MICRO SPY

MICRO SPY

By Erik RatenspergerMusicMusic Interviews
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MICRO SPY episodes

  • Alex Edkins of METZ and Weird Nightmare

    In this episode, I speak with Alex Edkins, the guitarist and vocalist of the band METZ, and his new brainchild, Weird Nightmare. Alex and I discuss his music as a coping mechanism, the shift in mindset regarding creative collaboration, and the magical effects music and art can have on humanity. His new project Weird Nightmare released its debut full-length on Sub Pop last year. METZ’s most recent album, ATLAS VENDING, also released on Sub Pop came out in 2020. He’s already working on new material for both.

    Tracklisting in this episode:

    1. METZ — Headache
    2. Weird Nightmare — Searching For You
    3. METZ — The Mule
    4. Weird Nightmare — Dream
    5. Weird Nightmare — Wrecked
    6. METZ — Wasted
    7. METZ — Get Off
    8. Weird Nightmare — Nibs

    Learn more about METZ and Weird Nightmare:

    METZ:
    Official website
    Instagram

    Weird Nightmare:
    Official website
    Instagram

    —

    Micro Spy
    @microspymusic
    microspymusic.com


    1 hr 14 min
  • Seb Alvarez of meth. and Virgin Mother
    In this episode, I speak with Seb Alvarez - the vocalist and mastermind behind the bands meth. and Virgin Mother. Seb and I discuss the inner workings of how he fuels expression through metaphor and his fascination with the psychology of cult leaders. We also discuss his take on verbal communication vs performative expression. Seb also discusses his reluctance to vulnerability, but how that might be slowly changing.
    Learn more about meth. and Virgin Mother:
    meth.:
    https://methil.bandcamp.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/meth.band/?hl=en
    Virgin Mother:
    https://virginmother.bandcamp.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/virginmother_/?hl=en
    Songs in this episode:
    1. meth. — In Bred
    2. meth. — Return Me (My Body)
    3. Virgin Mother — Blossoming Winter
    4. Virgin Mother — I'll Never Feel Like Anything
    1 hr 2 min
  • Mike York of Pianos Become The Teeth

    In this episode, I speak with Mike York of the band, Pianos Become The Teeth, who recently released their fifth studio album, “Drift” on Epitaph Records. Mike and I discuss the beauty of imperfection in music, how intentionality influences songwriting, and the bond he’s established with his bandmates over the years. We also talk about the importance of gratitude, and the excitement for what lies ahead.

    1 hr 8 min
  • Jesse Draxler

    In this episode, I speak with visual artist, Jesse Draxler.


    Jesse is probably most known for his abstract, visual manipulation through collage. He’s had solo exhibitions between New York and Los Angeles and has done commercial work for brands like Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and Ferrari.

    One of his most iconic works became the cover art for Daughters’ 2018 comeback album, “You Won’t Get What You Want”.
    Jesse has also worked with Nine Inch Nails, and Chelsea Wolfe.

    Our conversation explores creative process during a pandemic, using collage as a way to warp reality, isolation as a concept, and his latest project entitled Reigning Cement.

    1 hr 5 min
  • Robert Pettersen and Rex Shelverton of Portraits of Past

    In this episode, I speak with Robert Pettersen and Rex Shelverton of the band Portraits of Past.


    Portraits of Past was a hardcore band from Half-moon Bay between 1993 and 95, and did a handful of reunion shows between 2008 and 2009.

    Their debut LP, released on ebullition records came out after they had already broken up. And it wasn’t until overtime did people start to catch on to the brilliance of this band’s music.

    I met with Rex and Robert in San Francisco. We recorded this conversation at Rex’s rehearsal space and talked for almost 3 hours.

    They reveal their very beginnings with punk rock and paint a very saturated picture of their surroundings during the time Portraits of Past was a band. We discuss how environment affects creative process, and how there are some things in art that simply can’t be articulated.

    2 hr 9 min
  • Anthony DiDio of Vein

    In this episode, I speak with Anthony DiDio of the Boston hard-core band Vein. Vein is one of the heaviest hardcore bands out there today. Their creativity along with their musical capability is arguably unrivaled.


    Their 2018 full length, Errorzone is a blistering and beautiful record that pushes musical and conceptual boundaries. This band has such a unique style, combining various influences, creating a sound and visual world all of its own. Anthony and I discuss those influences, creative process, what determines a good song, and the nuance of triggering emotion.

    50 min
  • Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder, The West Wing Weekly, and The One AM Radio

    In this episode, I speak with Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of the award-winning podcasts, Song Exploder and The West Wing Weekly. His most recent endeavor is hIs new podcast entitled, Partners — where he explores the bond between people who have made something together.


    Hrishi is also the executive producer and theme composer of The Jump, a Podcast hosted by Shirley Manson of the band, Garbage.

    He is also the musical talent behind The One AM radio and a member of the hip hop group, Moors, with actor Lakeith Stanfield.


    Hrishi and I met in 1998 when we played a show together in New Haven, CT. Our conversation recalls moments of our past but quickly moves to the inner workings of his relationship with music, design, and creative process.

    54 min
  • Geoff Garlock of Orchid

    In this episode, I speak with Geoff Garlock of the band Orchid. Though Orchid hailed from Massachusetts, Geoff grew up in Connecticut like me. And not surprisingly we were exposed to a lot of the same bands.


    We talk about the Connecticut hardcore scene in the mid-nineties and how the state acted as a sieve for bands that came through between New York and Boston.

    Jeff also talks about his relationship with hardcore and the pros and cons that have come with it as he’s become older.

    1 hr 6 min
  • Jeff Howe of Reversal of Man

    In this episode, I speak with Jeff Howe of the legendary hardcore band, Reversal of Man. He also played bass in Combat Wounded Veteran and is currently playing in the band Horsewhip. Jeff is also the co-founder of Nah Dogs, an all vegan hot dog stand, which he runs with his wife in St. Petersburg, FL.


    Jeff and I talk about Reversal of Man’s history and the challenges they faced and endured through their end.

    We also talk about the biggest takeaways of punk rock, friendship, perseverance, and how ROM turned an unfortunate conflict into a song that to this day, people still talk about.

    55 min
  • Mike Taylor of Pg.99 and Pigmylush
    In this episode, I speak with Mike Taylor, guitarist of the seminal hardcore band, Pg.99.
    Mike and I share some punk rock history, having played numerous shows together in our band’s earlier years. From playing Food co-ops, the flat bottom of a half-pipe, to our bands sleeping on the floor of an old movie theatre somewhere In Virginia, our memories are fond and plenty. Mike’s fluency in music is inspiring. We talk about his love of hip hop and how shows like “120 Minutes” and "Yo MTV Raps" changed the way he consumed music as a kid. We also discuss the origins of Pg.99 and their recent tours that raised money and awareness for organizations supporting equal rights for all. 
    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the podcast, please subscribe and share on social media.
    You can also make a donation, buy a t-shirt, or simply send me a note of encouragement. That’s always nice. 
    Follow @microspymusic and check out microspymusic.com
    1 hr 1 min

About MICRO SPY

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MICRO SPY is a podcast that takes a closer look at the lives and work of the musicians and creatives I admire. Be sure to rate, review, and share the podcast if you like what you hear. Hosted and…