Fania Takes Nueva York | From Our Thing: The Birth of Salsa in Nueva York

Rewind: Johnny Marr

Jul 7, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, host Justin Richmond sits down with legendary guitarist Johnny Marr to discuss his storied career, his evolution as a musician, and his approach to collaboration. Reflecting on his journey from a teenage prodigy in Manchester to his iconic tenure with The Smiths and beyond, Marr emphasizes that his work has always been driven by a deep, lifelong passion rather than a calculated career plan. The conversation explores Marr’s unique ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse musical projects, from his work with Modest Mouse and The Pretenders to his film score contributions with Hans Zimmer. Marr attributes this versatility to a musician's innate desire to listen and serve the song, comparing the collaborative process to a jazz-like conversation. He also shares insights into his creative process, including his recent reflections on sequencing a solo "best-of" collection and the formative influence of rhythm guitarists like Keith Richards and Nile Rodgers. Ultimately, the episode paints a portrait of a dedicated artist who remains as enthusiastic about the guitar today as he was when he first picked it up.

Joe Jackson

Jun 30, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, the hosts sit down with the eclectic and restless artist Joe Jackson to discuss his storied career. Emerging from the late 1970s UK new wave scene, Jackson quickly distinguished himself by refusing to stay in one lane. Throughout the conversation, the hosts explore his constant evolution, ranging from his early hits to his forays into jump blues, Latin-tinged jazz, and classical composition. Jackson offers insights into his creative process, explaining how he relies on intuition and taste rather than a rigid formula. He reflects on his time in New York City during the 1980s, where his deep fascination with the local Latin and jazz scenes heavily influenced his seminal album Night and Day. The discussion also touches on the importance of humor in his work, as Jackson laments how critics often misinterpret his artistic choices by taking them too seriously. By revisiting his experiences in early cover bands and his transition from a young songwriter to a seasoned composer, the episode provides a fascinating look at an artist who has consistently prioritized musical curiosity over maintaining a consistent mainstream brand.

Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien

Jun 23, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, Ed O’Brien of Radiohead joins the hosts to discuss his artistic evolution, his recent solo work, and his lifelong fascination with sound and texture. O’Brien opens up about the transformative period that followed his time with Radiohead, detailing how he moved from solitary guitar experimentation to collaborating with new musicians to bring his solo projects to life. A central theme of the conversation is the development of O’Brien’s craft. He reflects on his journey from the early, distortion-heavy days of Radiohead to becoming a musician obsessed with nuanced, atmospheric textures. He credits influences ranging from the rhythmic innovations of reggae and dub music to the powerful arrangements of Earth, Wind & Fire. The discussion also touches on the shift in how music is consumed today, with O’Brien noting that younger generations have moved beyond the "guilty pleasure" labels that defined his own youth. By exploring the balance between artistic truth and kindness, as well as the enduring power of collaborative "brotherhood" in bands, O’Brien offers a candid look at the creative spirit and the ongoing process of finding one’s voice as an artist.

Earth, Wind & Fire

Jun 16, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, hosts Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond welcome three legendary members of Earth, Wind & Fire: Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White. The conversation centers on the group’s enduring legacy and the profound, almost spiritual impact of their music. The members reflect on the vision of founder Maurice White, who sought to create a band that could transcend genres, connect with global audiences, and maintain a high standard of musical integrity. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of producer Charles Stepney, often described as the group’s "Quincy Jones," who helped refine their complex arrangements and taught the musicians the nuances of their craft. The guests share personal anecdotes about their early days moving to California, growing together as adults, and adopting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle modeled by Maurice. By examining early tracks and iconic hits, the hosts and the band members explore how the group evolved from its blues-rooted origins into the sophisticated, genre-bending force that defined a generation. It is a heartfelt tribute to the discipline, collaboration, and visionary leadership that kept the band timeless.

The New Pornographers

Jun 9, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, host Bruce Headlam sits down with Carl Newman and Katherine Calder of The New Pornographers to discuss their latest album, The Continue as a Guest. Throughout the conversation, the bandmates explore their evolution over two decades and how their songwriting process has shifted toward a more deliberate, narrative-driven approach. Newman delves into the inspirations behind the record, revealing how unexpected subjects—such as the last remaining payphone in New York City, the terminal illness of a friend, and the decommissioning of the Cassini-Huygens space probe—became vehicles for exploring themes of loss, aging, and acceptance. The discussion highlights Newman’s newfound commitment to research, using specific, evocative details to anchor his songwriting. The guests also share insights into their collaborative dynamic, explaining how they utilize home recording to maintain personal control while embracing the "happy accidents" that occur when exchanging parts. Ultimately, the conversation paints a portrait of a band that continues to refine its craft, emphasizing the importance of melodic freedom and the philosophy that in music, if a part isn't vital enough to stand at the forefront of the mix, it likely shouldn’t be there at all.

Mopreme Shakur

Jun 2, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, Mopreme Shakur joins the hosts to share his deeply personal and long-awaited story. As the half-brother of Tupac Shakur and the son of Black Liberation Army activist Mutulu Shakur, Mopreme offers an intimate, insider perspective on his family’s legacy, which is often obscured by conspiracy theories and sensationalism. The conversation explores the complexities of their upbringing, balancing the intense political consciousness of a household committed to Black liberation with the universal experiences of brotherhood and childhood. Mopreme reflects on the constant anxiety of growing up under FBI surveillance and the profound impact of his father’s political imprisonment. He also discusses his journey from these roots to the military, and eventually to the Bay Area, where he reunited with Tupac during the early, formative stages of the late rapper’s career. Beyond the political history, Mopreme highlights his own path as a musician, touching on his early influences in the New York hip-hop scene and his contribution to classic tracks like Tony! Toni! Toné!’s "Feels Good." Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful tribute to the lives of those caught in the struggle for change and a reclamation of the Shakur family story.

Hardy

May 26, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, singer-songwriter and producer Hardy joins the hosts to discuss his journey from a music-loving teenager in Mississippi to a powerhouse songwriter in Nashville. Hardy reflects on how his deep appreciation for new metal bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit—as well as his love for intricate lyrical storytelling—shaped his unique approach to country music. The conversation delves into the mechanics of songwriting, with Hardy explaining why he views the process as an engaging puzzle. He discusses the importance of internal rhyme schemes and vowel placement, techniques he credits to studying artists like Eminem and seasoned Nashville songwriters. Hardy shares his perspective on the industrialization of the Nashville writing room, noting that while it is often a structured, professional endeavor, he still finds his creative "zen" moments within the craft. Additionally, Hardy addresses the cultural legacy of "bro-country," predicting that the genre will likely see a resurgence in the coming years. He also touches on his use of tools like AI for brainstorming and his desire to keep his personal life private, despite his admiration for artists who use their music as a window into their own realities.

From Robert Margouleff | Shaping Sounds: Stevie Wonder, DEVO, the Synth Revolution and My Life Behind the Music

May 21, 202612 minSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, the hosts feature an excerpt from Shaping Sounds, the memoir by legendary music producer and engineer Robert Margouleff. The episode provides an intimate look at the golden age of studio innovation, specifically highlighting Margouleff’s work with music icon Stevie Wonder. He details the collaborative creative process behind Wonder’s masterpieces and explains how they pushed the boundaries of sound using early synthesizer technology and evolving recording techniques. Beyond his work with Wonder, Margouleff recounts his experiences producing for other influential artists during downtime from his primary collaborations. He offers behind-the-scenes stories about recording Minnie Riperton’s hit Loving You, describing the meticulous efforts to capture her extraordinary falsetto and the experimental use of natural sound effects. Additionally, he reflects on his professional partnership with the Isley Brothers for their albums Three Plus Three and The Heat Is On, explaining the technical approach to blending their classic R&B roots with new funk-rock energy. Throughout the episode, Margouleff illustrates how a spirit of constant experimentation and the embrace of emerging studio gear defined the sound of an era.

Robert Margouleff and Mark Mothersbaugh

May 19, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode, hosts sit down with legendary producer Robert Margouleff and Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh to discuss their long-standing creative partnership and the evolution of music technology. Margouleff, a pioneer who co-created the TONTO synthesizer and worked on iconic Stevie Wonder albums, reflects on his collaborative philosophy. He and Mothersbaugh revisit their time recording the album Freedom of Choice, detailing how they moved away from traditional recording methods to treat the control room itself as a musical instrument. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of technology in art. Both guests explore the rise of artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to the introduction of synthesizers in the 1970s. While they acknowledge the efficiency of modern tools, they emphasize the necessity of human empathy, rubato, and physical connection in performance. They argue that true art must transcend mindless digital production to remain meaningful. Ultimately, the discussion touches on the sociological and political power of music, reflecting on how artists can continue to challenge the status quo and inspire future generations to engage with the world in a more humane and thoughtful way.

Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson - Live from SXSW

May 12, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of Broken Record, recorded live at SXSW, hosts sit down with singer-songwriter and actress Maya Hawke and her husband, musician and producer Christian Lee Hutson. The conversation centers on the creation of Hawke’s fourth studio album, Canto Oblivion, and the unique artistic synergy that defines their partnership. The discussion explores their distinct creative journeys: Hawke, who grew up immersed in a world of art and literature in New York, and Hutson, who developed his musical identity more independently. They reflect on the challenges of balancing their individual voices while collaborating, noting how their partnership evolved from sending poems via email to a deep, trust-filled creative exchange. The guests also touch on the complexities of modern songwriting, the "inner critics" they navigate during the creative process, and the empowering influence of artists like Taylor Swift in making songwriting feel accessible. Hawke and Hutson offer a candid look at the vulnerability required to turn personal experiences—and even inner "characters"—into music, providing listeners with an intimate perspective on how two distinct artistic lives converge to produce honest, reflective work.