Essential Tremors

Brian Weitz, better known as Geologist from Animal Collective, is, like the other members of that band, a voracious listener of music from a huge span of eras, cultures, and geographical locations. As can be heard in both his contributions to that band as well as his solo work, it’s all left a mark, particularly in his live performances on hurdy-gurdy, which has roots in music from multiple cultures and points in history. A Philadelphia native who also has Baltimore roots, Weitz currently resides in Washington, DC, and his newest release with Doug Shaw, A Shaw Deal, is out now on Drag City. On this episode, hear how songs by Sundowners, Fennesz, and Keiji Haino influenced him as an artist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born and bred in Dublin, Ireland, Ian Lynch is a founding member of traditional Irish cum modernist folk band Lankum. A passionate player and supporter–as well as a keen historian–of traditional Irish music, Lynch, along with his bandmates in Lankum, bring a passionate and renewed sense of spirit to the idiom with rousing performances in which they employ traditional instruments that serve to both honor and also expand its scope. Lynch is also the creator and host of the monthly Fire Draw Near podcast and radio show which investigates Irish traditional music and song in all of its myriad forms. We spoke to Lynch live at the 2025 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Norwegian musician, novelist, and interdisciplinary artist whose work defies easy categorization, Jenny Hval has built a reputation for music that blends experimental pop, spoken word, noise, and electronic textures—often paired with provocative lyrics exploring the politics of the body, gender identity, desire, and the intersection of art and intimacy. Her critically acclaimed solo albums, including Apocalypse, Girl (2015), Blood Bitch (2016), and Classic Objects (2022), are known for their fearless exploration of taboo and vulnerability, often framed through surreal, dreamlike narratives. In parallel with her music, Hval has authored several novels—including Paradise Rot and Girls Against God—which mirror her sonic work in their poetic, sensory, and transgressive style. A frequent collaborator across disciplines, Hval also creates live performances that incorporate theatrical elements, scent, sound installations, and spoken word. Her newest record, Iris Silver Mist, was released by 4AD on May 2, 2025. In this episode, she discusses how songs by Suzanne Vega, One Dove, and Paul Simon informed her development as an artist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Tyler is an American guitarist and composer known for his unique blend of fingerstyle guitar, ambient, and post-rock influences. Hailing from Nashville, Tyler's music weaves intricate, melodic soundscapes that are often both introspective and expansive. Critics have praised Tyler for his ability to evoke deep emotion through his instrumental work. Pitchfork described Goes West as "a stunning meditation on the American landscape, both real and imagined. “ Through his work, Tyler has carved a distinctive niche within the instrumental music world, drawing comparisons to guitar greats like John Fahey and Leo Kottke. His newest record, Time Indefinite, was released by Psychic Hotline in spring of 2025. In this episode, recorded live at the Big Ears Festival in March of 2025, he talks about how songs by Scott Joplin, The Troggs, and Popol Vuh were formative for him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haley Fohr, who performs as Circuit des Yeux, is known for her hauntingly powerful voice and immersive, genre-defying sound. As Pitchfork put it, her voice is “a force of nature” that “pulses with raw emotion.” Her album -io, was hailed by The New York Times as “a deeply evocative exploration of loss, identity, and the self.” With a career marked by boundary-pushing work, Haley continues to redefine what it means to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her newest record, Halo on the Inside, was commended by The Quietus for its "immaculately crafted" tracks, particularly "Truth," which "recalls the rave from The Matrix in its endearing camp and undeniable swagger." In this episode, she talks about how songs by The Stooges, Sly and the Family Stone, and Joni Mitchell shaped her sensibilities. Halo on the Inside was released by Matador on March 14, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Critically-acclaimed composer and saxophonist Darius Jones’s playing has been described using adjectives such as “fearless,” “riveting” and “breath-taking” from publications ranging from Pitchfork, to The Wire, to the New York Times, and has received superlatives from many other publications, as well. Currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Wesleyan University, Jones has previously been awarded the Van Lier Fellowship, Jerome Foundation Artist-in-Residence and commission, Western Front residency and commission, French-American Jazz Exchange Award, Robert D. Bielecki Foundation Award, and Fromm Music Foundation commission from Harvard University. Hear how music by Kim Burrell, Max Roach, and MF Doom helped form his artistic viewpoint. His newest album–Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye)--was released in December of 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As close to indie rock royalty as may exist, Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo–a band nearing its 40th year in existence that he founded with his partner, drummer Georgia Hubley in the mid-1980’s–has recorded 17 records under that name and influenced more bands than could be named here. Simultaneously considered critics’ darlings but also having established a wide, loyal, and sustaining fanbase, the band–anchored by bass player James McNew–will perform with the Sun Ra Arkestra at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville in March. In this episode, he discusses how songs by Half Japanese, the Grateful Dead, and The Tremeloes guided his development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.