In this bonus mini-episode, Ndugu Chancler tells Joe about recording Michael Jackson's classic song, "Billie Jean". You can hear Ndugu's full length episode by subscribing to The Trap Set on iTunes or RSS.
In this bonus mini-episode, John Stanier tells Joe about his time as a professional DJ. You can hear John's full length episode by subscribing to The Trap Set on iTunes or RSS.
John Stanier first burst onto the rock scene in the late 80s, as founding drummer of Helmet. He charts the course of that band's decade long run, which included mainstream, multi-platinum success but ended in acrimony. He tells Joe about the musical evolution that led him to his current band, Battles; and he explains why--despite his previous success--he was willing to start over and sleep on floors in order to help build the band from the ground up.
In this bonus mini-episode, Brendan Canty tells Joe about how he got involved with the DC punk scene; playing with the short-lived, but incredibly influential band Rites of Spring; and the genesis of Fugazi. Subscribe to The Trap Set for free to hear Brendan's full-length episode. (He was guest numero uno.)
In this bonus mini-episode, Reggie Watts tells Joe about writing music while on acid. Subscribe to The Trap Set for free to hear Reggie's full-length episode (#40).
Reggie Watts talks to Joe about growing up in Montana, psychedelic drugs, the spirit of jazz, leading the Late Late Show Band on CBS, virtual reality, and returning to Montana to create Utopian creative compound.
In this bonus mini-episode, L7's Dee Plakas talks to Joe about touring with Melvins. Subscribe to The Trap Set for free to hear Dee's full-length episode. (Also available: an interview with Dale Crover of Melvins.)
Best known as the drummer for Wilco, Glenn Kotche is also an accomplished classical percussionist and experimental composer. He talks to Joe about the internal workings of Wilco and how he strives for balance between his many creative pursuits and his family life.
Clem Burke of Blondie Fame tells Joe about how he got started in music and how he ended up playing Carnegie Hall at age fourteen.
Greg Fox and Kid Millions call Joe to talk about their fantastic new duo album, "Losttime". Subscribe to The Trap Set so that you can check out Kid's full-length episode in our archives (Episode 3), and stay tuned for a new episode featuring Greg sometime soon.
Clem Burke talks about the New York glam scene at Club 82, the punk scene at CBGBs, crafting pop masterpieces with Blondie, and the band's rise to tremendous international success. He also discusses how he stays inspired and remains creative 40 years into his career.
DJ Bonebrake talks about how X maintained creative control, in spite of signing with major label, Elektra Records.
Dee Plakas talks about discovering her natural gift for drumming, pulverizing the music world with L7, breaking up the band, and reuniting over a decade later.
Fred and Joe pontificate over the nature of music and how it relates to cultural anthropology. Neither of them is an expert, so everything they think might be wrong. You be the judge.
Blonde Redhead's Simone Pace tells Joe about his mischievous childhood in Italy and Canada, studying with the legendary Alan Dawson in Boston, founding Blonde Redhead in NY, and managing his insecurities as an artist.
James Gadson is one of the greatest drummers in the history of recorded music, but even he sometimes has an off day in the studio. He tells Joe about a time when he wasn't at his best. Be sure to listen to Gadson's full-length episode by subscribing to The Trap Set on iTunes or by visiting thetrapset.net
DJ Bonebrake, of legendary punk band X, discusses his time as a Buddhist with Joe, who is just now exploring Buddhism. Be sure to listen to DJ's full-length episode by subscribing to The Trap Set on iTunes or by visiting thetrapset.net
James Gadson is one of most prolific drummers in funk and soul. His singular style can be heard on seminal records by Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Charles Wright, The Temptations, and many other legends. He tells Joe his remarkable life story.
Venzella Joy (drummer for Beyoncé) and Joe talk about their wonderful moms.
Steven Adler of Guns N' Roses tells Joe about growing up as a "good Hebrew boy" and seeing UFOs. Be sure to check out his full episode at thetrapset.net/past-episodes or on iTunes.
DJ Bonebrake (yes, that's his real name) is the founding drummer of legendary LA punk band, X. He tells Joe about his tragic childhood, the early LA punk scene, and how he constantly broadens his artistic skill set.
In this bonus mini-episode, Joe and Interpol's Sam Fogarino trade culinary tips and discuss the sometimes annoying foodie culture. Check out Sam's full-length episode at thetrapset.net (Past Episodes) or on iTunes.
In this bonus mini-episode, Sheila E. discusses her grandmother's obsession with sex. Check out Sheila's full-length episode at thetrapset.net (Past Episodes) or on iTunes.
It's not enough to merely be a great drummer if you want to play with the biggest pop star in the world. In addition to her unstoppable groove and technical prowess, Venzella Joy possesses an extraordinary combination of wisdom, humility, and confidence that enabled her to secure the drum throne in Beyoncé's band. But as Venzella continues to develop as a songwriter and producer, it's clear that playing with the Queen is merely the beginning of her creative journey. She drops jewels of knowledge on Joe and shares her life story.
You know Fred Armisen from his work on Portlandia and SNL, but before he was a comedy star, Fred was a working drummer. He charts the journey from his early fascination with music, to his time touring and recording with arty Chicago band Trenchmouth, to Blue Man Group, SNL, The 8G Band and beyond. Fred also discusses the nature of his creative drive and his relationship with success.