Shows
SonosphereMemphis Concrete Fest 2025Memphis Concrete Fest 2025 by Sonosphere Podcast2025-06-071h 00
SonosphereProfessors of PunkProfessors of Punk by Sonosphere Podcast2025-04-1057 minSonosphereRecent FutureMemphis-based Charlie Davis (Trash Goblin, Detachment Kit) and David Johnson (James and the Ultrasounds, Tall David) met in Governor's school in 1998. Late night jams and decades long friendship resulted in the creation of Recent Future. Their respective artistic mindsets meld into bleeding edge synth punk that is both danceable and doom-laden - great for dancing your way into the uncertain, recent future.2025-03-0758 minSonosphereMahogany Chamber SeriesDr. Artina McCain joins us today on Sonosphere. Dr. McCain curated the Mahogany Chamber series in partnership with PRISM ensemble and Crosstown Arts. The series is about bringing voices to the stage you don't often hear. The first one was around poetry and music, second was supporting MLK holiday and the next one features rhythms from around the world. Piano-flute duo and piano-piano duo make up the Dazzling Duos exploring Caribbean rhythms! You can check out this concert on Feb 23rd at Crosstown Arts Green Room, 2-4pm!2025-02-1858 min
SonosphereMusic in Politics with Elise BlatchfordToday we are joined by professor at the University of Memphis Scheidt School of Music, flute player and member of the wind quintet called The City of Tomorrow and leads a band called The Overly Sensitive Orchestra. Elise brings a great group of compositions from Crumb’s Black Angels (which was a Vietnam War protest), some Anthracite Fields by Julia Wolfe (climate change/environmentalism), some music by LJ White (gender and trans visibility), Workers Union by Andriessen, and others.2024-11-0455 min
SonosphereSounds Of Brazil with Iris CollectiveToday we spoke with Gabriela Fogo and Roberta Dos Santos - two Iris Collective Fellows from Brazil. Here the sounds from all over the country from Brazilian Classical music to bossa nova and beyond! Come listen to the Sounds of Brazil with us!2024-08-3057 min
SonosphereIceberg New Music EnsembleIceberg New Music Ensemble is back! Visiting Memphis and working with the Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra! Check out the conversation we had with Iceberg members as well as members of Memphis' own Blueshift Ensemble. Don't miss the show at the Beethoven Club this Friday 8/23 at 7:30!2024-08-211h 00
SonosphereSonic Sisters: Suroor & WindowComing to you live from WYXR Studios Amy and Jenny welcomed electronic music artists Suroor and W1ndow. We talk about women in Memphis music, their new albums and the hard to pin down sound of the new electronic and experimental music movement in Memphis.2024-08-0758 minSonosphereWith Special Guest Robert TraxlerFrom the WYXR studio Sonosphere welcomes experimental sound artist and founder of Memphis Concrete, Robert Traxler. We play some tunes and talk about a few local and regional artists who recently played in Memphis. Join us!2024-06-171h 00
SonosphereMoog ShowToday on the show I feature songs with the Moog synthesizer. I had the opportunity to visit the Moogseum in Asheville, NC. It is funded by the Bob Moog Foundation and I feature tunes from Lisa Bella Donna's commissioned album for the Moogseum's 15 anniversary. Bob Moog saw himself as a tool maker, creating tools for artists and muscians to bring their audio visions to life.2024-03-2858 min
SonosphereMMI X Unapologetic PartnershipOn Sonosphere today we hear live from the WYXR studios my chat with Kid Maestro of Unapologetic collective and Brandy Cassius with the Memphis Music Initiative. They teamed up to put on a free arts workshop for Memphis youth! On March 16, MMI is partnering with UNAPOLOGETIC. for an artist & engineer music recording workshop. Kid is and the UNAPOLOGETIC crew are top-tier, local industry pros. The youth will learn how to get high-quality recordings as an artist or recording engineer.2024-03-1258 min
SonosphereOptic Sink: Live DJ Set at WYXR StudioOn this week's Sonosphere show on WYXR 91.7 FM, Optic Sink joined me for a live DJ set! You'll hear lots of dance tunes and a couple tracks from Optic Sink's latest album, Glass Box out now. Check it out! The band is on tour in Oct. don't miss them in your town!2023-09-2950 min
SonosphereMajor Talent: C Major's Sonic TonicC Major shares his journey through his career in music.
And we'll hear a few tracks he shares, why he chose them and some advice he has for anyone looking to come up in the music industry. Join us!
www.sonospherepodcast.com2023-08-1259 min
SonospherePow Wow: Joe Rainey Sings SoloJoe Rainey is a Pow Wow singer. He is not used to singing solo, because pow wow is inherently communal, but this debut is every bit as powerful. The album is Niineta, released on Justin Vernon and the Dessner brothers’ 37d03d label, showcases his command of the style - faithful to tradition - accompanied by cinematic, bass-heavy production from Andrew Broder.
Join Sonosphere as we dive into the sounds of contemporary pow wow fused with vast experimental and electronic oceans of sound. Joe Rainey lent his voice and experience to this episode and I think him for sharing his stor...2023-05-2659 min
Expanding Reality178 | Louisa Firethorne | The Sonosphere | Next Level Vibro Acoustic TherapyThank you for listening!For extended episodes, bonus conversations, powerful panel discussions and oodles more, Become an Expansive Insider at ExpandingRealityPodcast.comThis is a Value for Value exchange model. If this show has enhanced your experience in any way, support our mission of Expanding Reality. Support The Mission! Louisa Firethorne (maiden name McCuskey) earned her Bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wa with a self-designed major from WWU's Fairhaven College, with minors in Physics and Materials Science. The Sonosphere began as her senior thesis project, and the culmination of...2023-01-201h 31
SonosphereBirth of Modern Music Series 8: Margaret BondsOn this episode of Sonosphere we highlight the life and compositions of composer Margaret Bonds. So many people who made invaluable contributions to classical music have been nearly lost to history or are underappreciated in their time. Bonds is one of those characters.
We learned more about her when we covered one of her mentors, American composer Florence B. Price earlier in 2021 - be sure to check out that episode. Bonds like Price is lesser known in the field of classical music - being both female and African-American - often not covered among classical European-based composers dominating the history of cl...2023-01-1659 min
SonosphereThe Great Flood of 1927Welcome to Sonosphere the podcast that explores the sounds all around us in art and music movements through history. Sonosphere is now on WYXR 91.7 FM in Memphis, TN every Monday from 4-5pm.
Today’s episode is a harrowing tale of a natural disaster that ravaged much of middle America, especially the South.In this episode we will discuss the formation of the Mississippi River, the events that led to the flood, the red cross’ response and how they used the media to shape public opinion, as well as Blues songs that helped inform the public about the human turmoil that...2022-10-3058 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Steven R. SmithWelcome to the Sonosphere podcast. This episode we feature our talk with Steven R. Smith.
Steven is behind projects like Hala Strana, Ulaan Khol, Ulaan Passerine, Ulaan Markhor and releases solo recordings under his label, Worstward Recordings. Active since the mid-90s, Smith releases a solo album this year called Spring and out in September is his project's Ulaan Passerine's Sun Spear. We will hear tunes from both plus a playlist curated by Steven himself. Join us!2022-08-261h 09
SonosphereModel Zero Live on WYXR 91.7FMToday we feature a live performance by Model Zero from the WYXR studio in Memphis, TN. Sonosphere interviewed the band after their latest single release, "Little Crystal." The band performed this song and the b-side "Leather Trap" on our show along with a few other songs from their self-title LP from 2019. We also talked with the guys about the difference between the last album and this new single. Join us!
www.sonospherepodcast.com2022-08-0154 min
SonosphereBlack Swan RecordsToday we discuss the first black owned recording company Black Swan Records which sold popular music to black audiences. Its existence was brief, it was only active for two years from 1923 to 1925. During this time however, the label released over 180 records - more than any other black owned record company until the 1950s. Today we’ll talk about the historical context in which the founder, Harry Pace, began and operated the label with mentor W.E.B. DuBois and how his partnership with Memphis blues man W.C. Handy kicked off Pace’s interest in the music industry.
For more info...2022-06-1957 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Christian FenneszToday on Sonosphere Amy talks with Christian Fennesz, electronic music composer and musician. Amy caught up with Fennesz at the annual Big Ears Festival in Knoxville. As the first in-person fest in two years, Big Ears was bigger than ever. Acts from all over the nation and the world descended upon the smokey mountain city and brought amazing sounds, visuals, and excellence in musical composition. Always a Sonosphere favorite!
Join Chris and Amy live from WYXR studio in Memphis for some tunes by Fennesz and collaborators like Sparklehorse, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ulver, and more!
For a full track list visit www...2022-05-1555 min
SonosphereDetective No.1Today we talk with Detective - a collective of musicians, singers, songwriters and friends. In 2019 they released an album showcasing the range of their skills - from Blaxploitation to eerie sci-fi synths, this group really does it all!
We discuss Detective's influences, favorite movies and technique's they used to arrange the album. We also talk with Josh Breeden, aka St. Francis Elevator Ride, the "visual maestro" of the group. Josh brings video and digital art and design, driving the whole band's film noir and horror aesthetic.
Come out to Black Lodge on Friday, March 18th 2022 for the entire experience.2022-03-1555 min
SonosphereElizabeth Taylor Greenfield a.k.a. Black SwanToday on Sonosphere we feature Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield aka Black Swan in the vocal concert tradition of late 19th century America.
We will hear from Professor Adam Gustafson who has written about Greenfield as America’s first black pop star for The Conversation an academic journal and is a professor of music at Penn State. We talk about the Greenfield’s early life and rise in the operatic and pop scene in the 19th century.
Get the track list and more info at www.sonospherepodcast.com2022-01-1657 min
SonosphereSonic Tonic 2021 FinaleWelcome to the last Sonic Tonic mixtape in 2021. We don't know what's in store for 2022 but we will dance somehow. Today we're bringing some dancing tunes, some yacht rock, nervous new wave, and so much more in this Sonic Tonic 2021 Finale mix. Share with your party guests and enjoy (cautiously) the ride into 2022.2021-12-3158 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Darius JonesIt's been 5 years since Darius Jones last released a record under his own name, and Raw Demoon Alchemy (A Lone Operation), a solo saxophone record, breaks new ground for the genre and for Darius as a recording artist.
Sonosphere had the pleasure to sit down with Darius and discuss his approach to Raw Demoon Alchemy, his childhood in Virginia, improvisation and black futurism.2021-12-0759 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Mirabai CeibaUnderscore: Mirabai Ceiba by Sonosphere Podcast2021-09-0159 min
SonosphereMake Noise MyanmarMake Noise Myanmar by Sonosphere Podcast2021-08-1459 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Arooj AftabUnderscore: Arooj Aftab by Sonosphere Podcast2021-07-1236 min
The Power of Music ThinkingDeep listening with Sharon StewartThis episode is about listening - deep listening. My guest today is Sharon Stewart - creator of sound works, musician, poet, researcher, piano teacher and deep listener.
We learn about the Center for Deep Listening at Rensselaer and the retreats that were held by composer Pauline Oliveros and the many ways to listen, for example like listening in dreams, embodied listening and that deep listening is about doing, writing, practising and experiencing.
We talk about text scores, guiding principles, and using this in a non-musical context. We also chat about the listening presence of leadership an...2021-06-2953 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Christine OttUnderscore: Christine Ott by Sonosphere Podcast2021-05-2759 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Chrystal FürUnderscore: Chrystal Für by Sonosphere Podcast2021-05-2758 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Ben SeretanJoin Sonosphere as we talk with Ben Seretan - his approach to composition, songwriting and his latest album - Cicada Waves.
sonospherepodcast.com
wyxr.org2021-05-121h 00
SonosphereSonic Tonic #5Sonic Tonic #5 Tracks
Cloudbusting - Wild Nothing
Always - Xiu Xiu
Sunny Skies - Pink Playground
Original One - Tor Lundvall
Quiet - Hauschka
Flight - Tor Lundvall
Flameout - Jerry Goldsmith
Alleys of Your Mind - Cybotron
Lucky Cloud - Arthur Russell
Approach on Tokyo - Iko
Mains dans la main - Elli & Jacno
Leonard Cohen Afterworld - Tempers
???
Drawing Seeds - Kuniyuki Takahashi
Another Day - Ogak Jay Oke2021-04-2156 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Angelica OlstadWe talk with Angelica Olstad about her process and new album Transmute. Angelica provided us with some songs that kept her moving through the pandemic that you will hear after the episode.2021-03-3158 minSonosphereUnderscore: Deniz CuylanDeniz Cuylan takes you on a journey about his new album, his inspiration, and the aftermath of the pandemic. This episode contains a mix that Deniz curated. Enjoy!2021-03-1258 min
SonosphereFlorence B. Price :: Birth of Modern Music Series Part 7In 2009 hundreds of Florence B. Price compositions were recovered from an abandoned house in southern Illinois. Throughout the past decade these pieces began to be transcribed and distributed throughout the world. Florence B. Price’s works pull from negro-spirituals and music of the times.
On this episode, part 7 of our Birth of Modern Music series, we dive into the life and work of Florence B. Price. We talk with Karen Walwyn, A. Kori Hill, Douglas Shadle and Maeve Brophy about who she was, and how her music told her story.
www.sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod2021-02-2859 min
SonosphereSonic Tonic # 4Sonic Tonic # 4 Track list:
Doctor Destructo - Tangerine Dream
Rivers - Föllakzoid
Citizens of Science - Yellow Magic Orchestra
To Yelasto Pedi - Mikis Theodorakis
Qui fine arrivé - Claudio
California Dreaming - Denial
Repetition - The Soft Moon
The Orchids - Psychic TV
Shoo Be Doo - The Cars
The Empress And The Ukraine King - Can
Polaroïd/Roman/Photo - Ruth
Avenue B - Major Thinkers
Moogies Bloogies - Delia Derbyshire and Anthony Newley
Raz Dwa - Belgrado
Lady Greengrass - The Ones
Confrontation - Tangerine Dream2021-02-2358 min
SonosphereSonic Tonic #3Sonic Tonic Mixtape Happy Hour with Natalie Hoffmann on WYXR 91.7 Memphis
Songs featured: Nakweda Dream - Zru Vogue
Interzone - Joy Division
Model Worker - Magazine
Floss - Gomme
Private Idaho - B-52s
Half-Life - Martin Lloyd
Maquinas - Cuidad Lineal
Palais D’amour - Bal Pare
Running After Ganymede - Jack Name
Pretender - Black Marble
Mickey, Please. - Bene Geserit
Lidda - Mammane Sani Et Son Orgue
Fire By The River - Harumi
Change In Autumn’s Feral Depths - Nonconnah Feat. Owen Pallett & Jenn Taiga2021-01-2659 minSonosphereSonic Tonic #2Sonic Tonic Happy Hour Mixtape #2
Featuring: OMD
Hama
Severed Heads
Delia Derbyshire
Arthur Brown
Saâda Bonaire
Them Are Us Too
X-ray Pop
Hailu Mergia
Turquoise Days
Meca Rythm
The Books
Oppenheimer Analysis
Holger Czukay
The Plugz2021-01-1358 min
SonosphereThe Theremin ComebackThis week on Sonosphere we end 2020 with our 100 years of the Theremin episode. We’ll start with a brief history of the theremin and with Theremin virtuoso Clara Rockmore. We then combined our conversations with thereminists and composers Caroline Eyck and Dorit Chrysler to give you the ultimate Theremin filled episode.
Sonosphere is now on WYXR 91.7 FM Mondays from 4-5pm CST in Memphis, TN.
sonospherepodcast.com2020-12-3157 min
SonosphereSonic Tonic on WYXR 91.7 FMSonosphere goes live from the WYXR Studio in Crosstown Concourse Memphis, TN for a monthly mixtape session with special guest Natalie Hoffman. Tune in every last Monday of the month from 4-5pm on 91.7 FM or at wyxr.org2020-12-0755 min
SonosphereTwo Turntables and a Mic: Live from WYXRWelcome to Sonosphere. Here we feature our second show live on WYXR. We couldn’t be more excited for today’s show.
Last week, we featured an interview with abstract turntablist Maria Chavez and vocalist Christina Carter. Today, we will continue our journey exploring the record player. You will hear some music from Cut Chemist, Handel, Lee Scratch Perry, Cab Callaway, Grandmaster Flash and others during the next hour. We will highlight the rise of the radio disc jockey and sampling.
Check us out every Monday on WYXR 91.7 FM in Memphis 4-5pm CST
www.sonospherepodcast.com2020-10-2558 minSonosphereCalling Crosstown: A Conversation with Maria Chavez and Christina CarterWe are releasing a conversation we had with turntablist and composer Maria Chavez, and singer/songwriter and musician Christina Carter on their performance at Memphis' Crosstown Concourse in May 2018.
Christina Carter's call and response with Maria Chavez's shattered records had folks heading to the stairs at Crosstown Arts spiral staircase. In this episode we hear from Christina and Maria's vision for the space in their first site specific duet.
www.sonospherepodcast.com2020-10-1951 min
SonosphereNavigating the Pandemic with Wu FeiOn this episode on Sonosphere Wu Fei tells us about how the global pandemic has affected her as a musician and mother. She has shifted her focus from live shows to releasing new material daily. Fei also released an album with Abigail Washburn during this unsure time.2020-07-1432 min
SonosphereShelter in Place with Analog Tara and Carolina EyckOn this special episode we catch up with a couple composers we’ve featured on Sonosphere to see how they’ve been faring in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we hear from producer and electronic composer Tara Rodgers, aka Analog Tara. Tara performed here in Memphis for our Sound Observation series a couple years ago in partnership with Crossotown Arts. Then we’ll hear from theremin master, musician and composer Carolina Eyck.
For information on tracks in this episode and more visit www.sonospherepodcast.com @sonospod2020-05-0713 min
SonosphereCitizen of Tomorrow on Sonosphere RadioWelcome to Sonosphere Radio where the podcast features shows curated by artists, musicians, enthusiasts and music fanatics from Memphis and around the world. Today we hear songs chosen by Citizen of Tomorrow. Enjoy!
Artists featured in this show can be found at sonospherepodcast.com2020-03-291h 02
Sonosphere100 Years of Theremin with Dorit ChryslerIn this episode of Sonosphere we highlight master theremin player and curator of the Theremin 100 compilation celebrating 100 years of theremin, Dorit Chrysler.
Check out more info info at sonospherepodcast.com and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!2020-02-2926 min
SonosphereIndian Classical MusicThis month on Sonosphere we hear from Ken Zuckerman, co-founder of the Ali Akbar College in Basel, Switzerland and sarod aficionado. Peter Lavezzoli, author, percussionist and vocalist also joins us as we discuss how Indian Classical Music has influenced modern rock, pop and ambient music today.
While we only scratch the surface of Indian Classical Music, you'll find how one man in particular, Ali Akbar Khan, took America and popular music by storm through his teachings that span across the world and across musical genres.
More information at www.sonospherepodcast.com2020-01-3131 min
SonosphereSonosphere Radio feat. Andrew EarlesWelcome to Sonosphere Radio. Bring in the new year with this month's host, Andrew Earles.
Andrew Earles has been a music/cultural critic, journalist & biographer since 1999 and has authored three books as well as writing and editing work in 14 other multi-author titles. He has contributed writing in both a staff and freelance capacity to over 55 online and print outlets since 1999, including Spin, Pitchfork, Vice/Noisey, The Onion, Decibel, The Washington City Paper, Numero Group, Magnet Magazine and many others.
For full track list and more info go to sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod
now on spotify2020-01-021h 02
SonosphereUnderscore: Ami DangWelcome to this episode of Sonosphere where we underscore Ami Dang, South Asian-American vocalist, sitarist, composer and producer from Baltimore Maryland.
We discussed how her cultural heritage rooted in the Sikh religion informs and influences her work today, and how she approaches the sitar while utilizing modern noise, ambient, and electronic sounds in her music. We also discuss the making of her latest album Parted Plains out now on Leaving Records.
More info: www.sonospherepodcast.com2019-11-2423 minSonosphereUnderscore: David T. LittleHow has information shaped our lives? Are we really privy to all the knowledge available? David T. Little's new album, AGENCY, seeks to investigate these questions.
On this episode we highlight composer David T. Little. The composer has a background that is as eclectic as his new album, AGENCY. By combining all of these influences David is ushering in a new age of opera. Sonosphere enjoyed a phone call with David as we talked about AGENCY as well as his path to this point in his illustrious career.
more information at sonospherepodcast.com2019-10-2724 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Carolina EyckOn this episode we talk with Carolina Eyck, one of the world’s foremost thereminist, about growing up with classical music and how she knew the Theremin would be her thing. Eyck releases her third LP for Butterscotch Records, Elegies for Theremin & Voice, on September 27th.
Ten pieces form a haunting work reflecting sadness and loss, anger and depression. Eyck shares with Sonosphere the process of composing the record. She reminds us it's okay to feel it all, necessary even, to properly remember and love those we miss.
Her U.S. tour dates and more at www.sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod2019-09-2219 min
SonosphereAbout the Sarod...This episode of Sonosphere features the North Indian instrument, the sarod. One of the most popular instruments in Hindustani music, the sarod's 20th century master was Indian composer, teacher and musician, Ali Akbar Khan.
We speak with contemporary sarod virtuoso, Ken Zuckerman about mastering the demanding instrument and how he and Khan brought various innovations and inventions to the sound.
For more info visit www.sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod2019-08-2921 min
SonosphereUnderscore: Composer Alex WestonWelcome to Sonosphere's Underscore series where we highlight composers, artists, creators, and more. This episode we highlight Alex Weston, a New York-based composer.
This month he released his score for the Lulu Wang film The Farewell. On this episode we talk with him about his process for The Farewell and his approach to music in film versus his approach to commissioned works for live dance and others. Enjoy this month's Underscore.
For more information visit sonospherepodcast.com2019-07-2510 min
SonosphereA Mix by Memphis Concrete Festival Founder Robert TraxlerWelcome to Sonosphere radio, today we welcome Robert Traxler, founder of the Memphis Concrete experimental music festival happening this month in Memphis – June 29th and 30th. In its third year, the Memphis Concrete music festival is featuring headliners Matmos, Moor Mother, Rapoon, Mykel Boyd, Tavishi and featuring a live score of the original Tron – all right here in Memphis at Crosstown Arts.
For more information and a track list visit sonospherepodcast.com2019-06-221h 02SonosphereSonosphere Radio: Tape Night with Natalie Hoffman of Nots & Optic SinkWelcome to Sonosphere radio. Occasionally, Sonosphere will post playlists curated by artists, record label owners, music enthusiasts, DJs, and sometimes by us.
This week we’ll hear a collaborative mixtape session with from Natalie Hoffman of the band NOTS fame. She has a project now with Memphis DJ and electronic artist Ben Bauermeister called Optic Sink.
Check out Optic Sink at the Memphis Concrete Festival June 29 and 30th – tickets on sale now. Learn more at facebook.com/memphisconcrete/
Don’t miss Memphis Concrete this month at Crosstown Arts and enjoy this mix!
Track list at sonospherepodcast.com2019-06-0959 min
SonosphereNadah El ShazlyWelcome to Sonosphere, the podcast that explores the sounds all around us.
The first artist we present in our 2019 Sound Observation series is Nadah El Shazly, Egyptian composer, musician and producer. She will be performing at Crosstown Arts' Green Room in Memphis, TN on May 31st as a part of her first tour in the U.S. We are so excited to have her in Memphis. Performance at 8pm.
Sonosphere spoke briefly with Nadah prior to her show. She talks about collaborating in the Cairo music scene, her debut album and her experiences on her first U.S. tour.
Thanks f...2019-05-2914 min
SonosphereDrones: A Brief History of Sustained Tones in MusicIn this month's episode of Sonosphere, we focus on the use of drone sounds in music. There is a lot to cover with Drone music, often known as a part of the genre of Minimalism and modern ambient.
Sonosphere caught up with Joanna Demers, author of Listening Through the Noise: The Aesthetics of Experimental Electronic Music, Drone and Apocalypse, and others.
We will focus on the drone itself, what is drone music, and the common drone instruments as a continuation of the Birth of Modern Music series on avant-garde, classical music and minimalism.
This episode begins with the evolution of t...2019-03-0118 min
SonosphereSound Observation Series: Composer Nicole MitchellSonosphere's last Sound Observations series for 2018 ended on a high note. We welcomed Nicole Mitchell to perform flute with electronics. Thanks to Nicole Mitchell and Crosstown Arts for their partnership in this series.
More information at sonospherepodcast.com and subscribe on itunes, follow us on social media @sonospod2019-01-3144 min
SonosphereSound Observations Afrofuturism: Building CommunitiesWe hosted our final Sound Observation series by inviting Nicole Mitchell to Memphis. In this episode, we present Afrofuturism:Building Communities, a panel that explored beyond the concept of Afrofuturism. Memphis based Publisher and Author Sheree Renee Thomas led the discussion featuring Nicole Mitchell, and a few Memphians, including Producer/Performer and CEO of James Dukes aka “IMAKEMADBEATS,” Author/ Publisher Troy Wiggins, and Emcee, Teacher, and Author Danian Jerry.
They went beyond explaining afrofuturism and talked about how afrofuturism exists as much in the present as in the past and future. For more, visit sonospherepodcast.com2018-12-311h 01
SonosphereUnapologetic: A Conversation at Dirty Socks StudiosThis episode Sonosphere visits Dirty Socks Studios, which is the base camp for Unapologetic. The studio is a sanctuary for those who dare to commit to their craft. The theme is dedication to yourself and your mission.
Unapologetic is a collective that looks to push Memphis forward. The collective is a cast of characters that are as odd as their aliases. Lead by IMAKEMADBEATS, Unapologetic has put the city on notice. Memphis has the reputation that you have to leave to make it in most industries especially music. Non-Memphians tend to capitalize on the “Memphis Sound,”
Unapologetic is changing that noti...2018-12-011h 03
SonosphereOkkyung LeeKorean cellist, composer, and improviser, Okkyung Lee talks with Sonosphere about her time at this year's Big Ears festival in Knoxville, TN, working with Evan Parker, learning to love the cello, and what's in store for her this year.
sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod2018-10-2914 min
SonosphereRemix Memphis: The Sounds of a CityThis episode Sonosphere dives into Remix Memphis with Alex Greene and Luis Seixas, two Memphis musicians that make the duo The E.G.G.G.
Remix Memphis grew out of a partnership with the Urban Arts Commission and the city of Memphis' 3.0 comprehensive planning initiative that worked to solicit participation from community leaders, residents and planners to inform future land use and neighborhood plans for the city.
Art was an important piece. As a musician Alex was interested in the sounds of the city.
more at sonospherepodcast.com
@sonospod2018-10-1429 min
SonosphereSound Observations with Maria Chavez & Christina CarterIn this month's episode we highlight Sonosphere's Sound Observations series. Sound Observations is a quarterly performance and lecture series featuring experimental artists from around the nation.
We were honored to host turntablist and DJ Maria Chavez, and vocalist and musician Christina Carter of The Charalambides on May 11, 2018.
Maria and Christina's site specific works took place in the atrium of the Crosstown Concourse building, an old Sears Roebuck building retrofitted for art galleries, residential and commercial spaces. The result is echoing vocals and scratchy, vinyl sounds that swirl up a red staircase to the entrance of the stage.
Thanks for listening. w...2018-08-2540 min
SonosphereMoogfest Continued: A Conversation with Kai RiedlMoogfest continued... brings you a brief interview with Kai Riedl, Operations Director at Moogfest. He says this festival seeks to bring new forms of creativity, form communities around art and technology, and create spaces for artists of all inclinations, genres, subcultures and movements.
Although it seems timely to showcase female and non-binary artists this year, according to Kai, Moogfest has had a history of being an inclusive festival.
Tracks in the episode:
Smerz - Worth It
Caterina Barbieri - Information Needed to Create
Mouse on Mars - Dimensional People I
Jon Hopkins - Singularity
Michael Stipe - Everything's Coming Undone2018-07-2810 min
SonosphereVorticity: Delta Sound Labs at MoogFest 2018Sonosphere ventured out to MoogFest this year and we caught up with Memphis-based Delta Sound Labs. Their audiovisual installation called Vorticity was a collaboration between Delta Sound Labs + Nokia Bell Labs at American Underground in Durham, NC. This interactive, data-art set brought science and art together. Of the free programming, this fun, collaborative piece showcased what Delta Sound Labs can create with innovative, high-speed Schlieren imaging equipment and two sonified datasets. Colorful bubbles sliding around the screen were generated and distorted with every new person walking through the scene.
Check out www.sonospherepodcast.com for more info and episodes. Thanks...2018-07-1820 min
SonosphereTess Roby at Moog FestThis month the Sonosphere podcast highlights our conversation with Tess Roby from our Moog Fest visit back in May this year. She recently released her debut album Beacon on Italians Do It Better.
Hailing from Montreal, Tess Roby brings dreamy synths and strong vocals on melodic tracks like "Given Signs" and "Catalyst." She talks to us about her inspiration for Beacon, how her photography inspires songwriting and how growing up in a musical family lead her to collaborating with her brother on her debut.
Enjoy!2018-06-2910 min
SonosphereRachel GrimesSonosphere spoke with Rachel Grimes about her score for the film The Doctor from India. Rachel talks about the composition and the ways this film has inspired her to pay closer attention to the way she lives her own life. The interview took place via telephone on April 4th, 2018 and Rachel talks about the importance of this date. Enjoy!2018-05-0919 min
SonospherePress Play: Analog TaraThis month the Press Play mixtape features Tara Rodgers, aka Analog Tara. Tara is a multi-instrumentalist composer and historian of electronic music and sound who produces techno tracks using analog sound sources.
This is a mix of Analog Tara tracks from the album At the Switch Hotel from 2003, written, performed, and produced by Analog Tara on synths, drum machines & more.
She’ll be presenting a free, open to the public artist talk at noon on the Crosstown Concourse Theater Stair in Memphis, TN on March 31. Later that night at 8 pm (doors at 7:30 pm), she’ll perform original compositions in Crosstown Arts...2018-03-1535 min
SonosphereAukaiAukai talks about his history and his new album Branches of the Sun2018-02-2821 min
SonospherePress Play: Anywave RecordsWelcome to Press Play, the monthly playlist curated by labels and artists from around the world. Today Sonosphere highlights the French label, A N Y W A V E. This mix was a collaboration created by both Anywave co-founder Aurel Delamour and Anywave artist, Bad News from Cosmos with exclusive, unreleased tracks from Fléau and Patrick Wiklacz.
We had the pleasure to correspond with Aurel about the inception of the label and what's in store for the future. Check out the interview and track list at www.sonospherepodcast.com.
Subscribe to us at SoundCloud, itunes, GooglePlay and wherever you g...2018-02-1359 min
SonosphereICEBERG New Music Collective Visits MemphisNew York City-based composer collective ICEBERG New Music was in residence at Crosstown Arts for two weeks of concerts, workshops, and lectures back in June of 2017.
We spoke with composers from the second of the two concerts in the Crosstown Arts series, and attended their workshops and lectures that ranged from a “Sound Scavenger Hunt” to a lecture on “Popular and Classical Music in 1960s America.” Memphis-based contemporary chamber group Blueshift Ensemble collaborated with ICEBERG and performed the collective’s original compositions for the concert series.
I hope you enjoy our talk about Iceberg's mission, the future of new music, collaborat...2018-01-3137 min
SonosphereMaking Noise with IhcilonMix curated by Ihcilon2018-01-1837 min
SonosphereBirth of Modern Music Part 6: John CageBirth of Modern Music Part 6: John Cage by Sonosphere Podcast2017-12-311h 13
SonospherePress Play on Parsons Rocket ProjectParsons Rocket Project is obsessed with all things celestial and spacey. Perhaps that's why they named their band after rocket scientist, Jack Parsons... Sonosphere corresponded with the members of PRP to talk about space, time, and the music in between. They also shared a dream-pop playlist flush with rock reverb, fuzz and disco thumps. Check it all out in the interview on our website: sonospherepodcast.com
Track listing:
Trailer Trash Tracys - Strangling Good Guys (0:00)
Ulrich Schnauss, Mark Peters - Slow Southern Skies (3:48)
Parsons Rocket Project - Exit Launch (8:05)
Amber Arcades - Turning Light (11:01)
Blouse - Happy Days (18:02)
No Joy...2017-11-1544 min
SonosphereMartyn Heyne: Electric IntervalsThis month Sonosphere talks with Martyn Heyne, composer, producer and engineer. Martyn has a new album out on November 17th called Electric Intervals on !K7 Records’ new imprint 7K!
We discuss the making of this album, which is his first full-length solo work. Martyn has worked as a producer and engineer with the likes of Nils Frahm, The National, Efterklang, Peter Broderick, and others.
We also chat about the creating the video of the single “Carry” with FELD, the Berlin based design studio behind the album’s imagery, and the nuisances involved in listening and recording music.
Tracks in this episode...2017-10-3128 min
SonospherePress Play on Dais RecordsInterview with Ryan and Gibby of Dais Records followed by a playlist.
Tracklist:
2:45 Ragnar Grippe - Sand Part 1
30:02 Tor Lundvall - Hiding
32:56 Coil - 7-Methoxy-β-Carboline: (Telepathine)
55:49 GENESIS BREYER P-ORRIDGE & Thee Early Worm - Rather Hard to Libel
57:22 Choir Boy - Sunday Light
1:01:29 YOU - Feral
1:05:26 Psychic TV - Papal Breakdance
1:11:37 Annabelle's Garden - If
1:16:37 Youth Code - What Is The Answer
1:19:37 Drab Majesty - 39 By Design
1:24:30 Death of Lovers - The Absolute
1:29:35 Deviation Social - Machines Convulse
1:32:58 Sissy Spacek - Always Eating
1:33:16 Aaron Dilloway - Ghost
1:38:05 Iceage - Remember
1:40:17 Coum Transmissions - 73 Vibrant
1:43:07 Them Are Us Too - Marilyn
1:46:41 Tw...2017-10-172h 05
Memphis MusicologyS1E6: Sonosphere special "Sixty Soulful Years"
via https://sonospherepodcast.com/2017/09/29/sixty-soulful-years-the-story-of-royal-studios/This month Sonosphere teams up with the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Memphis Musicology podcast to bring you 60 years of Royal Studios. We visit with co-owner and music producer Boo Mitchell on a tour of Royal Studios in South Memphis.Royal turns 60 this year and in this episode we’ll reminisce with singer/songwriter Don Bryant on writing hit songs and singing with Willie Mitchell’s band; legendary recording artist Ann Peebles and the magical night behind her hit “I Can’t Stand the Rain;” Memphis musician Scott Bomar on...2017-10-1127 min
Sonosphere"Sixty Soulful Years" The Story of Royal StudiosThis month Sonosphere teams up with the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Memphis Musicology podcast to bring you 60 years of Royal Studios. We visit with co-owner and music producer Boo Mitchell on a tour of Royal Studios in South Memphis.
Come celebrate with Boo and the Mitchell family at the Levitt Shell on October 14th featuring local, regional and national artists and November 18th for the grand finale event at the Orpheum. For more information visit royalstudios.com
Special thanks to Ezra Wheeler from the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and host of the Memphis Musicology podcast for co-producing this...2017-09-2937 min
SonospherePress Play on Adhesive SoundsWelcome to Press Play, a monthly interview and mixtape from record labels, musicians, and bands from around the globe and in our own backyard! This month's Press Play mixtape comes from a Toronto-based label called Adhesive Sounds (A/S). Sonosphere connected with A/S creator, Kel.
When did you create Adhesive Sounds?
The winter of 2014 was a time when I was basically housebound with an illness. I was forced to find some kind of creative outlet to keep me active and ease any symptoms of cabin fever.
During my imposed confinement, I started listening to more ambient and freeform music...2017-09-131h 11
SonosphereTo Be Continuum...A recap of Continuum Music Festival that happened in Memphis, TN August 3-5, 2017. Enjoy!2017-09-0145 min
SonosphereMemphis Concrete: An Experimental Electronic Music Fest in the MidSouthOn June 24th and 25th of 2017 an interesting experimental electronic music fest descended upon the MidSouth with artists primarily from Memphis, Mississippi, and the southeast.
"I wanted to take electronic music back to its roots," said creator Robert Traxler. His inception for the fest came from the experimental spirit of the original electronic music artists like Delia Derbyshire, Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, Suzanne Ciani, Pierre Schaeffer, and many, many more from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. But musique concrete is not all we found at this festival. Harsh noise, techno, ambient analog improv sets, and a live score...2017-07-2740 min
SonosphereAn Evening with Wu FeiIn this special, bonus episode of Sonosphere, we present An Evening with Wu Fei in collaboration with Crosstown Arts. This is Fei's live performance at the Crosstown Arts gallery on Cleveland Street in Memphis, TN on June 30, 2017. The intimate space lent itself to an interactive performance between the audience and Wu Fei, as she showcases what the guzheng can do through its thousand-year history.
Wu Fei is a composer and guzheng player. She is a native of Beijing and a current Nashville resident. She is a master of the guzheng, the ancient 21-string Chinese zither. At this performance Fei told...2017-07-071h 11
SonospherePauline OliverosThis episode of Sonosphere takes a look at the life and work of composer Pauline Oliveros through the eyes and ears of those who worked with her and learned from her. We spoke with Claire Chase, Wu Fei, Monique Buzzarte, Tara Rodgers, and Kerry O'Brien about how Pauline touched their lives personally and professionally, and how her legacy shaped the musical world of today.
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Join us.
Tracks in this episode:
Mnemonics IV - Pauline Oliveros
Ocean State - Tara Rodgers
A Bubble in My Eye - Monique Buzzarte
Dawn - Wu Fei
b_s...2017-06-0848 min
SonosphereOh, What Big Ears You Have! Big Ears Fest 2017Sonosphere goes to Knoxville's Big Ears Fest. Today you'll hear our experience at one of the most anticipated cultural events in the world. We’ll hear from composers Anna Meredith, Colleen, Wu Fei, Frode Haltli, Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu, and Andy Bliss & Kerry O’Brien of Neif Norf about their performance and experience at Big Ears.2017-04-2737 min
SonosphereWhat the Wind Has to Say: Marfa MythsLast year Sonosphere visited Marfa, Texas for the Marfa Myths music festival created by Mexican Summer and Ballroom Marfa. Now in its fourth year, Marfa Myths has grown to a three day fest with hundreds of individuals from around the country in attendance.
This year's festival is upon us, so let's travel back in time to Marfa Myths 2016 during a two-day wind storm, where I talk with sound artist Maria Chavez about her performance informed by the wind and chards of vinyl; where harpist Mary Lattimore shares insight into last year's album, At the Dam, informed by road trips out...2017-03-0515 min
SonosphereWorld's First Duets for Mellotron: A Conversation with the ArtistsOn two consecutive nights in April 2016, the first mellotron duet concert took place in a packed Crosstown Arts in Memphis, TN. Robby Grant and Jonathan Kirkscey played Mellotrons provided by collector Winston Eggleston. After Winston finished building his own Mellotron, Robby was invited over to test it out and the idea for the World’s first duet for mellotron concert was born.
We interviewed Robby, Jonathan and Winston on the impetus for the concert, their fascination with the mellotron and other fun facts and personal experiences with this unique instrument.
The World's First Duet for Mellotron LP comes out January 13, 2017. Av...2017-01-0924 min
SonosphereThe Birth of Modern Music Series Part 5: Karlheinz StockhausenWelcome to Sonosphere the podcast that explores the sounds all around us; in art and music movements through history.
This is part 5 of our Birth of Modern Music Series on European composers of the early 20th century from the atonal compositions of Austria’s Schoenberg to the realization of total serialism of Olivier Messiaen we continue our coverage with German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen and the evolution of electronic music. This episode we’ll hear from Stockhausen scholar Joe Drew; thanks to Ben Siler as the voice of Stockhausen.
Stockhausen tracks in order:
Kontra-Punkte
Kreuzspiel
Klavierstuck
Gesang Der Junglinge
Gruppen
Kontakte
Stim...2016-12-0738 min
SonosphereThe Birth of Modern Music Series Part 4: Olivier MessiaenWelcome back to Sonosphere's Birth of Modern Music series featuring modern European, classical composers that inspired the experimental, avant garde art and music scenes of the 50s, 60s and resonate in music composition today. Today we will delve into the life and works of Olivier Messiaen.
Messiaen escaped the world of composition’s shift to serialism through religion, nature, and birdsong, but he had a profound influence on the evolution of electronic music composition through composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez, and Xenakis.
Join us by subscribing on iTunes and following us on Soundcloud, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thanks for listening!
So...2016-10-2741 minSonosphereFor Rabid Music Lovers: Goner Records SpecialWelcome to Sonosphere! This month's episode features Zac Ives co-founder and co-owner of Goner Records, Natalie Hoffman of NOTS, Chris Shaw of Ex-cult and JB Horrell of Ex-Cult and Aquarian Blood to bring you a Goner Fest 2016 Special Edition.
Thanks to the Goner family and Memphis musicians for sharing their passion! Goner Fest 13 is this weekend starting tonight, Wednesday September 28, 2016 at Crosstown featuring flyers from the Memphis underground installation called Torn Down by Thursday. Bands are playing September 29th through Oct. 2nd. Come on out!2016-09-2833 min
SonosphereThe Birth of Modern Music Part 3: Edgard VareseToday we will talk about French composer Edgard Varese,
often described as the “Father of Electronic Music.” Varese had a huge influence on John Cage and many other avant grade American artists in the 40s and 50s. Cage said of Varese, he “fathered forth noise,” which “makes him more relative to the present musical necessity than even the Viennese masters.”
Check out the playlist accompanying this episode featuring songs by Edgard Varese at Press Play on sonospherepodcast.com. Subscribe on itunes and check us out on Facebook and Twitter @sonospod2016-07-3037 min
SonosphereThe Birth of Modern Music Part 2: Erik SatieThe ultimate "underground" modernist artist in Paris, Satie didn't get a lot of credit when he was alive for his work. He was largely forgotten until John Cage found his Vexations composition fifty years after his death.
His music "did not resolve as it should according to tonal laws" says our guest Dr. Caroline Potter. She talks with us about how Satie broke from Parisian tradition and led an avant-garde scene which influenced ambient and minimalist artists for years to come.
Join us as we traverse the eccentric life and work of Erik Satie.
Erik Satie Tracks:
Gnossiennes n.4
The...2016-06-3032 min
SonosphereThe Birth of Modern Music Part 1: Arnold SchoenbergThis episode is the first in a series of European composers who started a change in music - paving the way for avant-garde and disruptive sounds from the classical minimalist genre, to punk and rock and roll we hear today. We’ll start with Arnold Schoenberg, an Austrian composer who mapped out the coming modernist era.
Schoenberg created new methods of musical composition involving atonality, serialism, and the 12-tone row.
Don't forget to check out Press Play at sonospherepodcast.com for a playlist of Schoenberg compositions.
Featured Tracks by Schoenberg in this episode:
Gurrelieder
Transfigured Nights
String Quartet No. 2 Op. 10
Er...2016-05-0527 min
SonospherePreview to Modern Music SeriesThis episode is an introduction to our series on the Birth of Modern Music. It will highlight radical dissonance in Western classical compositions. We will individually describe the work and influence of Arnold Schoenberg, Erik Satie, Edgard Varese, Olivier Messiaen, Karlheinz Stockhausen and John Cage. They were powerhouses in the classical composition revolution at the turn of the 20th century and their influence permeated into mid-century beatnik, free improv and psychedelic culture.
Look for the first episode in this series next week. Until then, we have prepared for you a playlist highlighting the work of Arnold Schoenberg, the first modernist...2016-04-2805 min
SonosphereThe Ancient Sampler: History and Evolution of the MellotronThe mellotron is a keyboard instrument operating with magnetic tape loops invented in the early 1960s that revolutionized the way novice and professional musicians alike could manipulate sound by providing the instruments of a full orchestra at our fingertips. Today we will explore the history of the mellotron, how it rose in popularity and then faded out as digital technology took over.
Tracks in episode in order in which they appear:
Stevie Wonder - Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants
The Moody Blues - Love and Beauty
Jan and Dean - Save for a Rainy Day Theme
The Beach...2016-03-3123 min
SonosphereFuturist and Fascist: Modern Music of Early 20th Century ItalyThis episode discusses the Italian Futurist movement, which explored the intersection of aggressive ideologies and abrasive sound production. This movement influenced noise music and avant-garde artists of today. It was also the first time art could showcase its relationship with power and how art can influence politics and power - that link between avant-garde art movements and politics presiding over the avant-garde tradition ever since.2016-03-0140 min
SonosphereA Brief History of Noise MusicA Brief History of Noise Music by Sonosphere Podcast2016-01-2918 min