Ear Expansion Podcast

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.

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.