John Linnell is one half of They Might Be Giants, an American alternative rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. The group is known for their unique blend of alternative rock, experimental pop, and highly unconventional songwriting. John chats with us on his career to date, recent album The World Is To Dig and a great deal more.

To listen / watch:

Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Pulling together a ‘pile’ of songs for The World Is To Dig

The Linnell / Flansburgh writing and album production process

The brilliant Patrick Dillett

Sound selection for The World Is To Dig

The Critter and Guitari Organelle

Bastl Instruments

John’s long-term love of Digital Performer

They Might Be Giants live – approach in the early years as a tape-backed duo

They Might Be Giants re-create the duo years in Brooklyn in 2015.

John in action with They Might Be Giants live in 2026: Spiraling Shape

John’s discovery of the accordion

Main Squeeze accordions in New York City

The late, great Walter Kuhr and the Main Squeeze Orchestra

John’s keyboard rig in ‘the early days’

Casio CZ-101

Casio FZ-1

John’s current virtual keyboard rig with They Might Be Giants after a long and healthy relationship with the original Roland Fantom keyboard

The Marxophone

The Marxophone in action on Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) – The Doors

They Might Be Giants’ cover of the Irving Berlin song Lazy

They Might Be Giants – Who Are The Electors?

They Might Be Giants’ intergenerational appeal

Mutual thoughts on Australia’s love for They Might Be Giants (and how JJJ made a difference)

The TMBG musical vault and why it will likely stay closed

Desert Island Discs: Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II BWV 846-893 – Glenn Gould, The Anthology 1931-1968 – The Mills Brothers, Songs of the Pogo – Norman Monath / Walt Kelly, The Biz Never Sleeps – Biz Markie, Oranges & Lemons – XTC

A shout out for This Might Be A Wiki

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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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