Be Functional in a Superb Way: A Chat with James Eller

About this episode

James Eller shares his journey from graphic design to a successful music career, discussing his experiences with various artists and the philosophy of kindness and functionality.

Ned and Paul are joined by James Eller, who shares his story of trading in a future in graphic design for a career as a bass player that's now spanned five decades and seen him anchor records by the Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope, the Pretenders, Billy Bragg, Kirsty MacColl, Damien Saez and Mark Knopfler to name just a few. As a longtime member of The The, James discusses the lasting brotherhood between his comrades past and present (including Johnny Marr, DC Collard and Barrie Cadogan), shares tales from making the band's seminal "Mind Bomb" and "Dusk" LPs and explains what made Matt Johnson's (last second) return to singing on the 2017 single "We Can't Stop What's Coming" so special. Come for the stories – stay for the philosophical ruminations on kindness, positivity and unobtrusive functionality. https://linktr.ee/jameseller https://trnsmssn.bandcamp.com/

People in this episode

Hosts: Ned Crowther, Paul Snyder

Guest: James Eller

Topics covered

• music career
• storytelling
• philosophy
• collaboration
• band dynamics
• personal growth

Keywords

• James Eller
• The The
• music
• storytelling
• collaboration
• Mind Bomb
• Dusk
• philosophy
• kindness
• positivity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The The, Teardrop Explodes

Books & works: Mind Bomb, Dusk, We Can't Stop What's Coming

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