Ear Expansion Podcast

Ear Expansion with Geng PTP aka KING VISION ULTRA

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton converses with Geng about his musical journey and influences. Geng PTP delves into his eclectic sonic formation, influenced by electronic music, hip hop, funk, and more from his childhood in New York City. They discuss the impacts of the city's sounds, the cultural significance of hip hop, and how pain and trauma can shape artistic expression. Geng PTP explains his approach to DJing, sampling, and the meditative dimension of looped beats in his work. They explore PTP (Purple Tape Pedigree), emphasizing its role as a collective for creative and political expression, rather than a traditional label. Geng shares insights into his sound collaging process, the importance of slowness in his work, and the deep care and reciprocity that underpin PTP. 

Ear Expansion with Sam Newsome

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep and introspective conversation with saxophonist Sam Newsome. The dialogue explores Sam's early musical formation, his experience playing post bop tenor saxophone with Terrence Blanchard, and his radical transition to solo performances on the soprano saxophone. Sam recounts his journey of finding his own voice, the challenges faced during his transitional period, and how the soprano saxophone allowed him new avenues of expression and individuality. They delve into the concept of 'instrumentational language,' the philosophical grounding behind Sam's work, and the innovative techniques he developed, including prepared saxophone methods using various materials. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the poetics of breath and the deep interdependence between Sam's breath and the soprano horn's voice, revealing an evolution from jazz orthodoxy to a sound-centered, improvisational language. The episode concludes with personal reflections on sound, resonances, and the profound lesson of staying in the moment during musical performance.

Ear Expansion with Leena Conquest

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton has a detailed conversation with Leena Conquest about her extensive musical journey. Leena shares her early exposure to sound in Dallas, Texas, her academic background at Stanford and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and her dance training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She talks about her initial steps into the music world, including her collaborations with various orchestras in Vienna and Zagreb. Leena reflects on her influences from jazz, hip-hop, and dance music, and discusses the improvisational and intuitive nature of her work. The conversation explores her experiences of integrating voice with ensembles, channeling narratives, and the impact of her dance background on her vocal techniques. Leena also opens up about the challenges and joys of holding and conveying powerful narratives through her music, citing examples from her performances with William Parker. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes and a deeper dive into how Leena connects emotionally with the music she performs.

Ear Expansion with Shara Lunon

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with vocalist and composer Shara Lunon, exploring their artistic journey which began with early musical influences from their grandmother and evolved through studies in ethnomusicology and vocal performance. Shara recounts their experiences moving through diverse musical genres, from vocal training to experimental performances, and discusses the development of their unique vocal and compositional style influenced by Brazilian Tropicália and various mentors at The New School. The conversation also delves into the significance of poetry in her work, the role of voice within an ensemble, and the societal and cultural contexts shaping their pieces '11 by 7' and 'Bitter Fruits.' Shara emphasizes the transformative power of breath, ritual, and community in their creative process, and addresses the emotional and political charge in their performances, particularly in speaking against tokenism and the marginalization of Black and Brown voices in institutional spaces.

Ear Expansion with Tisziji Muñoz

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound and heartfelt conversation with renowned musician Tisziji Muñoz. They explore the depths of Tisziji's musical journey, touching on topics such as his early influences, the spiritual impact of music, and the concept of 'spirit-taught' artistry. Tisziji shares stories about his family's musical heritage, the pivotal role of drumming in his youth, and his transition to guitar. They discuss the importance of deep communication, the metaphysical aspects of sound and silence, and how music can be a healing force. Tisziji delves into the experiences of playing with legendary musicians like Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane, emphasizing the transmission of spiritual conditions through music. The conversation also addresses the balance of light and darkness, the role of love and compassion, and the concept of 'inner attainment.' The episode concludes with Tisziji reflecting on his first memory of sound and the essence of heart sounds.

Ear Expansion with Jeremy Toussaint Baptiste

In this episode of Ear Expansion, LaMont Hamilton converses with Jeremy Toussaint Baptiste about his extensive journey and relationship with sound. The discussion delves into Jeremy's collaborative practices, emphasizing the importance of relational dynamics in his work, particularly with movement and performance artists. Jeremy reflects on his interactive and intimate art experiences during the pandemic, such as his 'phone piece,' which facilitated personal conversations through a landline phone. The conversation also explores Jeremy's complex relationship with bass frequencies, the role of no input mixing in his work, and his approach to breaking instruments as a means of sonic and imaginative exploration. Jeremy touches on his performances with the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), re-contextualizing its traditionally aggressive use into a space for communal joy and reflection. 

Ear Expansion with Vijay Iyer

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is joined by composer and pianist Vijay Iyer. Together, they reflect on music as a relational practice—shaped through presence, exchange, and the enduring trace of those we’ve moved with. Iyer recalls an early memory of shared soundmaking with his sister—an ecstatic moment of vibration and discovery that continues to echo through his relationship to the piano.
He speaks about his early studies in physics and cognitive science, not as a foundation for his music, but as a critical lens through which to question Eurocentric assumptions about sound and knowledge. Through conversation, Iyer shares how music—especially in ensemble settings—becomes a site of collective cognition, shaped by listening, response, and shared breath. He reflects on the many scales of time that shape musical experience, and the ways in which attention and sensation are entangled in the act of listening.
Toward the close, he reflects on the enduring influence of figures like Thelonious Monk, Amiri Baraka, Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, and many others—each leaving a trace that still shapes how he listens, creates, and moves forward.

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.