Making Ways

In this episode, we’re joined by Mathieu Santos, bassist and founding member of the band Ra Ra Riot and Chris Everhart, the graphic designer who has worked on all their album packages, countless posters, and creative collaborations. We talk through the band’s creative approach to songwriting and what it’s like to manage so many creative voices and opinions (with 5 members of the group). We walk through all their creative adventures with Chris, his work in coming up with concepts, and the shared artistic language they’ve developed over a decade of work together. In addition to his work with Ra Ra Riot, Chris has done amazing posters and artwork for The Raconteurs, 311, The National, Phish, and Jack White.   Follow Making Ways for more stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman at www.robgoodman.com. Discover more from Ra Ra Riot at www.rarariot.com and see Chris’s artwork at www.chriseverhart.com.    All music used by permission of the band

Anaïs Mitchell, is a singer-songwriter, creator of the 8x Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, and 1/3 of the folk-rock supergroup and twice Grammy-nominated Bonny Light Horseman. Aaron Denton is an acclaimed poster artist and designer for music including work with Stereolab, Slowdive, Khruangbin, and… Bonny Light Horseman. In this episode, we go deep into the backstory of where art meets music for Bonny Light Horseman, Anaïs and Aaron’s unique creative processes, what they look for in a successful creative partnership, and how Aaron applies his artwork “effects pedal” to the music he loves from the bands he collaborates with. Follow Making Ways for more stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Bonny Light Horseman at www.bonnylighthorseman.com and see Aarron Denton’s brilliant artwork at www.aaronlowelldenton.com. All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher. Special thanks to Dean Christesen at Sp

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Hazel English discussing her latest album “Wake UP!” with bandmate and album designer David Vieira. Hazel and David discuss working together on the album, how the packaging came together, and Hazel’s process for songwriting. You’ll hear about the themes behind “Wake UP!” and David’s approach to the handcrafted design elements he brought to the album’s packaging. His work surrounds a bold, colorful photograph of Hazel English used for the cover and shot by Janell Shirtcliff. Tune in for one of our favorite new artists in conversation about the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Hazel English at https://hazelenglish.com, explore David’s art and music at  https://www.instagram.com/davyera. All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Clarke, lead singer from the band Deafheaven joins Making Ways alongside his creative collaborator, close friend, graphic designer, and musician Nick Steinhardt from the band Touché Amoré. In addition to his work with Deafheaven, Nick Steinhardt has designed packaging for popular artists like Tom Petty, Pink, Britney Spears, and the latest Paul McCartney album, McCartney III. In this conversation, we go deep into the creative process behind the music and art of Deafheaven’s album covers and overall visual aesthetic. Throughout the interview, you’re going to hear about the care and consideration that goes into every decision the band makes about the visual art that surrounds their music. You’ll learn more about George’s backstory, how Nick and George originally connected, and the stories of inspiration and creative production that bring Deafheaven’s music to life through art.  Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob

Songwriter and musician Shamir Bailey and artist Faye Orlove talk about the art of the music video that Faye illustrated and animated for the song “Running” off of Shamir’s latest self-titled album. In this conversation, we get into the collaboration and connection between these two, the backstory of the video, and go deeper into both the songwriting and artmaking process. Shamir and Faye talk about the power of working with distraction (on purpose), creativity and mental health, and the downside of romanticizing the idea of the tortured rock star. Shamir even touches on some of the new music he’s been creating. Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Original episode artwork by Rob Goodman. Discover more from Shamir at shamir.bandcamp.com and explore the work of Faye Orlove at fayeorlove.com. All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Lee of Khruangbin and designer Nate Utesch discuss the stories behind the art of the band’s latest album ‘Mordechai.’ In this expansive conversation for the new Making Ways podcast, we dive into the origin story of the record and how the artwork came together as a collaboration between Laura and Nate. Laura shares her creative songwriting process and how mindfulness plays such an important part in her craft, and Nate walks us through the way he works with bands (including Smashing Pumpkins, Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, and his own electronic music project called Metavari) to create incredible packages.  Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Learn more at www.makingwayspodcast.com. Discover more from Khruangbin at www.khruangbin.com and explore the work of Nate Utesch at www.utesch.xyz. All music used by permission of the band, label, and publisher. Special thanks to Josh Roth for his ongoing support and for introducing us to Nate which made this episode possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast

Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and lifelong friend, artist Melissa Unger discuss the music and artwork that brings the band’s latest album ‘Never Not Together’ to life and uncover new layers behind the record’s biggest themes. In this debut episode of the new Making Ways podcast, hear about Matthew and Melissa’s creative practices, the value of ritual, what it means to catch creative fire with hot hands, and why taking a cold shower might not be such a bad idea.  Follow Making Ways for stories behind the art of music. Discover Nada Surf's music at nadasurf.com and learn more about Melissa Unger and Seymour Projects at seymourprojects.com. All music used by permission of band, label, and publisher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in for a special preview of the new Making Ways podcast where we're taking you behind the stories of the art of music. Host Rob Goodman interviews bands with the visual artists they collaborate with for album covers, posters, videos, and more. In conversation together about the creative process and the intersection of art and music. Get a sneak peek at upcoming episodes with Matthew Caws of Nada Surf alongside artist Melissa Unger, Laura Lee of Khruangbin with designer Nate Utesch, and longtime creative collaborators Deafheaven's George Clarke and Nick Steinhardt of Touché Amoré. All this and so much more is coming for you on the new Making Ways: The Art of Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An update from Making Ways host and creator Rob Goodman on what he's been up to and what's next for Making Ways. With special guest interviewer Rob Meyerson of How Brands Are Built podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making Ways is back with a brand new episode, recorded live at Wayfair HQ in Boston last fall. We sat down for a live conversation with Kendall Bradford, Senior Brand Manager, Experience & Retail Design at Wayfair, about her winding creative career path. Nowadays Kendall designs real world retail experiences for the online giant Wayfair, but before her latest career turn, she worked as a fine artist, painter, bartender, and event planner. It was in her evolution into a visual designer, window and set creative artist for Ralph Lauren, Saks, and the National Gallery of Art, where Kendall’s passion for creative spaces took hold. Kendall is a longtime friend of the show and we’re so excited to have her on. Stay tuned for more from Making Ways this fall as we work on a new set of episodes that will leave you inspired in a whole new way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather D’Angelo used to tell her Au Revoir Simone bandmate Annie that going on tour was a pipe dream. The band, that went on to tour the world, release four full length albums, and take the stage at the Roadhouse for David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: The Return, reached indie rock heights on their own terms. In this new episode of Making Ways podcast, Heather talks about her latest creation, Carta fragrances, and the journey that brought her from musician to scientist to perfumer. Learn about the hustle it takes to follow more than one path to bring creative dreams to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making Ways is back with a new episode all about Risk. Tune in for tales that offer advice on breaking through, getting uncomfortable, and leaping towards the unknown. You’ll hear from past guests of the show offering tips and guidance you can apply to your creative practice and career right now. Host Rob Goodman also shares the latest risk he took in his creative career journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Stinson had dreams of becoming an airplane pilot, but his imperfect eyesight led him to an entirely different path, albeit one where precision is essential. Listen to Michael’s story of discovering a career in typography, his evolution from print to digital, and how he now trains students and companies like Disney, Facebook, and Mattel, through his program TypeEd, to better understand how to use type to design brilliantly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carissa Potter started out making greeting cards to serve as conversation starters for difficult conversations. She’s concerned and curious about the human condition –– the deep sadness, the surprise joy, the relationship muddiness, the everyday occurrences that make our days bright and dark. Carissa and her team, also known as ‘People I’ve Loved,’ run a popular site, have published books, and make goods in search of truths that connect us all. On today’s episode, Carissa shares her journey, her struggles, and how she came to become 'People I’ve Loved.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giselle Gyalzen, owner of San Francisco’s beloved art and gift shop, Rare Device, joins the show to discuss the critical decisions she made to follow her passion. Giselle moved to California from the Philippines as a teenager to attend college, built an accomplished career as a project manager for some of the world’s finest agencies, and switched gears midstream to support local creators and community with Rare Device. Giselle’s story is one of hard work, creativity, and constant evolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annie Galvin and Eric Rewitzer discuss their path to opening 3 Fish Studios, the popular workspace and retail store in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. This husband and wife, printmaker and painter, dynamic duo talk about their recent sabbatical in Paris, and how good business planning and real connection with their community have been essential ingredients to thriving as independent artists and small business owners. In this episode you’ll learn about what it takes to plan and run a small business, switching gears mid-career to follow your passion, how relief printmaking works, and so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Donald Burlock was a little kid and started breaking eggs to see how they worked, his mother noticed his curiosity and gave him more tools to construct and understand better. These early signs ultimately grew into a passion for designing the world around us. Donald Burlock joins the show to discuss his path to industrial design, his experiences working for IDEO, General Motors, and Coca-Cola. And Donald shares the leadership lessons he learned after running his own agency and the qualities that make for an exceptional design studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caldecott and Sibert Honor recipient, children’s book author and illustrator, Jason Chin discusses his path to creating stories for kids that beautifully combine science and imagination for grand results. In this episode, you’ll learn how seeking out a mentor changed the course of Jason’s career, the ways reading and travel play into his inspiration, and how a great tale need only rely on one vital idea. _____ Jason Chin combines imaginative storytelling with intriguing science to create books that both enchant and educate. He is is the author and illustrator of Grand Canyon which received a 2018 Caldecott Honor, Sibert Honor and won the 2018 Orbis Pictus award. His other books, include Redwoods, Island: A Story of the Galápagos, Gravity, and most recently Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard. While researching his books, he’s gone swimming with sharks, explored lava fields and camped with scorpions at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Jason was raised in New Hampshire, studied illustration at Syracu

Muralist Nathan Richard Phelps discusses his road to life as an independent artist, his rough early days as a teenager, the mental break that changed the trajectory of his life, and his years of hard work as an artist and waiter. Nathan creates beautiful, massive murals that are intensely personal and vividly otherworldly. You’ll also hear about the practical dollars and cents of making a living as an independent artist and the vision that propels his work.   This episode is brought to you by Soothe (https://www.soothe.com). Get $20 off your first massage with code MAKINGWAYS.   Get news, updates, and merchandise at http://www.makingwayspodcast.com.   Find Making Ways on Instagram @making.ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making Ways podcast welcomes dancer and artistic director of Samba Funk, Theo Aytchan Williams. Theo discusses his path from arts advocate to dancer and now artistic director for the non-profit organization focused on preserving and celebrating African Diaspora culture. From the first captivating moments Theo heard the rhythms of a drum, to the unexpected death of his mentor and the community rebuilding that followed, listen in for an amazing conversation on the power of family, music, and transformation. Plus you'll hear real world tips for navigating a creative career with a mission but without a roadmap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.