Ear Expansion Podcast

Ear Expansion with Kamari Carter

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages with Kamari Carter—a producer, performer, sound designer, and installation artist—in a deep and insightful conversation. They discuss Kamari's early influences from cartoons, video games, and his music education which helped shape his understanding of sound as a medium of storytelling. The discussion then moves to Kamari's work using police dispatch audio in installations like Event Horizon, Patriot Act, and Codes, reflecting on power, governance, and the sonic landscape. Kamari also talks about pieces like 'A Ballad for Black Blood' and 'Landline Lifeline,' which address themes of Black death, memory, and the emotional charge carried by fragmented materials. Kamari’s series, including Vexilary and Room Tone, are explored in terms of their minimalistic but powerful symbolic content, including the American flag reconfigured with musical notations. The episode concludes with Kamari sharing his thoughts on sound memories and the emotional resonance of everyday sounds, alongside his approach to creating art that's both critical and reflective without being overly didactic.

Ear Expansion with elijah jamal asani

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound conversation with multidisciplinary artist Elijah. They discuss Elijah's early sound memories, which are deeply tied to his father’s rhythmic drum playing in rural Kansas that connected him to his heritage. Elijah delves into the concept of softness in his art, relating it to prayer, longing, and desire. The conversation explores how Elijah integrates sound, film, poetry, and visual art to convey deep emotional states and how he uses syntax and titling to enhance multi-sensory experiences. The dialogue further extends to the themes of nature, environment, and their intrinsic connections to personal and spiritual identity. Elijah reflects on his recent return to the place of his birth, near the Wimah River, and how this connection informs his creative process. The episode concludes with Elijah discussing the spiritual technology of sound, memories, and longing, positioning them as tools for deep emotional and spiritual resonance.

Ear Expansion with Pheeroan akLaff

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep conversation with acclaimed drummer Pheeroan akLaff. The discussion begins with Pheeroan's early musical influences growing up in Detroit, a city rich in black sonic imagination and cultural history. Pheeroan reminisces about his early experiences in rhythm, initially shaped by his parents' love for jazz and reinforced through his spiritual involvement in the AME Church. He reflects on foundational moments such as hearing Alice Coltrane perform live and being mentored by artists like Marcus Belgrave and Travis Biggs. The conversation also explores Pheeroan's time in New York's vibrant loft scene of the 1970s, where he collaborated with icons like Rashied Ali, Oliver Lake, and Wadada Leo Smith, developing a unique approach to rhythm and musical expression. Pheeroan further delves into his travels in Africa during the 1980s, meeting influential figures like Fela Kuti and how these experiences deepened his understanding of rhythm as a form of communal and spiritual practice. The episode concludes with Pheeroan discussing his current work, his work with PHP (Serpentine Story), and his continuous quest to blend spirituality with musical innovation.

Ear Expansion with Luis Perez Ixoneztli

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned musician and ethno-musicologist Luis Perez Ixoneztli. They delve into Luis's early musical formations, his journey through various bands, and his self-taught instrumental skills. Luis recounts his profound personal and artistic exploration into pre-Columbian music and indigenous Mexican instruments, highlighting significant moments like his spiritual epiphany in Chiapas and his sacrificial life dedication to developing his unique musical language. The discussion moves to Luis's experiences using caves and natural environments for their acoustic properties, and his endeavor to record inside these resonant spaces. They also discuss his albums, including 'Ipan In Xiktli Metztli' and 'Santuario De Mariposas,' as well as his efforts to preserve and transmit his knowledge of indigenous instruments through manuals and workshops aimed at younger generations, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual essence imbued in these instruments. The episode closes with Luis reflecting on the importance of sound, environmental acoustics, and his lifelong commitment to musical and cultural heritage.

Ear Expansion with Qasim Naqvi

In this episode of Ear Expansion, LaMont Hamilton is in conversation with electronic musician and expansive composer Qasim Naqvi. Naqvi discusses his early musical influences, particularly his time as a drummer and his exposure to jazz and experimental music. He talks about his work with the acoustic trio Dawn of MIDI and his transition into creating solo sonic practice. The conversation delves into his creative processes and collaborations behind various albums, including 'Fjøløy,' 'Preamble,' 'Teenages,' 'Beta,' 'Two Centuries,' and his upcoming project 'Endling.' Naqvi also reflects on how historical and contemporary global events have influenced his current practice, making his creative work a means of processing and responding to these events. 

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.