Explore every episode of the podcast SemaFORECAST

We discuss:

• How Thomas discovers new music
• What draws Thomas to shoegaze
• Which subreddits he finds the most success in posting
• What made you decide to become a member of right chord music 
• His prior life managing bands
• The music scene in Germany and traveling in America to see shows

Black Market Playlist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmarketplaylist/?hl=en

All Links: https://linktr.ee/blackmarketplaylist?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn-VjbR4XHM00tb50nOrPV2OX8ie7PBTQRVgEg059J-BV0e8DXpm5KZtzLHIA_aem_DPieTzKnNq_oDJzm8Qqvzw

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• How booking shows has changed since the 90s
• Dyami’s favorite closed venus
• importance of flyering/ show posters
• Booking at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square
• Collective Effort Fest

Collective Effort
CE's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collective_effort_nyc/?hl=en

CE's Links: https://linktr.ee/Collective_Effort_NYC?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn4hhNi4c6mIsDKU1wBHbZ3ITf9tMD1Hhb2uxRMY8YFuDDVpSfvXsm_V4Hd98_aem_K3ZCWqChI-5LMIoB2BBGvQ

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Palestinian Dabke
• Sneaking CDs into Saudi Arabia
• Singing Arabic with a Tom Delonge accent
• Learning a chapter of the Quran to get a guitar from his uncle
• Toyota commercials
• The Crow and Yu Yu Hakusho

Adam Elara/ Sikeen

Adam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamelara/

Sikeen's links: https://linktr.ee/sikeenmusic

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• The lessening of the purity of Black Metal
• The progression of Ashbringer’s sound
• what color do you most directly connect with the aesthetics of the band?
• How do you get better at mixing and mastering over the years?
• Some Kind of Monster

Ashbringer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbringermusic/?hl=en 

Bandcamp: https://ashbringermusic.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• Is Alkaline Trio the best power trio?
• Are drummers the wild cards of the band
• Future Breed concert pics
• Do**ing Nate’s old landlord
• Cat Fights
• The meaning of their song names

Declaw:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declawtheband

Bandcamp: https://declawtheband.bandcamp.com/album/declaw

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• the use of tape manipulation in a band setting
• improvisation and french horns, and Sun 0)))
• Logos
• Modularity of design a setlist
• Visual art that inspires the band

Plastic:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plastic.nyc/

Bandcamp: https://nycplastic.bandcamp.com/album/crabwalk-2

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• The magic of polaroid
• The photography of Ray Johnson and Fluxus Art
• Indigo Children 
• Extended photography techniques
• Luke’s lineage of photography
• Taking photos of Chernobyl
• The New Brunswick Basement scene

Luke Ivanovich:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czukphoto

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Is it easier to write a sub 4-minute long or 10+ min
• What magic food would they have in their cauldron
• Designing book covers
• Which super hero is each member
• We play an improv game 😳🤪

Strega Nona:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streganonaband/?hl=en
Bandcamp: https://streganonanyc.bandcamp.com/album/walk-in-beauty

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Long Island Hardcore
• The bands that Chris has opened for
• PBR being the beer for indie rockers
• The Crow soundtrack and being a POC in alt-rock music
• The NYC/London connection
• Taking part in the Mentorship program at the Musician’s Institute 

Warmachine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealwarmachine/?hl=en
Bandcamp: https://warmachine.bandcamp.com/album/project

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Opening for TAGABOW
• Favorite alternate tunings
• The max number of boyfriends one is allowed
• what they miss about being 13

Warmachine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealwarmachine/?hl=en
Bandcamp: https://warmachine.bandcamp.com/album/project

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Every band Jordyn's been in
• The Exploding in Sound scene in Brooklyn
• Living in every major Northeast city
• The Powepuff Girls
• Yoshi's Story

Smile Machine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordynblakely_/?hl=en
Bandcamp: https://smilemachineband.bandcamp.com/album/bye-for-now

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Having a first album as a live improv album
• The best new York bands
• Working with Colin Mohnacs
• The art of Yeji Moon
• Why Indie Sleeze is a dumb name
• Scranton, PA
• The concept of “big ghost energy”
• Bill DeBalsio’s real name

Book/Spirit:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookspiritband/
Bandcamp: https://bookspirit.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• Curating compilations
• Other labels he’s inspired by
• Open D tuning and The Tallest Man on Earth
• Baby Rat Studios (is where the heart is)
• The best Gene Hackman movies

Husbands:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/husbands_bos/
Bandcamp: https://husbandsbos.bandcamp.com/

Candlepin Records:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlepin_records
Bandcamp: https://candlepinrecords.bandcamp.com/merch

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• The magic of Criagslist 
• The LA Hardcore scene
• The influence of Mogwai
• The best spiderman
• Why we always root for the underdog 

Saline:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saline.band/
Bandcamp: https://salinedrip.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• The Art of Curation
• Being a Jersey kid going to shows in the 90s
• Why hardcore kids listen to shoegaze
• The best defunct Brooklyn venues
• The time when Urban Outfitters mattered
• The best part of Brooklyn to take a long walk in
• The best Amy’s Frozen vegan food
• The parallels between being a manager and a football coach 

Matthew Molnar:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewtmolnar

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• Important Philly things (The non-debate of Wawa vs Sheetz, what even happens in  ~western PA~, B&E in Centralia)
• The web of all the bands related to Flatwaves
• Working with Jeff Schroder
• The influence of Carlos D and Darcy
• Whether Rehoboth Beach is the best beach for goths
• Allie’s candle company GP Candle, the scents associated with the band, and the best band merch

Flatwaves:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatwavesphl/
Bandcamp: https://flatwaves.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• The band’s songwriting process
• Connecting with other South Asian musicians
• How visual art influences songwriting
• Albums vs singles

Minaxi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minaxitheband
Website: https://minaxitheband.com/ 

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• The growth of the band
• Setting up a DIY tour in the US vs England vs Europe
• Playing in a band with your family
• What colors they associate with the band
• What would be in the center of their snow globe 

Stay in Nothing:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayinnothing/?hl=en
All Links: https://linktr.ee/Stayinnothing

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We Discuss:

• The benefits and pitfalls of live recordings
• Who the best hockey sacker is
• The best places to plunder VHSs
• Answer the important question of Denny’s vs Waffle House v iHop 

Main Era:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justmainera/?hl=en
Website: https://maineraband.github.io/
Bandcamp: https://mainera.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• The double edge sword of being a musician and a visual designer for your own project
• Starting your own imprint
• Working with J. Robbins
• The influence of data-moshing
• Favorite Sailor Moon characters
• Favorite defunct venues and warehouse spots in Baltimore
• How to maintain longevity as a band 

Natural Velvet:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalvelvet/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naturalvelvet
Bandcamp: https://naturalvelvet.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• We talk about their recent name change
• Why it’s never been easier to start a band in Brooklyn
• The fact that Charlie Kaufman was a writer on Kung Fu Panda 2
• Why skateboarders and roller skaters can be friends

GRASS FED:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grass_fed.wav/
Bandcamp: https://grassfed.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• The Denver music scene
• Glen Branca and recording at Studio G
• What it’s like to grow up with musicians in your family
• The influence of the Muppets and Skymall Magazine

Bloodsports:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodsportsonline/
Bandcamp: https://candlepinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bloodsports

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• What it’s like to run a label (Label of Goods)
• Wikipedia Roulette
• The Long Island Love/Hate of Billy Joel
• The influence of graphic design on music 
• TWO WEEKS IN A ROW OF DUNGEON SYNTH??

Eyeshield:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyeshield_ny/
Bandcamp: https://labelofgoods.bandcamp.com/album/dot-exe

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

We discuss:

• Why everyone should listen to dungeon synth
• The band's shared love of Doom and all its tentacles
• A defense of bros
• Myers Briggs Personality Tests 

Slow Quit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_quit/
Bandcamp: https://slowquit.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

I interview Will Teague of DOSSER. We discuss: the influence of video game soundtracks, the show Skins, and the Baltimore music scene on Will’s development as a musician; the importance of loud stage volume and stage production; and why the kids should be listening to incubus and Linkin Park

Dosser

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dossermd/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dossermd
Bandcamp: https://dossermd.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

I interview Alyssa from Puppy Angst from Philly! We discuss how searching for perfection can really undermine the creative process, what it means to let in others to your creative process, our shared love of @VitesseX, Tumblr inspo 💅🏾, and what is going on in the band's future.

Puppy Angst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppyangst/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@puppyangst
Bandcamp: https://puppyangst.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

Hey Everyone, this is Siddhu from Semaphore! In today’s episode, I interview Mike from the band Hills to Height! We discuss Mike's love of Bob Dylan, our shared love of jazzmasters, the absolute ~joy~ of having a car in New York City, and the depressing nature of supporting sports teams that never win.

Hills to Height

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillstoheight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hillstoheight
Bandcamp: https://hillstoheight.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

Hey Everyone, this is Siddhu from Semaphore! In today’s episode, I interview Nikki from the band Daze! We discuss what the band has been up to lately, what the scene in Houston is like, and what Nikki has planned for the future (including playing at Sway Fest next week!)

DAZE

https://linktr.ee/dazetx

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

Hey everyone, Siddhu from Semaphore here. Today, I interview Travis aka Cling Ring. Travis gets the honor of being my first interview of someone I have only met via the internet!  In this interview, we talk about Travis’ predilection for the horror genre and the influence of Dungeons and Dragons on his creative output, talk about production techniques, and favorite video game soundtracks. Enjoy!

Cling Ring

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clingring
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cling.ring

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

On today’s episode of the SemaFORECAST, I talk to Nikki Esposito, aka Star Funeral about her journey to becoming a confident leader of her own project! We also discuss some of Nikki’s favorite gear, sound and aesthetics-wise, as well as the magic of the TikTok algorithm. Enjoy!

Star Funeral Links:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starfuneral
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/star_funeral

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

Hey everyone, this is Siddhu from Semaphore! Today, on the SemaFORECAST, I’m joined by Zack and Byron from the band Velvet. In this episode, we discuss how the band approaches songwriting when members live in different states, what’s so great about having your fellow shoegaze compatriots feature on your songs, and why so many shoegaze songs are about love and anxiety. Hope you enjoy!

Velvet Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetbkny/
Bandcamp: https://velvetnewyork.bandcamp.com/

Semaphore Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Bandcamp: https://semaphoretheband.bandcamp.com/

Hey everyone, this is Siddhu from Semaphore! Thanks for tuning into this episode of the SemaFORECAST. On today’s episode, I talk to Sean from the band Glom about his journey to being the front person of an indie band in the age of social media and what it’s like to live with his creative partner among other topics. Hope you enjoy!

GLOM Links:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkglom
IG: https://www.instagram.com/newyorkglom

Semaphore Links:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@semaphoremusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semaphoremusic/

We review 2021’s “Cavalcade” by Black Midi. I mean, they’ve released like 4 more albums in the interim, but boy oh boy is this one special.

Other topics in this episode:

• Black Midi is the Gen Z Tool
• To record to a grid or not to record to a grid
• How technology (and expectations) drives music production
• Free yazz and Henry Cow and Art Bears and Fred Frith, oh my…
• Hypocritical truths and industry plants

What week is it????? Have you missed us?

In this episode, we discuss “ULTRAPOP” by The Armed

#refract 

We also discuss:

• The Sick New World festival 
• The reunion of Hella
• Tony Royster Jr (Jay Z’s drummer)
• Digital Blank/ Silence
• Kurt Ballou productions
• What our favorite promo campaigns have been (including the one for this album)
• Hyper Pop
• AND THEN JAY LAYS DOWN THE LAW and we discuss why The Armed is basically Of Montreal/ The Strokes/ Broken Social Scene
• and then we talk about Erowid.org for some reason lmao 

We discuss “Absolutely” by Dijon

What else comes up in this one you might ask?

• On Cinema at the Cinema
• Channel Orange’s influence on alternative R&B
• LA vs NYC stuff, you know how it is?

I mean, this dude’s name is Dijon, is he related to mustard or something?

Today, we discuss Siddhu’s favorite album of 2021: "to hell with it" by PinkPantheress. If you haven’t heard this album yet, you’re missing out big time! Modern TikTok drum and bass for the youths. In this episode:

• Erik Satie, the Tristan chord, and  interpolation
• Regular a** people TikTok
• Watching society crumble in real-time
• Baby seals
• J*e R**g*n
• loop-based-music, J Dilla, and Boards of Canada
• and more!

We review our favorite post-chad-core album of 2021, GLOW ON by Turnstile!
We discuss:
- What it means for punk to be "for the kids"
- Why we think this album was the breakthrough success for the band
- Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange
- What happens when hardcore bands discover emotions
- The Hot-Blooded podcast with Cat Jones
and more!!

Also!
If there are any bands/songs/albums you want us to review or react to, please send us suggestions to our Instagram: @SemaphoreMusic

We discuss Bloodmoon I by Converge/ Chelsea Wolfe/ Stephen Brodsky, an album that has been in the making for a long time. Through our discussion we hit on:
- Why we love every musician on this record
- What are our favorite and least favorite supergroups
- A defense of butt rock and subtlety 

Most importantly, Ben Koller for President 2024!

It's finally time for Siddhu's pick! And guess what - the sparks finally fly in this one?!
- What space does grunge have in today's world?
- Why is Gish by Smashing Pumpkins so easy to rip?
- Did Jay's mic die in the second half of the recording?

Listen in to hear the answers to these and many more questions!

We talk about the live version of the re-recording of Mr. Bungle's first self-released demo tape from 1986.
We discuss: 

• Our first recordings 
• Making mixtapes for crushes in high school
• The Mike Patton Infatuation Education Information Situation

On a separate note, did you know we’re just the progeny of Trevor Dunn? 🤪

In this season of the podcast, each member of Semaphore chose a number of their favorite albums from 2021 and forced each other to listen to them. Today, they discuss Niko's pick: "Chemz/ Dolphinz" by Burial. Through the conversation, they bring up what it means to be a modern DJ and how venues can influence live sound production decisions.

In this season of the podcast, each member of Semaphore chose a number of their favorite albums from 2021 and forced each other to listen to them. Today, they discuss Emmett's pick: "The Lurch" by Yautja.