The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Episodes
064: Jeremy Barnes (Neutral Milk Hotel, A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Beirut, etc.)
06 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Barnes tells Joe about growing up in a military family, dropping out of school, playing in the highly influential band Neutral Milk Hotel, fall...
063: Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Suzanne Vega, Jackshit, etc.)
30 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Thomas began his career in the UK Pub Rock scene, but he is best known for his 40-year association with Elvis Costello. He tells Joe about stalki...
062: Live from Los Angeles (Stella Mozgawa, Fred Armisen, Clem Burke)
23 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe welcomes back three of your favorite guests for a live panel discussion about life, fandom and existential crises. All three guests were fans of e...
061: Barbara Gruska (The Belle Brigade)
16 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Barbara Gruska tells Joe about growing up in a musical family, forming the excellent band The Belle Brigade with her brother, and developing meditativ...
060: Dennis Chambers PT. 2 (Parliament/Funkadelic, Niacin, John Scofield)
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
During Part 2 of Joe's conversation with legendary drummer Dennis Chambers, Dennis talks about his recent brush with death and his subsequent recovery...
BNS: Steve Gadd on Stuff
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Gadd discusses Stuff, an incredible band he co-led with other NY studio luminaries in the 70s and early 80s.
059: Dennis Chambers Pt. 1 (Parliament/Funkadelic, Mike Stern, Santana)
02 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
After a recent, life-threatening health scare, drum legend Dennis Chambers met with Joe for a revealing, comprehensive conversation. Dennis opens up a...
058: LIVE in Portland with Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney, Quasi), Tim "Spit Stix" Leitch (Fear, Nasalrod), John Moen (The Decemberists), and John Sherman (Red Fang)
24 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joe traveled to Portland, OR, to record the very first live episode of The Trap Set at the world-famous Revival Drum Shop. Four of Portland's finest d...
057: John "Jabo" Starks (James Brown, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland)
17 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jabo Starks is a stylistic chameleon who can jump from hard-driving blues shuffles; to latin-infused backbeats; to sophisticated, syncopated funk jams...
056: Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown, Whad'ya Know)
10 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As a member of James Brown’s band, Clyde Stubblefield created ingenious drum patterns that came to define the funk genre. Years later, Clyde became ...
BNS: Fluke Holland on The Sun Records Sound, The Million Dollar Quartet, and The Man In Black.
10 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Fluke Holland tells Joe about his signature drum sound; playing with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Joh...
055: Steve Gadd (Stuff, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Solo Artist, etc.)
03 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
For the One Year Anniversary episode of The Trap Set, Joe had a chance to speak to one of his favorite drummers, Steve Gadd. One of the most prolific ...
054: Dan Didier (The Promise Ring, Maritime)
27 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Didier is best known as the drummer for the highly influential bands The Promise Ring and Maritime. He tells Joe about falling out with his longti...
053: W.S. "Fluke" Holland (Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Million Dollar Quartet)
20 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When he was asked by Carl Perkins to join his band, W.S. "Fluke" Holland had no drumming experience whatsoever. Within the first year of picking up dr...
052: Tony Allen (Fela Kuti, Afrika 70, Solo Artist, Rocket Juice and the Moon Team)
13 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Allen is inarguably one of the greatest drummers ever to pick up sticks. Brian Eno famously cited him as one of the most important drummers on th...
BNS: George Hurley on Influences and Origins
13 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, George Hurley tells his drumming origin story and talks about musical influences. He also discusses parallels between jazz...
051: George Hurley (Minutemen, fiREHOSE)
06 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
George Hurley drummed for Minutemen and fIREHOSE, two of the most influential and beloved bands to emerge from the Southern California punk scene. He ...
050: William Kuehn (Rainer Maria)
30 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
William Kuehn began his career in Madison, Wisconsin, as the drummer for the beloved emo band, Rainer Maria. A Wisconsin native himself, Joe played so...
049: Kiran Gandhi (MIA, Madame Gandhi)
23 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Kiran Gandhi drummed for MIA while simultaneously earning her MBA at Harvard. She also recently made international headlines for running the London Ma...
BNS: Bob Bert on No Wave, Bad Moon Rising, and Steve Shelley
23 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Bob Bert talks about the No-Wave scene; the legacy of Sonic Youth's classic album, Bad Moon Rising; and his relationship w...
048: Joe Plummer (Cold War Kids, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Hew Time)
16 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last decade, Joe Plummer has been the drummer of choice for many of the West Coast's most popular and acclaimed rock bands. He talks about gr...
047: Bob Bert (Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, Lydia Lunch Retrovirus)
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Bert first gained notoriety as the drummer on Sonic Youth's early records. Next, he played with Jon Spencer in Pussy Galore, and he currently work...
BNS: Bun E. Carlos on finding a singer and Live at Budokan
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Bun E. Carlos talks about Cheap Trick's search for a singer and the band's classic album Live at Budokan.
BNS: Matt Chamberlain on musical obsession, Jack Dejohnette, and recording process.
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Matt Chamberlain talks about his obsessive quest to become a great drummer; working with legendary teachers such as Jack D...
046: Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick)
02 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
As founding drummer of Cheap Trick, Bun E. Carlos laid the rhythmic foundation for one of the most influential and beloved rock bands in history. He c...
045: Matt Chamberlain (Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Soundgarden, Critters Buggin, etc.)
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most compelling and versatile drummers working today, Matt Chamberlain has collaborated with everyone from David Bowie to Soundgarden; from...
BNS: DH Peligro on DK Breakup and Sexual Exploits
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, DH Peligro talks about his early sexual exploits and the original breakup of Dead Kennedys. Check out his full episode by ...
044: DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys)
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
DH Peligro's explosive groove propelled punk standard bearers, Dead Kennedys, into the stratosphere. He tells Joe about first being exposed to music i...
BNS: Glenn Kotche on Songwriting Standards
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this Bonus Mini-Episode, Wilco's Glenn Kotche discusses standards and expectations when it comes to songwriting. He also shares what he has gleaned...
BNS: Brian Chase on Dave Sitek
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this Bonus Mini-Episode, Brian Chase talks about the influence of producer and longtime collaborator, Dave Sitek. Warning: This gets pretty nerdy!
043: Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Drums and Drones)
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Chase is best known as the drummer for Yeah Yeah Yeahs; but he is also a prolific solo artist and has collaborated with everyone from John Zorn ...
BNS: Mike Clark on Phil Collins and Brand X
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Mike Clark tells Joe about working in Phil-Collins-led fusion band Brand X. You can hear Mike's full episode by subscribin...
BNS: Howard Grimes on Bernard Purdie
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Howard Grimes of Hi/Stax Records fame tells Joe about being influenced by Bernard Purdie. You can hear Howard's full episo...
042: Howard Grimes (Al Green, Ann Peebles, Rufus Thomas, The Bo Keys)
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Through his affiliation with both Hi and Stax Records, Memphis native Howard Grimes has played drums on countless classic songs. He tells Joe that dru...
BNS: Ndugu Chancler Bonus Mini-Episode: Billie Jean
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Ndugu Chancler tells Joe about recording Michael Jackson's classic song, "Billie Jean". You can hear Ndugu's full length e...
BNS: John Stanier Bonus Mini-Episode: DJ
04 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, John Stanier tells Joe about his time as a professional DJ. You can hear John's full length episode by subscribing to The ...
041: John Stanier (Battles, Helmet, Tomahawk)
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
John Stanier first burst onto the rock scene in the late 80s, as founding drummer of Helmet. He charts the course of that band's decade long run, whic...
BNS: Brendan Canty Mini-Episode, Flex Your Head / Rites of Spring
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Brendan Canty tells Joe about how he got involved with the DC punk scene; playing with the short-lived, but incredibly inf...
BNS: Reggie Watts Bonus Mini-Episode
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Reggie Watts tells Joe about writing music while on acid. Subscribe to The Trap Set for free to hear Reggie's full-length ...
040: Reggie Watts (Late Late Show, Maktub, Solo Artist)
21 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Reggie Watts talks to Joe about growing up in Montana, psychedelic drugs, the spirit of jazz, leading the Late Late Show Band on CBS, virtual reality,...
BNS: Dee Plakas Bonus Mini-Episode
21 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, L7's Dee Plakas talks to Joe about touring with Melvins. Subscribe to The Trap Set for free to hear Dee's full-length epis...
039: Glenn Kotche (Wilco, Solo Artist)
14 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Best known as the drummer for Wilco, Glenn Kotche is also an accomplished classical percussionist and experimental composer. He talks to Joe about the...
BNS: Clem Burke Bonus Mini-Episode
14 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Clem Burke of Blondie Fame tells Joe about how he got started in music and how he ended up playing Carnegie Hall at age fourteen.
BNS: Greg Fox & Kid Millions Bonus Mini-Episode
14 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Greg Fox and Kid Millions call Joe to talk about their fantastic new duo album, "Losttime". Subscribe to The Trap Set so that you can check out Kid's ...
038: Clem Burke (Blondie)
07 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Clem Burke talks about the New York glam scene at Club 82, the punk scene at CBGBs, crafting pop masterpieces with Blondie, and the band's rise to tre...
BNS: DJ Bonebrake Bonus Mini-Episode #2
07 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
DJ Bonebrake talks about how X maintained creative control, in spite of signing with major label, Elektra Records.
037: Dee Plakas (L7)
30 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Dee Plakas talks about discovering her natural gift for drumming, pulverizing the music world with L7, breaking up the band, and reuniting over a deca...
BNS: Fred Armisen Bonus Mini-Episode
30 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Fred and Joe pontificate over the nature of music and how it relates to cultural anthropology. Neither of them is an expert, so everything they think ...
036: Simone Pace (Blonde Redhead)
23 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Blonde Redhead's Simone Pace tells Joe about his mischievous childhood in Italy and Canada, studying with the legendary Alan Dawson in Boston, foundin...
BNS: James Gadson Bonus Mini-Episode
23 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
James Gadson is one of the greatest drummers in the history of recorded music, but even he sometimes has an off day in the studio. He tells Joe about ...
BNS: DJ Bonebrake Bonus Mini-Episode
23 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
DJ Bonebrake, of legendary punk band X, discusses his time as a Buddhist with Joe, who is just now exploring Buddhism. Be sure to listen to DJ's full-...
035: James Gadson (Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, etc.)
16 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
James Gadson is one of most prolific drummers in funk and soul. His singular style can be heard on seminal records by Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Charl...
BNS: Venzella Joy Bonus Mini-Episode
16 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Venzella Joy (drummer for Beyoncé) and Joe talk about their wonderful moms.
BNS: Steven Adler Bonus Mini-Episode
16 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Steven Adler of Guns N' Roses tells Joe about growing up as a "good Hebrew boy" and seeing UFOs. Be sure to check out his full episode at thetrapset.n...
034: DJ Bonebrake (X, Orchestra Superstring, Bonebrake Syncopaters)
09 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
DJ Bonebrake (yes, that's his real name) is the founding drummer of legendary LA punk band, X. He tells Joe about his tragic childhood, the early LA p...
BNS: Sam Fogarino Bonus Mini-Episode
09 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Joe and Interpol's Sam Fogarino trade culinary tips and discuss the sometimes annoying foodie culture. Check out Sam's ful...
BNS: Sheila E. Bonus Mini-Episode
09 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Sheila E. discusses her grandmother's obsession with sex. Check out Sheila's full-length episode at thetrapset.net (Past E...
033: Venzella Joy (Beyoncé)
02 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It's not enough to merely be a great drummer if you want to play with the biggest pop star in the world. In addition to her unstoppable groove and tec...
032: Fred Armisen (8G Band, Trenchmouth, SNL, Portlandia)
26 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You know Fred Armisen from his work on Portlandia and SNL, but before he was a comedy star, Fred was a working drummer. He charts the journey from his...
031: Ron Lynch (The Tulsa Skull Swingers, Tomorrow!)
19 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Ron Lynch grew up with aspirations to become a professional drummer. His aptitude for music earned him a scholarship to college, but his path soon led...
030: Todd Barry (The Chant, Crowd Work, The Wrestler, Louie)
12 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Todd Barry is one of the greatest comics working today; but before he dedicated himself to the art of stand-up, Todd played in popular Florida band Th...
BNS: Jon Wurster BONUS Mini-Episode
12 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus mini-episode, Jon Wurster discusses the influence of legendary producer and drummer Steve Jordan. Also included is an--until now--unrele...
029: Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Scharpling & Wurster)
05 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Wurster first made his name as the drummer for Superchunk, and over the past twenty years, he's become of rock's most in-demand and versatile drum...
028: Bernard Purdie, Part Two (Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Steely Dan, etc.)
29 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In Part Two of his Trap Set Interview, Bernard Purdie tells Joe about how his legacy has been broadened by sampling, his solo career, and the sessions...
027: Bernard Purdie, Part One (Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Steely Dan, etc.)
22 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In part one of a two part interview, Joe speaks to a true original, the legendary Bernard Purdie. They discuss Purdie's early fascination with drummin...
026: Steven Schick (UCSD, Bang on a Can All-Stars, red fish blue fish)
15 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Steven Schick first heard music as a child on a farm in Iowa. Over the course of his 40 year career, he has become a renowned performer, educator, con...
025: Sheila E. (Solo Artist, Prince, E. Family)
08 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Sheila E. talks to Joe about her legendary musical family, joining a gang, working with Prince, overcoming abuse, and helping youth through her Elevat...
024: Sam Fogarino (Interpol, Magnetic Morning)
01 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Sam Fogarino was a productive, adult member of society before he gained notoriety as the drummer of Interpol. He talks to Joe about his creative role ...
023: Danny Frankel (Lou Reed, Fiona Apple, KD Lang)
24 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Danny Frankel began his career as the drummer for DC band Urban Verbs. After the group dissolved in 1981, Danny moved to Los Angeles and became an in-...
022: Billy Cobham (Solo Artist, Mahavishnu Orchestra)
17 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary drummer Billy Cobham tells Joe about immigrating to the US from Panama, performing with his father's band in New York City, co-founding the ...
021: Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses)
10 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
As the original drummer for Guns N' Roses, Steven Adler was the swaggering pulse of the 80's Los Angeles hard rock scene. But as the band exploded, so...
020: Maya Tuttle (The Colourist)
08 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to The Maya Tuttle about growing up in the Bay Area, the nature of biracial Eurasian marriages in the US, drawing inspiration from Karen Car...
019: Milford Graves (Albert Ayler, NY Art Quartet, Pharaoh Sanders, Anthony Braxton)
03 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Milford Graves about exploring uncharted musical territory as an avant-garde pioneer; building a second career in medicine; supporting a ...
018: Kliph Scurlock (Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys, Psychic Heat)
27 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Kliph Scurlock was born to a musician mother and policeman father in Kansas. He tells Joe how he began his career with The Flaming Lips as a roadie an...
017: Victor Delorenzo (Violent Femmes, Nineteen Thirteen)
20 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Victor Delorenzo about seeing Sun Ra perform at the Racine Zoo, entering the arts as an actor, co-founding the successful and incredibly ...
016: Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint)
13 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Stella Mozgawa about her Polish heritage, her musican parents, how a benign lie became the truth, how she evolved beyond her competitive ...
015: John Herndon (Tortoise, 5ive Style, Isotope 217)
06 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to John Herndon about growing up on a commune; leading a musical movement with Tortoise, 5ive Style, and Isotope 217; his side career as a t...
014: Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Fantomas, Philm)
29 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Dave Lombardo about co-founding the groundbreaking metal band Slayer, his experience as the son of a Cuban butcher living the American Dr...
013: Hamid Drake (Don Cherry, Fred Anderson, Mandingo Griot Society)
22 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to master improviser, Hamid Drake, about playing with Don Cherry, Fred Anderson, and Mandingo Griot Society; his evolving concept of meditat...
012: Lori Barbero (Babes In Toyland)
15 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Lori Barbero about living on a houseboat, her time with the highly influential Babes In Toyland, and going with the flow.
011: Bermuda Schwartz (Weird Al)
08 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz about Dr. Demento, his 35 year collaboration with Weird Al, and the meticulous effort that goes into re-creating t...
010: Dale Crover (Melvins, Altamont, Nirvana)
01 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Dale Crover about innate confidence when approaching the drums, his three decade--and counting--run as drummer for The Melvins, playing w...
009: John "Drumbo" French (Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band)
25 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to John "Drumbo" French about blazing a singular path with Captain Beefheart, slipping his under tyrannical rule, arranging the seminal albu...
008: Jeff "Tain" Watts (Wynton/Branford Marsalis, Alice Coltrane, Solo)
18 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Jeff "Tain" Watts about growing up in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, getting suspended from school for fighting, ascending to the top o...
007: Patty Schemel (Hole)
11 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Patty Schemel about drumming for Hole, addiction, recovery, and motherhood.
006: Butch Norton (Lucinda Williams, Eels, Tracy Chapman)
04 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Butch Norton about his philandering father, his positive but limited experience with Scientology, and his career as drummer for Eels, Tra...
005: Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, Brand X, Betty Davis)
25 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to legendary drummer Mike Clark about his time with Herbie Hancock, Buddhism, and how he came to invent his own unique style of drumming.
004: Sandra Vu (Dum Dum Girls, Sisu)
18 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Sandra Vu about growing up as a first generation Asian kid in the Southern California hardcore scene, working as a drummer-for-hire in Du...
003: Kid Millions (Oneida, Man Forever, Spiritualized)
11 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Brooklyn drummer Kid Millions about prep. school, Oneida, Metal Machine Music, tuning drums with Brian Chase, and his solo percussion pro...
002: Ndugu Chancler (Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, George Duke)
04 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Leon "Ndugu" Chancler about his upbringing in Louisiana and Los Angeles, his time with Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, George Duke, and the ...
001: Brendan Canty (Fugazi)
28 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joe talks to Brendan Canty, drummer of the legendary band Fugazi, about growing up in an environment of “benign neglect”, writing music in bands a...
Brendan Canty Preview
15 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a preview of Joe's interview with Brendan Canty, drummer of the legendary punk band Fugazi. Brendan talks about the only time his dad saw the...