Digest

Karen and Georgia welcome Jake Brennan and his podcast "Disgraceland" to the Exactly Right network. Brennan discusses the genesis of his true crime music podcast, which explores the darker, often unbelievable stories behind musicians. He shares his early influences, the inspiration behind the podcast's name, and his unique approach to researching and storytelling, highlighting episodes featuring artists like Dave Grohl, Elton John, and Big Lurch. The conversation also touches on the challenges of covering sensitive topics and includes a fun "Musical Mad Libs" game. Brennan gifts the hosts curated vinyl records, celebrating iconic female musicians and influential artists from various genres.

Outlines

00:00:00

Welcome Jake Brennan and "Disgraceland" to Exactly Right

Karen and Georgia announce the exciting addition of Jake Brennan's "Disgraceland" podcast to the Exactly Right network, encouraging listeners to follow and explore its extensive catalog. Jake Brennan joins to discuss his podcast, its move to the network, and his admiration for Karen and Georgia's work.

00:02:48

The Genesis and Evolution of "Disgraceland"

Jake Brennan explains the origins of "Disgraceland" in 2018, driven by a desire to create a music podcast he'd enjoy. He details his background in music and advertising, and how true crime elements naturally emerged from his storytelling style, inspired by early influences like "Helter Skelter" and "In Cold Blood." The podcast's name, "Disgraceland," was inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis's home, representing a darker contrast to Graceland.

00:09:29

Unique Storytelling and Compelling Narratives

Brennan discusses his research on Dave Grohl and emphasizes how incorporating crime elements makes music stories more compelling. Karen and Georgia praise Brennan's distinctive perspective, shaped by his musical background, which makes "Disgraceland" exceptionally entertaining and different from typical biographies. He shares how conversations with friends revealed his talent for storytelling, leading him to pursue podcasting.

00:12:35

Memorable Interviews and Musical Gifts

Jake recounts the surreal experience of interviewing Elton John for "Disgraceland." He also presents Karen and Georgia with carefully selected vinyl records, including Stevie Nicks' "Bella Donna" and The Pretenders' "Pretenders," celebrating iconic female musicians.

00:20:01

Exploring LA's Music Scene and Diverse Influences

The discussion delves into the 1970s LA music scene, touching upon Arthur Lee of Love and The Go-Go's, and their connections to figures like Charles Manson. Brennan shares his appreciation for The Cramps, discussing their gothic punk influences and local ties, and highlights Evan Dando and The Lemonheads for their Gen X appeal. He also introduces The Louvin Brothers' album "Satan Is Real," noting its striking cover and powerful message.

00:24:27

The Research Process and Navigating Dark Topics

Jake details the intensive research and writing process for "Disgraceland," noting that each episode requires about a week of dedicated work. Karen expresses her inability to finish the episode about Big Lurch due to its extreme horror, including cannibalism. Jake and Karen discuss the challenges of covering extremely disturbing true crime cases, particularly those involving children, and the ethical considerations involved. Brennan reflects on the difficulty of creating an episode about Elliott Smith due to profound sadness and lack of a clear narrative angle.

00:31:23

Games, Memoirs, and Final Welcome

The hosts play a humorous game of "Musical Mad Libs" with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Jake shares his favorite rock memoir, Rick James', and discusses Patty Smith's surprising fascination with crime fiction. Karen and Georgia officially welcome Jake Brennan and "Disgraceland" to the Exactly Right network, calling it a dream combination and reiterating the release schedule for "Disgraceland" and "Hollywood Land."

Keywords

Q&A

• What is "Disgraceland" and why is it significant?

  "Disgraceland" is a podcast hosted by Jake Brennan that explores the intersection of music and true crime. It's significant because it delves into the dark and often unbelievable stories behind musical artists, whether they are victims or perpetrators of crimes.

• How did Jake Brennan get the name "Disgraceland" for his podcast?

  Jake Brennan named his podcast "Disgraceland" after the home of rock and roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis. Lewis's home was located near Elvis Presley's Graceland, and "Disgraceland" served as a contrasting, darker moniker, reflecting the podcast's focus on the grittier side of music history.

• What makes Jake Brennan's approach to storytelling in "Disgraceland" unique?

  Jake Brennan's unique approach stems from his background as a musician and his ability to weave true crime elements into music narratives. He focuses on stories that are often unbelievable and lesser-known, offering a distinct perspective that captivates listeners.

• What was the experience like for Jake Brennan when he interviewed Elton John?

  The interview with Elton John was a surreal and challenging experience for Jake Brennan. It involved last-minute travel arrangements to Milan, sleep deprivation, and navigating unfamiliar customs, but ultimately resulted in a memorable conversation for "Disgraceland."

• What are some of the most disturbing true crime topics that "Disgraceland" has had to navigate?

  "Disgraceland" has tackled extremely disturbing topics, including cannibalism (in the case of Big Lurch) and horrific acts of pedophilia (like the Ian Watkins case). These stories push the boundaries of what listeners can handle and require careful consideration in their presentation.

• How does Jake Brennan research and produce episodes for "Disgraceland"?

  Jake Brennan dedicates approximately a week to researching and writing each episode of "Disgraceland." While he has a deep, lifelong understanding of music and its associated culture, the intensive research and writing process ensures the depth and accuracy of each story.

• What is the significance of Patty Smith's connection to true crime?

  Patty Smith, the "godmother of punk," has a deep-seated fascination with crime literature and artists with criminal pasts. This interest, stemming from her upbringing and exposure to various true crime events, is explored in a "Disgraceland" episode as a potential factor in her survival and artistic resilience.

• What kind of gifts did Jake Brennan bring for Karen and Georgia?

  Jake Brennan presented Karen and Georgia with carefully selected vinyl records, chosen for their personal significance and connection to music history and their own experiences.

Show Notes