The Musicscope

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

In this episode, we explore the musical history of Detroit. Starting with the world-famous Detroit Symphony Orchestra, we explore the city’s contributions to Jazz and hard bop, its influence on recording, songwriting and production through Motown records, and its dominance of the rock charts in the 70s from Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Grand funk and others. We will also explore Detroits deep influence on underground and punk music, starting with the MC5, through Iggy and the Stooges, Coldcock, the Mutants, and on to the Gories, the Dirtbombs, and the white stripes. We will also visit Detroit’s beat heavy techno and hip hop contributions. I look forward to seeing you next time on the Musicscope!

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

The Musicscope Minute delivers music history factoids in 1 minute or less!

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

The music of Washington DC has long been driven by the DIY or do-it-yourself ethos. Artists from all genres have continually introduced unique contributions to DC’s music community on their own terms, which in turn have inspired scenes across the United States. One of the most influential elements is DC’s punk scene. Emerging in the late 1970’s, it  was ignited by bands such as Bad Brains and the Slickee Boys, followed in the 80’s by Minor Threat, Iron Cross, Youth Brigade, Scream and others. The scene evolved into post hardcore, with bands like Fugazi and Jawbox bringing in a wider pallet of influences while retaining hardcore punk’s intensity. By the late 1990’s, DC was a hub for innovative post-hardcore music that remained inspired and driven by Dischord Records. One of the most unique and inventive bands in the Dischord catalog is Q and Not U. In this episode, I discuss DC’s musical influence with my guest, Christopher Richards of Q and Not U. 

Check out Chris’ music and wiritings here:

https://thefutureisourstomake.substack.com/

https://qandnotu.bandcamp.com/

https://academyfightsong.bandcamp.com/album/purple-blaze

https://tkecho.bandcamp.com/

https://dischord.com/band/q-and-not-u

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

In this episode, we explore the musical history of Washington DC. Important contributions from DC include John Phillip Souza, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Shirley Horn, Ruth Brown, Buzz Busby and the Bayou Boys, The Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene, John Fahey,  Piedmont Blues, Roy Buchanon, Danny Gatton, Go-Go, Chuck Brown, DC Punk, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Fugazi, Jawbox, Post-Punk, Dischord Records, the 9:30 Club, The Birchemere, The Black Cat, Blues Alley and more. 

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Mike spoke with Eric Axelson, bassist of Milliseconds and the Dismemberment Plan to discuss how technology has influenced him and what changes are alive in music today. Eric also shares some D-Plan history, gear knowledge and what influences made him the unique player he is today.  You can check out Eric's new band, Milliseconds on all the socials, and hear his work with Dismemberment Plan and Maritime on your favorite streaming services. 

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

People love Christmastime, and Christmas music is a large part of the season. From centuries-old hymns to inspirational (and inescapable) pop versions of holiday classics, you can't have Christmas without the music we all know and love. Join us and explore the history of Christmas music on a special holiday episode of The Musicscope.

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Since ancient times, musicians have been the conduit for the music people hold sacred. From providing music strictly for worship to managing an army of supporting cast at concerts for thousands of people, the role of the musical artist has evolved significantly throughout the ages. Join me as we explore how the musician's role and responsibilities have changed over the years.  

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Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

The electric guitar is the instrument most associated with rock. When we think of rock guitar, we often conjure images of wild solos, loud riffs, and even smashed instruments, but that's just a sliver of the guitar's history.  In this episode, we explore the guitar's humble origins, transformations and innovations during its rich history. 

Check out each guitarist discussed in the episode on our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4HytZpAozzT1Kir1vHmpwI?si=19928204b1344954

A special thanks to Joel Mabus and his contribution of finger style guitar. Be sure to check out Joel and his album "Parlor Guitar'  on his site, http://www.joelmabus.com.  

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

Support the show

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists.