First Floor

Home
Essays
Interviews
Weekly Digests
Year-End Lists
Archive
About

Interviews

In a Volatile World, Barker Is Trying New Things—And Loving It
An interview with the Berlin-based artist, who talks about kick drums, DJ culture, trance, live jams and how uncertainty shaped his forthcoming new…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Voice Actor Shares Some of Her Secrets
After several years shrouded in mystery, the beguiling ambient / experimental artist gives her first-ever press interview.
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Liz Pelly Wrote a Book About Spotify and the "Systemic Grift" of Streaming
a.k.a. An interview with the New York-based writer and editor, whose highly anticipated new title details the high costs of streaming convenience—and…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Ayesha Is Piecing Herself Back Together
a.k.a. In her first interview since a hit-and-run accident upended her life earlier this year, the New York-based artist details her recovery and…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Palms Trax Has a Life Now
a.k.a. An interview with the always quotable and perpetually self-effacing artist about life, death, anxiety, fame and his newfound "uncle on Facebook…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Oliver Coates Can't Escape the Cello
a.k.a. An interview with the UK artist and composer about his new album, his forays into film scoring, the legacy of classical music and his complicated…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Emily Witt Started Raving in 2016, and Then the World Turned Upside Down
a.k.a. An interview with the acclaimed journalist about her new book, which recounts her entry into NYC's club and party scene, along with tales of…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Tim Reaper Honors Jungle's Past—But He's More Interested in Its Future
a.k.a. An interview with the London artist about his place in the jungle scene, his upcoming album on Hyperdub and his desire to elevate as many other…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Vincent Bevins on Protest, Politics and a World Where Everyone Is a Broadcaster
a.k.a. An interview with the journalist and writer about the overlap between activism and music culture, the effectiveness of various protest tactics…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Dubbel Dutch Is Ready to Reconnect
a.k.a. An interview with one of the early 2010s' unique talents, who literally went off the grid after saying goodbye to music in 2018.
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
Is Ethical Music AI Possible? Voice-Swap Thinks So.
a.k.a. An interview with Declan McGlynn and Michael Pelczynski about the platform they're building and why an AI ecosystem built on unauthorized…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
The Unexpected Return of L-Vis 1990
a.k.a. An interview with Night Slugs co-founder James Connolly about his decision to set aside the Dance System project and return to his original…
 • 
Shawn Reynaldo
© 2025 Shawn Reynaldo
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture