This Must Be the Gig is joined by Ólafur Arnalds.

Across his impressive career, the Icelandic composer's work has scored ballet, TV, and film, in addition to a stunning discography. Like a fusion of classical composition, modernists like Arvo Part, and his own background in punk, Ólafur's compositions tap into an immense well of emotion and deliver surreal heights. His latest album, Some Kind of Peace, appropriately places his face directly on the cover, eyes closed as if in the middle of a dream and that powerfully personal and intimate feeling swims throughout the record.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Ólafur about his old hardcore band, Fighting Shit, his introduction to composing through German metal band Heaven Shall Burn, what makes his new album his most personal, touring with Sigur Ros, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Ólafur Arnalds.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, The National Independent Venue Association.

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 Must Be the Gig is joined by Local Natives.

As two of the founding members of the Southern California band, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn first came together when they were just high schoolers. Not long later, Local Natives' debut record Gorilla Manor solidified their radiant credentials. Over a decade later, the five-piece have now released four studio albums and spread their sunshine and wonder at festivals and sold-out shows around the world. Most recently, the band put out the four-track Sour Lemon EP, collaborated with Sharon Van Etten, and put together an incredible live-streamed concert for eager fans.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Taylor and Ryan about playing shows in living rooms early in their career, idolizing At the Drive-In, working with The National's Aaron Dessner, keeping sane as a new parent during quarantine, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Local Natives.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Good Kids Mad City.

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

The brilliant Katie Stelmanis of Austra joins the show this week to discuss her latest album and adjusting to life in the pandemic. After performing in other bands, Katie launched the Austra project in 2009, and since then has been producing some of the thoughtful, enigmatic electronic rock out there. While the pandemic may have delayed your opportunity to see her bring that music to life, her new LP, HiRUDiN, was released at the beginning of May, and offers an equally emotional ride. The album’s title is taken from a chemical found in the saliva of leeches, a substance that thickens blood prior to consumption--a process that is achieved in the sticky tracks that just dig right into your veins and refuse to let go.

In this chat, Lior Phillips spoke with Katie about how opera proved her gateway to performance, the power of a good show in Eastern Europe, seeing NSYNC as a teen, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Austra.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Chicago West Community Music Center.

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

Johnny Marr calls into the podcast from the roof of his recording studio to chat with host Lior Phillips about new album Call the Comet, his dream gig, the superstitions that keep his performances supercharged, and much more. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty, better known as Scottish indie pop outfit CHVRCHES. The trio discuss their favorite hobbies to fill days off while on tour, new album Love Is Dead, and their secretive first shows—including a heated discussion over beer cases. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with Adam Duritz, frontman of Counting Crows, about the gigs that changed his life, the anniversary of August and Everything After, and the genesis of Adam's own podcast and festival, Underwater Sunshine. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack of Wye Oak about the rigors of tour life, mental health outreach for musicians, and gaining confidence in your inner voice. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with Phil Elverum of Mount Eerie and The Microphones, from a hotel room studio at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival in Calgary. Lior and Phil discuss facing death with music, the escape of heavy metal, his upcoming live album, and his family's pet gorilla. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with Ed, Greg, and John from Deerhoof, from a makeshift studio at the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival in Calgary. The group get into a real gigglefest as they discuss accents, putting together setlists, the World Cup, feeling confident onstage, and Zakk Wylde's underwear. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Our lucky eleventh episode features the wonderful Patrick Stickles of Titus Andronicus! Host Lior Phillips chats with Patrick about the similarities between music and politics, a life-changing Sleater-Kinney gig, rowdy crowds, and Titus Andronicus' new album, A Productive Cough. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips chats with John Linnell, one of the Johns from They Might Be Giants. Lior and John dig into the genesis of the Dial-A-Song project, touring with the Pixies early in the band's career, the majesty of the contra-alto clarinet, and They Might Be Giants' new album, I Like Fun. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

If you couldn't tell from the name of the show, host Lior Phillips is a dedicated, lifelong Talking Heads fanatic—and this week she's joined by none other than David Byrne! Lior catches up with the former Talking Heads frontman and choreographer Annie-B Parson backstage before a recent show to chat about the brilliance of the duo's production on Byrne's American Utopia tour and much more. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips is joined by Eleanor Friedberger, who shares some amazing insight on the world behind her new album, Rebound. From her experiences touring the world with her brother as The Fiery Furnaces to being watched by Lou Reed, this week's show is full of surprising twists and turns. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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, we're joined by the incredible and hilarious Simon Neil, vocalist/guitarist of Biffy Clyro. Since their foundation in 1995, the Scottish hard rock band have built an incredible resume and an adoring following, drawing massive crowds at festivals around the world. Simon is often at the front of that charge, almost never wearing a shirt, rampaging his way across the stage.

The trio's upcoming album, A Celebration of Endings, was intended to be released in May, but has since been delayed until August. That difficult choice is fitting for the record, which focuses on getting through some of life's most trying, dark moments and the lessons that come out on the other side. In the meantime, I spoke with Simon about how the pandemic will change the future of touring music, sharing drinks with Dave Grohl, getting upstaged by Martin Scorsese while opening for the Rolling Stones, and completely underwhelming Lars Ulrich of Metallica.

Head here for more info on Biffy Clyro.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, My Block, My Hood, My City.

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

Host Lior Phillips is joined by The National's Aaron Dessner and festival cofounder Brian Appel to discuss how they curate the ideal experience at Boston Calling. From Aaron's keys to building a multidisciplinary lineup to what exactly Natalie Portman has in store for attendees, this episode will prep you for the weekend's festivities. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Vivid Seats. 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

Host Lior Phillips checks in from the Red Bull Music Festival, live from Brooklyn. The month-long festival has just hit its halfway point, so Lior caught up with the head of programming for Red Bull Music, Adam Shore, as well as Tristan Perich, who premiered an impressive composition for 50 violins and 50 one-bit speakers at the festival. 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

Host Lior Phillips is joined by Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz to discuss topics ranging from her band's new album, Twerp Verse, to the impact of seeing Gwen Stefani and No Doubt for her first concert. In addition, they chat about what it's like to have a dog named after you, the power of a good cup of tea, and Sadie's parents' time in the music industry. 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

After his ear drum was ruptured at an overly loud concert, Jackson Mann knew he needed to take ear safety more seriously—and in fact went on to found his own company, Vibes, which produces reusable high-fidelity ear plugs that make live entertainment safer and less damaging. In this episode of This Must Be The Gig, host Lior Phillips chats with Mann about the potential damage that could come from repeated exposure to loud sound, tips for healthy ears, and the work that Vibes is doing to improve the ear health of fans around the world. 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

Host Lior Phillips is joined by Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans, to discuss topics ranging from the band's inception, to getting put in a headlock by Iggy Pop backstage at a festival, to the supergroup behind his new solo album. In addition, Lior and Burgess chat about moving from Hollywood to the forests of England, selling gear to The Beastie Boys in exchange for recording tips, and the lasting impact of cult punk band Crass. 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

With the first weekend of Coachella in the rearview mirror, Lior is joined by Consequence publisher and founder Alex Young, as well as host of The Morning AMp on Vocalo radio, Jill Hopkins, to discuss Beyoncé's life-changing headlining set—oh, and all the other highlights, too.  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

Host Lior Phillips is joined by Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson to discuss how touring and performing has changed since the band's 1990s inception, the long line of women musicians that inspired her, and the secrets of her "witch" powers.

They also dig into breaking down barriers in the industry, Shirley's first concert, finding authenticity on stage in the modern age, and running into Joe Strummer on the street in Edinburgh as a child. This episode will feel like sitting in the green room and listening to old friends chat about facing down bottle-tossing fans and disinterested festival crowds, the camaraderie in the "sisterhood" of music, and the challenge of sustaining a career for multiple decades. 






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 Must Be the Gig gives backstage access to passionate fans worldwide. Hosted by music journalist and festival-globetrotter, Lior Phillips, the show features conversations with headlining musicians, up-and-coming artists, music industry personalities, and notable journalists about the wild wild world of live music - as well as the latest news reports from the biggest tours and the festival scene.

In this preview episode, Lior shares her formative first concerts and gives a taste of what's to come: dishing on behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and dissecting breaking festival and tour news. Early episodes will feature legendary musicians like Garbage's Shirley Manson, The Charlatans' Tim Burgess, and Eleanor Friedberger, while future episodes will include conversations with festival founders on the way they dream up lineups, set designers on how the most imaginative stages become reality, app developers on the future of virtual and augmented reality at festivals, and buzzing artists on what it’s like to tour a new country for the first time. 

Every fan has a story about the gig that changed their life—and so does every musician. Capturing the feeling of singing along with thousands of other fanatics, the lights flashing, the roar for an encore, the second the whole world outside this perfect moment disappears: This Must Be the Gig.


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

On this week's episode, we're joined by the inimitable, the powerful Jehnny Beth. There are incredibly few performers with Jehnny's intensity, including in her time as the vocalist for post-punk band Savages. Seeing her walk across the outstretched hands of the fans at the front of the crowd is a serious wow moment. That energy has not been contained only in Savages, as Jehnny has also acted, hosted radio and TV shows, and has an upcoming book about sexual liberation and transgression, which was produced with her partner Johnny Hostile.

This month, Jehnny released her first album under her own name, To Love Is To Live. Rather than a solo album, she has dubbed it a "personal album." Thanks in part to her collaborative process with artists such as The XX’s Romy Madley Croft and Flood, To Love Is To Live is a triumph, Jehnny's voice honed to an incredibly fine point that she wields with curiosity and passion.

In this chat, Lior Phillips speaks with Jehnny about the album's origins, her earliest performance experiences, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Jehnny Beth.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, EAT Chicago.

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, This Must Be the Gig is joined by Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. Since emerging as one of the most exciting voices of the '90s with hits like "Slide" and "Iris", the Goo Goo Dolls have continued to incessantly tour the world, contribute to massive soundtracks, and release new albums that slot in perfectly with fan favorites. Johnny and bassist Robby Takac have now released twelve LPs, including last year's Miracle Pill. As a taste of that record, we're thrilled to share their latest single, "Fearless", in this episode. Plus, if you want more Goo Goo Dolls, you'll be able to catch their "Live From Home" performances this month while the band's unable to tour.

Head here for more info on Goo Goo Dolls.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Assata's Daughters.

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, This Must Be the Gig is joined by Ana Perrote, vocalist/guitarist of Hinds. The Madrid-based indie rockers first made their name for raucous live shows and gleeful garage rock off their 2016 debut Leave Me Alone. As the years have gone by, they've further refined and enriched their sound, growing more confident and boisterous without losing any edge. Last week marked the release of their third record, the excellent The Prettiest Curse, which expands the band's sound to include more instruments, more production, and a whole lot of energy. In this conversation recorded in February, Ana and Lior discuss telling off misogynists in the industry, starting the band as a two-piece, why it took longer to catch on in their native Spain than the rest of the world, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Hinds.

Head here for more information on this week's featured non-profit, Brave Space Alliance Chicago.

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

We at This Must Be the Gig wanted to share this brief recording to say that our hearts and our minds are with the communities perpetually devastated by police violence, and with the people protesting that tragic reality. We wanted to use this moment to share resources to educate and ways to make a tangible impact. We are not experts, and are compiling information from black voices we’ve learned from in the hopes that we can work together as a community to listen and learn.

Black lives matter. Rest in power to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Collins Khosa, Sibusiso Amos, and countless other black men and women murdered. Say their names. We love you all, and hope you stay safe and healthy.

*Please excuse some echoes in the audio. We didn't have the opportunity to head into the studio to record, but felt the message was important enough to deliver in whatever way we could. All resources mentioned in the recording are available at our Facebook page.

The resource list can also be found here.

This week, This Must Be the Gig is joined by actor, filmmaker, musician, and fearless activist Rose McGowan. Known for her roles in films like Scream and Jawbreaker and TV shows like Charmed, Rose's recent life has been dedicated to bringing the horrors of abusers such as Harvey Weinstein to light and to justice—a subject she faces with boundless fortitude.

Most recently, she has turned her passion towards making music, namely the new album Planet 9. Rose envisioned this alternate planet as a child, and has shared an album encapsulating the feeling of hope, escape, and light for herself and for listeners as a comfort, solace, and respite. In this chat, Rose and host Lior Phillips discuss what it took to bring Planet 9 to life, speaking your truth, using music as mind medicine, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Rose McGowan.

Head here to buy Planet 9 on Bandcamp, where Rose will donate 20% of proceeds to COVID-19 relief organizations.

Head here for more information on how to support the Nonceba Shelter for Women, as well as Ashley Kaimowitz's powerful documentary, Uthando Labatwana — For the Love of Our Children.

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

On today's episode, host Lior Phillips and Engineer Adam celebrate 100 episodes of This Must Be the Gig. After compiling votes from listeners, the duo reflect on 12 fan favorite episode and share key clips. Special memories include Mike Patton reflecting on his music piracy while working at a record store, Alicia Keys recognizing herself in music as a teen, and Jacob Collier contextualizing the process of learning music theory. Plus, Lior and Adam look back at powerful moments with David Byrne, Shirley Manson, and Jenny Slate. And don't forget to stay tuned to the end of the episode for a surprise look at next week's astounding guest!

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

JoJo burst onto the scene at only 14 years old with her 2004 debut single "Leave (Get Out)", an incredible, soulful jam that is already stuck in your head just from reading the title. After releasing two albums as a teen, a dispute with her label led to those tracks being held away for years from any and every online streaming or purchase outlet. After settling the dispute in 2014, she re-recorded the albums and started putting out new music, conveying a newfound strength and ownership of her voice. And that's not even mentioning her acting career, starring in films such as RV and Aquamarine.

Today that evolution continues, with her new album, good to know. JoJo breaks her story into three clear chapters, detailing excess, self-realization, and growth in soulful R&B-tinged tunes. In this chat, JoJo discusses sharing her life's trials and joys, what she learned from the late Robin Williams, her Quarantine Island Discs, dreaming of Joni Mitchell, and so much more.

Head here for more info on JoJo.

Head here for Lior's interview with JoJo for the Grammys.

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

The absolute legends and loveliest of people, Sylvan Esso join the podcast this week for a delightful chat. The duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn produce some of the most propulsive, explosive, heart-pumping tunes and lead the biggest dance parties at festivals around the world. It's nearly impossible to pick a favorite song between their two albums, but luckily last week's surprise live album and concert film collect them all in a perfect bundle. The record is a deliriously beautiful document of their 2019 WITH tour, a sold-out jaunt that saw Sylvan Esso perform on classic stages, such as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, New York's Beacon Theater, and LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall. Plus, those performances featured an expanded live band, including former podcast guest Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak, Amelia's bandmates in Mountain Man on harmonies, and Adam Schatz of Landlady, among others.

In this episode, Nick and Amelia chat with host Lior Phillips about what it took to bring those shows to life, adding saxophone, bass clarinet, and two percussionists to their sound, the Michelin Man inspiration behind Amelia's incredible stage costume, details from the duo's soon-to-be released third album, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Sylvan Esso.

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 Must Be the Gig is joined by Netta.

The Israeli artist won the esteemed Eurovision contest in 2018, sealing the victory with the brilliant and quirky "Toy". Utilizing a loop station to accentuate her resonant, powerful voice, Netta has since dominated stages around the world and seen her music spread like wildfire, including "Toy" becoming a massive force on TikTok. Between a video series called Netta's Office and a viral cover of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" for Disney, the Tel Aviv-based singer has found appropriately unique ways to keep creative and connected with fans through quarantine.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Netta about connecting to the Beatles in school, what it was like participating in Eurovision, her appearance in the Will Ferrell film based on the contest, recording her new album, and so much more.

Head here for more info on Netta.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, Chicago Birthworks Collective.

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 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 discuss touring with a Broadway production, their first times playing together, the origin of Matt's Jew-tah nickname, their first concerts, Michael's propensity for on-stage mishaps, and much more. Head here for more info on Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum. 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

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 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

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 forthcoming third edition of his Djesse series, and learn just exactly how to play the audience as an instrument. Head here for more info on Jacob Collier. This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. 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

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 staying safe and practicing social distancing during this global pandemic. Remember to go to www.who.int/, and stick around for a new take on the Live Show of the Week, brought to you by Stubhub. Be sure to wash your hands before and after listening! Thanks to Rudi Petry for the graphic assist, Ilana Butler for the insight and care, and Zola Jesus for the perspective. Head here for more info on Zola Jesus. Head here for more info on Koir. Head here for Zola Jesus's Patreon. This week's episode is brought to you by Stubhub. 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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, 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. 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 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 Must Be the Gig is joined by Tawny Newsome and Bethany Thomas.

You may know Tawny as one of the stars of TV shows like Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Space Force, as well as the co-host of Yo, Is This Racist? and a frequent guest of podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang. You may know Bethany, meanwhile, for her celebrated musical and theatrical work on Chicago stages such as Steppenwolf and the Green Mill, performing everything from a Gershwin opera to alt country. Before all that, Tawny and Bethany spent years together in Chicago as for-hire backup singers for tribute and cover bands, forging an intense friendship and musical connection, including time as members of UK punk hero John Langford's Four Lost Souls. This week, Tawny and Bethany's long history of collaboration culminates in their first album under their own names, the explosive and magnetic Material Flats.

In this chat, Lior spoke with Tawny and Bethany about chasing their own sound after supporting other voices for years, how their passion for music thrives alongside acting careers, the influence of Devo and the Talking Heads, the difference between recording dialog for Star Trek: Lower Decks and recording music (hint: tequila is involved), and so much more.

Head here for more info on Tawny and Bethany.

Head here for more info on Tawny Newsome.

Head here for more info on Bethany Thomas.

Head here for more information on this week's featured organization, World Central Kitchen.

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'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 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 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 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. 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://anchor.fm/app

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 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. 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 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. 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 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