THE DEBOP QUESTIONNAIRE:
Josh Wallack
To jog your memory, here's how you answered your questionnaire:
Hi! What's your name?
Josh Wallack
How many years young are you?
46
Where did you grow up?
Miami
Where do you reside now?
Brooklyn
What was the first song you fell in love with?
Neil Diamond, “Coming to America.”
What's your occupation?
I work at the Department of Education running the city’s pre-k program.
What's your commute to work like?
35 minutes, F to the A. 8 minute walks on each side.
What was the first album you fell in love with?
It was a Star Wars re-enactment album that was printed with a big picture of C3PO and R2D2 on it.
What's your current state of mind?
My family and I have relocated to Rome for a fellowship my wife won, and I am flying back and forth to NYC to keep things going at my job. We have two young kids, and we’re tag teaming the care here. Lots of wonderful challenges to have, but it’s tiring and leaves little time for discovering music. I need some music to get me through the night!
Who are your favorite bands/artists now?
Vijay Iyer, Ibeyi, Laura Mvula, Martial Solal, Michael Formanek, Guillermo Klein, St. Vincent, Tune-Yards, Linda May Han Oh
What do you gravitate towards more - music, or lyrics?
Music, especially the rhythm and the bass line. I find I like a lot of bands led by bassists.
What's your favorite film?
The In-Laws, original version
What changes have you noticed in your personality or sensibilities in the last 5 years?
A lot of the bands I listed above I really discovered around 5 years ago. As life has grown busier, I find less sounds or looks new and exciting. A certain dullness has set in. Personality wise, I think I’m more patient and tolerant, given how many mistakes I have made and others have forgiven me for.
Who were your favorite bands/artists during your teens (high school/college)?
High school I listened to top 40. College I was into prog rock (Genesis), fusion, and a lot of Sinatra.
Who are your favorite authors?
Thomas Pynchon, Donald Barthelme, George Saunders, Rachel Cusk, Jennifer Egan, Elmore Leomard
Are there any genres or themes you'd like to explore in this playlist?
Hard-earned redemption, gallows humor, running down a dream. I feel excellent music is probably made in countries other than the U.S. and I don’t know enough about it, but I’m open to new stuff from here as well. I want to hear music that sounds like it is from the future.
Who’s an artist you recently discovered and loved?
Steve Lehman and all the rappers and musicians on his album Selebeyone
In what environment do you rely on music the most?
I do most listening on my commute, at work (I work in an open office and listen a lot of the day on headphones), and during long walks on the weekends.
What’s your main source for music discovery these days?
Downbeat, NYC Jazz Record, the Times, checking out sidemen from albums I like, friend’s recommendations. I’d love to learn new ways to discover good music.
Would you like to share your Spotify username?
I don’t really use Spotify. I listen on Amazon. But my name is Tyrone Slothrop
And finally, what’s something totally random about you that not many people know?
I was a DJ in high school for birthday parties and such. We were called “The Flip Sides.”