by LaMont Hamilton
Ear Expansion Podcast is a multi-part series of recorded, long form conversations between host LaMont Hamilton and various artists of color working in all aspects of sound. This podcast aims to highlight artists who are invested in the idea of making art that extends the listening experience. Traditionally this has been described as “sound art” or “experimental” work. Ear Expansion Podcast; however, hopes to advocate for a new descriptive language- aural art. Aural Art is a move away from less defined terms such as ambient or experimental in order to specify art made for the hearing body- both the act of listening and its somatic extension.
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Publishing Since
3/27/2024
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April 5, 2025
In this episode of Ear Expansion, LaMont Hamilton converses with Jeremy Toussaint Baptiste about his extensive journey and relationship with sound. The discussion delves into Jeremy's collaborative practices, emphasizing the importance of relational dynamics in his work, particularly with movement and performance artists. Jeremy reflects on his interactive and intimate art experiences during the pandemic, such as his 'phone piece,' which facilitated personal conversations through a landline phone. The conversation also explores Jeremy's complex relationship with bass frequencies, the role of no input mixing in his work, and his approach to breaking instruments as a means of sonic and imaginative exploration. Jeremy touches on his performances with the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), re-contextualizing its traditionally aggressive use into a space for communal joy and reflection.
March 30, 2025
In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton is joined by composer and pianist Vijay Iyer. Together, they reflect on music as a relational practice—shaped through presence, exchange, and the enduring trace of those we’ve moved with. Iyer recalls an early memory of shared soundmaking with his sister—an ecstatic moment of vibration and discovery that continues to echo through his relationship to the piano. He speaks about his early studies in physics and cognitive science, not as a foundation for his music, but as a critical lens through which to question Eurocentric assumptions about sound and knowledge. Through conversation, Iyer shares how music—especially in ensemble settings—becomes a site of collective cognition, shaped by listening, response, and shared breath. He reflects on the many scales of time that shape musical experience, and the ways in which attention and sensation are entangled in the act of listening. Toward the close, he reflects on the enduring influence of figures like Thelonious Monk, Amiri Baraka, Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, and many others—each leaving a trace that still shapes how he listens, creates, and moves forward.
March 19, 2025
In this episode of Ear Expansion, host LaMont Hamilton delves into guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson's rich musical journey and creative philosophy. Jackson discusses his early influences, the transition from his initial desire to be a drummer to embracing the guitar, and key formative experiences from a transformative teacher. The conversation explores the 1970s New York Loft Scene, Jackson's pivotal collaborations with musicians like Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, Abdul Wadud among others, and the cultural impact of that era. Jackson reflects on his solo projects, such as 'Electric Gitbox,' created in response to personal grief and societal unrest. The episode highlights the role of dedications in Jackson's work as acts of remembrance and connection. Jackson also shares insights into his conceptual approach to music-making, emphasizing thought, intention, and experimentation. Themes of perseverance, spiritual connection, and the transformative power of sound are intricately woven throughout, offering listeners a masterclass in both technical and philosophical aspects of Jackson's artistry.
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