Jon Reine and Mike Smith are members of the band Greycoats. What leads a band to write a concept album [Carisma!] about that all-American icon, the televangelist? What would it sound like if Jimmy Swaggart fronted Joy Division? Why should I stop thinking about ’should’ when it comes to creating art and only pay attention to what I’m COMPELLED to make? In this special edition episode of the podcast, Jon and Mike sit down with Rob over cocktails to answer these questions and more.
Recording Location: Hi-Lo Diner, MPLS MN
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Justin Sharbono is best known for his work as electric guitarist for the band Soul Asylum. What’s it like to have an honest and meaningful conversation about our own race and identity? How does travel change the way you view your place in the world? What led to Justin’s belief that you can’t hate people you know or love? This week, Justin Sharbono sits down with Rob over drinks at The Lowry in Uptown Minneapolis to answer these questions and more.
Recording Location: The Lowry, Minneapolis MN
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We’re so glad we don’t have to deal with sponsors or else we would feel compelled to tell you that Guinness is THE GREATEST beer ever made and "Clearly Made Of More.” www.thecuriouspod.com/guinness
We'd also feel like we should tell you about our incredibly talented friends at Narrate Films who took all the press photos for the podcast. You can visit them online at: www.narratefilms.com/
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Dan Smith is a producer, engineer, musician and songwriter. What does it mean to ‘deliver’ as a musician in a studio session? What is the arch of confidence in the creative journey? Can you be inspired by other artists without comparing yourself to them? This week, Dan sits downs over drinks with Rob to answer these questions and more.
Recording Location: Wirth Lake Dock, North Minneapolis
GUEST LINKS:
Dan’s Band ‘Speakrs’: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/speakrs/930084532
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Call The Official Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330
Visit Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map
Subscribe on iTunes: www.thecuriouspod.com/itunes
Subscribe via RSS: www.thecuriouspod.com/rss
Like us on Facebook: www.thecuriouspod.com/facebook
Follow us on Instagram: www.thecuriouspod.com/instagram
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We’re so glad we don’t have to deal with sponsors: www.thecuriouspod.com/guinness
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Brett is an electric guitar slinging friend of mine who, every time we play together, at some moment we find ourselves laughing and having a convo that goes deep. In this episode I convince Brett to sneak into a backstage storage closet between sets to record a conversation that ended up being one of my most personal, introspective ones yet.
Ever leave hanging out with someone and getting frustrated because you felt like you weren’t fully yourself around them? Did you used to think that one day all your insecurities would just disappear and you would become super confident? Ever have a hard time forgiving your past self? Me too. This one’s for you.
Recording Location: Backstage storage closet, Anoka MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
This week’s Question: No question, Just call and leave a message about your thoughts and insight into this convo we had. I have a feeling we’re not alone in this.
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There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to people talking about their political opinions right now, and rightfully so! This has been a crazy year. Unfortunately, half the time (especially when it comes to Facebook and Social Media) it seems like people aren’t trying to have a healthy conversation or debate and more trying to figure out if you agree with them so they can decide to keep you as a friend. Can we have quality interactions with people that disagree with us while still holding to the relationship AND our convictions? Are we steadily isolating ourselves from anyone that disagrees with us? How can art impact politics? And what happens when the most impactful album I’ve heard all year… is a Political EP?? I grabbed coffee with my friend André Rodriguez a month ago to see if he could answer some of my questions.
Like the music you heard in this episode? Go listen to the full EP HERE: https://goo.gl/HB3Ng9
Recording Location: Canteen Coffee, Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Cory Wong is a “Rhythmic Stratocaster Guitar Player” - The Current called him “The most famous Minnesota musician you’ve probably never heard of” and I call him a professional. I sat down with Cory in this music heavy episode to see if I could get past WHAT it is he does to learn HOW he processes some of the issues we all deal with on a day to tay basis. Stick around to the end to hear a special bonus-feature as he tells his story of playing with one of music’s most legendary drummers.
Recording Location: Spyhouse Coffee (on Broadway), Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Taylor Johnson (@wildponytj) is widely known for his work (as a songwriter & electric guitar) with the likes of Lorde, Frank Ocean and Phil Wickham. Take it from me, whether you’re playing music with him on stage or talking soccer in the green-room, Taylor is the real deal. Ever since we met in D.C. a few years back, I’ve referred to Taylor as “The Professional” so we decided to sit down to talk about the most frequently asked question any professional musician gets constantly asked "How’d you land that gig?” Even though this ended up being a very music-focused convo, He shares some great insight for anyone who aspires to create anything with other people.
In this conversation, we talk about:
-How Taylor got into songwriting and his approach to co-writing
-How co-writing is like improv theatre ("don’t say ‘no’ ")
-The importance of “hearing someone’s idea out.”
-Taylor’s advice for the need to come in with tons of ideas while still holding them loosely when creating with other people.
-Synergy in creating
-Actively putting yourself in situations where you’re going to be stretched creatively
Recording Location: Brit’s Pub, Downtown Minneapolis
Drink: Old Speckled Hen (Me) Jack & Coke (Taylor)
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Bruce Balgaard is more than a musician and artist… he’s a visionary and mentor. I sat down for the first time with Bruce to find out why so many of the musicians I look up to, look up to him. The conversation that took place ended up being one of my most cherished experiences of doing this podcast so far and I’m excited to share it with you.
In this conversation, we talk about:
-“Everything stands in the way of getting art done."
-The fact that all artists that are good have some level of discontent
-“Controlled Discontent”
- Why Bruce has never practiced a day in his life
- Depression
- The ultimate defense against depression. Hint: “Kubb"
- Bruce’s Definition of The key to happiness (being in the present moment)
-What’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? (outgoing introverts)
-“New areas of growth only come from some kind of conflict or difficulty."
-Bruce and I discus being recovering people pleasers
Recording Location: Jax Cafe, MPLS MN
Food: Meatloaf and AMAZING Potato Salad
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week.
Part 2 or our conversation ended up being a little bit more creativity and music focused. In our second and final part, we talk about:
-The importance of a balanced life
-How daily rituals can BENEFIT our creativity
-Learning when to take a break instead of trying to ‘push through’ (I freakin love Matt’s ‘Round Peg, Square Hole’ concept)
- “Thin Slicing”
- Masha and the bear (on ice) <- what???
Quotes from Matt in this interview that stood out to me:
“I don’t want to learn somebody elses’ magic, I want to create my own”
“True creatives are always waiting for people to figure out what we actually believe about ourseves.”
-the need to be present in the moment
Recording Location: Dangerous Man Brewing’s Tap Room
Beers: Kolsch
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week.
In Part 1 we talk about:
-How to ascribe value to yourself
-Combating the voices of doubt in your head
-Living a life of ballance
-Figuring out what YOUR voice is - figure out what nobody else has done before and DO THAT
-The need to be present in the moment
Quotes from Matt in this interview that stood out to me:
“I don’t want to learn somebody elses’ magic, I want to create my own”
“True creatives are always waiting for people to figure out what we actually believe about ourseves.”
Recording Location: Dangerous Man Brewing’s Tap Room
Beers: Kolsch
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Elliott Blaufuss is an artist. Music just happens to be the medium with which he creates his art. You’ve probably seen him singing duets on stage with Kelly Clarkson or Music Directing for Eric Hutchinson. When I was asked to take the position of Music Director with the band Owl City just before their massive Asia tour a few years back, multiple people said I needed to pick Elliott’s brain. I did… it ruled. We decided to meet up again at the same spot we did a few years prior at Black Forest Inn. Grab your favorite German stein (it better be able to hold a Liter) and pull up a stool. Prost!
In this episode we talk about:
-How traveling with music might be in Elliott’s family blood
-Elliott’s intro to the world of performing music
-The ‘meat and potatoes’ of music // “it’s all about story”
-What is an artist? (secret sharers)
-Elliott’s belief that music is tied into the fabric of life // I agree
-Money and Music: “Do it and forget about it.”
-“Is it beautiful Do I love it?”
-How to be present in the moment
Recording Location: Black Forest Inn, MPLS MN
Drinks: Hacker Pschorr Dunkel
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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