Book Musik 054 – Common Tones: Selected interviews with artists and musicians 1995-2020 – discussion with author Alan Licht

Posted on September 15, 2021August 4, 2022 by Book Musik

Tosh and Kimley discuss Common Tones: selected interviews with artists and musicians 1995-2020 with author Alan Licht. Alan is a musician and writer and his multidisciplinary approach to creativity is just one of the many things that he has in common with his subjects. The majority of his interviewees are active in some combination of music, writing, film, and the visual arts. There’s a creative perspective and aesthetic that flows through this collection of interviews from well-known artists like Lou Reed and Tom Verlaine to some of the key figures who influenced them such as Tony Conrad and Henry Flynt. As a peer and someone who has an enormous passion and respect for the artists he’s interviewing, Alan has a unique knack for getting everyone to open up to him and deliver a lively exchange.

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Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17

Book Musik 053 – You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico – discussion with author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

Posted on September 1, 2021August 4, 2022 by Book Musik

Tosh and Kimley discuss You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico with author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike. Nico is an icon best known for her otherworldly beauty and for her time hanging out at Andy Warhol’s Factory and singing a few tunes with The Velvet Underground but her real story extends far beyond the cool gaze from under those blonde bangs. She managed to leave behind the detritus of post-WWII Germany by remaking herself first into a hugely successful model then catching the eye of Federico Fellini and eventually making her way to New York to become a Superstar of Warhol’s Factory. But her real artistic output came after this celebrated time with her solo recordings and constant touring. Bickerdike fleshes out the mythology of this complicated, imperfect woman with a dense and fascinating narrative.

Spotify playlist | Apple playlist

Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17

Book Musik 15 – Tony Conrad Writings

Posted on January 15, 2020August 1, 2022 by Book Musik

Tosh and Kimley discuss Tony Conrad Writings with special guest Andrew Lampert who co-edited the book with Constance DeJong. Conrad is primarily known for his work as a musician/composer, an experimental filmmaker and artist. He was a hugely influential key figure in the early minimalist music scene in New York in the 1960s. Wanting to explore other modes of creativity he then pushed up against the confines of the film-going experience with films like “The Flicker” and “Yellow Movies.” Always curious, always questioning, Conrad never ceased to be doing something new and unexpected. His Writings give us just one more wonderful chance to go down the rabbit hole with him.

Theme music: “Behind Our Efforts, Let There Be Found Our Efforts” by LG17