Episodes
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Sneaking into punk clubs, recording with Don Zientara in high school, working with a record label run by a woman, and the intersection of time, age, and notoriety are part of Hilary’s conversation with guitarist and vocalist, Thalia Zedek.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
Distrokid- get your music on streaming services (Mid-Riff listeners get 30% off with this link!)!
THALIA’s BIO
Guitarist/vocalist Thalia Zedek began playing in bands and recording soon after moving to Boston from Washington D.C. in 1979. In 1986, Thalia’s 3rd band, Uzi, released an EP on Homestead Records called “Sleep Asylum” which was later reissued by Gerard Cosloy on Matador Records in 1993. After Uzi broke up Thalia joined established noise rock band Live Skull on lead vocals and relocated to New York. She recorded 2 albums and an EP with them before returning to Boston and founding the band Come in 1991. Come released 4 albums and numerous EP’s and singles on the Matador, Sub Pop, Domino, Glitterhouse and Placebo labels. Their full catalogue is currently being reissued on Fire Records. In 2001 Thalia started releasing solo records under her own name, first on Matador and Kimchee Records and then on the Thrill Jockey label where she continues as an active recording artist to this day. In addition to her solo work Thalia also records and performs with the Thalia Zedek Band and her newer band E, a trio that she started in 2013 with Jason Sanford of Neptune. She was also a member of the now defunct experimental group tK E has released 2 singles, a cassette, 3 LP’s and an EP and are currently working on their 4th LP. Thalia continues to tour in the US and internationally with the Thalia Zedek Band and E, as well as the band Come, who reunited to tour in support of their recent reissues. Her most recent releases are 2021’s “Perfect Vision” LP on Thrill Jockey by the Thalia Zedek Band, and 2022’s “Any Information” EP by E on the Czech label Silver Rocket. In 2023’s E released 7inch “Live at Cave 12” on the 100% Breakfast label.
THALIA’s MENTIONS
The Cramps / Urban Verbs / Patti Smith / The Ramones / Deceits / The Razz / The Nurses / Fingers of Shame / The Shirkers / Limp Records / Stiff Records / Don Zientara / Inner Ear Studio / Jason Sanford / Alec Tisdale / Volcano Kings / Gavin McCarthy / Karate / Ernie Kim / Bob Dylan / Eric Clapton / Dave Davenport / Steve Miller Band / Berklee / Mr. Music / Bettina Richards / Thrill Jockey Records / Boston RPM / Karen Sarkisian / Handsy / Nurse and Soldier / Hidden Fountain / Cortez / Gibson / Peavey / Fender / Danelectro / Silvertone / Hagstrom / Kent / Ampeg / Music Man / Other Space Electronics / Dwarfcraft Devices / Electro-Harmonix / EarthQuaker Devices / Tokai / Ibanez / Boss
THALIA’s LINKS
Thalia Zedek Band website
Thalia Zedek Band Facebook
E website
E Bandcamp
E Facebook
tK Bandcamp
tK Facebook
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Handsy
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Bumper Music: “Smoked” by Thalia Zedek Band
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Is Lizzo a monster? What about Morrissey? What about Jimmy Page or David Bowie or Ryan Adams the guy in that local band who always hits on teenagers or the myriad other artists who have allegedly engaged in behavior that has harmed others? How do we interact with them and their art once the harm is revealed? How does art intersect with the artist’s identities and experiences or our own? In today’s episode, Hilary digs into the nuances of these questions (and *spoiler* there are more questions than answers!).
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
EPISODE MENTIONS
Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer
We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice by adrienne maree brown
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Missing episodes?
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Creating a 25-person musical collective featuring black women and gender expansive musicians, musical strategizing, and AI and appropriation are part of Hilary’s conversation with musician, lawyer, writer, and consultant, Gabriella “Guitar Gabby” Logan.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
GABBY’s BIO
Atlanta native Gabriella “Guitar Gabby” Logan is a Strategy Lawyer and proud Spelman College and Vermont Law School graduate. Her passion for perspective fueled her desire to establish TxLips Band, LLC., a global entity that triples as a TxLips Academy, TxLips Consulting Group, and an international female and gender-expansive rock collective. Logan believes it is vital for people to be well-rounded and strategic in creating careers based on passion and built off longevity.
She is the Diversity Editor for Guitar Girl Magazine, President of the Girls Rock Camp Alliance Board of Directors, and a Board Member of the Vermont Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors.
GABBY’s MENTIONS
Diamond / Cry Mob / J Fly / Sister Rosetta Tharpe / Tina Bell / Johnson / Ibanez / Jackson / ESP / PRS / EMG / Ernie Ball / Jodi Head straps / Crate / Fender / Kustom
GABBY’s LINKS
Gabby on Linktree
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Bumper Music: “The Dead Pool” by Guitar Gabby & The TxLips Band
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
A recent court case found that playing songs with offensive lyrics in a workplace can contribute to hostile environment sexual harassment. But what the heck is that? And how can you prevent it? Hilary covers some harassment basics in this episode!
--> Some steps to follow if you've experienced harassment can be found on the EEOC website
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Threads
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Music as a reputable career choice, boy bands, prophetic guitar tattoos, visiting 34 countries, and the role of those with power in the industry are part of Hilary’s conversation with guitarist Angie Swan.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
ANGIE’s BIO
Angie Swan is a guitarist/producer originally from Milwaukee, WI. After Attending Berklee College of Music, Angie worked with artists such as David Byrne ("American Utopia"), Will.i.am, Cee Lo Green, Billy Porter, Fifth Harmony, Ari Lennox, Adam Lambert, Terri Lyne Carrington and many more. She has also toured with Cirque du Soleil’s production Amaluna. Angie is a 2x Grammy nominee and Tony Award recipient. Angie is currently working on releasing her debut album set to be released in late 2023.
ANGIE’s MENTIONS
NAMM / Berklee / Premier Guitar / Guitar World / Paul McCartney / Prince / Joe Satriani / Stevie Ray Vaughn / Tracy Chapman / Robert Cray / Dave Brubeck / Chick Correa / Green Day / Nine Inch Nails / Nirvana / Stone Temple Pilots / Jared Sharp / Talking Heads / Adrian Belew / David Byrne / Jerry Harrison / Wes Montgomery / Jimmy Page / Pete Kepler / Anna Blumenthal / Sam Barsch / Mono Neon / Lyndon Rochelle / Esperanza Spalding / Annie Clark / St Vincent / Justin Tranter / Reeve Carney / Thomas Pridgen / Ronald Bruner / Eddie Brown / Novo Guitars / Fano Guitars / Naggs Guitars / PRS Guitars / Lollar Pickups / Epiphone Guitars / Gibson Guitars / Kauer Guitars / Mesa Boogie Amps / Supro Amps / Kemper Amps / Fender Guitars / EarthQuaker Devices / Walrus Audio / Quarantine Effects / Boss Effects
ANGIE’s LINKS
Instagram
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Feeling overwhelmed by the world? Want to come up with a plan to get involved, but need a few ideas? Hilary’s got you (and/or your music-related company) covered.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices / extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH / earthquakerdevices.com
Stompbox Sonic / personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA / stompbox-sonic.myshopify.com
Holcomb Guitars / custom guitars and guitar repair in RI/MA / holcombguitars.com
Check out images and citations for this episode here: https://www.hilarybjones.com/blog/getting-active
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website / hilarybjones.com/midriffpodcast
Instagram / instagram.com/midriffpodcast
Facebook / facebook.com/midriffpodcast
Blog / hilarybjones.com/blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report / bit.ly/gendergear
Check out more from Ruinous Media / ruinousmedia.com
Thanks for subscribing, rating, and reviewing on your podcast player!
Theme Music / "Hedonism" by Towanda / towanda.bandcamp.com
Artwork / Julia Gualieri / juliagualtieri.com -
Hilary talks about why there are so few moms in bands and in music gear more broadly and discusses what individuals and companies can do to help moms keep playing and pursuing their careers.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices / extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH / earthquakerdevices.com
Stompbox Sonic / personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA / stompbox-sonic.myshopify.com
Holcomb Guitars / custom guitars and guitar repair in RI/MA / holcombguitars.com
LINKS FROM EPISODE
Song Sandwich Podcast / instagram.com/song_sandwich
40 Watt Podcast / instagram.com/40wattpodcast
Handsy Instagram / instagram.com/handsybandsy
The Other F Word Documentary / en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_F_Word
How Do Abortion Rights Connect to Music Gear? / hilarybjones.com/blog/abortion-rights-music-gear
Second shift / en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Second_Shift
Glass ceiling / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_ceiling
Glass escalator / en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_escalator
Glass cliff / en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_cliff
Feminization of work / digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1032&context=gender_studies
Gender wage gap / nytimes.com/2017/05/13/upshot/the-gender-pay-gap-is-largely-because-of-motherhood.html
Motherhood penalty / aauw.org/issues/equity/motherhood/
Are Musical Instrument Gender Associations Changing? / journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0022429409335878?journalCode=jrma
Musical Instrument Experiences YouGov Poll / today.yougov.com/topics/society/articles-reports/2022/08/23/musical-instrument-experiences-yougov-poll
7 Ways Music Retailers Can Support Parents / hilarybjones.com/blog/2021/12/30/7-ways-music-retailers-can-support-parents?rq=retail
State Medical and Family Leave Laws / ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/state-family-and-medical-leave-laws
Lactation Laws / dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work#:~:text=The%20Fair%20Labor%20Standards%20Act,need%20to%20express%20the%20milk
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website / hilarybjones.com/midriffpodcast
Instagram / instagram.com/midriffpodcast
Facebook / facebook.com/midriffpodcast
Blog / hilarybjones.com/blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report / bit.ly/gendergear
Check out more from Ruinous Media / ruinousmedia.com
Thanks for subscribing, rating, and reviewing on your podcast player!
Theme Music / "Hedonism" by Towanda / towanda.bandcamp.com
Artwork / Julia Gualieri / juliagualtieri.com -
Mid-Riff went to NAMM and spoke with 6 manufacturers, 4 MI media/demo folks, and 1 retailer to give you the goods re: the current state of the industry/diversity, equity, and inclusion!
The following questions were answered:
What’s rad at NAMM?
What changes have we seen in the industry regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion since 2020?
What changes still need to be made?
Which companies have made major strides re: DEI recently?
By the following awesome industry folks:
Ally Amarall / EarthQuaker Devices / earthquakerdevices.com
Mark Turley / Summer School Electronics / summerschoolelectronics.com
Rob Cavanna / Hiwatt Amplifiers / hiwatt.co.uk
Sasha Dunable / Dunable Guitars / dunableguitars.com
Loki Davidson / Poly Effects / polyeffects.com
Emily Harris / Get Offset / youtube.com/c/getoffset
Joan Braga / Get Offset + Pedal Playhouse / youtube.com/c/PedalPlayhouse
Steve Rowe / 60 Cycle Hum / youtube.com/@60CycleHumCast/podcasts
Ruben Zarate / Seymour Duncan / seymourduncan.com
Johnny Morales / Oakland Guitars / oakland-guitars.com
Jason Mays / Working Class Music / youtube.com/c/workingclassmusic
Also: Looking for an inclusive management training for you or your company? Small manufacturers, luthiers, and retailers, take a peak at the upcoming online course, No Stairway Denied: Creating Inclusive Workplaces in Music running May 9th-June 8th!
Learn more here: bit.ly/nostairwaydenied
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices / extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH / earthquakerdevices.com
Stompbox Sonic / personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA / stompbox-sonic.myshopify.com
Holcomb Guitars / custom guitars and guitar repair in RI/MA / holcombguitars.com
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website / hilarybjones.com/midriffpodcast
Instagram / instagram.com/midriffpodcast
Facebook / facebook.com/midriffpodcast
Blog / hilarybjones.com/blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report / bit.ly/gendergear
Check out more from Ruinous Media / ruinousmedia.com
Thanks for subscribing, rating, and reviewing on your podcast player!
Theme Music / "Hedonism" by Towanda / towanda.bandcamp.com
Artwork / Julia Gualieri / juliagualtieri.com -
The geariest love story, the gendering of the harp, a solution for nagging wife memes, and leading by example are part of Hilary’s conversation with Emily Hopkins (aka, Emily Harpist) and Russ Fro.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
Register for No Stairway Denied Online Course: bit.ly/nostairwaydenied
EMILY and RUSS’s BIO
Emily Hopkins is a classically trained professional harpist who stumbled upon effects pedals and created a YouTube channel with her partner Russ as a resource for all musicians interested in discovering new sounds. With over 22 years playing experience, Emily regularly performs around Long Island, New York, where she resides, and also gives effect pedal clinics with Russ. They are currently working on various soundtracks and scoring projects, as well as regularly live-streaming on YouTube every Wednesday.
EMILY and RUSS’s MENTIONS
Edmark Castaneda / EarthQuaker Devices / Lion and Healy / Salvi / Dusty Strings / 29 Pedals / Empress Effects / Electrofoods / Strymon / Chase Bliss
EMILY and RUSS’s LINKS
YouTube
Instagram
Website
MID-RIFF LINKS
ONLINE COURSE!
NEW MID-RIFF MERCH!
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Bumper Music: Always & Forever by Emily Hopkins
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Most companies want to be good rolemodels in the industry, but often don’t know where to start. In this episode, Hilary talks about the importance of creating company values and using them to create a better workplace and industry.
She follows up with info on her next online course, No Stairway Denied: Creating Inclusive Workplaces in Music, where folks can learn how to create and use company values and a whole bunch more!
Sign up here to get notified when registration opens: bit.ly/nostairwayinfo
ONLINE COURSE INFO
WHO is this course for?
Managers and small business owners in the music gear industry: retailers, manufacturers, luthiers, etc.
--> Perhaps you *whoops* accidentally started a business because you love music gear
--> You have limited management and/or diversity training
--> You want to meet other cool folks in the industry interested in this topic
--> You are a pretty small company and might not be able to hire someone to do this work 1:1 with your company
--> You really want to create a better workplace and industry
WHAT is this course?
We'll cover a range of management-related topics through the lens of diversity and inclusion, and we will dig into that specifically a bit, too. All content will be directly connected to the industry and taught in a way that is directly applicable to your daily work with tips and tools to get you creating a more welcoming workplace right away!
WHEN is the course?
Running five weeks, May 8th-June 9th, the course is online and at your own speed with a new topic released weekly. There will be optional (but encouraged-- it's a great chance to hear from and connect with others!) weekly check-ins Fridays at 12pm EST!
WHY should you take this course?
You want to be a good role model in your community and in the industry. The industry is changing for the better and you want to be on the front end of that change: for yourself, your employees, and your customers!
HOW can I learn more?
--> Sign up here to get get notified when registration opens: bit.ly/nostairwayinfo
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
MID-RIFF LINKS
NEW MID-RIFF MERCH!
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
The perils and promises of repairing amplifiers and posting on YouTube, tips for getting into repair, and diagnosing your dying amp are all part of Hilary’s conversation with Colleen Fazio.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
COLLEEN’s BIO
Colleen Fazio started building guitar amps for fun shortly after high school. She then landed a repair job at Deltronics, an audio repair shop in Illinois, where her love for guitar amps flourished. Colleen attributes much of her progress to the patient teachings of the shop owner, Mike Delvalle.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2019, Colleen began working as a repair technician at Revamp with Andy Arahood, who became another pillar in her tube amp journey. Now, she is repairing and building amps out of her own workshop in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.
COLLEEN’s MENTIONS
Fender / Gibson / Peavey / Hartke / Ampeg / Tube Amp Handbook / Mojotone / Marshall
COLLEEN’s LINKS
YouTube
Instagram
MID-RIFF LINKS
NEW MID-RIFF MERCH!
Women in Music Industries Seminar at USC
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Many marginalized musicians have a shared experience of dread anticipating negative treatment when entering a music store— as though they are preparing for battle.
In this episode, Hilary talks about this experience of “anticipatory armor,” how it works, and how retailers can prevent it.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
MID-RIFF LINKS
Anticipatory Armor in Music Retail with citations!
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Emily the Strange guitars, being musically typecast, mental health, and the Art of the Revolution are part of Hilary’s discussion with Taylor Ngiri Seaberg.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
Demonic Machines- LGBTQ+ owned, small-batch, handmade pedals in San Diego, CA!
TAYLOR’s BIO
Taylor Ngiri Seaberg (they/them) is a Kenyan-American, gender non-binary community organizer and multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago, Illinois, originally from South Minneapolis, MN. They play in the Twin Cities, MN alt jazz, hip hop, and punk band, Black Velvet Punks.
Ngiri was a lead director on a compilation community album called, “The Art of the Revolution,” which included works of resilience from 10 different Black arts organizers and activists. They are currently a Metro Regional Arts Council (MRAC) finalist for the 2021 $5,000 Next Step Fund grant for a live streaming concert incorporating Kiswahili and English for a live production showcase.
TAYLOR’s MENTIONS
Electric Arts / Washburn / Epiphone / Fender / Vig Guitar Shop / Electro-Harmonix / Boss / Line 6 / Roland / South Side Desire / Ike Riley Assassination / Traiveon Dunlap / Rodrick Glasper / BLK FM / Erik Novak / Art of the Revolution / Minnesota Youth Collective / Gully Boys / The Smokes / Kashimana / Rebecca Nichloson / Queen Drea / Nathaniel Nelson / Honey Dick / Minnesota Public Radio / Kendrick Lamar / Keston Wright
TAYLOR’s LINKS
Black Velvet Punks Facebook
Taylor’s Instagram
Taylor’s Twitter
Taylor’s Website
Taylor’s Bandcamp
Taylor’s Spotify
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Check out more from Ruinous Media!
Bumper Music: “Lonely Mona” by Austen Nobles, Monica Rose, Dissonant Dessert, and Taylor Ngiri Seaberg
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Mid-Riff takes the show on the road to the Minneapolis / St. Paul area! Hilary talks gender and gear with SYM1, Nat Harvie, and Pamela Laizure in front of a live audience at Caydence Records and Coffee.
The night featured live performances, a lutherie demo, gear rundowns, a panel discussion, and audience Q+A!
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 | Episode introduction
2:50 | Welcome to event
5:10 | SYM1
15:47 | Nat Harvie
33:25 | Pamela Laizure
52:34 | Panel discussion
1:15:35 | Audience Q+A
1:33:00 | Event closing
1:36:22 | Episode outro
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsor!
Chase Bliss- effects pedals made in Minneapolis with a digital brain and analog heart!
ARTIST BIOs
SYM1
Unsubscribed from reality as we know it, SYM(1) is a Minneapolis based pop artist, producer, and vocalist where dance music, alternative genres, and hyperpop aesthetics meet.
Nat Harvie
Nat Harvie is a musician and audio engineer living and working in Minneapolis.
Pamela Laizure
Pamela Laizure is a luthier and musician residing in Minneapolis, MN. She plays bass for the surf-punk trio Black Widows and loves working on guitars out of her home under the supervision of her dog, Sofi, and cat, Penny.
MENTIONS
Ableton / Serum / Max for Live / TC Helicon / Reverend / TC Electronic / Resonant Electronic Design / MXR / Kinotone / 1010Music / Peterson Strobe Tuners / Danelectro / Electro-Harmonix / Boss US / Fender / Hartke / Telefunken / Klon / Sennheiser / PJ Harvey / Chokecherry / Holly Hansen / Zoo Animal / David Bowie / Sarina Paris / Britney Spears / Backstreet Boys / Shaun Paul / Kim Petras / Haley / Low / Joe Rainey / Moor Mother / Phil Elverum / Songs: Ohia / Alice Coltrane / Bikini Kill / Dead Kennedys / Crass / B-52s / ESG
ARTIST LINKS
SYM1 website
Nat Harvie Bandcamp
Pamela Laizure Instagram
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Taylor Swift karaoke machines, She Shred’s 1 Riff a Day, luthier apprenticeship, and the exact location of women in prog are part of Hilary’s discussion with Kim Chin-Gibbons. Plus, music, rights, representation, and AI.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
Demonic Machines- LGBTQ+ owned, small-batch, handmade pedals in San Diego, CA!
KIM’s BIO
Kim is a Cambodian born, American raised musician and photographer spending her time making art in Western Massachusetts, Boston, MA, and Woonsocket, RI. Leaving high school at age fourteen led her to find her love of music, photography, and marketing for the arts and nonprofits. Kim is an alum of North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens, and the Institute for the Musical Arts’ summer programs (performance and recording).
Throughout the beginnings of the pandemic, Kim attended Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT, who merged with Emerson College in Boston, MA. She was amongst the last class in the history of the institution’s Vermont campus.
After attending Marlboro and the Marlboro Institute at Emerson College, she left school to pursue Music with the progressive rock band Sunset Mission. The band has grown into an 8-piece lineup and plans to tour across the country and beyond, as soon COVID circumstances permit.
KIM’s MENTIONS
Fractal Audio / Rivera / Marshall / Canal Side Guitar Works / Healy Guitars / Strymon / Ibanez / D’Angelico / Neural DSP / Orange / Opeth / Yvette Young / Tosin Abasi / Anneke van Giersbergen / The Gathering / Animals as Leaders / Pain of Salvation / Ritual / Gojira / Ann Hackler / June Millington / Fanny / IMA- Institute for the Musical Arts / Downtown Sounds / She Shreds Media
KIM’s LINKS
Kim’s Website
Kim’s Instagram
Sunset Mission’s Website
Sunset Mission Instagram
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Bumper Music: “Kaleidoscope” by Sunset Mission
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Heavy retail armor, being treated as a musician, not a liability, and choosing not to work with gatekeepers are part of Hilary’s conversation with Jennifer Turpin and Adam Brilla from Stompbox Sonic. Plus, preventing tokenism in hiring.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
Demonic Machines- LGBTQ+ owned, small-batch, handmade pedals in San Diego, CA!
STOMPBOX SONIC’s BIO
STOMPBOX SONIC provides musicians with an extensive tonal palette for auditory exploration.
Specializing in effects pedals (aka “stompboxes”) built by companies large and small, some locally crafted, some collected from around the world.
Our goal is to ignite the creative spark and help you navigate all those switches and blinking lights to bring your music to life.
Since 2009 guitarist, songwriter, and noise maker Adam Brilla (he/him) and artist, musician, facilitator Jennifer Turpin (she/her) have been working with sound-based artists and musicians helping them discover their sound.
Jen has been an active member of the GRCB community since 2013, leading effects pedals workshops, teaching guitar and bass, and coaching bands. Most recently she has been drumming in a feminist punk band Pitstain as well as Babes of Mutilation.
Adam began his musical journey in 1988. This expedition brought him opportunities to perform, record and tour with a variety of New England area bands including Lockgroove, Broken River Prophet, Animal Hospital Ensemble, Seana Carmody, Tiny Amps, Bicker, Argo Arkestra, Me Jane, Charlene, Fury Things, and Kansas City based Your Reflection.
Together they have provided Boston area musicians the opportunity to explore new sounds and create new music through 1:1 soundtastings as well as interactive effects exhibits, at the Museum of Science and Microsoft for the New England Synth Fest.
Both Adam and Jen have new, as of yet, unnamed musical projects in the works, each debuting in 2023.
STOMPBOX SONIC’s MENTIONS
Seana Carmody / The Swirlies / Syrup USA / Black Sabbath / Iron Maiden / Low / Pixies / Girls Rock Campaign Boston / NAMM / Barnstorm / TT the Bear’s / Middle East Club / Empire Guitars / Mike Samos / Boston Synth Fest / New England Synth Fest / Beats by Girlz / Hagstrom / Epiphone / EarthQuaker Devices / Hovercraft / C&C Drums / Paiste Cymbals / Dream Cymbals / Montoya / Hondo
STOMPBOX SONIC’s LINKS
Online Shop
Instagram
200 Pedals at Once!
Pitstain
Seana Carmody
Animal Hospital Ensemble
Lockgroove
Broken River Prophet
Your Reflections
Tiny Amps
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Bumper Music: “No Excuses” by Pitstain
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Hilary interviews 15 awesome industry folks about NAMM 2022 and their thoughts about the Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report!
What’s the Gender and Music Gear Experiences Report? (LINK HERE!)
I’m glad you asked!
It is a document sharing the results from a survey of 996 musicians from around the world about their experiences related to gender and music gear.
Listen to the episode to hear the results or download the report below!
Thanks to the awesome survey participants and this episode’s interviewees!
INTERVIEWEES:
Philipe (Caroline Guitar Company)
Joel (Chase Bliss Audio)
Julie and Anna (EarthQuaker Devices)
Mitch (Empress Effects)
Tim (Ernie Ball Music Man)
Christian (Eventide Audio)
Emily (Get Offset)
Heather (Heather Brown Electronicals)
Ellis (LEH Guitars)
Aisha (Loe Sounds)
Marissa (Neunaber Audio)
Sylvie (Red Panda)
Carlos (Third Man Hardware)
Jason (Working Class Music)
GENDER and MUSIC GEAR EXPERIENCES REPORT
Learn more or read it here
CREATING INCLUSIVE MUSIC RETAIL SPACES FOR MANAGERS COURSE
Learn more or sign up here
TIMESTAMPS
[0:09] Introduction to Episode and Report
[11:02] NAMM Intro
[13:36] Companies’ New Gear
[24:28] “Were you surprised by this data?”
[40:54] “What barriers might companies have to making change?”
[55:23] “How might companies overcome those barriers?”
[1:27:04] “Why is this data important?”
[1:32:23] What You Can Do Now
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Diversity in Music Gear Resource List
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Robot backing bands, managing retail baggage, talking class A amps at parties, making extra efforts for diversity, and dreaming of open mics are part of Hilary’s conversation with Laura B. Whitmore. Plus, music’s role in preventing mass shootings.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
LAURA’s BIO
Laura B. Whitmore is a music marketer, singer/songwriter, event producer, journalist, and founder of the Women's International Music Network and the She Rocks Awards.
After graduating from Hofstra, Whitmore worked for CBS Records and Korg USA where she handled marketing, PR and artist relations for Korg, Marshall, and VOX. Twenty years after working with Korg, Whitmore founded Mad Sun Marketing, handling marketing, PR, artist relations and additional services for numerous industry leaders.
In 2012 Whitmore founded The Women's International Music Network, an organization dedicated to providing support, information, and community to women in all walks of life within the industry. The WiMN produces the She Rocks Awards, a ceremony that honors trailblazing women from all areas of the industry.
Since 2020 Whitmore has served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Positive Grid, a revolutionary music technology software and hardware company that is changing the way people approach music making.
LAURA’s MENTIONS
Positive Grid / Martin / Ovation / Breedlove / Fender / Fishman / Shure / Zoom / Japanese Breakfast- Michelle Zauner / Dionne Warwick / Yvette Young / Carmen Vandenberg / Lzzy Hale / Katie Daryl / Tenille Arts / NAMM
LAURA’s LINKS
She Rocks Awards
Women’s International Music Network
Positive Grid
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Diversity in Music Gear Resource List
Podcast episode mentioned
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Midi Musical Directing, creating a portable musical lifestyle in Berlin, guitar, grooveboxes, and stepping outside the queer bubble are part of Hilary’s conversation with Sky Deep. Plus, music gear’s connection to reproductive rights.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
SKY’s BIO
Sky Deep is a sound engineer, multi-instrumentalist, filmmaker and label owner. She has toured Europe and the US successfully as a guitarist and vocalist and was midi musical director and multi-instrumentalist for Peaches' touring band. Sky is currently a live performer of electronic music mixed with guitar, vocals, and percussion, a DJ, a designer for indie films, TV, and theater, and a lecturer at BMM Institute Berlin. In addition to her performing career, she has curated festivals and club parties, runs her own clothing line, Sky Deep Threadz, and her award-winning debut film, Enactone, has screened at film festivals worldwide.
SKY’s MENTIONS
Ableton / Akai / Casio / Novation / Elektron / Mesa Boogie / Yamaha / Zoom / Line 6 / Gibson / Tanglewood / Peavey
SKY’s LINKS
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Sky Deep Threads
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Diversity in Music Gear Resource List
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
ADDITIONAL LINKS
History link 1
History link 2
History link 3
Wage Gap
Bumper Music: “Up in Here” by Sky Deep
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri -
Keyboard beatdowns, accessibility guitar inventions, shoegaze vs. avant pop, and a literally smoking recording are part of Hilary’s conversation with Rosie Varela (EEP, The Rosie Varela Project, Hogar Records, Brainville Studio). Plus, The Pedal Lady Problem.
Huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors!
EarthQuaker Devices- extra special effects pedals made by hand in Akron, OH!
Stompbox Sonic- personalized pedal curation and sales in Somerville, MA!
Holcomb Guitars- custom guitars and mobile guitar repair in RI/MA!
ROSIE’s BIO
Rosie Varela is a 54-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist for EEP, an eclectic shoegaze band in El Paso, Texas. She began writing songs in the late 1990s, but did not record any of them until 2019, when she and her bandmates formed EEP. The band has released two critically acclaimed albums - “Death of a Very Good Machine” (2020) and “Winter Skin” (2021).
Rosie created The Rosie Varela Project, an Avant-Pop/Indie Rock band for songs that bend genre and may not always fit into EEP's shoegaze style. The solo project will release its debut album “What Remains,” co-produced by Rosie Varela and Ross Ingram, on June 3, 2022.
Rosie is a co-owner with her husband, Justin Oser, and her collaborator and bandmate, Ross Ingram, of Brainville, a recording studio in Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Hogar Records, an independent music label in El Paso, Texas. The label’s plans for 2022 include releasing The Rosie Varela Project’s debut album, Ross Ingram’s second solo album, and EEP’s third album.
MENTIONS
Roland / Electro-Harmonix / Old Blood Noise Endeavors / Fender / Melodyne / Pro Tools / Danelectro / Boss / Garageband / Focusrite / Sarah Rebecca / My Bloody Valentine / Slowdive / Lush / The Verve / Tori Amos / Laurie Anderson / Fiona Apple / Joni Mitchell / David Bowie / Peter Gabriel / Kate Bush / Javier Martinez / Amphibian Dance / Johnny Greenwood / Jethro Tull / Ian Anderson / The Meters / George Porter, Jr. / James Jamerson / Carole Kaye / Dire Straits / Pull of Autumn
ROSIE's LINKS
Bandcamp
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Hogar Records
Brainville
“Fault Line” by RVP video
EEP Bandcamp
Rosie’s Star Trek and empathy article
MID-RIFF LINKS
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Blog
Diversity in Music Gear Resource List
Thanks for rating/reviewing on Apple Podcasts!
Support Mid-Riff by shopping on Reverb!
Bumper Music: “Fault Line” by The Rosie Varela Project
Theme Music: "Hedonism" by Towanda
Artwork by Julia Gualtieri - Show more
