Wed 7/5, 6PM: Interview with author Erin Osmon.

Listen to WPRB on Wednesday, July 5th at 6:00 pm ET when Jon Solomon interviews author Erin Osmon about her new book “Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost” (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017).

It is an hour of conversation and music, combining discussion about Molina’s life with selections from both the Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. catalogues.

Here’s a few words about Osmon’s superb book from the publisher, plus a song from a Songs: Ohia single recorded just down the road in Philadelphia.

Erin Osmon presents a detailed, human account of the Rust Belt–born musician Jason Molina—a visionary, prolific, and at times cantankerous singer-songwriter with an autodidactic style that captivated his devoted fans. The songwriting giant behind the bands Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. had a knack for spinning tales, from the many personal myths he cultivated throughout his life to the poems and ballads he penned and performed. As with too many great musicians, Molina’s complicated relationship with the truth, combined with a secretive relationship with the bottle, ultimately claimed his life.

Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost details Molina’s personal trials and triumphs and reveals for the first time the true story of Molina’s last months and works, including an unpublished album unknown to many of his fans. Offering unfettered access to the mind and artistry of Molina through exclusive interviews with family, friends, and collaborators, the book also explores the Midwest music underground and the development of Bloomington, Indiana–based label Secretly Canadian.

As the first authorized and detailed account of this prolific songwriter and self-mythologizer, Jason Molina provides readers with unparalleled insight into Molina’s tormented life and the fascinating Midwest musical underground that birthed him. It’s a story for the ages that speaks volumes to the triumphs and trials of the artistic spirit while exploring the meaningful music that Molina’s creative genius left behind.

Joe from Don Giovanni talks New Alternative Music Festival on WPRB!

This weekend Don Giovanni Records presents the New Alternative Music Festival at Convention Hall in Asbury Park.

On Friday, September 16 and Saturday the 17th, 40+ truly independent bands from all over North America – groups such as Screaming Females, Ought, Radiator Hospital, California X, Fake Limbs, Downtown Boys and Rye Coalition – will unite for a one-time only all-ages event that is not beholden to any major labels or corporate interests.

Don Giovanni founder, proud New Jerseyan and former WPRB DJ Joe Steinhart will be calling in to Jon Solomon’s show on Wednesday, September 14th at 8:00 pm ET to talk about this incredible undertaking and to play music from a cross-section of acts that will be performing. They’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to each day’s show too!

For the full New Alternative Music Festival line-up and to purchase tickets, head here.