Tsunami & Opinions on Julien Baker and Torres
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.
00:00:00 Review: Julien Baker and 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
- Jill Sobule, "Supermodel," Jill Sobule, Lava, 1995
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