The Tonearm's Guide to Big Ears
The 2026 edition of the Big Ears Festival commences this Thursday, March 27. Here are our suggestions for the artists you should check out once the music kicks off in downtown Knoxville.
Kramer
Don't Fear the Reverb — A Conversation with Kramer
From producing Galaxie 500 and Low to his new ambient masterwork '...and the crimson moon whispers goodbye,' the musician and Shimmy-Disc founder reflects on spontaneous composition, the spiritual dimensions of reverb, and finally achieving his personal 'Rothko Chapel.'
Lost in the Quiet Revolt of Squanderers
David Grubbs, Wendy Eisenberg, and Kramer's 'Skantagio' captures three acclaimed musos improvising with electric guitars in real time. The trio discusses friendship within the creative process, the value of getting lost, and the art of protesting quietly.