Noon Fifteen Podcast

Noon Fifteen dives into “Feel,” Harry’s song about health anxiety that went through his “weird-shit-o-meter” and became a song about vampires. Harry, Mandy, and Sam sing the praises of peerless guitarist Joe Massa and his creative contributions to the band over ten years.

Noon Fifteen continues the leadup to the release of Finish What You Started with “Barricades,” a contemplative ballad about courage in the face of rising fascism. The band discusses the long road the song took to its final arrangement, while considering how the lyrics only became more relevant over that time. They sing the praises of producer/engineer/studio wizard Chris Ploss. They also discuss their strategies for Chessboxing.

Noon Fifteen reconvenes to discuss “Imposter,” the latest release in the Finish What You Started project that started way back before the pandemic. We discuss what the band has been up to since the last release in 2020, why this project is coming to fruition now, and what inspired Harry to write a catchy song about a spooky subject. Mandy airs her grievances.

In the first installment of an ongoing segment highlighting the solo work of Noon Fifteen’s band members, Dan Cole speaks with guitarist Joe Massa about his debut solo release, Conundrum. Joe muses on the lessons and challenges of taking on every part of the recording process, from writing music without vocals, to performing all of the instruments, to recording and mixing the music himself. He also dives into the conundrum (see what we did there?) of titling songs without lyrics, and how he turned to a word invented by his toddler and a formative experience from his teen years for inspiration.

Purchase Conundrum on Bandcamp

Check out more of Joe’s other music in Thru Spectrums

Mentioned in this episode:

Eric Krasno

On one of the strangest Thanksgivings in memory, the band discusses “Scared To,” Mandy’s song about being haunted by things you wish you hadn’t said. Phil talks about playing drums to emphasize a feeling, and the band reminisces about making music at Sunwood Recording, during a magical time when we could gather safely indoors, even though Joe had to wait in line for sandwiches. 

Referenced in this episode:

Heard in this episode:

Scared To:

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Mandy talks about feelings, groove, and the group collaboration that helped develop her composition “Easy,” which happens to be Dan Cole’s favorite song when mixing the band’s live show. Phil revisits his time in a reggae band.

Heard in this episode:

Easy

Referenced in this episode:

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After spending the last fifteen months on other projects, Noon Fifteen returns to Finish What You Started! In this episode, recorded in the driveway of Sam and Mandy’s new home (because COVID-19), the band discusses the politically-motivated Lupowitz composition “Dinosaurs,” and how you should try to listen to it while listening to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The band also teases Mandy’s gospel record (Joe doesn’t like the direction in which it’s headed).

Heard in this episode:

Dinosaurs:

-Sam’s original cell phone demo

Also referenced in this episode:

Ozzy Osbourne – Mr. Crowley, Mama I’m Coming Home, Crazy Train

A special single release from Noon Fifteen about what motivates us to leave our homes and protest during a public health crisis. Recorded in — and set to the sounds of — self-quarantine.

The band chats with Dan Cole (over Zoom, of course) about staying creative while isolated from one another, the inspiration (both musical and lyrical) for this unusual original tune, and the challenges of creating collaborative music remotely.

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In honor of the third annual Finger Lakes Thaw festival, and the global onset of COVID-19, Noon Fifteen presents “Thaw,” a mini-suite about winter dangers at home and abroad. The song moves through four seasons of soul, metal, progressive rock, and New Orleans funk.

Dan Cole talks to Sam and Mandy about the life-threatening story (and rental property) that inspired the song, and Phil discusses playing hand drums without his hands. Joe and Harry’s children make guest appearances.

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In this super-sized Halloween episode, Noon Fifteen gathers at Sunwood Recording in Trumansburg, NY to discuss At the Festival, their new 22-minute, multi-movement suite. At the Festival tells the story of a man in mourning whose trip to a music festival takes a dark turn toward the supernatural. Harry, Sam, Mandy, Joe, and Phil are joined by studio owner/engineer Chris Ploss, who recorded and mixed the project, and regular host Dan Cole, to dive into the writing, arranging, and recording of this mini rock opera.

The band talks about the challenges and delights of ushering the narrative-driven piece from Harry Nichols brainchild to complete recording, and how their past projects and influences coalesced to create something new in At the Festival. Plus, the usual array of jokes and snide remarks you’ve come to expect from Noon Fifteen. As usual, you’ll hear the finished product at the end of the episode.

At the Festival is composed by Harry Nichols, except for part VII by Harry Nichols and Samuel B. Lupowitz.

Recorded & Mixed by Chris Ploss at Sunwood Recording, Trumansburg, NY

Other music heard or mentioned in this episode:

Special thanks to:

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