Episode 117: José Gonzáles

Drawing from a wide-ranging pool of influences—from punk and hardcore to authors like evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and ethicist Peter Singer – José González has forged a unique place for himself in the music scene. He has released records by his band Junip, but his multiple solo albums feature a stripped down "mid-fi" sound consisting mostly of a nylon string guitar, his voice, and the occasional tapping of his foot. His 2003 album, Veneer, gained significant popularity in Sweden, the UK, and the United States. His songs have been featured in films and television shows such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, One Tree Hill, The Blacklist, Friday Night Lights, and many others. His new release, Against the Dying of the Light, is in Gonzáles' own words, "a collection of songs I hope will age badly, in the sense that humanity finds a way to unite and steer clear of its most self-destructive tendencies."

Geoff Stanfield caught up with José from his home in Gothenburg, Sweden, to discuss this new album, his approach to recording, and more. Enjoy.