Bandsplainer

The podcast where we explain bands.

Host Olivia Ladd sits down with Nashville musicians, artists, scenesters and friends to talk about the history behind our favorite cult bands.

Olivia Ladd

Latest Episode

Lucinda Williams with Heaven Honey

Jordan Victoria (Heaven Honey) chats with host Olivia Ladd about the literary songwriting legacy of Americana trailblazer Lucinda Williams.
Posted: Wed May 6, 2020
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Brandi Carlile with Lorie Liebig

Crowded Table: Host Olivia Ladd is joined by journalist Lorie Liebig to discuss the modern accomplishments of Brandi Carlile.
Posted: Tue February 25, 2020

Women in Country Music

Host Olivia Ladd presents a conglomeration of data studies, statistics and reporting to help listeners understand the severity of the imbalance Women in Country face.
Posted: Mon January 27, 2020

Patti Smith with Elena Franklin (Reality Something)

Devotion: Elena Franklin (Reality Something) joins Olivia to discuss Patti Smith's status as the godmother of punk rock and the legacy of her writing.
Posted: Thu November 21, 2019

The Slits with Olivia Jean

Punky Reggae Party: Olivia Jean guests on the podcast to examine the history of prototypical British punk group The Slits, who incorporated world music and feminism into a [...]
Posted: Wed October 16, 2019

10: Bikini Kill with Beth Cameron

Girls to the Front: Beth Cameron (Forget Cassettes, Black Bra) sits down for a deep dive discussion about the work of prolific riot grrl band Bikini Kill and the personal [...]
Posted: Wed May 15, 2019

9: Joy Division with Alex Fowler

Dying Star: Alex Fowler (Drama Club, Dream Girl Records) and Olivia tell the story of the quick rise and fall of Joy Division, who laid groundwork for post-punk and goth rock.
Posted: Wed April 24, 2019

8: Brian Jonestown Massacre with John Condit

What a Trip: John Condit (The Inscape, Lilly Hiatt) and Olivia talk about one of psychedelic's most genre expansive, infamous and maniacally creative bands, The Brian [...]
Posted: Fri February 15, 2019

7: Death Grips with John Connor Coulston

The Powers That Be: Nashville journalist John Connor Coulston comes on the podcast to delve into the mystery behind experimental hip-hop/metal group Death Grips.
Posted: Wed January 9, 2019

6: The Avett Brothers with Collin Fidler and Luke Adamson

From the Heart: Collin Fidler and Luke Adamson join Olivia to wax nostalgic and discuss the evolution of one of Americana's most impassioned bands.
Posted: Wed November 21, 2018

5: Squeeze with Charlie Zaillian

Intro To New Wave: Nashville journalist Charlie Zaillian sits down with Olivia to discuss the weaving history of one of UK's finest, mostly unsung, pop bands.
Posted: Mon October 1, 2018

4: Animal Collective with Patty Greer

The Modern Day Grateful Dead: Patty Greer hops on Bandsplainer to talk about experimental indie pop pioneers Animal Collective.
Posted: Thu August 30, 2018
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