Dead Wax

Jack Conte & Ryan Lerman React To Each Others Favorite Songs

Episode Summary

On this week’s DeadWax, Jack and Ryan do something a little different — no guest, just the two of them sitting down to listen to and talk about some of their favorite songs. They dive deep into the tracks that have shaped their musical lives, from the haunting storytelling of Andy Shauf and the dreamy textures of The Shins, to the timeless songwriting of Buddy Holly, Feist, and Harry Nilsson. Along the way, they explore everything from Maurice Ravel’s harmonic genius to the hazy beauty of Duster and the classic soul of Dusty Springfield, uncovering the threads that tie their shared inspirations together. In the extended Patreon-exclusive edition, Jack and Ryan go even deeper — sharing rare finds, deep cuts, and from their personal collections. They reflect on how these songs have influenced their own work, how taste evolves over time, and why certain melodies stick with you forever. It’s an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the ears and hearts behind DeadWax.

Episode Notes

Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman

Executive Producer: Ryan Lerman

Production Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas Alexander

Audio: Jack Light

Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker