Robert Stewart (aka Jarvis Black, Magic on Wax) joins us today to discuss his favorite music, the listening process, and the physical medium itself. Also, new radio mix featuring new music from Bibio, Cut Copy, Daedelus, Arms and Sleepers, and MKSTN. Check it out!
(Listen to radio mix and read more interviews here: https://INADRM.com/radio)
FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT STEWART:
Joseph Corrao: What is some of your favorite recently released music?
Robert Stewart: Tan Cologne, Cave Vaults On The Moon In New Mexico
Robert Stewart: Of Montreal, UR Fun
Robert Stewart: Pet Shop Boys, Hot Spot
Robert Stewart: Global Communication, 76:14, 2020 reissue
Robert Stewart: Deap Lips (Deap Valley/The Flaming Lips)
Joseph Corrao: Some of these I already love, and some I will have to look into. Thank you for sharing these! What are your all-time favorite albums? What makes them stand out?
Robert Stewart: Kate Bush, Hounds of Love. No one writes, plays music and sings quite like Kate Bush. Hounds of love is haunting masterpiece. I hear something different each time I listen and it transports me back in time to those moments in the 80s when I first heard her music and things were much more simpler it seemed.
Robert Stewart(cont.): Alice Coltrane, Journey In Satchidananda, 1971. The bass line by Cecil McBee on the opening title song was so thrilling when I first heard it in 1999, after it had been reissued. I would play Journey In Satchidanada on repeat.
Robert Stewart(cont.): Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. Neko Case is an unusual song writer. I love the play between dark and light in her lyrics. Star Witness is one of my all time favorite tracks by her, it so chilling to listen to. “Hey there there's such tender wolves 'round town tonight”
Robert Stewart(cont.): The Flaming Lips, Soft Bulletin. I’ve been a fan of The Flaming Lips since the early 90s by the time Soft Bulletin was released I was way into their music. I love the vibe and atmosphere of this album, lots of layers.
Robert Stewart(cont.): Sleep, The Sciences. I only got into stoner metal in the last 5 years or so through a friend of mine. When The Sciences was released I found it to be truly stellar and driving. My favorite track is Giza Butler. There are quite a few more albums that come to mind but I keep it at the 5 that came to mind.
Joseph Corrao: All amazing albums, some of them favorites of mine as well, definitely worth taking the time to listen too. Thanks for recommending these and giving insight into what makes them stand out to you. How long have you been collecting records for?
Robert Stewart: On and off for over 30 years but, more seriously since 2011.
Joseph Corrao: Nice! I'm sure you've found some gems along the way. What makes you prefer this medium for your music listening experience?
Robert Stewart: I’ll listen to music in any format. Usually if I’m at home I put a record on. I like records for the whole package. The art work, the tactile act of holding a record and listening to it in its entirety, the way it was intended to be heard. I feel there is a warmth to playing records that I liken to sitting near a fire and enjoying watching the flames. Playing vinyl has a very similar appeal for me..that warm crackle.
Joseph Corrao: I agree! I especially liked your comparison and the points you brought it up about records. When listening to a record for the first time, what do you find makes you want to come back for a second listen?
Robert Stewart: I love when an album finishes and I’m humming a melody or hearing the lyrics in my head or the hook. It makes me want to return again and visit that part, it’s how we build a relationship with that artist and their album that keeps us coming back.
Joseph Corrao: Very informative, it is interesting to learn how music makes it's connection with the listener. What would you say is the most important part of music to you?
Robert Stewart: For me, music isn’t so much about tight perfectionism in the making of it but the sincerity that went into the process of making the music. Many well trained and self taught musicians possess this ability to play from their soul while others sound polished and academic and boring. Of course this is merely my opinion.
Joseph Corrao: I agree, some of the best pieces seem to strike a perfect balance between the two. Excellent observation! Thank you so much for taking the time talk about music and share some of your favorites.
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