Jon Auer Interview: Big Star, Power Pop, and the Magic of Joey’s Song

Andy McNamara caught up with legendary musician Jon Auer (The Posies, Big Star) to discuss his third year performing for the charity event. Jon shares insights into the unique community behind Joey's Song, his history with the band The Melismatics, and his incredible 17-year journey playing with the iconic power-pop band Big Star.

Joey's Song & Community: Jon reflects on how he was "coerced" by Mike Gomoll into joining the cause and how the event has become a true community that supports epilepsy research.

The Melismatics: A look back at Jon’s time producing records in Minneapolis for his dear friends Ryan Smith and Pony.

The Big Star Legacy: Jon tells the fascinating story of how a 1992 answering machine message from Jody Stevens led to him and his Posies bandmate joining Big Star.

In the Studio with Alex Chilton: Memorable anecdotes from the recording of the album In Space, including Alex Chilton’s real-time grammar corrections and his unique approach to songwriting.

Working with Terra Lightfoot: Jon discusses his musical and personal partnership with wife Terra Lightfoot, including the production of her stripped-back record Home Front.

The Perfect Pop Song: Jon weighs in on the "perfect" power-pop tracks, citing Big Star's "September Gurls" and Badfinger's "No Matter What".

About Joey's Song
Joey's Song is an organization dedicated to raising money for epilepsy research, finding a cure, and supporting families affected by the condition.

0:00 Introduction - Jon Auer at Joey's Song Benefit Concert
0:19 How Jon Got Involved with Joey's Song for Epilepsy Research
0:50 Mike's Vision and Building the Joey's Song Community
1:32 Meeting Musicians & The Melismatics Connection
2:10 Community and Coming Together for the Right Reasons
2:33 Producing The Melismatics with Ryan Smith in Minneapolis
3:38 Freddy Johnston's Magical Performance at Smart Studios
4:33 Perfect Pop Songs - Big Star & Badfinger
5:42 Joining Big Star - The Legendary Answering Machine Story
6:39 How Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens Reunited Big Star
8:13 The Phone Call That Changed Everything
9:47 Ken Stringfellow Joins Big Star - South by Southwest
11:03 Recording Big Star "In Space" Album at Ardent Studios
12:49 Writing Songs for Big Star's Final Album
14:24 Being a Fan Who Became a Band Member
14:38 Alex Chilton's Grammar Lesson in the Studio
15:50 Working with Tara Lightfoot - Musical Partnership
17:04 Recording "Home Front" Album in Canada
18:07 Covering Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You"
18:36 Where to Find Jon Auer's Music Online
19:19 Closing - Visiting Appleton & Mile of Music

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