Episode 142: Johnny Iguana (The Claudettes)

Intro: 00:00 Interview: 05:33 Learning to play, piano, punk, Bob Mould and The Clash: 11:31 The Claudettes live recording, Raymond Scott and 'Deconstructing Dad': 23:41 Berit Ulseth in The Claudettes and the impact of Covid: 31:33 Soundtrack work, losing Berit Ulseth and bringing in Rachel Williams: 40:15 Garage Glamour discussed, playing and songwriting: 51:29 The business of music: 1:05:47 Chicago Plays The Stones and meeting Van Morrison: 1:14:47 Pravda Records, live shows and the pros and cons of being eclectic: 1:20:44 Album release: 1:28:41 Chicago Illinois’ The Claudettes have been through various transformations since their instrumental, two-piece origins of 2013’s Infernal Piano Plot…HATCHED! The most recent evolution has been the introduction of powerhouse singer Rachel Williams, who came in after the band parted ways with previous lead singer Berit Ulseth. Throughout every permutation punk-raised pianist Johnny Iguana has been leading the charge, and with the band’s latest album Garage Glamour (Pravda Records) released tomorrow Johnny joins me as we run through the history of The Claudettes, from their earliest beginnings right the way up to now. Along the way there’s time for us to talk about many musical influences and inspirations, from Bob Mould to Raymond Scott. We talk punk, we talk blues, we talk rock n’ roll and more. It’s all for the love of the music and if ever I felt like my poor, neglected guitar needs to be given some attention, it’s certainly the case after this conversation. Visit The Claudettes for releases, videos, upcoming shows and more: https://theclaudettes.com/ The Claudettes on bandcamp: https://theclaudettes.bandcamp.com/ Thanks to Howard at Howlin’ Wuelf Media For more stories from the musical underground you can read my new column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground: https://newnoisemagazine.com/column/m... Check out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://dramarecorder.bandcamp.com/al... My music on Ampwall: https://ampwall.com/a/tomosman Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman