Is This the Perfect Movie? Claybourne Elder on Indiana Jones

What is it about a fedora, a whip, and a "history avenger" that sparks a lifelong obsession? This week on The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze is joined by Broadway powerhouse and star of HBO’s The Gilded Age, Claybourne Elder.

Claybourne takes us back to a small-town theater in Utah to revisit the 1989 masterpiece, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We dive deep into the "virile" energy of Harrison Ford, the brilliance of Sean Connery and why this film provided a vital sense of adventure for kids growing up in the 80s.

From secret script polishes by Tom Stoppard to Clay’s surreal experience acting alongside Indy legend John Rhys-Davies, this episode is a celebration of the "monoculture" blockbuster and the art that shapes who we become.

What We Discuss:

• [00:05] Growing up in Springville, Utah, and the magic of the Villa Theater.

• [01:05] Harrison Ford: The "Whip Daddy" and history’s sexiest Avenger.

• [02:55] Defining a "type": How Indy influenced Clay’s taste in men and mentors.

• [04:40] Why "straight-boy coded" adventures resonated so deeply with queer kids.

• [05:15] The Father-Son dynamic: Family legacy and the heart of The Last Crusade.

• [09:08] The Golden Age of Practical Effects (and the truth about the "clean" rats).

• [13:14] Missing the Monoculture: The community experience of the summer movie.

• [19:17] From Fan to Adventurer: How Indiana Jones inspired Clay’s world travels.

• [21:20] Behind the Scenes: Working with John Rhys-Davies on set.

Connect with Claybourne Elder:

• New Album: Pre-save/Listen to If The Stars Were Mine (Out April 3!)

• Live in NYC: Get tickets for Clay’s April residency at 54 Below.

• Instagram: @claybourneelder

Michelle Joy (Cannons): How Amélie Inspired a Dream Pop Icon

"You don't have glass bones. You can take life's knocks." ✨

In this episode of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze sits down with Michelle Joy, the mesmerizing frontwoman of the dream-pop sensation Cannons. As the band prepares to release their highly anticipated new album, Everything Glows, Michelle joins us to deep-dive into the 2001 French masterpiece that shaped her artistic identity: Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie.

Michelle opens up about discovering the film during a lonely first year of college and how the quirky, observant world of Amélie Poulain provided a "warm blanket" during a time of personal family trauma. We discuss the transition from being a "shy, daydreaming girl" to performing on global stages, and why the film’s message of vulnerability is the ultimate creative catalyst.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Glass Bones" Epiphany: How one line of dialogue helped Michelle face her fears and step into the spotlight.

• Visual Magic: The influence of Amélie’s iconic color palette and cinematography on the aesthetic of Cannons.

• Magical Realism in Music: Why "small pleasures" and "mini-mysteries" are essential to the dream-pop sound.

• Overcoming Trauma: The profound connection between the film’s narrative and Michelle’s own experience with parental illness.

• Style & Identity: The "Amélie Phase" that led to a lifelong love for French culture and Doc Martens.

Khadija Mbowe: Committing to the Cuckoo with Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet 🥀

Can 90s camp actually save classical art? This week on The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze sits down with classically trained soprano and celebrated video essayist Khadija Mbowe to dive into their "Spark": Baz Luhrmann’s neon-soaked, 1996 cinematic fever dream, Romeo + Juliet.

From reenacting Juliet’s death scene on a suburban couch at age five to mixing "WAP" with "Habanera" in their own operatic productions, Khadija explains how this film gave them the ultimate creative permission to "commit to the cuckoo."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Baz Style: Breaking down the "drug shot" pacing and the iconic 1996 costume design that still dominates mood boards today.

Mercutio’s Cultural Reset: The radical impact of Harold Perrineau’s performance and the "Alt-Black Girl" aesthetic in 90s cinema.

Classical Training vs. Creative Freedom: Khadija’s journey from rigid opera school to founding Operatica, where Rachmaninoff meets Cardi B.

#JusticeForNia: A passionate deep dive into the brilliance of director Nia DaCosta and why her work (including 28 Years Later) is the modern spiritual successor to the 90s "chaos" aesthetic.

The Rumi Philosophy: Why "words spoken from the heart will enter the heart" is the guiding principle for modern creators.

Connect with Khadija Mbowe:

YouTube: Khadija Mbowe

Instagram: @khadija.mbowe

Website: Operatica

Hemlocke Springs on Selena Gomez, The Zune, and Another Cinderella Story

Is Another Cinderella Story actually the best adaptation of all time? Rising pop icon Hemlocke Springs (the mind behind the viral hit "Girlfriend") joins Adam to explain why this 2008 Selena Gomez classic is her ultimate creative "Spark." 🥀✨

From the depths of the $5 Walmart DVD bin to the high-stakes choreography of the "Mary and Joey" dance-off, Hemlocke breaks down how this movie defined an entire generation’s pop aesthetic. We dive into the genius of Jane Lynch as the ultimate pop-star stepmother, the "leather and tutus" style of the character Tati, and the tech-debate that will forever date the film: Was the Zune actually a better "glass slipper" than the original?

But it’s not all nostalgia—Adam drops a "childhood-ruining" truth bomb about the real-life age gap between the lead actors that leaves Hemlocke (and maybe you) questioning everything. 💀

In this episode, we discuss:

The $5 Origin Story: How a random Walmart purchase fueled a DIY pop career.

Nostalgia Tech: The rise and fall of the Microsoft Zune.

Fashion Sparks: Why "Tati" is the unsung style hero of the 2000s.

The Joey Parker Reveal: Navigating the "icky" side of teen movie casting.

New Classic: Why the soundtrack (featuring Drew Seeley) still hits in 2026.

Sasha Colby: Why Janet Jackson’s "The Velvet Rope" is The Queer Bible

After a brief hiatus, The Spark Parade is back! To kick off our new season, we are joined by a literal legend, the Mother of Mothers and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner, Sasha Colby. Sasha joins host Adam Unze to deep-dive into the album that provided her blueprint for survival: Janet Jackson’s 1997 masterpiece, The Velvet Rope.

In this raw and deeply personal interview, Sasha Colby opens up about her journey from Waimānalo, Hawaii, to the global stage. She reveals how she used dance as therapy to navigate family trauma and why Janet’s "gay-coded" interludes gave her a sense of belonging long before she found her community. From the nostalgia of Sam Goody listening stations to the revolutionary choreography of Tina Landon, this episode explores the intersection of art, identity, and queer joy.

In this episode, we discuss:

Sasha Colby’s Early Inspirations: Discovering Janet Jackson at 13 and the magic of 90s record stores.

Dance as Healing: How the "What About" performance at the VH1 Fashion Awards helped Sasha process domestic abuse and trauma.

The Velvet Rope Legacy: Why this album remains the "Queer Bible" and a foundational text for sexual freedom.

Radical Allyship: Janet’s fearless commitment to the AIDS crisis and the LGBTQ+ community in 1997.

The Art of Longevity: Why Janet Jackson deserves her "flowers" for a career built on authenticity rather than chasing fame.

Cultural Connections: Comparing the "explicitly queer" energy of The Velvet Rope to Beyoncé’s Renaissance.

About Sasha Colby:

Sasha Colby is a world-renowned drag performer, activist, and the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15. A Miss Continental 2012 titleholder, Sasha has spent decades as a leader in the trans and drag communities, known for her "Goddess" stage presence and mastery of contemporary dance.

About The Velvet Rope:

Released in 1997, Janet Jackson’s sixth studio album tackled depression, social issues, and domestic violence while blending R&B, trip-hop, and electronic sounds. Featuring the hit "Together Again," it is cited by many as one of the most influential pop albums of all time.

Yellowstone star Jackson White's Spark Is Matrix Reloaded

In this high-voltage episode of The Spark Parade Podcast, host Adam welcomes actor Jefferson White (Yellowstone, Chicago Fire) to dive deep into the film that ignited his creative "spark": the 2003 sci-fi action epic, The Matrix Reloaded.

Jefferson shares his vivid, almost electric memory of seeing the trailer for the first time—calling it his favorite movie before the film even released! The discussion explores the incredible cultural phenomenon of The Matrix and the immense pressure and excitement surrounding the sequel.

This is an episode for anyone who felt the thrilling, transformative power of The Matrix trilogy. Get ready for a deep dive into pure, unadulterated cinematic excitement!

Don't forget to check out Jefferson's new movie Drink And Be Merry! Just in time for the holiday season.

Carter Vail's Spark Is The Royal Tenenbaums

Indie-pop songwriter and producer Carter Vail joins Adam to talk about how Wes Anderson’s film The Royal Tenenbaums became a major creative Spark in his life.

Carter shares how discovering the movie in high school—and being struck by its soundtrack, meticulous visual style and mix of whimsy and deep sadness—reshaped the way he thinks about storytelling, world-building and emotional honesty in his own music and videos.

From his “Richie Tenenbaum” headband phase to the way he uses color palettes and character details in his visual work, Carter explains why this film still feels endlessly rewatchable and creatively energizing.

You’ll also hear Adam and Carter dig into Wes Anderson’s evolution as a filmmaker, the balance between style and substance and why The Royal Tenenbaums might be Anderson’s most emotionally effective film. They discuss grief, family dynamics, taboo romance, and what it means to make art that’s specific, vulnerable and sometimes polarizing instead of “digestible slop.”

The Lumineers' Jeremiah Fraites' Spark Is Bruce Sprinsteen's Nebraska

Award-winning songwriter and composer Jeremiah Fraites, co-founder of The Lumineers, joins Adam to explore the powerful impact of Bruce Springsteen’s minimalist masterpiece, Nebraska.

Jeremiah reveals how Springsteen’s stripped-down storytelling and raw, lo-fi production inspired his own creative journey—from writing chart-topping hits with The Lumineers to scoring the feature film Deliver Me From Nowhere, which tells the story behind Nebraska’s creation.

Discover how Nebraska’s themes of vulnerability, artistry, and blue-collar Americana resonate across generations of musicians and why Jerome believes this album changed the musical landscape forever. This candid conversation also delves into Jeremiah’s process composing for film (including The Long Walk), lessons learned from Springsteen’s risk-taking and the lasting influence of home-recorded innovation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Nebraska transformed Jeremiah’s views on songwriting and vulnerability

• The creative spark and intention behind scoring Deliver Me From Nowhere

• The continued influence of Nebraska’s lo-fi recording techniques

• The parallels between Springsteen’s career-defining risks and The Lumineers’ artistic choices

• Reflections on authenticity, musical legacy, and American storytelling

About the Guest:

Jeremiah Fraites is a Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with The Lumineers and acclaimed film scores including Deliver Me From Nowhere and The Long Walk.

About Nebraska:

Released in 1982, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is an influential, stripped-back album recorded solo on a four-track cassette recorder. Its stark, narrative-driven songs—and themes of isolation, honesty and hope—have earned it a place among the most celebrated works in rock history.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Spark Is Charli XCX's Brat

Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins Adam to talk about her Spark: Charli XCX’s bold and boundary-pushing album Brat.

They share the story of how the album’s daring production and confessional lyrics sparked Sophie’s creative inspiration just before it exploded into the mainstream. From its genre-blurring sound to its cross-generational appeal, they explore how Brat embodies the fearless honesty and queer cultural vibrancy shaping today’s pop music landscape.

If you love innovative pop, authentic songwriting or insights into the evolving music industry, this episode is your gateway to a fascinating conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Sophie’s first encounter with Charli XCX’s Brat and family connections

• How Brat’s bold, minimalistic sound challenged pop conventions

• The importance of honesty and vulnerability in modern songwriting

• Brat’s impact across different generations and queer communities

• Sophie’s reflections on her own career reinvention and classic hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor”

Gianmarco Soresi's Spark Is Spice World

Join comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi for a campy, nostalgic journey into his Spark: Spiceworld, the 1997 Spice Girls album and film phenomenon. Gianmarco share memories of first hearing the album in childhood, the theatrical personas of Baby Spice and friends and the explosive pop energy that defined an era.

Gianmarco dives into the group’s dynamic, the album’s enduring charm, and why Spice Girls remain a touchstone of girl power, camp, and 90s pop culture.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Spiceworld introduced Gianmarco to the power of camp and theatrical pop

• The chaotic, hilarious plot of the Spice World movie

• The Spice Girls’ impact on 90s culture and girl power anthems

• Behind-the-scenes insights on the band’s fame and solo projects

• Why Gianmarco still listens to and celebrates Spiceworld today

The Boulet Brothers' Spark Is The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Join legendary horror drag icons The Boulet Brothers for a campy, queer journey into their Spark: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Adam and the Boulets share first encounters with the groundbreaking cult film, its impact on their lives, and why it remains a loud, proud anthem for queer joy, radical self-expression, and chosen family.

Swantula takes us back to being a closeted 14-year-old, blown away by Rocky Horror’s uninhibited queerness, campy horror, and radical self-expression that expanded their world overnight. Drac recalls renting the VHS and falling in love with the iconic queer characters that spoke to their gothic, outsider spirit.

We dive into queer representation, midnight screenings, Tim Curry’s unforgettable Frank-N-Furter, and the legendary audience participation that keeps the cult classic alive. The Boulet Brothers break down what makes Rocky Horror a radical anthem of chosen family, joy, and queer celebration — and how it continues to inspire their boundary-pushing drag art and TV series Dragula.

You’ll also hear about The Boulet Brothers’ latest creative projects and why their Rocky Horror Spark lights their queer artistry to this day.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Rocky Horror hit Swantula and Drac at formative moments

• The unique mix of horror, camp, musical theater and queer culture

• The cultural impact and enduring legacy of Rocky Horror midnight shows

• The meaning behind “Don’t Dream It, Be It” for the Boulet Brothers

• Why Rocky Horror’s queer spirit fuels Dragula and their work today

Cheat Codes' Spark Is Ready Player One

Matt and Trevor of Cheat Codes sit down with Adam Unze to talk about their Spark: the movie Ready Player One.

They share the story of how the film’s immersive virtual reality and flood of pop culture Easter eggs blew their minds and sparked creative inspiration. From parallels between gaming, music and business to navigating the future of AI and virtual worlds, they explore how Ready Player One reflects the community, creativity and boundary-pushing spirit that drives their music career.

If you love EDM, gaming culture, futuristic visions or collaborative creativity, this episode is your gateway to an inspiring conversation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Ready Player One felt ahead of its time and parallels today’s tech reality

• The importance of community and collaboration in music and virtual worlds

• Gaming as a metaphor for creativity and business success

• Impacts of AI and emerging technologies on art and connections

• How Cheat Codes blends genres and crafts immersive live experiences

• Pop culture Easter eggs, VR performances, and the future of entertainment

All Time Low's Alex Gaskarth's Spark Is Jimmy Eat World's Futures

Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low joins Adam to share the story of his Spark: Jimmy Eat World’s Futures.

Alex takes us back to his teenage years in Baltimore, discovering Futures on a chance trip to the record store and instantly connecting with the album’s emotional depth, powerful rock energy and flawless sequencing. From the freedom of those first windows-down drives to how Gil Norton’s masterful production revealed the band’s most refined work, Alex explains why Futures remains a peak creative moment in Jimmy Eat World’s career — and a defining influence on his own songwriting.

We dive into nostalgia, label pressure, creative integrity and how artists navigate expectations after a major breakthrough. Alex breaks down the peaks, valleys and sequencing magic that make Futures endlessly replayable, plus why it’s the perfect soundtrack for a sunset drive.

You’ll also hear about All Time Low’s upcoming album Everyone’s Talking! out October 17, 2025, and why fans should be excited for a fresh batch of anthems from one of pop-punk’s most beloved bands.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Alex discovered Jimmy Eat World’s Futures and why it resonated instantly

• The emotional and political themes that make the album timeless

• The challenges Jimmy Eat World faced creating Futures after breakout success

• Why production choices kept the album powerful without listener fatigue

• Alex’s advice for the best way to experience Futures in full

Maggie Lindemann's Spark Is Lana Del Rey's Born To Die

Pop singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann joins Adam to share how Lana Del Rey’s landmark album Born to Die sparked her creative journey. Maggie opens up about falling in love with Lana’s cinematic world, relatable storytelling and signature Old Hollywood-meets-Tumblr vibe—and explains how that influence shaped her own music.

In this episode:

• How Born to Die inspired Maggie’s angsty, alt-pop sound

• Nostalgia, performance nerves, and Tumblr-era fandom

• Why Lana Del Rey’s persona and visuals shifted pop culture

• Thoughts on pop stardom, authenticity, and growing as an artist

• Maggie’s new album I Feel Everything out October 17, 2025

About Maggie Lindemann:

A Dallas-raised, LA-based artist best known for her viral hit “Pretty Girl,” Maggie is praised for her raw lyrics, pop-punk attitude and boundary-pushing style. With over 1.6 billion streams and projects like Suckerpunch, she’s carving a bold new lane for Gen-Z pop.

About Born To Die:

Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die (2012) fused cinematic pop, hip-hop and nostalgia, spawning hits like “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans.” The album redefined pop stardom, charted for over 500 weeks and continues to influence a generation.

Cam's Spark Is Indigo Girls' All That We Let In

Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Cam joins Adam for an intimate conversation about her Spark: the Indigo Girls’ acclaimed album All That We Let In.

Cam explores her journey from discovering the Indigo Girls at choir camp, to wearing out her copy of the album, to becoming friends and collaborators with Emily Saliers herself. The episode delves into the ways this folk-rock classic continues to shape Cam’s songwriting, activism and sense of community in country music and beyond.

Episode Highlights

• Cam’s first encounter with the Indigo Girls and the everlasting impact of All That We Let In

• How the Indigo Girls’ harmonies and activism shaped Cam’s creative voice

• Stories about meeting her heroes, collaborating with Emily Saliers, and friendship in the music industry

• A conversation on family, identity, and what it means to create from a place of authenticity

• Insights into Cam’s new album "All Things Light" and her musical evolution

About Cam:

Cam is a Grammy-winning, genre-bending country singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged storytelling and acclaimed hits like “Burning House,” “Diane,” and “Redwood Tree.” She is a celebrated solo artist, songwriter for stars like Beyoncé and Sam Smith, a global touring act, and a passionate advocate for diversity in music. Cam won a Grammy in 2024 for her contributions to Beyoncé’s album "Cowboy Carter," continuing her legacy as a voice for inclusion and innovation.

About Indigo Girls & All That We Let In:

The Indigo Girls’ 2004 album All That We Let In is celebrated for its stunning harmonies, personal lyricism, and blend of folk, country, and rock influences. The album showcases the duo’s enduring commitment to activism, storytelling, and musical risk-taking, featuring standout tracks like “Perfect World,” “Dairy Queen,” and the beloved title track.

Chanel Ali's Spark Is Fame

Award-winning comedian, writer, and actress Chanel Ali joins host Adam to talk about her Spark—Alan Parker’s 1980 musical drama Fame. Chanel discusses how the film shaped her creative journey, from childhood dreams of performing to the realities of making it as an artist in New York City. The conversation covers ambition, life lessons, arts education, and what it takes to chase success both on stage and off.

Episode Highlights:

• Chanel’s early connection to Fame and the performing arts

• How Fame influenced her self-discovery and artistic drive

• Lessons from arts education and navigating the entertainment world

• How grit, perseverance, and community have helped Chanel thrive

• Candid anecdotes about ambition and making her own opportunities

Quick Chanel Ali Facts:

Chanel Ali is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress based in New York City. She was named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedians to Watch in 2025 after the breakout success of her one-woman show Relative Stranger, which premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured internationally. Chanel’s credits include MTV’s Girl Code, TruTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, Starz’s Night Train with Wyatt Cenac, Netflix’s Dash & Lily, Comedy Central’s Taking the Stage and Speak Up, and Food Network’s Food Debate!. See Chanel live at Soho Playhouse, September 17–28.

Quick Fame Facts:

Fame (1980) is a musical drama directed by Alan Parker. The movie follows a group of students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts and chronicles their struggles and triumphs. Fame won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, and inspired a TV series, stage musical, and global performing arts movement.

Tune-Yard's Merrill Garbus' Spark Is Ani DiFranco's Not A Pretty Girl

What album shaped Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus as both an artist and a person? Ani DiFranco’s Not a Pretty Girl.

In this episode of The Spark Parade, Merrill joins host Adam Unze to reflect on the raw, political, and poetic power of DiFranco’s groundbreaking 1995 album.

They explore how the record helped her find her voice, challenged traditional ideas of femininity and artistry, and set the tone for Tune-Yards’ fiercely original sound.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ani, Tune-Yards, or just looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find something to spark your imagination here.

Highlights include:

• The lasting influence of Not a Pretty Girl

• Ani DiFranco’s impact on feminist songwriting and DIY culture

• How Merrill found artistic freedom in Ani’s boldness

• The power of music to unlock identity and creative purpose

Mimi Webb's Spark Is How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

UK pop sensation Mimi Webb chats with Adam about her Spark: the timeless romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Mimi reveals how the film’s witty banter, unexpected twists, and real emotional moments shaped her love of rom-coms—and inspired her own songwriting, including her new track “Romcom.”

Episode Highlights:

• Why How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is Mimi’s go-to comfort movie—and her favorite for breakups

• Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey’s iconic chemistry, improv scenes, and rom-com legacy

• The magic of New York City, unforgettable fashion moments, and surprising behind-the-scenes stories

• How the film’s twisty romance and comedic vulnerability fueled Mimi’s creativity and belief in real movie moments

• The influence of rom-com fantasy and unexpected love stories on Mimi’s sophomore album Confessions (out September 12th)

Quick Mimi Webb Facts:

Mimi Webb is a multi-platinum British singer-songwriter, known for her powerhouse vocals and deeply personal lyrics. After global success with singles like “Good Without” and “House on Fire,” she’s back with her sophomore album Confessions, dropping September 12th. Mimi has earned BRIT Award and Ivor Novello nominations, and stands out for her honest storytelling and captivating live performances.

Quick Movie Facts:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) is a beloved rom-com directed by Donald Petrie. Magazine writer Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and ad exec Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) face off in a hilarious battle of wills—uncovering love in all its unpredictable glory. Set against glamorous NYC backgrounds with iconic scenes (that yellow dress!), the film remains a must-watch for romantic comedy fans worldwide.

G Flip's Spark Is Pixar's Cars

Australian music sensation G Flip sits down with Adam to explore the surprising source of their creative spark: Pixar’s beloved animated film Cars. G Flip shares how watching Cars with their dad became a powerful family tradition, why Lightning McQueen’s journey resonated so deeply, and how Pixar’s emotional storytelling helped shape their identity—both as an artist and as a person.

Episode Highlights:

• The impact of Cars on G Flip’s childhood and their special bond with their dad

• How Pixar classics like Cars and Toy Story inspired G Flip’s music and emotional openness

• Reflections on growing up non-binary, safe spaces for self-expression, and the value of showing emotion

• Road trips, Route 66, Radiator Springs, and the real-world inspiration behind Pixar’s attention to detail

• Lessons from Lightning McQueen: humility, fame, and the importance of community

• Making music, touring, and the role of family support in G Flip’s journey

About G Flip:

G Flip is an award-winning, non-binary singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne. Known for their energetic performances and heartfelt anthems, they’ve built a global fanbase and continue to break ground for LGBTQ+ voices in pop and alternative music.

About Cars:

Pixar’s Cars follows racecar Lightning McQueen as he finds friendship, love, and purpose in the small town of Radiator Springs. With stunning animation and memorable characters, Cars is an emotional ride for audiences of all ages.

grandson's Spark Is Rage Against The Machine's The Battle Of Los Angeles

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter grandson joins Adam to explore his musical spark: Rage Against the Machine’s legendary album The Battle of Los Angeles. Grandson shares how this politically charged, genre-blending rock album influenced his journey from hip-hop-loving Canadian teen to international hitmaker—breaking down the record’s impact on his identity, artistry, and activism.

What’s Inside

• Musical Origin Story: Grandson reveals how rock, rap, and guitar-driven hip-hop led him to Rage Against the Machine—and why The Battle of Los Angeles gave him permission to express vulnerability and anger authentically.

• Album Analysis: The discussion unpacks the complexities and evolution behind Rage’s third album, its uncompromising sound, and the creative rifts and powerful clarity that defined its production.

• Artistry and Activism: Grandson connects the explosive energy and political urgency of Rage’s music to his own career, from shaping his songwriting to inspiring civic engagement and progressive causes.

• Legacy and Motivation: Learn why The Battle of Los Angeles continues to be a call to action for listeners, pushing them to “get off the sidelines” and find agency, purpose, and community—even in the face of failure or industry pressure.

About Grandson

Grandson is a boundary-pushing artist and activist, known for his fusion of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. His breakthrough singles “Blood // Water” and “Dirty” turned him into a global sensation, and his bold lyricism has fueled collaborations with Tom Morello, Travis Barker, and other icons. Grandson’s records and electrifying live shows tackle urgent themes—from political upheaval to mental health—embodying the kind of social conviction that Rage Against the Machine pioneered. This tone is especially prevalent on his third album Inertia.

About The Battle of Los Angeles

Released in 1999, The Battle of Los Angeles is Rage Against the Machine’s Grammy-winning third studio album. Its incendiary lyrics, innovative genre mashups, and relentless energy cemented Rage’s legacy as both musical and political disruptors. Featuring classics like “Guerrilla Radio,” “Calm Like A Bomb,” and “Testify,” the album remains a staple of protest, self-expression, and musical rebellion.

Why Listen?

• A must-hear for fans of Rage Against the Machine, political music, and genre-blending rock.

• Grandson’s perspective is motivational, raw, and deeply personal—essential for music lovers, creators, and activists.

• The conversation explores how inspiration, courage, and self-expression tie art to real-world action.