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In the first installment of an ongoing segment highlighting the solo work of Noon Fifteen’s band members, Dan Cole speaks with guitarist Joe Massa about his debut solo release, Conundrum. Joe muses on the lessons and challenges of taking on every part of the recording process, from writing music without vocals, to performing all of the instruments, to recording and mixing the music himself. He also dives into the conundrum (see what we did there?) of titling songs without lyrics, and how he turned to a word invented by his toddler and a formative experience from his teen years for inspiration. Purchase Conundrum on Bandcamp Check out more of Joe’s other music in Thru Spectrums Mentioned in this episode: Eric Krasno Lettuce Snarky Puppy Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

On one of the strangest Thanksgivings in memory, the band discusses “Scared To,” Mandy’s song about being haunted by things you wish you hadn’t said. Phil talks about playing drums to emphasize a feeling, and the band reminisces about making music at Sunwood Recording, during a magical time when we could gather safely indoors, even though Joe had to wait in line for sandwiches.  Referenced in this episode: Soccer Mommy Tom Petty The Beatles Leslie Speaker Irish family tries to catch a bat Heard in this episode: Scared To: Live on “Ithaca is Music” podcast (May 2018) Rehearsal recording (April 2018) Mandy’s original demo (April 2018) Apple : Google : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Mandy talks about feelings, groove, and the group collaboration that helped develop her composition “Easy,” which happens to be Dan Cole’s favorite song when mixing the band’s live show. Phil revisits his time in a reggae band. Heard in this episode: Easy original demo, 2019 Live at The Range, Ithaca, NY. November 2nd, 2019. Referenced in this episode: Who’s Next U2 Against Me! Apple : Google : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

After spending the last fifteen months on other projects, Noon Fifteen returns to Finish What You Started! In this episode, recorded in the driveway of Sam and Mandy’s new home (because COVID-19), the band discusses the politically-motivated Lupowitz composition “Dinosaurs,” and how you should try to listen to it while listening to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The band also teases Mandy’s gospel record (Joe doesn’t like the direction in which it’s headed). Heard in this episode: Dinosaurs: -Sam’s original cell phone demo -2017 rehearsal recordings (Chris Armitage – drums) -Unused 2018 studio recording Also referenced in this episode: Ozzy Osbourne – Mr. Crowley, Mama I’m Coming Home, Crazy Train Led Zeppelin Faces Tower of Power Otis Redding Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Apple : Google : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

A special single release from Noon Fifteen about what motivates us to leave our homes and protest during a public health crisis. Recorded in — and set to the sounds of — self-quarantine. The band chats with Dan Cole (over Zoom, of course) about staying creative while isolated from one another, the inspiration (both musical and lyrical) for this unusual original tune, and the challenges of creating collaborative music remotely. Watch and, hey, listen: YouTube | Facebook  | Instagram iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

In honor of the third annual Finger Lakes Thaw festival, and the global onset of COVID-19, Noon Fifteen presents “Thaw,” a mini-suite about winter dangers at home and abroad. The song moves through four seasons of soul, metal, progressive rock, and New Orleans funk. Dan Cole talks to Sam and Mandy about the life-threatening story (and rental property) that inspired the song, and Phil discusses playing hand drums without his hands. Joe and Harry’s children make guest appearances. Buy or stream this track here.  iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

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 Currency, 2006) “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 iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Coming Halloween 2019: Noon Fifteen’s epic prog-pop suite, At the Festival, unveiled in a special super-sized episode. At the Festival tells the story of a man in mourning whose trip to a music festival takes a dark turn toward the supernatural. Subscribe and share and hear it here first on the Noon Fifteen Podcast! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

The third release from the in-progress Finish What You Started record, “The Cell” puts a narrative twist on the common R&B lyrical motif of cheating on one’s lady, with musical inspiration from The Meters. The band also considers their songwriting backlog, and what we’ll be hearing next! This podcast (and accompanying video) precedes a pause, but the band hints at more music to come. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so that you can listen in and “Finish What You Started!” Referenced in this episode: Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley – Robert Palmer The Meters iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

The second release in the episodic Finish What You Started project is the Harry Nichols-penned title track, which describes an unsuccessful relationship through the lens of a mediocre vampire movie. Along the way, the band discusses the career of Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, considers the evolution of home media technology, and explores the old maxim, “podcast like your parents are dead.” Referenced in this episode: Daybreakers (2009 film) Willem Dafoe Joe Estevez I Want You Back – The Jackson 5 Finish What You Started – Harry Nichols, original demo, 2016 -Noon Fifteen, live on WVBR, 2017 (Chris Armitage, drums) iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Noon Fifteen returns, with new drummer Phil Shay in tow, and host Dan Cole back to plumb the depths of the band’s music. The band’s sophomore effort, Finish What You Started, will be released in non-sequential installments via this podcast and the Noon Fifteen YouTube channel. The record’s songs explore themes of fear and temptation. The first three releases will coincide with the band’s “Julyfecta” of summer 2019 shows, with additional music forthcoming. The first release, on July 4th, 2019, is Sam Lupowitz’s “The Tick.” Here, the band discusses the inspiration of Led Zeppelin, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, and the politics of the United States. Watch the 360 video from the session here! Other music heard in this episode: The Tick horn ideas – 2015 cell phone voice memo Hollow Bones – Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds Take Me Down – Jen Cork and the Good Hope Didn’t Want You – Julia Felice and the Whiskey Crisis To the Daylight – Thru Spectrums iTunes : Google Play : Soundcloud : Stitcher : Subscribe by RSS Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

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

Harry talks about breaking away from traditional pop song structure (and accessible song titles) with “Dave Coulier” (track 5 of Volume 1). Sam talks the ups and downs of self-producing a recording project. Also heard in this episode: You Oughta Know – Harry Nichols Original working demo of “Dave Coulier,” 2017 Dave Coulier – Noon

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

Harry Nichols recounts how his demo of Just Like You (the third track from Volume 1) evolved into a full-band arrangement. Joe tells us how easy his job is. Other tracks you heard in this episode: The Astronaut – Harry Nichols From Love En Route (2012) Just Like You – Harry Nichols Original demo (2015)

Vocalist Mandy Goldman discusses the frustration that birthed “Let You Roll,” the second track on Volume 1 and one of the band’s first collaborative efforts. Harry and Sam compare themselves to music legend Michael McDonald. Other tracks you heard in this episode: The Haunt – Samuel B. Lupowitz & The Ego Band From Ten Square

Host Dan Cole talks to the members of Noon Fifteen about the origins of the Ithaca, NY-based prog-soul band. The group discusses the true story that inspired “Knock Knock Knock,” the opening track from their debut record, “Volume 1.” Other songs you heard in this episode: Lucifer Falls – Samuel B. Lupowitz & The Ego