Ear Expansion Podcast

Ear Expansion with Anthony R Green

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a detailed and expansive conversation with composer Anthony R. Green. Green shares insights into his diverse sonic upbringing, diverse musical influences ranging from gospel and R&B to classical music, and his evolution into a composer and performance artist. Green recounts his formative years, influenced by the musical diversity experienced through his family in Rhode Island and Virginia, and his academic journey from piano to composition. He delves into his work, particularly emphasizing his passion for exploring the contributions and legacies of African American composers, his collaborative venture "Castle of Our Skins," and his commitment to social justice through art. Moreover, Green discusses his compositional philosophy illustrating how his pieces often challenge and reinterpret classical forms. The conversation illuminates Green's thoughtful approach to music, intertwining personal history, societal critique, and a quest for sonic innovation.

Ear Expansion Introduction by LaMont Hamilton

Welcome to Ear Expansion...I am your host LaMont Hamilton

Ear Expansion with LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is joined by LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs. This detailed and insightful conversation focused on her unique background in sound, particularly as a poet/vocalist/sonic experimentist, and her explorative journey with effects, synthesizers, and poetry in her performances. LaTasha shares her evolution from using her voice in unorthodox ways within the spoken word community to experimenting with electronic devices. She discusses the influences of artists and movements on her work, emphasizing improvisation, the fusion of the sonic aspects of language, and the integration of digital loops, which create multifaceted soundscapes. LaTasha also elaborates on her performance work, such as "Penny wasn't pulling no wagon," highlighting themes of labor, matriarchy, and the complexity of black identity. The dialogue encompasses her artistic philosophy, her engagement with language as sound texture, and how her performances act as a medium for trans-lingual and cultural communication, ultimately providing a profound insight into her creative process and the influences that shape her artistry.

Ear Expansion with Roman Norfleet

In this episode of Ear Expansion, a conversation unfolds between LaMont Hamilton and Roman Norfleet, centering around Norfleet's journey and insights as a deeply spiritual and musically innovative individual. Norfleet shares his journey with sound, diving into his deep connection with various communities, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant, continuation of Black Art traditions. The discussion delves into the spiritual dimension of Norfleet's music, touching on themes like communal ritual, the ephemeral nature of sound, and the blending of the cosmic with the rootedness of earthly existence. Influences from the past, including the avant-garde jazz movement and Afrocentric spirituality, frame Norfleet's sound and ethos. Throughout, the conversation shifts through notions of sound as a transformative medium, from the vibrating energies of the body to the creation of sacred spaces through breathwork and instrumentation. Albums like "Death's Door" and "Kali Yunga" are discussed as manifestos of Norfleet's sonic exploration of life, death, and the contemporary state of the world, culminating in a reflective exchange on the essence of sound, its impact, and its preservation into the future.

Ear Expansion with Sham-e Ali Nayeem

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound conversation with Sham-e Ali Nayeem, delving into the intersections of sound, poetry, and personal history. Through a reflective dialogue, Sham-e Ali shares her journey from poetry, to integrating sound into her artistic expression. This discussion further explores themes of Islamic and Sufi poetry's connection to music, the historical interweaving of sound and lyrical expression across cultures, and the deep, intricate layers of meaning and history in Sham-e Ali's albums "City of Pearls" and "Moti Ka Sheher." These works, as described, are not just artistic expressions but also deeply personal explorations of identity, exile, and the power of sound to transcend physical and temporal boundaries. The conversation encapsulates Sham-e Ali's thoughtful approach to sound as a medium for exploring grief, resistance, and the assertion of existence despite erasure.

Ear Expansion with Zachary James Watkins

In this episode Ear Expansion our guest Zachary James Watkins is in conversation with host LaMont Hamilton. This conversation explores Watkins' profound journey in the realm of sound and music, touching upon his early influences, his unique compositional techniques, and the philosophical underpinnings of his work. Watkins dives deep into his childhood, marked by a rich artistic environment and pivotal encounters. This conversation highlights Watkins' education and formative experiences with mentors like Pauline Oliveros, and his artistic evolution that integrates a meticulous approach to sound, a dedication to improvisation, and a keen sense of the emotive power of music. Watkins also discusses his recent album "Affirmative Action," revealing his intentions behind its creation, the collaborative nature of its compositions, and its socio-political context. Reflecting on his sound practice, Watkins shares insights into the complex layers of his work, from its technical aspects to its narrative depth, demonstrating a profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic art.

Ear Expansion with Joel St. Julien

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep and revealing conversation with artist Joel St. Julien. Against the backdrop of a sunny day in San Francisco, Joel shares the profound influence of his Haitian heritage, early experiences with sound, and his journey through music and sound art. Joel discusses his artistic evolution, from his initial fascination with the Casio SK 1 and the immersive experience of Radiohead's albums to his deep dive into contemporary electronic and ambient music. His exploration of sound is both a personal and spiritual practice, where instruments like the guitar and modular synthesizer become tools for innovation. Joel's work, encapsulated in albums like "Unblend" and "Dream," reflects a continuous process of experimentation, integration of diverse influences, and a quest for new sonic landscapes. The conversation also touches on themes of empathy, grief, and the therapeutic power of music, showcasing Joel's commitment to creating beauty amidst the complexities of the human condition and societal challenges.

Ear Expansion with BSA Gold

In this expansive dialogue from Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages with BSA Gold, delving into her musical journey, starting from her early experiences with the flute to her evolving as a musician and producer, eventually fully embracing her unique sonic identity. BSA Gold reflects on the poignant impact of Saturn Return, her album, and its connection to personal growth, exploration of self, and emergence as an artist. Throughout, she discusses the influence of her background, her approach to curating music spaces, and the intricacies of her practice, including the significance of breath in her work as a flautist. The conversation explores themes of transcendence, self-discovery, and the blending of various soundscapes and influences to create her distinctive sound, highlighting her passion for music and its power to evoke emotion, connect with listeners, and convey her innermost thoughts and experiences.