Government Alpha – Erratic

Pure Japanese harsh noise was called for this week, so what better cassette to dig into than Government Alpha “Erratic”? Released in 1996 on his own Xerxes label, this tape sets the tone for what was to come for Government Alpha. At times unsettling, at other times brutal, and at all times astonishing, “Erratic” is a high mark for 90s noise. Fall into the vortex with Government Alpha.

Hermann Nitsch (with guest Ryan Martin)

Ryan Martin joins us to pay tribute to Hermann Nitsch, who passed away April 18, 2022. Ryan met Nitsch a few times and tells us an incredible story of him and Genesis P-Orridge getting to visit Hermann at the Prinzendorf Castle. We discuss all aspects of his work and how his way of living life intensely can act as an inspiration to us all.

In Conversation with Daniel Plunkett (ND Magazine)

We get a terrific look at operating a magazine in the 80s and 90s as Daniel Plunkett of ND Magazine sat down with us. ND started in 1982, stemming from the mail and experimental art world and moved into industrial, noise, and many other islands of sound. We get some great stories of not only putting together a magazine, but also booking John Duncan, putting together a cassette network event, and much more. In addition to having run ND, Daniel currently owns and operates End of an Ear record store in Austin, still supporting the world of underground sound.

In Conversation with CM von Hausswolff

CM Von Hausswolff was in town for the Touch Fest and we got a chance to sit down with him for a bit. We get into the history of Elgaland-Vargaland, his interest in EVP, recording with various collaborators, and more. CMVH has been going since the early 80s and it was great to hear his perspective on navigating the world of sound throughout the decades. Listen for the ghost in the grid.

In Conversation with John Balistreri (Slogun)

completely fascinating conversation going through his entire history, from growing up in Bensonhurst to taking his brand of PE all over the world. Serial killers, self disgust, graffiti, and so much more are touched on in this comprehensive episode. It was a true honor for us have a deep discussion with one of our absolute favorite artists.

In Conversation with Al Margolis (If, Bwana and Sound of Pig Music)

Cassette culture pioneer Al Margolis of Sound of Pig and If, Bwana joins us today to take a look back at the glorious days of 80s DIY noise. Al shares stories from back in the day and how the cassette network operated. Sound of Pig was one of the most important US tape labels and its legacy still looms. Its another mandatory noise history lesson from one of the original trouble makers.

In Conversation with Francisco Lopez

It was an incredible honor to have a discussion with Francisco Lopez. One of the pioneers of environmental recording, Lopez has traversed many states of sound and he fills us in on his entire history. We get into his technique, process, and thoughts behind his work. A truly unique individual and an inspiration to countless artists, Francisco lets us all in to his hidden world.