Kiwi Jr with Protomartyr

On this week’s Talkhouse Podcast we’re doubling the usual number of speakers for a two-on-two battle of wits between Joe and Greg of the band Protomartyr and Jeremy and Brohan of Kiwi Jr. They are all pals, and there was sass exchanged.

Protomartyr is a Detroit band that’s been around for about 15 years, sharpening their literate post-punk attacks over the course of seven great albums—a number that includes the brand new Hotel Usona, which offers a layered look at the depressing times we’re living through. The focus as always is on Joe Casey’s words and speak-sing: His voice has been a source of inspiration to other bands, to put it nicely, over the past decade. For Hotel Usona, Protomartyr linked up with producer Dave Fridmann, who’s made classic records with the Flaming Lips and MGMT, among many others, and he helped them create something almost overwhelmingly big and pointed. It can be a lot to take in, but it’s rewarding. Check out “Sounds We Cannot Hear” from Hotel Usona right here.

The other half of today’s conversation, Jeremy Gaudet and Brohan Moore from the band Kiwi Jr., play decidedly catchy indie-pop that’s tickled fans of Pavement for years, though Kiwi leans toward the poppier side of things than that comparison might imply. The Canadian band just released their fourth album, though it’s their first for the legendary K Records label. For my money, Blowin’ Up is their best yet: It’s smart and arch and easy to sing along with, but it’s also fun to dive in and parse what Jeremy Gaudet is singing about. Check out “Photos of The Reenactment” from Blowin’ Up right here.

In this funny chat, these four dudes—Jeremy and Brohan representing Kiwi Jr, Joe and guitarist Greg Ahee on the Protomartyr side—talk about old band photos, the ways their songs come together, and they reveal a secret about Joe Perry’s guitar. That’s Joe Perry from Aerosmith, not Steve Perry from Journey, as you’ll learn. It’s a fun one, enjoy.

0:00 Intro

02:54 Start of conversation

03:21 On Protomartyr’s new album, if they like Dune, The Odyssey, and bad tv

07:27 On album covers and The Eagles

10:34 On band photos and wigs

12:44 On the gap between Kiwi Jr’s records, delivery dates, and the recording process

15:46 On Joe Perry’s guitar, and playing other people’s guitars

19:09 On lyrics and poetry

21:11 On “sing talking,” rapping, Insane Clown Posse, and Danny Brown’s green room

24:16 On Dude Wipes and full-body deodorant for butts

26:53 On recording studios, the perfect milkshake, and Canadian billboards

29:51 On Bulk Barn, off-brand candies, buffets, and Big Boys

33:16 On collaborating together, song mixes, J Mascis, and more on Big Boy

35:30 Playing instruments vs. lyrics and vocals, and coming up with song titles

40:35 On working with producer David Fridmann, writing the music for Protomartyr’s album, and demoing with MIDI

Thanks for listening to the Talkhouse Podcast, and thanks to Joe, Greg, Jeremy, and Brohan for chatting. If you liked what you heard, please follow Talkhouse on your favorite podcasting platform, and check out all the great stuff at Talkhouse.com. This episode was produced by Myron Kaplan, and the Talkhouse theme is composed and performed by the Range. See you next time!

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