José González talks 'Against the Dying of the Light," hardcore punk, AI, and more

José González talks 'Against the Dying of the Light," hardcore punk, AI, and more

Author: brooklynvegan April 27, 2026 Duration: 49:32
This week, we're talking with Swedish singer-songwriter José González who just released his fifth album Against the Dying of the Light. He's currently on tour in North America and our conversation happened the day before it started in Boston. We discuss his new album and its somewhat apocalyptic themes, including AI which you'll learn he has a more complicated relationship with than some do. We also talk about his use of distortion in his mostly acoustic music and how that will play out on this current tour which is at rock clubs and not the seated theaters of his last few tours. He also tells us how his punk and post-hardcore youth continues to influence his music, what he listens to when he runs, the acclaimed video for his cover of The Knife's "Heartbeats" and how he may be doing more covers in the future, and more. -- Credits: Hosted & produced by Bill Pearis Mixed and mastered by Nick Gray Theme music by Michael Silverstein photo: Ellika Henriksson

For anyone who feels music is more than just background noise, BV Interviews: A Podcast About Music offers a space to dig deeper. This podcast emerges from the long-running music blog and online record store BrooklynVegan, channeling that same curated passion into audio form. Each episode is a conversation built on genuine enthusiasm, whether it's an intimate interview with a songwriter discussing their craft, an exploration of a musical movement's history, or a discussion about the currents shaping today's sounds. You'll hear about everything from the raw energy of punk and metal to the nuanced storytelling of folk and the innovative beats of hip hop, always with a focus on the artists and stories behind the music. It’s for listeners who crave context and connection, who want to understand not just what an artist makes, but why they make it. The tone is informed and engaging, like a discussion between friends who happen to know a lot about music. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that go beyond the typical press cycle, offering a richer appreciation for the music you already love and a reliable guide to discovering something new. This is a podcast dedicated to the endless discovery and discussion that music inspires, straight from the people who live and breathe it every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 82

BV Interviews: A Podcast About Music
Podcast Episodes
MEMORIALS talk new album, vintage gear, touring with Stereolab, more [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:21
This week we're talking MEMORIALS, the duo of Verity Susman from Electrelane and Matthew Simms of It Hugs Back and Wire. Their excellent second album is titled All Clouds Bring Not Rain and is a technicolor psychedelic p…
Cardinals: Ireland's Best New Band? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:38
This week we're talking to Euan Manning of Irish band Cardinals who just released their terrific debut album Masquerade. We talk about the band's unique sound, which hinges on his brother Finn's accordion playing, and ma…
Heavenly's Amelia Fletcher & Rob Pursey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:06
This week we're talking to indiepop legends Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey whose bands include Talulah Gosh, Marine Research and Heavenly who this month will release their first album in over 30 years. It's titled Highwa…
The Cribs talk 'Selling a Vibe', brotherly love & more [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
This week we're talking to Ryan and Gary Jarman, two thirds of long-running Wakefield, UK sibling trio The Cribs. They just released Selling a Vibe, their terrific ninth album and first in five years, which they made in…
Sleaford Mods' Jason Williamson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:12
This week we're talking to Jason Williamson, head shouter for UK duo Sleaford Mods. The band just released their 13th album, The Demise of Planet X and we talk about making that one and the large cast of guests involved,…
Flogging Molly's Dave King Opens Up About Near-Fatal Brain Injury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:36
Flogging Molly leader Dave King opens up for the first time about the traumatic brain injury that he suffered earlier this year that doctors say nearly ended his life. He was told by doctors as he was leaving the hospita…