Ep464: John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants

Ep464: John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants

Author: The Vinyl Guide September 16, 2024 Duration: 51:05

John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants discusses the evolution of the band's pioneering approach of music and technology to create innovative media and strengthen connections to their devoted fanbase.

Topic Include:

  • October Australia tour selling out
  • TMBG's last tour of Australia
  • John's car accident – broken ribs
  • They Might Be Giants' unconventional approach
  • Early adopter approach, the gift economy
  • Pioneering technological approaches
  • The importance of Dial-A-Song
  • Daily updates, the Dial-A-Song machine behaviours
  • Where are the Dial-A-Song machines?
  • TMBG's impressions of Napster
  • Challenges of the music industry in early 2000s
  • Touring used to be a losing proposition
  • Spotify and digital music returns for artists
  • Vinyl is becoming a large return for TMBG
  • What TMBG albums haven't been reissued on vinyl?
  • Loss of album artwork
  • TMBG tapes and digital files
  • 8-track version of "Book"
  • TMBG never did a CD-ROM or enhanced CD
  • TMBG approach and involvement with AI
  • Music genres that lend themselves better to AI
  • BBL Drizzy AI track
  • Strangest song: playing "Saphire Bullets of Pure Love" backwards
  • Backwards "Saphire" coming out on special 7"
  • TMBG Instant Fan Club
  • This Might Be a Wiki – TMBW.net
  • Managing product flippers from Instant Fan Club
  • A friend who used to be in Skull & Bones
  • The story of 1st release "Wiggle Diskette"
  • Distributing and nailing Wiggle Diskette on lamp posts around NYC
  • 1985 TMBG cassette – reviewed by People Magazine
  • Interview wrap up

Aussies get your TMBG tickets here.

Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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