Welcome back to SPIN Magazine’s Lipps Service, hosted by Scott Lipps…
In this episode, Scott sits down with The Lemon Twigs — brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario — for a deep dive into their journey from Long Island to becoming one of the most unique bands in modern rock.
They talk about growing up on The Beatles and The Beach Boys, singing harmonies with their parents, getting into Broadway at a young age, and forming the band that would become The Lemon Twigs.
The conversation covers their early recordings with Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, their breakout album Do Hollywood, and surreal moments like getting recognition from Elton John and collaborating with Todd Rundgren.
They also get into:
* Analog vs digital recording
* Whether they were “born in the wrong era”
* The reality of being an indie band today
* Dream collaborators like Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan
* Their latest record and upcoming tour
Plus — a classic Beatles debate: John vs Paul… who’s better?
If you like the show, make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment — and come see us live at Silver Lining Lounge in NYC.
00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:47 – Growing Up on Long Island
00:03:01 – Their Dad’s Beatles & British Invasion Influence
00:04:31 – Were They Born in the Wrong Era?
00:07:04 – Getting into Broadway & Acting Young
00:08:27 – Watching The Beatles & Beach Boys on TV
00:09:50 – Singing 4-Part Harmonies with Family
00:11:32 – Brotherly Dynamic
00:15:34 – Forming The Lemon Twigs
00:15:45 – Connecting with Jonathan Rado (Foxygen)
00:18:59 – Early Releases
00:19:33 – Analog vs Digital Recording
00:22:11 – Validation from Jonathan Rado
00:23:39 – First Trip to Los Angeles to Record
00:24:21 – Making Do Hollywood
00:25:16 – First Big NYC Show at Webster Hall
00:27:40 – Getting the Call from Elton John
00:29:24 – Working with Todd Rundgren
00:34:08 – Dream Collaborators (McCartney, Dylan)
00:35:02 – Working with Thundercat
00:37:14 – The New Record
00:42:13 – Writing “2 or 3” in Buenos Aires
00:45:08 – The New Tour
00:45:42 – Being an Indie Band Today (Financial Reality)
00:48:36 – What Success Means Now
00:52:30 – Artists That Deserve More Love (Graham Parsons, etc.)
00:55:58 – Recording with Sean Lennon
00:56:55 – Top 5 Songs They Wish They Wrote
00:59:22 – NYC vs LA
01:04:25 – Best Beatles Song + John vs Paul Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices