Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music Reviews (Ross Payton, Birk McBirkinson)
Explore every episode of Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music Reviews
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr 2024 | The Music of Dec-Affe-Inated Records | 00:31:41 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon For our second episode of Record Label Month™, we’re talking about the Japanese label Dec-Affe-Inated Records. This private label is populated by the numerous aliases of a single artist whose music often focuses on themes of depression, isolation, and loneliness. Join us as we check out two albums that take the listen on an eclectic plunderphonic journey. Albums Discussed冬の憂鬱 by 因縁を爆撃する Dec-Affe-Inated Records LinksNoRIP-E, The Philosopher / Dec-Affe-Inated RECORDS CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 18 Jan 2021 | Yig - The Cryo Chamber Lovecraftian Collection | 00:30:38 | |
Yig, this year's entry in Cryo Chamber's annual Lovecraft Collection, features over two hours of eclectic soundscapes and atmospheric music produced by a collaboration of some of the best dark ambient musicians. Join us as we dig into this masterful album and unpack some of our favorite parts. Don't forget the corn. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 10 May 2021 | Spring Cleaning: Dark Ambient | 00:33:23 | |
Between Bandcamp and YouTube, we get recommended a lot of music courtesy of the algorithm. In this episode, we discuss a selection of three such recommendations. All three feature rich and varied ambient soundscapes, but each tackle the genre from their unique perspective. Join us as we conduct some spring cleaning on our recommendations and feel free to share your own! Music DiscussedIron Cthulhu Apocalypse on Bandcamp Related LinksIron Cthulhu Apocalypse on YouTube CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | New Music: Before The Forest and www | 00:36:44 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We’re mixing things up this month by doing our July new music episode first! We’re double mixing things up by doing albums from May! So mixed! Join us as we check out Before the Forest by FM Forest and www by christtt, two amazing vaporwave concept albums. Albums DiscussedBefore The Forest by FM Forest CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | Cryo Chamber’s Dagon with Caleb | 00:34:02 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s that time of year again. Dagon, the latest Lovecraft-inspired Cryo Chamber Collaboration, is out. Over twenty artists came together to produce this evocative and cinematic double album that perfectly captures the oceanic horror of the source material and invites the listener to sink deeper and deeper into its world. Our friend Caleb joins us to chat about this auditory journey. Music SampledDagon by Cryo Chamber Collaboration on Bandcamp Support Caleb!Delta Green: Dead Channels CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 18 Dec 2023 | Vaporwave Christmas Compilations | 00:31:40 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon On our last episode of the year, we spend far too much time opining about Christmas and not nearly enough time discussing these amazing Vaporwave Christmas Compilations. Thankfully, they are all linked below so once we’re done talking you can start listening! We can’t wait to see what everyone puts out this year. Thanks again to everyone out there for another year of amazing support. As we mention in the outro, we’ll be taking January off. See you again in February! Outro SampleUtopia District CompilationsUtopia District's Christmas Vacation Vol. 1, YouTube Pacific Plaza Records CompilationsPacific Plaza Records - It's a Vaporwave Christmas!, YouTube Slushwave Social Club CompilationSlushwave Social Club — SSCC Volume 3: A Very Slushwave Christmas, YouTube Related LinksVisual Representation of the Hallmark Christmas Cinematic Universe, Circa 2019 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 03 Jul 2023 | Chopping for Tapes at K-Mart | 00:36:02 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The K-Mart tapes are a collection of 56 cassette tapes that were used to provide in-store music and announcements in the late 80s and early 90s. They were kept and archived by K-Mart employee Mark Davis who uploaded them to archive.org in 2015. These tapes provided a treasure trove of muzak and corporate samples for plunderphonics artists to dig into. In this episode, we talk about the K-Mart tapes, the importance of plunderphonics, and highlight two classic albums based on samples from the tapes. Music DiscussedKmart 1989-1992 (The Definitive Edition) by PowerPCME Additional LinksAttention K-Mart Shoppers CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Oct 2024 | Fighting the Satanic Panic | 00:31:45 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Songs Sampledsatan's disco boogie from Revenge of the Satanic Panic! by Vacation Bible School Albums DiscussedFall Festivals and the Satanic Panic by Vacation Bible School Additional LinksOccult Demon Cassette - A Youtube archive of weird VHS CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 30 Mar 2020 | Our First Vaporwave Albums - Eccojams Vol. 1 and Computer Death | 00:42:37 | |
Both Birk and I stumbled onto vaporwave through the Internet. I can place my discovery of it within a few days thanks to archived emails and chats. Caleb Stokes, friend of the podcast messaged me on August 18, 2014 “BTW, this vaporwave shit is the elevator music of carcosa”. In this episode, we each review the first vaporwave album we remember and think back to how it affects us now. The Albums
Related Links
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| 04 Jan 2021 | The Music of Unsolved Mysteries | 00:37:01 | |
The chilling and eclectic soundtrack of Unsolved Mysteries is comprised of hundreds of hours of original music written during the show's decades long run. The theme song alone is renowned for its ability to frighten and unsettle young viewers of the show. In recent years, a small portion of this music has been curated and released as two records. In this episode, we are joined by Caleb Stokes from The Mixed Six Podcast to discuss the music from these albums and share our personal experiences watching Unsolved Mysteries. Join us for an UPDATE! Albums Discussed Where To Find Caleb Related Links Credits | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | Japanese Signalwave | 00:32:10 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s a well known fact that we love signalwave, not just because it’s great music, but because it also provides unique insight into how other artists process their own media and nostalgia. In this episode, we’re exploring signalwave produced by artists in Japan with the help of 直子coed. We’re checking out one of her albums along with another from her list of recommendations. It was tough to choose just one! Thanks again to 直子coed for all of the great recommendations. Make sure to check out her other albums! Albums Discussedsummer station by 直子coed Recommended by 直子coedThe Music of fumare Related Linksaction button reviews boku no natsuyasumi CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 28 Sep 2020 | Ya Like Dark Jazz? Anthropocene and Ghost | 00:30:17 | |
Inspired by the positive reception received by Miles to Midnight we decided to dig deeper into the genre of dark jazz. Dark jazz combines noir instrumentation with the cinematic sensibilities of dark ambient to produce music that is evocative and moody. We discuss two albums that take dark jazz and move in a funerary direction with haunting effectiveness. Come listen with us! Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 03 Aug 2020 | Dark Ambient and Cinema: Anthology Resource Vol. I and Everywhere, an empty bliss | 00:43:58 | |
Dark ambient could not exist without movie soundtracks. The quiet moments of dread in a horror film sparked something in musicians and listeners alike - who craved more of these soundscapes of dread before the monster appeared. In this episode we look at two albums that are clearly linked to cinematic masterpieces of fear. They are also some of the high water points of the genre, reaching slightly more mainstream audiences than most dark ambient albums ever get. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 09 Feb 2020 | Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music Reviews - Trailer | 00:01:42 | |
Learn more about our podcast at nightclerkradio.com or follow @nightlcerkradio for more updates. | |||
| 21 Jun 2021 | Toonami and Lofi with Noah | 00:45:39 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Toonami began as a programming block on Cartoon Network, but quickly became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Its choice of shows and aesthetic influenced countless fans, artists, and producers. Instead of an aggressive macho outlook to match cartoons like Dragonball Z and Samurai Jack, it affected a chill, reassuring demeanor. Its mascot, a sardonic robot named TOM, gave inspirational speeches to viewers set to electronic music. That music along with music from some shows featured on Toonami, especially the legendary Samurai Champloo soundtrack, became important influences of lofi hip hop. Noah, the podcast ronin (and co-host of Thinking Too Much about Anime) fills in the details. Connect with Noah!Check out Noah's podcast, "Thinking Too Hard About Anime" Music SampledPrayer by Joe Boyd Vigil/Tommy Guerrero Additional MusicToonami - Space is the Place Music Video Related LinksToonami Remastered CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 01 Feb 2021 | Music and Lost Technologies | 00:45:14 | |
Often, technology evolves at such a relentless pace that consumers may not be able to explore something's full potential before moving on to the next upgrade. In this episode, we dive into two artists who are linked by their common goal to produce novel audiovisual art using these abandoned technologies as both inspiration and instrument. Join us as we explore two very different slices of computer history. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 31 Jul 2023 | Vaporwave Up & Comers 2023 | 00:35:03 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We’ve often lamented that it can be difficult to keep up with everything happening in a scene, especially one that is as actively evolving as vaporwave. Thankfully, Halcyon Tapes just released their “Vaporwave Up & Comers 2023” compilation. We spend this episode working through all ninety minutes of this jam-packed album featuring dozens of amazing artists. Grab yourself a copy of the album and join us for a listen. Music DiscussedVaporwave Up & Comers 2023 by Various Additional Linkssignalcon 2023 (day 1) on 直子coed’s YouTube CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 31 Mar 2025 | Listenin’ To listencorp | 00:32:05 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re checking out listencorp, a long-running magazine that covers vaporwave and electronic music. Each of their six issues features long-form articles, artist interviews, album reviews, and a whole bunch of great art and graphic design. We read through all of them and sat down to discuss our favorite articles. Grab their digital bundle on Etsy and join us! P.S. The ‘plosive suppression on this recording is wilding and sometimes “listencorp” sounds like “listencore.” Sorry! However you pronounce it, definitely go and support what they’re doing! Outro SampleUn futuro posible 2008 from Un futuro posible 2008 by The City Reviewer Support listencorp!listencorp CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 01 Apr 2024 | The Music of Ill-Advised Records | 00:32:39 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon For the month of April we’re talking about record labels of all kinds. In our first episode, we check out two albums from Ill-Advised Records, a record label focused on dark lo-fi and similarly dark-themed subgenres of haunted music. Join us as we celebrate Halloween in April! Albums DiscussedDated - Lofi Halloween Annual Vol. 2 Ill-Advised Records LinksIll-Advised Records - Main Website CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | Solarpunk Exploration | 00:34:06 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Music SampledLight Blending In - Snowy Sunset from Solarpunk: A Possible Future by Various Artists Media DiscussedSolarpunk: A Possible Future by Various Artists CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | Lost Media That Never Existed | 00:40:07 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We love the concept of lost media that never existed. In this episode, we’re checking out two albums that present themselves as soundtracks or music to movies that never were. One album is the “restored” soundtrack to a lost horror movie, while the other skates by on a technicality because I love SWANS and never thought we would get to talk about them. Albums DiscussedThe Satan Complex by Gavino Morretti CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 07 Dec 2020 | The Music of Jet Set Radio | 00:34:48 | |
Intersection of multiple influential elements - Jet Set Radio introduced a generation of gamers to new styles of music and art, a legacy still felt today. It gave us an alternative to the forever war narrative of most games, a world where violence and greed is defeated by art. It’s hopeful, a model for utopian praxis. Despite its flaws, JSR had a vision. This vision affected countless artists, musicians, and game designers. Even if you’ve never heard of this game or the Dreamcast, this soundtrack is worth listening to. It’s an eclectic album but everything fits together to create a union of funk, rock, house, techno and hip hop you can nod your head to. It stands on its own. We will probably never get another Jet Set Radio game but that’s fine. This represents the best spirit of its era and it still slaps today. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 19 Feb 2024 | New Music: Dated New Aesthetic and KEYGEN🔐 | 00:38:02 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re starting our 2024 project of trying to focus more on new releases. There’s no overarching theme or over intellectualizing, just talking about two albums from the past month or so that we really enjoyed. For our inaugural discussion, we’re talking about Dated New Aesthetic by Windows96 and KEYGEN🔐 by Crystal Eternal. Albums DiscussedDated New Aesthetic by Windows96 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 20 Jul 2020 | Introduction to Hauntology | 00:35:21 | |
What do we mean by the term "haunted music?" This phrase is rooted in the concept of Hauntology, a philosophical concept that refers to how we relate our memories to the past, whether that past is real or imagined, and how elements of those memories persist and "haunt" us today. Join us as we discuss how Hauntology relates to vaporwave and how it can be a useful tool for examining media more generally. Relevant Links Credits | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | Vaporwave and Consumerism | 00:33:38 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon 'Tis the season of consumption, so all through this episode we’re rambling about the various ways in which vaporwave interacts with consumerism. We introduce the various arguments for vaporwave as a critique of consumerism. We then discuss all of the unfortunate ways our consumer culture impacts vaporwave (or any) artists. It’s a feel good holiday episode! Music SampledMusic SampledBlack Friday - A Vaporwave Holiday Special… by Additional LinksDo You Want Vaporwave, or Do You Want the Truth?: Cognitive CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | The Music of VILL4IN Records | 00:35:40 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Accidental record label month both continues and concludes with the music of VILL4IN Records, a record label that focuses on releasing independent and experimental vaporwave-adjacent music from barber beats to sovietwave to slushy and cosmic ambient. In this episode, we highlight two albums that demonstrate the eclectic range of music available on VILL4IN Records. We hope you’re inspired to dig into more of their discography! Music DiscussedTHE CURSE OF COLONIALISM I by modest by default Additional LinksVILL4IN Community Post about VOID CITY CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 11 May 2020 | Discussion On Plunderphonics | 00:40:34 | |
Plunderphonics is a term coined by composer John Oswald in 1985. It describes any music that is constructed by mutating existing audio recordings into entirely new compositions. By making plunderphonic music artists tackle copyright law, fair use, the legitimacy of sampling, and numerous other issues surrounding the production of art in a digital world. Join us as we discuss the history of plunderphonics, how listening to plunderphonic music has shaped our musical tastes and experiences, and how this all relates back to vaporwave. Steal This Episode! Music Sampled Related Links Credits | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | Dungeon Synth Sans Dungeons | 00:33:39 | |
Dungeon Synth is a genre we’ve discussed on several previous episodes, but these albums have typically expressed a somewhat narrow range of themes involving sword and sorcery type adventure. The genre is, of course, far more expansive. On this episode, we’re listening to two dungeon synth albums from 2021 that highlight how varied dungeon synth can be. Albums DiscussedEarthly Delights by Chanterelle Additional LinksKaptain Carbon’s Top Dungeon Synth of 2021 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | Surviving Virtual Dystopias | 00:36:52 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re getting into the niche vaporwave subgenre of “dystopian virtual,” which serves as a counterpart to the previously discussed “utopian virtual.” Both genres present clean and sometimes ironic depictions of possible or now impossible futures. We discuss two excellent examples of the genre. Music DiscussedFEEDING FRENZY by y o u r d i s c o v e r y Additional Links“This Blessed Life” Visual Album by Vacation Bible School CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | Discussing Chipmunks on 16 Speed and Sludge | 00:31:47 | |
Discord Spring Cleaning Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re discussing the haunted plunderphonics project: chipmunks on 16 speed. These albums consist of pop covers, as sung by Alvin and the Chipmunks, slowed down and processed to sound as if they are being played on a 16 RPM record player. The result is a sludgy and doomy rendition of a pop song that sits perfectly between the unsettling and the familiar. Music Discussedchipmunkson16speed - SoundCloud Other LinksBehold The Sludgy Post-Punk Doom Of Slowed-Down Alvin & The Chipmunks Songs CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 29 Aug 2022 | Hauntology 2.0 | 00:42:54 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re returning to one of our foundational topics: Hauntology. We cover Hauntology as a genre of music and learn about its distinctly UK-focused roots. This includes the history of veteran hauntological record label Ghost Box Records and discussions focused on two recent Hauntological albums. Albums Discussedu,i by Olivier Alary & Johannes Malfatti Additional LinksEntangled Routes on Spotify CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 18 Mar 2024 | New Music: Magnétoscope and Aquatic Galleria | 00:36:32 | |
New Music: Magnétoscope and Aquatic Galleria Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon On this month’s new music episode we’re checking out some excellent new vaporwave albums: Magnétoscope by ab97 and Aquatic Galleria by platinum towers, ホテル shampoo, & midnight première. Come join us and check out some great vaporwave! Albums DiscussedMagnétoscope by ab97 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Virtual Utopian Genres | 00:43:59 | |
SOME NEWS Check it out here: Ludonarrative Dissidents Podcast: Season 2 Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re tackling the popular vaporwave subgenre of Utopian Virtual with a discussion that is as much topic-driven as it is album-driven. We refine our discussions on the nature of genre in vaporwave and how the cheerful optimism of utopian virtual overlaps and contrasts similar subgenres such as corporate vaporwave and muzakcore. We then discuss and reevaluate two classic albums of the genre. Albums DiscussedHigh Fashion Mood Music Additional LinksThe Surrealist Roots of the “Vaporwave” Genre CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 11 Apr 2022 | Exploring Naturewave | 00:40:44 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Naturewave is a subgenre of vaporwave that explores the unresolvable tension between the development of technology and the impact that development has on nature. In this episode, we dig into this topic and discuss two excellent albums that each deal with these issues in their own unique ways. Music DiscussedBiosphere 0.2 by Cyber Surfer 3D Other LinksIn “Naturewave,” Forest Sounds Mask Sinister Subtext CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Aug 2023 | The Music of Eighth Tower Records | 00:33:24 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re digging into the music of Eighth Tower Records, a record label that focuses on “dark music and fiction.” We selected albums that were inspired by influential horror artists, Zdzisław Beksiński and Lucio Fulci. While they worked with very different mediums their art shares a similar abstract nightmare aesthetic and pessimistic worldview. Consequently, the albums inspired by their work are equally haunting and evocative. Music DiscussedDecay, Death and Darkness - Aural visions of Beksiński's art by Various Artists Additional LinksEighth Tower Records on Bandcamp CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | The Music of Hiraeth Records | 00:42:07 | |
SOME NEWS Check it out here: Ludonarrative Dissidents Podcast: Season 2 Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon On this episode, we’re listening to two albums that were released on Hiraeth Records, a record label founded by 猫 シ Corp. These albums cover a broad range of genres from lush and atmospheric dreampunk to early-00s inspired vaportrap. We also talk about the rise of artist-founded record labels in vaporwave and the importance of artist-controlled creative work. Albums DiscussedDo They Still Dream in Heaven by Panzer Paradise Additional LinksAn interview with Jornt Elzinga, 猫 シ Corp and owner of Hiraeth Records CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 11 Sep 2023 | End of Summer Jams | 00:33:46 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re heading into the end of summer with two recent releases from artists we love. Join us as we check out the latest albums from Blank Banshee and 2 Mello. No clever meta commentary. Just great music. Music DiscussedPHD - PORTABLE HEADPHONE DANCEFLOOR by 2 Mello Additional Links2 Mello - PHD - PORTABLE HEADPHONE DANCEFLOOR - Full Album (OFFICIAL) CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 08 Nov 2021 | Autumnal Dark Jazz | 00:35:14 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon As we head into late autumn, with long winter nights ahead, we find ourselves in need of new music appropriate to the mood of the season. Long and languid tracks suitable for listening to while sitting inside and staring out a window into the cold darkness. Some might call it the elusive Autumnal Jam. In this episode, we dig into two new (to us) artists who perfectly met our needs with their eclectic blend of genres, influences, and instrumentation. Music SampledA Greater Bliss by Wordclock Relevant LinksWordclock - Unbecoming (Official Video ) CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 16 Sep 2024 | New Music: Signalwave and Corporate Jazz | 00:30:57 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon For our September new music episode we’re leaving the summer jams behind and getting into some recent releases from our favorite genres. First, we’re checking out a huge and varied compilation from the signalwave community. Then we’re going to achieve our perfect inner self with the help of some corporate meditation jazz. Can you say “something for everyone?!” Albums DiscussedThe Gas Station MegaCompilation by The Signalwave Community Additional LinksThe Signalwave Community: The Gas Station MegaCompilation on Vapor Memory CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 08 May 2023 | The Music of Terror Vision | 00:43:01 | |
The Music of Terror Vision Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The folks at Terror Vision, a boutique shop focused on preserving obscure genre films, recently released Copperhead, an early direct-to-video film made by Ross’s parents, on blu-ray. This release includes a restored version of the original soundtrack on LP and Cassette. To celebrate, we’re discussing the music of Copperhead and Neon Maniacs, another recent soundtrack released by Terror Vision. Check out Terror Vision and Copperhead!Terror Vision Records & Video Music DiscussedCopperhead OST LP Additional LinksInterview: Ryan Graveface on the Labor of Labels from New Noise Magazine CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 23 Dec 2024 | Vaporwave Stocking Stuffers | 00:34:24 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Outro SampleAlbums DiscussedHoliday Countdown by Various Artists CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | Springtime for Dark Ambient | 00:36:36 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re returning to one of this show’s core genres, Dark Ambient. We discuss two recent dark ambient albums and explore not only the music but the varying ways in which each album explores the concept of narrative in music. Music DiscussedThe Colony by Delmak-O Other LinksTop 10 Dark Ambient Releases Of 2021 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | New Music: And Then All Was Quiet and Our Lovelessness | 00:33:21 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We’re finishing off April with an exploration of some new music. In this episode, we’re covering And Then All Was Quiet by The Nightworker and Our Lovelessness by Hantasi. Two very different haunted albums. Join us and check them out! Albums DiscussedAnd Then All Was Quiet by The Nightworker CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 22 Jun 2020 | Hypnagogic Vaporwave: virtua.zip and A Heart Full Of Love | 00:29:37 | |
Hypnagogia is the state of consciousness one experiences when transitioning from waking to sleeping. Hypnagogic vaporwave attempts to capture this sensation through the production of music that can be airy and ethereal or moody and ambient. Join Ross and Birk as they discuss one of their favorite sub-genres of vaporwave through the lens of two classic albums. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 12 Sep 2022 | Remembering Cesar Alexandre | 00:35:51 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re remembering the life and work of Cesar Alexandre; a multi-genre and multi-talented music producer and artist from Brazil who passed away in April of 2021. Cesar’s work includes seminal vaporwave albums under the name Lindsheaven Virtual Plaza, stunning atmospheric dark ambient work as Cryo Chamber artist Mount Shrine, and numerous other projects. We hope you join us in enjoying this excellent music. Albums DiscussedNTSC Memories by Lindsheaven Virtual Plaza Additional LinksAll That's Here Will Be Sunlight by Yasu Ether CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 06 Jun 2022 | Rethinking The Summer Jam | 00:37:54 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we each set out trying to find some new music (specifically summer jams) to enjoy. Ross returns with a Chillhop compilation and a long discussion on Lofi Hip-Hop record labels while Birk shows up with an experimental electro-jazz album. These choices completely reinforce this show’s chemistry. Music DiscussedChillhop Essentials Summer 2021 by Various Artists Related LinksInside the mysterious world of Canadian chillhop CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 16 Aug 2021 | Sleepy Summer Jams | 00:32:47 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon PRE-ORDER 2MELLO’S NEW ALBUM: SOUNDS OF TOKYO-TO FUTURE To some artists, hypnagogic music is categorized as “classic”, “ambient” or “experimental.” To others, hypnagogic is thought of as adjacent to lofi hip hop or trip hop. In this episode, we explore two albums that span this diverse range of labels. However one tries to classify it, there’s no denying that there are artists creating great music and calling it hypnagogic. Audio Sampledピアノの独り言 by desert sand feels warm at night Related LinksBandcamp of the Day & Interview: Desert Sand Feels Warm at Night CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 17 Mar 2025 | Japanese Ambient Explorations | 00:32:13 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon You should know that this episode was divinely ordained. The Discogs article below was posted by a listener on our Patreon Discord at the precise moment Birk was listening to a related album and thinking about this episode topic. As a result, you have to listen to us work our way through the landscape of Japanese Ambient in the 80s and 90s. We talk about the music of the time and how it might have arisen from changing material and technological conditions, the importance of funding cool art, and its resurgence in popularity over the past few years. Outro SampleSeiko 3 from Music For Commercials by Yasuaki Shimizu Read these Articles!Exploring Japan’s Ambient Music Boom of the ’80s and ’90s CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | Discord Spring Cleaning | 00:34:13 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we listen to music recommended to us by listeners on our community Discord server. We cover everything from classic vaporwave albums to dungeon synth and post-rock to future funk. Thank you so much to our community for your support and giving us an excuse to listen to some great music. Music DiscussedEyeliner : Buy Now Other LinksBuy Now Steams Release CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | The Music of Null Object | 00:38:14 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Yet again, we’re ignoring Valentine’s Day and instead talking about the music of Null Object, the lo-fi/vaporhouse project of podcast favorite Jordan Bortner (a.k.a. 식료품groceries). We talk about the project, its associated music, and our personal experiences and thoughts on this unique fusion of EDM and vaporwave. Music DiscussedCooperative Taxi Station by Null Object Additional LinksNewtek Video Toaster 4000 1994 Video CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 09 May 2022 | Climatewave For Real | 00:35:56 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Climatewave is a subgenre of vaporwave that focuses on using samples from broadcasts of weather news and forecasts. We’ve previously discussed climatewave in the context of The Weather Channel, but in this episode we’re branching out to explore European and Japanese-based climatewave. Music DiscussedＴｅｌｅｔｅｘｔｏ ｅｓｐｅｃｉａｌ by Kratzwerk Other LinksPrivate Suite Magazine Issue 6 – Features an article on Climatewave CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 23 Nov 2020 | The Weather Channel and Vaporwave | 00:35:10 | |
The smooth jazz soundtrack and automated aesthetic featured on The Weather Channel in the mid-90's has been finding its way into vaporwave and internet art for nearly a decade. It represents a kind of forgotten nostalgia for calmer times. In this episode we talk about how this music came to be, it's relationship to vaporwave, and its impact on our memories of The Weather Channel. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 24 Oct 2022 | Exploring the Witch House | 00:33:15 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re exploring the unique genre of occult-inspired electronica known as Witch House. We share our thoughts on a wide variety of Witch House tracks, the appeal of its aesthetic, and its connection to vaporwave. A huge thanks to our patrons on Discord for recommending this topic. Music SampledMATER SUSPIRIA VISION - Witchcraft 69 Additional MusicBest Witch House Mix 2021 ▲ 2 Hour Mix The Guide to Grave Wave [Disc 1] by Various Artists The Guide to Grave Wave [Disc 2] by Various Artists The Guide to Grave Wave [Disc 2] by Various Artists References and Additional LinksThe Occult Genre Known As "Witch House" WITCH HAVS Explores A Pre-Solidified Genre Pitchfork: Wander / Wonder by Balam Acab Credits | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | Storming the Lego Castle | 00:37:20 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The FilmLego Castle: 1979-1998 On BandcampLego Castle: 1979-1998 by Dreamcastle™ Additional Shout OutsDeath Romantique by Skeleton Lipstick CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Feb 2022 | Post-Rock and Horror | 00:36:42 | |
Post-Rock and Horror Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we examine the link between post-rock music and horror. We explore the ways in which the thematic elements of post-rock, such as despair and passion, make it a profound companion to the revelatory nature of horror media. Thanks to the listener who suggested this topic! Some Listening RecommendationsBest Of Melancholic Post-Rock Mix Other LinksSpec Ops The Line OST: Mogwai - Glasgow Mega-Snake CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | Cryo Chamber’s Tsathoggua | 00:33:30 | |
Cryo Chamber’s Tsathoggua Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon As is tradition, we sat down with our friend Caleb Stokes to talk about the latest Cryo Chamber Lovecraft compilation, Tsathoggua! This joint effort of over 20 dark ambient artists on the Cryo Chamber label is an eclectic blend of genres and ambient soundscapes. We dig into the music and discuss the perils of albums themed after wet drippy boyz. Music SampledTsathoggua by Cryo Chamber Collaboration Connect with CalebHebanon Games on Patreon CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 24 May 2021 | Shopping for Post-Mallsoft | 00:33:04 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Like other vaporwave subgenres, mallsoft has evolved since its creation. Initially defined by sampling and reverb, new mallsoft albums drift towards exploring new compositions and themes. While actual shopping malls are sliding into the dustbin of history, the idea of mall ambiance lingers with us. The essence of mallsoft transcends the physicality of shopping malls. Banal commercial architecture with powerful HVAC, weird acoustics, and a genial indifference to human emotions will remain with us long after the last shopping mall is torn down. New mallsoft seeks to capture that essence. Music Discussed4D Gradients by ロップMALL Related LinksロップMALL on Bandcamp CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | New Music: The Lone Rager and QUENCHED 💎🏝️🧃 | 00:30:29 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Summer is upon us so we’re easing into the season with two albums packed full of summer jams. Join us for a killer Future Funk party with THAT’S MATT! and then remember to stay hydrated with QUENCHED 💎🏝️🧃 by iacon. Albums DiscussedTHE LONE RAGER by THAT'S MATT! CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 02 Aug 2021 | Vaporwave and Analog Horror | 00:32:51 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Over the last decade, a new type of horror has become popular on the Internet. Driven by largely anonymous crowds through social media and online communities. In this episode, Ross discusses his thesis on how this new horror appeals to the same themes and aesthetics as vaporwave. Meanwhile, Birk does the audio equivalent of polite nodding. Audio SampledRelated LinksWhat is Analog Horror? On Pad Chennington CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Sep 2020 | Dream Catalogue and Dreampunk: NEW and Mount To Nothing | 00:39:21 | |
Dream Catalogue is one of the oldest and most prolific record labels for vaporwave and beyond. Their founder, Hong Kong Express (HKE), has commented excessively (and sometimes controversially) on the future of the genre and how it should continue to evolve. In this episode, we talk about Dream Catalogue and what importance genre has, if any. We then discuss two recent albums released on the Dream Catalogue label. Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 09 Nov 2020 | The Quake Soundtrack | 00:38:41 | |
The Quake soundtrack, written and performed by Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails, is as dark and atmospheric as the game itself. Its blend of industrial, dark ambient, and drone is rich and textured, marking a step forward for video game soundtracks. In this episode, we talk about the impact of Quake on our musical tastes and discuss the album in detail. Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 22 Nov 2021 | Culture Jamming and Vaporwave | 00:35:16 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Culture Jamming is a reactionary protest against media and consumerist culture that employs a wide range of tactics from photoshopping logos to vandalism and everything in between. There is no one right way to engage, one must merely push back against mass media on its own terms. On this episode we discuss our thoughts on culture jamming and how the practice relates to vaporwave and other haunted genres. Music SampledRejected Theme Song from READY PLAYER ONE by Demi Adejuyigbe Relevant LinksCulture Jamming, Memes, Social Networks, and the Emerging Media Ecology CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | The Visual Signals 'Zine | 00:31:57 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re reading through Visual Signals, a vaporwave ‘zine started by KITE0080. Each issue features an eclectic blend of vaporwave news, artist interviews, essays, and a grab bag of articles on everything from rice cookers to classic cheat codes for The Sims. In addition to being a fun read, Visual Signals represents an important effort to curate and document the rapidly-evolving vaporwave scene. We highly recommend you check it out. Read Visual SignalsVisual Signals Music Sampled10 Years of Vaporwave | VA:10 - EIS-T on SPLIFF RADIO ショー YouTube CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 19 Jul 2021 | Summer Jams and Chillwave | 00:38:58 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s a double secret topic episode as Ross and Birk discuss both the evolution of chillwave and the realities of Summer vacation. These topics serve as the basis for discussing two excellent albums that represent very different interpretations of the summer jam. Albums DiscussedMidnight Mixtape by Origami Vato Related LinksOrigami Vato on YouTube CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 12 Apr 2021 | Video Game Vaporwave: R23X and Equip | 00:33:02 | |
Reminder: Our patreon is up! https://www.patreon.com/nightclerkradio In terms of hours listened, video game music probably wins for every generation that came of age with a game console in the house. It's no surprise then that new artists use video game music as a starting point for their work - not merely remixing or imitating but building upon it. On this episode we listen to two fantastic video game inspired albums and discuss our own experiences with video game soundtracks. Stay Awhile and Listen! Albums DiscussedOST(1).rar by R23X Related LinksAn Interview with Marc Junker AKA R23X CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 15 Mar 2021 | Exploring Concept Albums from HDK | 00:30:41 | |
Reminder: Our patreon is up! https://www.patreon.com/nightclerkradio Heimat Der Katastrophe (HDK) is a DIY label managed by an artist collective in Milan. They produce a wide range of albums from genres described as "ambient punk, minimal-synth, dungeon-drone, wartime music and post-nuclear wave." On this episode, we discuss two of their recent releases: a classic dungeon synth album and a soundtrack for an Italian sci-fi tv-movie that never existed. Albums DiscussedHDK 72 † La gabbia umana by A. Ralla Related Links13 Essential Italian Horror Soundtracks CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 05 Feb 2024 | The Music of Cryo Crypt | 00:37:26 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We’re back! We spent January delving into the content dungeons and we’ve returned with two great dungeon synth albums. In this episode, we’re exploring the music of Cryo Crypt, the dark fantasy/dungeon synth sister label of Cryo Chamber. We discuss the first two albums on the label and share our thoughts on the current state of the genre. Stay awhile and listen. Albums DiscussedThe Ghost from Sheol by Vikorra Doom Related LinksCryo Crypt on Bandcamp CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 17 Aug 2020 | Horror Video Games with Bridget! | 01:02:12 | |
This episode we are joined by our good friend Bridget to discuss the music and sound design elements that go into making horror video games. Great games, like those we discuss, create an atmosphere of dread and anticipation while keeping the player engaged without becoming fatigued. The developers, working alongside composers and sound designers, must carefully balance these cycles of tension and release. Join us as we explore how three classic survival horror games nail this balance. Support Bridget Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 23 May 2022 | A Century of Mallsoft | 00:34:33 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re discussing the album Endless Mall by ECCO 深い夢, a massive mallsoft project consisting of one hundred tracks that cover a wide range of subgenres. We discuss some of our highlights from listening to this album and talk about the process of consuming large media projects. Music DiscussedEndless Mall 深 い 夢 by ECCO 深い夢 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 10 Apr 2023 | Spring 2023 Discord Recommendations | 00:42:26 | |
Spring 2023 Discord Recommendations Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s that time of year again. It’s our biannual Discord extravaganza. We selected almost 20 pieces of music recommended by our patrons on the Night Clerk Radio Discord over the past few months and spent this episode going over them. We cover everything from vaporwave to jazz rock to black metal covers, so join us and check out a variety of great music! Music DiscussedNeon Godsby Failed State Audio Additional LinksDEATHPROD Sow Your Gold In The White Foliated Earth Additional Info CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | Passionate Plunderphonics | 00:30:38 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re discussing the 2024 album Passion by D.J. VLK. This amazing display of plunderphonics is made entirely using samples from the forgotten paranormal soap opera “Passions.” We talk about the show itself, the plight of memory-holed media, and the exploration of others' memories through art. This is a wonderful and weird album that you should definitely check out. Music DiscussedSupplemental LinksHappy 25 Years to the Most Unhinged Soap Opera of All Time CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | Rummaging Through The Discord | 00:46:09 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The community members on our Patreon Discord are constantly posting suggestions and recommendations for great albums of all genres. We’ve gotten into the habit of digging through them every six months or so and seeing what’s there. We cover everything from vaporwave to dark ambient to hip hop to jazz. We aren’t able to talk about everything, so check the wall of links below, organized by Discord channel. Enjoy! #vaporwaveSPEZ068 - Dnevna televizija / Дневна телевизија by SEM-TV #dungeon-synth-and-metalEye of Water by Tideless #dark-ambientSubstrata by Biosphere #promote-yo-selfLiminal Saints (full album + art) by The Yonko LLC #lofi-hiphopDEEPER WATER/FATHERS KEEPER by MILLION SUNDAY #jazzHiromi: Tiny Desk Concert #random-musicA I A : Dream Loss by Grouper #edm-and-idmwipE'out'' - The Zero Gravity Soundtrack by CoLD SToRAGE CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 14 Apr 2025 | An April New Music Sandwich | 00:37:14 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s time for our April New Music episode! This time around, we’re breaking the rules a bit by discussing three albums. Your three course meal starts with some classic USPS inspired vaporwave, moving on to an eclectic selection of chill experimental ambient before finishing things off with a moving tribute to the music of Twin Peaks. We hope you join us in checking out these albums and support the artists below! Albums DiscussedU.S. Mail by opal東京 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 10 Jun 2024 | 2024 Discord Spring Cleaning | 00:38:16 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon What started as a way to fill an episode when we ran out ideas has turned into one of our favorite traditions. Twice a year we dig through music posted on our Patreon Discord and choose a handful of albums to discuss. Join us as we check out eight (nine!) wonderful recommendations from classic vaporwave to modern neoclassical. Samples chosen at random. Songs Sampledｎｅｇｏｔｉａｔｏｒ from ｃｒｙｐｔｏｃｒａｃｙ by Ｓｐｏｒｔ３０００ Albums DiscussedPulsating Liquid Chloroform by Kagami Smile CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 22 Jul 2024 | Rescoring Films | 00:33:41 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re chatting about the process of rescoring films. We largely focus on two examples: Terror Vison’s recent Blu-ray release of Dante’s Inferno and Steven Soderbergh’s 2014 “educational” reimagining of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Soundtrack samples pulled from the trailer here: Check out Terror Vision!DANTE'S INFERNO BLU-RAY (1911) Related LinksL'Inferno CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 30 Mar 2020 | Video Games That Never Were - Pleasant Specter and Night of Terror | 00:31:06 | |
Without video game music, vaporwave would not exist. Just as vaporwave is music for a future that no longer exists, soundtracks for fictional games now haunt the Internet. These concept albums evoke the era of late 90s and early 2000s consoles while still retaining original ideas. Find a save point and listen for a while. The Albums
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| 30 Aug 2021 | Sounds of Tokyo-To Future Appreciation Episode | 00:35:15 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Following up the 2018 release Memories of Tokyo-To, Sounds of Tokyo-To Future is the second Jet Set Radio inspired album by producer and composer 2 Mello. The album itself is a masterful exploration of a wide range of influences and genres that ultimately produces something wholly original and deeply engaging. We dedicate this entire episode to talking about how much we loved this album. Grab a copy (or check it out on Spotify) and join us. Audio SampledSounds Of Tokyo-To Future by 2 Mello Related LinksInterview with 2 Mello on Deep Listens Podcast CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 07 Jun 2021 | Learning 'Bout Lofi | 00:35:09 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The Lofi genre is often associated with mixes and 24/7 streams where listeners are exposed to an endless sequence of beats and jazz samples. However, as mentioned on our Patreon bonus episode on Lofi, we wanted to learn more about the genre by listening to albums. We’re starting with two very popular lofi artists, who regularly appear in discussions of the best artists and albums in the genre. Despite the cliché of lofi being formulaic, each of these artists brings a distinct sound to their work. It would be impossible to mistake the two. Join us and find out why. Music DiscussedNeon Impasse by City Girl Related Links“In the Internet Age it’s Very Important to Get Lucky As Your Grind:” An Interview with City Girl CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Halloween with Winterquilt | 00:19:37 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this bonus episode, we’re talking about the brand new vapormetal album from podcast-favorite, Winterquilt. This album is an energetic journey through an eclectic blend of genres ranging from death metal to donk. Check it out! Music FeaturedWinterquilt - Monster Island & The Satan of Fire Released through: MyPetFlamingo Credits[Night Clerk Radio on Twitter]( https://twitter.com/nightclerkradio ) | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | Architectural Horror and Vaporwave | 00:48:03 | |
Architectural Horror and Vaporwave Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we delve into the topic of architectural horror and its connection to vaporwave and other genres of haunted music. We explore the shared themes of disorientation, nostalgia, and the uncanny in both genres, uncovering the ways in which they use visual language, liminal spaces, and atmosphere to evoke powerful emotions and discussions about consumer culture, capitalism, technology, urban decay, and the complex interplay between our environments, our memories, and our psychological states. Music SamplesCreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 06 Dec 2021 | Dancing to Vaporwave | 00:30:12 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon What does it mean for a song to be danceable? Does being “danceable” mean anything or is it too broad and personal? Can the term be applied to vaporwave? We’re not sure if we actually answered any of these questions, but we are sure that they led us to discuss two amazing albums. One new and the other an absolute classic. Music SampledSyndicated Simulcast, Vol. 1 by YAMTA Relevant LinksRoss’s Inspiration: Recommendation Thread: Danceable Vaporwave Bangers on r/Vaporwave CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 26 Sep 2022 | The Music of DOOM | 00:45:31 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re talking about the classic music of the DOOM video games, focusing on the work of Bobby Prince in 1993 and Mick Gordon in 2016. Not only did both composers produce memorable and compelling soundtracks for their respective games, they did so under very different market and technological conditions. We talk about these changing conditions and how they manifest in each soundtrack. References and Additional LinksMasters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture by David Kushner CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 30 Sep 2024 | The Music of The Nightcrawlers | 00:31:26 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re exploring the music of The Nightcrawlers, a trio from Philadelphia who produced over 30 cassettes of amazing cosmic and ambient synth during the 80s. We talk about one of these cassettes and then cover their more recent 2018 compilation. Their music is phenomenal so we want to say thank you to the YouTube algorithm for incepting Ross. Albums DiscussedNightcrawlers - Space Ritual at St Mary's Additional LinksAlbum of the Day: Nightcrawlers, “The Biophonic Boombox Recordings” CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 21 Dec 2020 | Vaporwave for the Holidays | 00:37:33 | |
Christmas, particularly in the US, has become a yearly affair of seasonal pop music and rampant consumerism. Fortunately for us, this makes it the perfect target for vaporwave and mallsoft, where critiquing capitalism by manipulating pop music is the standard fare. This, combined with the ever-present themes of hauntology and nostalgia, means we have a lot to discuss. So, grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage and join us as we cover two albums that apply a vaporwave lens to Christmas music. Albums Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 11 Oct 2021 | The Limits of Plunderphonics | 00:34:35 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Plunderphonics is a genre of music in which the artist repurposes samples of other music in order to construct new tracks. In essence, using the music of other artists as their instrument to create new original works. While this approach was a key element in the development of vaporwave, is there such a thing as “too much plunderphonics?” At what point does sampling simply become slowing down another song wholesale? We tackle these questions in the context of Barber Beats, a relatively new sub-genre that relies heavily on plunderphonics. Music Sampled手遅れに実現 lp by haircuts for men Relevant LinksNight Clerk Radio - Episode 5 - Discussion on Plunderphonics CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Boss Fights and Save Rooms | 00:41:37 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Caleb is back and this time we’re chatting about the original soundtracks to two very different games: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and Signalis. These soundtracks represent two very different approaches to creating rich and varied scores that enhance the themes and tone of their respective games. Connect with Caleb!Caleb’s Linktree Music DiscussedWarhammer 40,000: Darktide - Full Official Soundtrack by Jesper Kyd CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Dark Ambient and Noir Jazz | 00:36:47 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Noir, film or otherwise, to discuss how it has evolved from cynical post-war artistic movement to bland genre pastiche. The modern euphemism for this process is “becoming a vibe.” We focus this discussion on two albums that express the range of noir-influence in music from richly textured dark ambient to abrasive noise jazz. Music DiscussedMurken Hollow by Dead Melodies CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 31 Aug 2020 | Finding New Music: Extra Breezy and Smoker's Lounge Deluxe | 00:37:32 | |
How do you find new music? For some, this can be a difficult question as the landscape of music distribution continues to evolve. In this episode, we talk about some of ways we scour the Internet for new albums and artists. Even better, we get to listen to two new albums recommended to us by Ronny from Vaporspace StL. Join us as we discuss these two excellent albums and let us know how you find new music! Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 05 Aug 2024 | Dungeon Synth Dance Party | 00:33:54 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re exploring albums and artists that blend dungeon synth with other genres of EDM such as house, dubstep, drum and bass, and breakcore. We talk about what it means to blend such potentially disparate genres and highlight a handful of albums that explore this concept. We would love to hear if you have other examples of this blending of genres so please hit us up with recommendations! Tracks SampledEsoteric Exegesis from Mesolithic Sound System by Mesolithic Sound System Albums MentionedMesolithic Sound System by Mesolithic Sound System CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 16 Jan 2023 | Death's Dynamic Shroud | 00:35:52 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon We’re kicking off 2023 by talking about one of our most requested topics: Death’s Dynamic Shroud, an electronic music trio whose eclectic blend of power pop plunderphonics and industrial noisy glitch has been an innovative force in electronic music since 2014. Their large and varied discography is an engaging listen that both entertains and rewards the active listener with its stunning maximalist pop soundscapes. Music SampledDarklife by death's dynamic shroud Additional MusicHeavy Black Heart by death's dynamic shroud CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | The Music of clown core | 00:36:09 | |
The Music of clown core Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re talking about the music of clown core, a duo whose music is a unique and abrasive blend of highly technical jazz, metal, and electronica with a healthy side of vulgarity. We also discuss the appeal of high-effort memes, the purpose of artistic creation, and the importance of experiencing challenging art. Music Discussedtoilet by clown core References and Additional Links7:11 Polyrhythms CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 25 Oct 2021 | Spooky Month Spooky Music | 00:33:42 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s our legally obligated spooky month episode! This month we’re revisiting two previously discussed artists. First up, the latest album from horror master and synth aficionado John Carpenter and his trio. Then, we listen to a classic vaporgoth album from the enigmatic artist Chinese Hackers. Join us for this holiday grab bag that explores a wide range of spooky music. Music SampledLost Themes III: Alive After Death by John Carpenter Relevant LinksChinese Hackers (feat. チェスマスター) — 雾 on YouTube CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 30 Mar 2020 | A Preamble for Night Clerk Radio | 00:20:28 | |
A poet once described vaporwave as “It kinda like living in a junkyard but you're in a dystopian future and you find a bunch of VHS tapes and you're the only person in the world and everything is lonely but you have a bunch of weed and you're high all the time and you're in Japan and you're in the sky.” It’s a little more complicated than that but you get the idea. Birk and I talk about the appeal of music like vaporwave and why we want to explore it. If you’ve been drawn to media outside the mainstream and appreciate art made without commercial consideration by outsiders, perhaps you might like vaporwave. It’s the soundtrack to memories of a lost future. No better time to start listening than today… Related Links -------------
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| 04 Mar 2024 | Utopia District’s 2023 Year In Review | 00:42:02 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re digging into Utopia District’s 2023 Year In Review, a feature highlighting some of the best vaporwave (and associated genres) albums of 2023 as suggested by the community. Including our own Ross Payton! This kind of curation and highlighting the work of artists is so important. We had a blast checking out the 17 albums on the list that we had not previously covered. Come join us and find yourself some great music! The ArticleUtopia District’s Features: 2023 A YEAR IN REVIEW Tracks SamplesPlaque from my last whispers are the worst goodbyes by Machina Pensant CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 21 Apr 2025 | Patreon Rerelease: Corporate Art and Vaporwave | 00:42:54 | |
Hello! We’re starting a new project this month. We have almost 50 bonus episodes on our Patreon. The goal is to get these older bonus episodes out from behind the paywall. So travel back in time with us for poor recording setups, bad editing, out of date opinions, and so much more! Original Show Notes: Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Well friends, it seems like nothing gets us into a long conversation like the historical and sociopolitical landscape of corporate art, aesthetics, and marketing. We talk about everything from the post-WW2 rise of popular luxury to the current hellscape of flat purple vector people. Music Sampledｓａｔｕｒｎ ａｕｄｉｏ ｓｙｓｔｅｍ ｄｅｍｏｎｓｔｒａｔｉｏｎ ｃａｓｓｅｔｔｅ 茨ヱめ畝ヹ by wilson arcade Additional LinksThe Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute - CARI CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 12 Oct 2020 | What is Muzakcore? Corporate Mixtape and Home | 00:44:02 | |
Have you ever wished that your music could whisk you away to a fantasy world of corporate culture and values? If so, look no further than the dulcet MIDI-inspired tones of Muzakcore. A niche genre that embodies the musical spirit of being put on hold, sitting in waiting rooms, watching PowerPoint presentations, and of course, standing in elevators. This is the music of waiting. Of boredom. Join us as we explore two classic albums of the genre and discuss how Muzakcore fits into the larger context of Vaporwave. Music Discussed Related Links Credits | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Vaporwave and Virtual Reality | 00:36:20 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon Virtual reality, despite its recent success, has been a perennial retro technology for the majority of our lives. It represents a technological future that may never arrive and a past that never really happened. The hauntological nature of virtual reality makes it a perfect companion to vaporwave! In this episode, we explore this connection and discuss work by artists who are merging virtual reality and vaporwave. Music SampledHyperdrive from Memento by Eagle Eyed Tiger Additional LinksLive and In Pixel: Vaporwave’s Push For a Virtual Music Scene George Clanton on vaporwave, VR festivals and fostering democratic music culture Adam Kane - Show N Tell (Official Music Video) [VR 360°] Virtual Utopia 4 [Live 360° VR Concert] Our Favourite 360˚ VR Music Videos (2021) VR Gartner hype cycle: Is virtual reality hype or hope? Credits | |||
| 26 Apr 2021 | The Music of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. | 00:33:33 | |
Reminder: Our patreon is up! https://www.patreon.com/nightclerkradio The unique blend of despair and hope present in the work of post-rock legends Godspeed You! Black Emperor (GY!BE) makes their music more relevant and poignant than ever. We discuss our experiences with and love for the music of GY!BE and share our thoughts on their tremendous new album, G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END! Spoilers: We loved it. Albums DiscussedG_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END! by Godspeed You! Black Emperor Related LinksGodspeed You! Black Emperor: 'You make music for the king and his court, or for the serfs outside the walls' CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||
| 27 Apr 2020 | Shopping for Mallsoft - Hologram Plaza and Yes! We're Open | 00:40:52 | |
Mallsoft is a subgenre of vaporwave that aims to comment on our relationship with retail spaces and consumerism. By emulating and sampling muzak, often mixed with field recordings of actual stores, Mallsoft creates a sense of occupying now abandoned shopping centers. Wander the aisles of nostalgia with us as we discuss two pillar albums of the genre. The Albums Hologram Plaza Related Links Credits | |||
| 25 Sep 2023 | Easy Listening Vaporwave | 00:34:59 | |
Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re heading into Fall with some easy listening vaporwave from artists we discovered on our Vaporwave Up and Comers 2023 episode. Join us as we check out the music of Notorious Secret and Cinematic Sequences. Both albums are killer examples of the evocative power of late night lo-fi. Music DiscussedSecrets of The Night by Notorious Secret Additional LinksNotorious Secret & Solodolo84 Live @ VAPORSHAVE 2023 CreditsMusic by: 2Mello | |||