Radiolab: Curious Sounds from the Solid Sound Festival

Podcast: Radiolab (WNYC Studios)
Episode Date: June 27, 2013
Hosts: Jad Abumrad, with appearances by Reggie Watts and the band Lucius
Episode Theme: A behind-the-scenes update from the Radiolab team’s adventure at the Solid Sound Festival, plus exciting news about the upcoming Radiolab Live tour featuring innovative musicians known for experimenting with sound.

Episode Overview

This short dispatch captures the Radiolab crew’s experience at Massachusetts' Solid Sound Festival, hosted by the band Wilco. The episode is driven by host Jad Abumrad, offering exclusive announcements about the upcoming Radiolab Live tour, and showcasing a standout musical performance by Brooklyn band Lucius. The episode is an invitation to experience Radiolab’s signature curiosity through music, sound design, and community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Radiolab Visits Solid Sound Festival

• Radiolab was featured at Wilco’s annual Solid Sound Festival, a gathering known for its eclectic mix of bands and comedians.
• Jad highlights memorable acts:
  • Nico Case, Low, Foxygen, and the comedic stylings of John Hodgman and Reggie Watts.
  • “Every time I see [Reggie Watts] he blows my mind. It was a really fun weekend.” [00:49]

2. Radiolab Live Tour Announcement

• Jad reveals Radiolab’s plans for a fall tour across 21 cities (October & November).
• Unique aspect: Live reading of an upcoming episode, accompanied by live musicians, enhancing Radiolab’s signature sound design.
• Notable musicians added to the tour:
  • Sarah Lipstate, Brooklyn-based guitarist/film composer, known for immersive soundscapes.
  • Glenn Kotche (Wilco drummer), known for “otherworldly” percussion using unconventional, homemade instruments.
    • “His drum set looks like some kind of spaceship and he creates sounds which are completely otherworldly.” [02:27]
  • Darin Gray (bassist, On Fillmore), famed for unconventional bass noises (“turns his bass into a tuba, literally, so it can sound like a lion”).
    • “He gets his bass to make noises that you just don’t expect a bass to make.” [03:17]

3. Tour Details & Urgency

• Ticket demand is high, with some shows already selling out or requiring additional nights:
  • “Oakland, New York, Denver went really fast. We had to add another night. We're not going to be able to do that in most cities because of travel schedules. So if you're thinking about coming, don't wait too long.” [03:44]
• Listeners are directed to radiolab.org/live for tickets and info.

4. Showcasing New Music: Lucius Live at Solid Sound

• Jad introduces Lucius, a Brooklyn-based band discovered at the festival (close ties to the Radiolab team: “literally right on the corner from one of our producers, Andy Mills”). [04:04]
• Song feature: “How Loud Your Heart Gets” performed live at the festival.
  • Standout moment: The performance underscores the festival’s spirit of sonic exploration and creative energy.
  • Lyrics touch on themes of memory, distance, and childhood:
    “We were children now we've grown... Nobody knows how loud your heart can be...” [05:38]
  • “Thank you guys so much! Is everybody doing all right so far?” – Lucius [07:41]

5. Closing Warmth & Festival Atmosphere

• Shared appreciation for audience and artists, both enduring the summer heat:
  • “I know it's hot out there. Thank you. It's pretty hot up here, too.” – Jad [09:02]
• Promise of a forthcoming full episode, reinforcing Radiolab’s signature blend of storytelling and curiosity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jad Abumrad on Reggie Watts at Solid Sound:
  “Every time I see him, he blows my mind.” [00:49]

• On Glenn Kotche’s Innovative Percussion:
  “His drum set looks like some kind of spaceship and he creates sounds which are completely otherworldly.” [02:27]

• On Darin Gray’s Bass Techniques:
  “He gets his bass to make noises that you just don’t expect a bass to make... He has found a way to turn his bass into a tuba, literally, so it can sound like a lion." [03:17]

• Encouragement to Act Fast on Tour Tickets:
  “Oakland, New York, Denver went really fast. We had to add another night... So if you're thinking about coming, don't wait too long.” [03:44]

• Lucius Live Lyric:
  “We were children, now we've grown... Nobody knows how loud your heart can be...” [05:38]

• Lucius Engaging the Crowd:
  “Thank you guys so much! Is everybody doing all right so far?” [07:41]

• Jad’s Closing Note:
  “I know it's hot out there. Thank you. It's pretty hot up here, too.” [09:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Solid Sound Festival Reflection: [00:00–01:15]
• Live Tour Announcement: [01:15–04:00]
• Introduction to Lucius: [04:00–04:30]
• Lucius Live Performance (How Loud Your Heart Gets): [04:30–07:41]
• Audience & Band Interaction, Closing Remarks: [07:41–09:20]

Summary in a Nutshell

This Radiolab dispatch captures the excitement and communal spirit of the Solid Sound Festival while building anticipation for the Radiolab Live tour. Listeners get a rare peek into the show’s creative process and meet boundary-pushing musicians set to join the adventure. The episode weaves together behind-the-scenes updates, a celebration of curiosity-driven music, and heartfelt exchanges with the live audience, all delivered in Radiolab’s warm, inviting tone.