The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Episodes
143: Jojo Mayer (Nerve)
20 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jojo Mayer visits The Trap Set and tells Joe about his childhood in Switzerland, artistic honesty, and pair discuss strategies for keeping existential...
BNS: Fred Armisen on "For Drummers Only"
16 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fred Armisen stops by to discuss his new Netflix comedy special, "For Drummers Only". The show is being filmed at the historic Great American Music Ha...
142: Lia Simone Braswell
11 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Raised in Los Angeles by a musician mother and punk rock dad, Lia Simone Braswell was playing with adults when she was still a child. She tells Joe ab...
Remembering Tom Petty, Steve Ferrone
04 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The music of Tom Petty has been an integral part of Joe's life for as long as he can remember, so this week we're revisiting our amazingly inspiration...
141: Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot, Bombastic Meatbats)
27 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Chad Smith's unabashed hard rock style could have easily clashed with the funk-punk roots of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but instead he proved to be th...
140: Mark Guiliana (David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Donny McCaslin, Solo Artist)
20 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A child of the MTV generation, Mark Guiliana grew up on Soundgarden, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dr. Dre. He began playing drums relatively la...
139: Louis Hayes (Cannonball Adderly, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, etc.)
13 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Louis Hayes arrived in New York at age 19; and over the next 60 years amassed a staggeringly great body of work. His collaborators have included: Cann...
138: Shayna Dunkelman (Xiu Xiu, Peptalk)
06 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Xiu Xiu's Shayna Dunkelman uses her formal artistic training as a vehicle to explore the musical unknown. She tells Joe about being the only Indonesia...
137: Greg Saunier (Deerhoof)
30 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past twenty years, Deerhoof's Greg Saunier has distinguished himself as one of the most fiercely adventurous, iconoclastic, and unique drumme...
BNS: Mimi Parker Answers Your Questions
30 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Low's Mimi Parker answers listener questions! She and Joe discuss Mimi's winning bout with cancer, her favorite comedians,...
136: Viola Smith (The Smith Sisters, The Coquettes)
23 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Born in 1912, Viola Smith rose to fame during an era when female musicians were often relegated to novelty status; but over a career that spanned 50 y...
BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Your Questions
23 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Stephen Perkins answers listeners' questions.
135: Ryan Sawyer (Zeena Parkins, Charles Gayle, Boredoms, At The Drive In)
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Sawyer grew up in Texas, where he joined At The Drive In just long enough to play on the band's first album. Now a long time resident of New York...
BNS: Steve Ferrone Answers Your Questions
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Steve Ferrone answers questions from YOU, our listeners.
134: Roland & Steve Albini (Big Black, Rapeman, Shellac)
09 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Roland, Steve Albini, and Joe discuss: Big Black, Shellac, the "Uberization" of the workforce, the Jungle of Life, and the one true God above.
133: John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, Bastro, etc.)
02 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
For nearly 30 years, John McEntire has existed at the vanguard of a modern paradigm of musician producers. He tells Joe about the impetus to start pla...
132: Pablo Rieppi
26 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Pablo Rieppi spent much of his 1980s adolescence in the Washington DC area. He tells Joe about his journey from Neil Pear...
131: James Sclavunos (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Lydia Lunch, Sonic Youth, The Cramps, etc.)
19 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
James Sclavunos grew up in Brooklyn and dreamed of becoming an astronaut priest or an avant-garde saxophonist. Instead, he attended film school at NYU...
130: Susie Ibarra
12 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Susie Ibarra filtered her innate creativity through the prism of jazz language to develop one of the strongest, most original voices in contemporary m...
129: Sebastien Grainger (Death from Above)
05 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastien Grainger stops by The Trap Set and tells Joe about: growing up in Canada, the origins of Death From Above, learning to define himself outsid...
128: Mimi Parker (Low)
28 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Low's Mimi Parker uses a deliberately limited sonic palette to create sprawling rhythmic landscapes. The master of nuance and shading talks to Joe abo...
127: Phil Collins (Genesis, Brand X, Phil Collins)
21 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"Come on Joe, give me your worst!" Phil Collins tells Joe about concert toms; navigating the world of massive fame; unearthing resentment towards his ...
BNS: Phil Collins Preview
14 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In anticipation of next week's Phil Collins episode, Joe is joined by Trap Set co-producer Chris to discuss why the Phil episode is a watershed moment...
126: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, Chaka Khan, etc.)
07 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Ferrone grew up in Brighton, UK. Although he studied tap dancing as a child, he began playing gigs as a drummer by age 12. He tells Joe about: h...
125: Live from Milwaukee (Victor DeLorenzo, Dan Didier, Shane Hochstetler, Jon Mueller)
31 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Late last year, Joe returned to his hometown and recorded a live episode featuring: Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes); Dan Didier (The Promise Ring); ...
124: Leah Shapiro (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club)
24 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Leah Shapiro's bombastic energy and spacious sense of time helped launch Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to new creative galaxies, but her early years wit...
123: Jason McGerr (Death Cab For Cutie)
17 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jason McGerr fell in love with music at an early age, and drumming provided him with solace during a somewhat challenging childhood. He tells Joe abou...
122: Mitchell Feldstein (Lungfish, Arboretum)
10 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mitchell Feldstein's deceptively simple grooves contain a universe of poetic nuance. He tells Joe about growing up in Philadelphia, losing his parents...
121: Jim Derogatis (Vortis, Sound Opinions)
03 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A native of New Jersey, Jim Derogatis raised the cash for his first drum kit working odd jobs, such as scraping gum off of school desks. He is perhaps...
120: Jose Medeles (1939 Ensemble, The Breeders, Revival Drum Shop)
26 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Illinois native, Jose Medeles, made his way to California as a young man; and his stunning musical versatility served him well as he performed with ev...
119: Jon Szanto (Harry Partch Ensemble, San Diego Symphony)
19 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Szanto possesses a rare combination of rigorous virtuosity and emotional intelligence. These qualities have served him well in a 40 year career, s...
BNS: Stephen Perkins Answers Listener Questions
19 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Perkins answers your questions about: acid, The Grateful Dead, Eric Avery, etc. Make sure to check out his full length episode; subscribe to T...
118: Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, Banyan, NiN, Infectious Grooves)
12 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jane's Addiction rose from the LA club scene to become one of their generation's most influential bands, due in no small part to the iconoclastic, tri...
117: Marian Li Pino (La Luz)
05 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Marian Li Pino's wild, inventive drumming has helped La Luz emerge as one of the most interesting rock bands working today. She tells Joe about her ch...
116: Ian Chang (Son Lux, Landlady, Ex Reyes)
29 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hong Kong native Ian Chang grew up a voracious music listener. With a unique style metabolized from disparate influences and an innovative approach to...
115: Ignacio Berroa (Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Tito Puente, Solo Artist)
22 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Born into a musical family, Ignacio Berroa was a first call session musician in his native Havana, Cuba, before emigrating to the US during the Mariel...
114: Butch Vig (Garbage, Fire Town, Spooner)
15 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Butch Vig began his career drumming with various polka outfits and rock bands like Spooner and Fire Town. Also a prolific producer, Butch recorded Nir...
BNS: Damon Che Answers Listeners' Questions
15 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Damon Che answers listener questions about his relationship with Ian Williams, the infamous "Pizza Incident", underwear pr...
113: Damon Che (Don Caballero)
08 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As drummer for the highly influential band Don Caballero, Damon Che established himself as one of the most unique and beloved drummers of his generati...
112: Charles Connor (Little Richard, Professor Longhair, Shirley & Lee, Sam Cooke)
01 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As drummer for Little Richard, Charles Connor helped invent rock and roll. He tells Joe about working with legends like Richard, Professor Longhair, S...
111: Live from The Drum Thing (Keltner, Hall, Gadson, Sclavunos, Drumbo)!
22 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Joe hosts a live round table discussion featuring Jim Keltner, Bobbye Hall, James Gadson, Jim Sclavunos, and John "Drumbo" French. This episode was re...
Remembering Clyde Stubblefield
20 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Clyde Stubblefield was a towering genius whose drumming helped define modern popular music. He passed away Saturday at age 73, due to kidney failure. ...
110: Martin Chambers (The Pretenders)
15 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Martin Chamber's deft, propulsive drumming style helped The Pretenders break out of the British punk scene to become one of the world's best-loved pop...
BNS: Martin Chambers Answers Your Questions
15 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Martin Chambers--of The Pretenders--answers listeners' questions.
109: Jeremiah Green (Modest Mouse, World Gang)
08 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah Green's brilliant style of drumming walks the fine line between chaos and control. He talks to Joe about challenging family situations; learn...
108: Davey Brozowski (Modest Mouse, Black Whales, The Catheters)
01 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Davey Brozowski's versatility has led to collaborations with Black Whales, The Catheters, Modest Mouse, Danger Mouse, and more. He tells Joe about how...
107: Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms For Peace, Elliott Smith, Ultraista, REM)
25 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Joey Waronker possesses a powerful groove and a gift for nuance and shading. These attributes--combined with a deep understanding of production and a ...
106: Coady Willis (Big Business, Melvins, The Murder City Devils, Hew Time)
18 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Coady Willis has been busy for the past two decades, powering some of the heaviest bands to emerge from Washington State. He tells Joe about a corrupt...
105: Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Return To Forever, Jobim, Flora Purim, etc.)
11 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout a career that has spanned over five decades, Airto Moreira has distinguished himself as an exceptionally innovative percussionist, singer, ...
BNS: Carla Azar Answers Your Questions
11 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Azar answers listeners' questions about PJ Harvey, Jim Keltner, Elvis Costello, and...paradiddles.
104: Carla Azar (Autolux, Jack White, T Bone Burnett)
04 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Carla Azar has worked with everyone from PJ Harvey to Jack White, but her soulfully bionic style crystallized within Autolux, a trio she co-founded in...
103: Mark Trombino (Drive Like Jehu)
28 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Although they were only active for five years during their initial run, Drive Like Jehu was one of the most beloved and influential rock bands of the ...
102: Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Hound, Open City)
21 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Wilson's exceptional drumming helped establish Ted Leo and the Pharmacists as one of the most compelling bands of their generation. Chris tells ...
101: London May (Samhain, Reptile House, Distorted Pony)
14 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
While he was still a teenager, London May made his first recordings with Reptile House for legendary label Dischord. Soon, he joined forces with rock ...
100: Joe Wong interviewed by Brendan Canty (Parts & Labor, Marnie Stern, Mary Timony, The Trap Set)
07 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It's Episode 100, and our first guest, Fugazi's Brendan Canty, returns as guest host to extract the origin story of Joe Wong and The Trap Set. Joe tal...
099: Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers)
30 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
By the time Ernie Isley joined his family's band at age 15, The Isley Brothers had already made major contributions to popular music, penning "Shout" ...
098: Amy Knoles (Cal Arts, California E.A.R. Unit)
23 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
For the past four decades, Amy Knoles has pushed the boundaries of percussion and contemporary music in general. As the executive director of Californ...
097: Matt Tong (Bloc Party, Algiers)
16 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Tong's inventively staggered grooves and unhinged energy helped launch Bloc party to critical acclaim and worldwide commercial success. He talks ...
096: Gabe Serbian (The Locust, Head Wound City)
09 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As the drummer for The Locust, Gabe Serbian powered one of the most unique, frenetic, and influential bands to hail from the fertile San Diego rock sc...
095: Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Wellwater Conspiracy)
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Cameron burst onto the Seattle rock scene in the early 80s. His singular style combines brute force, exceptional finesse, and a keen compositiona...
BNS: Matt Cameron Answers Listener Questions
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Matt Cameron answers listeners' questions. He discusses Elvin, Tony, Gadd, spirit animals, rim shots, artistic instincts, ...
094: William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft)
26 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As drummer for Sunny Day Real Estate, William Goldsmith was the emotional core of one of the most influential and enigmatic rock bands of his generati...
093: Lol Tolhurst (The Cure)
19 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As the founding drummer of The Cure, Lol Tolhurst developed a unique style that is sometimes wild and tribal, sometimes precise and machine-like. He t...
BNS: Carmine Appice Remembers Buddy Rich (Bonus Mini-Episode)
19 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus, mini-episode, Carmine Appice remembers his relationship with the great Buddy Rich. You can hear Carmine's full episode by subscribing t...
092: Zach Barocas (Jawbox, The Up On In, Bells≥)
12 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
While most drummers strive to "play for the song", Zach Barocas's unique, innovative drumming is an essential element of the song. He tells Joe about ...
091: Adam Wade (Shudder To Think, Jawbox)
05 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Wade's inventive, angular drumming first emerged in the early 1990s, as DC punk bands began experimenting with more complex, sophisticated song s...
090: Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Rod Stewart, etc.)
28 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Carmine Appice first achieved mainstream recognition as the drummer for Vanilla Fudge. Over the subsequent 50 years, he has established himself as one...
089: Laura Harris (Ex Hex, The Aquarium, Benjy Ferree)
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Harris's powerfully lean style provides the perfect foundation for the expertly crafted, hook-laden songs of Ex Hex. She tells Joe about working...
088: Greg Fox (Liturgy, Guardian Alien, Zs)
14 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Greg Fox has worked with many of the most exciting groups to hail from New York in the past decade, and his unique style also lends itself well to sol...
087: Todd Trainer (Shellac, Brick Layer Cake)
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Over the course of the past three decades, Todd Trainer has distinguished himself as one of his generation's most unique rock drummers. Both visceral ...
BNS: Sly Dunbar Answers Listener Questions
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, the legendary Sly Dunbar answers your questions about Bob Dylan, Serge Gainsbourg, his favorite studio snacks, and more.
086: Sly Dunbar (Sly & Robbie, Grace Jones, Peter Tosh, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan)
31 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sly Dunbar burst onto the Kingston music scene in the early 1970s. Along with his partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Sly revolutionized Jamaican mus...
085: Ben Blackwell (The Dirtbombs, Jack White, Cass Records, Third Man Records)
24 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Blackwell first made a name for himself as one of two drummers for the Detroit-based band The Dirtbombs. He has also been active as a journalist, ...
BNS: Mac McNeilly Answers Your Questions
24 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Mac McNeilly answers your questions about The Jesus Lizard, prog rock, and working out. The topic of Phil Collins is also ...
084: Gregg Keplinger (WAH, Keplinger Drums)
17 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When he was a young man, Gregg Keplinger sneaked into a coat room to hear John Coltrane play with Elvin Jones. He drew inspiration from that experienc...
083: Mac McNeilly (The Jesus Lizard)
10 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With a massive sound and a pummeling groove, Mac McNeilly served as the anchor for the compellingly bizarre, highly influential band The Jesus Lizard....
082: Homer Steinweiss (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, The Mighty Imperials)
03 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As one of the funkiest drummers working today, Homer Steinweiss carries the torch lit by legends such as Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo Starks, and James Ga...
081: Sebastian Thomson (Trans Am, Baroness, Publicist)
27 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sebastian Thomson burst onto the scene as the drummer of the genre-defying band Trans Am. He tells Joe about growing up as a "super nerd" in Argentina...
080: Richie Ramone (The Ramones)
20 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As the third drummer for punk pioneers, The Ramones, Richie Ramone brought new creative energy to the band--not only as a drummer, but as a songwriter...
079: Amy Farina (The Evens, The Warmers)
13 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe is joined by DC resident, Amy Farina, a drummer who possesses a supernaturally spacious groove, coupled with an inventive compositional aesthetic....
078: Ryan Rapsys (Euphone, Heroic Doses, Gauge)
06 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe first witnessed Ryan Rapsys's singular brilliance at a basement show in Milwaukee in 1996. Since then, he has considered Ryan one of the very best...
077: Stewart Copeland (The Police, Klark Kent, Animal Logic, Oysterhead)
29 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe is thrilled to welcome one of his favorite drummers, Stewart Copeland, to The Trap Set. A founding member of The Police, Stewart is one of the mos...
BNS: Stewart Copeland Answers Listener Questions
29 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Joe asks Stewart Copeland listener questions. He talks about group therapy with The Police, his recording approach, Klark ...
076: Damon Atkinson (Braid, Hey Mercedes)
21 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Damon Atkinson is perhaps best known for his drumming with Braid and Hey Mercedes. His cleverly composed, crisply executed beats are essential element...
075: Edwin Bonilla (Gloria Estefan, Cachao, Celia Cruz, Arturo Sandoval)
15 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Edwin Bonilla started his musical journey playing rock and R&B on drum kit, but as a teenager he transitioned to timbales, bongos, and congas. He deve...
074: Jody Stephens (Big Star, Golden Smog, Those Pretty Wrongs)
08 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jody Stephens drummed for Big Star, a band that was criminally overlooked during its initial lifetime but eventually became monumentally influential. ...
BNS: Gina Schock on Edie and the Eggs
08 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Gina Schock talks about performing with Baltimore legend and John Waters collaborator, Edith Massey, in Edie and the Eggs.
073: Daru Jones (Jack White, Talib Kweli, The Ruff Pack, Rusic Records)
01 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Daru Jones was born to two church music directors; and although he is rooted in Gospel music, he was also drawn to jazz and hip hop at a young age. He...
BNS: Peter Erskine on Generosity
01 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Erskine talks about generosity among drummers and jazz musicians in general. Don't be a dick, share your knowledge.
072: Gina Schock (The Go-Go's, House of Schock)
25 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Gina Schock moved from Baltimore to Los Angeles with the intention of becoming a rock star, and she soon fulfilled her dreams as the drummer of The Go...
BNS: Gina Schock Answers Listener Questions
25 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Gina Schock answers questions from Jon Wurster, Maggie Vail, Danny Frankel, and more!
071: Sara Lund (Unwound, Coryn Tucker, The Secret Drum Band)
18 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Lund plays drums with a mesmeric groove and enough bombast to make even the most angular rhythms feel compelling. She tells Joe about her childho...
070: Kellii Scott (Failure, Linda Perry, Mark Lanegan)
11 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Kellii Scott moved to Los Angeles at age 17 with dreams of rock stardom. He finally accomplished this goal as the drummer for Failure's acclaimed 1996...
069: Charlie Hall (The War On Drugs, Jens Lekman, Windsor for the Derby)
04 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
At various stages in his life, Charlie Hall has been a drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, teacher, and social worker. He tells Joe about his Muppet drum...
068: Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Dr. Um, Stan Kenton, etc.)
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Erskine started his career with the great Stan Kenton, and his career reached new heights when he joined Weather Report in the late 1970s. He t...
1999: RIP Prince / Sheila E.
22 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Here at The Trap Set, there is no artist that is more loved and admired than Prince—who aside from being THE towering creative genius of his generat...
067: Poni Silver (The Ettes)
20 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Poni Silver is the drummer for The Ettes, but her talents extend far beyond music. She tells Joe about her journey through art, dance, rollerskating, ...
066: Mario Rubalcaba (Off!, Earthless, Rocket From The Crypt, etc.)
13 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Mario Rubalcaba began his professional career as a skateboarder for the legendary Team Alva. When the skateboarding boom of the late 80s imploded, Mar...
BNS: Pete Thomas on Longevity and The Police
13 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Pete Thomas reflects on the longevity of The Attractions; and he tells tales of touring with The Police.
065: Dennis Davis (David Bowie, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, George Benson)
08 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A native of New York, Dennis Davis was immersed in jazz at a young age, and he made his mark as the drummer for groundbreaking, popular artists such a...