The Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Emily Vardaman Walters

Emily Vardaman Walters
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED DAILY

A lipstick pickup is an electric guitar pickup with a captivating sound and appearance that has a devoted cult following that grows with each passing year. True to their name, they were originally chrome lipstick tubes stuffed with magnets and electronics that were the inspired invention of Nathan Daniel, founder of Danelectro. Born from his genius instinct for innovation as well as his devotion to a "rigid cost control" philosophy, they were an essential component of the guitars that helped stoke an affordable rock-n-roll revolution.The Lipstick Pickup Podcast is an amateur (but very inspired), unscripted, rarely edited conversation devoted to the entirety of the subject. Hosted by Emily Vardaman Walters, The Lipstick Pickup Podcast is a fan-friendly primer on the subject of Danelectro guitars and their impact on the history of popular music of all genres. 

  1. SEP 24

    SOUND TREATMENT WITH WOLF STEPHENSON OF MALACO MUSIC GROUP | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep.27

    Send us a text On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast I go on location to my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to having a very inspirational talk with audio engineer/producer Wolf Stephenson of Malaco Music Group. Wolf helped found and build “The Last Soul Company" Malaco Records in 1967 and he and his partners have managed to outlast major record label competitors and remain independent for nearly six decades. The small, mostly unheard-of independent record label has been home to multiple recording artists and songwriters and has a catalog of original recordings and music copyrights, numbering into the thousands. The history of Malaco is one of the most enduring success stories in the history of recorded music and Wolf's personal history is just as phenomenal. He's a survivor with Gospel to spread and I hope you enjoy this visit to the one and only Malaco Music Group. https://www.malaco.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@malacomg "Malaco Records is an American independent record label based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States,[1] that has been the home of various major blues and gospel acts, such as Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, Latimore, Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Dorothy Moore, Little Milton, Shirley Brown, Tyrone Davis, Marvin Sease, and the Mississippi Mass Choir. It has received an historic marker issued by the Mississippi Blues Commission to commemorate its important place on the Mississippi Blues Trail.[2] A tornado on April 15, 2011, destroyed much of the company's main building and studio at 3023 West Northside Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, which have since been re-built.[3]"

    1h 44m

  2. SEP 16

    FAMILY REUNION WITH JACK BRUNSON OF JACK'S GUITARCHEOLOGY | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep. 26

    Send us a text On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I make a Scouting Trip to see Lipstick Pickup Community Cornerstone Jack Brunson of Jack's Guitarcheology in Lebanon, Tennessee.  Jack shares his journey in the world of guitars, from his early days of fixing broken instruments to establishing https://www.jacksguitarcheology.com/ and brick-and-morter location on the Lebanon Town Square. Our discussion digs into the importance of preserving vintage guitar construction, the legacy of retailers like Sears and Roebuck on instrument accessibility, and the collaborative spirit within the sales and service network that he built to serve the Nashville Music Community. We also discuss our mutual admiration for Danelectro Re-creationist, luthier Ian Williams of Nepco Guitars and Jack helps me show off Ian's latest high flyin' creation, my Birdman electric sitar.  Come get your vibration high with this fun visit!

    1h 32m

  3. SEP 6

    INTO THE LIPSTICK STRAT-OSPHERE WITH GUITARIST STEVEN COOPER | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.25

    Send us a text On this episode, I take a trip through the Lone Star State with Steven Cooper, a native Texan and Nashville-based touring/session guitarist who has worked with a variety of artists including the Watson Twins, Patrick Sweany, Jessie Baylin, Nicole Atkins, and his own band Indianola. Steven's knowledge of lipstick Stratocasters can be traced back to his youth spent at Dallas' legendary Charley's Guitar Shop and two of Texas' favorite guitar-playing sons: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Charlie Sexton. In addition to discussing the Lipstick Stratocaster's rich history, we explore the importance of communication and professionalism, navigating Nashville's music culture, and the complexities of owning vintage guitars. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephen Cooper and the Lipstick Stratocaster 03:16 The Journey of a Young Guitarist 06:09 Charlie's Guitar Shop: A Hub of Musical Knowledge 09:16 The Evolution of Guitar Ownership 12:18 The Impact of Local Music Scenes 15:17 The Legacy of Charlie's Guitar Shop 17:56 The Influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan 20:52 The Importance of Small Amplifiers 23:53 The Role of Jazz in Guitar Playing 27:04 The Guitar Community and Its Evolution 29:45 The Value of Vintage Guitars 32:41 The Relationship Between Charlie and Stevie Ray Vaughan 38:33 The Supportive Role of Relationships in Music 41:11 The Evolution of the Lipstick Strat 47:34 The Legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan 51:25 Charlie Sexton: A Multifaceted Artist 56:05 The Gear Behind the Sound 01:10:48 The Power of Instruments in Music 01:12:15 Guitar Acquisitions and Personal Preferences 01:14:15 Touring Experiences and Musical Connections 01:16:49 The Significance of Guitar Shops 01:20:17 The Journey of Giving and Receiving Guitars 01:22:35 Guitar Choices and Personal Comfort 01:24:30 Influences and Early Musical Inspirations 01:27:37 The Role of Communication in Music 01:31:15 Building Relationships in the Music Scene 01:33:24 The Economics of Vintage Guitars

    1h 44m

  4. AUG 23

    GUITAR TOWN SHOW AND TELL WITH NASHVILLE'S MICHAEL McADAM | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.24

    Send us a text Guitarist Michael McAdam comes by The Lipstick Pickup Listening Lounge with an armful of interesting guitars and talks to Emily about playing professionally in Guitar Town for nearly 4 decades. It's a journey of a million miles and it all started on a Silvertone guitar and that's why he still loves the TONE of Masonite and Lipstick Pickups.  More on Michael at : https://michaelmcadam.com

    1h 7m

  5. AUG 16

    THE SITAR GOES ELECTRIC WITH ANGIE MOON | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 23

    Send us a text Writer, blogger and rock historian Angie Moon returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to help Emily take the Sitar Electric and discuss a subject of her authority, Beyond The Sitar: Indian Influences in Classic rock. The conversation explores the concept of "Insomnia," the role of session musicians, and the impact of culture, fashion and style on rock culture, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape artistic expression.  More on Angie and the music discussed: https://crazyonclassicrock.com/2017/01/10/indian-influences-in-classic-rock/ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75UVBqXxCXo5HQKHuNCvAk?si=21916da5c6b54659

    1h 42m

  6. JUL 11

    SUMMER STRINGS MAKE ME FEEL FINE, STU SNYDER PT. II | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 22

    Send us a text In this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily welcomes back Stu Snyder to discuss various topics related to vintage instruments, music recording, and New York City and it's rare birds. They pickup where they left off with a discussion of his vintage guitar string collection and also get a look at his specimen lefty Rickenbacker, among other things. There's also Lipstick Pickup Merch on the way and Stu and Emily touch on the rock and roll legacy and costume history of the Bandana.

    1h 21m

  7. JUN 29

    TRUE CRIMES OF CLASSIC ROCK WITH MUSIC WRITER AND HISTORIAN ANGIE MOON | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep.21

    Send us a text On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily calls Classic Rock historian Angie Moon in Coventry, England to talk about her new book The Crime of The Century and the subject of her blog, The Diversity of Classic Rock. She discusses her personal journey through music, the healing power of sound, and the importance of accurate music history. Angie also touches on her future writing projects, including a focus on celebrity trials, and reflects on the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of music. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the intricate connections between personal history, music, and cultural identity. They explore the legacy of Oscar Wilde, The Kinks and how The Great Migration shaped American Music. The discussion also touches on the role of storytelling in history, the influence of Sitar in music of the British Invasion, and the significance of personal style in creative expression.  Follow Angie here: https://www.instagram.com/angiemichellemoon https://crazyonclassicrock.com/

    1h 51m

  8. JUN 27

    PEAVEY CULT INDOCTRINATION WITH PROFESSOR DEAN FARLEY | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 20

    Send us a text Dean Farley, a seasoned string designer, returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to discuss the life and legacy of Hartley Peavey, a pivotal figure in the music industry. They explore Peavey's innovative spirit, his business acumen, and the impact he had on the music world, particularly through Peavey Electronics. The discussion highlights Peavey's unique personality, his approach to business, and the lasting influence he has had on musicians and the industry as a whole.

    28 min
See All (28)

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A lipstick pickup is an electric guitar pickup with a captivating sound and appearance that has a devoted cult following that grows with each passing year. True to their name, they were originally chrome lipstick tubes stuffed with magnets and electronics that were the inspired invention of Nathan Daniel, founder of Danelectro. Born from his genius instinct for innovation as well as his devotion to a "rigid cost control" philosophy, they were an essential component of the guitars that helped stoke an affordable rock-n-roll revolution.The Lipstick Pickup Podcast is an amateur (but very inspired), unscripted, rarely edited conversation devoted to the entirety of the subject. Hosted by Emily Vardaman Walters, The Lipstick Pickup Podcast is a fan-friendly primer on the subject of Danelectro guitars and their impact on the history of popular music of all genres. 

Information