Note for Note: Recent Episodes
Pretty Punk
Walt Disney · 1993
On this special Halloween episode, Tony joins Michelle to discuss The Nightmare Before Christmas. In this episode Tony laments Tim Burtons fall from grace and both give praise to music legend Danny Elfman. They reflect on Elfman’s beginnings as a very unique and odd composer and lyricist which probably prepared him for his current status as one of the top movie composers. They also discuss they aesthetic tones in this soundtrack that make it rife for consumption by outcast and misfits.
Bob returns for a third time to join his daughter in discussing Rolling Stones. It’s no secret that classic rock has played an important part in Michelle’s life and understanding how music is passed down is perhaps the big theme of this episode. Instead of a single album, this episode will instead focus on Rolling Stones in a more general sense. Discussing their evolution, their impact on the music scene and their impact on Bob and Michelle.
The final episode of Michelle discussing the music of Disney films has returning guest Angela Morris and friend of both Amanda Shockency sharing their thoughts on the Disney empire in general. This conversation weaves in from discussing which songs are their favorites to remarking on the greater cultural influence of Disney films. Listen in and share your thoughts.
Inspired by the last episode fellow Pretty Punk makes his way back to Note for Note to join Michelle in discussing Disney Films. In this episode Tony discusses how with Disney films they always strived to incorporate music into their films it wasn't until the Disney Renaissance that music became a conduit for the story as opposed to a quick aside from the narrative. Tony also discusses his own preferences with Disney films and why he separates Pixar from being considered a part of the "Disney" library. They also get into a discussion about the classification of Disney musical numbers as pop music and how they compare to modern pop. Overall it's just a lengthy conversation between a music enthusiast and a film buff.
You'd be hard pressed to find an individual who has grown up free from the influence of the Mouse and in this episode Michelle and her guest Grace discuss the music of Disney animation. While touching on the golden and silver era of Disney this discussion primarily focuses on the Renaissance Era, which one is to do when discussing Disney music.
Michelle has a pretty eccentric yet chill convo with returning guest Marissa for this episode of Note for Note. In this episode they reflect on what music they relate to their cabin. From music they play while "eating salad" to music they were introduced to on the drives up. This is a great episode of two sisters reminiscing about their childhood.
1972 · Threshold
Bob Leitschuh returns to Note for Note to discuss Seventh Sojourn by the Moody Blues with his daughter, and host of Note for Note, Michelle. This time they get into a heaver discussion about the distributive methods of music and how that lead to the music scene being more heavily dominated by specific artists and genre. With music nowadays being so accessible they question whether artist who rise to prominence these days will have a harder time remaining in the cultural zeitgeist. Opposed to past artist who would by demand dominate the radio almost putting a roadblock to newer artist, not to take anything away from those past artist. Listen in as they discuss this and other musical phenomenons on this week's Note for Note.
1967 · Abbey Roads Studios
Michelle discusses The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper with her mother, Dionne in the latest episode of Note for Note. They discuss life back in the 70's when the Beatles were arguably at their peak, the cultural landscape of the time and how music helped shape it. They also get into which musicians had the most base level impact on their affinity for being a musician.
2007 · Sub Pop
So like, Tony, like, returns to Note for Note so Michelle can have opportunity to discuss an album that meant something to her. In this episode the two discuss the how music can serve as a sanctuary from loneliness. They also get into James Mercer's lyrical style, how it's almost a puzzle in the composition, and how it's affected Michelle's own endeavors as as a lyricist. The conversation veers off into politics as well as the they discuss how for them politics is a tool for survival.
Note for Note returns with Michelle interviews her friend Lilith, on gospel, country, and other music that have influenced her throughout life. In this episode they also discuss the the effects religion has had on their lives and their personality.
2005 · Epitath
In this week's episode Michelle sits down with friend, Nick Bonneson, talk about Motion City Soundtrack's Commit This to Memory. The discuss the evolution of genre and how the EDM genre has been consumed and almost co-opted by pop music. They also discuss the utility of music as mood setter, how it can be used as a tool to just relax and unwind. It's a good conversation on the evelution of genre and music's role in our lives.
In this special episode of Note for Note, Michelle is joined by fellow Pretty Punk and cohost of The Macabre Sort, Tony Garcia, to discuss their favorite albums of 2017. Listen as Tony stumbles out of his comfort zone from discussing cinema to the more abstract medium of music, he tries his best, I assure you. But really listen for Note for Note's Michelle's insightful commentary on the albums, jumping from their composition and production to their lyricism and themes. It's a cathartic episode as our dedicated hostess has an opportunity to discuss albums she's passionate about!
2014 · Tiny Engines
This week Michelle is joined by the charming J Williams and he brings with him the rather somber album Home, Like Noplace Is There by The Hotelier. In this episode J discusses how the album serves as something of exposure therapy that allow them to reflect on emotions and grow from them. They also have a discussion on genre and how the diversity of music is important in providing audiences a feeling of solidarity.
Captured Tracks · 2015
Michelle interviews her girlfriend Dani Kelzer on the liberating ideology of Mac DeMarco as presented through his album, Another One.In this episode Dani and Michelle discuss their internal process of self discovery and self actualization and the obstacles present within that journey. To Dani, Mac DeMarco is a laid back stoner who's altruistic and caring at heart, which she finds to be a freeing mindset. The thesis being that wanting other to be happy will bring you more happiness than simply wanting yourself to be happy.
O/R Records · 2016
Michelle interviews her sister, Marissa, in this week's episode. Marissa picks a relatively new album, I Can Build a Fire, from London based indie-pop group, Autoheart. For Marissa the album acts as a conduit to memories of studying abroad in London, becoming symbolic of a point in her life of significant growth and self discovery as well as one her happiest memories. Listen in to the culture shock of being exposed to goofy Minnesotan mannerisms after spending months in the delicate and quaint streets of London.
Def America · 1988
In this episode, Michelle's guest Taylor Haukos tells your children not to walk his way as he explains the profound impact Danzig's self titled album had on his up bringing. Taylor discusses his lack of a prominent male role-model and how Glenn Danzig operated as a surrogate father to him through his music. This process of learning "masculinity" also played into how Taylor differed right from wrong and how to address injustice or amorality. It's a great conversation on the impact of music/metal on the masculine identity and is worth a listen.
Equal Vision · 2007
In this episode of Note for Note, Michelle's friend and bandmate of COLOURCASTER, Andre Barnes recounts his musical influences and his path simply playing Guitar Hero to becoming a full on recording artist. Andre also discusses his personal process of music writing and how learning multiple instruments has effected that process.
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In this episode, The Mountain Goats' Tallahassee serves as a catalyst for self discovery for Note for Note guest, Kaylee Valerius. Michelle and Kaylee discuss how the subject matter in Tallahassee mirrored Kaylee's own experiences, offering a sense of solidarity. Beyond that The Mountain Goats are also musical inspirations for Kaylee's musical endeavors including her band Kloud.
DGC Records · 1994
In this episode Michelle and her friend, Angela Morris, discuss Hole's Live Through This and more broadly Courtney Love's legacy as a whole. The pair parse through the complex nature of Courtney Love as a public figure. Two narratives spring to mind that almost contradict each other. The public perception of Courtney being a narcissistic, possibly a psychotic individual, clashing with the talented musician who's music can be a source of empowerment for women as it addresses the oppressive nature of the patriarchy. This and more in the full episode.
MCA Records · 1975
In the new episode of Note for Note Michelle shoots the shit with her father, Robert Leitschuh, and talks about Elton John's album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. In this episode Michelle explores how music permeates throughout our history, highlighting events of not only societal growth but personal as well. They also discuss the growth of music as a whole, where it's headed and how it compares to it's predecessors. Listen in and share with your friends.
Asthmatic Kitty Records • 2016
In the premier episode of Note for Note our host Michelle sits down with fellow Pretty Punk creator and host of Macabre Sort, Antonio Garcia. In this episode they discuss Sufjan Stevens' album Carrie & Lowell and its part in helping Michelle's guest deal with grief and processing emotion.