This Must Be The Gig

This week we're joined by the Alex Ebert. In addition to leading ImaRobot and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alex also won a Golden Globe for scoring the Robert Redford-starring film All is Lost. And now, Alex has just released his second album under his own name, I Vs. I. In this episode, host Alex discusses the record's inspiration, meeting Jim Carrey, seeing Milli Vanilli as a kid, the sequel to I Vs. I, the concept of the stage persona, and much more.  Head here for more info on Alex Ebert.  Head here for more info on this week's spotlight charity, Raising Hope. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week we're joined by the exquisitely named Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum. The trio was founded after Michael C. Hall met Peter Yanowitz and Matt Katz-Bohen while starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Though they met on Broadway, the three musicians' paths were very different. Peter was a member of The Wallflowers in the band's earliest years, and has drummed for everyone from Yoko Ono to Billy Bragg and Wilco. Matt, meanwhile, has worked with and produced a variety of acts, and has spend the last decade-plus as a member of Blondie. While Michael may be best known for starring roles in Dexter and Six Feet Under, his musical pedigree is impressive as well, including Broadway spots in Chicago, Cabaret, and Lazarus, for which he worked closely with David Bowie. Named at the suggestion of Matt's young daughter, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum just released their debut EP last week after two years of working out their psychedelic, gothic electrorock. I chatted with the trio to

Fresh off the March 13th release of their new album, Sister, Nigel Godrich and Laura Bettinson of Ultraísta join This Must Be the Gig to premiere their brand new short film directed by the band and filmed throughout London, featuring a series of interconnected videos for songs off the record. Using the London Underground as a route between the songs, Bettinson hops off at appropriately color-coded locales to deliver the vibrant electronic jams in a variety of surreal environments. In the accompanying episode of This Must be the Gig, Godrich and Bettinson dial in with host Lior Phillips to discuss details on the film's fascinating production, the origins of Sister, their histories as performers and first concerts, and so much more. Be sure to head to Consequence of Sound to catch the short film. Head here for more info on Ultraista. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review vi

As we all continue on our homebound journey, we bring you a conversation with Grammy-winning polymath, prodigy, and musical genius Jacob Collier. And because we know you're all in need of an extra bit of distraction, Jacob and host Lior Phillips built a whole lot of insight and laughter into an extra-jampacked two-hour special quarantine episode! Stay tuned for insights into how to stay creative, focused, and energized even when you're stuck inside—plus much more! Just before the wave of unfortunate tour cancellations and postponements, Jacob and Lior had scheduled a live recording of the show—only to see that unfortunately postponed due to Lior breaking her wrist while falling on a hike. While we await the rescheduling of that live recording, Jacob and Lior got on the phone to connect between their self-quarantined homes to discuss meeting Stevie Wonder and collaborating with Quincy Jones, talk about his new song released today with Kimbra and Tank and the Bangaz, dig into details on the forthcomin

We are all coming to terms with the new reality of a world dominated by COVID-19, only one aspect of which is the temporary shutdown of live music. With concerts and festivals being canceled or postponed, fans and artists alike are facing a whole new world, a new way of supporting the musicians we love, and a new way of making a living.  To gain insight into this new reality, I put in a call to Zola Jesus. The intuitive and caring indie artist also known as Nika Danilova shares her experience as an artist suddenly unable to tour, the impact that change has on her livelihood, new outlets that can help temporarily replace the feeling we get from live music, and how fans can best make a difference for artists. Be sure to follow along with us on social media as we share curated playlists, highlight organizations that are making a difference for artists, update exciting live streamed concerts, and so much more. Remember, we're all in this together, even if we're six feet apart. We hope everyone is stay

This week we're joined by all five members of psych rock outfit Post Animal. The Chicago band recently released their sophomore record, the expansive, mesmerizing Forward Motion Godyssey. The mystic, heady record is the band's star turn, full of many moods and psychedelic swirls. Plus, longtime fans may remember the outfit used to feature Joe Keery, now a star on Netflix's Stranger Things and a previous guest of this very show—so be sure to head back to the archive and listen to that episode. In addition to the roots of this incredible new record, the band and I discuss the dangers of driving the tour van through blizzards, staying connected to DIY scenes, My Chemical Romance dropping some F bombs, whether jazz hands can boost a guitarist’s solos, and so much more. Head here for more info on Post Animal. Thanks to Amor at 2112Chi, for providing space for this interview. This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. Just a week out from the release of her latest album as Soccer Mommy, Sophie Allison dials into the show to discuss her first gigs, harrowing tour experiences, and much more. After her 2018 album, Clean, blew away the indie rock scene with its assured songwriting and vibrant emotional grasp, Allison and her band returned with the even more propulsive Color Theory: a record in three parts, where each section matches a theme like mortality or doubt to a specific color. In addition to the roots of this incredible new record, Sophie and host Lior Phillips discuss the magical art of finding the right lunch spot in the middle of nowhere while on tour, downloading Kelli Clarkson, opening for Kacey Musgraves, and getting to touch Hillary Duff's hand. Head here for more info on Soccer Mommy. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and revie

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. Frontman of the legendary alt rock band Afghan Whigs Greg Dulli calls into the show this week to discuss his new solo album, Random Desire. Greg's expansive catalog features a vast array of textured, gritty darkness throughout his time with the Whigs, not to mention The Twilight Singers and Gutter Twins. But long before he was a rock icon, Greg was an R&B fanatic, and idolized Prince and has covered everyone from The Supremes to The Fugees. In addition to the roots of this new record, Greg and host Lior Phillips discuss his love of plants, dig up obscure desert island trivia, his earliest concert experiences, and so much more—including an unbelievable story of opening for Neil Young. Head here for more info on Greg Dulli. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you fin

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. This week we're honored to share a conversation with rock legend Huey Lewis. Whether you’ve been a fan since 1983’s runaway success story Sports, Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love” playing on the Back to the Future soundtrack, or even his earliest performing days with the band Clover, this chat will still be full of surprises. In addition to those career highlights and others, Huey and host Lior discuss his diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, a set of symptoms which includes partial to complete hearing loss, a tragic fate for any musician—but one Huey faces with an inspiring positivity. Lior and Huey also chat about the News’ upcoming record, Weather, his band’s first album of original music in a decade.   Head here for more info on Huey Lewis and the News. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, S

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. Coming to you live from the green room at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom, nestled up tight next to the L train tracks, this week we're excited to share a conversation with Jana Hunter of Lower Dens. The Baltimore band's take on indie pop has been adored since 2010 debut Twin-Hand Movement, and last year's incredible The Competition pushes that momentum into a higher plane of love and protection of the outcast and vulnerable. In this chat, Jana and I discuss queer and trans representation on stage, the first concert he ever saw, touring with Of Monsters and Men, and navigating the industry while staying true to intensely personal social and political messages.  Head here for more info on Lower Dens. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For i

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. After fighting through a hotel lobby brimming with influencers at a social media conference, host Lior Phillips checks in with Frances Quinlan to discuss her new solo album, Likewise. In the burst of indie guitar bands with raw-hearted lyrics and soaring emotional choruses, Hop Along have always stood out—thanks in part to Quinlan’s undeniable voice.  On her new solo project, the guitarist-vocalist mixes in a healthy dose of synth and strings. In this chat, Frances and Lior discuss tour life with Hop Along, the inspiration behind Likewise, reading Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgård on the tour bus, the perfectionism of too many vocal takes, and what it truly means to separate art from artist. Head here for more info on Frances Quinlan. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever y

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. In a brief moment not busy as a bandleader, member of The E Street Band, activist, producer, actor, writer, etc., the one and only Steven Van Zandt calls into the show. In this chat, Little Steven and host Lior Phillips discuss his new solo box set full of rare and unheard gems, his earliest memories of Bruce Springsteen, and his process as an actor. Plus, Little Steven goes deep on his experience flying from the set of Martin Scorcese's The Irishman one day to having Paul McCartney play on stage with his band the next, his charitable education work, and even the potential of an E Street Band tour in the near future. Head here for more info on Little Steven. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit ac

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. This week we bring you the latest live recording from our live event series, recorded at the Stubhub New York flagship performance space at 39th & Broadway. Host Lior Phillips is joined this month by the Queen of Disco herself, Gloria Gaynor. In addition to her new Grammy-nominated album Testimony, Lior and Gloria discuss the undeniable legacy of "I Will Survive", overcoming spinal surgery after injuring herself at a concert, her dream duet partner, and even her performance in an episode of Ally McBeal.  Head here for more info on Gloria Gaynor. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. The one and only Alicia Keys calls into the show, fresh off the release of new single "Underdog". In addition to the song's place in her upcoming album ALICIA, the pop star discusses her new book More Myself, the power of meditation, and the importance of truly being "on your bullshit." Head here for more info on Alicia Keys. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. In our last episode of the year, we're joined by Consequence of Sound's Comedian of the Year, Jenny Slate. The comedian/actor/writer calls in to discuss her new book, Little Weirds, her Netflix special, Stage Fright, and so much more. Host Lior Phillips also chats with Jenny about her fight against the misogyny of standup traditions, non-douchey meditation, and her hopes for the next year in comedy. Head here for more info on Jenny Slate. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. In a bonus second episode this week, Consequence of Sound's Composer of the Year, Daniel Lopatin, joins host Lior Phillips by phone to discuss his score from the brilliant new film Uncut Gems. In this chat, Daniel discusses his work with the Safdie Brothers on the Adam Sandler-starring thrill ride, the incongruous ability of Vangelis-indebted new age tones to produce anxiety, and the push and pull between film scoring and his work as Oneohtrix Point Never—including a tip about when to expect more 0PN music. Head here for more info on Daniel Lopatin and Oneohtrix Point Never. Head here for more info on Daniel's score for Uncut Gems. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy ---

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. This week, host Lior Phillips is joined by Paul James, star of the brand new Netflix musical romance Soundtrack. The show, from the creator of Smash, fuses big musical moments with the emotional worlds of a diverse, disparate group of individuals in contemporary Los Angeles—with a cast including Jenna Dewan, Campbell Scott, Madeleine Stowe, and more.  Prior to this big new gig, Paul starred as Calvin Owens in beloved ABC Family show Greek, as well as appearances in Torchwood, The Path, CSI, and more. Paul calls into the show to discuss the ways in which Soundtrack weaves lip-syncing music video-esque setpieces into its vibrant love stories, his experiences following Radiohead around the world, running into Moses Sumney at a sushi place, and so much more. Head here for more info on Soundtrack. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. This week we bring you a live recording of our latest live event from the Stubhub New York office at 39th & Broadway. Host Lior Phillips is joined by indie rapper Open Mike Eagle. In addition to his hip-hop career, the Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based artist also podcasts, co-hosts the Comedy Central series The New Negroes, and even recently stepped into a professional wrestling ring. In addition to chatting about his time between the turnbuckles, Lior and Mike discuss his latest LP, Brick Body Kids Still Daydream, and the meritocracy of the rap world. Other topics include seeing Common as a teenager, rapping in the back of a KFC, the upcoming return of his Secret Skin podcast, and so much more.  Head here for more info on Open Mike Eagle. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wher

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. While taking a break from his recent tour, Pete Yorn dials in from the Acast Studio in New York to discuss his new album, Caretakers, created in collaboration with Jackson Phillips of Day Wave. Plus, he shares memories of seeing Diana Ross as a child, details performing Replacements covers in the school talent show, and attempts to dig into the origins of his daughter's love of Smash Mouth. Plus, Pete shares some stories from his touring life as a new father, his experiences at the legendary Los Angeles venue Largo, working with Scarlett Johansson, and an unfortunate incident involving smoked pumpkin seeds. Head here for more info on Pete Yorn. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/priv

This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. This week, we're sharing a special interview with the Australian folk duo Little May, recorded prior to Hannah Field and Liz Drummond announcing the end of the project. Together with host Lior Phillips, Liz and Hannah finally settle the debate of Jonathan Taylor Thomas vs. Devon Sawa, the differences between Britney Spears fans and Christina Aguilera fans, and discuss a disastrous cover of Bruce Springsteen with Mumford & Sons. Plus, the duo dish on the pizza parlor origins of Little May, their journey in finding confidence as a band, first concerts with Avril Lavigne and Kylie Minogue, and their experience working with The National's Aaron Dessner on their debut album, 2015's For the Company. Head here for more info on Little May. For more from Lior Phillips and This Must Be the Gig, follow along on Instagram or Twitter, or like the show page on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify,