Explore every episode of MICRO SPY
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 05 Feb 2020 | Mike Taylor of Pg.99 and Pigmylush | 01:00:04 | |
In this episode, I speak with Mike Taylor, guitarist of the seminal hardcore band, Pg.99.
Mike and I share some punk rock history, having played numerous shows together in our band’s earlier years. From playing Food co-ops, the flat bottom of a half-pipe, to our bands sleeping on the floor of an old movie theatre somewhere In Virginia, our memories are fond and plenty. Mike’s fluency in music is inspiring. We talk about his love of hip hop and how shows like “120 Minutes” and "Yo MTV Raps" changed the way he consumed music as a kid. We also discuss the origins of Pg.99 and their recent tours that raised money and awareness for organizations supporting equal rights for all.
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| 28 Sep 2023 | Jon Nix, Director of Don't Fall In Love With Yourself | 01:20:31 | |
In this episode, I speak with, Jon Nix, co-founder of TurnStyle Films and director of his most recent release, “Don’t Fall in Love with Yourself”, a documentary on the life of Justin Pearson from The Locust, Three One G, and Deafclub. We talk about Jon’s childhood, and how movies and disposable cameras got him through difficult times. We speak about storytelling, and the mysterious, physiological ways film and music can affect us. We delve deep into his process of making this incredible documentary — and all the learnings that came with it. Links for Jon: Don't Fall In Love With Yourself Documentary Follow Microspy | |||
| 29 Mar 2023 | Walter Schreifels of Quicksand | 01:17:43 | |
In this episode, I speak with Walter Schreifels, member of the legendary hardcore bands, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, and the guitarist and singer of the highly acclaimed, Quicksand, who just announced its 30th Anniversary re-issue of their iconic debut album, “Slip” on Iodine Recordings. Walter and I discuss the correlation between running and creativity, the humbling aspect of pushing beyond your comfort zone, smallness, time, and chemistry between collaborators. We talk about the pursuit to always to keep moving forward, strive for new, and how life can be a “choose your own adventure.” Tracklist in this episode: 1. Quicksand — Fazer 2. Quicksand — Head To Wall 3. Quicksand — Unfulfilled 4. Quicksand — Omission 5. Quicksand — Dine Alone Learn more about Walter: Walter's Instagram Preorder Quicksand's "Slip" 30th Anniversary Re-Issue: Iodine Recordings Micro Spy Microspy Official WebsiteMicrospy Instagram | |||
| 10 Nov 2023 | Sonny Kay of Angel Hair, The VSS, GSL | 01:44:28 | |
I speak with Sonny Kay, vocalist of the bands Angel Hair and The VSS. He’s also the founder of the seminal record label, Gold Standard Laboratories, having released albums by The Locust, Melt Banana, The Rapture, Arab on Radar, Mohinder, and The Mars Volta, just to name a few. Sonny and I discuss the perception of time, nostalgia, leading a creative life, and transcending the traditional molds of punk and hardcore. We also talk about being an outcast, taking matters into your own hands, and creating your own space within creativity, punk rock, and community. | |||
| 12 Feb 2020 | Jeff Howe of Reversal of Man | 00:54:01 | |
In this episode, I speak with Jeff Howe of the legendary hardcore band, Reversal of Man. He also played bass in Combat Wounded Veteran and is currently playing in the band Horsewhip. Jeff is also the co-founder of Nah Dogs, an all vegan hot dog stand, which he runs with his wife in St. Petersburg, FL. | |||
| 29 Jan 2020 | Justin Pearson of The Locust, Dead Cross, and Three One G Records | 00:58:53 | |
In this episode, I speak with Justin Pearson, probably best known for his work in The Locust and one of my all-time favorites, Swing Kids. He is the founder of Three One G records and also plays in Dead Cross with Mike Patton of Faith No More, and Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies. Justin is also one half of the assaulting electronic endeavor, Planet B in collaboration with Luke Henshaw. He just finished recording the second Dead Cross record and will be touring with The Locust later this year.
Needless to say, there's a lot going on in Justin’s world.
We discuss everything from ethics, hatred and violence within the punk community, creativity and expression, and the difference between "what we are vs. who we are", as people who grew up in the punk scene and are still trying to figure it all out.
This is the first time Justin and I have ever spoken, though the conversation felt as if we’ve already met — so without further ado, here is episode 004 with Justin Pearson of The Locust, and Dead Cross.
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| 03 Jan 2023 | Mike York of Pianos Become The Teeth | 01:07:33 | |
In this episode, I speak with Mike York of the band, Pianos Become The Teeth, who recently released their fifth studio album, “Drift” on Epitaph Records. Mike and I discuss the beauty of imperfection in music, how intentionality influences songwriting, and the bond he’s established with his bandmates over the years. We also talk about the importance of gratitude, and the excitement for what lies ahead. | |||
| 05 May 2023 | Jeromes Dream with Jack Shirley | 01:19:43 | |
Jeromes Dream's new album, "The Gray In Between" is out TODAY, and this is a special episode to celebrate it. JD and renowned engineer/ producer, Jack Shirley sit down and listen through the record and reflect on the experience of making it together at Jack's studio, Atomic Garden East, in Oakland, CA. This conversation was recorded a few days before Christmas, 2022. Buy THE GRAY IN BETWEEN: https://bit.ly/44xbccM Track Listing in this episode: JEROMES DREAM | THE GRAY IN BETWEEN 01. Conversations: In Time, On Mute JD Tour Dates + Tickets: https://bit.ly/3VNNmpz JD Merch: https://bit.ly/3I2XIw7 Preorder Loma Prieta's, "Last" https://bit.ly/3p0yU0Q Follow Jack Shirley: https://bit.ly/3LWcpTN Follow Microspy: https://bit.ly/3npemPn | |||
| 20 Sep 2023 | Dave Rosenberg of Deadguy | 01:53:52 | |
In this episode, I speak with Dave Rosenberg— drummer of the band Deadguy. Dave and I talk about the origins of the band, and what they’re up to today. We reflect on the early days of hardcore, the struggles of tour, and keeping it all together, or not… Dave and I also nerd out over snare drum sounds, his ultra-rare cymbal collection, and his early training under the late renowned jazz drummer, Sonny Igoe. We also talk about that time Jay Weinberg of Slipknot wore a Deadguy t-shirt and his bandmate Crispy’s particular affinity for Japanese guitar picks... So without further ado, here is my conversation with Dave Rosenberg of Deadguy. Check out more Deadguy: | |||
| 18 Nov 2023 | Brandon Evans of City of Caterpillar and pageninetynine | 01:31:21 | |
In this episode. I speak with Brandon Evans, member of the bands City of Caterpillar and pageninetynine. Brandon and I discuss the magic of music, DIY ethos, Richmond’s vibrant hardcore scene, and how playing in City of Caterpillar and pg99 is the same, but entirely different. We also talk about friendship, and the wild nature of connection and community through music, and specifically, punk. Links: City of Caterpillar — Mystic Sisters (Relapse) Additional tours mentioned: | |||
| 13 Mar 2020 | Robert Pettersen and Rex Shelverton of Portraits of Past | 02:08:44 | |
In this episode, I speak with Robert Pettersen and Rex Shelverton of the band Portraits of Past. | |||
| 15 Jan 2020 | Alexis Marshall of Daughters | 01:03:39 | |
In this episode, I speak to Alexis Marshall, vocalist of the band, Daughters.
In November 2018, Daughters released their first LP in almost 6 years. It was followed by 15 months of grueling and unrelenting touring that just wrapped this past December.
Their critically acclaimed record, ”You Won’t Get What You Want“ has sold over 40,000 copies and has since amassed a devout and loyal following.
The band went from playing DIY punk shows in their hometown, Providence, Rhode Island, to playing festivals and shows to thousands of people all over the world.
It’s incredible to see a band from the underground rise to this level while maintaining full integrity and creative clarity of their work.
My band toured with Daughters this past fall, and it completely changed our perspective on the meaning of catharsis. Seeing them live gave me such a deeper understanding of the band’s artistry, talent, and focus. It was truly inspiring.
Alexis and I discuss life after tour and the challenge it brings, his relationship with music and performing, the importance of ambiguity in his lyrics, the struggles of his earlier years, and so much more.
So without further ado, here is my conversation with Alexis Marshall of Daughters.
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Website: https://www.microspymusic.com/
You can follow me: https://www.instagram.com/premiumfantasy
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| 06 Feb 2023 | Alex Edkins of METZ and Weird Nightmare | 01:13:40 | |
In this episode, I speak with Alex Edkins, the guitarist and vocalist of the band METZ, and his new brainchild, Weird Nightmare. Alex and I discuss his music as a coping mechanism, the shift in mindset regarding creative collaboration, and the magical effects music and art can have on humanity. His new project Weird Nightmare released its debut full-length on Sub Pop last year. METZ’s most recent album, ATLAS VENDING, also released on Sub Pop came out in 2020. He’s already working on new material for both. Tracklisting in this episode: Learn more about METZ and Weird Nightmare: — | |||
| 26 Jan 2023 | Seb Alvarez of meth. and Virgin Mother | 01:01:49 | |
In this episode, I speak with Seb Alvarez - the vocalist and mastermind behind the bands meth. and Virgin Mother. Seb and I discuss the inner workings of how he fuels expression through metaphor and his fascination with the psychology of cult leaders. We also discuss his take on verbal communication vs performative expression. Seb also discusses his reluctance to vulnerability, but how that might be slowly changing.
Learn more about meth. and Virgin Mother:
meth.:
https://methil.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/meth.band/?hl=en
Virgin Mother:
https://virginmother.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/virginmother_/?hl=en
Songs in this episode:
1. meth. — In Bred
2. meth. — Return Me (My Body)
3. Virgin Mother — Blossoming Winter
4. Virgin Mother — I'll Never Feel Like Anything
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| 05 Mar 2020 | Anthony DiDio of Vein | 00:49:24 | |
In this episode, I speak with Anthony DiDio of the Boston hard-core band Vein. Vein is one of the heaviest hardcore bands out there today. Their creativity along with their musical capability is arguably unrivaled. | |||
| 27 Feb 2020 | Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder, The West Wing Weekly, and The One AM Radio | 00:53:56 | |
In this episode, I speak with Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of the award-winning podcasts, Song Exploder and The West Wing Weekly. His most recent endeavor is hIs new podcast entitled, Partners — where he explores the bond between people who have made something together. He is also the musical talent behind The One AM radio and a member of the hip hop group, Moors, with actor Lakeith Stanfield. | |||
| 20 Jan 2020 | Jack Shirley of The Atomic Garden Recording Studio | 00:53:04 | |
In this episode, I speak with Jack Shirley, a musician, an audio engineer, producer, and owner of The Atomic Garden studio in Oakland California. Jack is probably best known for his work with the band, Deafheaven, whose sophomore album, Sunbather was named Best New Music by Pitchfork. He has also recorded and produced bands like Loma Prieta, Gouge Away, Joyce Manor and countless others, including my band, Jeromes Dream. He was a founding member of the punk band Comadre and now plays guitar in Dangers! | |||
| 20 Feb 2020 | Geoff Garlock of Orchid | 01:05:46 | |
In this episode, I speak with Geoff Garlock of the band Orchid. Though Orchid hailed from Massachusetts, Geoff grew up in Connecticut like me. And not surprisingly we were exposed to a lot of the same bands. | |||
| 08 Jan 2020 | Sean Leary of Loma Prieta | 00:45:23 | |
Hey everyone, my name is Erik Ratensperger and welcome to the first episode of Micro Spy, a podcast that takes a closer look at the lives and work of musicians and creatives I admire.
My first guest is Sean Leary of the San Francisco-based hardcore band Loma Prieta. I first met Sean in 2019 when I reached out to him to see if Loma would like to join my band Jeromes Dream on our first tour in 18 years.
I fell in love with their blistering and beautiful version of hardcore, their aesthetic, and the instant resonance I had specifically with their song, “Love”, the opening track on their full-length album, Self Portrait, released on Deathwish in 2015.
I can keep going on about how much I love this band and how much of a privilege it was to tour and get to know them this summer, but I’d like to dive right into my conversation with Sean where we talk about his musical history, his influences and how he is still obsessed with making music, the process, and what’s next.
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| 03 Apr 2020 | Jesse Draxler | 01:04:13 | |
In this episode, I speak with visual artist, Jesse Draxler. | |||
| 07 Apr 2023 | Brian Case of FACS | 01:07:07 | |
In this episode, I speak with Brian Case, singer, and guitarist of the band, FACS. Brian has been long involved in the underground music scene, and has had roles in bands like 90 Day Men, The Ponys, and Disappears. Brian and I discuss the inherent need to create, the philosophy of DIY, the underground scene in Chicago in the 90s, the impact of the pandemic, the practice of restraint, working with you have, and the release of FACS’ new record, Still Life In Decay, which is officially out TODAY, April 7, 2023. Tracklist: FACS — When You Say FACS — Teenage Hive FACS — Dub Over FACS — Strawberry Cough FACS — Slogan Keep up with FACS: | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Jeremy Bolm of Touché Amoré and The First Ever Podcast | 01:53:52 | |
In this episode, I speak with Jeremy Bolm— Singer of the band Touche Amore, Host of The First Ever Podcast, And founder of Secret Voice Records. He’s also a writer, having penned poetry books like 'October' and 'Downtime.' Needless to say, his plate is full. We talk about the early beginnings of Touche Amore, creative headspace, Korn’s first album, working with Ross Robinson, and the intentionality behind everything he does. Check out Jeremy's stuff: Misc stuff: | |||
| 14 Jun 2024 | Kip Ulhorn of The Red Scare | 01:30:16 | |
In this episode, I speak with Kip Ulhorn, singer and guitarist of the seminal hardcore band, The Red Scare. Hailing from Knoxville, The Red Scare had a profound impact on the sonic landscape of punk and hardcore in the late 90s. In this conversation, Kip and I discuss: A shared love for California Social and governmental neglect The importance of community Friendship Being walking time capsules The spirit of punk rock Their newly released discography on Solid Brass Records and playing shows in 2024 after Nearly 25 years of hibernation. Links: solidbrassrecords.com https://www.instagram.com/the_red_scare_knoxville/ jeromesdreamforever.com/tour | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | Christopher Norris a.k.a. Steak Mountain of Combat Wounded Veteran and Reversal of Man | 01:53:52 | |
In this episode, I speak with Christopher Norris, also known as Steak Mountain. He’s a notable figure in the DIY punk scene, having been in bands like Combat Wounded Veteran and Reversal of Man. We discuss Chris’ childhood, his love of movies, nancy drew novels, and the end of the world. We also talk about creative process, and his new book, The Holy Day, which comes out October 10th, published by Rose Books. | |||