Ear Expansion Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.