Ear Expansion Podcast

Ear Expansion with Kareem Samara

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Kareem Samara delves into his musical journey influenced by his father's love for classic rock and his mother's classical Arabic music. He describes his early interactions with music, from creating mixtapes in junior school to formal learning with his Lebanese oud teacher. Kareem discusses his unique approach of blending the oud with electronic effects and improvisation, and how his Palestinian heritage and current geopolitical events shape his music. He addresses the tension between his identity and his activism, underscoring the importance of representing Palestinian resistance through his art. The conversation also highlights his collaboration on the 'Thin Blue Border' album, exploring themes of global humanitarian crises and the arbitrary nature of borders.

Ear Expansion with Carlos Niño

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton converses with Carlos Niño about his rich and evolving journey in the realms of sound and music. Carlos reflects on his early musical influences, his extensive work in radio, and the formation of his collaborative spirit through projects like Build an Ark. The discussion highlights the importance of his various mentors in shaping his artistic path, his philosophy of viewing music as a form of living expression, and the profound impact of collective improvisation or "breath" in his work. Carlos shares insights into his creative processes, including his approach to using diverse instruments and sounds, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, nature, and music. The episode also touches on Carlos's inspirations from iconic figures such as Iasos and Pharaoh Sanders and his dedication to sharing the essence of life through sonic moments, and his broader vision of music as a reflection of universal harmony and love.

Ear Expansion with Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn

In this episode of Ear Expansion, the spotlight is on Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn, a music historian, writer and DJ from West Baltimore. This conversation delves into his musical journey from early experimentation in hip-hop production through his entry into writing and finally his establishment of the cow:Music label through Astral Spirits Records. Gabriel reflects on the profound influence of his family and cultural heritage on his artistic path, emphasizing a personal, non-traditional approach to music criticism. The conversation extends into the significance of a black-owned label and the challenges faced in organizing events. Throughout, Gabriel emphasizes the power of music to provide solace and community and his interdisciplinary efforts through the cow:Arts program, which aims to bridge various art forms. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion of sound's emotional impacts, with hopes for future collaborations fostering a deep, shared appreciation for artistic expression.

Ear Expansion with Matana Roberts

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton converses with Matana Roberts to explore their extensive and multifaceted career as a composer, band leader, sound experimentalist, and visual artist. This conversation delves into Roberts' Coin Coin series, their diverse upbringing, and their evolution as an influential figure in experimental music. The discussion highlights their family's history, the importance of ancestral roots, and their unique artistic methods that intertwine storytelling with abstract sound compositions. The episode also addresses the dynamics of gender in the music industry, with Roberts sharing their experiences. The profound conversation further touches on the therapeutic aspects of exploring and reclaiming ancestral trauma, practices of self-care, and the powerful role of communal singing and sound in spiritual and emotional healing.

Ear Expansion with Ana Lira

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Ana Lira, a multidisciplinary artist renowned for her work in visual arts, documentary, and social communications, delves into her journey through Brazilian cultural narratives. The discussion addresses themes of collective memory, social justice, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities in Brazil, including women, black, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ populations. Lira shares her early sound practices shaped by her cultural heritage and emphasizes the integration of activism in her artistry. She introduces 'matutar,' a reflective life and art approach, and underscores the significance of initiating projects with probing questions. The episode explores her course on sound art as an anti-colonial technology, focusing on the importance of deep listening in contrast to the fast-paced modern listening technologies. Contributions from various sound artists are acknowledged, highlighting connections between Afro-Diasporic cultures and communities.

Ear Expansion with Abdul-Hakim Bilal

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton interviews Abdul Bilal Hakim, also known as Grey Wulf, about their sonic and spiritual journey. The discussion covers Abdul's early formation in sound, the influence of his Afro-Indigenous background, and the impact of artists like Keiji Haino and Stephen O'Malley. Abdul recounts their transformative experiences, such as working in Alaska and undergoing spiritual rituals led by their mentor. They explore the themes of their music, including cathartic sound exploration, spiritual transformation, and the evolution reflected in their albums. The episode highlights Abdul's growth from creating music rooted in rage and guilt to expressing joy and self-acceptance while maintaining a deep connection with his spiritual practices.

Ear Expansion with Kennedy Verrett

In this episode of Ear Expansion, the host LaMont Hamilton speaks with Kennedy Verrett, a multi-faceted composer, pianist, and sound researcher, about his diverse and extensive career. Kennedy shares his evolution from a childhood fascination with nature to a professional life dedicated to sound studies, including notable projects like 'Soundcheck Earth' and his field research in places like Joshua Tree and Alaska. He explains his unique methods involving spectrograms and field recordings, delving into the relationship between natural sounds and his compositions. The discussion also highlights his improvisational works, specifically his harmonic explorations. Additionally, Kennedy discusses 'Burnside Sessions,' a collaborative community project that transitioned from his Portland studio to an international online forum. Lastly, he introduces 'SoundSense,' his podcast dedicated to exploring the science of sound and its connection to music, enriching listeners' auditory experiences with immersive soundscapes and thought-provoking discussions.

Ear Expansion with Thavius Beck

In this episode of 'Ear Expansion,' Thavius Beck delves into his extensive career as an instrumentalist, producer, and electronic music educator. The conversation explores Thavius' early musical influences, starting from his childhood experiences with instruments like the saxophone and bass guitar, to his later fascination with electronic samplers and synthesis. Beck reflects on his role in the LA music scene and his involvement with the influential hip-hop collective Global Phlowtations Artist Committee (GPAC). He speaks about his musical inspirations, such as Jean-Luc Ponty and Public Enemy’s Bomb Squad, and discusses the concept of sound collage and the emotional and physical impact of music. Throughout, Thavius provides personal insights into his creative process and his philosophical approach to music as an expressive medium.

Ear Expansion with LuFuki

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host engages in an in-depth conversation with LuFuki, a historian specializing in the contributions of Muslims to Black music, guitarist, composer, curator, and founder/co-founder of several musical collectives. LuFuki discusses his late start with the guitar, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and John McLaughlin, and how his practice expanded into larger compositions. He reflects on music as a spiritual practice and its role in promoting unity. The conversation also delves into his curation of the X Roads exhibition, which explores Malcolm X's connections to jazz and civil rights, and contrasts his influence on jazz and hip hop. Additionally, LuFuki expounds on his musical projects like the Love and Light Duo and Divine Providence, which aim to connect hearts through sound and promote social action. He explains the integration of diverse musical traditions into his work and the importance of collective improvisation. The dialogue emphasizes the spiritual and introspective elements embedded in his music practice and how they resonate with his Sufi beliefs, ultimately aiming to foster solidarity and understanding through sound.

Ear Expansion with Rena Anakwe

In this episode of Ear Expansion, artist Rena Anakwe reflects on her 15-year journey as a sound artist, exploring sound collage and sound healing. Growing up in a Nigerian immigrant household in Canada, Rena became a self-taught DJ and sound artist, using everyday sounds and field recordings to create emotional narratives. She discusses projects like 'Sometimes I Lose My Words' and 'From My Window: Dreams, Hopes, and Disappointments,' and how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced her work. The conversation highlights her thesis project at NYU's ITP program, her creation of immersive healing environments, and her focus on accessibility in wellness practices. Rena also delves into the therapeutic potential of sound for mental health and supporting marginalized communities, sharing personal anecdotes and the challenges of navigating the music scene and the industrial wellness industry.