How Weezer's Blue Album Changed Rock Music Forever
About the Guest(s):
**S.W. Lauden** is not only a passionate commentator on the music scene of the 90s but also an author and editor involved in The Generation Blue Project.
This project uniquely combines a historical retrospective of the 90s LA geek rock scene with personal accounts from those who were a part of it. Included in the project is a vinyl compilation featuring bands that emerged in the wake of Weezer's rise to fame.
**Rod Cervera** is a multifaceted musician and producer, known for his involvement with Supersport 2000 and his contributions to Weezer's 'Maladroit' album.
Beyond his role as a musician, Rod has a significant track record as a producer and engineer, having been deeply ingrained in the development of the geek rock scene and its subsequent evolution.
Episode Summary:
In this nostalgia-filled episode, we delve into the transformative impact of underground music in the 90s, particularly focusing on the genre-defining movement of geek rock. Prompted by a provocative comment dismissing Weezer's Blue Album, the conversation explores the band's lasting legacy and the ripple effect it had on the era's music landscape.
The show dives into the origins of geek rock, looking closely at Weezer's remarkable journey as they carved out a new niche, breaking free from the prevailing glam rock mold.
The episode also probes into the cultural shifts of the time, where fringe elements like comic books and science fiction began to find mainstream acceptance, laying the groundwork for geek rock’s explosion.
Guests S.W. Lauden and Rod Cervera share their firsthand experiences from the front lines of this musical revolution.
They recount tales of camaraderie and musical exploration that defined a generation of rock and provided an alternative to the established norms of the rock persona.
Intro Music: "Colorado" by Birds Love Filters Outro Music: "Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper
Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - https://poweredbyrock.com
Are you an indie musician looking for a structure for your music career?
Check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99
You can also learn more at https://diyrockcareer.com
Resources from This Episode:
Buy The Generation Blue Project Book/Vinyl - https://bigstirrecords.com/the-generation-blue-project
Compilation on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/2iumlOvlfYMnPo4pKRMegN?si=9TFNTxeLSZm6gHDS4YrV-g
S.W. Lauden’s Expanded Playlist on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3eG8cQaokVPzgkkpRKmbhv?si=0f265cbdab814c36
Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction - The Rise of Underground Music in the 1990s
1:11 - Chapter 1 - 2024: 30 Years of Weezer’s Blue Album; Fighting Words from a Friend
11:13 - Weezer's Impact on Music and Personal Identity
15:51 - Weezer's Impact and Support in the LA Music Scene
20:35 - Chapter 2 - The “Blue Album” Causes Total Shift in L.A. Rock Scene; The Birth of Geek Rock
24:31 - Chapter 3 - The Rentals Change Weezer Forever
31:23 - Pinkerton's Impact and Weezer's Evolution in Music
34:40 - Pat Wilson's Understated Drumming Genius in Weezer
38:14 - Weezer's Unreleased Album - Songs From A Black Hole
40:37 - Reflecting on Weezer's Hiatus and the LA Music Scene Evolution
47:25 - Chapter 4 - The Generation Blue Project - Book and Vinyl Compilation
58:25 - Chapter 5 - The Lasting Legacy of Weezer and the Geek Rock Scene
1:02:54 - The Impact of DIY Recording on Indie Music Quality
1:06:37 - The Impact of Producers on Recording Process
1:11:33 - Behind the Scenes of Weezer's 'Maladroit' Production