Grammy-winning producer and guitarist Larry Mitchell doesn’t talk about music like a technician - he talks about it like it’s oxygen. In this enlightening sit-down with Ben, he riffs on growing up sick in Brooklyn with only a guitar for company, the moment Prince blew his teenage mind, how he railed against comparisons to Hendrix, and how the music industry continues to be a deep and dark forest of danger for artists.

From tour buses with Tracy Chapman to a Grammy for world music he never saw coming, Larry lays out a career shaped less by chasing trends and more by chasing truth. He’s still hungry, still experimenting, still chasing tones no one’s bottled yet.

This isn’t a gear-nerd chat. It’s a reminder of what music feels like when it’s a lifeline.

Recorded November, 2024 at Umbrella Creative, Brisbane.

Iconophonic (adj.) /ˌaɪ.kɑː.nəˈfɑː.nɪk/

(of a musician or artist) Possessing a sound, tone, or musical voice so distinctive and influential that it has become instantly recognizable and culturally significant; iconic in sound.

Example: "Larry Mitchell is an iconophonic guitarist whose tone is instantly identifiable."

(of sound, music, or performance) Characterized by an instantly recognizable and culturally significant sonic signature.

Example: "His iconophonic guitar work has shaped the sound of contemporary music."

Etymology: From Greek eikōn (image, icon) + phōnē (sound, voice)

Related forms:

Iconophonically (adv.)

Iconophony (n.) - the quality or state of being iconophonic

Episode One Notes:

This is my first effort at being a podcast host, and Larry was incredibly gracious in agreeing to be my first guest. Luke Dunning of Umbrella Creative was also so damn generous in helping me out with lending me his skills and studio. Much love to both of you!

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