Zum Podcast with George Chen

I got to fill in for Rob Barber (The Urxed)'s dublab spot this month - and it was a great timing to promote the 25th anniversary of Zum and the new Zum Audio Vol 5 compilation that is coming out on Aug 18th (of course there are delays on the physical - even for a CD) Here's the link to the archive, but I thought it'd be worth sharing on the ol' podcast feed as well. TRACKLIST: Slower Than – Last Resort Sea Scouts – Beacon of Hope Giardini di Mirò – Dancemania Nuzzle – Age of Cinders Out Hud – JGNE Beans – Boston RWA Total Shutdown – Top Gun The Lowdown – Horror Dog KIT – Track 1 (from split 7″ with Wives) The Intima – New Roots P:ano – Loud Son Can’t – Homesick Abe Vigoda – World Heart Zs – In My Dream I Shot A Monk Scary Mansion – Unwise Weird Weeds – Fifty Dollars Silentist – Paralytic Core of the Coalman – Inertia I Mincemeat Or Tenspeed – Furious Styles Chen Santa Maria – Jefferson Chopper AIDS Wolf – Random locations across North America, March-April 2009 High Castle – All Ages Nightmare Neil Campbell & Robert Horton – Cut-Free Taste Death George Chen – Successful Friend Somnambulists – Poem of Struggle My Heart, an Inverted Flame – Shallow Breath, Slight & Tenuous Body Double – Prisonous Mind Zach Hill – Startled Ea The Acharis – Jesus Thrill Driftloss – Detach Granule See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the 10th anniversary of Talkies, the comedy/variety show that George started back in San Francisco in 2012! We'll be at Cobb's on Thursday July 14th Bastille Day with Nick Stargu, Aviva Siegel, Land Smith, Kate Rhoads, and more! Sarah Hotchkiss article for KQED Arts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This was originally going to be part of a new podcast interview series with Scott Pinkmountain (https://www.scottpinkmountain.com/) but he ended up going a different direction. I still thought it was an interesting conversation where I talk about my background in music and comedy. Also taking a moment to let you know, if you are in the Bay Area, we are doing a Zum showcase at Noise Pop! Tuesday Feb 22 (2/22/22) at Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, 8 pm, we are co-presenting with Talent Moat (Anthony Bedard, who we've interviewed before) https://www.talentmoat.com/upcoming/2022/2/22/bodydouble-noisepop https://noisepop.com The lineup is Body Double, My Heart, an Inverted Flame (debut live performance), The Acharis (in from Detroit/Oakland, fresh off a EU/UK tour) We'll be there in person slinging some new merchandise as well. 7 pm doors, purchase tickets here http://www.stubmatic.com/bottomofthehill/event/10359 And we have a discount code for our webstore - checkout code "FRNZ" gets you 20% off all orders at zumonline.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From episode 137 of Sup Doc, my other podcast about documentaries. First-time director Arthur Jones and producer Giorgio Angelini share the twisted tale of artist Matt Furie's most famous creation becoming a meme identified with the Alt Right. They chronicle Furie's attempt to reclaim Pepe the Frog for good and share the process of starting in comics and animation all the way to premiering at Sundance. Feels Good Man website. Jones debuted the film at Sundance and ended up winning the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award For Emerging Filmmaker. The film is on the festival circuit but if you have even a passing interest in online radicalization, intellectual property law, or comics culture, this is a story you will want to know. Follow Arthur on: Twitter: @futuresmells Follow Giorgio on: Twitter: @giorgieangelini Instagram: @giorgieangelini Follow Sup Doc on: Twitter: @supdocpodcast Instagram: @supdocpodcast Facebook: @supdocpodcast sign up for our mailing list And you can show your support to Sup Doc by donating on Patreon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the wake of the tragic Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, The Hollywood Improv will host a night of comedy and music on December 23 to raise funds for the impacted community. The bill will feature comedians from the Bay Area including SPECIAL GUEST BRENT WEINBACH CHRIS GARCIA CAITLIN GILL ANYI MALIK EMILY MAYA MILLS CASEY LEY live music by YACHT hosted by GEORGE CHEN Show begin at 10 p.m. with doors opening at 9:30. Advance tickets are $20...

Just a quick announcement about my standup dates in Portland. Weds Oct 19th Earthquake Hurricane Velo Cult Bike Shop Northeast 42nd ave $5 8 pm // Thursday Oct 20th headlining Get Wet at Splash Bar 904 NW Couch St 8:30 pm // Friday Oct 21st Comedy at Al's Den 10:30 pm Free, 21+ at Crystal Hotel 303 S.W. 12th Ave See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Slightly different format show - my radio show from 9th Floor is no longer on iTunes so I thought I'd throw it up here, a mix of music and talk. My interview guest Chris Thomson (Circus Lupus, Ignition, Lunch Meat, Soulside, Unrest) recorded July 25. 2015 Playlist: Mdou Moctar – A Fleur Tamgak – Afelan (Sahel Sounds) Everybody Row – Escape Plan – The Sea Inside 7” (Vitriol Records/ 301 Collective) Zs – Wolf Government – XE (Northern Spy) White Noise Radio Theatre – Beyond Good and Evil – Ultra Low Frequency (self-released) John Carpenter – Vortex – Lost Themes (Sacred Bones) Lakes – Song Of Investment Capital Overseas – Zum Audio Vol 3 (Zum) Baus – GOT3 – Idol Minds (self-released) Monorchid – Oral Fixation Anonymous - Let Them Eat… (Simple Machines/Dischord) Sister Nancy – Bam Bam (Version) (Techniques) Rose Alliance – The Red Light In Her Face (Morte Creations) Skull Kontrol – Camouflage – Deviate Beyond All Means Of Capture (Touch and Go) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 24 - Michael Morley ----------- Exciting to meet up with Mr. Michael Morley of The Dead C, Gate, 2 Foot Flame, and much more. Legendary New Zealand music and art figure, I had a chat with Michael at a Gate show with Ramleh in San Francisco. We touch on his art career, other music projects, daily life in Port Chalmers, and even the recently departed David Bowie. Special thanks to Tim Leanse for assistance with the interview at the Elbo Room. https://gatemm.bandcamp.com/ ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) THE DEAD C - Sky - Harsh 70s Reality (Siltbreeze) GATE WITH LEE RANALDO & ZEENA PARKINS - MM/LR/ZP - Threadwaxing Space (Zero Hour) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If this is your first time checking out the show, welcome! I created this hourlong FCC clean version of the show for KGPC 96.9 FM (aka 9th Floor Radio at Peralta College) in Spring 2015. I made some bleep sounds for the swearing and tried to pick the chunks that I found the most interesting. These are my talks with Calvin Johnson (K Records, Beat Happening), Ron Lynch (Adventure Time, Home Movies), Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile), Mark Gergis (Sham Palace, Porest, Sublime Frequencies), and Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu). You can listen to these in their unedited glory from the same place you got this episode. This episode lead to a short-lived (three episodes!) live radio show called Well Futile that is still housed over at KGPC http://www.9thfloorradio.com/wellfutile . I had to end the WF show due to some personal crises (aka a bunch of my records being stolen) but I feel great being back to this long-form format. Since April I also launched a podcast about documentaries with Paco Romane called 'Sup Doc, so check that out as well. http://supdocpodcast.com Theme music is "After God" by High Castle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 23 - Jamie Stewart ----------- Jamie Stewart is nearly indistinguishable from his 15+ year moniker performing as Xiu Xiu. Though he pals around with Prurient and Merzbow, he's finding new paths to blaze, taking on a Twin Peaks tribute and just trying to make it as a touring musician in the post-physical age. Avid traveller with an undeniable work ethic making challenging music for the mass-less. We talk whilst sitting in a car in LA's Koreatown on a sweltering afternoon. *Congratulations to mutual friend David Horvitz and Zanna Gilbert on the birth of their daughter Ela Melanie in the back of an Uber. *Oakland fire benefits: May 9th at 924 Gilman, AK Press gofundme, Shipwreck Studio, crowdrise fundraiser for displaced residents. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) XIU XIU - Quagga (Kingfisher Bluez) 7 YEAR RABBIT CYCLE - Meditation - Wind Machines (Free Porcupine Society) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 22 - Calvin Johnson ----------- Despite some technical glitches, I managed to preserve most of my conversation with Calvin Johnson. If you're not familiar with K Records and Beat Happening (which comprise the last chapter of Our Band Could Be Your Life), he's also been in the bands Dub Narcotic Sound System, Go Team, Hive Dwellers, and solo performance. We're driving across the new Bay Bridge and talk about comedy in Olympia and the Bay, major injuries, theater, the early days of punk, and of course K Records (including the Neo Boys reissue). Special thanks to Jaime and Thorsten for bringing Calvin to town and helping me close out the show. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) HALO BENDERS - Don't Touch My Bikini - God Don't Make No Junk (K) BEAT HAPPENING - Our Secret - Beat Happening (K) HIVE DWELLERS - Get In - Get In EP (K) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 21 - Ron Lynch ----------- Comedian Ron Lynch has a lengthy career appearing in unexpected places, from voice work on shows like Dr. Katz, Home Movies, Bob's Burgers, and Adventure Time, to film, commercials, and TV (Sarah Silverman Program, even the Golden Globes). He's also the voice of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, which brought him back to town. We talk about his time in the comedy scenes of Boston and San Francisco, making short films with Louis C.K., Courtney Cox's breast milk, and lots of other funnery. Ron's weekly show, Tommorow! at the Steve Allen Theater is celebrating its 8th aniversary August 10th and 17th, so check that out and enjoy this talk with a comedy legend. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) UGLY REVENGE - dialogue from the short film by Louis C.K. RON LYNCH - Ron Lynch - HOLY FUCK. Live Comedy. (Rooftop Comedy) MOSES CAMPBELL - Drop D (Official video version) - Expectations (Big Joy) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 20 - Carla Bozulich/Evangelista ----------- First time trying a multi-microphone interview with a multi-headed beast, this round it's Carla Bozulich and her Evangelista bandmates Tara Barnes and Dominic Cramp. I'm joined in the interview by Mike Keegan. Carla's music projects have included Ethyl Meatplow, Geraldine Fibbers, Scarnella, and most recently Evangelista who have put out three epic albums on Constellation Records. They take a break from their busy schedules to chat with me at the Huffin House in Oakland. They've got two gigs in the Bay, their last US shows for the foreseeable future, July 19th at the Nightlight and August 17th at the Hemlock. A bit hectic and goofy, given how dark and mysterious the music gets, with a special surprise drop-in phone guest. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) GERALDINE FIBBERS - You Doo Right - Butch BORFUL TANG - Sanctuary BUSINESS LADY - Rock Candy Mountain - Torture Footage (Load) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 19 - Allison Wolfe ----------- Allison Wolfe is a legend in the punk scene and best known as the singer of Bratmobile, one of the original Riot grrrl acts. Creating the Girl Germs zine and spearheading Ladyfest, Wolfe throws out a larger than life persona as an activist and musician. The influence of that '90s moment even lead to an eye-opening trip to Georgia. We hung out in Los Angeles but talk about the punk scenes of her hometowns (Olympia and DC), print journalism's downfall, Thailand, and day jobs (which include writing for the famous manga Nana and teaching English). Check out her bands Partyline, Cool Moms, Cold Cold Hearts, and Deep Lust. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) BRATMOBILE - Die - The Real Janelle EP (Kill Rock Stars) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 18 - Anthony Bedard ----------- Anthony Bedard is at an overlap in the Venn diagram of music and comedy. As a musician he was in the notorious and recently reunited Icky Boyfriends as well as the Resineators, Hank IV, Little Queenie, and Leather Uppers. He's also the music booker at the Hemlock Tavern for about a decade and in addition to inaugurating the comedy series Club Chuckles, he started a comedy record label called Talent Moat which has released recordings by Bucky Sinister, Brent Weinbach, and Nick Flanagan. We also talked about the early '90s Boston and SF music scenes and the hilarious twitter he runs called Folder Rock, rife with overhyped self-promotion from bands seeking to get booked at the club. ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) ICKY BOYFRIENDS - Katerophenia - A Love Obscene (Menlo Park) BRENT WEINBACH - Women - The Night Shift (Talent Moat) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 17 - Eric Cash ----------- Comedian Eric Cash had a pretty eclectic past as a street performer, circus ringleader, and punk singer before arriving at his current craft. We talk about his life bouncing around the US with a crew of tattooed, vomiting, and drugged out clowns, berating SF tourists, shooting apples off people's heads Burroughs-style, painting on boobs in New Orleans, and how punk and comedy come to cross purposes. This past year his personal life has been in tragic upheaval. If you can imagine going through the darkest time of your life and getting on the mic in the midst of it, you have some inkling of the intensity and dedication he channels. He's working on his first album (recording it at Stagewerx in SF on these dates) while also starring as a super villain in a Batgirl fan web series, appearing at San Francisco's first Comedy and Burrito Festival October 11-13th, and burning up the twittersphere. (You know it's a good show when the stuff I left on the cutting room floor includes stories about sneaking into gigs as Eyehategod's roadie.) ------------ HIGH CASTLE - After God - Spirit of the West (Zum) (intro music) 1984 - IV ERIC CASH - Street Show See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 16 - Robert Horton ------------- Robert Horton and Neil Campbell just completed the album Trojandropper, so I delivered copies to his house and crashed dinner. We talked about the lengthy process for Trojandropper and his history in the Bay Area punk and poetry scenes as a member of Appliances, ISM, Plateau Ensemble, and collaborations with players in many genres over the past three decades. Topics include "The Boot," Diane di Prima, partying with Ginsberg at Naropa, The Deaf Club, being the harbingers of West Coast rap, the dangers of chemistry, racism, and much more. A hidden fount of wisdom nestled in the El Cerrito hills, this is a fun one. Dig in! ------------- NEIL CAMPBELL AND ROBERT HORTON - Child's Tongue Flicks - Trojandropper (Zum) APPLIANCES - Cease To Exist PLATEAU - Hong Kong Cha Cha Cha (cover of Riz Ortalani) (live recording '85 or '86 at 535 Page St) LISA GRAVES FIELD RECORDING - Chickens ROBERT HORTON - The House Is Playing Music (w/ Hal Hughes on fiddle) APPLIANCES - Riot Squad live at Mabuhay (Jello Biafra's Mayoral Ball) intro by Judy from Pink Section See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 15 John Benson ------------- "John Benson vs. The People of California" -------------Some technical glitches in my chat with John Trevor Benson, but that seems appropriate given our topics of discussion - the legacy of Free Radio Berkeley, Barrington co-op, pre-internet touring, having a Harley dad, being sober, fixing wheelchairs, and converting a former police bus into a venue. Benson was in the bands A Minor Forest, Tic War, Creepy Crawly Claw, Hale Zukas, and Evil Wikkid Warrior, a band with his daughter Quinn. He also has a solo tape coming out soon on Turned Word. Check out a video by Ryan Junell about the original bus, a story on the recent bus woes (not mentioned in the press anywhere - $5k plus in fines), and if you have ever enjoyed the weirdo performances enabled by John, donate directly to his paypal account - followthatparade AT yahoo DOT com.------------- THE INTIMA - Tundra'd - No Lullaby For Sleep (Zum) intro theme musicA MINOR FOREST - So Jesus Was At The Last Supper... - Flemish Altruism (Thrill Jockey) EVIL WIKKID WARRIOR - Evil Wikkid Warrior (self-released CDR) A MINOR FOREST - Speed For Gavin - Flemish Altruism (Thrill Jockey) HALE ZUKAS - Beating Dream (self-released CDR) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 14 - Mark Gergis ----------- How does one go from hanging out in the weirdo Oakland rock scene of the early '90s to arranging/producing collaborations between Omar Souleyman and Bjork? That's just part of the story of Mark Gergis, who works with Sublime Frequencies and recently started his own Sham Palace label. Sham Palace just released a collection of New Wave Dabke. If you don't know what that is, don't worry-all the more reason to listen. We also talk about his bands Mono Pause, Neung Phak, White Ring, the solo project Porest, and much more. Topics include the Heavenly Ten Stems, growing up Iraqi-American in the suburbs, and searching out music around the globe. ------------ NEUNG PHAK - Khmer 28 - 2 (Abduction Records 047 – 2012) (intro/bed music) NEUNG PHAK - Kawp Koon Kawp Koon - 2 (Abduction Records 047 – 2012) MONO PAUSE - Brief Lallation - (Knormalities V.1 7" compilation – 1997) THE WHITE RING - Excerpt from the film Homeland Security; It's In Your Hands (Electro-Motive Records – 2002) NEUNG PHAK - Poor - 2 (Abduction Records 047 – 2012) THE TWELVE STEPPES - Michigan History - Deep North (Porestsound 01 – 1995) POREST - Continental Revolt - Tourrorists (Abduction Records 034 – 2006) DARKIE - Look at the Owl (Ye Hue Dam) - Cambodian Cassette Archives (Sublime Frequencies 011 – 2005) AHMAD AL KOSEM - Love is Not a Joke - Dabke – Sounds of the Syrian Houran (Sham Palace 02 – 2012) OMAR SOULEYMAN & BJORK - Tesla - The Crystalline Series EP (One Little Indian/Nonesuch – 2011) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zum Podcast Episode 13 Nate Denver ------------- Nate has been in several bands (Total Shutdown, Nate Denver's Neck, Dig That Body Up It's Alive, and one with me called Sobretooth that we didn't even get to talk about!) and has authored/illustrated the book "Wait, You're Not A Centaur." I caught up with him at his Los Angeles home whilst attending to his burbling baby daughter Sadie. He just completed a kickstarter campaign for a new book entitled "Haunted Armor" so we talk about that, being a firefighter, the SF scene, religion, and his Navy Seal brother who is in the movie Act of Valor. First full on interview format, thanks!------------- TELEVISION PERSONALITIES - I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives - ...And Don't the Kids Just Love It (Rough Trade)NATE DENVER'S NECK - Mace - End Times Fesitval 2006 (Freedom From)TOTAL SHUTDOWN - Top Gun - Reflections (Thin The Herd) DIG THAT BODY UP IT'S ALIVE - My Captor Is Laughing (Castle Face) NATE DENVER'S NECK - Snuggle Tummy - Prepare To Die (King Crab) NATE DENVER'S NECK - Gravestone Carver - Ghost AlarmNO AGE - Don't Stand Still - Eraser (Sub Pop) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.