Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson, founders of the ‘90s indie rock band Tsunami and key figures of the D.C. punk scene. The hosts also review the new collaborative album from Julien Baker & Torres.
Julien Baker and Torres are both accomplished artists in their solo careers, but the breakout success of Baker’s group Boygenius has put more attention on “Send A Prayer My Way,” the duo’s debut album. Though Baker and Torres are more associated with the indie underground, this album aims squarely at mainstream country music.
Tsunami
Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson led the indie rock band Tsunami throughout the ‘90s, but that’s far from their only contribution to the independent music scene. The label they founded, Simple Machines, helped artists get their music out in the world without being exploited. And the advocacy group they founded, The Future of Music Coalition, sought to make digital music distribution more fair for artists. The duo talk with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about their perspective on that work with the advantage of hindsight and getting the band back together and on the road.
Featured Songs:
Tsunami, "In a Name," Deep End, Simple Machines, 1993
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
Julien Baker & Torres, "Sugar in the Tank," Send a Prayer My Way, Matador, 2025
Julien Baker & Torres, "Tuesday," Send a Prayer My Way, Matador, 2025
Julien Baker & Torres, "Tape Runs Out," Send a Prayer My Way, Matador, 2025
Tsunami, "David Foster Wallace," A Brilliant Mistake, Simple Machines, 1997
Tsunami, "Newspaper," World Tour & Other Destinations, Simple Machines, 1995
Tsunami, "Punk Means Cuddle," World Tour & Other Destinations, Simple Machines, 1995
Tsunami, "Water's Edge," Deep End, Simple Machines, 1993
Tsunami, "Be Like That," The Heart's Tremolo, Simple Machines, 1994
Tsunami, "Loud is as Loud Does," The Heart's Tremolo, Simple Machines, 1994
Tsunami, "The Workers Are Punished," A Brilliant Mistake, Simple Machines, 1997
Tsunami, "Slugger," Deep End, Simple Machines, 1993
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