Episode 203 - Laura Ballance (Superchunk, Merge Records)

How often do you get to talk to the boss of your record label, bass player in one of your favourite bands & one of the first people to ever hire you in the music biz? Well, this once in a lifetime confluence happens to Damian this week when he welcomes LAURA BALLANCE OF MERGE RECORDS / SUPERCHUNK on to the show show!!! Listen in as the two discuss Laura’s journey, why MERGE gets it in a way some other label can't & the night in London twenty years ago when Damian had to work the merch table for Superchunk.  Also Touched On:  Big Sister’s record collection as a gateway Adam Ant on late night tv and a sexual awaking Was it Prince & The Revolution  on Purple Rain OR Bad Brains & Neon Christ for the first show? ATL Alternative Culture Unity The difference between Raleigh and Atlanta’s punk scenes the uniqueness of the various hardcore scenes in NC Learning to overcome stage fright Starting Merge Gerard’s stamp of approval Not being proud of the early stuff You can’t be discerning if you’re going to be prolific Erectus Monotone: pre- Double Negative not liking the bands that signed to major labels Jon Wurster: the punkest motherfucker you ever did see AND MORE!!!!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/turned-out-a-punk/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy