Ear Expansion Podcast

Ear Expansion with Michael Gregory Jackson

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton delves into guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson's rich musical journey and creative philosophy. Jackson discusses his early influences, the transition from his initial desire to be a drummer to embracing the guitar, and key formative experiences from a transformative teacher. The conversation explores the 1970s New York Loft Scene, Jackson's pivotal collaborations with musicians like Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, Abdul Wadud among others, and the cultural impact of that era. Jackson reflects on his solo projects, such as 'Electric Gitbox,' created in response to personal grief and societal unrest. The episode highlights the role of dedications in Jackson's work as acts of remembrance and connection. Jackson also shares insights into his conceptual approach to music-making, emphasizing thought, intention, and experimentation. Themes of perseverance, spiritual connection, and the transformative power of sound are intricately woven throughout, offering listeners a masterclass in both technical and philosophical aspects of Jackson's artistry.

Ear Expansion with Damsel Elysium

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep conversation with artist Damsel Elysium. They discuss her early experiences with the violin, the challenges she faced as a young black string player in a predominantly middle-class classical world, and her journey towards rediscovering and redefining her relationship with music and sound. Damsel shares her transformative experience with teacher Sarah Daramy-Williams, who introduced her to somatic work and improvisation, helping her reconnect with her instrument in a healing and expressive way. The conversation delves into Damsel's hypersensitivity to sound, the ceremonial quality of her performances, and the concept of sound as a living, transformative energy. She reflects on the influence of her childhood in a musical family, the healing aspect of engaging with nature and her instruments, and the deeper poetics of sound, perception, and ritual. The episode concludes with Damsel discussing her future aspirations and her unique relationship with her instruments, emphasizing their living presence and memory.

Ear Expansion with Dorothy Carlos

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with sound artist Dorothy Carlos. The discussion delves into Dorothy's early formations in sound, influenced by her classical cello training and ethnomusicologist first teacher. Dorothy describes the transformative role of improvisation and technology in her practice, emphasizing how digital techniques and electronics allow her to create otherworldly, emotional experiences. They explore her notable works, like 'My Ideal is Windy' and 'Alter, Alter,' which merge personal history with sound experimentation. The conversation touches on the use of ASMR elements, the intimacy of live performances versus recordings, and the ways Dorothy's classical background informs her experimental approach. The episode concludes with a preview of Dorothy's upcoming album, 'EarWorld,' described as a collection of site-specific sound installations.

Ear Expansion with Laraaji

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound conversation with Laraaji, an influential sound artist whose work has spanned over five decades. Laraaji shares experiences from his early musical explorations in a Baptist church basement, his serendipitous encounter with the zither, and his ventures into ambient music. Throughout the dialogue, Laraaji delves into the spiritual dimensions of sound, describing music as a medium for deep cosmic connection and self-communion. He reflects on the transformative power of sound, drawing parallels between his past and present musical expressions. The discussion highlights Laraaji's belief in using sound as a tool for achieving inner equilibrium, navigating life's challenges, and fostering a continuous state of gratitude and peace. Hamilton and Laraaji also touch upon the collaborative essence of musical exploration, emphasizing the shared attunement that transcends space and time, and the significance of practices like meditation and creative contemplation in sustaining spiritual and artistic fulfillment. This conversation is an insightful exploration of the interplay between music, spirituality, and self-awareness.

Ear Expansion with Vanese Smith aka Pursuit Grooves

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host Lamont Hamilton converses with artist Vanese Smith, also known as Pursuit Grooves, about her formative years and musical evolution. Vanese discusses her beginnings in the DMV area, moving from emceeing to beat production, and her influences from hip hop, R&B, funk, house, and ambient music. She reflects on the impact of growing up in Maryland, the significance of radio, and the cultural blend in her community. The conversation delves into her artistic journey, from her time at a performing arts school to her experiences as a DJ at Vassar College. They explore her creative process, her use of tools like the SP sampler, and her transition to perceiving sound as a malleable, sculptural element. Vanese provides insight into her tribute albums to her grandparents, the significance of archives, and her album 'Bess,' inspired by pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman. Vanese emphasizes the importance of documenting and sharing the stories of underrepresented figures, blending sonic and emotional resonances to inspire future generations.

Ear Expansion with Jessica Care Moore

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton interviews Jessica Care Moore, discussing her extensive career, influences, and artistic journey. Moore shares insights into her early musical influences from a diverse range of artists, crediting her parents and the cultural environment of Detroit. She delves into her evolution as an artist, blending poetry, music, and performance, with significant mentorship from elder poets such as Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Ntozake Shange, Gil Scott Heron and more. The conversation touches on her founding of Moore Black Press, experiences in Brooklyn’s seminal 90s Black Art scene, and pivotal life events that shaped her work. Moore also speaks passionately about her project 'Black Women Rock,' a festival celebrating Black women's contributions to music. Throughout, Moore reflects on the transformative power of her voice, artistic collaborations, and her refusal to be confined by traditional genres, highlighting her foundational and more recent work such as the opera 'Wild Beauty' and the genre-bending album 'We Are Scorpio.'

Ear Expansion with Onyx Ashanti

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound and evocative conversation with Onyx Ashanti, an innovative artist who merges music, technology, and self-expression. Onyx recounts his journey from early influences in Mississippi, where the church and marching band played pivotal roles, to discovering Beat Jazz and the Metabyte system. He highlights his transformative experiences at Grambling, Atlanta Underground and within the rave scenes of California and Europe, which led him to his improvisational style and unique sound creation through digital interfaces. The dialogue delves into Onyx’s explorations with tech tools like Pure Data and Arduino, enabling him to create Beat Jazz controllers that allow gestural manipulation of sound. He discusses his concept of sonocybernetic language, where sound operates as a form of communication and memory. Reflecting on his work’s emotional and philosophical dimensions, Onyx shares his vision of merging human experience with cybernetics, aiming to dissolve boundaries between tool and creator to achieve a state of perfected self-expression. The conversation concludes with a mutual reflection on artistic evolution, memory, and the cyclical nature of creativity.

Ear Expansion with Jayve Montgomery

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is in an conversation with artist Jayve Montgomery, also known as AbstractBlack, about his work and musical journey. Jayve discusses his experimentation with sound, influenced by hip hop and the Great Black Music traditions within Chicago. He also speaks about how his work tackles themes of systemic oppression, historical trauma, and black experiences. Jayve shares insights on his early sonic formations, improvisational practices, and significant projects, and the origins of his moniker 'AbstractBlack.' He also delves into his performances in unconventional spaces, public improvisation, and how these practices serves as a personal meditative and spiritual evolution. The conversation is punctuated by discussions on societal structures, collective healing through sound, and the broader continuum of black experimental music. 

Ear Expansion with Tru (Philip Patrick Harper)

This episode of Ear Expansion features host LaMont Hamilton speaking with Tru as he discusses his multifaceted journey through sound, exploring his early influences from church and family to his deep connection with hip hop and theater. Tru reflects on his evolution as an artist, highlighting his development through projects like For the Future, Sanctuary, and Indigo Rev, each emphasizing communal healing and artistic expression. He delves into his research project, Echoes, which investigates Belizean soundscapes and their diasporic connections, aiming to use sound as a tool for cultural preservation and education. Through initiatives like FTF Radio and his series 'Five Black Sound Artists You Should Know,' Tru illustrates his commitment to amplifying black voices, creating platforms for dialogue, and fostering community through interdisciplinary sound practices. The episode showcases Tru's dedication to merging personal growth with collective empowerment, celebrating the transformative power of sound and its role in shaping cultural narratives.

Ear Expansion with Nnenna Udumah aka STEMLINES

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Nnenna, exploring her musical journey, creative influences, and sonic explorations. The conversation delves into her monthly DubLab show, 'The More You Look,' which celebrates interconnected music elements in Black culture. Nnenna explains the concept behind ‘STEMLINES’ as a fusion of her interest in math- particularly, fractals. She elaborates on abstracting emotional concepts into her music through layered vocals, harmonies, and instrumentation, capturing a balance of expansion and contraction. The episode concludes with Nnenna reflecting on her musical production techniques, the theoretical significance of infinity, and her first impactful memories of sound.