011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al)

FromThe Trap Set with Joe Wong

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011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al)

FromThe Trap Set with Joe Wong

ratings:

Length:

30 minutes

Released:

Apr 8, 2015

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

Joe talks to Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz about Dr. Demento, his 35 year collaboration with Weird Al, and the meticulous effort that goes into re-creating the sound of the constantly shifting pop landscape.

Released:

Apr 8, 2015

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Each Episode, Joe Wong speaks to a different musician about life.

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012: Lori Barbero (Babes In Toyland): Joe talks to Lori Barbero about living on a houseboat, her time with the highly influential Babes In Toyland, and going with the flow. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
Brendan Canty Preview: Here's a preview of Joe's interview with Brendan Canty, drummer of Fugazi. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
2 min listen
007: Patty Schemel (Hole): Joe talks to Patty Schemel about Hole, addiction, recovery, and motherhood. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
33 min listen
014: Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Fantomas, Philm): Joe talks to Dave Lombardo about co-founding the groundbreaking metal band Slayer, his experience as the son of a Cuban butcher living the American Dream, his Latin Jazz influences, and expanding his horizons with Fantomas, John Zorn, and Philm. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
33 min listen
003: Kid Millions (Oneida, Man Forever, Spiritualized): Joe talks to Brooklyn drummer Kid Millions. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
29 min listen
006: Butch Norton (Lucinda Williams, Eels, Tracy Chapman): Joe talks to Butch Norton about Eels, Tracy Chapman, Rufus Wainwright, and Lucinda Williams. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
032: Fred Armisen (8G Band, Trenchmouth, SNL, Portlandia): You know Fred Armisen from his work on Portlandia and SNL, but before he was a comedy star, Fred was a working drummer. He charts the journey from his early fascination with music, to his time touring and recording with arty Chicago band Trenchmouth, to B by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
33 min listen
010: Dale Crover (Melvins, Altamont, Nirvana): Joe talks to Dale Crover about confidence, his three decade--and counting--run as drummer for The Melvins, playing with Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, his love of baseball, marriage, and parenthood. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
004: Sandra Vu (Dum Dum Girls, Sisu): Joe talks to Sandra Vu of Dum Dum Girls and Sisu. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
29 min listen
008: Jeff "Tain" Watts (Wynton/Branford Marsalis, Alice Coltrane, Solo): Joe talks to Jeff "Tain" Watts about growing up in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, getting suspended from school for fighting, ascending to the top of the 80s jazz world, etc. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
002: Ndugu Chancler (Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, George Duke): Joe talks to Ndugu Chancler about his upbringing and his career, which spans from Miles to MJ. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
051: George Hurley (Minutemen, fiREHOSE): George Hurley drummed for Minutemen and fIREHOSE, two of the most influential and beloved bands to emerge from the Southern California punk scene. He tells Joe about how he gravitated to drums, taught himself to play--practicing ten hours a day, was freed by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
35 min listen
030: Todd Barry (The Chant, Crowd Work, The Wrestler, Louie): Todd Barry is one of the greatest comics working today; but before he dedicated himself to the art of stand-up, Todd played in popular Florida band The Chant. He and Joe explore the relationship between music and comedy. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
016: Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint): Joe talks to Stella Mozgawa about her Polish heritage, her musican parents, how a benign lie became the truth, how she evolved beyond her competitive nature, and her creative collaboration in Warpaint. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
32 min listen
001: Brendan Canty (Fugazi): Joe's interviews Brendan Canty, drummer of the legendary punk band Fugazi. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
013: Hamid Drake (Don Cherry, Fred Anderson, Mandingo Griot Society): Joe talks to master improvisor, Hamid Drake, about playing with Don Cherry, Fred Anderson, and Mandingo Griot Society, his evolving concept of meditation, being a "bridge", and the inseparable nature of music and life. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
32 min listen
027: Bernard Purdie, Part One (Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Steely Dan, etc.): In part one of a two part interview, Joe speaks to a true original, the legendary Bernard Purdie. They discuss Purdie's early fascination with drumming, the tragic loss of his parents, overcoming alcoholism at a very early age, and his arrival in New York by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
029: Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Scharpling & Wurster): Jon Wurster first made his name as the drummer for Superchunk, and over the past twenty years, he's become of rock's most in-demand and versatile drummers. He's played with everyone from Bob Mould to Katy Perry, but his creative output isn't limited to mu by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
36 min listen
009: John "Drumbo" French (Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band): Joe talks to John "Drumbo" French about blazing a singular path with Captain Beefheart, slipping his under tyrannical rule, arranging the seminal album, "Trout Mask Replica" and learning many years later that his work truly meant something to people all o by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
035: James Gadson (Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, etc.): James Gadson is one of most prolific drummers in funk and soul. His singular style can be heard on seminal records by Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Charles Wright, The Temptations, and many other legends. He tells Joe his remarkable life story. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
32 min listen
022: Billy Cobham (Solo Artist, Mahavishnu Orchestra): Legendary drummer Billy Cobham tells Joe about immigrating to the US from Panama, performing with his father's band in New York City, co-founding the extraordinarily influential Mahavishnu Orchestra, making the jump to a successful career as a leader, and by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
019: Milford Graves (Albert Ayler, NY Art Quartet, Pharaoh Sanders, Anthony Braxton): Joe talks to Milford Graves about exploring uncharted musical territory as an avant-garde pioneer; building a second career in medicine; supporting a family; and cultivating a multi-disciplinary artistic approach. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
31 min listen
011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al): Joe talks to Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz about Dr. Demento, his 35 year collaboration with Weird Al, and the meticulous effort that goes into re-creating the sound of the constantly shifting pop landscape. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
005: Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, Brand X, Betty Davis): Joe talks to Mike Clark about Herbie Hancock, Betty Davis, and Buddhism. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
018: Kliph Scurlock (Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys, Psychic Heat): Kliph Scurlock was born to a musician mother and policeman father in Kansas. He tells Joe how he began his career with The Flaming Lips as a roadie and eventually realized his dream of becoming the band's drummer for over a decade. He also discusses his c by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
34 min listen
BNS: Fred Armisen Bonus Mini-Episode: Fred and Joe pontificate over the nature of music and how it relates to cultural anthropology. Neither of them is an expert, so everything they think might be wrong. You be the judge. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
3 min listen
BNS: Venzella Joy Bonus Mini-Episode: Venzella Joy (drummer for Beyoncé) and Joe talk about their wonderful moms. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
3 min listen
021: Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses): As the original drummer for Guns N' Roses, Steven Adler was the swaggering pulse of the 80's Los Angeles hard rock scene. But as the band exploded, so did Adler's addiction to drugs and booze and he was ejected from the band. Steven discusses his difficu by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
32 min listen
043: Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Drums and Drones): Brian Chase is best known as the drummer for Yeah Yeah Yeahs; but he is also a prolific solo artist and has collaborated with everyone from John Zorn to Beech Creeps. He talks to Joe about his involvement in music at an early age, attending Oberlin, the o by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
034: DJ Bonebrake (X, Orchestra Superstring, Bonebrake Syncopaters): DJ Bonebrake (yes, that's his real name) is the founding drummer of legendary LA punk band, X. He tells Joe about his tragic childhood, the early LA punk scene, and how he constantly broadens his artistic skill set. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
33 min listen

More Episodes from The Trap Set with Joe Wong

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RIP: Steve Albini (Roland): Steve Albini died yesterday, May 7, at the age of 61. Here's Joe's conversation with Steve from 2017. Originally intended to be a gag episode featuring Roland (the drum machine used in Steve's band, Big Black), this turned into an earnest conversation... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
49 min listen
309: King Coffey (Butthole Surfers): King Coffey tells Joe about: growing up in a single-parent, Christian household; his 40+ year tenure with Butthole Surfers; his interest in Buddhism; and caring for his husband, who suffered from dementia. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
66 min listen
308: Guy Picciotto (Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Happy Go Licky, etc.): Guy Picciotto's work in Fugazi and Rites of Spring had an immeasurable impact on Joe's life. As a producer, Guy has helped artists such as Blonde Redhead, Vic Chestnut, and The Blood Brothers reach new heights. In an uncharacterisically candid... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
75 min listen
307: Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White, etc.): For over thirty years, Jim White has been the drummer of choice for many of the most compelling songwriters working. Now, with assitance from producer Guy Picciotto, he's created his first solo album, All Hits: Memories. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
64 min listen
306: Teresa Esguerra (Prism Bitch, Built to Spill): The latest incarnation of Built to Spill will undoubtedly be remembered as one of that band's most potent lineups in its 30+ year career. Teresa Esguerra's heavy groove and lyrical rhythmic conception are a crucial part of the equation. She tells Joe... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
50 min listen
305: Marnie Stern: The Trap Set is back, and so is Marnie Stern. Marnie burst onto the NYC rock scene in 2007--seemingly out of nowhere--with a unique blend of virtuosic guitar; surreal, beautifully yearning lyrcs; and a "sheets of sound" vocal delivery. Joe met Marnie... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
59 min listen
RIP: Jeremiah Green: Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse, passed away 12/31/2022 of cancer. This is a re-post of our conversation from 2017. We at The Trap Set are sending love to Jeremiah's family, bandmates, and many friends around the world. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
36 min listen
304: Patricia Brennan: Patricia Brennan is an improvisatory mallet percussionist who as been hailed as one of the instrument's new leaders. As a sidewoman, she's worked with artists such as Mary Halvorson, Matt Mitchell, and John Hollenbeck. Her solo debut, Maquishti,... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
46 min listen
RIP: Viola Smith: This week, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with the fantastic Viola Smith, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 107. We'll be back next week with a new episode. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
43 min listen
303: Nate Smith: Over the last two decades, Nate Smith has emerged as one of his generation's most innovative drummers. His unique style marries a deep, earthy sense of time with cerebral adventurousness. Nate has backed artists such as Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, and... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
50 min listen
302: Rick Allen (Def Leppard): Rick Allen's driving, tuneful style propelled Def Leppard to massive popularity during the 80s and early 90s. The band recently released its twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos. Rick met with Joe in Beverly Hills to discuss his forty year career,... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
49 min listen
RIP: Mimi Parker (Low): Mimi Parker--best known as drummer, vocalist, and co-founder of the band Low--passed away on November 5th after a battle with cancer. Here is Joe's conversation with Mimi, originally released in June, 2017. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
37 min listen
RIP: DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys): DH Peligro, best known as the drummer of Dead Kennedys, died in an accidental fall at his home in Los Angeles on 10/28/2022. Here is Joe's conversation with DH, originally released in November, 2015. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
32 min listen
301: Questlove: We return from hiatus with Academy Award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur Questlove, in what Questlove calls, “the best, most open interview I’ve ever given in my life." Joe and Questlove discuss mental health, race, religion,... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
90 min listen
300: Joe Wong Interviewed by Jon Wurster: After a pandemic-induced hiatus, The Trap Set is back for Episode 300. Following the tradition of our previous centennial episodes, Joe is interviewed by a former guest--this time Jon Wurster (Bob Mould, Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, The Best Show).... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
74 min listen
RIP: Gabe Serbian: On Saturday, April 30th, Gabe Serbian died one day shy of his 45th birthday. Here's Joe's 2016 conversation with Gabe. If you're in a postion to help, please consider donating to Gabe's family here: ... by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
30 min listen
RIP: Howard Grimes, RIP: The great Memphis-based drummer, Howard Grimes, died at the age of 80 last week. Here's Joe's 2015 conversation with Howard, a true original whose ingenious artistry will inspire generations to come. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
34 min listen
299: Hugo Burnham (Gang of Four): Today's guest is Hugo Burnham, drummer of Gang of Four. Formed in Leeds in 1976, Gang of Four was one of the most explosive and influential bands to emerge in the wake of the punk rock movement. Next month, Matador Records will release an exhaustive box s by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
61 min listen
298: Cindy Blackman Santana: This week's guest is Cindy Blackman Santana, an artist who--over the past four decades--has made compelling contributions to the worlds of improvised music and popular music alike. Her latest album, "Give the Drummer Some" is now available by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
71 min listen
297: Alan Braufman: We're back from hiatus! Alan Braufman was a vital member of the New York Loft Jazz scene of the 1970s. His 1975 opus, Valley of Search, was re-issued in 2018, and his latest release, The Fire Still Burns, was released to rave reviews in 2020. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
46 min listen
296: Jesse Shreibman (Bell Witch): Joe speaks to Jesse Shreibman, drummer of Seattle band, Bell Witch. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
39 min listen
295: Chris Frantz (Tom Tom Club, Talking Heads): Chris Frantz discusses Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, and his new memoir, Remain In Love. Also, make sure to check out Joe's new album, Nite Creatures, streaming everywhere now! by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
77 min listen
294: Eric Slick (Dr. Dog, Adrian Belew, Solo Artist): Eric Slick talks about his jazz musician grandfather, his childhood in Philly, the residual scars from growing up "a fat kid", his obsession with Mad Magazine, and how drumming opened up his world. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
64 min listen
293: Alicia Bognanno (Bully): Joe talks to the multifaceted Alicia Bognanno about her career as a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and engineer. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
44 min listen
292: Mix Master Mike (Beastie Boys, Beat Odyssey 2020, Solo Artist, etc.): Mix Master Mike discusses his challenging childhood; his ascent to the top of the competitive DJ world; the development of his singular DJ style; joining the Beastie Boys; and his latest collaboration with Steve Jordan, Beat Odyssey 2020. by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
49 min listen
291: Steve Jordan: Steve Jordan is one of the most distinctive and prolific drummers in the history of recorded music. He is also an in-demand producer and record label proprietor. Join us for a 90-minute, life-spanning conversation with one of the all-time greats! by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
94 min listen
290: Sam Coomes (Quasi): Today's guest is Sam Coomes, a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is perhaps best known as one half of the duo, Quasi, a band he co-founded with Janet Weiss in 1993. Sam possesses a seemingly effortless sense of musicality and a gift for u by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
65 min listen
289: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival, Solo Artist): This week's guest is Doug "Cosmo" Clifford. Best known as drummer of Credence Clearwater Revival, Doug's powerful, tuneful playing laid the foundation for countless rock n roll standards. In 1972, Doug released his solo debut, Cosmo. During the 80s, he be by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
65 min listen
288: Johanna Warren: Today's guest is Johanna Warren, author of haunting songs, beautifully sung with an ethereal yet rhythmically adventures delivery. Johanna and Joe met while working on the Netflix series, Midnight Gospel, on which she plays the singing voice of the Prison by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
59 min listen
287: Jim Eno (Spoon): Though Spoon's style has evolved radically over its 25 year existence, Jim Eno's drumming has been consistently tasteful, disciplined, and compositionally clever. Aside from his work as a drummer, Jim owns the Austin-based studio, Public Hi-Fi, and has by The Trap Set with Joe Wong
55 min listen

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011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al)

011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al)

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from The Trap Set with Joe Wong