Push Puppets’ Erich Specht interview with Graham Coath of My Music Podcast
Push Puppets songwriter/singer/guitarist Erich Specht sat down with Graham Coath for the My Music podcast to talk big hooks, bigger harmonies, and the new album Tethered Together. We get from deep-dish pizza to deep-cut influences in one leap: Roy Thomas Baker-style productions (Cars/Queen), XTC, @crowdedhousehq , a dash of Jellyfish, and even a hint of glam on what’s coming next.
Erich unpacks the album’s themes of connection (spot the shark and “pilot fish” on the cover), the breakup and life moments that powered the lyrics, and how songs often start as voice notes in the car.
We go behind the scenes with Steve Frisbie’s soaring backing vocals, sessions at Gravity Studios with Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Silversun Pickups, Veruca Salt), and a real string quartet across eight tracks—used not as wallpaper, but as a co-star.
Listen for:
- The wall-of-voices on “Shake It Like You Mean It”
- Why “All Together on 3” reprises its bridge and hides a delicious rhythmic trick in the outro
- Strings vs. guitars sparring on “Launching a Satellite”
- Writing systems: 250+ ideas logged, voice memos, and reading sprees that spark melodies
- The sweet one inspired by a much-loved Basset Hound