Podcasts by The Trap Set with Joe Wong

RIP: Jeremiah Green from 2023-01-01T21:59

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, ...

304: Patricia Brennan from 2022-12-07T03:38

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 Mitche...

RIP: Viola Smith from 2022-12-01T04:28

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.

303: Nate Smith from 2022-11-23T10:40

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 h...

302: Rick Allen (Def Leppard) from 2022-11-16T05:05

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. Ri...

RIP: Mimi Parker (Low) from 2022-11-09T05:18

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...

RIP: DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys) from 2022-11-09T05:13

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, ...

301: Questlove from 2022-11-02T05:29

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 Quest...

300: Joe Wong Interviewed by Jon Wurster from 2022-10-26T04:42

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 (B...

RIP: Gabe Serbian from 2022-05-03T18:16:43

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...

RIP: Howard Grimes, RIP from 2022-02-14T23:18:22

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 ...

299: Hugo Burnham (Gang of Four) from 2021-02-17T03:26:31

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....

298: Cindy Blackman Santana from 2021-01-27T07:03:19

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...

297: Alan Braufman from 2021-01-20T04:45:06

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 Fi...

296: Jesse Shreibman (Bell Witch) from 2020-11-11T08:49:34

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

295: Chris Frantz (Tom Tom Club, Talking Heads) from 2020-11-05T21:36:17

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 everywher...

294: Eric Slick (Dr. Dog, Adrian Belew, Solo Artist) from 2020-10-14T19:05:53

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 wor...

293: Alicia Bognanno (Bully) from 2020-10-12T06:54:39

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 ...

292: Mix Master Mike (Beastie Boys, Beat Odyssey 2020, Solo Artist, etc.) from 2020-09-30T22:49:12

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 collabor...

291: Steve Jordan from 2020-09-04T00:34:18

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-sp...

290: Sam Coomes (Quasi) from 2020-08-19T06:15

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 po...

289: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival, Solo Artist) from 2020-08-12T22:38:04

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 197...

288: Johanna Warren from 2020-08-05T04:46:58

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, Midnig...

287: Jim Eno (Spoon) from 2020-07-22T04:44:57

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...

286: Sharon Van Etten from 2020-07-07T18:38:59

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.

Clic...

285: Matt Barrick (Muzz, The Walkmen, Jonathan Fire*Eatter, Fleet Foxes) from 2020-07-02T22:42:53

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--w...

284: Jim Keltner from 2020-07-01T20:22:09

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 th...

283: Angel Olsen from 2020-06-30T15:19:02

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.

282: Lenny White (Miles Davis, Return to Forever, etc.) from 2020-06-22T17:22:02

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 fir...

BNS: Sahir Hanif (Masters of Maple, Ghost Tech.) from 2020-05-27T00:30:20

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 th...

281: Honus Honus (Man Man) from 2020-05-20T22:43:20

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 excel...

280: Jenn Wasner (Flock of Dimes, Wye Oak) from 2020-05-14T23:28:06

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...

279: Andy Stack (Joyero, Wye Oak) from 2020-05-13T21:53:08

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:...

278: Roger Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish, The Lickerish Quartet, The Moog Cookbook, Beck, etc.) from 2020-05-12T04:27:38

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 it...

BNS: Charles Connor Revisited from 2020-05-12T04:27:32

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

277: Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchie, P.S., Eliot, etc.) from 2020-05-06T23:03:26

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. S...

276: Mac McCaughan (Superchunk, Merge Records, etc.) from 2020-05-05T23:09:55

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 mu...

Tony Allen, RIP from 2020-04-30T23:53:10

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.

275: Julianna Barwick from 2020-04-30T00:21:50

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 ...

274: Sean McGuinness (Pissed Jeans) from 2020-04-28T22:14:18

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 Phila...

273: Johnathan Rice from 2020-04-24T02:54:35

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 am...

272: Dot Wiggin (The Shaggs) from 2020-04-23T00:28:28

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 mu...

271: Georgia Hubley (Yo La Tengo) from 2020-04-21T23:59:16

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.

270: Duncan Trussell (The Midnight Gospel, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour) from 2020-04-20T10:57:41

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!) Du...

BNS: "Dreams Wash Away" from 2020-04-18T23:36:04

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: Listen

269: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith from 2020-04-17T01:41:39

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 vivi...

268: Andrew Becker (Human Potential, Medications) from 2020-04-16T01:26:16

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 Moni...

267: Areif Sless-Kitain (Brokeback, The Eternals, Regulator Watts) from 2020-04-15T03:31:12

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 Regulat...

266: Thor Harris (Swans, Thor&Friends, Bill Callahan, etc.) from 2020-04-13T22:33:20

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, c...

265: Makaya McCraven from 2020-04-11T22:36:52

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: bei...

264: Sean Solomon (Moaning) from 2020-04-11T01:38:17

Sean Solomon tells Joe about: taking lessons with the late Richie Hass of Saccharine Trust; growing up with a musical father and uncle; his early affinity for drugs; turning his life around in t...

263: Emil Amos + Britt Walford Returns (Holy Sons, Grails) from 2020-04-10T01:06:59

Today, an experimental three-part episode! First, Britt Walford returns to answer listener questions; then, we turn over the host seat to Britt as he interviews his friend--today's guest--Emil A...

262: Meg Baird (Meg Baird + Mary Lattimore, Espers, Heron Oblivian, Watery Love from 2020-04-09T01:38:20

Meg Baird is drummer, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Meg her musical journey playing with her sister Laura in what would become known as The Baird Sisters. She moved to Philadelphia in 1995...

261: Dave Mattacks (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Brian Eno, XTC, Paul McCartney, etc.) from 2020-04-08T01:04:09

If you had to choose the catalog of just one Trap Set alumnus to listen to during quarantine, you could do no better than today's guest, the incomparable Dave Mattacks! Dave made his recording d...

260: Billy Conway (Morphine, Jeffrey Foucault, etc.) from 2020-04-07T01:03:16

Billy Conway joins Joe from his home in Montana to discuss: growing up in small-town Minnesota; attending Yale on a hockey scholarship; teaching in the inner city; how deliberate limitations inf...

259: Kid Congo (The Pink Monkey Birds, The Gun Club, The Cramps, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) from 2020-04-06T01:11:01

Guitarist and vocalist Kid Congo Powers has been a key member of several paradigm-shifting bands such as The Gun Club, The Cramps, and The Bad Seeds. Over the past fifteen years, he's also led h...

258: Brian Chippendale (Lightning Bolt, Black Pus) from 2020-04-04T23:34:01

Brian Chippendale is perhaps best known as the drummer and vocalist for the Providence duo, Lightning Bolt. A band perfectly suited to Chippendale's singular gift for conjuring colorful and fren...

257: John Congleton (the pAper ChAse, Music Producer) from 2020-04-04T00:57:10

John Congleton and Joe first met 22 years ago in Denton, TX. John's band, the pAper chAse shared a bill with Joe's band at the time. In the intervening years, John has distinguished himself as o...

256: Meg Remy (U.S. Girls) from 2020-04-03T01:23:21

As U.S. Girls, Meg Remy has achieved an impressive songwriting balance between the familiar and the wholly unexpected. She joins Joe to discuss: why she is somewhat relieved that the global pand...

255: Britt Walford (Slint, The Breeders, Languid and Flaccid) from 2020-04-02T02:48:16

Today's guest is Britt Walford, perhaps best known as the drummer for Slint, a band he co-founded in Louisville in 1986. During its brief lifespan, Slint operated in relative obscurity; but the ...

254: Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso) from 2020-04-01T00:59:54

Joe is joined by Sylvan Esso to discuss: Elmer's Glue mohawks, Corona anxiety, songwriting, existential dread, and slap bass!

During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely...

253: Rick Smith (Torche) from 2020-03-31T01:52:33

Joe and Torche's Rick Smith first met when their respective bands shared a bill in Dallas, TX, in 2008. The two reconnected last year when Rick was in Los Angeles, touring behind Torche's excell...

252: Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) from 2020-03-29T23:05:32

Ben Gibbard is best known as the vocalist and guitarist of Death Cab for Cutie, and as co-founder of The Postal Service. Ben and Joe discuss: songwriting; the challenge of creative evolution; ex...

251: Andrya Ambro (Gold Dime, Talk Normal) from 2020-03-29T03:29

Armed with a background in orchestral percussion, hand drumming, and jazz studies, Andrya Ambro possesses a uniquely compositional drum set style and is a proud member of the Singing Drummer Clu...

250: Billy Martin (illy B; Medeski, Martin&Wood; John Zorn; Bob Moses, etc.) from 2020-03-28T01:47:54

Billy Martin joins Joe to discuss: how his parents met at Radio City Music Hall (she--a Rockette, he--a musician); his childhood affinity for Jacques Cousteau; how going to the movies informed h...

249: Matt Sharp (The Rentals, Weezer) from 2020-03-27T02:29:58

Matt Sharp and Joe gulped down thick, black coffee and hung out for well over two hours. We discussed: Matt's itinerant childhood as the son of a government contractor; working with brilliant pr...

248: Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top, The Moving Sidewalks) from 2020-03-26T02:20:36

The legendary Billy Gibbons joins Joe to discuss: his love of Fugazi; studying percussion with Tito Puente; attending art school in Hollywood; Roky Erickson; his uncle, Cedric Gibbons, the most ...

247: Mike Bordin (Faith No More, Ozzy Osborne) from 2020-03-25T00:10:08

Mike Bordin delivers trance inducing rhythmic patterns with earth-shattering power. This inimitable style places him in the pantheon of all-time great rock drummers. Mike and Joe discuss: Mike's...

246: Chad Clark (Beauty Pill, Smart Went Crazy) from 2020-03-24T02:06:42

Chad Clark's parents were attorneys positioned at the vanguard of the civil rights movement, representing the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and James Baldwin. Ergo, Chad feels that--howev...

245: Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rocket Juice&the Moon, Atoms for Peace) from 2020-03-23T01:00:21

Before attaining massive success with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea was a wild child, roaming the streets of Hollywood. He and Joe discuss: the unfamiliar vulnerability he faced when writing his e...

244: Cedric Bixler-Zavala (The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In, De Facto, etc.) from 2020-03-22T01:02:13

Cedric Bixler-Zavala is best known as the explosive vocalist for bands like The Mars Volta and At The Drive-In, but he is also an accomplished drummer. He and Joe discuss: a punk rock video arca...

243: Joan Wasser (Joan As Policewoman) from 2020-03-21T01:18:06

Joan Wasser began her career as a session musician for artists like Elton John, Lou Reed, John Cale, and Sparklehorse. It wasn't until she was in her 30s, that Joan began writing her own, highly...

242: Sean Tillmann (Har Mar Superstar, Heart Bones) from 2020-03-19T23:21:15

Sean Tillmann and Joe met when Sean played in Joe's basement in the late '90s. Sean tells Joe about: his early love of community theater; the origins of his ambitious nature; creating his Har Ma...

241: Buzz Osborne (Melvins) from 2020-03-18T23:19:23

For nearly 40 years, The Melvins have been an astounding live band and peerless in their prolific ability to create a consistently adventurous body of work--a musical universe unto itself. Buzz ...

240: Meshell Ndegeocello from 2020-03-17T20:48:51

Because many of you are on lockdown due to the Corona virus outbreak. We're bringing you new episodes of The Trap Set every day for the foreseeable future.

Today's episode features the in...

239: Laura Veirs from 2020-03-16T23:00:11

Life has slowed down as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, so we're using the extra time at home as an opportunity to create and release a new episode of The Trap Set everyday until further n...

238: Mike Post (Rockford Files, A-Team, Van Halen, Dolly Parton, etc.) from 2020-03-04T06:18:20

Mike Post started out as a studio guitarist, recording on hits such as Sunny and Cher's "I Got You Babe." As a producer, he won a Grammy for "Classical Gas" in 1968 and worked with artists rangi...

237: Jeff Friedl (Beta Machine, Devo, A Perfect Circle, etc.) from 2020-02-26T04:00:58

Jeff Friedl drums with well-considered precision and a soulful groove. Jeff and Joe were born in the same year and discovered some interesting similarities in their respective life trajectories....

236: Jason Sutter (Cher, Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, etc.) from 2020-02-12T05:59:43

Jason Sutter is a consummate professional with a command of the craft of drumming that has allowed him to thrive in seemingly disparate situations ranging from Cher to Marilyn Manson. Jason grew...

235: Money Mark (Beastie Boys, Beck, Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group, Solo) from 2020-02-05T06:32:35

Creative polymath, Money Mark, visits The Trap Set to discuss: working as a carpenter at a film studio; why his parents' bi-racial marriage forced them from their home state; occasionally sleepi...

234: Hunt Sales (Hunt Sales Memorial, Tin Machine, Iggy Pop) from 2020-01-29T05:48:30

Hunt Sales discusses his itinerant childhood (his father was legendary comedian, Soupy Sales); being mentored by Shelly Manne; beginning his professional career at age eleven; overcoming addicti...

233: Ben Lee (Noise Addict, Solo Artist) from 2020-01-22T06:53:15

Like many children of the 90s, Ben Lee started a band that was inspired by artists such as Sonic Youth, The Breeders, and Sebadoh; but remarkably, that band--Noise Addict--quickly joined the ran...

232: Josiah Wolf (Why?) from 2020-01-15T06:13:08

Josiah Wolf possesses a uniquely compositional drumming style, coupled with a gift for dynamic sensitivity. He tells Joe about Why?, a band he co-founded in 2004; his creative partnership with h...

231: Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes, Trigger Hippy) from 2019-12-11T11:32

Steve Gorman's natural sense of groove and knack for rhythmic hooks helped propel the Black Crowes to massive success. Over the course of a two hour conversation, Steve tells Joe about: growing ...

230: Janet Weiss (Quasi, Sleater-Kinney, Wild Flag, Elliott Smith, etc.) from 2019-11-20T08:07:59

Janet Fucking Weiss! 2019 has been an eventful year for Janet Weiss. She left Sleater-Kinney after a twenty-four year run and soon after suffered a major car accident. Janet tells Joe about grow...

229: Anna Waronker (That Dog) from 2019-11-11T06:25:48

Anna Waronker was born into a storied music family, but--as a child--she dreamed of working at the post office or becoming an accountant. Her gift for angular melody and vivid lyricism led her t...

228: Mary Lattimore (Solo Artist, Thurston Moore, Meg Baird, Kurt Vile etc.) from 2019-10-23T12:09:08

Mary Lattimore deploys her classical harp training to construct immersive, improvisatory sound worlds. A relentless road warrior, she routinely spends over 200 days a year on tour, both as a ban...

227: Paddy Boom (Scissor Sisters, Solo Artist) from 2019-10-16T06:01:09

Paddy Boom began his career in the 1980s New York punk scene. In the early 2000s, his metronomic groove helped launch Scissor Sisters to wild international success. But a series of tragedies der...

226: Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) from 2019-10-09T05:37:32

Chris Carrabba's gift for melodic hooks and his sincere, vulnerable lyrical approach won him a devoted and durable fan base. He tells Joe about: growing up in a "wealth adjacent" environment; sl...

225: Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) from 2019-10-02T07:38:44

Hugh Grundy's catchy rhythmic hooks and swinging groove helped The Zombies become on of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time. He and Joe discuss: growing up in post-war Engla...

224: Ali Koehler (Vivian Girls) from 2019-09-25T06:56:35

Ali Koehler's propulsive drumming paints vivid pictures with a deliberately minimalist palette, but--due partially to an abusive teacher--she has always had a difficult time identifying as a dru...

223: Jimmy LaValle (The Album Leaf, Tristeza, The Locust, Film Composer, etc.) from 2019-09-18T06:40:55

Joe met this week's guest--Jimmy LaValle--on tour over twenty years ago. A lot has happened in the intervening time, and Jimmy catches Joe up on: the genesis and evolution of The Album Leaf; bec...

222: Hrishikesh Hirway (The One AM Radio, Song Exploder, etc.) from 2019-09-04T07:18:01

By any external measure, Hrishikesh Hirway is an incredibly successful polymath; but boy, is he ever hard on himself. Or perhaps his success is due—at least in part—to the fact he is so hard on ...

BNS: Bill Bruford Revisited from 2019-08-28T04:50:10

We're moving Trap Set Headquarters! This week, we're revisiting our conversation with the incomparable Bill Bruford. Bill happens to be a favorite drummer of last week's guest, Danny Carey, who ...

221:Danny Carey (Tool, Green Jello, Carole King, Zaum, etc.) from 2019-08-21T05:27:56

Danny Carey is the rare artist with a wildly ambitious imagination, coupled with the virtuosic ability to manifest his singular ideas. Joe joined Danny at his Hollywood studio for one of our loo...

220: Billy Brimblecom (The START, Blackpool Lights, Steps of Faith Foundation) from 2019-08-14T05:50:50

Billy Brimblecom plays drums with an emphatic crispness, that has made him a valued member of his native Kansas City music scene since the 90s. After achieving many of his childhood musical drea...

219: Joey Armstrong (SWMRS) from 2019-08-07T07:29:21

Joey Armstrong co-founded SWMRS when he was still in grade school, and at the age of 24, he already has decades of musical experience. Joey talks about: the benefits of hailing from a well known...

BNS: Carla Azar Revisited from 2019-07-31T07:23:32

This week, we're renovating Trap Set HQ; so we're sharing one of our favorite episodes, featuring the great Carla Azar. This episode was recorded a few years ago. Carla is currently busy with se...

218: Steven McDonald (Redd Kross, Melvins, Off!) from 2019-07-24T05:50:18

When he was eleven years old, Steven McDonald co-founded a band with his older brother, Jeff. That band, which soon became known as Redd Kross, became a fixture on the late 70s LA punk scene and...

217: J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, GI, Channels, Office of Future Plans, etc.) from 2019-07-17T04:43:29

As a member of influential bands such as Jawbox, Burning Airlines, and Channels, J. Robbins exhibits an exceptional gift for unorthodox yet unforgettable vocal melodies counterbalanced with jagg...

216: Aaron Harris (Isis) from 2019-07-10T05:16:31

Aaron Harris comes from a family of ship builders. Although he broke from tradition to become a drummer, his drumming is finely crafted and architectural, evoking images of a sleek and efficient...

BNS: Sara Lund Revisited from 2019-07-03T05:06:47

This week, we're taking off for the holiday; so we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes, featuring the incomparable Sara Lund. Sara is still playing with Nocturnal Habits and Hungry Ghost....

215: Ray Barbee from 2019-06-26T09:30:07

Skateboarding and music have been forever intertwined. This week’s guest, Ray Barbee, while best known as a pioneering skateboarder, is also a serious musician. Ray tells Joe about: coming from ...

214: Jeff Parker (Tortoise, AACM, Solo Artist) from 2019-06-19T06:27:19

Jeff Parker—one of his generation’s preeminent guitarists—talks with Joe about: his aversion to formal education, despite having teachers as parents; attending Berklee; living in Chicago, “the c...

213: Greg Anderson (Sunn O)))) from 2019-06-12T07:56:23

Greg Anderson of Sunn O))) discusses the creation of the band’s massive sound; the evolution of the creative dynamic with his partner Stephen O’Malley; musical monogamy; collaborating with the l...

212: Hayden Menzies (Metz) from 2019-06-05T05:55:11

Hayden Menzies drums with a sense of controlled bombast; his beats are often as memorable as melodic hooks. He tells Joe about his musician parents; his tight relationship with his brothers; lea...

211: Mindee Jorgensen (Dale Crover Band, Dangerously Sleezy, ModPods) from 2019-05-29T05:45:58

Mindee Jorgensen experienced a devastating loss at an early age and found solace in music. She tells Joe about: growing up in Iowa; marching band; making lifelong friends through punk rock; leav...

210: Mary Timony (Ex Hex, Helium, Autoclave, Wild Flag) from 2019-05-22T05:01:23

A consistently adventurous artist, Mary Timony inhabits the intersection of virtuosity and experimental abandon. Her diverse, decades-spanning body of work firmly establishes her as one of her g...

209: Craig Wedren (Shudder to Think, Film Composer) from 2019-05-15T06:11:46

Craig Wedren is a Midwest native whose father owned a fast food chain. He spent some time in DC, fronting the influential band Shudder to Think, while developing a career as a film composer, eve...

208: Jay Bellerose (Sam Phillips, T Bone Burnett, Plant/Krauss, Paula Cole) from 2019-05-08T04:18:52

Over the past forty years, Jay Bellerose has earned a reputation for musical excellence and rarified artistic integrity. He tells Joe about: growing up in large family in Maine; losing his fathe...

207: Aldous Harding from 2019-05-01T06:20:07

Over the course of three excellent albums, Aldous Harding has distinguished herself as an incredibly compelling songwriter with a singular voice. Aldous and Joe discuss: impermanence, inner voic...

BNS: Brian Blade Revisited from 2019-04-24T04:52:44

This week, we're hard at work recording new episodes, so we're sharing one of our all time favorite Trap Set conversations featuring the singular genius, Brian Blade.

206: Bardo Martinez (Chicano Batman, The Doves) from 2019-04-18T07:39:42

Best known as the lead singer for LA band, Chicano Batman, Bardo Martinez has recently embarked on a solo career. Joe spoke to Bardo last year in front of a live audience at Ace Hotel, Palm Spri...

BNS: Mimi Parker Revisited (Low) from 2019-04-10T04:18:17

This week, we revisit one of our favorite episodes, featuring the great Mimi Parker of Low.

205: Tucker Rule (Thursday) from 2019-04-03T07:45:56

For 20 years, Tucker Rule's crisp, authoritative drumming has laid the foundation for the band Thursday. Tucker discusses: his childhood obsession with baseball; recording and touring shortly af...

204: Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone LIVE (The Zombies) from 2019-03-27T04:28:31

The Zombies are, simply put, the greatest rock band in the world. This week, the band's co-founders Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone discuss: the formation of the band; why the group's initial ten...

203: Ian Mackaye Pt. 2 (Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Evens, etc.) from 2019-03-20T06:37:43

This Week: Part Two of our conversation with Ian MacKaye.

Four years ago, we began The Trap Set with Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty. As we expand the show from drummers-only to all musician...

202: Ian MacKaye Pt. 1 (Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Evens, etc.) from 2019-03-13T07:29:15

As a member of bands such as The Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Embrace, Fugazi, and The Evens—as well as co-founder of Dischord Records—Ian MacKaye has been involved in the creation and disseminatio...

201: Brooks Headley (Born Against, Oldest, Universal Order of Armageddon, etc.) from 2019-03-06T06:50:49

Brooks Headley fell in love with music while listening to Dr. Demento on his grandmother’s radio. He’s also had a lifetime obsession with food, leading to a career working in--and eventually own...

200: Episode 200 Spectacular! from 2019-02-06T06:08:25

To celebrate our 200th episode, past guest and friend of the show Patty Schemel returns, this time to interview Joe. They discuss how creating The Trap Set has affected the trajectory of Joe's l...

199: Larry Herweg (Pelican, INTRCPTR) from 2019-01-30T05:08:55

Larry Herweg’s commanding drumming has helped shaped Pelican’s dense, longform compositions for nearly 20 years. He tells Joe about: growing up in Illinois; being a late (musical) bloomer; how a...

BNS: John Good (Drum Workshop) from 2019-01-23T04:59:35

In this bonus episode, Joe talks to John Good, vice president of Drum Workshop.

198: Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) from 2019-01-16T07:24:57

For 25 years, Zach Lind has carved a creative niche within the often rigid parameters of modern rock. He talks about: manufacturing pressure to force the creative process along; growing up with ...

197: Mona Tavakoli (Raining Jane, Jason Mraz, Ebi) from 2019-01-09T04:42:02

Mona Tavakoli is a modern polymath whose impressive versatility and fierce creativity have resulted in a 20 year tenure in Raining Jane, along with collaborations with artists such as Jason Mraz...

196: Budgie (The Slits, Siouxsie Sioux and The Banshees, The Creatures, John Grant, etc.) from 2019-01-02T02:15:38

Budgie has the rare ability to metabolize influences ranging from taiko to dub, from gamelan to punk to Indian classical, all into a singular, uniquely fiery artistic identity. His poetic sense ...

BNS: Steve Gadd Revisited from 2018-12-26T08:53:35

We're closing out the year by revisiting a pensive conversation with one of the greatest drummers of all time, Steve Gadd. (This episode was recorded in 2015 and originally released in early 201...

BNS: Bill Cardwell (C&C Drum Company) from 2018-12-19T09:10:37

This week, a fascinating bonus episode with Bill Cardwell--drum builder and co-founder of C&C Drum Company. Dozens of our guests have played Bill's drums; get to know the deeply compelling perso...

195: Bryan St. Pere (Hum) from 2018-12-12T05:59

Illinois band Hum created an expansive sound world, and Bryan St. Pere’s drumming is the beacon that guides the listener through thick fields of distortion. Bryan tells Joe about: his fascinatio...

194: Jason Gerken (Shiner, Molly McGuire, Season of Risk, Birth Defects, etc.) from 2018-12-05T04:28:31

Jason Gerken likes to party. He also has the unique ability to make unexpected musical choices sound natural and powerful. Jason tells Joe about: why his parents tried to prevent him from becomi...

193: Nabil Ayers (The Lemons, The Long Winters, 4AD, Sonic Boom) from 2018-11-28T06:31:55

Nabil Ayers was born into a deeply musical family and began playing drums as a toddler. Eventually, he toured and recorded with bands such as The Lemons and The Long Winters, his experiences as ...

192: Kevin Haskins (Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets, etc.) from 2018-11-21T08:39:38

Kevin Haskins's spare, hypnotic style laid the foundation for goth luminaries, Bauhaus. He tells Joe about: growing up in Northampton; seeing bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin; how the burgeon...

191: Aaron Sterling (John Mayer, Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Liz Phair, etc.) from 2018-11-14T06:37:48

Aaron Sterling's percussive prowess would have gotten him plenty of work during the golden age of the recording studio, but his attention to sonics and ability to self engineer make him a quinte...

190: Parker Kindred (Joan As Police Woman, Jeff Buckley, Amen Dunes, etc.) from 2018-11-07T04:26:07

Parker Kindred has a supernatural gift of musical intuition. His intensely imaginative, lyrical playing style imbues the music with a deep hypnotic subtlety. Joe joined Parker in his Williamsbur...

189: Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Marianne Faithfull, Bat for Lashes, Cold Specks, etc.) from 2018-10-31T05:25:30

Rob Ellis possesses the dynamic touch of a concert musician, the ferocity of a punk rocker, and the compositional sense of a New Music luminary; but it's Rob's extraordinary capacity for musical...

BNS: Rob Ellis on Addiction and Recovery from 2018-10-31T05:11:17

In this bonus mini-episode, Rob Ellis discusses his struggles with alcohol and the decision to become sober. Be sure to check out Rob's introspectively intense full-length episode, also availabl...

BNS: Steven Drozd Revisited from 2018-10-24T04:54:22

We're hard at work on new episodes, so this week, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips. Steven has a new podcast of his own called Sorcerer's ...

188: Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Volumen Cero, JJ Lin, Teagan and Sara, etc.) from 2018-10-17T07:37:38

Brendan Buckley’s omnivorous musical taste, disciplined approach, and granular attention to detail make him well-suited for work with artists such as Tegan and Sara, Roberto Carlos, Volumen Cero...

187: Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, Earthworks, UK, Genesis, Bruford) from 2018-10-10T05:03:33

Bill Bruford’s instantly identifiable sound and brilliant sense of composition made him the defining drummer of the progressive rock movement; but at age 60, after four decades in the music busi...

186: Rat Scabies (The Damned) from 2018-10-03T04:25:59

Rat Scabies and his influential band, The Damned, were integral members of the fledgling UK punk community. Rat's controlled bombast earned him comparisons to Keith Moon and Mitch Mitchell. He a...

185: Fay Milton (Savages, 180dB) from 2018-09-26T06:06:31

A classically trained percussionist, Fay Milton possesses an adventurous compositional sense and keen sonic sensitivity that helped Savages become one of the most exciting, critically-lauded ban...

184: Mick "Woody" Woodmansey (David Bowie, Art Garfunkel, U-Boat, Holy Holy) from 2018-09-19T06:36:47

Woody Woodmansey propelled the legendary Spiders from Mars to international stardom and helped the post-war generation escape the prison of banality. Woody tells Joe about growing up in Northern...

BNS: Tessa Pollitt (The Slits) from 2018-09-12T16:24:04

In this Bonus Episode, The Slits bassist, Tessa Pollitt, sat down with Joe after a recent screening of "Here to Be Heard", a documentary about the band.

183: Nate Wood (Kneebody, Four) from 2018-09-05T03:15:55

Nate Wood has a gift for mastery when it comes to the mechanics of music; but he also possesses a creative clarity that transcends mere virtuosity. He talks about growing up in a musical family;...

182: Ryan Pope (The Get Up Kids) from 2018-08-29T09:19:27

Ryan Pope's metronomical groove and uniquely memorable beats helped The Get Up Kids become one of the most influential rock bands to emerge from the Midwest during the 1990s. Ryan tells Joe abou...

181: Alan Cage (Quicksand, Seaweed) from 2018-08-22T05:24:19

Formed in 1990 in New York City, Quicksand drew inspiration from the energy of their native hardcore scene. Powered by drummer Alan Cage's dexterous groove, the band's angular compositions usher...

180: Adam Topol (Jack Johnson, Culver City Dub Collective, etc.) from 2018-08-15T05:43:45

Adam Topol's formative years were spent listening to Kiss and punk rock, but he soon discovered a lifelong passion for jazz and world music that influenced his diverse career. He tells Joe about...

179: Matt Helders (The Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop) from 2018-08-08T04:26:46

The Arctic Monkeys started out as more of an aspiration than an actual band--its members were teenagers who had just started playing their instruments. But--after gaining some online notoriety--...

178: Geoff Mann and Marcos Garcia (Here Lies Man, Antibalas) from 2018-08-01T06:30:37

On 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 recor...

177: Lucky Lehrer (Circle Jerks) from 2018-07-25T07:13:50

Lucky 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-Be...

176: Dean "Clean" Sabatino (The Dead Milkmen, I Think Like Midnight) from 2018-07-18T04:40:58

Formed 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 e...

BNS: Dale Crover Returns! from 2018-07-18T04:40:40

The 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...

175: Tony Hajjar (At The Drive-In, Sparta, Gone is Gone) from 2018-07-11T04:07:27

Tony 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, ...

174: Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson, Beastie Boys) from 2018-07-04T07:15:02

Kate 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 ab...

173: John "J.R." Robinson (Rufus, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Daft Punk, etc.) from 2018-06-27T04:55:10

John "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 sess...

172: Pete Moffett (Government Issue, Wool, Burning Airlines, Second Letter, etc.) from 2018-06-20T06:54:21

Pete 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; t...

171: Dave Elitch (Antemasque, Justin Timberlake, M83, Killer Be Killed) from 2018-06-13T05:46:08

Dave 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 ...

BNS: Ezra Miller from 2018-06-13T05:40:41

In 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 fr...

170: Brian Blade (Fellowship, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, etc.) from 2018-06-06T07:20:17

Brian 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 chur...

169: Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, Prophets of Rage) from 2018-05-30T08:22:27

Rage 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 co...

168: Michael Shrieve (Santana, Go, Solo Artist) from 2018-05-23T05:53:09

In 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 succes...

167: Live from KEXP, Seattle from 2018-05-16T03:59:23

This 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 e...

166: Karriem Riggins (Ray Brown, Hank Jones, J Dilla, Common) from 2018-05-09T03:31:56

Karriem 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: bei...

RIP: Remembering John "Jabo" Starks from 2018-05-02T05:12:19

Yesterday, 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...

165: Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, Barrett Martin Group, Mad Season, REM) from 2018-04-25T07:26:39

In 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 ...

164: Adrienne Davies (Earth) from 2018-04-18T07:39:46

Adrienne 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 son...

163: Atom Willard (Against Me!, Rocket from the Crypt, Angels and Airwaves, The Offspring) from 2018-04-11T06:02:59

Atom 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 Jo...

162: Ralph Johnson (Earth Wind&Fire) from 2018-04-04T07:42:15

Ralph 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. ...

161: Dan Bailey (Father John Misty) from 2018-03-28T05:32:48

Dan 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 Co...

160: Adam Carson (AFI) from 2018-03-21T04:30:16

Adam 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 T...

BNS: Joey Castillo Answers Listener Questions from 2018-03-21T04:22:08

In 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 othe...

159: Joey Castillo (Wasted Youth, Sugartooth, QotSA, Eagles of Death Metal, Zakk Sabbath) from 2018-03-14T06:13:53

Joey 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 wi...

158: Stephanie Luke AKA Rusty Coathanger (The Coathangers) from 2018-03-07T07:43:06

Stephanie 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...

157: Orpheo McCord (The Magnetic Zeros, Cass McCombs, The Fall) from 2018-03-01T23:50:17

Orpheo 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 Th...

156: Michael Stuart-Ware (Love, The Sons of Adam) from 2018-02-21T05:46:11

Although 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)....

155: Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (The Killers, Big Talk) from 2018-02-14T08:18:37

Ronnie 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...

Remembering Leon "Ndugu" Chancler from 2018-02-07T04:53:20

Last 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. Cha...

154: The Trap Set Turns Three! from 2018-01-31T06:01:07

"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 ov...

153: Abe Rounds (Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal, Doyle Bramhall, Andrew Bird) from 2018-01-24T06:29:43

Abe 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 ...

152: Live in Minnesota (Eric Gravatt, Lori Barbero, Todd Trainer, Gordy Knudtson) from 2018-01-17T08:29:05

Joe 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 ...

151: Chad Molter (Faraquet, Medications, Grass) from 2018-01-10T05:34:04

Chad 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 ...

ML1: Laura Veirs + Carol Kaye (Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Frank Sinatra, etc.) from 2018-01-03T09:50:17

Over 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...

BNS: Bernard Purdie Revisited from 2017-12-27T04:54:45

The 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 a...

BNS: Bill Ward Answers Listener Questions from 2017-12-20T03:08:21

In 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 ...

150: Bill Ward (Black Sabbath, Day of Errors) from 2017-12-13T05:49:36

As 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...

149: Bryan Devendorf (The National) from 2017-12-06T07:00:53

Despite a deceptively unassuming stage persona, Bryan Devendorf's cleverly deconstructed beats are central to The National's sonic identity. He tel...

BNS: Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Solo Artist) from 2017-11-29T05:31:12

This 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) from 2017-11-22T06:48:27

Aaron 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 excitin...

147: Scott McPherson (Elliott Smith, M. Ward, Sense Field, etc.) from 2017-11-15T07:41:16

Scott 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 ar...

146: Dave King (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple) from 2017-11-08T07:02:19

Minnesota 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...

145: Riley Breckenridge (Thrice, Less Art) from 2017-11-01T04:42:46

Riley 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 h...

144: Steven Drozd (The Flaming Lips) from 2017-10-25T02:46:35

Steven 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 contributi...

143: Jojo Mayer (Nerve) from 2017-10-20T21:00:51

Jojo 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" from 2017-10-16T17:04:45

Fred 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. Vi...

142: Lia Simone Braswell from 2017-10-11T05:16:15

Raised 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, he...

Remembering Tom Petty, Steve Ferrone from 2017-10-04T05:10:17

The 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 He...

141: Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot, Bombastic Meatbats) from 2017-09-27T08:39:41

Chad 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...

140: Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Donny McCaslin, Solo Artist) from 2017-09-20T03:51:03

A 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 stron...

139: Louis Hayes (Cannonball Adderly, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, etc.) from 2017-09-13T05:19:34

Louis 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 Coltran...

138: Shayna Dunkelman (Xiu Xiu, Peptalk) from 2017-09-06T05:17:25

Xiu 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 care...

137: Greg Saunier (Deerhoof) from 2017-08-30T07:41:36

Over 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 ...

BNS: Mimi Parker Answers Your Questions from 2017-08-30T07:37:52

In 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. ...

136: Viola Smith (The Smith Sisters, The Coquettes) from 2017-08-23T05:19:05

Born 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 f...

BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Your Questions from 2017-08-23T05:14:21

In this bonus mini-episode, Stephen Perkins answers listeners' questions.

135: Ryan Sawyer (Zeena Parkins, Charles Gayle, Boredoms, At The Drive In) from 2017-08-16T03:45:10

Ryan 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 ...

BNS: Steve Ferrone Answers Your Questions from 2017-08-16T03:43:52

In this bonus mini-episode, Steve Ferrone answers questions from YOU, our listeners.

134: Roland&Steve Albini (Big Black, Rapeman, Shellac) from 2017-08-09T06:04:19

Roland, 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.) from 2017-08-02T07:04:38

For 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...

132: Pablo Rieppi from 2017-07-26T05:47:35

Born 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 t...

131: James Sclavunos (Nick Cave&The Bad Seeds, Lydia Lunch, Sonic Youth, The Cramps, etc.) from 2017-07-19T05:37:39

James 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 t...

130: Susie Ibarra from 2017-07-12T05:57

Susie 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 id...

129: Sebastien Grainger (Death from Above) from 2017-07-05T05:14:44

Sebastien 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,...

128: Mimi Parker (Low) from 2017-06-28T06:57:36

Low'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...

127: Phil Collins (Genesis, Brand X, Phil Collins) from 2017-06-21T08:10:44

"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; f...

BNS: Phil Collins Preview from 2017-06-14T09:01:14

In 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 f...

126: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, Chaka Khan, etc.) from 2017-06-07T06:59:52

Steve 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; get...

125: Live from Milwaukee (Victor DeLorenzo, Dan Didier, Shane Hochstetler, Jon Mueller) from 2017-05-31T06:18:48

Late 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 J...

124: Leah Shapiro (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) from 2017-05-24T05:11:06

Leah 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...

123: Jason McGerr (Death Cab For Cutie) from 2017-05-17T07:01

Jason 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; jo...

122: Mitchell Feldstein (Lungfish, Arboretum) from 2017-05-10T06:54:04

Mitchell 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 ban...

121: Jim Derogatis (Vortis, Sound Opinions) from 2017-05-03T05:23:21

A 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 a...

120: Jose Medeles (1939 Ensemble, The Breeders, Revival Drum Shop) from 2017-04-26T06:00:51

Illinois 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 ...

119: Jon Szanto (Harry Partch Ensemble, San Diego Symphony) from 2017-04-19T07:08:06

Jon 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 Sympho...

BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Listener Questions from 2017-04-19T06:52:02

Stephen 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 podca...

118: Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, Banyan, NiN, Infectious Grooves) from 2017-04-12T06:27:21

Jane'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 Perk...

117: Marian Li Pino (La Luz) from 2017-04-05T05:45:53

Marian 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 pressur...

116: Ian Chang (Son Lux, Landlady, Ex Reyes) from 2017-03-29T05:45:48

Hong 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...

115: Ignacio Berroa (Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Tito Puente, Solo Artist) from 2017-03-22T07:52:21

Born 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, ...

114: Butch Vig (Garbage, Fire Town, Spooner) from 2017-03-15T03:40:01

Butch 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 ...

BNS: Damon Che Answers Listeners' Questions from 2017-03-15T03:08:16

In 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 ...

113: Damon Che (Don Caballero) from 2017-03-08T06:53:57

As 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" clos...

112: Charles Connor (Little Richard, Professor Longhair, Shirley&Lee, Sam Cooke) from 2017-03-01T06:53:24

As 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 discuss...

111: Live from The Drum Thing (Keltner, Hall, Gadson, Sclavunos, Drumbo)! from 2017-02-22T05:49:58

Joe 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 pa...

Remembering Clyde Stubblefield from 2017-02-20T22:46:21

Clyde 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;...

110: Martin Chambers (The Pretenders) from 2017-02-15T08:49:07

Martin 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 ...

BNS: Martin Chambers Answers Your Questions from 2017-02-15T08:43:13

In this bonus mini-episode, Martin Chambers--of The Pretenders--answers listeners' questions.

109: Jeremiah Green (Modest Mouse, World Gang) from 2017-02-08T08:38:43

Jeremiah 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, leavi...

108: Davey Brozowski (Modest Mouse, Black Whales, The Catheters) from 2017-02-01T09:26:43

Davey 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; crea...

107: Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms For Peace, Elliott Smith, Ultraista, REM) from 2017-01-25T10:24:03

Joey 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 di...

106: Coady Willis (Big Business, Melvins, The Murder City Devils, Hew Time) from 2017-01-18T08:16:22

Coady 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 wi...

105: Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Return To Forever, Jobim, Flora Purim, etc.) from 2017-01-11T08:52:35

Throughout 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 upbring...

BNS: Carla Azar Answers Your Questions from 2017-01-11T08:46:36

Carla Azar answers listeners' questions about PJ Harvey, Jim Keltner, Elvis Costello, and...paradiddles.

104: Carla Azar (Autolux, Jack White, T Bone Burnett) from 2017-01-04T08:04:29

Carla 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 ...

103: Mark Trombino (Drive Like Jehu) from 2016-12-28T01:40:05

Although 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...

102: Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Hound, Open City) from 2016-12-21T08:50:55

Chris 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 eig...

101: London May (Samhain, Reptile House, Distorted Pony) from 2016-12-14T09:35:19

While 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 ...

100: Joe Wong interviewed by Brendan Canty (Parts&Labor, Marnie Stern, Mary Timony, The Trap Set) from 2016-12-07T09:22:24

It'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...

099: Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) from 2016-11-30T07:48:39

By 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-ins...

098: Amy Knoles (Cal Arts, California E.A.R. Unit) from 2016-11-23T05:29:22

For the past four decades, Amy Knoles has pushed the boundaries of percussion and contemporary music in general. As the executive director of California E.A.R. unit, she has championed the work ...

097: Matt Tong (Bloc Party, Algiers) from 2016-11-16T07:08:11

Matt Tong's inventively staggered grooves and unhinged energy helped launch Bloc party to critical acclaim and worldwide commercial success. He talks to Joe about how he developed his unique sty...

096: Gabe Serbian (The Locust, Head Wound City) from 2016-11-09T05:00:56

As the drummer for The Locust, Gabe Serbian powered one of the most unique, frenetic, and influential bands to hail from the fertile San Diego rock scene of the 90s. Gabe talks to Joe about grow...

095: Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Wellwater Conspiracy) from 2016-11-02T09:36:07

Matt Cameron burst onto the Seattle rock scene in the early 80s. His singular style combines brute force, exceptional finesse, and a keen compositional sensibility. Matt  tells Joe about his SoC...

BNS: Matt Cameron Answers Listener Questions from 2016-11-02T09:28:06

In this bonus mini-episode, Matt Cameron answers listeners’ questions. He discusses Elvin, Tony, Gadd, spirit animals, rim shots, artistic instincts, musical confidence, click tracks, and more!

094: William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft) from 2016-10-26T06:28:48

As drummer for Sunny Day Real Estate, William Goldsmith was the emotional core of one of the most influential and enigmatic rock bands of his generation. He was invited to join Dave Grohl as the...

093: Lol Tolhurst (The Cure) from 2016-10-19T06:11:03

As the founding drummer of The Cure, Lol Tolhurst developed a unique style that is sometimes wild and tribal, sometimes precise and machine-like. He tells Joe about growing up in postwar UK; his...

BNS: Carmine Appice Remembers Buddy Rich (Bonus Mini-Episode) from 2016-10-19T05:59:25

In this bonus, mini-episode, Carmine Appice remembers his relationship with the great Buddy Rich. You can hear Carmine's full episode by subscribing to The Trap Set for free.

092: Zach Barocas (Jawbox, The Up On In, Bells≥) from 2016-10-12T05:54:59

While most drummers strive to "play for the song", Zach Barocas's unique, innovative drumming is an essential element of the song. He tells Joe about growing up in Rochester, NY; the unusual way...

091: Adam Wade (Shudder To Think, Jawbox) from 2016-10-05T05:46:33

Adam Wade's inventive, angular drumming first emerged in the early 1990s, as DC punk bands began experimenting with more complex, sophisticated song structures than their hardcore predecessors. ...

090: Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Rod Stewart, etc.) from 2016-09-28T06:02:54

Carmine Appice first achieved mainstream recognition as the drummer for Vanilla Fudge. Over the subsequent 50 years, he has established himself as one of the most influential drummers in the his...

089: Laura Harris (Ex Hex, The Aquarium, Benjy Ferree) from 2016-09-21T07:00:07

Laura Harris's powerfully lean style provides the perfect foundation for the expertly crafted, hook-laden songs of Ex Hex. She tells Joe about working at DC's legendary rock club, The Black Cat;...

088: Greg Fox (Liturgy, Guardian Alien, Zs) from 2016-09-14T07:20:49

Greg Fox has worked with many of the most exciting groups to hail from New York in the past decade, and his unique style also lends itself well to solo percussion music. Greg tells Joe about his...

087: Todd Trainer (Shellac, Brick Layer Cake) from 2016-09-07T06:08:44

Over the course of the past three decades, Todd Trainer has distinguished himself as one of his generation’s most unique rock drummers. Both visceral and sophisticated, he executes brilliantly c...

BNS: Sly Dunbar Answers Listener Questions from 2016-09-07T05:44:22

In this bonus mini-episode, the legendary Sly Dunbar answers your questions about Bob Dylan, Serge Gainsbourg, his favorite studio snacks, and more.

086: Sly Dunbar (Sly&Robbie, Grace Jones, Peter Tosh, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) from 2016-08-31T06:59:48

Sly Dunbar burst onto the Kingston music scene in the early 1970s. Along with his partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Sly revolutionized Jamaican music and appeared on countless hits. As reggae...

085: Ben Blackwell (The Dirtbombs, Jack White, Cass Records, Third Man Records) from 2016-08-24T06:17:06

Ben Blackwell first made a name for himself as one of two drummers for the Detroit-based band The Dirtbombs. He has also been active as a journalist, songwriter, and owner of Cass Records. He me...

BNS: Mac McNeilly Answers Your Questions from 2016-08-24T06:13:01

In this bonus mini-episode, Mac McNeilly answers your questions about The Jesus Lizard, prog rock, and working out. The topic of Phil Collins is also discussed.

084: Gregg Keplinger (WAH, Keplinger Drums) from 2016-08-17T04:49:45

When he was a young man, Gregg Keplinger sneaked into a coat room to hear John Coltrane play with Elvin Jones. He drew inspiration from that experience and developed a fiery, sensitive style of ...

083: Mac McNeilly (The Jesus Lizard) from 2016-08-10T07:32:16

With a massive sound and a pummeling groove, Mac McNeilly served as the anchor for the compellingly bizarre, highly influential band The Jesus Lizard. At the peak of his powers (and popularity),...

082: Homer Steinweiss (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, The Mighty Imperials) from 2016-08-03T06:44:30

As one of the funkiest drummers working today, Homer Steinweiss carries the torch lit by legends such as Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo Starks, and James Gadson. He tells Joe about growing up in Manha...

081: Sebastian Thomson (Trans Am, Baroness, Publicist) from 2016-07-27T04:50:27

Sebastian Thomson burst onto the scene as the drummer of the genre-defying band Trans Am. He tells Joe about growing up as a "super nerd" in Argentina and The United States; withdrawing from aca...

080: Richie Ramone (The Ramones) from 2016-07-20T06:20:56

As the third drummer for punk pioneers, The Ramones, Richie Ramone brought new creative energy to the band--not only as a drummer, but as a songwriter and vocalist. Frontman, Joey, once said tha...

079: Amy Farina (The Evens, The Warmers) from 2016-07-13T05:05:43

Joe is joined by DC resident, Amy Farina, a drummer who possesses a supernaturally spacious groove, coupled with an inventive compositional aesthetic. Amy tells Joe about her childhood in Pennsy...

078: Ryan Rapsys (Euphone, Heroic Doses, Gauge) from 2016-07-06T04:55:38

Joe first witnessed Ryan Rapsys's singular brilliance at a basement show in Milwaukee in 1996. Since then, he has considered Ryan one of the very best drummers of his generation. Ryan tells Joe ...

077: Stewart Copeland (The Police, Klark Kent, Animal Logic, Oysterhead) from 2016-06-29T03:22:36

Joe is thrilled to welcome one of his favorite drummers, Stewart Copeland, to The Trap Set. A founding member of The Police, Stewart is one of the most admired and influential drummers of all ti...

BNS: Stewart Copeland Answers Listener Questions from 2016-06-29T03:18:53

In this bonus mini-episode, Joe asks Stewart Copeland listener questions. He talks about group therapy with The Police, his recording approach, Klark Kent, and a famous phrase scrawled on his dr...

076: Damon Atkinson (Braid, Hey Mercedes) from 2016-06-21T23:16:45

Damon Atkinson is perhaps best known for his drumming with Braid and Hey Mercedes. His cleverly composed, crisply executed beats are essential elements of those bands' formulas. He tells Joe abo...

075: Edwin Bonilla (Gloria Estefan, Cachao, Celia Cruz, Arturo Sandoval) from 2016-06-15T06:07:50

Edwin Bonilla started his musical journey playing rock and R&B on drum kit, but as a teenager he transitioned to timbales, bongos, and congas. He developed an aggressive, hard-hitting style that...

074: Jody Stephens (Big Star, Golden Smog, Those Pretty Wrongs) from 2016-06-08T07:31:32

Jody Stephens drummed for Big Star, a band that was criminally overlooked during its initial lifetime but eventually became monumentally influential. Jody tells Joe about how he fell in love wit...

BNS: Gina Schock on Edie and the Eggs from 2016-06-08T07:17:10

In this bonus mini-episode, Gina Schock talks about performing with Baltimore legend and John Waters collaborator, Edith Massey, in Edie and the Eggs.

073: Daru Jones (Jack White, Talib Kweli, The Ruff Pack, Rusic Records) from 2016-06-01T08:29:54

Daru Jones was born to two church music directors; and although he is rooted in Gospel music, he was also drawn to jazz and hip hop at a young age. He tells Joe about living in both the sacred a...

BNS: Peter Erskine on Generosity from 2016-06-01T08:28:20

Peter Erskine talks about generosity among drummers and jazz musicians in general. Don't be a dick, share your knowledge.

072: Gina Schock (The Go-Go's, House of Schock) from 2016-05-25T07:25:28

Gina Schock moved from Baltimore to Los Angeles with the intention of becoming a rock star, and she soon fulfilled her dreams as the drummer of The Go-Go's. Gina's monstrous groove and distincti...

BNS: Gina Schock Answers Listener Questions from 2016-05-25T07:17:10

In this bonus mini-episode, Gina Schock answers questions from Jon Wurster, Maggie Vail, Danny Frankel, and more!

071: Sara Lund (Unwound, Coryn Tucker, The Secret Drum Band) from 2016-05-18T06:57:11

Sara Lund plays drums with a mesmeric groove and enough bombast to make even the most angular rhythms feel compelling. She tells Joe about her childhood as the daughter of a folklorist and potte...

070: Kellii Scott (Failure, Linda Perry, Mark Lanegan) from 2016-05-11T05:48:52

Kellii Scott moved to Los Angeles at age 17 with dreams of rock stardom. He finally accomplished this goal as the drummer for Failure's acclaimed 1996 album, Fantastic Planet. After the dissolut...

069: Charlie Hall (The War On Drugs, Jens Lekman, Windsor for the Derby) from 2016-05-04T07:10:08

At various stages in his life, Charlie Hall has been a drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, teacher, and social worker. He tells Joe about his Muppet drum set; the inner workings of The War On Drugs...

068: Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Dr. Um, Stan Kenton, etc.) from 2016-04-27T06:13:43

Peter Erskine started his career with the great Stan Kenton, and his career reached new heights when he joined Weather Report in the late 1970s. He tells his Joe about his musical childhood, his...

1999: RIP Prince / Sheila E. from 2016-04-22T20:31:14

Here at The Trap Set, there is no artist that is more loved and admired than Prince—who aside from being THE towering creative genius of his generation—was a phenomenal drummer. Though we never ...

067: Poni Silver (The Ettes) from 2016-04-20T05:32:44

Poni Silver is the drummer for The Ettes, but her talents extend far beyond music. She tells Joe about her journey through art, dance, rollerskating, and fashion design. She explains how she lea...

066: Mario Rubalcaba (Off!, Earthless, Rocket From The Crypt, etc.) from 2016-04-13T04:42:38

Mario Rubalcaba began his professional career as a skateboarder for the legendary Team Alva. When the skateboarding boom of the late 80s imploded, Mario transitioned to life as a full time drumm...

BNS: Pete Thomas on Longevity and The Police from 2016-04-13T04:38:32

In this bonus mini-episode, Pete Thomas reflects on the longevity of The Attractions; and he tells tales of touring with The Police.

065: Dennis Davis (David Bowie, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, George Benson) from 2016-04-08T21:25:31

A native of New York, Dennis Davis was immersed in jazz at a young age, and he made his mark as the drummer for groundbreaking, popular artists such as: David Bowie, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, Ge...

064: Jeremy Barnes (Neutral Milk Hotel, A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Beirut, etc.) from 2016-04-06T07:21:29

Jeremy Barnes tells Joe about growing up in a military family, dropping out of school, playing in the highly influential band Neutral Milk Hotel, falling in love with Eastern European music, and...

063: Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello&The Attractions, Suzanne Vega, Jackshit, etc.) from 2016-03-30T03:49:50

Pete Thomas began his career in the UK Pub Rock scene, but he is best known for his 40-year association with Elvis Costello. He tells Joe about stalking Mitch Mitchell as a teenager, his working...

062: Live from Los Angeles (Stella Mozgawa, Fred Armisen, Clem Burke) from 2016-03-23T06:52:57

Joe welcomes back three of your favorite guests for a live panel discussion about life, fandom and existential crises. All three guests were fans of each other and...

061: Barbara Gruska (The Belle Brigade) from 2016-03-16T05:13:46

Barbara Gruska tells Joe about growing up in a musical family, forming the excellent band The Belle Brigade with her brother, and developing meditative practices to keep existential worries at b...

060: Dennis Chambers PT. 2 (Parliament/Funkadelic, Niacin, John Scofield) from 2016-03-09T04:00:31

During Part 2 of Joe's conversation with legendary drummer Dennis Chambers, Dennis talks about his recent brush with death and his subsequent recovery. He also assesses the legacy of his influen...

BNS: Steve Gadd on Stuff from 2016-03-09T03:55:54

Steve Gadd discusses Stuff, an incredible band he co-led with other NY studio luminaries in the 70s and early 80s.

059: Dennis Chambers Pt. 1 (Parliament/Funkadelic, Mike Stern, Santana) from 2016-03-02T06:36:56