151. Julia Massey Discusses The Black Tones, Cobain & Cornbread

You, Me and An Album

Julia Massey—the vocalist and keyboardist for the Seattle-based band Warren Dunes—comes to YMAAA to discuss The Black Tones’ 2019 album Cobain & Cornbread. Julia talks about how Cobain & Cornbread is one of a small number of albums that are a part of her “musical DNA,” and why the album resonates with her so strongly. She also discusses her friendship with The Black Tones’ Eva Walker and how Eva has influenced her own music. Julia and Al try to categorize Warren Dunes’ sound and delve into their new album Aquamarine.

To keep up with Julia and Warren Dunes, be sure to follow them on Instagram at @warrendunesband. They are also on Facebook (@welcometowarrendunes) and X (@warrendunesband).

To keep up with Julia’s parrot, follow Bacon the Bird on TikTok.

Warren Dunes has a website, too! warrendunesband.com

For more information on Warren Dunes’ Pool Party Patreon, as discussed on this episode, go to patreon.com/warrendunes.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Instagram and Threads at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/

1:05 Julia joins the show

1:27 There are just a few albums that Julia goes back to again and again

4:18 Julia talks about her reaction after hearing Cobain & Cornbread for the first time

5:48 The album is a reflection of Eva’s personality

7:56 The songs on Cobain & Cornbread are deceptively long

10:31“Rivers of Jordan” and “The Key of Black (They Want Us Dead)” really grabbed Julia’s attention

14:46 Al and Julia were also impressed by “Striped Walls”

16:18 Julia explains how Cedric Walker became the Black Tones’ drummer

18:43 Julia points out the part of “The Key of Black (They Want Us Dead)” that hits her the hardest

21:05 Julia says Eva and Cedric capture the live sound of “Welcome Mr. Pink”

23:26 “Mama! There’s a Spider in my Room” has a quality that is also present in Julia’s music

26:24 Julia’s favorite part of “Plaid Pants” doesn’t have to do with the lyrics

28:17 Julia talks about how Eva has influenced her music

32:10 Julia is impressed by how The Black Tones combine whimsy with power

33:21 Al talks about his reaction to hearing Aquamarine for the first time

35:34 Does Warren Dunes play beach music or “PBS metal”?

41:27 Julia explains why she won’t listen to Aquamarine again for a while

42:18 Julia discusses the Aquamarine launch party and the Warren Dunes “Pool Party”

45:50 Julia talks about upcoming projects for her and for Warren Dunes

Outro music is from “Take the Train” by Warren Dunes.

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