In this episode, we’re joined by Mathieu Santos, bassist and founding member of the band Ra Ra Riot and Chris Everhart, the graphic designer who has worked on all their album packages, countless posters, and creative collaborations. We talk through the band’s creative approach to songwriting and what it’s like to manage so many creative voices and opinions (with 5 members of the group). We walk through all their creative adventures with Chris, his work in coming up with concepts, and the shared artistic language they’ve developed over a decade of work together. In addition to his work with Ra Ra Riot, Chris has done amazing posters and artwork for The Raconteurs, 311, The National, Phish, and Jack White.

Follow Making Ways for more stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman at www.robgoodman.com. Discover more from Ra Ra Riot at www.rarariot.com and see Chris’s artwork at www.chriseverhart.com. 

All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Special thanks to Josh Roth for helping to make this episode possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anaïs Mitchell, is a singer-songwriter, creator of the 8x Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, and 1/3 of the folk-rock supergroup and twice Grammy-nominated Bonny Light Horseman. Aaron Denton is an acclaimed poster artist and designer for music including work with Stereolab, Slowdive, Khruangbin, and… Bonny Light Horseman. In this episode, we go deep into the backstory of where art meets music for Bonny Light Horseman, Anaïs and Aaron’s unique creative processes, what they look for in a successful creative partnership, and how Aaron applies his artwork “effects pedal” to the music he loves from the bands he collaborates with.

Follow Making Ways for more stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Bonny Light Horseman at www.bonnylighthorseman.com and see Aarron Denton’s brilliant artwork at www.aaronlowelldenton.com.

All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Special thanks to Dean Christesen at Spacebomb Group for helping to make this episode possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Hazel English discussing her latest album “Wake UP!” with bandmate and album designer David Vieira. Hazel and David discuss working together on the album, how the packaging came together, and Hazel’s process for songwriting. You’ll hear about the themes behind “Wake UP!” and David’s approach to the handcrafted design elements he brought to the album’s packaging. His work surrounds a bold, colorful photograph of Hazel English used for the cover and shot by Janell Shirtcliff. Tune in for one of our favorite new artists in conversation about the art of music.

Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Hazel English at https://hazelenglish.com, explore David’s art and music at  https://www.instagram.com/davyera.

All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Clarke, lead singer from the band Deafheaven joins Making Ways alongside his creative collaborator, close friend, graphic designer, and musician Nick Steinhardt from the band Touché Amoré. In addition to his work with Deafheaven, Nick Steinhardt has designed packaging for popular artists like Tom Petty, Pink, Britney Spears, and the latest Paul McCartney album, McCartney III. In this conversation, we go deep into the creative process behind the music and art of Deafheaven’s album covers and overall visual aesthetic. Throughout the interview, you’re going to hear about the care and consideration that goes into every decision the band makes about the visual art that surrounds their music. You’ll learn more about George’s backstory, how Nick and George originally connected, and the stories of inspiration and creative production that bring Deafheaven’s music to life through art. 

Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Deafheaven at www.deafheaven.com, explore Nick Steinhardt’s art and design at www.23in.com, and hear the music of Touché Amoré at www.toucheamore.com. 

All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Special thanks to Josh Roth for introducing us to Nick and helping to make this episode possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Songwriter and musician Shamir Bailey and artist Faye Orlove talk about the art of the music video that Faye illustrated and animated for the song “Running” off of Shamir’s latest self-titled album. In this conversation, we get into the collaboration and connection between these two, the backstory of the video, and go deeper into both the songwriting and artmaking process. Shamir and Faye talk about the power of working with distraction (on purpose), creativity and mental health, and the downside of romanticizing the idea of the tortured rock star. Shamir even touches on some of the new music he’s been creating.

Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Shamir at shamir.bandcamp.com and explore the work of Faye Orlove at fayeorlove.com.

All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Lee of Khruangbin and designer Nate Utesch discuss the stories behind the art of the band’s latest album ‘Mordechai.’ In this expansive conversation for the new Making Ways podcast, we dive into the origin story of the record and how the artwork came together as a collaboration between Laura and Nate. Laura shares her creative songwriting process and how mindfulness plays such an important part in her craft, and Nate walks us through the way he works with bands (including Smashing Pumpkins, Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, and his own electronic music project called Metavari) to create incredible packages. 

Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Discover more from Khruangbin at www.khruangbin.com and explore the work of Nate Utesch at www.utesch.xyz. All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher.

Special thanks to Josh Roth for his ongoing support and for introducing us to Nate which made this episode possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and lifelong friend, artist Melissa Unger discuss the music and artwork that brings the band’s latest album ‘Never Not Together’ to life and uncover new layers behind the record’s biggest themes. In this debut episode of the new Making Ways podcast, hear about Matthew and Melissa’s creative practices, the value of ritual, what it means to catch creative fire with hot hands, and why taking a cold shower might not be such a bad idea. 

Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Discover Nada Surf's music at nadasurf.com and learn more about Melissa Unger and Seymour Projects at seymourprojects.com.

All music used by permission of band, label, and publisher.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.