In this second half of our conversation with legendary drummer Richard Ploog (The Church, Groom Epoch), we explore his post-Church journey — from collaborations with Peter Koppes, Steve Kilbey, and Marc Gable to the surreal, space-infused sounds of Groom Epoch.

🎵 Joining Peter Koppes and The Well
How Richard was invited to join Peter Koppes’ project The Well, recording Iridescence and Water Rites. Includes a clip of “Faith” from Water Rites.
🎧 Listen to “Faith” – The Well

🤝 Performing with Steve Kilbey & Marc Gable
Richard recalls performing with Steve and Marc, reflecting on Steve’s many collaborations and taking Ibogain on tour.

🛸 The Birth of Groom Epoch
How Groom Epoch came together — and why the band is named after Groom Lake (Area 51, Nevada).

🎻 Amanda Brown (The Go-Betweens)
Amanda contributed electric harp, oboe, and backing vocals on the Groom Epoch track “Cosmic Artifice.”
🎧 Listen to “Cosmic Artifice” – Groom Epoch

🎚️ Inside the Groom Epoch Albums
A discussion on the band’s evolving sound, layered arrangements, and Richard’s unique vocal cadence and production style.

🌀 On Surrealism
Jim asks whether Richard still considers himself a surrealist — and how that perspective shapes his songwriting.

🎧 Song-by-Song Insights
💜 “Love Divine” — Layered textures, crunchy guitars, and possibly electric harp.
🎧 Listen on Spotify
🌍 “Earth First” — Features guitarist Brett Myers (Died Pretty). Richard recalls Brett’s solo work on “Out of the Unknown.”
🕊️ “Fodder for Zion” — Written about the conflict in Syria.
🎧 Listen on Spotify
🌌 “Cosmic Artifice” — A lush, surreal sonic landscape (clip included above).

🚀 The New Groom Epoch Album
Richard teases the band’s fourth release, continuing to explore new musical territory.

🎭 The Gaslight Puppet Show
Includes guitar contributions from members of The Sunnyboys and other musicians from Australia’s post-punk scene.

👨‍👦 Family & Serendipity
Richard talks about his son Irie Ploog, and shares a surreal story about accidentally walking into a Tin Machine rehearsal with David Bowie singing “Ashes to Ashes.”

• “Faith” – The Well

• “Love Divine” – Groom Epoch

• “Fodder for Zion” – Groom Epoch

• “Cosmic Artifice” – Groom Epoch

📍 Host: JimmyJames S Butler and First Mate - Jim Anderson
🥁 Guest: Richard Ploog

🎧 Listen to Groom Epoch on Spotify
💿 More from The Well (Peter Koppes)
📺 Follow Post-Punk Heartstrings for more artist conversations.

• Richard Ploog
• The Church
• Groom Epoch
• Iboga Gazebo

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