Ear Expansion Podcast

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.

Ear Expansion with Angel Bat Dawid

In this compelling episode of Ear Expansion, avant-garde clarinetist and composer Angel Bat Dawid shares her profound connection with music that began in her family's church and expanded during her childhood in Africa. The conversation navigates her musical journey through what she calls "Great Black Music" dispelling various industry imposed genres, including funk, jazz, classical, and gospel. Angel discusses her experiences with racial discrimination in music institutions, fueling her dedication to and building within the tradition of 'Great Black Music' all while  fostering community-focused music initiatives. Her commissioned piece 'Requiem for Jazz' honors the history of black music while offering an extension to Ed Bland's 1959 documentary Cry of Jazz. The discussion covers the spiritual and cultural significance of her work, her upbringing surrounded by esoteric religious teachings, and her role as an educator. Angel emphasizes the power of acknowledging ancestors, the importance of preserving cultural artifacts, and the impact of myth, spirit, and breath in creating new realities. The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative power of music in emotional healing and the deeper cultural narratives within Black music.

Ear Expansion with Jahon Mikal

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Jahon Mikal discusses the multifaceted nature of his musical practice, which includes roles as a playwright, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. Jahon reflects on the origins of his musical journey, starting with playing marimbas at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center and participating in church choirs and musicals. He describes the influence of astrology on his music and shares insights into the evolution of his sound and compositions. Jahon delves into specific albums such as 'Medulla Transmission', highlighting its experimental and personal nature, and 'Thor and I', an instrumental project inspired by visions and synthesizers. Additionally, he explores 'Subtle Star Recalibration Loops', an ambient album created with a polarity concept based on the Zodiac, and his musical 'Waspecalf', which addresses themes of capitalism, corporate hegemony, and the environment. Jahon's introspective conversation offers a deep dive into his creative processes and inspirations.

Ear Expansion with Damon Locks

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Damon Locks discusses his extensive musical and visual art journey, emphasizing the intersections between his practices. Starting from his formative years influenced by punk music, he details his experiences with bands like Trenchmouth and The Eternals and their sonic evolution. He highlights how his interest in visual art, inspired by his mother, led to an exploration of collage techniques in both mediums. Damon elaborates on how teaching in correctional facilities influenced his sound work and describes how his Black Monument Ensemble evolved from solo projects to a collective effort reflecting black artistic excellence. His recent collaboration with Rob Mazurek, 'New Future City Radio,' and upcoming projects like 'Listening Device' and 'Recording Device' are also discussed, showcasing his commitment to creating vibrant, thought-provoking art.