"ONE TRICK PONY" w/ Emil Amos
Summary
Emil Amos joins the host to discuss his podcast Drifter Sympathy, his 25-year underground music career, and his deep passion for film soundtracks. They explore the evolution of indie music, the value of obscure artists like Jandek, and the artistic tension between avant-garde and pop sensibilities. The conversation culminates in an analysis of Paul Simon’s 1980 film One Trick Pony, highlighting its raw portrayal of a musician’s struggle.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Revolutions Per Movie Live tour dates and guest intro
Emil Amos's career, podcast, and emotional connection to art
Underground music culture, small pressings, and anti-capitalism
Comparing 80s/90s music scenes to modern youth expression
The theatrical nature of the Drifter Sympathy podcast
Independence in music and the allure of film soundtracks
Running a video store and discovering obscure films
Moving beyond selfishness in storytelling and podcasting
Studying Morricone, jazz, and recording in Europe
Influences from B-movie music, The Cramps, and Jandek
Performing with Jandek and the tension between avant-garde and pop
Deep dive into Paul Simon's film One Trick Pony
Lou Reed's role as producer and actor in One Trick Pony
Paul Simon's character, the B-52s, and 1980s cultural context
Guided by Voices' final tour and shifting audience dynamics
Current podcast season: Adrian Borland and Portland culture
Rating One Trick Pony and closing remarks
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