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Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Ep. 202: Page Hamilton discusses Helmet's "Unsung"

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9923 Ratings

🗓️ 15 April 2024

⏱️ 84 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations for decades, shedding light on their true meaning. Tune in for a deep exploration of one of the most influential hard rock songs of the early 90s. If you like movies, check out Regal Unlimited: https://regmovies.onelink.me/4207629222/dq0q30co (Use the code DEMAKES24 to get 10% off!) If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.

0:02.8

Hey gang, today's guest is Paige Hamilton.

0:10.6

Lead vocalist and guitarist for the New York City alternative metal band, Helmut.

0:15.0

Together we break down the writing, recording, and release of the hit single, UnSum,

0:21.0

taken from their 1992 album, Meantime.

0:24.6

This song and riff, the riff, as I call it,

0:27.7

is quintessential 90s, the blueprint riff

0:30.4

for everything from Foo Fighters to Queens of the Stone Age to Rage

0:33.7

Against the Machine, Pantera, Megadeth, and Soundgarden. You can hear the

0:37.7

influence of helmet. Paige recalls riding the riff while sitting at an old desk

0:42.1

in his New York City apartment, a riff that defined a decade.

0:46.0

And lyrically, Paige had a lot to say without actually saying it outright,

0:50.0

straddling that artistic line between abstract and hitting you over the head.

0:55.0

And talk about a banger alive.

0:57.0

I still get chills every time I think about hearing the song as an 18-year-old kid

1:01.0

for the first time, live at a show in Gainesville, Florida.

1:05.0

As you'll hear in the episode, I was truly moved by their performance.

1:10.0

So for all this and a whole lot more, don't you dare go anywhere.

1:13.2

Hey, hey, have you heard Krista makes a podcast?

1:20.0

Hey, hey, have you heard Krista makes a podcast?

1:25.0

Hey, hey, have you heard Krista makes a podcast?

1:30.0

Hey, hey, hey, have you heard?

...

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