Ear Expansion Podcast

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton delves into guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson's rich musical journey and creative philosophy. Jackson discusses his early influences, the transition from his initial desire to be a drummer to embracing the guitar, and key formative experiences from a transformative teacher. The conversation explores the 1970s New York Loft Scene, Jackson's piv...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep conversation with artist Damsel Elysium. They discuss her early experiences with the violin, the challenges she faced as a young black string player in a predominantly middle-class classical world, and her journey towards rediscovering and redefining her relationship with music and sound. Damsel shares her transformative expe...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with sound artist Dorothy Carlos. The discussion delves into Dorothy's early formations in sound, influenced by her classical cello training and ethnomusicologist first teacher. Dorothy describes the transformative role of improvisation and technology in her practice, emphasizing how digital techniques and e...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound conversation with Laraaji, an influential sound artist whose work has spanned over five decades. Laraaji shares experiences from his early musical explorations in a Baptist church basement, his serendipitous encounter with the zither, and his ventures into ambient music. Throughout the dialogue, Laraaji delves into the sp...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host Lamont Hamilton converses with artist Vanese Smith, also known as Pursuit Grooves, about her formative years and musical evolution. Vanese discusses her beginnings in the DMV area, moving from emceeing to beat production, and her influences from hip hop, R&B, funk, house, and ambient music. She reflects on the impact of growing up in Maryland, the signifi...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton interviews Jessica Care Moore, discussing her extensive career, influences, and artistic journey. Moore shares insights into her early musical influences from a diverse range of artists, crediting her parents and the cultural environment of Detroit. She delves into her evolution as an artist, blending poetry, music, and performance, with signi...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a profound and evocative conversation with Onyx Ashanti, an innovative artist who merges music, technology, and self-expression. Onyx recounts his journey from early influences in Mississippi, where the church and marching band played pivotal roles, to discovering Beat Jazz and the Metabyte system. He highlights his transformative e...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is in an conversation with artist Jayve Montgomery, also known as AbstractBlack, about his work and musical journey. Jayve discusses his experimentation with sound, influenced by hip hop and the Great Black Music traditions within Chicago. He also speaks about how his work tackles themes of systemic oppression, historical trauma, and black exp...

This episode of Ear Expansion features host LaMont Hamilton speaking with Tru as he discusses his multifaceted journey through sound, exploring his early influences from church and family to his deep connection with hip hop and theater. Tru reflects on his evolution as an artist, highlighting his development through projects like For the Future, Sanctuary, and Indigo Rev, each emphasizing communal...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Nnenna, exploring her musical journey, creative influences, and sonic explorations. The conversation delves into her monthly DubLab show, 'The More You Look,' which celebrates interconnected music elements in Black culture. Nnenna explains the concept behind ‘STEMLINES’ as a fusion of her inte...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton welcomes back William Parker for another in-depth discussion.  This discussion delves into the spiritual and social motivations behind his music and the broader culture. The episode explores the concept of the 'tone world,' Parker's ideas on the intersection of spirituality, music, and societal transformation, and reflects on the evolving incl...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is in conversation with anti-disciplinary artist Jay Afrisando. The discussion spans Afrisando’s journey from early experiments with the guitar and Sibelius to exploring sonic innovations with traditional Indonesian instruments like the saluang and angklung. They delve into the interplay between tradition and innovation, aural diversity as a f...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton engages in an in-depth conversation with legendary musician William Parker, delving into his early musical influences and his formative years in New York's Loft Scene during the 1970s. Parker recounts how the Loft Scene served as a pivotal training ground for avant-garde musicians, providing a space for artistic self-determination. He discusse...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Kareem Samara delves into his musical journey influenced by his father's love for classic rock and his mother's classical Arabic music. He describes his early interactions with music, from creating mixtapes in junior school to formal learning with his Lebanese oud teacher. Kareem discusses his unique approach of blending the oud with electronic effects and improvi...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton converses with Carlos Niño about his rich and evolving journey in the realms of sound and music. Carlos reflects on his early musical influences, his extensive work in radio, and the formation of his collaborative spirit through projects like Build an Ark. The discussion highlights the importance of his various mentors in shaping his artistic...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, the spotlight is on Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn, a music historian, writer and DJ from West Baltimore. This conversation delves into his musical journey from early experimentation in hip-hop production through his entry into writing and finally his establishment of the cow:Music label through Astral Spirits Records. Gabriel reflects on the profound influen...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton converses with Matana Roberts to explore their extensive and multifaceted career as a composer, band leader, sound experimentalist, and visual artist. This conversation delves into Roberts' Coin Coin series, their diverse upbringing, and their evolution as an influential figure in experimental music. The discussion highlights their family's hi...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Ana Lira, a multidisciplinary artist renowned for her work in visual arts, documentary, and social communications, delves into her journey through Brazilian cultural narratives. The discussion addresses themes of collective memory, social justice, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities in Brazil, including women, black, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ popula...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton interviews Abdul Bilal Hakim, also known as Grey Wulf, about their sonic and spiritual journey. The discussion covers Abdul's early formation in sound, the influence of his Afro-Indigenous background, and the impact of artists like Keiji Haino and Stephen O'Malley. Abdul recounts their transformative experiences, such as working in Alaska and...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, the host LaMont Hamilton speaks with Kennedy Verrett, a multi-faceted composer, pianist, and sound researcher, about his diverse and extensive career. Kennedy shares his evolution from a childhood fascination with nature to a professional life dedicated to sound studies, including notable projects like 'Soundcheck Earth' and his field research in places like Joshu...

In this episode of 'Ear Expansion,' Thavius Beck delves into his extensive career as an instrumentalist, producer, and electronic music educator. The conversation explores Thavius' early musical influences, starting from his childhood experiences with instruments like the saxophone and bass guitar, to his later fascination with electronic samplers and synthesis. Beck reflects on his role in the LA...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, host engages in an in-depth conversation with LuFuki, a historian specializing in the contributions of Muslims to Black music, guitarist, composer, curator, and founder/co-founder of several musical collectives. LuFuki discusses his late start with the guitar, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and John McLaughlin, and how his practice expanded in...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, artist Rena Anakwe reflects on her 15-year journey as a sound artist, exploring sound collage and sound healing. Growing up in a Nigerian immigrant household in Canada, Rena became a self-taught DJ and sound artist, using everyday sounds and field recordings to create emotional narratives. She discusses projects like 'Sometimes I Lose My Words' and 'From My Window...

In this compelling episode of Ear Expansion, avant-garde clarinetist and composer Angel Bat Dawid shares her profound connection with music that began in her family's church and expanded during her childhood in Africa. The conversation navigates her musical journey through what she calls "Great Black Music" dispelling various industry imposed genres, including funk, jazz, classical, and gospel. An...

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Jahon Mikal discusses the multifaceted nature of his musical practice, which includes roles as a playwright, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. Jahon reflects on the origins of his musical journey, starting with playing marimbas at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center and participating in church choirs and musicals. He describes the influenc...