55. Half-Handed Cloud
Painted by Nathan Berko-Gibson
Since the start of the millennium, John Ringhofer has been making hundreds of bite-sized kaleidoscopic story songs under the name Half-Handed Cloud. I became a fan of his work when I first heard his bedroom-production sunshine pop (with an avant-garde leaning). Years later, I found myself playing a pile of instruments for his touring band in Europe. In today’s interview John visits the studio via Zoom from his home in Finland. He discusses his tape recorder’s role as a band member, raising an artistic family, writing songs about some of the more unpleasant subjects in the Bible, collaborating with Sufjan Stevens, WHY? and Danielson, and his new album “Flutterama” out June 17, 2022 on Asthmatic Kitty Records. He also gives an exclusive performance: 11 Half-Handed Cloud songs in 2 sets. You’ve gotta see it, and thanks to TCTV Studio, you can see this whole episode on video below! The video version is a bit longer as there are parts of the show that don’t work without a visual element.
My guest co-host today is KAOS DJ Scott Eaton who has been hosting the show “God’s Misfits” since 2000.
This episode was engineered and filmed by Andrew Ebright at TCMedia.
Watch the video version of this episode (highly recommended):
Songs Featured this episode:
Disaster Will Come Upon You (Live 2009 with LAKE)
Anamnesis
Antennas Extend
Live Setlist A:
1. We Don't Know How It Grows [2002]
2. Handles [2022]
3. Titus Three [2014]
4. Tongues That Possess The Earth Instead [2006] (briefly)
5. Out On The Ice, We Face Our Hearts [2010]
Once, Twice, Seven Times a Werewolf
The Netherworld Squints At The Sight Of You
Hoarding Begins at Birth
Live Setlist B
1. Buffet... [2006]
2. Thumb/Toe Collection [2005]
3. In You Now But Still Below [2006]
4. Baldy Knees [2002]
5. The Netherworld Squints At The Sight Of You [2022]
6. You Came To Disappear [2016]
Handles (Album Version)
Live concert from 2009 with LAKE as John’s backing band:
Find all Half-Handed Cloud's music at their Bandcamp site: