Ear Expansion Podcast

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.

Ear Expansion with William Parker (part two)

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton welcomes back William Parker for another in-depth discussion.  This discussion delves into the spiritual and social motivations behind his music and the broader culture. The episode explores the concept of the 'tone world,' Parker's ideas on the intersection of spirituality, music, and societal transformation, and reflects on the evolving inclusion of women in the avant-garde music scene. The two also discuss William's notable works and how silence and polyphony influence his compositions. The conversation is rich with reflections on freedom, unity, and the transcendental power of music to foster societal and personal change.

Ear Expansion with Jay Afrisando

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is in conversation with anti-disciplinary artist Jay Afrisando. The discussion spans Afrisando’s journey from early experiments with the guitar and Sibelius to exploring sonic innovations with traditional Indonesian instruments like the saluang and angklung. They delve into the interplay between tradition and innovation, aural diversity as a foundation for inclusive sonic practices, and multisensory approaches that redefine listening. Afrisando shares insights into reimagining cultural identities through sound, using constraints to inspire creativity, and addressing access through works like Embodied Music Club and Aural Architecture. This conversation offers a profound exploration of how sound, identity, and access intersect in the evolving field of auditory arts.
A Closed Captioned video of this episode is available here: https://vimeo.com/1072317024/c98e80a870

Ear Expansion with William Parker (part one)

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with legendary musician William Parker, delving into his early musical influences and his formative years in New York's Loft Scene during the 1970s. Parker recounts how the Loft Scene served as a pivotal training ground for avant-garde musicians, providing a space for artistic self-determination. He discusses his entry into the scene, the significance of key venues like Studio We, Studio RivBea, and Ali's Alley, and his interactions and collaborations with many influential musicians along the way. Parker also explains his conceptual approach to the bass, viewing it as a spiritual tool while emphasizing the oneness of sound over notes. The conversation touches on his collaborations with drummers, his spiritual and philosophical approach to music, and his efforts to document and preserve the legacy of creative musicians.