55. Half Handed Cloud

 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, and his new album “Flutterama” out this June 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 on lowprofilepodcast.com at your leisure! 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. Live Setlist A1. 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]  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]Find Half-Handed Cloud music and Merchandise athttps://half-handedcloud.bandcamp.com/Low Profile receives support from you on patreon.com/lowprofile as well as in-kind support fromSan Francisco Street Bakerysfsbakery.comRainy Day Records and Tapes@rainydayolympiaSchwartz’s Deli@schwartzsolympiaOld School Pizzeria@old_schoolpizzeriaScherler Easy Premium Shitty American Lagerscherlerbeer.com This episode was recorded at Thurston Community Media in Olympia WA by Andrew Ebright.Tcmedia.orgThe portrait artwork for all season five episodes including this one is painted by Nathan Berko-Gibson.Artists and musicians! Want vinyl records but can’t afford to order 1000 and wait 8-12 months? Check out our friends at Lathecuts.com. They will make you vinyl singles in quantities as low as 50 as quickly as 3-4 weeks. All of their pricing is ala carte and they can help pick a package that fits your budget. Email Mike at [email protected] and Mention Low Profile to get a 10% overrun on your order for free!