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.

RIP: Viola Smith

Each Episode, Joe Wong speaks to a different musician about life.

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Steve Albini died yesterday, May 7, at the age of 61. Here's Joe's conversation with Steve from 2017. Originally intended to be a gag episode featuring Roland (the drum machine used in Steve's band, Big Black), this turned into an earnest conversation documenting Steve's evolution from sharp-witted provocateur to sharp-witted empath. With thousands of recordings to his name, Steve has left a brilliant legacy of massive influence. Requiescat.

RIP: Steve Albini (Roland)

King Coffey tells Joe about: growing up in a single-parent, Christian household; his 40+ year tenure with Butthole Surfers; his interest in Buddhism; and caring for his husband, who suffered from dementia.

309: King Coffey (Butthole Surfers)

Guy Picciotto's work in Fugazi and Rites of Spring had an immeasurable impact on Joe's life. As a producer, Guy has helped artists such as Blonde Redhead, Vic Chestnut, and The Blood Brothers reach new heights. In an uncharacterisically candid conversation, Guy tells Joe about his childhood, his artistic trajectory, and his most recent project as a producer--Jim White's first solo album, All Hits: Memories. 

308: Guy Picciotto (Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Happy Go Licky, etc.)

For over thirty years, Jim White has been the drummer of choice for many of the most compelling songwriters working. Now, with assitance from producer Guy Picciotto, he's created his first solo album, All Hits: Memories.

307: Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White, etc.)

The latest incarnation of Built to Spill will undoubtedly be remembered as one of that band's most potent lineups in its 30+ year career. Teresa Esguerra's heavy groove and lyrical rhythmic conception are a crucial part of the equation. She tells Joe about Prism Bitch, Built to Spill, and her career as an occupational therapist.

RIP: Viola Smith

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