Moniker, including this year's I'm Glad You're Alive. He's also an award-winning filmmaker, and proprietor of the label What Delicate. Joe and Andy have crossed…

From an early age, drummer Areif Sless-Kitain exhibited a stunning level of musical maturity and a distinctive creative voice. Joe witnessed this firsthand when he saw Areif perform with Regulator Watts in Milwaukee in 1996. Areif and Joe crossed paths a few years later, when Joe succeeded Areif in the DC band that later became Medications. The two…

Thor Harris is a percussionist known for his work with Swans, Bill Callahan, Rob Halverson, Devendra Banhart, and his own ensemble--Thor & Friends. Thor is also a sculptor, instrument builder, carpenter, and former TX gubernatorial candidate. Thor tells Joe about: being raised by an engineer and schoolteacher near Galveston, TX; studying drums in a…

Makaya McCraven is a drummer, composer, and producer whose innovative work draws a creative through-line between generations of seemingly disparate avant-garde movements. He tells Joe about: being raised by musician parents; why he initially resisted pursuing music as a profession; the difference between the "oral musical tradition" in which he was…