On today’s episode, Scott is joined by IDLES lead singer Joe Talbot, one of the most exciting frontmen in rock music today! Early in their discussion, they discuss Joe’s childhood in Bristol and his early music memories, including being introduced to Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks by his father at a young age. Along the way, they touch on his background as a DJ, and his love for U.K. hip-hop. Next, Scott asks him about the early days of IDLES. Joe shares how he supported himself before he could pursue music full-time, and how the band eventually decided to sign to Partisan Records. After giving some insight into the making of IDLES’ first album, Joe discusses the band’s latest record, Tangk, produced by Kenny Beats and the legendary Nigel Godrich. Finally, the episode ends with some of Joe’s Top 5’s, including his top 5 underrated British rock bands, and his top 5 foods we don’t have in America!
This episode is sponsored by Sonos, Scott's favorite speaker brand. Visit sonos.com to learn more and find gifts for every listener on your list.
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CREDITS (Instagram handles)
Host @ScottLipps
Edited by @toastycakes
Music by @Robby_hoff
Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NY
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - INTRO
0:15 - NYC music/Meet Me in the Bathroom
1:12 - Joe’s influences
1:50 - Growing up/early music memories
3:25 - Coming out of a dark place with music
4:45 - DJing
5:38 - Trip-hop
6:48 - UK hip-hop
7:40 - Joe’s parents’ music taste/Astral Weeks
8:43 - Joe’s relationship with his dad
9:26 - Studying film in college
10:07 - Starting IDLES
12:22 - Holding a fake afterparty for Johnny Marr
13:00 - How Joe supported himself early on
13:42 - Early days of the band
14:40 - Early gigs
15:10 - Performing under a church
15:41 - Signing to Partisan
17:52 - Finding catharsis while recording the first album
18:42 - Revisiting the first album
20:10 - IDLES’ recording process
21:40 - IDLES’ fanbase
23:14 - “Never Fight a Man With a Perm”
25:47 - Vulnerability in Joe’s lyrics
29:15 - Making Crawler
31:52 - Being nominated for two Grammys
35:10 - “Car Crash”
37:00 - Tangk/working with James Murphy
39:30 - Working with Nigel Godrich
42:50 - Working with Kenny Beats
44:10 - Themes on Tangk
48:02 - Origin of the album title
48:44 - The dynamic of the band
54:11 - Touring with Foo Fighters
56:53 - Sending Dave Grohl a jigsaw puzzle
58:45 - Upcoming tour
59:00 - Joe’s top 5 films
1:00:38 - Joe’s top 5 underrated British rock bands
1:03:00 - Joe’s top 5 foods we don’t have in America
1:07:30 - Joe’s #1 favorite film