This Must Be the Gig

By Consequence Podcast Network

This Must Be the Gig gives backstage access to passionate fans worldwide. Featuring conversations with headlining musicians, up-and-comers, and music industry personalities about the wild wild world of live music - as well as the latest news reports from the biggest tours and the festival scene. Music journalist and festival-globetrotter Lior Phillips captures the feeling of singing along with thousands of other fanatics, the lights flashing, the roar for an encore, the second the whole world outside this perfect moment disappears: This Must Be the Gig.

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Mike Patton

This Must Be the GigSep 18, 2019

00:00

43:21

Ólafur Arnalds on Getting Personal and the Ties Between Metal and Classical Music

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Ólafur Arnalds.

Across his impressive career, the Icelandic composer's work has scored ballet, TV, and film, in addition to a stunning discography. Like a fusion of classical composition, modernists like Arvo Part, and his own background in punk, Ólafur's compositions tap into an immense well of emotion and deliver surreal heights. His latest album, Some Kind of Peace, appropriately places his face directly on the cover, eyes closed as if in the middle of a dream and that powerfully personal and intimate feeling swims throughout the record.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Ólafur about his old hardcore band, Fighting Shit, his introduction to composing through German metal band Heaven Shall Burn, what makes his new album his most personal, touring with Sigur Ros, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Ólafur Arnalds.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, The National Independent Venue Association.

For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts.

Nov 18, 202054:38

Local Natives on Staying Connected During Quarantine and Obsessing Over At the Drive-In

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Local Natives.

As two of the founding members of the Southern California band, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn first came together when they were just high schoolers. Not long later, Local Natives' debut record Gorilla Manor solidified their radiant credentials. Over a decade later, the five-piece have now released four studio albums and spread their sunshine and wonder at festivals and sold-out shows around the world. Most recently, the band put out the four-track Sour Lemon EP, collaborated with Sharon Van Etten, and put together an incredible live-streamed concert for eager fans.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Taylor and Ryan about playing shows in living rooms early in their career, idolizing At the Drive-In, working with The National's Aaron Dessner, keeping sane as a new parent during quarantine, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Local Natives.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Good Kids Mad City.

Nov 04, 202001:07:43

Netta on Winning Eurovision, Working With Will Ferrell, and Recording Her New Album

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Netta.

The Israeli artist won the esteemed Eurovision contest in 2018, sealing the victory with the brilliant and quirky "Toy". Utilizing a loop station to accentuate her resonant, powerful voice, Netta has since dominated stages around the world and seen her music spread like wildfire, including "Toy" becoming a massive force on TikTok. Between a video series called Netta's Office and a viral cover of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" for Disney, the Tel Aviv-based singer has found appropriately unique ways to keep creative and connected with fans through quarantine.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Netta about connecting to the Beatles in school, what it was like participating in Eurovision, her appearance in the Will Ferrell film based on the contest, recording her new album, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Netta.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Chicago Birthworks Collective.

Oct 21, 202050:24

Tawny Newsome and Bethany Thomas on Ditching Genres and the Power of DIY

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Tawny Newsome and Bethany Thomas.

You may know Tawny as one of the stars of TV shows like Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Space Force, as well as the co-host of Yo, Is This Racist? and a frequent guest of podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang. You may know Bethany, meanwhile, for her celebrated musical and theatrical work on Chicago stages such as Steppenwolf and the Green Mill, performing everything from a Gershwin opera to alt country. Before all that, Tawny and Bethany spent years together in Chicago as for-hire backup singers for tribute and cover bands, forging an intense friendship and musical connection, including time as members of UK punk hero John Langford's Four Lost Souls. This week, Tawny and Bethany's long history of collaboration culminates in their first album under their own names, the explosive and magnetic Material Flats.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Tawny and Bethany about chasing their own sound after supporting other voices for years, how their passion for music thrives alongside acting careers, the influence of Devo and the Talking Heads, the difference between recording dialog for Star Trek: Lower Decks and recording music (hint: tequila is involved), and so much more.

Head here for more info on Tawny and Bethany.

Head here for more info on Tawny Newsome.

Head here for more info on Bethany Thomas.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, World Central Kitchen.

Oct 07, 202046:31

Black Thought on the Origins of The Roots and Covering DeBarge

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Black Thought of The Roots.

Long before he became the voice of one of the most essential hip-hop groups of a generation, Tariq Trotter started performing on the streets of Philadelphia with another young man named Ahmir Thompson. Not long later, the duo stood at the fore of a massively influential band, now going by Black Thought and ?uestlove. The Roots made a splash quickly, kicking off in the early '90s and reaching the platinum echelon with 1999's classic Things Fall Apart. That strength has only continued to grow for decades, with Black Thought's diverse list of credits now including The Roots' role as Jimmy Fallon's house band on Late Night.

Now, Black Thought is set to release his third solo project, Streams of Thought Vol. 3: Cain and Abel. Due October 2nd, the record spans a vast array, showcasing Thought's unique vocal skill alongside production from Sean C and features including Pusha T and Portugal the Man.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Black Thought about what he and ?uestlove learned while performing on the street, how the pandemic has shifted his pre-show routines at Fallon, setting Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as a goal in the Roots' rise, covering Debarge as a teenager, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Black Thought.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Black Roots Alliance.

Sep 23, 202031:45

The Cranberries on the 25th Anniversary of No Need to Argue

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Fergal Lawler and Noel Hogan of The Cranberries.

The group formed in 1989 in Limerick, Ireland, along with Noel's brother Mike on bass and later joined by vocalist Dolores O'Riordan. Over the course of eight albums and 20 years, the group wrote some of the biggest, most memorable sing-along anthems of the '90s, from "Linger" to "Dreams" to "Zombie" to "Salvation", becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Tragically, the group's most recent record, 2019's In the End, turned out to be their last, as Dolores sadly passed away prior to its completion. But now, Fergal and the Hogan brothers are honoring their late friend and continuing the strength of their legacy with a 25th anniversary reissue of The Cranberries' second album, No Need to Argue. In addition to the original album, the package will include B-sides, demos, live recordings, a slew of unreleased photos, an essay from the band's archivist, and more..

Lior spoke with Fergal and Noel about looking back at No Need to Argue at 25 years, the beloved song "Yesterday's Gone" making the cut after only previously appearing on MTV Unplugged, seeing Irish heroes U2 as teens, the power of a good cover, and so much more.

Head here for more info on The Cranberries.

Head here to pre-order the reissue of No Need to Argue.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Milwaukee's African American Roundtable.

Sep 09, 202001:00:31

Emily Cross on Being a Death Doula & Musician in 2020

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Emily Cross of Cross Record.

The experimental project focuses on a powerful fusion of visceral muscle and ephemeral glow—most recently culminating in an incredible self-titled record in 2019. In addition, Emily is one third of the band Loma, alongside Dan Duszynski, and Jonathan Meiburg, and Loma is set to release a new record of their own via Sub Pop. And as if that weren't enough, Emily is also a death doula, someone who assists in the understanding and processing of death, aiming to help individuals and families cope with mortality as a natural part of life. Needless to say, her work in that field under the organization name Steady Waves End of Life Services is particularly pressing and meaningful in the midst of a global pandemic.

Lior spoke with Emily about organizing "living funerals" for individuals struggling with the concept of mortality while also touring as a musician, how moving to England may change her work, and bringing essential oils into green rooms.

Head here for more info on Cross Record.

Head here for more info on Steady Waves End-of-Life Services.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Leaders Igniting Transformation.

Aug 26, 202044:07

Dave Bayley of Glass Animals on Falling Off Stages and Baking Cakes

This Must Be the Gig is joined by Dave Bayley, the brilliant and charming frontman of Glass Animals.

The English outfit formed in 2010, and have since grown into one of the most thrilling acts on the festival circuit. Alongside long-time friends Drew MacFarlane, Edmund Irwin-Singer, and Joe Seaward, Bayley and the band have now penned three albums worth of hip-hop tinged psych pop, including the recently released Dreamland. And while fans might be missing out on Glass Animals' canceled tour, the record's blend of intense autobiographical storytelling and woozy soundscapes should keep fans feeling right at home. Plus, stems of the songs and additional graphics are up for grabs in the form of open source files on the band's website, recreating the communal feel.

In this episode of This Must Be the Gig, Bayley discusses putting the band's tour on hold, his history in cake-baking, meeting Radiohead, breaking his foot after falling off a stage, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Glass Animals.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Healthy Hood Chicago.

Aug 12, 202001:05:20

Maya Hawke on Her Debut Album and the Family Vibe of Stranger Things

This Must Be the Gig is joined by actor, poet, and musician Maya Hawke.

At 21, Hawke is making a name for herself in multiple artistic practices. You may know her as Robin Buckley from last summer's Stranger Things 3, where she scooped up jokes with past podcast guest Joe Keery. However, this summer, she's back with her debut album, Blush, due out August 21st via Mom + Pop Music.

Writing and working alongside musician Jesse Harris, Hawke's crystallized vocals and straightforward, openhearted songs are exactly the intimate and honest material that one becomes close friends with in a single listen. Altogether, Blush is a powerful album that stands on its own and bodes well for a long, diverse career.

In this episode of This Must Be the Gig, Hawke discusses the origins of Blush, sharing art in the midst of a pandemic, growing into season three of Stranger Things, life in lockdown, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Maya Hawke.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Harlem Arts Association.

Aug 05, 202001:00:22

Drew Dixon on Breaking the Silence and Growing Up With Go-go

This week, we're joined by Drew Dixon, the accomplished former Vice President of A&R at Arista Records, a former Director of A&R at Def Jam Recordings, the former General Manager of John Legend’s independent label Homeschool Records, and the former manager of recording artist Estelle. Her long resume includes working with a variety of world-class performers, including Carlos Santana (“Maria, Maria”), Aretha Franklin (“A Rose Is Still A Rose”), Whitney Houston (“My Love Is Your Love”), Estelle (“American Boy”), Lauryn Hill, Method Man, the Notorious B.IG., Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Kanye West.

In December 2017, Drew broke her silence in an interview with The New York Times, detailing sexual assault and harassment in the music industry. And now the documentary On the Record (available on HBOMax) presents Drew’s powerful story, as she deals with her decision to become one of the first women of color in the wake of #MeToo to come forward, and to publicly accuse hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual assault. The documentary focuses in on women in the music industry and their lives being derailed by sexism. Simmons, who has now been accused of sexual misconduct by at least 16 women, has denied all allegations of assault.

In this chat, Drew details the systemic misogyny and racism of the music industry, the opportunity for major change, catching Prince on the Purple Rain tour, seeing Chaka Khan sing jazz standards, and how DC's go-go music scene inspired her.

RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting online.rainn.org.

Head here for more info on Equality Now, an international women's rights organization working to ensure the equality of women and girls.

Head here for more info on Black Women's Blueprint, an organization that works to place Black women and girls’ lives, as well as their particular struggles, squarely within the context of the larger racial justice concerns of Black communities

Head here for a Spotify playlist of songs that Drew helped make a reality.

Head here for more info on Drew's new company, The 9th Floor, and here for more on her first artist, Ella Wylde.

Head here to watch On the Record, as well as access a discussion guide for the film.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Crossroads Fund.

Jul 29, 202001:23:19

Austra on Growing Up in Opera and Big Gigs in Eastern Europe

The brilliant Katie Stelmanis of Austra joins the show this week to discuss her latest album and adjusting to life in the pandemic. After performing in other bands, Katie launched the Austra project in 2009, and since then has been producing some of the thoughtful, enigmatic electronic rock out there. While the pandemic may have delayed your opportunity to see her bring that music to life, her new LP, HiRUDiN, was released at the beginning of May, and offers an equally emotional ride. The album’s title is taken from a chemical found in the saliva of leeches, a substance that thickens blood prior to consumption--a process that is achieved in the sticky tracks that just dig right into your veins and refuse to let go.

In this chat, Lior Phillips spoke with Katie about how opera proved her gateway to performance, the power of a good show in Eastern Europe, seeing NSYNC as a teen, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Austra.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Chicago West Community Music Center.

Jul 15, 202047:23

Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro on the Future of Touring and Underwhelming Lars Ulrich

This week, we're joined by the incredible and hilarious Simon Neil, vocalist/guitarist of Biffy Clyro. Since their foundation in 1995, the Scottish hard rock band have built an incredible resume and an adoring following, drawing massive crowds at festivals around the world. Simon is often at the front of that charge, almost never wearing a shirt, rampaging his way across the stage.

The trio's upcoming album, A Celebration of Endings, was intended to be released in May, but has since been delayed until August. That difficult choice is fitting for the record, which focuses on getting through some of life's most trying, dark moments and the lessons that come out on the other side. In the meantime, I spoke with Simon about how the pandemic will change the future of touring music, sharing drinks with Dave Grohl, getting upstaged by Martin Scorsese while opening for the Rolling Stones, and completely underwhelming Lars Ulrich of Metallica.

Head here for more info on Biffy Clyro.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, My Block, My Hood, My City.

Jul 08, 202001:28:39

Jehnny Beth on the Power of Imagination and the Inspiration of Karen O

On this week's episode, we're joined by the inimitable, the powerful Jehnny Beth. There are incredibly few performers with Jehnny's intensity, including in her time as the vocalist for post-punk band Savages. Seeing her walk across the outstretched hands of the fans at the front of the crowd is a serious wow moment. That energy has not been contained only in Savages, as Jehnny has also acted, hosted radio and TV shows, and has an upcoming book about sexual liberation and transgression, which was produced with her partner Johnny Hostile.

This month, Jehnny released her first album under her own name, To Love Is To Live. Rather than a solo album, she has dubbed it a "personal album." Thanks in part to her collaborative process with artists such as The XX’s Romy Madley Croft and Flood, To Love Is To Live is a triumph, Jehnny's voice honed to an incredibly fine point that she wields with curiosity and passion.

In this chat, Lior Phillips speaks with Jehnny about the album's origins, her earliest performance experiences, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Jehnny Beth.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, EAT Chicago.

Jun 24, 202054:59

Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls on Opening for Motörhead and Quarantine Discs

This week, This Must Be the Gig is joined by Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. Since emerging as one of the most exciting voices of the '90s with hits like "Slide" and "Iris", the Goo Goo Dolls have continued to incessantly tour the world, contribute to massive soundtracks, and release new albums that slot in perfectly with fan favorites. Johnny and bassist Robby Takac have now released twelve LPs, including last year's Miracle Pill. As a taste of that record, we're thrilled to share their latest single, "Fearless", in this episode. Plus, if you want more Goo Goo Dolls, you'll be able to catch their "Live From Home" performances this month while the band's unable to tour.

Head here for more info on Goo Goo Dolls.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Assata's Daughters.

Jun 17, 202001:07:39

Ana Perrote of Hinds on Endless Touring and Fighting Misogyny

This week, This Must Be the Gig is joined by Ana Perrote, vocalist/guitarist of Hinds. The Madrid-based indie rockers first made their name for raucous live shows and gleeful garage rock off their 2016 debut Leave Me Alone. As the years have gone by, they've further refined and enriched their sound, growing more confident and boisterous without losing any edge. Last week marked the release of their third record, the excellent The Prettiest Curse, which expands the band's sound to include more instruments, more production, and a whole lot of energy. In this conversation recorded in February, Ana and Lior discuss telling off misogynists in the industry, starting the band as a two-piece, why it took longer to catch on in their native Spain than the rest of the world, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Hinds.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Brave Space Alliance Chicago.

Jun 10, 202059:25

Black Lives Matter

We at This Must Be the Gig wanted to share this brief recording to say that our hearts and our minds are with the communities perpetually devastated by police violence, and with the people protesting that tragic reality. We wanted to use this moment to share resources to educate and ways to make a tangible impact. We are not experts, and are compiling information from black voices we’ve learned from in the hopes that we can work together as a community to listen and learn.

Black lives matter. Rest in power to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Collins Khosa, Sibusiso Amos, and countless other black men and women murdered. Say their names. We love you all, and hope you stay safe and healthy.

*Please excuse some echoes in the audio. We didn't have the opportunity to head into the studio to record, but felt the message was important enough to deliver in whatever way we could. All resources mentioned in the recording are available at our Facebook page.

The resource list can also be found here.

Jun 03, 202004:01

Rose McGowan on the Solace and Strength of Her New Album and Building a Better World

This week, This Must Be the Gig is joined by actor, filmmaker, musician, and fearless activist Rose McGowan. Known for her roles in films like Scream and Jawbreaker and TV shows like Charmed, Rose's recent life has been dedicated to bringing the horrors of abusers such as Harvey Weinstein to light and to justice—a subject she faces with boundless fortitude.

Most recently, she has turned her passion towards making music, namely the new album Planet 9. Rose envisioned this alternate planet as a child, and has shared an album encapsulating the feeling of hope, escape, and light for herself and for listeners as a comfort, solace, and respite. In this chat, Rose and host Lior Phillips discuss what it took to bring Planet 9 to life, speaking your truth, using music as mind medicine, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Rose McGowan.

Head here to buy Planet 9 on Bandcamp, where Rose will donate 20% of proceeds to COVID-19 relief organizations.

Head here for more information on how to support the Nonceba Shelter for Women, as well as Ashley Kaimowitz's powerful documentary, Uthando Labatwana — For the Love of Our Children.

May 27, 202001:45:04

Fan Favorites From the First 100! (Feat. Alicia Keys, Mike Patton, Jenny Slate & Jacob Collier!)

On today's episode, host Lior Phillips and Engineer Adam celebrate 100 episodes of This Must Be the Gig. After compiling votes from listeners, the duo reflect on 12 fan favorite episode and share key clips. Special memories include Mike Patton reflecting on his music piracy while working at a record store, Alicia Keys recognizing herself in music as a teen, and Jacob Collier contextualizing the process of learning music theory. Plus, Lior and Adam look back at powerful moments with David Byrne, Shirley Manson, and Jenny Slate. And don't forget to stay tuned to the end of the episode for a surprise look at next week's astounding guest!

May 20, 202001:12:25

JoJo on Singing for Britney Spears, Learning From Robin Williams, and Her New Album

JoJo burst onto the scene at only 14 years old with her 2004 debut single "Leave (Get Out)", an incredible, soulful jam that is already stuck in your head just from reading the title. After releasing two albums as a teen, a dispute with her label led to those tracks being held away for years from any and every online streaming or purchase outlet. After settling the dispute in 2014, she re-recorded the albums and started putting out new music, conveying a newfound strength and ownership of her voice. And that's not even mentioning her acting career, starring in films such as RV and Aquamarine.

Today that evolution continues, with her new album, good to know. JoJo breaks her story into three clear chapters, detailing excess, self-realization, and growth in soulful R&B-tinged tunes. In this chat, JoJo discusses sharing her life's trials and joys, what she learned from the late Robin Williams, her Quarantine Island Discs, dreaming of Joni Mitchell, and so much more.

Head here for more info on JoJo.

Head here for Lior's interview with JoJo for the Grammys.

May 06, 202057:01

Sylvan Esso on the WITH Tour, Their New Concert Film, and Their Upcoming Album

The absolute legends and loveliest of people, Sylvan Esso join the podcast this week for a delightful chat. The duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn produce some of the most propulsive, explosive, heart-pumping tunes and lead the biggest dance parties at festivals around the world. It's nearly impossible to pick a favorite song between their two albums, but luckily last week's surprise live album and concert film collect them all in a perfect bundle. The record is a deliriously beautiful document of their 2019 WITH tour, a sold-out jaunt that saw Sylvan Esso perform on classic stages, such as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, New York's Beacon Theater, and LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall. Plus, those performances featured an expanded live band, including former podcast guest Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak, Amelia's bandmates in Mountain Man on harmonies, and Adam Schatz of Landlady, among others.

In this episode, Nick and Amelia chat with host Lior Phillips about what it took to bring those shows to life, adding saxophone, bass clarinet, and two percussionists to their sound, the Michelin Man inspiration behind Amelia's incredible stage costume, details from the duo's soon-to-be released third album, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Sylvan Esso.

Apr 29, 202001:23:43

Alex Ebert on Edward Sharpe, Meeting Jim Carrey, and His New Solo Album

This week we're joined by the Alex Ebert. In addition to leading ImaRobot and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alex also won a Golden Globe for scoring the Robert Redford-starring film All is Lost. And now, Alex has just released his second album under his own name, I Vs. I. In this episode, host Alex discusses the record's inspiration, meeting Jim Carrey, seeing Milli Vanilli as a kid, the sequel to I Vs. I, the concept of the stage persona, and much more.