The storied musician, songwriter, and music journalist talks about recording his album The Last Day of Summer during the pandemic, his approach to interviewing artists, and his friendships with some of his musical heroes.
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Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, songwriter, journalist, and returning guest Jeff Slate.
Jeff joined us about two years ago, and while that discussion was more focused on his work as a writer and cultural observer, this talk focused on his music career.
Based in New York City, Jeff has traveled quite an interesting road from his roots in the mid-80s post-punk world to rubbing shoulders and working with luminaries like Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Pete Townshend, Roger McGuinn, Jeff Tweedy, Willie Nile, Margo Price, and Sheryl Crow.
Jeff has a new record out, The Last Day of Summer, featuring Dave Stewart, Duff McKagan, Earl Slick, and members of Paul Weller’s band and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The album even boasts photos shot by famed rock photographer Bob Gruen.
Getting to know this side of Jeff’s life and work was a real blast. He’s fun to spend time with and is someone who speaks his mind and who clearly cares. Check out Jeff’s music (links are in the show notes) and enjoy our talk.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Jeff Slate’s album The Last Day of Summer)
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00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:32 - The art and purpose of making a full-length album in 2024
00:08:09 - The influences and themes behind "The Last Day of Summer"
00:13:36 - Recording an album remotely during the pandemic
00:17:36 - Adapting to live-streaming performances
00:22:30 - Collaborating with music legends on the new album
00:29:08 - The story behind Dave Stewart's involvement in the album
00:35:43 - Jeff's approach to music journalism and interviewing artists
00:39:52 - Jeff's history and relationship with The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde
00:48:22 - Reflections on the Broadway production of The Who's "Tommy"
00:52:29 - Pete Townshend, Quadrophenia, and connecting with audiences
00:56:20 - Conclusion
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Visit Jeff Slate at → https://jeffslatehq.com
Purchase Jeff Slate's album The Last Day of Summer on Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/the-last-day-of-summer-jeff-slate/m7gkuxd3aenfc
or listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://songwhip.com/jeffslate/the-last-day-of-summer
Follow Jeff Slate on Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/jeffslate
Facebook → http://facebook.com/jeffslateshq
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@birdsofparadoxmusic
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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