Put To Wax with Harry Katz (Harry Katz and the Pistachios, Big Top Pistachioland)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Harry Katz
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Topics discussed
Host note
Harry Katz came up as a punk bassist and ended up deep in vinyl: specifically 45s, where "you can kind of learn the story of every song" through the width and depth of knowledge embedded in each release. That's the thread that runs through this conversation: how serious record collecting reshapes how you hear music, and what it means to become an evangelist for it.
Katz DJs with authenticity, builds community around music history and ska and record collecting on Instagram (his comment sections are little libraries), and fronts Harry Katz and the Pistachios. We talk through the 45 as a format, what changes when you approach live performance as someone who's spent years with the recordings, and how building community around forgotten music becomes its own creative practice.
Selected moments
- Katz's journey into music 1:58 Harry reminisces about his early days as a punk bassist transitioning into a musician and DJ who explores historical records.
- Understanding the 45 format 4:55 Harry explains the 45 format and its significance in the world of music, contrasting it with larger vinyl records.
- The importance of live performance 7:32 Harry discusses the adrenaline and spontaneity of live DJing, likening it to the energy of performing in a band.
- Community and music history 10:14 Harry emphasizes how building community around music history can connect people across generations.
- Defining personal identity as a singer 31:36 Harry reflects on his relationship with his voice as a punk singer and what that means for his identity.
- Emotional connection through music 55:33 Harry passionately articulates the emotional power of music as a communal experience.
Selected excerpts
I'm from New York and I played in bands out there and I was in garage rock bands... I wasn't able to be a bass player anymore because my band was gone and we were literally just busking.
I love the 45s is that you know, you can kind of learn the story of every song... sometimes I find like the width and depth of the knowledge every track of a jazz record that's very intimidating.
You know, it's easy you don't have to find the spot in right... I played about a hundred records that night.
Building community around music history, around record collecting, around the genres of ska... that's everyone's common ground.
It's a different kind of decision making... having to make the choice in the moment is so satisfying.
The emotion is so overwhelming... creating these emotions is just the coolest, being able to create an environment that makes that happen.
FAQ
What is Harry Katz's musical journey?
Harry Katz started as a punk bassist in New York, transitioning to a vinyl enthusiast and DJ, advocating for the music of the past while creating community through his band, Harry Katz and the Pistachios.
Why are 45s significant in music?
Harry discusses the charm of 45s as single records that encapsulate the essence of a song's narrative, serving as a gateway to understanding music history.
How does Harry Katz build community around music?
Through engaging with audiences on social media and bringing people together via music history and live performances, Harry cultivates meaningful connections with listeners.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.