The Earworm Podcast

The Earworm Podcast - Episode 8 Audio Sushi at The Murch Table SOUND DESIGN

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Earworm Podcast, Patrick Cloud and Bryan Clark explore the fascinating history of sound design in film, from the era of silent movies and live theater musicians to the invention of Foley artistry and the groundbreaking work of legendary sound designer Walter Murch. Along the way, they examine how humans interpret sound and music through learned “codes,” discussing everything from language and cultural influences to the psychological and emotional connections that shape our musical tastes. The conversation also dives into the revolutionary impact of films like Star Wars, which pushed sound design into new creative territory and forever changed how audiences experience cinema.

The episode closes with a deep dive into the relationship between musical influence and creativity, challenging listeners to explore unfamiliar genres and uncover the “source code” behind great art. Featured listening selections include Frank Zappa’s “Night School,” an introduction to the ancient Indian Carnatic tradition of Konnakol, and Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic classic “Numbers.” Through these examples, the hosts encourage listeners to broaden their musical vocabulary, sharpen their listening skills, and discover how innovative sounds continue to shape modern music and media.

https://transom.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/04/200504.review.murch_.pdf

https://monoskop.org/images/6/6d/Chion_Michel_Audio-Vision.pdf

https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sounds_of_Star_Wars

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 7 BEEP BOOP Synth Happens

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On this episode of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan and Patrick trace the evolution of the synthesizer—from the room-sized Teleharmonium and Hammond B3 organ to the groundbreaking instruments that shaped modern music. Along the way, they explore the pioneers of electronic sound, including Raymond Scott, Bob Moog, and the innovators who transformed experimental technology into musical tools.

The conversation dives into iconic synths like the Minimoog, ARP 2600, Yamaha CS-80, Prophet-5, Oberheim OB-X, Jupiter-8, and DX7, breaking down the sounds behind classic recordings from Rush, Vangelis, Cyndi Lauper, and countless others. The hosts also explain the fundamentals of synthesis, discuss the arrival of MIDI and FM synthesis, and examine how today's software and AI-powered instruments continue to build on the innovations that changed music forever.

Refs:

https://moogfoundation.org/remembering-synthesizer-innovator-don-buchla-1937-2016/

https://www.moogmusic.com/

https://oberheim.com/

https://sequential.com/

https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/index.html

https://www.digitalmellotron.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BobMoogFoundation/posts/remembering-inventor-thaddeus-cahill-on-his-birthdaythaddeus-is-widely-credited-/10157363651908479/

https://120years.net/the-telharmonium-thaddeus-cahill-usa-1897/

https://modularsynthesis.com/hammond/m3/m3.htm

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/synthesizing-tonewheel-organs-part-1

https://www.nwpianogallery.com/?product=hammond-b3-organ-w-leslie-122-tone-cabinet

https://variety.com/2024/film/global/ben-burtts-vision-award-ticinomoda-locarno-1236105358/

https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2025-02-24/meet-the-oscar-winning-sound-designer-behind-iconic-noises-like-the-star-wars-light-saber

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 6 Pedal Boards w/ Greg Walton Xact Tone Solutions

Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On episode six of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan and Patrick sit down with Greg Walton, founder of XTS, to explore the art, science, and obsession behind guitar tone. Greg shares his journey from guitar enthusiast and environmental consultant to building custom pedalboards and effects for some of the world’s top musicians. The conversation dives into the rise of boutique pedals, the founding of LA Sound Design and XTS, and how collaborations with artists helped shape the company into a respected name in the gear world.

The episode also breaks down the psychology of tone chasing, the challenges of designing rigs for artists like The Edge and Carrie Underwood, and the creative process behind developing pedals like the Winford Drive. Along the way, the group debates underrated guitarists, dream “desert island” guitars, favorite records, and the evolving guitar community in Nashville. Equal parts gear deep-dive and musician hang, the episode celebrates the endless pursuit of inspiration through sound, creativity, and great playing.

Check out www.xacttone.com for Greg and Barry's services and cool pedals!

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 5 Put Some Rank on It! GOATs?

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On episode five of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan and Patrick dive into the strange world of rankings, lists, and “greatest of all time” debates—especially in music. From Billboard charts and Rolling Stone album lists to Michelin stars and classic rock canon, the conversation explores how authority, perception, and cultural bias shape the way we value art. The hosts question whether subjective experiences like music, pizza, or guitars can ever truly be ranked objectively, while unpacking the psychology behind why audiences trust lists in the first place

Episode 5 also examines how social proof, streaming culture, and editorial influence impact modern music discovery and legacy. Along the way, Bryan and Patrick debate what defines genres like rock music, discuss iconic examples ranging from James Cameron films to David Gilmour’s legendary Stratocaster, and break down why lists often say more about the people creating them than the art itself. Equal parts thoughtful and hilarious, the episode ultimately celebrates the joy of finding your own musical tribe instead of letting rankings decide for you.

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 4 Squeeze the Day! COMPRESSORS

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On episode four of The Earworm Podcast, Patrick and Bryan dive into the world of audio compression, unpacking concepts like ADSR, decibel levels, and hearing protection while tracing compression’s origins back to early broadcast regulation in the 1930s. The episode explores how compression shaped music and radio, leading into the “loudness wars” of the ’90s and 2000s—an era defined by hyper-compressed, overly loud tracks that sacrificed dynamic range and musicality for perceived impact. What started as a competitive edge ultimately led to listener fatigue and a broader industry reassessment of sound quality.

From there, the conversation breaks down the mechanics of compression in an approachable way, using the “TAKAR” framework (threshold, attack, knee, ratio, release) and vivid analogies from nightclubs to red carpet chaos, to explain how compressors shape sound. The boys also compare analog vs. digital compression, discuss handling fast transients like drums, and emphasize the importance of dynamic range in creating emotional depth. The episode closes with a practical turn, highlighting hearing protection strategies—including custom ear molds and smart use of noise-canceling tech and underscoring that great sound starts with preserving your ears.

Let's get mild!

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 3 Loud Noises! Krakatoa and the Pistol Shrimp Po'Boy

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Bryan and Patrick dive deep into the science of sound — starting with history's loudest recorded event: the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa, which reached over 180 decibels and was heard 3,000 miles away. From there, they explore how decibels actually work, debunking the common myth that a 100-watt amp is twice as loud as a 50-watt one — spoiler: it's only a 3dB difference. The guys also get into nature's wildest audio weapons, including the pistol shrimp's 218-decibel snap, and wrap up with a look at how sound has been weaponized through technology like LRADs. Ear protection not included.

Bryan's new record just hit too. Check it out! https://music.apple.com/us/artist/madrigals-for-mongrels/1771659673

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 2 Have Yachts or Have Nachts

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On Episode 2 of The Earworm Podcast, Bryan Clark and Patrick Cloud dive into the smooth, meticulously crafted world of yacht rock—breaking down its origins, defining traits, and the artists who made it iconic. From the late ’70s through the mid-’80s, this era delivered some of the highest production value in recorded music, with pristine sound, sophisticated arrangements, and contributions from elite session players and engineers. The guys explore what makes the genre tick, including its harmonic complexity, polished aesthetic, and distinct sonic choices.

They also look at why yacht rock faded, pointing to the industry shift in the ’80s—MTV’s visual dominance, the rise of MIDI-driven production, and changing listener tastes with the emergence of hip-hop. Still, the genre has found new life in recent years, resurfacing through playlists, reunion tours, and a tongue-in-cheek cultural revival that celebrates its unmistakable vibe.

The conversation turns to songwriting, contrasting the darker, more nuanced storytelling of Steely Dan with the heartfelt, accessible style of Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross. The episode wraps with a candid critique of their AI-generated theme song—landing somewhere in the realm of “off-brand Billy Ocean”—while acknowledging that, even if it misses the mark, AI still has a place as a fun and accessible creative tool.

Playlist:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/earworm-episode-2-yacht-rock/pl.u-MDAWX7JIW2ylVd

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The Earworm Podcast - Episode 1 AI is Stupid, Art is Hard

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In Episode 1, Bryan Clark and Patrick Cloud dive into how AI is changing the music industry—and what that might mean for the value of music itself. With tools like Suno making it possible to generate full songs in seconds, the conversation centers on a simple question: if music becomes effortless to create, does it lose its worth? The episode itself leans into that idea, with both the artwork and music generated using AI, offering a real-time look at how these tools perform and where they fall short.

The discussion moves beyond the tech into the bigger cultural shift—how constant access to music and near-zero cost have already changed the way people consume it. As AI accelerates that trend, the perceived value of music, and the appreciation for the human process behind it, may continue to erode. At the same time, the industry is starting to respond, with AI-generated artists entering the mainstream and raising new questions around ownership, creativity, and what it actually means to be an “artist.”

This episode is a fun entry point into the podcast, but it also sets the tone for what’s ahead. We go video starting with Episode 4, so make sure to follow along and engage on your platform of choice to help build the channel.

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Sources:

https://www.suno.com

https://www.billboard.com/pro/xania-monet-ai-artist-million-dollar-record-deal-what-mean/

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