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Dead Wax

Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman

Musicians nerding out to great music. Hosts Jack Conte (Scary Pockets, Pomplamoose, CEO of Patreon) and Ryan Lerman (Scary Pockets, John Legend, Ben Folds) are joined by musician friends to help break down what's going on in their favorite music. They dish about production, harmony, composition, theory, vocal performance and everything in between. New episodes every other week!

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20 episodes
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English

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S6 · E13
February 16 · 30 min
Jackson Browne's Bassist on Elvis, Little Richard, The Beatles and Beyond...
Legendary session bassist Bob Glaub joins DeadWax to break down the records that shaped his playing — from Elvis and Little Richard to The Beatles and beyond. With Ryan Lerman and guest co-host Kane Ritchotte, the episode dives into early rock & roll, groove, feel, and the subtle rhythmic choices that define great bass lines. A masterclass in musical history, pocket, and storytelling from one of the greats
S6 · E12
February 9 · 41 min
The Art of the Pop Music Modulation - with Larry Goldings
Larry Goldings is back on the podcast, this time to discuss some of the best pop song modulations! Larry joins Ryan and Kane as he breaks down legendary modulations from Chicago to Paul Simon, playing through the harmony and unpacking why these moments hit so hard. It’s equal parts theory lesson and fan appreciation, with jaw-dropping examples performed live at the keys. Stick around for a masterclass in how great songs bend tonality without breaking the groove.
S6 · E11
February 2 · 33 min
Rob Moose Breaks Down the Greatest String Arrangements Ever
This week on DeadWax, Ryan and Kane are joined by arranger, composer, and violinist Rob Moose. Rob breaks down some of his favorite string arrangements of all time, unpacking how orchestration shapes emotion, groove, and storytelling in recorded music. From subtle harmonic tension to bold, unforgettable entrances, this episode is a deep dive into why great string writing disappears into the song…and why that’s exactly the point.
S6 · E10
January 26 · 20 min
Larry Goldings & Bob Glaub React To Each Others Favorite Songs
Today on DeadWax we have TWO special guests: Larry Goldings and Bob Glaub. These talented gentlemen prepared songs for one another - a little musical show & tell if you will! Extended episode available for paying patrons, where Larry and Bob go even deeper into their own personal favorites. HUGE thank you to our guest(s) for this episode: Larry Goldings and Bob Glaub!! And thank you to special guest co-host, Kane Ritchotte!
S6 · E9
January 19 · 22 min
From Songwriter to Film Composer, with Mike Andrews (Elgin Park)
Mike Andrews (aka Elgin Park) joins DeadWax for a deep, joyful hang that moves from Neil Young’s “The Last Trip to Tulsa” into the absurd brilliance of Walk Hard’s “Black Sheep,” which Mike composed. Along the way, they nerd out on Neil’s “wandering” harmony, how a song can feel cinematic without trying to be, and why you sometimes have to stop chasing structure and just enjoy the ride. Mike also tells the winding origin story of his path from bands and songwriting to scoring. They touch on Frea
S6 · E8
January 12 · 25 min
Darrell Thorp on Fiona Apple, Poppy, and the “Ouchie Zone” (3k Explained)
DeadWax is back with special guest co-host Kane Ritchotte! Kane, Ryan, and Jack are joined by legendary engineer/mixer/producer Darrell Thorp (Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Beck, Fiona Apple), who has 10 Grammys, an Emmy nomination, and strong mic opinions. The conversation zooms in on Fiona Apple’s “Fast As You Can” to geek out on tape-era choices, asymmetrical stereo moves, and why distortion is often the secret sauce, not the mistake. Then, in the Patreon extended episode, Darrell breaks down how
S6 · E7
January 5 · 20 min
Why Third Eye Blind Still Sounds So Good - with Dan Molad
On this episode of DeadWax we sit down with LA-based producer/engineer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Molad (Lucius, Coco) for a deep, nerdy, feelings-first listen. We break down Third Eye Blind’s “Losing a Whole Year” and why it still hits sonically—sub-bass, drum vibe, guitar texture, and that “hands in the air” emotional release—plus the subtle arrangement tricks hiding under the hood. In the Patreon extended episode, we jump into Lucius’ “Do It All For You,” digging into Dan’s recording and mixin
S6 · E6
Dec 29, 2025 · 32 min
Gus Seyffert on Recording to Tape and Making Records That Feel Alive
On this episode of DeadWax, Jack, Ryan, and Kane sit down with producer/multi-instrumentalist Gus Seyffert (Adele, Norah Jones, Beck, Roger Waters) for a deep dive into two beloved recordings: The Band’s “Up on Cripple Creek” and Dr. Dog’s “Listening In.” Gus breaks down what makes Levon Helm’s feel so unmistakable, from vocal/drum interlock to note value and tone, and how classic-era mixing tricks like hard panning plus shared reverb create that “band in a room” magic. Then they get nerdy (in t
S6 · E5
Dec 15, 2025 · 19 min
Inside Dijon’s Recording Process with Producer Tommy King
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman Guest: Tommy King Executive Producer: Ryan Lerman Production Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas Alexander Audio: Jack Light Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypockets Subscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShow Instagram: @thedeadwaxshow
S6 · E4
Dec 8, 2025 · 28 min
The Songs Behind Goodhertz's Insanely SOULFUL Plugins
Music + tech nerds: rise up! On this episode of DeadWax, Ryan and Jack and co-host Kane Ritchotte welcome special guests Devin Kerr and Rob Stenson from Goodhertz! The conversation quickly becomes a deep dive into the musical inspirations behind their groundbreaking audio plugins. They give insight into the creative process that brings sound to life through the use of plugins. Discover more about the world of audio technology, including how retro sounds, lo-fi aesthetics, and personal storylines
S6 · E3
Dec 1, 2025 · 24 min
Sean Watkins: Elliott Smith, Jon Brion, Eric Valentine, Largo, Chris Thile and Nickel Creek
In this episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Sean Watkins, renowned singer-songwriter and one-third of the Grammy-winning band Nickel Creek. They dive deep into the intricacies of songwriting and music production and spend some time zooming in on Nickel Creek's "Somebody More Like You". They explore Sean's journey as a solo artist and where he draws inspiration from for his creative projects, while also touching on his collaborations with iconic musicians like Matt Chamberlain. The
S6 · E2
Nov 24, 2025 · 28 min
"Fiona Apple’s Mixer on “Extraordinary Machine” - with Dave Way!
In this episode, Grammy-winning engineer Dave Way breaks down his mixing process, including how he crafted Fiona Apple’s "Extraordinary Machine." He shares tips on capturing live performances, using space and headroom, and making quick, inspired decisions. Dave also talks about working with top artists, legendary producers, and the magic of simple yet powerful mixes. Plus, he reveals his favorite techniques for creating clarity and room in recordings. Don’t miss this inside look at the art of mi
S6 · E1
Nov 17, 2025 · 24 min
Dan Wilson's FAVORITE "Rule-Breaking" Moments In Songs
This week on Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning songwriter and frontman of Semisonic. Dan discusses his fascination with imperfect lyrics—the ones that stay in, reveal the writer’s hand, and make a song uniquely human. He explores the beauty in flaws through the work of Leonard Cohen, Kacey Musgraves, Smokey Robinson, Phoebe Bridgers, and Prince. In the extended Patreon episode, Dan dives deeper into the lyrical worlds of Joni Mitchell, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, and
S5 · E10
Nov 10, 2025 · 24 min
What Makes The PERFECT Pop Song? with Madi Yanofsky
On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with songwriter Madi Yanofsky to unpack her formula for writing the perfect pop song. Together, they break down what makes hits like Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” so irresistible — from melody and structure to emotional storytelling and production choices. In the Patreon-exclusive extended episode, Madi dives even deeper, analyzing Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” and revealing how she balances craft and instinct,
S5 · E9
Nov 3, 2025 · 24 min
Justin Timberlake's Producer on Timbaland, Drum Programming, Song Form and Working with JT with Fede Vindver
On this week’s Dead Wax, Jack and Ryan sit down with Grammy-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist Fede Vindver to explore the three-year creative odyssey behind Justin Timberlake’s Everything I Thought It Was. Vindver pulls back the curtain on what it was like collaborating with Timbaland and a roster of top-tier producers to craft Timberlake’s No Angels —sharing insights into his production philosophy, his unique use of “starters,” and how emerging AI tools are reshaping his musical workfl
S5 · E8
Oct 27, 2025 · 25 min
Producing 'Float On' by Modest Mouse with Dennis Herring
On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with acclaimed producer Dennis Herring to unpack the making of “Float On” by Modest Mouse — the song that defined a generation of indie rock. Herring walks through the creative process behind the track, from the first takes to the final mix, sharing how instinct, tension, and trust shaped one of the most unlikely hits of the 2000s. Along the way, he offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative chaos and magic that made Good News for People Who Love
S5 · E7
Oct 20, 2025 · 15 min
Jack Conte & Ryan Lerman React To Each Others Favorite Songs
On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan do something a little different — no guest, just the two of them sitting down to listen to and talk about some of their favorite songs. They dive deep into the tracks that have shaped their musical lives, from the haunting storytelling of Andy Shauf and the dreamy textures of The Shins, to the timeless songwriting of Buddy Holly, Feist, and Harry Nilsson. Along the way, they explore everything from Maurice Ravel’s harmonic genius to the hazy beauty of Duster
S5 · E6
Oct 13, 2025 · 21 min
How Tony Berg Defines a Masterpiece
On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with legendary producer Tony Berg to explore the music that has shaped his life and career. From the timeless influence of Stevie Wonder and Peter Gabriel to his groundbreaking collaborations with modern artists like Beck and Phoebe Bridgers, Berg shares the songs and voices that have inspired him most. With decades of experience bridging generations of artistry, he offers a rare perspective on what makes great music endure. In the extended Patreon-
S5 · E5
Oct 6, 2025 · 28 min
Blake Mills on Production, Fretless Guitar, and Working with Pino Palladino
"On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan welcome Blake Mills to discuss his new album That Wasn’t a Dream, created in collaboration with renowned bassist Pino Palladino. Blake talks through his production philosophy, his approach to capturing guitar tones, the experience of working with one of the world’s most accomplished bassists, and the incorporation of fretless guitar into the record. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Blake breaks down All In Me by Brandy along with other pop songs
S5 · E4
Sep 29, 2025 · 20 min
What Made Nick Drake (and his mother) Some of the Best Songwriters in the World? with Bruno Major!
On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan sit down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Bruno Major to talk about his deep love for Nick Drake and the timeless influence Drake’s music has had on his own artistry. Bruno reflects on how Nick Drake’s delicate songwriting, haunting melodies, and emotional honesty continue to shape the way he writes and performs today, offering rare insight into the impact of one of folk’s most enduring voices. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Bruno takes the conv

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