The Trap Set with Joe Wong – Details, episodes & analysis

Over the past 40 years, Lou Barlow's body of work--with bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and as a solo artist--has immensely impacted Joe's life. Lou tells Joe about growing up in the chaotic 1970s; his early love of pop radio; the enormous influence the Ramones had on his life; hearing his early songs on college radio; sleep hygiene; and his inclination towards flittering and fretting.

Dave Elitch returns for a bonus episode to discuss his new course, Staying Out of Your Own Way. At its best, learning to play an instrument can be the catalyst for self exploration. Joe and Dave share a curiosity about the nature of learning, and Dave--who has taught many of the best working drummers--talks about the impetus to create his new course.

We'll be back with full-length episodes next week.

This week, we're revisiting our 2017 conversation with the fantastic Viola Smith, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 107. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

Over the last two decades, Nate Smith has emerged as one of his generation's most innovative drummers. His unique style marries a deep, earthy sense of time with cerebral adventurousness. Nate has backed artists such as Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, and Brittany Howard; and in recent years he has come into his own as a composer and bandleader. This episode was recorded during the summer of 2021, just before The Trap Set went on hiatus. Nate's story is more relevant than ever.

Rick Allen's driving, tuneful style propelled Def Leppard to massive popularity during the 80s and early 90s. The band recently released its twelfth studio album, Diamond Star Halos. Rick met with Joe in Beverly Hills to discuss his forty year career, and the life that informed it.

Mimi Parker--best known as drummer, vocalist, and co-founder of the band Low--passed away on November 5th after a battle with cancer. Here is Joe's conversation with Mimi, originally released in June, 2017.

DH Peligro, best known as the drummer of Dead Kennedys, died in an accidental fall at his home in Los Angeles on 10/28/2022. Here is Joe's conversation with DH, originally released in November, 2015.

We return from hiatus with Academy Award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur Questlove, in what Questlove calls, "the best, most open interview I've ever given in my life." Joe and Questlove discuss mental health, race, religion, vulnerability, self love, the hip hop ethos ("Hustle, survive. Hustle, survive."), J Dilla, and more!

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, The Trap Set is back for Episode 300. Following the tradition of our previous centennial episodes, Joe is interviewed by a former guest--this time Jon Wurster (Bob Mould, Superchunk, The Mountain Goats, The Best Show). We at The Trap Set would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our guests and you--our listeners--for over seven years of support. Creating this show has been a transcendent experience. Onward!

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