The COVID-19 quarantine has inspired full-length albums, livestream concerts, and now, it's inspired a virtual talk show, and who better to host than the charismatic frontman of IDLES, Joe Talbot?
Titled BALLEY TV, the show is filmed in isolation with guests represented by giant stuffed animals with iPads secured to their faces. Topics range from current events to music, with the "occasional quiz segment/marshmallow eating contest." It's thoughtful, funny, and wildly entertaining — much like IDLES themselves!
The pilot episode featuring Mike Skinner (The Streets) and Nadya Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot) launched last month, and today they've rolled out the schedule for future episodes, including appearances from Seattleites Ishmael Butler and Jeff Ament, plus Sharon Van Etten, Billy Bragg, Jehnny Beth (Savages), and more.
BALLEY TV 2020 SCHEDULE:
Episode 1 – WATCH NOW - Mike Skinner (The Streets) & Nadya Tolokonnikova (Pussy Riot)
Episode 2 – WATCH NOW - Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES) & Hak Baker
Episode 3 – Fri July 3 - Arlo Parks & Billy Bragg
Episode 4 – Fri July 17 - Kate Tempest & Kenny Beats
Episode 5 – Fri July 31 - Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam), Jehnny Beth (Savages) & Fern Ford (The Big Moon)
Episode 6 – Fri August 14 – Ishmael Butler & Sharon Van Etten
IDLES have kept up their creative streak during the stay-at-home orders, sharing new singles and fan-sourced videos. Their third full-length – titled Ultra Mono – will be out September 25th via Partisan Records.
The beloved British band return with a track to get everyone pumped up.
The digital and physical singles are out now.
Ahead of Music Heals: Addiction & Recovery, KEXP spoke with IDLES guitarist Lee Kiernan, who celebrated seven years sober this April. In this exclusive interview, Lee shares his experience with addiction, and the role music has played in his journey to recovery.
