Shows
The Pass The Mic PodcastSongs for the end of the world with OceanatorThis week I’m joined by Elise Okusami, singer, songwriter, and arranger for the band Oceanator. Today, Oceanator is releasing their debut full-length album Things I Never Said. In many ways, it seems like this album was written about this particular moment in time. Songs like “A Crack in the World” or “I Would Find You” have an end-of-the-world energy that could easily be talking about the coronavirus pandemic, the pandemic of police brutality and racism, or the economic crisis that the US is facing. But Elise wrote these songs years ago — she says she’s always been a little bit of...
2020-08-2846 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastUnapologetically a Smart Mouth with Riverby’s Sophia GreenbergThis week I’m joined by Sophia Greenberg, the singer and guitarist in the Philadelphia band Riverby. Riverby released their debut album, Smart Mouth with Take This to Heart Records on July 10th. Smart Mouth is an unapologetic and energetic album that pays homage to Riverby’s influences, which range from Mayday Parade to Alanis Morissette and Liz Phair. Sophia and I talked about how their mom cultivated their love of music, building Riverby’s rock-solid lineup, and releasing an album that’s been years in the making.
Songs included in this episode: "Smart Mouth" and "Givin...
2020-07-2440 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastLoud music for hard times with Pity Party's Sarah LevyThe Pass The Mic podcast has been quiet for a few weeks as Minneapolis has been grappling with the police brutality and call for social change that has exploded across the country and around the world. But we're back to share a new episode with Sarah Levy, a vocalist, songwriter and guitarist in the Oakland-based pop-punk/emo band Pity Party.
Sarah talks about the vulnerable and empowering songs on Pity Party's new album "Concrete," her work as an activist, and how becoming a high school teacher gave her an outlet to bridge music and community involvement.
2020-06-1837 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastIn touch with nature and each other with Sister SpeciesOuter space, magnolia trees, and the “inevitable heat death of the universe” are just a few of the things that influenced Sister Species’ latest album. Sister Species describe themselves as a “chamber pop septet” and the Minneapolis-based band is led by singer, songwriter, and accordionist Emily Kastrul.
In this episode, I’m joined by Emily and Sister Species’ guitarist, Willow Waters. The three of us met up over video chat, from our prospective quarantined locations, to talk about the many musical projects that Emily and Willow play in, how they blended their influences into Sister Species’ upcoming album Light Excha...
2020-04-1755 minThe Pass The Mic Podcast"I'm going to sound like myself" with Joan Griffith and Anna DoldePlaying music has connected me with some of my best friends and most influential role models, like Anna Dolde and Joan Griffith. Anna and I met in our college's jazz band. Joan was our director, and also my guitar teacher. For this extra personal episode, I wanted to pay homage to the women who inspire me. Anna, Joan, and I talk about our musical upbringings, inspirations, and how we found the confidence to say, "I'm going to sound like myself."
Songs included in this episode: "Sautéed Mushrooms/Deviled Eggs," "Butter," "A Lot of Things Are Edible I...
2020-04-1055 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastDiving into new emotions with Lalin St. Juste of the SeshenThe Sheshen are a 6-piece band that combines sequenced synthesizers, syncopated beats, and Lalin St. Juste’s soft, skillful vocals. Their third full-length album, CYAN, was inspired by the strength and softness of the color cyan, the tumult of the 2016 election, and personal struggles with depression. In this episode, Lalin breaks down some of CYAN's songs and talks about how she fused personal lyrics with bassist/producer Akiyoshi Ehara's textured grooves.
Songs included: "4AM," "Don't Answer" and "Dive"
2020-03-2035 min
Punk Lotto Pod: A Punk, Hardcore, and Emo Podcast2015: Chelsea Wolfe & Football, Etc. w/ Colleen Cowie (Pass the Mic)Colleen Cowie of Pass the Mic joins us to talk about the year 2015. Up first is the not very punk Chelsea Wolfe and her album Abyss. Then we talk about a midwestern emo gem from Football, Etc. https://pass-the-mic.com/https://twitter.com/passthemicmagCall our voicemail line: 202-688-PUNKLeave us a review and rating.All episodes available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcherhttps://punklottopod.simplecast.com/https://www.instagram.com/punklottopod/https://twitter.com/punklottopodhttps://www.facebook.com/p...
2020-03-0453 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastPlaces/Feelings with Termination DustStefanie Vigoren and Jaybird Parkhurst are no strangers to change. After forming the band Termination Dust in Anchorage, Alaska, the two have traveled around the country, released two full-length albums, and welcomed drummer Matt Harris into the band. Termination Dust don’t just tolerate change, they embrace it — and are now using it as the inspiration for their third album, Growing Down.
Songs in this episode: “It's Not A Place, It's A Feeling” and “Street Lights”
2020-01-2433 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastGems of 2019: Part 2This episode is part 2 of 4 "Gems of 2019," a series where I look back on some of my favorite albums and EPs of 2019. This time, I chat about releases from Jamila Woods, Charly Bliss, ahem, Carly Rae Jepsen and more, as well as a friend who's changed my own relationship to music.
2019-12-1717 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastBandmates second, brothers first with Gully BoysKathy Callahan (she/her), Nadi McGill (they/them), and Natalie Klemond (she/her) aren’t just bandmates — the trio affectionately refer to themselves as “brothers” — and sitting down with the three of them, it’s clear that their music is inseparable from their close-knit relationship. We talked about battling impostor syndrome, their upcoming EP Phony, how they used cheap wigs to recreate the looks of iconic boy bands, and so much more.
Songs included: "New Song No. 2" and "Neopet Graveyard"
2019-12-1346 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastGems of 2019: Part 1As 2019 winds to a close, I'm looking back on some of my favorite albums and EPs from the year. This episode is part 1 of 4 "Gems of 2019," where I chat about some of my favorite music released in the past year from Queen of Jeans, Chastity Belt, pushflowers, Sass, and more.
2019-12-0920 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastNo More Dysphoria with Nicolle Maroulis of Hit Like A GirlNicolle Maroulis keeps busy. When talked over the phone, the frontperson of the Montclair, NJ band Hit Like A Girl was in between two tours, in the midst of two new releases, and managing their non-profit organization. Maroulis and I chatted about one of Hit Like A Girl's newest singles, "No More Dysphoria," tackling onstage nerves, and the secrets to building the perfect Taco Bell order.
Songs included: "No More Dysphoria" and "It's Not Me"
2019-11-2236 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastKeeping it under wraps with Danielle and Laura of ScrunchiesWhen Scrunchies released their debut album Stunner in June 2018, it seemed like this supergroup of Minneapolis musicians dropped from the sky — and that’s because they didn’t tell anyone about the band until after they had recorded an entire album, made a music video, and booked their first show.
Songs included: "Wichita" and "Double Vision"
2019-11-0145 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastFuzzy, loud & happy with ahemSomewhere in Minnesota, there's an underground bunker turning out some of the happiest and loudest rock in the state. Courtney, Alyse, and Erik make up the trio ahem, and together they tap into a youthful joy to write playful songs about climbing trees and taking the winding path through life. I sat down with the band and discovered that our recording location played a key role in the creation of their debut album, "Try Again."
Songs included: "Sideways" and "Wishing Well"
2019-10-2248 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastBuilding community with Lauren Rearick of The Grey EstatesThe Grey Estates is one of the Internet's most influential indie music blogs, and also one of its most heartwarming. Lauren Rearick founded the blog in 2013 and since then, it has built connections between musicians and listeners across the world. I caught up with Lauren to talk about falling in love with indie music through The O.C., launching new features like The Beat, and learning when to close your email inbox and make time for yourself.
2019-09-1640 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastCrying for fun with Katharine Seggerman of Lunch DuchessKatharine Seggerman is the drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for Lunch Duchess, which just released its debut full-length album, "Crying for Fun." In this episode, Katharine and I talk about how she uses her background as a drummer to write catchy songs with powerfully personal lyrics that draw on everything from allergies and bodily autonomy to emotional releases.
2019-08-3032 minThe Pass The Mic PodcastBuilding explosive moments with Miri and Mattie of Queen of JeansFor the first episode of the Pass The Mic Podcast, I'm joined by Miri Devora and Mattie Glass of the Philly band Queen of Jeans. We talk about how the band recorded their latest album "If you're not afraid, I'm not afraid" with producer Will Yip, their musical influences (which range from doo-wop to Dashboard Confessional), and writing slow-burning, but cathartic songs that find strength in loss.
2019-08-2434 min
The Pass The Mic PodcastIntroducing: The Pass The Mic PodcastLast year, I created the blog Pass The Mic out of of my love of music, and also my frustration with the way that media outlets were representing (or not representing) non-men in their coverage.
Now, I'm launching The Pass The Mic Podcast: a space where musicians, booking agents, and recording engineers can share their stories, talk about the people who inspire them, and engage in unfiltered conversations.
2019-08-2002 min