Wednesday, May 14, 2025

A Chat with JON KING (GANG OF FOUR)


Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with Gang of Four frontman Jon King about his new memoir (To Hell with Poverty!), Gang of Four's current farewell tour, the 30th anniversary of the band's Shrinkwrapped album, late bassist Dave Allen, and more.

Links in the Video Description





EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


Friday, May 9, 2025

HARDCORE VEGETARIAN: A Chat with LAURA and HARLEY FLANAGAN


Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with author Laura Lee Flanagan about the philosophy behind her just-published book, Hardcore Vegetarian: Welcome to the Vegedome! Laura's husband, Harley (Cro-Mags), later joins them to add his perspectives on vegetarianism and discuss the new documentary on his life, Harley Flanagan: Wired for Chaos.

Hardcore Vegetarian: Welcome to the Vegedome!

Harley Flanagan: Wired for Chaos





EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


Monday, May 5, 2025

A Chat with ROGER EBNER (PIGFACE/BILE/SOLO)


Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist Roger Ebner (Pigface/Bile/Solo) about his new EP, EBNR.  

Links in the Video Description






EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


A Chat with RAY BRAZEN


Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with longtime Lo-Fi artist and '80s New Jersey underground scene fixture Ray Brazen (a.k.a. Davey Dawson) about his history in music (including his early '80s regional hit "I Found Love at WFMU") and participation in the original NJ Punk/Hardcore scene.

Links in the Video Description 






EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


Thursday, May 1, 2025

A Chat With BAD KARMA

 

Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with the reunited members of late '80s/'90s NJ band Bad Karma - Doug "Slugger" Vizthum, Tom "DLO" DiEllo, and Wally "WB" Bird - about the band's history and upcoming first show in 15 years at Randy Now's Man Cave in Hightstown, NJ, on May 16.






EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Words for Mike Peters



Mike Peters was the kind of man you wanted to see live forever.

Kind and humble with an unshakable spirit, he faced more trials and tribulations than someone with his heart and talent ever should have. Just over a year ago, I was offered the chance to interview him on my podcast. I couldn’t reply “yes!” fast enough.

I’m a journo who’s been around more than a bit, but on the day I connected with Mike over Zoom, I was 11 years old again — the kid who discovered and fell in love with Alternative Rock thanks to The Alarm and other acts I heard left of the dial.

Watch the video below — you’ll be amazed by his energy and drive despite everything he endured.

What a damn beautiful man.

Lately, I’ve been working to digitize 25 years’ worth of audio interviews, which means my recent weeks and months have been filled with the voices of the departed. I recently preserved hours of conversation with Genesis P-Orridge. David Thomas, another classic interviewee, passed not long after. I grabbed an unlabeled microcassette and heard Raven’s sarcastic charm speaking to me. Another unmarked tape began with a hotel receptionist:

“Hello, thank you for calling [whatever hotel]. How can I help you?”

“Hello, I’d like to be connected with one of your guests, Andrew Gill …”

Mike is the third podcast guest I’ve lost in the past eight months. That’s hard to take.

Life is short. Embrace the moment. Create art. Go for it all. Smile widely through your struggles. And sing your songs.

Mike sure as hell did.




EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com


Thursday, April 24, 2025

A Chat with ALEC BYRN (Fmr. Label Manager, EG RECORDS)


Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with former music industry executive Alec Byrn (EG Records/Phonogram/Polydor) about his experiences with Killing Joke, Roxy Music, The Ramones, The Boomtown Rats, The Orb, and other legendary acts.






EMAIL JOEL at gaustenbooks@gmail.com