In this episode we get to meet Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, producer, Kaitlyn is best known as a leading user of the rarified Buchla modular synthesizer. In this chat, she and I discuss what draws her to this instrument, and we talk quite a bit about how the sounds of it (and other sounds) cohered to create her latest album, Let's Turn it Into Sound. We talk about the power of sound, the power of collaboration, and her relationship with music - both recorded and live performance. It's a great chat, especially for your synth-heads out there. Thanks for listening!

In this -- the FIFTIETH (!!!) episode -- of Meet Our Makers, we meet singer-songwriter Alela Diane. In this chat, Alela and I discuss her brand new record, Looking Glass, and some of what went into making it. We talk recording, we talk writing, we talk musicality, we talk theme -- she's got it all. We talk a bit about memory, and how we process things in our art so that we can live a regular day-to-day life. We talk about the symbolism of selling her longtime home, as well as some of our favorite ladies, like Joni and Judee and Joanna. I think you'll enjoy it. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, we get to meet singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop. Speaking to me from her home in the UK (though she's originally from California), Jesca and I discuss her new album, Order of Romance. In this chat, she and I talk at length about the record - as she says at one point, she's not afraid to "talk shop." We also talk about the political and health state of the world - including looking at the US from an expat's perspective - and how she funneled her observations about the goings-on of the world around her into these intimate and personalized character studies. We touch upon a lot more too, and Jesca was funny, grounded, and candid - all much appreciated. I think you'll like it. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, we get to meet Emily Sprague. Emily is best known as the frontperson and lead singer of indie folk band Florist. In this chat, Emily and I discuss the ins and outs of the brand new self-titled Florist record from this summer, including its unique recording and composing journey, which took place mostly on a screened-in porch while the band stayed at a secluded house. We touch upon the last Florist record, Emily Alone, which was essentially a solo project, as well as the band's surprising connection to Beyonce...??? That and more. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy.

In this episode, we get to meet Laura Veirs. Laura is a singer-songwriter based in Portland, OR, and she's just released her newest record, Found Light. In this chat, Laura and I talk a lot about this new album, unpacking themes, examining specific songs, and talking about the writing and production - which was her first time ever coproducing her own album. We talk about the tumultuous period of her life that inspired it and its predecessor, My Echo, which included her divorce from longtime partner & collaborator Tucker Martine. We talk about some other odds & ends too, and it was a really nice talk. Thank you for listening.

In this episode, we get to meet Emily Haines. Emily Haines is best known as the lead singer and lyricist of Canadian indie rock band Metric. In this chat, Emily and I discuss a wide range of things, including their brand new record Formentera, as well as the band's back catalog and beginnings, which began with a bit of a false start. We talk about her solo work, her ideas on music and what Metric's true ethos and values are, as well as the queasiness of the constant news cycle. (Note: we recorded this on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned in America.) It's a discursive but wholly enlightening and enjoyable talk, and I thank you for listening.

In this episode, we get to mee Torquil Campbell (aka Torq), one of the cofounders and co-bandleaders of Canadian indie rock veterans Stars. I'm excited this talk finally happened, as it's been in the works for almost as long as the pod has been around. But now that Stars have a brand new album out, the stars (!) finally aligned. In this digressive, blunt, hilarious, and endearing conversation, Torq and I talk the new record From Capelton Hill, the band's long history and where they are now, and the power of love. And a lot more, I promise. I think you'll like it. Thank you for listening..

In this episode, we get to meet Daniel Rossen. Dan is best known as one of the singers/songwriters/guitarists of indie rock veterans Grizzly Bear. Now, he has released his debut solo full-length album, the stunning You Belong There, which comes ten years after his first EP, Silent Hour/Golden Mile. In this chat, Dan and I talk a lot about the new record, including some of the inspirations and methods behind his often-complex songs. We talk about Grizzly Bear's past, present, and future, as well as some of his other side projects from throughout the years, working alone during the pandemic, and much more. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for listening.

In this episode, we get to meet Dan Bejar of Destroyer. What started as a 4-track solo project in the 90s has bloomed into one of indie rock's stalwart acts, and in this talk, Dan and I talk a lot about his storied career, his lyrical stylings, his inspirations, and more. We also discuss his brilliant brand new album, Labyrinthitis, which is his 13th album. Dan was just as nonchalant, cool, and dryly funny as you'd likely expect, and I hope you enjoy our conversation.

In this episode, we get to meet singer, songwriter, metal-lover, producer, Sasami. The mononym of one Sasami Ashworth, Sasami has recently put out her anticipated second album, SQUEEZE. In this chat, Sasami and I talk a lot about the new record, including its mistifyingly disparate influences, from nu-metal to folk, from System of a Down to Sheryl Crow. We talk about industry misogyny, culture, songwriting inspiration, and much more. It's a great, humorous, insightful talk, and I hope you enjoy.