Whatever Comes Next with Tom Osman

Getting to know the music makers out on the fringes

On Whatever Comes Next I explore the world of independent and underground music making. I talk with music makers, producers and label owners to hear their stories. I like music with a sense of mystery. I like surprises and unique stories... and noise... and weirdness... and darkness... and I want to learn more. tomosman.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 154: Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton

    While the surreal, psychedelic funk-rock world of George Clinton and his main musical outlets Parliament and Funkadelic isn’t exactly a story of the DIY underground it’s certainly one outside of the mainstream—with an influence that stretches everywhere from hip-hop to Dutch blackened post-punk (see Amsterdam’s Ainsoph covering “Maggot Brain”). Guitarist Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton found himself a part of that world back in the mid-70s as a precocious and impressionable teenager. With Hampton recently releasing his latest mini-album King Kong (Sound Mind Records/ Lightyear/ Virgin Records/UMG) the guitarist joins me to discuss his latest recordings, tales of wild times recording and performing in the George Clinton universe, plus some of the other many musical projects he’s been involved with over the years with notable names such as Bootsy Collins, Afrika Bambaataa, Bill Laswell and Dean Ween. Album art: Philip Smith Thanks to Howard at Howlin Wuelf Buy and stream King Kong Michael Hampton on Instagram For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

  2. Aug 5

    Episode 152: Mark Solotroff (Anatomy of Habit)

    The musical world of Chicago’s Mark Solotroff goes back to the mid 80s with power-electronics group Intrinsic Action, includes the controlled chaos of BLOODYMINDED and finds us in the present moment with the doom-infused post-punk five-piece Anatomy of Habit releasing their fifth album Paired Sentinels—with Solotroff, as always, at the helm. It’s been a long and winding path for Anatomy of Habit since their 2008 origins, with lineup changes, a brief stint on Relapse Records and the global pandemic punching a whole in the band’s momentum (as with that of most who lived through it). But you can’t keep a good, dark spirit down. And so we are here to celebrate Paired Sentinels, discuss its creation, the striking artwork by Jeff Gibson, the history of the band—as well as some of Solotroff’s other projects and inspirations. Thanks to Liz at Earsplit PR Buy Paired Sentinels Anatomy of Habit Mark Solotroff For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

  3. Jul 29

    Episode 151: Dumb Waiter

    It would be hard to think of a more suitable name for the latest record by Richmond, Virginian four-piece Dumb Waiter. Having formed back in 2012, Change (out this Friday) sees the band not only introduce vocals for the first time, but completely re-design their whole sound. Having spent several releases honing a complex meld of proggy, avant-garde metallic rock, the band decided they were done with musical complexity, instead wanting something more direct. The result of this transformation is Change—a record not only direct, but harsh, harrowing and anxiety inducing. Such a change, to quote the band from the title track of the latest album, doesn’t come easily. But as hard as that may have been, they did it and I’m here with vocalist/guitarist Nick Crider and bassist/vocalist Keith Paul to hear from them how and why it was time to totally reinvent the band. Album art by Taylor White Band photo Nicholas Crider Thanks to Monica at Speakeasy PR Check out Change on bandcamp Follow the band on Facebook and Instagram Check out Nick Crider’s visual work at Ickhouse For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

  4. Jul 16

    Episode 150: Glenn Morrow

    Although Glenn Morrow recently retired from running Bar/Non Records (the record label he founded 40 years ago), he’s still closely connected to the label. In fact Bar/Non Records, as well as celebrating its 40th anniversary, is about to release Morrow’s latest set of songs from his band Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help, the playfully titled Our Final Album Vol. 1. So let’s dive into the history of the label and the history of Morrow the musician. Let’s discuss it all, from Morrow’s early bands A and The Individuals, to the birth of the record label and their early and fruitful work with enduringly unique They Might Be Giants. Well, ok, there’s not time in an hour to discuss everything, but there’s still time to talk Hoboken, Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, Bob Bert and his new record Beach Bongo Bloodbath (see episode 143), The Swimming Pool Q’s and Anne Richmond Boston (see episode 133), Alex Chilton and more besides. Check out Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help playing with Psych-O-Positive and Love, Burns at The Pet Shop in Jersey City on July 30th. For more more updates visit the band on facebook or Instagram. Check out Our Final Album Vol. 1 on bandcamp and Rhyme-Reason Thanks to Howard at Howlin’ Wuelf Media. For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

  5. Jul 7

    Episode 149: Martin Bisi

    American recording engineer Martin Bisi started BC Studio in Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York City (originally as OAO Studio) with Bill Laswell and Brian Eno 45 years ago. Having worked with names like Afrika Bambaataa and Lydia Lunch, he was involved in the nascent days of both hip-hop and no wave. As an engineer and producer Martin is greatly respected and having worked extensively with underground legends like Swans and Sonic Youth continues to work with cutting edge artists at BC Studio. That’s just one part of the story though, because Martin also has a long and fascinating history as a musician in his own right. This Friday sees the release of the latest Martin Bisi album, Dancing On The Power Lines, an album as bursting with creativity, activist spirit and humour as you could hope for from someone so dedicated to the musical underground for so many years. We discuss the latest album, his own musical evolution, Gowanus, some fascinating family history, collaborations and communities. Back in 2014 a documentary marking the first 30 years of BC Studio was released, Sound and Chaos: The Story of BC Studio. Stay tuned for an updated documentary short, marking 45 years of BC Studio, due later this year. Check out Dancing On The Power Lines and more Martin Bisi music, videos, links and other materials on his website here. Thanks to Dan at Discipline PR. Photo credit: Ego Sensation (thumbnail), Basti For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

  6. Jun 24

    Episode 147: Dave Ramirez (Hypnolovewheel)

    The initial lifespan of New York City indie-rock group Hypnolovewheel lasted only from 1986 to 1993, but in that relatively short time the band released five albums—starting with 1988’s Turn! Turn! Turn! and culminating with Altered States in 1993. While the band’s fine body of work has been hard to get hold of in the digital age, the band recently got the rights back to their catalogue and now, happily, Parallel Universe a career-spanning retrospective gets a full release (having previously been available on a limited vinyl run). And that’s what guitarist Dave Ramirez and I are here to discuss. Which is to say we’re going through the story of Hypnolovewheel. The formation, the releases, the tours, Yo La Tengo, Steve Albini, Kramer, Jesus Lizard and other names that pop up along the way. Sadly, drummer Peter Walsh is not around the be able to celebrate the release of Parallel Universe (having passed away in 2021), but for the remaining members of the band Dan Cuddy, Dave Ramirez and Stephen Hunking, the possibility of a few shows this year seem to be crystallising—you can follow the band on Instagram for updates. In the meantime, check out Parallel Universe in all its glory on bandcamp right here. Thanks to Howard at Howlin’ Wuelf Media. Hypnolovewheel on Instagram. For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My music on Ampwall Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

On Whatever Comes Next I explore the world of independent and underground music making. I talk with music makers, producers and label owners to hear their stories. I like music with a sense of mystery. I like surprises and unique stories... and noise... and weirdness... and darkness... and I want to learn more. tomosman.substack.com

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