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This is Joe Wong. Welcome to the Trap Set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers. I want to play something for you. The

The You're hearing the band Tortoise featuring my guest John Herndon on drums.

Improvised music and punk rock share a similar sense of rebellion and commitment.

Tortus was one of the first bands to explore the intersection of the two sometimes Insflur's styles.

Formed in Chicago in the early 90s, Tortoise drew inspiration from the city's richly diverse musical landscape

and created a unique synthesis of punk, jazz,

dub, Prague rock, electronica, and various world musics.

The group was at the forefront of an influential movement labeled post-rock by critics

that includes like-minded artists like The Sea and Cake, Euphone, and Gastro del Sol. But Tortoise is just one of several innovative bands with which Herndon is associated.

His other projects have included Isotope 217, Five Style, Starlicker, and The Poster Children.

Recently, John moved to Los Angeles, where he continues to play regular gigs and is sought

after as a studio musician.

He's valued for his powerful groove, distinctive tone, and his ability to bridge the gap

between disparate musical worlds.

In the several months since we recorded this interview, I've gotten to know John a lot better,

and I've also found him to be a warm, charming guy

and a great conversationalist.

...