Nikolai Fraiture is the bassist for the New York based rock band The Strokes. In 2001, the band went from playing small clubs on the Lower East Side to becoming one of the most hyped and talked about bands in the industry. After 6 albums and over 20 years together, this massively influential band continues to create innovative and unique music. In 2021 their album The New Abnormal won Best Rock Album and earned the band their first Grammy. In this episode we discuss how Nikolai managed to stay humble and keep a healthy perspective after The Strokes experienced a sudden rise to fame almost overnight. We also hear some behind the scene stories about recording albums in Malibu and Costa Rica with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moon Unit Zappa is the daughter of legendary musician Frank Zappa and the author of a new autobiography. In her book, Earth to Moon, she reflects on her unconventional upbringing, and she shares a candid account of what it was like growing up in Los Angeles with a rock star father. At just 14 years old, she approached her father with the idea to collaborate on a song—not in pursuit of fame or a music career, but as a way to spend more time with him. That song, Valley Girl, became an unexpected smash hit, and her life changed almost overnight. In this episode, we dive into Moon’s profound respect and pride for her father’s musical legacy, while also addressing the lingering resentment she feels over a childhood marked by manipulation, deceit, and disappointment. We’ll also uncover some captivating celebrity stories from her book and explore how sudden fame can affect a teenager. Tune in for a conversation with this multi-talented author, actress, entrepreneur, and the artist who left a lasting mark on pop culture with her iconic slang from the song Valley Girl. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MGMT are the musical duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, known for creating irresistibly catchy, genre-blurring music. Since their time as art students in the early 2000s, they’ve released five studio albums, garnered critical acclaim, and cultivated a devoted fan base. Their newest album Loss of Life is available now. In this episode, we dive into how they continually push the boundaries of pop and indie music while still maintaining their unmistakable sound. We also discuss the politics of performing at Madison Square Garden, their unexpected rise to TikTok fame, and how their views on drugs have evolved since their debut album. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with the artists behind the hits 'Kids' and 'Little Dark Age Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T.J. Miller is a standup comedian and actor who has appeared on Silicon Valley, Deadpool, Transformers, and numerous comedy specials. Although he’s had a taste of Hollywood success, lately he’s chosen a different path. Rather than chasing acting roles on the west coast, he’s made the conscious choice to live in New York City and continue to tirelessly refine his skills as a Manhattan standup comic. This week we sit down to discuss why being a respected comic is more important to him than being recognized as a great actor. We'll also find out what being a philosophy major taught him about comedy and what happens when you spill a drink on someone at a party wearing a gold-sequined tuxedo. Don't miss this special episode recorded live at Newsstand Studios in Rockefeller Center. *This episode was recorded prior to the WGA and SAG strikes. The Plug w/ Justin Jay wholeheartedly supports the efforts of actors and writers and stands in solidarity with its union members. To learn more please see the links below.. https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/ https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike-hub Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Sachs is an esteemed New York artist that makes handcrafted mixed media sculptures that are provocative and whimsical. His Chanel chainsaw, oversized painting of Krusty The Clown, and elaborate recreations of NASA spacecraft are mesmerizing. You can find his work in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim and in venerable galleries across the globe. This week, we sit down to discuss the bizarre politics of the art world, his philosophy on dedication and successes, and ponder why it’s so difficult to get quality ding repair for a surfboard. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Andersen is a Surfing Hall of Fame inductee and a 4 time consecutive world champion. As a teenager, she left behind a troubled home life in Florida to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional surfer. By 25, she was ranked the best female surfer on the planet. With her aggressive yet elegant style, she helped transform the entire perception of female competitive surfing. This episode we sit down to discuss the emotional challenges of being the subject of a documentary film about your life, we hear some hilarious behind the scenes stories from her years on tour, and we learn how opening the door for an entire generation of female surfers didn't necessary translate to massive economic success. Tune in for a compelling story of perseverance and determination from this true icon of the sport. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Hawk is the most recognizable skateboarder on the planet. This episode, we discuss his experiences with Jackass, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and how dominating contests as a teenage skateboarder left him feeling like an outsider amongst his peers. We also chat about Tony's documentary film "Until The Wheels Fall Off” which chronicles his amazing evolution from a lanky adolescent skater to a global action sports sensation. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Ament plays bass in Pearl Jam and is a founding member of the band. He’s also been an avid skateboarding since he was a teenager. He's self-financed the construction of over 27 skate parks across his home state of Montana. It’s a source of immense gratification for him, and he often visits these parks in person to sweep the concrete, skate with the kids, and witness firsthand the impact that he’s made. This week we sit down to chat about his new band Deaf Charlie, his experience traveling with Pearl Jam vs a side project, and why he's going on a 1200 mile skateboarding mission with kids that he met at one of his skateparks. Plus, find out who Jeff gives his Plug of The Week to. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Mannion is a music and portrait photographer who has shot an astounding 300 album covers. He’s worked with virtually every prominent name in hip-hop from Jay Z to DMX, Eminem to Nas. His portrait of DMX dripping in crimson blood stands as one of the most iconic images ever taken of the late rapper. In this episode we discuss how to keep the momentum of a successful photography career going when magazines are approaching extinction, and the demand for album packaging has basically been reduced to a thumbnail on a music streaming app. We also discuss his time assisting for Richard Avedon, and hear some on-set stories from his shoots with Gucci Mane, Nipsey Hussle, Mos Def, and many more. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dante Ross is a music producer and pioneering hip-hop A&R executive. During his time at Tommy Boy and Elektra Records he played a pivotal role in the success of acts such as De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, MF Doom, Everlast, and Old Dirty Bastard. In his new autobiography titled "Son of The City," he recounts with vivid detail his formative years growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and his involvement with the vibrant subcultures of skateboarding, punk rock, and hip-hop. Tune in for a captivating conversation with one of the most enduring and influential figures from the golden age of hip-hop. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: [email protected] https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices