Episode 347 Al Johnson

About this episode

The episode features Al Johnson discussing his unique vocal techniques and approach to music with U.S. Maple.

As the frontman for U.S. Maple , Al Johnson utilized his voice as a textural and percussive instrument rather than a melodic vehicle. His delivery consisted of rasps, sharply drawn breaths, and fragmented phrasing. Al operated with rigid adherence to a self-devised notation system, scripting every pause and vocal eccentricity in advance. This formalized approach to dissonance allowed his vocals to function not as a traditional lead, but as an integrated component within the band's broader framework of structural deconstruction.

People in this episode

Host: Lydia Lunch

Guest: Al Johnson

Topics covered

• vocal techniques
• experimental music
• structural deconstruction
• performance art
• dissonance

Keywords

• Al Johnson
• U.S. Maple
• vocal delivery
• experimental music
• dissonance
• performance
• music theory

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Maple

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