Ep. 64 - Jonny Polonsky and the 411 on Songwriting

In 1998 The Smashing Pumpkins returned to us in a different shape than before. Now there were only three, and what remained of the band felt like grief in a gothic gown, introspective and embracing solitude. Somehow Adore mirrored where I found myself as a young man learning to be alone for the first time, and this album has only matured over time. Join me this week as we revisit this divisive departure we found ourselves in Once Upon a Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pantheon Media CEO Christian Swain invites you to check out the Jordan Harbinger Show. We've become regular listeners again, and hope you enjoy it too.

During the early 2000s, the garage rock revival was dominating the airwaves when I first heard Cursive's 'The Ugly Organ' with a sound I'd never heard before with its of blending post-hardcore punk and cello. Two decades later and Cursive, led by prolific musician/songwriter Tim Kasher, continues to churn out albums with catchy hooks and infectious energy, so I felt fortunate to catch up with Tim about what inspires him, what are some of his foundations in music, and why it's important to love what you create. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it wasn't long before I caught wind of The Flaming Lips-- an experimental psychedelic art-rock band rising out of our neighboring Oklahoma City. By summer of 1993, you could hear people singing 'Taaaaaangerines' along with front-man Wayne Coyne on MTV, but it was when I first purchased Transmissions from the Satellite Heart on CD that I witnessed the earliest days of this enduring band that has metamorphosized into a joyful celebration of art, music and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1996, Jonny Polonsky greeted the world with his debut album 'Hi My Name is Jonny' on Rick Rubin's American Recordings Label. Since then, Jonny has continued to be a prolific singer/songwriter by writing catchy melodies, releasing solo albums, and collaborating with artists like Neil Diamond, Frank Black and Johnny Cash-- to name a few. That's why I was happy to invite Jonny on Waterproof Records this week to hear about the albums that changed his life, how he used the telephone to track down rock and roll mentors, and why it's always about the songwriting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sing along with the common people! Sing along and it might just get you through! In 1995, a band from Sheffield, England called Pulp finally had their day in the sun when that anthemic chorus elevated them to a different class. For many of us in the U.S., we were watching the wave of popular Britpop bands like Blur and Oasis, but Pulp wasn't getting as much of our attention on MTV. Join me as I dig into one of my favorite albums by the band, and see why it deserves all the fanfare and praise it receives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever sat down with a close friend with completely different music tastes and asked them show you their favorite songs? Or do you remember the first time you heard an artist that felt dangerous and unsafe in the best possible way? This week on Waterproof Records I welcome Julie Christmas, Brooklyn musician and vocalist from bands like Made Out of Babies, Battle of Mice and Cult of Luna. On June 14th, Julie releases her 2nd solo album called 'Ridiculous and Full of Blood,' so I sat down with her to talk about making the new album, the importance of discovering music out of your comfort zone, and why we all get a little heavy sometimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 14 seasons of the VH1 Classic’s hit heavy metal talk show series, That Metal Show, Don Jamieson has continued to write, produce and perform his unique blend of comedy and music at clubs and rock tours across the country. This week I welcomed Don to Waterproof Records to talk about the stand-up comedy grind, the first album that changed his music tastes forever, and how some of the best advice in life might come from Lemmy Kilmister.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trip Hop music scene out of Bristol made its way to the U.S. in the mid-90s with artists like Portishead and Tricky, but once Massive Attack's Mezzanine arrived in early 1998, it brought with it an unexpected sensual awakening as I exited my teenage years. This week we explore why this album in particular splintered Massive Attack, how it all began with a Wild Bunch, and how Elizabeth Fraser is the tear that hangs inside Jeff Buckley's soul forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When understanding how the band came up with the name "Garbage," Butch Vig once wrote in his 1993 studio journal about the creative process; "I hope that all this garbage will become something beautiful," and that's exactly what happened. The perfect storm brought Scotland's Shirley Manson all the way to Madison, Wisconsin to join forces with three musicians to shake things up and create something beautifully their own in the mid 1990s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices