The Trap Set with Joe Wong

Over the past 40 years, Lou Barlow's body of work--with bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and as a solo artist--has immensely impacted Joe's life. Lou tells Joe about growing up in the chaotic 1970s; his early love of pop radio; the enormous influence the Ramones had on his life; hearing his early songs on college radio; sleep hygiene; and his inclination towards flittering and fretting.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Dave Elitch returns for a bonus episode to discuss his new course, Staying Out of Your Own Way. At its best, learning to play an instrument can be the catalyst for self exploration. Joe and Dave share a curiosity about the nature of learning, and Dave--who has taught many of the best working drummers--talks about the impetus to create his new course. We'll be back with full-length episodes next week.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

Steve Albini died yesterday, May 7, at the age of 61. Here's Joe's conversation with Steve from 2017. Originally intended to be a gag episode featuring Roland (the drum machine used in Steve's band, Big Black), this turned into an earnest conversation documenting Steve's evolution from sharp-witted provocateur to sharp-witted empath. With thousands of recordings to his name, Steve has left a brilliant legacy of massive influence. Requiescat.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

King Coffey tells Joe about: growing up in a single-parent, Christian household; his 40+ year tenure with Butthole Surfers; his interest in Buddhism; and caring for his husband, who suffered from dementia.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

Guy Picciotto's work in Fugazi and Rites of Spring had an immeasurable impact on Joe's life. As a producer, Guy has helped artists such as Blonde Redhead, Vic Chestnut, and The Blood Brothers reach new heights. In an uncharacterisically candid conversation, Guy tells Joe about his childhood, his artistic trajectory, and his most recent project as a producer--Jim White's first solo album, All Hits: Memories. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

For over thirty years, Jim White has been the drummer of choice for many of the most compelling songwriters working. Now, with assitance from producer Guy Picciotto, he's created his first solo album, All Hits: Memories.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

The latest incarnation of Built to Spill will undoubtedly be remembered as one of that band's most potent lineups in its 30+ year career. Teresa Esguerra's heavy groove and lyrical rhythmic conception are a crucial part of the equation. She tells Joe about Prism Bitch, Built to Spill, and her career as an occupational therapist.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2024

The Trap Set is back, and so is Marnie Stern. Marnie burst onto the NYC rock scene in 2007--seemingly out of nowhere--with a unique blend of virtuosic guitar; surreal, beautifully yearning lyrcs; and a "sheets of sound" vocal delivery. Joe met Marnie in 2012 and toured with her behind Stern's 2013 album, The Chronicles of Marnia. It was on this tour that Joe conceived of the idea for The Trap Set. Shortly after the tour, Stern took a break from releasing original music and took a gig as the guitarist for the 8G Band--the house band for Late Night with Seth Meyers--a position she held for over eight years.  Now back with a fantastic new album, The Comeback Kid, Marnie joins her old pal, Joe, to catch up!

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2024

Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse, passed away 12/31/2022 of cancer. This is a re-post of our conversation from 2017. We at The Trap Set are sending love to Jeremiah's family, bandmates, and many friends around the world.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2023

Patricia Brennan is an improvisatory mallet percussionist who as been hailed as one of the instrument's new leaders. As a sidewoman, she's worked with artists such as Mary Halvorson, Matt Mitchell, and John Hollenbeck.  Her solo debut, Maquishti, released by Valley of Search Records was included on the New York Times 10 best Jazz albums of 2021. This conversation was recorded by phone last year during lockdown.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2022

This week, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with the fantastic Viola Smith, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 107. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2022

Over the last two decades, Nate Smith has emerged as one of his generation's most innovative drummers. His unique style marries a deep, earthy sense of time with cerebral adventurousness. Nate has backed artists such as Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, and Brittany Howard; and in recent years he has come into his own as a composer and bandleader. This episode was recorded during the summer of 2021, just before The Trap Set went on hiatus. Nate's story is more relevant than ever.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2022

Rick Allen's driving, tuneful style propelled Def Leppard to massive popularity during the 80s and early 90s. The band recently released its twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos. Rick met with Joe in Beverly Hills to discuss his forty year career, and the life that informed it.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2022

Mimi Parker--best known as drummer, vocalist, and co-founder of the band Low--passed away on November 5th after a battle with cancer. Here is Joe's conversation with Mimi, originally released in June, 2017.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2022

DH Peligro, best known as the drummer of Dead Kennedys, died in an accidental fall at his home in Los Angeles on 10/28/2022. Here is Joe's conversation with DH, originally released in November, 2015.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2022

We return from hiatus with Academy Award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur Questlove, in what Questlove calls, “the best, most open interview I’ve ever given in my life." Joe and Questlove discuss mental health, race, religion, vulnerability, self love, the hip hop ethos (“Hustle, survive. Hustle, survive.”), J Dilla, and more!

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2022

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, The Trap Set is back for Episode 300. Following the tradition of our previous centennial episodes, Joe is interviewed by a former guest--this time Jon Wurster (Bob Mould, Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, The Best Show). We at The Trap Set would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our guests and you--our listeners--for over seven years of support. Creating this show has been a transcendent experience. Onward!

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2022

On Saturday, April 30th, Gabe Serbian died one day shy of his 45th birthday. Here's Joe's 2016 conversation with Gabe. If you're in a postion to help, please consider donating to Gabe's family here: https://gofund.me/f39cf17d   https://gofund.me/f39cf17dhttps://gofund.me/f39cf17d

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2022

The great Memphis-based drummer, Howard Grimes, died at the age of 80 last week. Here's Joe's 2015 conversation with Howard, a true original whose ingenious artistry will inspire generations to come.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2022

Today's guest is Hugo Burnham, drummer of Gang of Four. Formed in Leeds in 1976, Gang of Four was one of the most explosive and influential bands to emerge in the wake of the punk rock movement. Next month, Matador Records will release an exhaustive box set chronicling the band's incredible output from 1977-1981. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.  

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2021

This week's guest is Cindy Blackman Santana, an artist of exceptional skill who--over the past four decades--has made compelling contributions to the worlds of improvised music and popular music alike. Her latest album, "Give the Drummer Some" is now available

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2021

We're back from hiatus! Alan Braufman was a vital member of the New York Loft Jazz scene of the 1970s. His 1975 opus, Valley of Search, was re-issued in 2018, and his latest album, The Fire Still Burns, was released to rave reviews in 2020.

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2021

Joe speaks to Jesse Shreibman, drummer of Seattle band, Bell Witch.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2020

Chris Frantz discusses Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, and his new memoir, Remain In Love. Also, make sure to check out Joe's new album, Nite Creatures, streaming everywhere now!

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2020

Eric Slick talks about his jazz musician grandfather, his childhood in Philly, the residual scars from growing up "a fat kid", his obsession with Mad Magazine, and how drumming opened up his world.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2020

Joe talks to the multifaceted Alicia Bognanno about her career as the creative force behind Bully and as an audio engineer. Friend of the show, Mary Lattimorre, also stops by to discuss her new album.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2020

Mixmaster Mike discusses his challenging childhood; his ascent to the top of the competitive DJ world; the development of his singular DJ style; joining the Beastie Boys; and his latest collaboration with Steve Jordan, Beat Odyssey 2020.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2020

Steve Jordan is one of the most distinctive and prolific drummers in the history of recorded music. He is also an in-demand producer and record label proprietor. Join us for a 90-minute, life-spanning conversation with one of the all-time greats!

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2020

Today's guest is Sam Coomes, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is perhaps best known as one half of the duo, Quasi, a band he co-founded with Janet Weiss in 1993. Sam possesses a seemingly effortless sense of musicality and a gift for uniquely memorable melody. His lyrics are also fantastic...basically, he has all the bases covered. Aside from his work with Quasi, Sam's played with a host of artists such as Built to Spill, The Go-Betweens, Jon Spencer, Heatmiser, Pink Mountain. Quasi recently released an incredible video for their song "Last Days of the Thin Blue Line Lie". Check it out here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2020

This week's guest is Doug "Cosmo" Clifford. Best known as drummer of Credence Clearwater Revival, Doug's powerful, tuneful playing laid the foundation for countless rock n roll standards. In 1972, Doug released his solo debut, Cosmo. During the 80s, he began work on his second album, Magic Window. The album was shelved until Doug recently discovered the long-forgotten tapes and finished the album. Magic Window is now available for streaming and purchase.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2020

Today's guest is Johanna Warren, author of haunting songs, beautifully sung with an ethereal yet rhythmically adventures delivery. Johanna and Joe met while working on the Netflix series, Midnight Gospel, on which she plays the singing voice of the Prisoner. She spoke to Joe in May from her home in rural Wales. Check out Johanna's latest album, Chaotic Good, out now!

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2020

Though Spoon's style has evolved radically over its 25 year existence, Jim Eno's drumming has been consistently tasteful, disciplined, and compositionally clever. Aside from his work as a drummer, Jim owns the Austin-based studio, Public Hi-Fi, and has engineered and produced for artists such as !!!, Cornell Dupree, John Vanderslice, Alejandro Escovedo, Future Islands, and many others. When we spoke last month, I began by asking Jim if it's possible to safely run recording sessions during the pandemic. Spoon is re-issuing its catalog via Matador, beginning with early albums Telephono and Soft Effects, which will be re-released on Friday. You can pre-order Joe's album NITE CREATURES HERE. All profits through the end of July will be donated to The NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2020

One of the most compelling artists to emerge in the past twenty years, Sharon Van Etten presents startlingly vulnerable songs with a sublimely confident, otherworldly vocal delivery. Click HERE to pre-order Joe's LP, NITE CREATURES. All profits through the end of July will benefit The NAACP Legal Defense Fund. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2020

Matt Barrick is an incredibly dynamic drummer adept at leading the listener through unexpected sonic adventure. Matt began his career with Jonathan Fire Eater, and--as a member of the Walkmen--was part of a new garden of New York bands at the turn of the millennium. He is the touring drummer for Fleet Foxes; and his latest band, Muzz, is a collaboration with Paul Banks of Interpol and Josh Kaufman of Bonny Light Horseman. Muzz released its debut album last month on Matador. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes. Click HERE to pre-order Joe's solo debut, NITE CREATURES.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2020

Jim Keltner is one of the greatest and most prolific drummers to emerge during the age of recorded music; His discography--a spine running through the body of popular song. Over the course of the past fifty plus years, he's made landmark recordings with Warren Zevon, Bobby Womack, Lucinda Williams, Leon Russell, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Harry Nillson, Rufus Wainwright, Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Randy Newman, Carly Simon, The Bee Gees, Jack Bruce, Steely Dan, Neil Diamond, Donovan, BB King, Jackson Brown, Dolly Parton, and Countless others.   PRE-ORDER JOE'S LP "NITE CREATURES": HERE

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2020

Joe welcomes Angel Olsen, one of his favorite contemporary songwriters, to The Trap Set. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2020

We've taken the last few weeks off to make room for important social dialogue. We're happy to return with a beautiful conversation with one of the all-time great drummers, Lenny White. Lenny first achieved international recognition for his contribution to Miles Davis's landmark Bitches Brew album, and he continued to make history with artists such as: Return to Forever, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, Joe Henderson, and many more. As a solo artist, Lenny has released 16 titles; and he's produced for artists such as Chaka Khan. He talks about growing up in Queens, being mentored by Tony Williams, his first gigs with Jackie Mclean, working with Miles a mere five years after he first played drums, and the importance of embracing that which one is uniquely qualified to offer artistically.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2020

Today's guest is Sahir Hanif, founder of tour production company Ghost Tech and of Masters of Maple, a drum manufacturer. Masters of Maple has teamed with MusiCares to create a limited run of their Trash Talk snare drums. All proceeds will benefit a Covid-19 fund specifically for musicians. More information can be found at MDrums.com. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2020

Today's guest is Ryan Kattner, also known as Honus Honus, keyboardist, vocalist, and creative leader of the band Man Man. Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In Between, the band's excellent, ambitious double double album, was released by Sub Pop on May 1.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2020

Today's guest is Jenn Wasner, a multi instrumentalist and singer who is one half of the duo Wye Oak. Jenn also creates solo work under the name Flock of Dimes and is a touring member of Bon Iver.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2020

Today's guest is Andy Stack, all multi instrumentalist and singer who is one half of the duo Wye Oak and who also releases solo material as Joyero. He has also collaborated with artists such as: Lambchop, Madeline Kenney, Helado Negro, and Shearwater.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2020

Roger Manning, Jr. is keyboardist and founding member of bands such as Beatnik Beach, Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, and The Moog Cookbook. Roger's latest band, The Lickerish Quartet, will release its first EP, "Threesome, Vol. 1", later this Friday. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2020

In honor of the late, great Little Richard, here's our 2017 conversation with Richard's drummer and friend, Charles Connor.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2020

Katie Crutchfield began making bedroom recordings as a teenager in her native Alabama. She began touring while still in high school and co-founded the band P.S. Eliot with her sister, Allison. Since 2012, Katie has released music as Waxahatchee. Waxahatchee's latest album, Saint Cloud, was released in March to intense acclaim. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2020

In 1989, Mac McCaughan co-founded the band Superchunk and the label Merge Records, both of which are still thriving today. Mac and Joe discuss: composing for film, how Mac's relationship with music has evolved over his lifetime; Mac's songwriting process; balancing planning with flexibility; and--when it comes to promoting an album--where an artist's responsibility ends and a record label's responsibility begins. During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing extra episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2020

Today the world lost, Tony Allen, the great genius that--along with Fela Kuti--created the style known as Afrobeat. We're sharing Joe's conversation with Tony from 2015. Tony Allen, RIP.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2020

Today's guest is Julianna Barwick, an artist that employs electronics, voice, and loops to build warm and expansive planets of sound! During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing daily episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2020

Sean McGuinness is a brutal shredder with a heart of gold. He discusses falling in love with drums; his excellent band Pissed Jeans; operating Lunar Inn, a bar and restaurant in his native Philadelphia; and fatherhood!

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2020

Songwriter Johnathan Rice joins Joe to discuss: his upbringing in Virginia and Glasgow; the serious academic ambitions that resulted from being the first child of immigrants; abandoning those ambitions to pursue music; a fortuitous meeting with Dave Grohl in suburban Virginia; moving to New York and befriending songwriters such as Jesse Harris and Connor Oberst; getting a major label deal within a year of graduating high school; writing songs for Meryl Streep to sing in Jonathan Demme's final directoral effort; and his recent interest in screenwriting.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2020

Dot Wiggin co-founded The Shaggs, along with her sisters Betty and Helen, in 1968. As the band's primary songwriter, she is the author of some of the most astonishingly unique, life-affirming music ever recorded. Dot discusses: forming the band at the behest of her father; her songwriting process; weekly performances at the town hall in Fremont, NH; the surprising legacy of the band; working in a school cafeteria; teaching Sunday school; and Foot Foot.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2020