The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Presents NEM#202: Richard Lloyd (Television): Guitar is Combustible

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” host Marklinson Myers interviews Richard Lloyd, a renowned guitarist known for his work with Television and as a solo artist. They discuss Richard’s career, his new album, and the process of creating music. Richard shares insights into his songwriting techniques, the importance of simplicity in music, and the influence of Television on other bands. Join them for an insightful conversation about the art of guitar playing and the magic of rock and roll.

Main Takeaways

Richard Lloyd’s Career and Discography

• Richard Lloyd is a guitarist famously known for his work with Television and as a solo artist.
• He has also backed Matthew Sweet and John Doe of X, and was the guitarist in the reformed version of Rocket from the Tombs.
• Richard has written a book titled “Everything is Combustible” detailing his time with Television and his early solo career.
• Most of his solo records are out of print, but can be found on sites like Amazon and eBay.
• Richard’s last solo record, “The Countdown,” was released in 2018 and is showcased on the podcast.

Songwriting and Music Production

• Richard discusses the process of turning a riff into a full song and the importance of simplicity in music.
• The main riff of the song was the starting point for its creation.
• The simplicity of the bass part offsets the jaggedness of the riff.
• The guitar sound and distortion were determined by the amps and pedals used.
• The artist produces, mixes, and masters his own music, giving it a sound profile to match records he likes.

Influence and Musical Style

• Television’s influence can be heard strongly in many bands.
• Venus by Television features dual guitar interaction that is actually just overdubbing.
• The artist has a number of songs that operate with a regimented style.
• The last couple albums are more blues-based single guitar hero thing as opposed to clockwork pieces fitting together.
• The band became a trio with the second guitarist switching to bass.

Song Analysis: “Glerp” and “So Sad”

• “Glerp” from Radiant Monkey 2007 is a nice little tight orchestrated pop song with at least three guitars going through the whole thing.
• “Glerp” was written in commemoration of the September 11th Airplay crashes.
• The song “So Sad” should have had more lyrics, but Richard admits to being “hobbled in the lyric department.”
• The lyrics of “So Sad” tell a story of a man living on the edge and a woman who is wicked but has the power to catch him when he falls.

Richard Lloyd’s Musical Journey and Future Plans

• Richard reflects on his career, including his experiences with famous musicians like Keith Richards and Jimmy Hendrix.
• Richard’s memoir, “Everything is Combustible,” is a must-read for music fans, offering salacious stories and details about his career.
• Richard is currently connecting with new musicians to form a band and finalizing chords and structures for songs written over the past couple of years.
• He encourages listeners to be creative in the ways they want to be and keep pursuing their musical passions.

Summary

Richard Lloyd: A Guitarist’s Journey and Musical Insights

Richard Lloyd, known for his work with Television and as a solo artist, shares his experiences and insights into the world of music. From his early days with Television to his solo career, Richard’s guitar playing has left a lasting impact on the industry. His book, “Everything is Combustible,” provides a glimpse into the rock and roll lifestyle and the challenges faced by musicians.

During the podcast, Richard discusses his songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in creating memorable music. He explains how a riff can evolve into a full song and shares anecdotes about the creation of his songs “Glerp” and “So Sad.” Richard also reflects on the influence of Television on other bands and the evolution of his musical style.

As a musician, Richard takes pride in producing, mixing, and mastering his own music, ensuring it aligns with his artistic vision. He shares his thoughts on the sonic structure of his songs and the challenges faced during the production process. Richard’s dedication to his craft is evident in his attention to detail and pursuit of sonic perfection.

Looking towards the future, Richard is excited about connecting with new musicians and forming a band. He is actively working on new songs and continues to explore different musical styles. Richard’s passion for music is contagious, as he encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and pursue their musical aspirations.

Conclusion

Join host Marklinson Myers as he delves into the world of music with Richard Lloyd, a guitar virtuoso known for his work with Television and as a solo artist. Through their conversation, listeners gain insights into Richard’s career, songwriting process, and the magic of rock and roll. Whether you’re a fan of Television or interested in the art of guitar playing, this episode offers a captivating exploration of Richard’s musical journey. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft.