Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament are two of the Seattle scene?s most foundational musicians from the 80?s and 90?s. Stone and Jeff started playing together in 1984 as members of Green River, which eventually dissolved, leading singer Mark Arm to form Mudhoney.

Later, Jeff played bass and Stone played guitar in Mother Love Bone until their lead singer Andrew Wood died of an overdose just days before their major label debut in March of 1990. Reeling from Andy?s death, Jeff and Stone started recording with Soundgarden?s Chris Cornell on a side project called Temple Of The Dog that featured vocals from a then unknown singer from San Diego named Eddie Vedder.

Later that year, Jeff and Stone asked Eddie to join their new band with guitarist Mike McCready. As Pearl Jam, they released their debut album Ten in August of ?91?the album went 13 times platinum and charted on Billboard for nearly five years.

Since then, Pearl Jam have released 11 more albums and built a die-hard fan base thanks in part to their outstanding live shows. Last week they released their latest album, Dark Matter, which was produced by Andrew Watt, who's recently worked with Miley Cyrus, Iggy Pop, Post Malone and Ozzy Osborne.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament about how Andrew Watt?s encyclopedic knowledge of Pearl Jam helped inspire some of their best performances to date. Stone and Jeff also open up about the inner-workings of their professional relationship, and Stone remembers the first time he met Eddie Vedder, who marked the occasion by passing him a hand-written poem.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Pearl Jam songs HERE.

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16 years have passed since The Black Crowes released an album of new material. The world has changed a lot since then?and so have the Robinson brothers. Chris and Rich Robinson are, of course, the backbone of the band. They started playing together back in Georgia in 1984 as Mr. Crowe?s Garden before moving to NYC, signing to Def American, and changing their name to The Black Crowes.

The band?s debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, set them up as the torchbearers of Southern rock for the '90s and beyond. As you?ll hear in today's conversation, the brothers Robinson have had a competitive relationship for a long time. Their ups and downs have meant hiatuses for the band over the years. But now they?re back united and seemingly in it for the long haul with their new album, Happiness Bastards.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Chris Robinson about his growing up in Georgia with Rich, their dad?s rockabilly career, and how his road habits have changed from indulging in champagne and other substances to reading Herman Melville.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Chris Robinson & The Black Crowes HERE.

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Famed drummer for the Police and composer Stewart Copeland has one of the more fascinating bios in modern music. His father was a founding member of the CIA and his mom worked in British Intelligence.

After playing in the successful UK prog rock band Curved Air in the mid 70s, Stewart started a new band called the Police with bassist and lead singer, Sting?and eventually guitarist Andy Summers. Over the next decade the Police would go on to become one of the top-selling rock bands of all time, selling over 75 million records.

Last year Stewart released the book, ?Stewart Copeland?s Police Diaries,? which includes his personal notes dating back to the band?s formation in 1976 through 1978, when they started to take off.

On today?s episode Bruce Headlam talks to Stewart Copeland about the first time he saw Sting play and how he was able to successfully lure him into his then non-existent band. Stewart also explains why he and Sting eventually had a musical falling out, and how the Arabic rhythms he heard growing up influenced his highly lauded drumming style.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Stewart Copeland and The Police HERE.

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Justin Timberlake is one of the most high achieving pop phenomenons of the past three decades. In 1993 he helped relaunch the Mickey Mouse Club where he sang and danced alongside Rylan Gosling and other now luminaries. Then he broke records and sold over 70 million albums worldwide with *NSYNC. And if that weren?t enough, he launched an incredibly successful solo career in the early aughts where he found a musical soulmate in Timbaland who Justin's worked with in some capacity over the course of his six solo albums.

So with all that hard earned success behind him, it?s been interesting to see the online drubbing JT's taken the last couple of years. Curious about how he might respond musically, it turns out, his new album Everything I Thought It Was, is everything you?d hope to hear from JT including a surprise *NSYNC reunion.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks through Justin Timberlake?s new album with him as he dissects key tracks from it. JT also recalls how Micheal Jackson helped inspire his solo career, he breaks down the motivation behind each one of his solo albums, and he talks about why he felt now was the right time to reunite with his boy band brothers in ?NSYNC. This episode was recorded at Amazon?s Studio126.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Justin Timberlake songs HERE.

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Brandi Carlile?s knack for uplifting the musicians she loves is exemplary. After her own hard-earned ascent to fame over the course of seven studio albums, Brandi started to turn her sights to producing albums for artists she deeply admires, including Tanya Tucker who she?s been on Broken Record with in the past but also Brandy Clark. Then there?s Joni Mitchell?who, thanks to Brandi?s encouragement?has recently made a glorious return to performing live.

Brandi?s passion for the projects she works on is infectious. The latest is an EP she produced for 18-year-old singer/songwriter Tish Melton called, When We?re Older. Over the course of the five-song collection, Tish pulls influence from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Tish, whose mom is the New York Times bestselling author Glennon Doyle, is teeming with talent on her EP, which includes heartfelt songs that expertly capture a wise-beyond-her-years self assuredness.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Tish Melton and Brandi Carlile about their creative partnership and the impermeable sense of self Brandi has found in both Tish and Joni Mitchell. And Brandi teases her upcoming collaboration album that she calls ?monumental,? plus she talks about why she thinks Beyonce might be country music?s saving grace.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Tish Melton and Brandi Carlile along with all the tracks mentioned in this episode HERE.

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Natalia Lafourcade is a force. As you?ll hear when she sings during our conversation today she has a gorgeous voice. But she?s also a deft songwriter who?s able to weave together traditions that feel both modern and old at once.

And she?s also a beautiful interpreter of song?take for instance the phenomenon that was the song ?Remember Me? from Pixar?s film Coco. Or take the many instances where she?s recorded some of the classic songs from across Latin America?performing on songs by greats like Violetta Parra from Chile and Agustín Lara from Natalia?s home state of Veracruz, Mexico. After spending the last seven years interpreting those masters, Natlia?s released De Todas Las Flores, her first album of originals since 2015.

On today's episode Justin Richmond talks to Natalia Lafourcade about the evolution of her artistry over the last 25 years. She recalls the time a hummingbird inspired her to move past a creative rut, and how the logistical challenges of recording her latest album to tape wound up creating an urgency that ultimately fueled the creative process.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Natalia Lafourcade songs HERE.

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In recognition of this month's World Happiness Day, we are presenting one of our favorite episodes from last year with Janelle Monàe and her longtime collaborator, Nate Wonder. Janelle's latest album, The Age Of Pleasure, was created in part as a celebration of black love and community. And as Nate Wonder shares in this interview with Justin Richmond, one of his guiding principles when making the album was to make Janelle smile.

As part of Pushkin Industries' network-wide celebration of World Happiness Day, we will also be sharing an episode of The Happiness Lab from our brilliant colleague, Laurie Santos later this month.

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At 70 years-old, Kim Gordon?the former bassist and founding member of Sonic Youth?is just now making the most abrasive music of her career. She just dropped her second solo album, The Collective, with producer Justin Raisen, who?s previously worked with artists like Drake, Lil Yachty, and Charli XCX. Kim?s spoken-word-like vocals on The Collective are the perfect accompaniment to Justin?s distorted trap-style beats.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Kim Gordon about her latest solo album, as well as her memoir, Girl In A Band, that detailed her split with ex-husband Thurston Moore. Kim also delves into why she always felt like an outsider in New York City?s thriving downtown art scene. And she recalls Sonic Youth?s storied tour in the early ?90s opening up for Neil Young.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Kim Gordon songs HERE.

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To kick off our month-long celebration of Women's History Month, today we're featuring an interview with Polly Jean Harvey, a.k.a. PJ Harvey, who is without question one of the most gifted songwriters of our time.

Her debut album, Dry, came out in 1992 and was what the LA Times called a near ?instant classic.? The same with her sophomore release, Rid of Me?which became an inspiration for Nirvana?s last album: In Utero.

Ten albums later and Polly continues to be not only a remarkable songwriter on her new album ?I Inside the Old Year Dying? but...maybe more impressively...continues to find new musical territory and new voices to write from. Keeping her songs and artistry as interesting as it was when she first put music out 30 years ago.

John Parish, who?s been a frequent collaborator of Polly?s since the 1980's produced the new album?along with Flood?and joins Justin Richmond in conversation with Polly to discuss their process of working together, the beauty of Polly?s last few albums and how they bonded long ago over Captain Beefheart.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite PJ Harvey & John Parish songs HERE.

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For the last installment of our Thursday Black History Month drops, how could we not revisit our episode with the incomparable Sonny Rollins? Listening to Sonny is like history coming right off the page. He?s living, breathing black history and one of the greatest tenor players of all time.

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The last couple of years have been huge for Jason Isbell. The Alabama-born singer-songwriter?s latest album Weathervanes won the Grammy for Best Americana album this year. He also snagged a role in Martin Scorsese's film, Killers Of The Flower Moon, which is up for Best Picture at this year?s Oscars.

There was also a critically acclaimed HBO documentary released last year about the making of Isbell?s previous album with the 400 Unit, Reunions, that put his personal life on full display.

On today?s episode I talk to Jason Isbell about his exhilarating experience filming Killers of the Flower Moon and how he prepared to act in scenes opposite Leonardo DiCaprio (heads up?there are some major spoilers in this conversation). Jason also contemplates how he will write about the dissolution of his marriage, and why he struggles to write a balls-out rock song.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Jason Isbell songs HERE.

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We?re halfway through Black History month and although we didn?t intend to rerun some of our older conversations to celebrate the month, after realizing we needed to do something to mark Usher?s Super Bowl performance and the release of the new Bob Marley biopic ?One Love,? we figured we might as well keep going and celebrate the whole month long?because now we have a country album from Beyonce on the way.

Beyonce released two songs from her upcoming album the night of the Super Bowl??16 Carriages? and ?TEXAS HOLD ?EM??to a rapturous response. Not only are the songs good. But they sparked a lot of meaningful conversations about the usefulness of genres, the way marketing shapes our listening and gatekeeping in music. Those are all things very close to Rhiannon Giddens? heart. As a black banjo player, steeped in the Americana tradition?and its Transatlantic roots?she?s been living this conversation her whole career.

Rhiannon also happens to play on the song ?TEXAS HOLD ?EM? with Beyonce. Which just this week hit number one on the country chart, making her the first time a black woman has ever held that spot.

So let?s flash back to when we had Rhiannon on Broken Record back in 2021 to speak with Bruce Headlam about her album They?re Calling Me Home.

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Since releasing their critically acclaimed debut album, Brutalism, in 2017, the British band IDLES have dropped four other albums in quick succession. The band?s bombastic sound brilliantly balances joy, chaos, and an often critical take on the powers that be. IDLES latest album, TANGK, was produced by the band's guitarist Mark Bowen, Kenny Beats, and Radiohead producer, Nigel Godrich.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Joe Talbot and Mark Bowen from the greenroom of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon about their tumultuous creative partnership. They also explain how Mark helps temper Joe?s sometimes passionate rage, and Joe breaks down why he will forever despise England?s monarchy.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite IDLES songs HERE.

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Last week we revisited our conversation with Usher to celebrate his Super Bowl performance and the incredible career resurgence he?s had over the last couple of years. In thinking about our catalog, I thought there was another conversation worth revisiting - Malcolm Gladwell speaking with Ziggy Marley about the cultural influence the tiny country of Jamaica and Ziggy?s dad, Bob Marley, have had over the last half a century.

The Bob Marley biopic One Love was released in theaters yesterday. I hope anyone familiar with Bob Marley will go see it at some point. If only to keep the conversation about his songs and his political thinking alive and to guard against his legacy becoming further whitewashed and commercialized.

So listen Malcolm?s conversation with Ziggy from a couple of years back, see the movie and then spend some time with the Marley catalog and with some of the other great music to come out of that era from Prince Buster to Alton Ellis and beyond.

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In the minds of many rock fans, Duff McKagan will forever be known first and foremost as the bassist for Guns N' Roses. The band?s white-hot reign in the late '80s through the early '90s is the stuff of hedonistic, hard rock legend. And for anyone interested in reading a detailed account of that wild ride, check out Duff?s memoir, ?It?s So Easy and Other Lies.?

After turning 30, Duff got sober, eventually left GNR, and then went on to play stints in Alice In Chains and Jane?s Addiction?and he helped form the supergroup, Velvet Revolver. In 2016, he rejoined Guns N' Roses following their induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

Outside of his contributions to big name rock bands, Duff has also been releasing solo material since the early '90s. His latest album, Lighthouse, signals a new musical direction for Duff?one that focuses on reflective, personal lyrics and stripped-down rootsy-rock.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Duff McKagan about his decision to leave the heroin-infested punk rock scene in his hometown of Seattle for LA. He also shares stories about Axl Rose and Slash while recording Appetite For Destruction. And he reminisces about the time his musical idol Prince was trying to get Duff to reveal the real reason why Guns N' Roses broke up.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Duff McKagan songs HERE.

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Four decades into his career, Usher is at the peak of his powers. In the year since he was on Broken Record, Usher became the king of the Las Vegas strip. According to Billboard, he grossed over $100 million dollars during his beloved Vegas residency.

To celebrate his much anticipated halftime performance at this year's Super Bowl, along with his upcoming arena tour, and the release of his new album ?Coming Home,? here's Justin Richmond's conversation with the one and only, Usher.

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Countless decisions, large and small, aided The Beatles? ascent to the top of popular culture. The release of their debut single, ?Love Me Do,? in the UK in the fall of 1962 was one of those decisions. Their debut on American television was another. In this first episode of season two, Paul McCartney and Paul Muldoon discuss the early evolution of The Beatles.

Season Two of McCartney: A Life in Lyrics comes out weekly starting February 7th, and features the stories behind songs like Yesterday, Band on the Run, Here, There and Everywhere, Picasso?s Last Words (Drink to Me) and many more. Follow the show to learn more about Paul McCartney?s songwriting process, the creation of Wings, the development of McCartney?s bass playing over the life of The Beatles and more! Binge the entire season early and ad-free starting February 7th by subscribing to Pushkin+ on our Apple show page or at pushkin.fm/plus.

?McCartney: A Life in Lyrics? is a co-production between iHeart Media, MPL and Pushkin Industries.

The series was produced by Pejk Malinovski and Sara McCrea; written by Sara McCrea; edited by Dan O?Donnell and Sophie Crane; mastered by Jason Gambrell with assistance from Jake Gorski and sound design by Pejk Malinovski. The series is executive produced by Leital Molad, Justin Richmond, Lee Eastman and Scott Rodger.

Thanks to Lee Eastman, Richard Ewbank, Scott Rodger, Aoife Corbett and Steve Ithell.

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James Fauntleroy is one of the most prolific pop songwriters of the past 15-plus years. Some of his most prized placements include writing songs for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. He?s also contributed background vocals to songs by Travis Scott, Jay-Z and his longtime friend, the late Nipsey Hustle.

Similar to his music industry idol and mentor Babyface, James Fauntleroy is also an artist in his own right. While his songs have lived on streaming platforms over the past decade, in December James released his official debut album, The Warmest Winter Ever?a Christmas album put through the Fauntleroy filter.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to James Fauntleroy about why he decided to drop his debut album well over a decade into his career. He also explains how hundreds of his songs were stolen and posted online by international hackers. And why he considers both Weird Al Yankovic and John Mayer among some of his biggest musical influences.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite James Fauntleroy songs HERE.

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The Baltimore-based synth-pop band Future Islands was first thrust into the national spotlight in 2014 after making their TV debut on The Late Show With David Letterman. The band?s unassuming frontman Samuel T. Herring danced ecstatically around the stage seething with emotion. The performance quickly went viral, making it one of Letterman?s most memorable live appearances of all time.

At the time of their big break, Future Islands had already released three albums and been touring relentlessly for nearly a decade. And while they would become one of the most prominent bands on the festival circuit for the next several years, Future Islands has always maintained a sense of unparalleled raw vulnerability on-stage?in part because of the deeply confessional nature of Sam?s songwriting and electric stage presence.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Future Islands lead singer Samuel T. Herring about the band?s latest album, People Who Aren?t There Anymore. Samuel also describes the physical toll his energetic performance style has taken on his body over the years. And his long-held gripe with guitar-based music.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Future Islands songs HERE.

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Sleater-Kinney has long been a safe space for band members Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker. What started as a group born out of the feminist punk riot grrrl scene in Olympia, Washington in the early 90s, has grown into a life-affirming artistic endeavor. In late 2022, tragedy struck when Carrie?s mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident overseas. In the months after, Carrie found a respite from her immense grief by playing the guitar for hours on end, and writing new music.

Sleater-Kinney?s latest album, Little Rope, is in part a meditation on Carrie?s grief, but it?s also proven to be a triumph for the band. Corin Tucker, who handles the bulk of the singing on the new album, has been racking up rave reviews, including one from the New Yorker who noted that Corin?s performance is the most dynamic and flexible of her career.

On today?s episode, Bruce Headlam talks to Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker about their intimate recording relationship, and how their sometimes opposing approaches to creative work complement one another. They also talk about the matriarchal nature of the early Olympia music scene, and why they wanted their new album to sometimes sound gross and obnoxious.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Sleater-Kinney songs HERE.

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2023 has been a helluva year for singer/songwriter Noah Kahan. Just three years ago he started uploading snippets of his indie-folk songs to TikTok while waiting out the pandemic at his dad?s house in rural Vermont. Those songs quickly caught fire across social media and eventually turned into Noah?s most recent album, Stick Season.

After releasing collaborations with Kacey Musgraves, Hozier, and Post Malone, Noah has amassed 4 billion streams globally. It?s no surprise that last month he was nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Noah Kahan about navigating his often overwhelming new-found success, and how he feels about being labeled the new ?sensitive woodsman? singer/songwriter du jour. Noah also opens up about initially being embarrassed about his singing voice, and his plans for evolving his sound on his next album.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Noah Kahan songs HERE.

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Ludwig Göransson is one of the most accomplished and distinctive film composers of the 21st century. In 2020, after working on the movie Tenet together, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan hired Göransson to score what has become one of the biggest movies of 2023: Oppenheimer.

Ludwig, who emigrated to Los Angeles from his native Sweden in 2007, has racked up dozens of writing, producing and scoring credits. He started out working in TV and he eventually started scoring films with his old college friend Ryan Coogler. Ludwig composed music for all of Coogler's hit movies including Fruitvale Station, the Creed series, and both Black Panther films?the first of which won him the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2019.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Ludwig Göransson about his incredible body of work as a composer and producer. He explains how his rigorous musical training in Sweden prepared him to write the complex sections of the Oppenheimer score. Ludwig also plays some of the more moving sections of the score for us in effort to show us how he came up with one of the best soundtracks of the year.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Ludwig Göransson songs HERE.

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Janelle Monáe has had a lot to smile about this year. After a run of successful albums over the last decade, in June she released her fourth album, The Age of Pleasure. The album was just nominated for two Grammys including Album of the Year. This project is important?it signaled a big tone shift for Janelle whose past albums have centered in part around a recurring character named Cyndi Mayweather, an android who represents society?s new ?other.?

Esthetically Janelle has always been buttoned up. For her first few album releases she made a point of always appearing in public in some iteration of a tuxedo. For The Age Of Pleasure though, she literally stripped down to almost nothing, flaunting a newfound freedom centered around Black joy and acceptance.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Janelle Monáe and her long time music partner Nate Wonder poolside, at their creative home base in the Hollywood Hills called Wondaland. Nate explains how The Age Of Pleasure album started with the simple conceit of making Janelle smile. Janelle also talks about why she decided to ditch a career in musical theater after college, and how THE Grace Jones ended up topless in Wondaland?s now-infamous pool.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Janelle Monáe songs HERE.

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Corinne Bailey Rae is an English singer/songwriter whose career started with a bang. In 2006 her debut album topped UK charts and was certified triple platinum with the help of her first hit single, ?Put Your Records On.? A slew of awards and other ?best new artist? distinctions followed. As she released subsequent albums, Corinne aspired to stretch herself as an artist beyond neo-soul pop-music success.

In September, Corinne Bailey Rae released her excellent, genre-hopping fourth album, Black Rainbows. It?s an album inspired by her time spent exploring Chicago?s historic Stony Island Arts Bank?a vast collection of Black cultural relics and writing.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Corinne Bailey Rae about the years she spent in the Arts Bank archives and the stories that inspired her new work. She also talks about her record label?s exhaustive effort trying to push her to recreate the success of her first album. And how an indie skateboarding magazine helped clarify the look of her new album.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Corinne Bailey Rae songs HERE.

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David Paich is a prolific musician and songwriter who?s perhaps most well known for writing and co-producing Toto's classic song, ?Africa.? Before David co-founded Toto with drummer Jeff Porcaro in 1977, he was an innovative keyboardist and session player. David honed his chops early growing up in L.A. where he worked under the tutelage of his father Marty Paich?an esteemed composer who worked with artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Mel Tormé.

While in college at USC David started playing keyboard professionally and touring with Sonny & Cher. From there he went on to co-write and play on Boz Scaggs? multi-platinum album Silk Degrees. He also worked extensively with Quincy Jones, playing on multiple iconic albums including Michael Jackson?s Thriller and Bad. All throughout his work as a session musician, David also served as Toto?s principal songwriter and wrote chart-topping hits like ?Rosanna,? ?Hold The Line,? and of course, ?Africa.?

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to David Paich about what it was like to be such an accomplished player at such a young age. He shares crazy stories about working with Michael Jackson and Quincy on Thriller, and how he came up with the intro to Michael Jackson?s ?Human Nature,? a song written by Toto?s drummer, Jeff Porcaro. He also plays parts from some of the best songs he?s written, and talks about how they came to be.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite David Paich songs HERE.

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As a founding member of the iconic all-girl band The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs is perhaps most associated with 80s hits like ?Manic Monday,? ?Eternal Flame,? and ?Walk Like An Egyptian.? After releasing three platinum-selling albums, in 1989 The Bangles broke up. Two years later, Susanna started to release solo material before reuniting with The Bangles at the end of the 90s.

Over the years Susanna has continued to release music and act in movies. She even appeared in all three Austin Powers films as part of a fictional Mod band.

This year Susanna has added another creative pursuit to her repertoire?she?s now a published novelist. Her first book, This Bird Has Flown, was released in April. And she put out her latest collection of cover songs on the album The Deep End produced by the great Peter Asher.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Susanna Hoffs about how Bruce Springsteen helped The Bangles secure a record deal after seeing them play at an amusement park in Southern California. She also tells the story of first listening to Prince?s demo of ?Manic Monday.?

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Susanna Hoffs songs HERE.

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Marty Stuart has dedicated his life to playing and preserving old country music. During his 40-plus years as a solo artist, Marty has released more than 20 albums and racked up numerous honors, including five Grammys, and an induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

Marty started his career at the age of 12 playing mandolin in a gospel band. By 21, he?d joined Johnny Cash?s touring band, and eventually became a solo artist who combined classic rockabilly sounds with bluegrass and cosmic country. His latest album has a sweeping, spacious feel that's meant to conjure up visions of desert horizons and endless stretches of two-lane highways.

For today?s episode, Bruce Headlam met up with Marty Stuart at Bridge Studios in Brooklyn. Marty shared stories about first going on the road with the Sullivan Family Gospel Singers, and the very first show he ever played backing Johnny Cash where Marty pretended to know how to play the fiddle. Marty also talks about how a star-studded studio session with Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gave him the confidence to pursue a solo career in country music.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Marty Stuart songs HERE.

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Lol Tolhurst, drummer and co-founder of The Cure, first met lead singer Robert Smith when they were just five years-old. Together with their other Catholic school friend Michael Dempsey, they would go on to make dark, brooding music that reflected the isolation they felt as the only punks living in their small English town. As The Cure?s sound developed in the 1980s, they released a string of three albums that Lol now defines as the band?s ?goth period.? Today we?ll hear Lol talk in detail about making those albums.

Last month Lol released the book ?Goth: A History,? which explores the architects of the post-punk genre?bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and Bauhaus. In addition to his book ?Goth,? Lol is also releasing a new album with his old friend Budgie, the drummer from the Banshees. The album?s called Los Angeles and it features an all-star guest list including U2's The Edge and LCD Soundsystem?s James Murphy.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Lol Tolhurst about growing up an outcast in post-WWII England and how he and Robert Smith first bonded over a Hendrix record. Lol also talks through the creation of The Cure?s goth albums?Seventeen Seconds, Faith, and Pornography. 

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Lol Tolhurst songs HERE.

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The lead singer and keyboardist for Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh, is an avant-garde, new wave pioneer. Although critics sometimes classify Devo as a joke band, the Akron, Ohio art-punks? ethos was created in response to a very serious event?the 1970 shooting at their college, Kent State. Following the incident, the band took on the name ?Devo,? short for what they felt was organized society?s ?de-evolution.?

Throughout the ?70s and ?80s Devo helped lay the groundwork for DIY, anti-establishment bands by releasing bizarre and left-of-center music and conceptual films that helped usher in the music video revolution.

In addition to his work with Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh has also created a long and successful career scoring for TV and film. His credits include, Pee-Wee?s Playhouse, The Rugrats TV show and movies, and he?s scored several classic Wes Anderson-directed films including The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Mark Mothersbaugh about how he developed his quirky sensibility as one of five kids growing up in a chaotic household with exotic animals. Mark also tells a story about the time Richard Branson suggested that Johnny Rotten join Devo after the Sex Pistols broke up.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Mark Mothersbaugh songs HERE.

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Laufey?s fast rise to fame is a pandemic success story. During lockdown, the 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist built a substantial following on social media where she was known as ?jazz girl.? Since then the Icelandic-Chinese singer/songwriter has released two studio albums that blend classical, pop and jazz. The first single from her most recent release, Bewitched, has been streamed over 20 million times globally since its release a couple months back.

Raised in Iceland, Laufey started playing cello and classical piano when she was four years old. By 15 she was performing with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra as a cello soloist. The Chinese side of her family has been studying classical music for generations?Laufey?s mom is a professional violinist and her maternal grandfather taught violin at China?s Central Conservatory of Music.

And while Laufey?s classical training runs deep, perhaps the most surprising thing about her ascent to stardom is the fact that she's now known as a singer/songwriter as much as a musician.

On today?s episode I talk to Laufey about how she started singing jazz standards online, and what inspired her to write her own songs as well. She also talks about the great sacrifices her Chinese family made during the Cultural Revolution when there was a strict ban on playing classical Western music. And she sings two original songs for us including her single, ?From The Start.?

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Laufey songs HERE.

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Hermanos Gutiérrez may be an instrumental guitar band, but they have zero interest in shredding. Instead the Swiss-Ecuadorian brothers, Estevan and Alejandro Gutiérrez, take a minimalist approach to playing. They create hypnotic, sweeping compositions inspired by classical Latin guitar and film scores from old Spaghetti Westerns.

In 2022, after releasing three albums independently, Hermanos Gutiérrez signed to Easy Eye Sound, a label owned and operated by Dan Auerbach, guitarist and vocalist of The Black Keys. Last October they released the album, El Bueno Y El Malo to critical acclaim. The album features the song ?Tres Hermanos,? where Auerbach joins the brothers on guitar. Today we?ll hear Estevan and Alejandro play that song, along with a couple other songs live from Auerbach?s studio in Nashville, TN.

Justin Richmond also talks to Hermanos Gutiérrez about how their brotherly spats sometimes fuel their playing. Then they recall a recent performance in Mexico City where they played during a volcanic eruption. And how Dan Auerbach knew he wanted to meet with Hermanos Gutiérrez after seeing them play for just 15 seconds.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Hermanos Gutiérrezsongs HERE.

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Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist and songwriter for The Who, is one of the most decorated rock stars alive. He?s been inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, received Kennedy Center Honors, and lifetime-achievement awards from both the Brit Awards and the Grammys. Pete's iconic power chord-guitar style and early use of synthesizers established him as a musical innovator in the '60s and '70s.

After a string of chart-topping singles in the early '60s, Pete set to work writing the first-ever rock opera, a project that became the double album Tommy. Tommy is widely recognized as The Who?s breakout record, and is considered a masterpiece by many critics.

Following its release, Pete started writing songs and a script for a sci-fi epic called Life House. After that project was scrapped, the songs wound up on different releases from the band over the next decade including their 1971 classic, Who?s Next.

Last month The Who released an epic box set called Who's Next/Life House that contains 155 tracks, 89 of which are unreleased. The set also includes a graphic novel, unheard demos, complete live concerts, posters and collectable pins.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Pete Townshend about how some of the ill-fated effects of technology that he predicted on Life House have come to pass. Pete also explains why he decided to target a specifically male audience when writing music for The Who. And he gives an unexpected take on the Grateful Dead and San Francisco?s music scene in the '60s.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Pete Townshend songs HERE.

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Today we are sharing a very special project we've been working on at Pushkin, a new podcast with the one and only, Sir Paul McCartney. The show?s called McCartney: A Life in Lyrics and it's full of insightful conversations between Paul McCartney and his friend, the Irish poet Paul Muldoon.

Together they taped years of conversations digging into Paul?s lyrics and songwriting process. And because it?s impossible to separate the art from the man, a lot of McCartney's personal life gets revealed along the way, like insight into his family life in Liverpool, the success and breakup of the Beatles, Wings and so much more.

McCartney: A Life in Lyrics dropped with two episodes today?one on The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby," and the one we're presenting here for you today on "Back In the U.S.S.R."

If you love music and songwriting and have ever wanted to be a fly on the wall for in-depth conversations with a Beatle, then McCartney: A Life in Lyrics won?t disappoint. You can binge the entire first season now by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Amanda Shires is a Texas-born singer/songwriter who got her start at 15 when she joined Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys on fiddle. After starting her solo career in 2005, Shires continued to play with a number of other bands including her husband Jason Isbell's band, the 400 Unit. In 2019, she started the all-female country supergroup The Highwomen, which includes Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Maren Morris.

After the 2022 release of Amanda Shires? seventh solo album, Take It Like A Man, she released an album of covers with the late Bobbie Nelson?who?s primarily known for playing piano in her younger brother Willie Nelson?s band. Amanda initially enlisted Bobbie to play on her version of Willie?s classic, ?You Were Always On My Mind,? but they continued to record together. The resulting collection of songs became the album Loving You, which was released this past June, nearly a year after Bobbie?s death.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Amanda Shires about Bobbie Nelson?s unfortunate start in the music business. Amanda also talks about why she feels more comfortable singing about society?s big issues alongside The Highwomen. And she remembers the time she went to Vegas and gambled away all her band?s tour money?only to win it all back after playing craps through the night.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Amanda Shires songs HERE.

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Today we are sharing an episode of one of our favorite shows on the Pushkin network, Talk Easy, hosted by Sam Fragoso. In this episode Sam talks to the renowned Swedish music producer and composer, Ludwig Göransson.

Ludwig is a Grammy and Academy award winning producer and composer who scored Ryan Coogler?s Black Panther, The Mandalorian, and most recently he scored Christopher Nolan's epic, Oppenheimer. He?s also produced records and wrote songs for HAIM, Rihanna, Adele, and Childish Gambino.

He's a truly talented musician who's reenergizing modern films compositions. We hope you enjoy this chat as much as we do!

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DJ Drama is one of the most iconic mixtape DJs of all time. His legendary Gangsta Grillz tapes helped propel artists like T.I. and Young Jeezy to stardom. His classic Dedication series reinvigorated Lil? Wayne?s career in the early and mid-2000s.

By 2007, the underground mixtape market was booming. But in January of that year DJ Drama and his longtime business partner Don Cannon were arrested by federal agents and charged with bootlegging and racketeering. The much publicized raid only boosted DJ Drama?s profile. In the years since, DJ Drama has built a successful record label and he?s continued to make mixtapes. Tyler The Creator even crafted his latest album, Call Me If You Get Lost, with DJ Drama?s classic adlibs all over it. It won the Grammy for best rap album in 2022.

That same year though, while DJ Drama was professionally at the height of his success, personally he was battling an addiction to opioids?an ongoing struggle he?s only recently started to talk about publicly.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to DJ Drama about how he got sober after being what he calls ?a functioning junkie? who spent six figures a year on opioids. He also tells the story of how Lil Jon recorded his iconic ?gangsta grillz? drops in Drama?s laundry room. And Drama explains why he decided to sign Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow to his Atlantic Records imprint, Generation Now.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite DJ Drama songs HERE.

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Johnny Marr is an acclaimed British guitarist who?s played with a ton of bands including, most famously, The Smiths. Marr started playing guitar as a young teenager growing up in Manchester. When he turned 15 he dropped out of school and moved to London to join the band Sister Ray.

A couple years later he would help form The Smiths with Morrissey, Mike Joyce, and Marr?s friend and bassist, Andy Rourke. After The Smiths broke up in 1987, Marr went on to collaborate with an array of different musicians and play in bands like The Pretenders, The The, and Modest Mouse. In the early aughts, Marr started releasing solo material, and he?s on the brink of releasing a new album of his greatest hits.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Johnny Marr about his exciting work scoring movies with Pharrell and Hans Zimmer. Marr also recalls the terror he felt performing live in front of stadiums full of fans with The Pretenders on U2?s Joshua Tree tour. And he talks about the time he bought a Fender Stratocaster while hanging out with Oasis? Noel Gallager. That Strat has nine pickups and it eventually led to him writing one the best songs of his solo career.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Johnny Marr songs HERE.

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Today we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Norah Jones is Playing Along. Norah is a multi-grammy winning artist who loves to collaborate with other musicians, so she started a podcast to do just that.

Today's episode features the legendary Mavis Staples. You?ll hear stories from her time as a member of the iconic Staples Singers. We will also hear Mavis and Norah play a gospel classic, as well as pay homage to Mavis?s father, Pops Staples, along with a few other surprises.

Listen, follow, and subscribe to Norah Jones is Playing Along wherever you get your podcasts, to hear more great episodes, with fantastic guest artists.

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Since his major-label debut in 2011, James Blake's haunting vocals and brilliantly edited, collage-style tracks have helped usher in a new sound in popular music. James has both produced and contributed vocals to a ton of artists including Travis Scott, Jay-Z, and Spanish megastar, Rosalia. He even earned a Grammy for best rap performance alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Future on the song ?King?s Dead? from the Black Panther soundtrack.

This month James is releasing his sixth solo album, which is a nod to his electronic music roots. It?s called Playing Robots Into Heaven?a title inspired by the modular synth James built for the album that creates sounds meant to evoke a spiritual experience conjured by machines. It?s a heady concept that translates into some of the most heartfelt and energized tracks James has made to date.

On today?s episode, Leah Rose talks to James Blake about how he and his longtime collaborator Dom Maker constructed key tracks on the new album. James also recalls how a conversation with Rick Rubin changed his life. And he reveals how he spent months making new music with Andre 3000 only to learn on this podcast that it may never be released.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite James Blake songs HERE.

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Of all the groundbreaking musicians to come out of the ?60s, few were as engaged socially and politically as Joan Baez. A lifelong proponent of non-violent activism, Joan marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and has continued to advocate for non-violent, civil disobedience ever since.

With the release of her debut album in 1960, Joan Baez became the preeminent female folkie. With just her exquisite soprano and her guitar, she reworked classic American folk songs and eventually wrote songs that helped fuel her activism. By the time she helped launch Bob Dylan?s career by inviting him on stage with her in the early ?60s, Joan was already an international sensation.

In 2019, after a career that spanned nearly six decades, Joan announced she was no longer performing live. In recent years, she?s turned her creative attention to visual art. Her new book of drawings titled ?Am I Pretty When I Fly? features sketches rooted in humor, freedom, and sorrow. But, in classic Joan Baez style, her drawings defy convention?they were all drawn upside down.

On today?s episode you?ll hear a live conversation Justin Richmond had with Joan Baez at the Chicago Humanities Festival in May. Joan spoke about the emotional catharsis she finds in drawing. She also talked about juggling music and activism as a young artist, and what happened when she handed over access to her personal storage unit to a group of documentary filmmakers who are making a movie about her life. And despite giving up live performance, she took a moment to serenade the crowd all with her beloved voice.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Joan Baez songs HERE.

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In honor of Robbie Robertson?s passing, we?re replaying an old episode of Broken Record featuring Robbie in conversation with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam.

When Robbie Robertson turned a house perched above a Malibu beach into a home studio in the 1970's, he had no idea it'd remain a refuge for artists decades later. In this episode, Robbie returns to Shangri La?now the home of our own Rick Rubin?to discuss creating the studio, helping Bob Dylan go electric with The Band, writing "The Weight" and collaborating with Martin Scorsese on his films.

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Today we're sharing an episode from another Pushkin podcast we love called The Last Archive. The fourth season of The Last Archive just dropped and it's full of truly unexpected stories and big ideas.

The episode you will hear today, "Player Piano," is an audio biography of one of the most famous composers of the 20th century who most people have never heard of: Raymond Scott. He wrote tons of hits in the '30s and since then his music has been sampled by Lizzo, J. Dilla and the Gorillaz.

Aside from being an avid composer, Scott was also an inventor. And later in his life, he was hired by Motown Records to create a machine that could help people write songs. He called it The Electronium.

Today's episode is a crazy piece of musical history, and just a wild story. Be sure to subscribe to The Last Archive to hear other episodes about time travel, invasive species panics, freelance wiretappers-turned-evangelists, and secret science fiction family histories, and more.

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Santigold is an artist who exists at the cross-section of punk, dub, new wave and indie pop. Long frustrated with attempts like these to classify her style, Santi has always been a proud outlier among the restrictive categories used to divide music.

Santi?s anti-establishment bent was in part a reaction to working as an A&R for Epic Records? black music department. Frustrated with what they categorized as ?urban music? in the early aughts, Santi left her job, went home to Philly, and started a punk band called Stiffed. After honing her chops for a few years as a lead singer, Santi released her debut solo album, Santigold in 2008. The album?s lead singles ?Creator? and ?L.E.S. Artistes? were a revelation when they came out, and led to Santi headlining tours around the world and even opening shows for Bjork, Coldplay, Jay-Z and the Beastie Boys.

Now with three other albums to her credit, including last year?s soul-stirring Spirituals, Santigold is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her debut release. And today she?s expanded her artistic endeavors to include a podcast called Noble Champions where she mines the creative life with friends like Olivia Wilde, Questlove and Yasiin Bey.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Santigold about the unique path she took to build her solo career. Santi also shares why she decided to cancel her tour last year with a heartfelt public letter that shared insight into the financial and emotional toll of touring post-pandemic. She also recalls finding out that she was included in a list of influential black female artists on Beyonce?s ?Break My Soul? remix.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Santigold songs HERE.

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Albert Hammond Jr. first rose to prominence as the lead guitarist of The Strokes?a band at the forefront of New York City?s indie rock renaissance in the early aughts. In 2007 Albert Hammond Jr. launched his solo career, putting his songwriting and abilities as a frontman to the test. He?s now released five albums, including, Melodies On Hiatus, which came out just a couple months ago. It?s a double album that he co-wrote with Canadian singer Simon Wilcox, and features collaborations with GoldLink and Matt Helders from the Arctic Monkeys.

On today?s episode, Albert Hammond Jr. and Justin Richmond talk about how he was dramatically impacted by his parents? recent divorce, despite the fact that he?s in his early 40?s. Albert also reminisces about his past life as a champion roller skater who was once scouted by Kristi Yamaguchi?s Olympic ice skating coach. And he explains why he?d never been a fan of Radiohead or Led Zeppelin.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Albert Hammond Jr. songs HERE.

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Paul Simon is one of the greatest living songwriters. Since debuting with Art Garfunkel in 1957, Paul Simon has written countless songs quintessential to the American psyche. This year, at 81 years old, he?s released the latest addition to his beloved catalog, Seven Psalms, to an outpouring of critical acclaim.

In 2021, Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam released the audiobook, Miracle And Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon. It?s an intimate look into Simon?s songwriting alongside never-before-heard live studio versions of hits including ?The Boxer," ?The Sound of Silence," and ?Graceland.? This fall, we'll also be releasing an updated version of the audiobook with a brand-new chapter featuring even more from Malcolm and Paul's newly-recorded deep dive into Seven Psalms, some of which you'll hear today.

To celebrate the latest chapter in Paul Simon?s 65-year-career, on today?s episode Malcolm Gladwell sits back down with Paul to discuss the creation of his latest album. Paul explains why he feels music reviews are more about the writer than the piece of music being critiqued, and he talks about why many of his lyrics take a conversational bent. He also recalls how the title came to him in a dream after he considered never writing again.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Paul Simon songs HERE.

Check out the Miracle And Wonder audiobook at miracleaudiobook.com

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Over the course of his 35-year career, Damon Albarn has reached international fame with two very different bands. In 1988, Damon created the rock band Blur with three friends in his native London. Blur started out as what Damon calls a ?classic art school band.? They quickly moved to the forefront of the ?90s Britpop explosion along with their formal rivals, Oasis.

After a series of successful albums with Blur, Damon started Gorillaz in 1998 with cartoonist Jamie Hewlett. Dubbed as the world?s first virtual band, the Gorillaz rotating lineup includes collaborations with De La Soul, Stevie Nicks, Bobby Womack and Lou Reed. The band pulls influence from electronic music, hip-hop and world music, and over the last 25 years, Gorillaz has been wildly successful?selling over 30 million albums worldwide.

Despite having found such success, Damon has never stopped exploring his artistic potential. He?s written an opera, released solo and side projects, and recently, he reunited with Blur to release the band?s latest album called The Ballad Of Darren.

On today?s episode Leah Rose talks to Damon Albarn about what it?s like for Blur to headline international music festivals in 2023. Damon also reveals how Gorillaz are about to undergo a major paradigm shift. And he explains how, according to family lore, John Lennon and Yoko Ono first met at his dad?s counterculture art gallery in London.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Damon Albarn songs HERE.

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In September, Ben Gibbard, the founder of Death Cab For Cutie, will set out on a nationwide tour to celebrate the two very different albums that have come to define his career.

Both albums came out in 2003. The first was called Give Up, and it was a collaboration with his friend and producer Jimmy Tamborello. They?d made it while Gibbard was taking a break from the relentless cycle of touring and releasing music with Death Cab. They called their new band The Postal Service. Give Up steadily built momentum, found critical acclaim, and eventually became Gibbard?s first platinum selling record. Musically, the Postal Service incorporated various synth and new wave-inspired elements behind Gibbard?s confessional songwriting style, which set a precedent for many of the indie releases over the following decade.

Later that same year, Gibbard went back to his band roots and released Death Cab For Cuties? breakthrough album, Transatlanticism. This fall Gibbard and his band will play both Transatlanticism and Give Up in their entirety. And today we?ll hear him play three acoustic renditions of his classic songs.

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Ben Gibbard about the conditions that led to the most successful year of his career. Gibbard also gets candid about the woman who inspired multiple songs on Transatlanticism, including the brutally honest, ?Tiny Vessels.?

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Ben Gibbard songs HERE.

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Long regarded as pop music?s resident party animal, Kesha is now dead-set on slowing down and speaking up. Since debuting on the hook of Flo-Rida?s mega smash ?Right Round? in 2009, Kesha has released five albums?two of which debuted at number one. And until very recently, she was involved in a decade-long court case with her former producer and label head.

Somehow despite the bitter legal battle and a public struggle with an eating disorder, Kesha has remained steadfast in sharing her art with her fans, who she affectionately refers to as her ?animals.?

On today?s episode Justin Richmond talks to Kesha about how working with Rick Rubin on her new album Gag Order provided the safe space she has longed for when making music. She also talks about how she channels Dolly Parton, Iggy Pop and Beyonce when she?s in promotional mode, and how early in her career she lived in a castle with roommate Devendra Banhart.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Kesha songs HERE.

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Rickie Lee Jones hit it big with her debut album in 1979. The following year she won the Grammy for Best New Artist, and over the course of the next four decades, she released numerous albums that pulled inspiration from jazz, rock, electronic music, and even musical-theater.

In late April, Rickie released her latest album, Pieces Of Treasure, where she sings songs from the American songbook with a jazz slant. Producer Russ Titelman, who produced Rickie?s first two albums, reunited with her on her latest and helped inspire Rickie to find comfort in a lower register. The result is an oftentimes sultry meditation on aging and survival.

On today?s episode Bruce Headlam talks to Rickie Lee Jones about her decades-long fight to sing jazz even though she is often viewed as an outsider. She also tells stories about leaving home as a young teenager, and the abuse she endured while trying to survive on her own. And she plays songs from her career including one she wrote after seeing John Lennon appear in a dream. And just a note before we get started ? this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse, and might not be appropriate for all listeners.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Rickie Lee Jones songs HERE.

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Singer/songwriter Caroline Rose has always been a character. Her music videos often feature Caroline as the screwball lead, navigating ambition, desire and super stardom. Now, on her latest album, The Art of Forgetting, Caroline is shedding all of the past pretense and offering up an unflinching look into her inner life in the midst of personal turmoil. The result is an album packed with clever lyricism and soaring arrangements produced by Caroline with help from Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso.

On today?s episode, Broken Record producer Leah Rose talks to Caroline Rose about why she wanted to set her living room on fire for the sake of her album art. Caroline also shares an early demo of a song she wrote under a starry desert sky, and she explains how aside from herself, Caroline?s parents are her harshest critics.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Caroline Rose songs HERE.

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