San Diego rock royalty Tobias Nathaniel is known to most for being half of the core of the iconic and influential Black Heart Procession. Excavating the maudlin, somber and longing of the human spirit and defining a sound. Now he lives in Belgrade Serbia and makes lively rock music with The Red Step. There’s still a color, there’s still a movement. We speak of him being a guitar player known for playing piano the most, AC30s (no pedals!), his contribution on Blonde Redhead’s Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and one of those songs becoming a famous piece of music in Rick and Morty, working with David J, why The Spell is his favorite Black Heart record, learning to sing in a band after many years of playing music (finding a voice) and lots, lots more!
Greg has a new record (Child Soldier: Creator of God)! It is under his own name and most of it doesn’t sound much like Dillinger Escape Plan. Listen in as Greg and Conan talk about how directors and actors aren’t expected to do the same thing but musicians are. Boxes and rooms. Doing things because you have something to say vs. wanting to be heard. Spotify, categories and other prisons.
The founding of Federal Prisoner and putting out records that way, vs with a major label or established indie label. Making the decision to release the record under the same name he pays his power bill under, and removing the shield of band identity. Playing Alice in Chains songs with Jerry Cantrell in small rooms without volume to back up anything, and playing with people that make you step your game up. The ending of Dillinger Escape Plan, the origin story of Killer Be Killed (who also have a new record out!), and lots, LOTS more.
At LONG LAST! A conversation with one of the most mysterious and unsung guitar heroes of “weird music”. Listen in as Helios and Conan talk about taking inspiration from Hendrix and Sabbath live (and the acid), and making timeless records like Alien Soundtracks and Half Machine Lip Moves too. Model trains. The sad decline of Damon Edge, Overcoming illness and adversity, touring with Hawkwind members, common cause with Flipper and Dead Kennedys. Lactating Purple! Look: Helios has had an incredible career, and it is likely you aren’t familiar with all of it. So act accordingly.
Also, It is entirely likely that you will get a contact high from this episode.
Puscifer has a new record called Existential Reckoning. Conan talks with Agent Round and discuss: Arcosanti (live at…), Chapman Sticks, Fairlights and “people doing weird shit”, contrasting ideas (Fake Affront). Live vs. record and serving the song, Bob Dylan. New and surprising. Lyrics. Accept songs. “It’s wrong and it’s right, and it’s Puscifier”. Doing the work, even when it is divine. Nick Cave! Tears for Fears (what, seriously?)
Listen in on this talented artist talking about process, mindset and worldview.
Conversation I just overheard between my son (6yo) and his dad…
Dad: you go to the toilet first then mate.
Son: I know, we can go(wee) together!
Dad: we can’t, it’s like ghostbusters, we are not allowed to cross the streams.
Time for a brand new Protonic Reversal! Tonight is Mr. Ben Verellen of HELMS ALEE, VERELLEN AMPLIFIERS, BAR HOUSE and HARKONEN tune in now! http://radionope.com @HelmsAleeMusic @sargenthouse @verellenamps #protonicreversal
