17 episodes

Talking Circles brings you inside the songwriting and collaborative process of Umphrey’s McGee’s 14th studio album, “Asking For A Friend.” Through comprehensive interviews with members of the band, we explore the inspirations behind theses songs - many of which were written during lockdown - the manner in which the band developed them & their transition to the live stage.
Produced by Osiris Media


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Umphrey's McGee: Talking Circles Osiris Media

    • Music
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

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Talking Circles brings you inside the songwriting and collaborative process of Umphrey’s McGee’s 14th studio album, “Asking For A Friend.” Through comprehensive interviews with members of the band, we explore the inspirations behind theses songs - many of which were written during lockdown - the manner in which the band developed them & their transition to the live stage.
Produced by Osiris Media


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Episode 14: It's Not Your Fault

    Episode 14: It's Not Your Fault

    In the series finale, we dive into the track “It’s Not Your Fault,” a song that Brendan Bayliss thought might not be on the album at all. The discussion of this song leads to a conversation about Neil Young and his influence on Bayliss. 
    We want to thank everyone for listening to the series, and please leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, and share with those you think should hear it. 
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 11 min
    Episode 13: Fenced In

    Episode 13: Fenced In

    Welcome back to Talking Circles - a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. This is a podcast about the making of Asking For A Friend with the members of Umphrey’s McGee. 
    In Episode Thirteen, we hear Brendan Bayliss talk about “Fenced In,” which was a reaction to the protests of the Summer of 2020, and to the ongoing pandemic. As with a lot of songs, the concept existed for a while, but was brought together by a unique set of circumstances. 
    Jams which featured early hints of “Fenced In” are featured in this episode. The versions included are: 

    2012-02-03 Minneapolis (Der Bluten Kat, first jam)2014-10-25 Grand Rapids (All In Time; lyrical)2012-05-25 Summer Camp (2x2)
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 17 min
    Episode 12: Work Sauce

    Episode 12: Work Sauce

    Welcome back to Talking Circles - a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. This is a podcast about the making of Asking For A Friend with the members of Umphrey’s McGee. 
    In Episode Twelve, we focus on “Work Sauce,” a song that came together through a unique combination of serendipity, collaboration, and reflection on these truly unique times. Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger lead the discussion of this track.
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 17 min
    Episode 11: How Bout Now

    Episode 11: How Bout Now

    Welcome back to Talking Circles - a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. This is a podcast about the making of Asking For A Friend with the members of Umphrey’s McGee. 
    In Episode Eleven we focus on the quiet ballad, buried deep in the second half of Asking For A Friend, “How About Now.” A simple acoustic song recorded in a single take, it showcases Brendan Bayliss’s lyrical brilliance, and the simple approach the band took on their latest album. Highlighting his own sense of doubt around his songwriting as well as the immediate reception of the song by his bandmates and producers, this is a perfect encapsulation of what makes Bayliss such a constant in the world of Umphrey’s McGee.
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 17 min
    Episode 10: Always October

    Episode 10: Always October

    Welcome back to Talking Circles—a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. This is a podcast about the making of Asking For A Friend with the members of Umphrey’s McGee. 
    In Episode Ten we turn our attention to “Always October.” This song was inspired by Bayliss’s experience with parenthood—and the pros and cons of being a professional musician with a family at home—especially in October, when leaving for Fall Tours.
    Jake and Brendan talk about the use of major and minor keys, and how that helps communicate the subject matter in the song.
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 21 min
    Episode 9: Hiccup

    Episode 9: Hiccup

    Welcome back to Talking Circles - a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. This is a podcast about the making of Asking For A Friend with the members of Umphrey’s McGee. 
    In Episode Nine we begin to focus on the deep cuts of the album, with “Hiccup” up first. A song that showcases the unique differences between Cinninger and Bayliss’s songwriting approach, it also displays the band’s dedication to keeping things simple on the album. Finally we discuss the importance of a properly timed nap ahead of a guitar solo recording session.
    Talking Circles is a production of Osiris Media and Umphrey’s McGee. Audio production by Matt Dwyer. Written and Produced by Brian Brinkman, RJ Bee, and Kevin Browning. Art by Mark Dowd. All interviews and audio used with permission from Umphrey’s McGee.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

UMphreak99 ,

Deep Dive into the songs

I love UM so much. Thank you for this insight 💜

JBartlet ,

This One Goes to 11

The most punctual band in rock ’n roll strikes again.

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