The home for Songs That Saved Your Life Radio on WKNY 107.9FM where Jami explores the very queer roots of rock n roll and plays a lot of great music!
How Wendy Carlos transformed electronic music while refusing to be anything but herself.
Wendy Carlos is a badass. Full stop. She is one of the most influential architects of modern sound. Her groundbreaking work with the Moog synthesizer helped redefine how electronic instruments could be used in popular music, classical interpretation, and film scoring, reshaping the sonic language of the late twentieth century. From her landmark 1968 album Switched-On Bach to her unforgettable scores for A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Tron, Carlos was at the forefront of musical innovation. At the same time her career was ascending, Carlos was also navigating her life as a transgender woman in an era that offered little safety, privacy, or understanding, making her achievements all the more remarkable.
Today, I’m joined in the studio by Lucas Grindley — a composer of electronic orchestral music and film scores, former Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate, and two-time LGBTQ+ Journalist of the Year — to explore Carlos’ legacy, her artistry, and the lasting impact she’s had on how we hear music today. We’ll also hear two original songs composed and arranged by Lucas.
You can hear Lucas' original music on SoundCloud, TikTok, and Youtube.
Lucas is new to Substack so be sure to give him a follow!
