Ep481: Stephen Malkmus - Pavement, The Hard Quartet

Ep481: Stephen Malkmus - Pavement, The Hard Quartet

Author: The Vinyl Guide January 10, 2025 Duration: 46:54

Stephen Malkmus of Pavement and The Hard Quartet supergroup discusses his record collecting history and hobby, the curation and rarities of his collection and more.

Topics Include:

  • Discussion of California fires affecting friends and family
  • Malkmus planning upcoming Australia tour dates
  • Past experiences touring Australia - good venues and hospitality
  • Planning to watch Australian Open tennis in Melbourne
  • Record store habits in Chicago area
  • Sold eight feet of records to Portland dealer
  • Keeps records with sentimental value over others
  • Considering organizing valuable records for emergency evacuation
  • Owns rare Australian records from Bondi Beach dealer
  • Band of Light, Buffalo, Carson among Australian collection
  • Collecting New Zealand Flying Nun and Expressway records
  • Prefers finding records in wild over online purchases
  • Interest in outsider music and private press records
  • The Shags mentioned as reference for outsider music
  • Gary Higgins' "Red Hash" mentioned as great private press
  • Values original pressings over reissues, condition less important
  • Not particularly interested in promo or white label releases
  • Discusses Led Zeppelin records and Robert Ludwig pressing
  • Moved from LA to Stockton around age eight
  • Played in Stockton punk band Straw Dogs
  • Opened for major hardcore bands like Black Flag
  • Tales of Terror band mentioned as influential
  • Authorities from Stockton discussed - "Soundtrack for Trouble"
  • First vinyl appearance was Slay Tracks release
  • Early Matador Records special releases with dinosaur stamps
  • Influenced by Swell Maps and Beat Happening
  • Early Sub Pop and Homestead Records were influential
  • Hard Quartet project confirmed as ongoing, not one-off
  • Band recorded together, avoiding remote recording methods
  • Discusses song "Renegade" and its evolution
  • Compression techniques used on "Renegade" discussed
  • Looking for Roy Rutanen record while in Australia
  • Found Bram Stoker record in Gold Coast charity shop
  • Uses phone to research records while shopping
  • Values surprise discoveries in record stores most

Tickets for The Hard Quartet Australian tour

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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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