Explore every episode of the podcast The Musicscope

The music of Washington DC has long been driven by the DIY or do-it-yourself ethos. Artists from all genres have continually introduced unique contributions to DC’s music community on their own terms, which in turn have inspired scenes across the United States. One of the most influential elements is DC’s punk scene. Emerging in the late 1970’s, it  was ignited by bands such as Bad Brains and the Slickee Boys, followed in the 80’s by Minor Threat, Iron Cross, Youth Brigade, Scream and others. The scene evolved into post hardcore, with bands like Fugazi and Jawbox bringing in a wider pallet of influences while retaining hardcore punk’s intensity. By the late 1990’s, DC was a hub for innovative post-hardcore music that remained inspired and driven by Dischord Records. One of the most unique and inventive bands in the Dischord catalog is Q and Not U. In this episode, I discuss DC’s musical influence with my guest, Christopher Richards of Q and Not U. 

Check out Chris’ music and wiritings here:

https://thefutureisourstomake.substack.com/

https://qandnotu.bandcamp.com/

https://academyfightsong.bandcamp.com/album/purple-blaze

https://tkecho.bandcamp.com/

https://dischord.com/band/q-and-not-u

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

In this episode, we explore the musical history of Washington DC. Important contributions from DC include John Phillip Souza, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Shirley Horn, Ruth Brown, Buzz Busby and the Bayou Boys, The Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene, John Fahey,  Piedmont Blues, Roy Buchanon, Danny Gatton, Go-Go, Chuck Brown, DC Punk, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Fugazi, Jawbox, Post-Punk, Dischord Records, the 9:30 Club, The Birchemere, The Black Cat, Blues Alley and more. 

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Mike spoke with Eric Axelson, bassist of Milliseconds and the Dismemberment Plan to discuss how technology has influenced him and what changes are alive in music today. Eric also shares some D-Plan history, gear knowledge and what influences made him the unique player he is today.  You can check out Eric's new band, Milliseconds on all the socials, and hear his work with Dismemberment Plan and Maritime on your favorite streaming services. 

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

People love Christmastime, and Christmas music is a large part of the season. From centuries-old hymns to inspirational (and inescapable) pop versions of holiday classics, you can't have Christmas without the music we all know and love. Join us and explore the history of Christmas music on a special holiday episode of The Musicscope.

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Since ancient times, musicians have been the conduit for the music people hold sacred. From providing music strictly for worship to managing an army of supporting cast at concerts for thousands of people, the role of the musical artist has evolved significantly throughout the ages. Join me as we explore how the musician's role and responsibilities have changed over the years.  

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

The electric guitar is the instrument most associated with rock. When we think of rock guitar, we often conjure images of wild solos, loud riffs, and even smashed instruments, but that's just a sliver of the guitar's history.  In this episode, we explore the guitar's humble origins, transformations and innovations during its rich history. 

Check out each guitarist discussed in the episode on our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4HytZpAozzT1Kir1vHmpwI?si=19928204b1344954

A special thanks to Joel Mabus and his contribution of finger style guitar. Be sure to check out Joel and his album "Parlor Guitar'  on his site, http://www.joelmabus.com.  

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

In the past 100 years, music has experienced change at a never-before-seen pace. People have gone from listening to local talent playing at town fairs to instantly streaming music from all over the world. Technology's effect on the broadcast, recording, and instruments themselves has transformed the way people create and consume music. In this episode, we explore the past 100 years of innovation and how it has affected our perspective of music. 

Check out the full playlist with each song discussed in the episode below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3B7lSmINZXG9DmizZOIKQa?si=9f2cb4dff9ed4382

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Jon Brown and Kevin Inge of Horsehead are avid students of all things rock n roll. On this episode, they join Mike and discuss their own introduction to the first rock n roll era, admiration for people like Sam Phillips and Little Richard, and how the guitar was pushed to the forefront. 

Check out Horsehead's latest release, Pageant Wave at Horseheadmusic.com or on your favorite streaming service.

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

Don McLean wrote his epic 'American Pie' as a tribute to Big Bopper Richardson, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly and the loss of Rock N Roll's innocence. Why was the plane crash that took their lives so significant, and what were the effects of that loss? Join us as we explore each of the artists, their rise to fame, and the tour that would lead to their deaths. 

Check out the full playlist with each song discussed in this episode below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sY321qwMHkCW2o0wdrveK?si=7c8c61cf641d4906

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The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

This week on the Musicscope we explore how Sam Phillips helped develop the sound and talent that would influence the early sound of rock n roll.   Sun studio's output in the 1950s would shape the sound of rock and bring BB King, Rufus Thomas, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and... oh yeah, Elvis Presley... into the spotlight.  Studio techniques like overdriven guitar, blended vocals, and slap-back echo gave the music a new, in-your-face sound that had never been heard before. 

Check out the full playlist with each song discussed below
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3zZ0vp5DfObNAmDRmdVE39?si=85070a1df02440d5

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists. 

On our inaugural episode, we dive into the origins of Rock n' Roll. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, technology, culture, and regions merged to create a unique blend of music that ignited the Rock N Roll movement. We explore early contributions from Howlin' Wolf, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Little Richard, and more. We also examine the cultural significance of Rock N Roll to teenagers around the world.

Check out the full playlist, with each song discussed in the episode below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zi6z0Vsjj8wH1RE9eCS3V?si=dade8c043c1f4624

Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore next

The Musicscope is a podcast intended for educational, non-commercial purposes. All music (aside from the title theme) are the intellectual property of the original artists.