Music Makes You Think | Interviews with musicians

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Music Makes You Think is for people who experience music a little more deeply than the average listener. All articles are written by Julie Simmons and most were previously featured in other publications.

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Promotional poster for the documentary. The promo poster shows a black and white photo of a singer wearing flannel. Below that image are three stars and red and white stripes (mimics the American flag) and towards the bottom are film festival logos and a quote by the Guardian

Promotional poster for the documentary. The promo poster shows a black and white photo of a singer wearing flannel. Below that image are three stars and red and white stripes (mimics the American flag) and towards the bottom are film festival logos and a quote by the Guardian

Interview with Scott Crawford, Director of Salad Days: (It's Not Very Punk) But, Let's Talk About Punk

In this in depth interview, Crawford and Simmons discuss DIY ethic, the influence of Dischord Records, and the lasting impact of bands like Fugazi and Minor Threat.

45 minutes ago6 min read

In this photo from the artists, Brae is standing behind Joey. Brae is wearing a NY Yankees baseball hat and Joey is wearing a pink beanie hat. This image is most likely from when they were 22 years old (or younger).

In this photo from the artists, Brae is standing behind Joey. Brae is wearing a NY Yankees baseball hat and Joey is wearing a pink beanie hat. This image is most likely from when they were 22 years old (or younger).

Interview with Joey Valence & Brae: Can They Succeed Without the Music Industry?

How old are Joey Valence and Brae? What we should be asking is whether it's possible to maintain success without a label.

3 days ago4 min read

Image of Josh Dun singing into a microphone. This is probably from the Clancy tour (2023) in which he sang backing vocals on "Leave the City"

Image of Josh Dun singing into a microphone. This is probably from the Clancy tour (2023) in which he sang backing vocals on "Leave the City"

Interview with Josh Dun: How twenty one pilots’ Drummer Found His Voice

Josh talks about challenging himself to do more interviews to singing to becoming a dad.

Sep 26, 20257 min read

Neyla Pekarek is shown playing cello and singing into a mircophone. This image is meant to show her getting out on her own.

Neyla Pekarek is shown playing cello and singing into a mircophone. This image is meant to show her getting out on her own.

Interview with Neyla Pekarek, Cellist of The Lumineers, as She Steps Out on Her Own with "Rattlesnake"

In this rare interview, Neyla talks about the solo project that confirmed her departure from The Lumineers.

Aug 14, 20256 min read

Photo from the infamous Cairo concert

Photo from the infamous Cairo concert

Mashrou' Leila Goes Dark (Part 3)

What happened to Mashrou' Leila and where are they now?

Dec 1, 20254 min read

Gilmar Gomes is sitting at the edge of a stage wearing a black leather outfit, black hat and black sunglasses. He's sitting in front of his drum kit, most likely the one he uses when playing with Enrique Iglesias.

Gilmar Gomes is sitting at the edge of a stage wearing a black leather outfit, black hat and black sunglasses. He's sitting in front of his drum kit, most likely the one he uses when playing with Enrique Iglesias.

Interview with Gilmar Gomes, Drummer for Enrique Iglesias: Life is Percussive

An incredibly moving journey about Brazilian percussionist, Gilmar Gomes.

Sep 17, 20258 min read

Photo of Gary Astridge, drum archivist for Ringo Starr, standing next to Ringo Starr. They're both standing behind Ringo's Ed Sullivan drum kit.

Photo of Gary Astridge, drum archivist for Ringo Starr, standing next to Ringo Starr. They're both standing behind Ringo's Ed Sullivan drum kit.

Magical Mystery Drum: The Quest for Ringo's Ed Sullivan Snare

The snare Ringo played on the Ed Sullivan Show was a designing error.

Sep 17, 20257 min read

ABOUT
JULIE SIMMONS

Julie Simmons music journalist

Julie Simmons is an American music journalist and creator of Music Makes You Think.

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Five Things I Learned About Running a Music Group for 10 Years

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It’s not about me.
People are, in fact, capable of having opinions without offending others.
Apparently, there are thousands of different questions you can ask about music.
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Unsolicited, one member shared with me, "I don't always interact with your questions, but I check up every so often because I just want to know something is still there.”

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