In this super-sized Halloween episode, Noon Fifteen gathers at Sunwood Recording in Trumansburg, NY to discuss At the Festival, their new 22-minute, multi-movement suite. At the Festival tells the story of a man in mourning whose trip to a music festival takes a dark turn toward the supernatural. Harry, Sam, Mandy, Joe, and Phil are joined by studio owner/engineer Chris Ploss, who recorded and mixed the project, and regular host Dan Cole, to dive into the writing, arranging, and recording of this mini rock opera.

The band talks about the challenges and delights of ushering the narrative-driven piece from Harry Nichols brainchild to complete recording, and how their past projects and influences coalesced to create something new in At the Festival. Plus, the usual array of jokes and snide remarks you’ve come to expect from Noon Fifteen. As usual, you’ll hear the finished product at the end of the episode.

At the Festival is composed by Harry Nichols, except for part VII by Harry Nichols and Samuel B. Lupowitz.

Recorded & Mixed by Chris Ploss at Sunwood Recording, Trumansburg, NY
Additional Recording by Samuel B. Lupowitz
Mastered by Matt Saccuccimorano, Scaramanga Industries
Artwork by J.P. Feenstra

Other music heard or mentioned in this episode:
“Dear George” – Harry Nichols Band (from This Isn’t the Album You’re Looking For, 2014)
“At the Festival (original demo)” – Harry Nichols & Samuel B. Lupowitz (2016)
“The First Time” – Between Walls (from The Currency2006)
“Machine” – Baku (from Poison with Perfection, 2014)
“Walk This Way” – Run DMC ft. Aerosmith (1986)
“Walk Back” – Medeski, Martin & Wood (from Radiolarians III, 2009)
“Too Many Puppies” – Primus (from They Can’t All Be Zingers, 1990)
“Robot Hell” – from Futurama (1999)
“Golden Slumbers” – The Beatles (from Abbey Road, 1969)
“In the Flesh?” – Noon Fifteen [Pink Floyd cover – live at The Loft, Ithaca, NY, December 2017 – Dan Collins, drums] (originally from The Wall, 1979)
“Heaven on Their Minds” – Murray Head (from Jesus Christ Superstar, 1970)
“A Bower Scene” – The Decemberists (from Hazards of Love, 2009)
“Roundabout” – Yes (from Fragile, 1971)

Special thanks to:
-Doreen Wagner
-Kat Nichols
-Jim Catalano
-George Wilhelm III
-Pete Mason
-Jonathan Hochberg
-Marty Farchione

Download or stream At the Festival:
Bandcamp | Apple Music & iTunes | Spotify | CD Baby

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In the final episode of the Volume 1 podcast, Mandy talks about channeling loneliness, Billie Holiday, and Ben Folds into “Hang Me Out to Dry.” The band also talks about choosing keyboard instruments, putting songs in order, and what’s next.

Also heard in this episode:
Hang Me Out to Dry – Mandy, Sam, & Joe
Early rehearsal/writing session, 2016

Also mentioned:
Ben Folds
Billie Holiday
Aretha Franklin

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Harry discusses Annie’s Song (track 4 of Volume 1) and how fatherhood has changed his writing process. Sam talks about the challenge of writing string arrangements. Mandy realizes it’s time to make a dentist appointment.

Also heard in this episode:

Annie’s Song – Harry Nichols
Original Demo (2017)

Premonition – Julia Felice
From Diving for Falls (2014)

Mecca Song – Samuel B. Lupowitz & The Ego Band
From Songs to Make You Wealthier and More Attractive (2012)

Other artists mentioned in this episode:
Bluefish
Joseph Campbell

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