Welcome to another episode of When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show that explores how music can lift us out of life’s darkest moments and into a place of healing, connection, and pure joy. I’m your host, James Cox, a lifelong music‑lover who’s turned the power of song into a lifeline for himself and countless listeners.
In today’s conversation we sit down with the legendary drummer London May, known for his work with Samhain, Reptile House, Tiger Army, and his recent collaborations with Bonnie Prince Billy. From the first time he snuck a transistor radio under his covers as a kid, to the day he found himself onstage with his favorite band, London shares how music has always been his sanctuary and his voice when words fell short.
We dive deep into:
- The outsider’s journey, London’s experience of bullying, neurodivergence, and the “outsider” label that has both defined and liberated him.
- Band life on the fast‑track, the shock of moving from DIY punk projects to the high‑pressure world of Samhain, and how that shift reshaped his creative process.
- Finding balance, the struggle of juggling countless bands, solo projects, and personal boundaries while staying true to his love of drumming.
- The drum kit as a language, why the kit is the one instrument that lets him express what words can’t, even when left‑right confusion makes everyday life a challenge.
- Cross‑genre collaborations, the unexpected honor of playing with folk‑icon Bonnie Prince Billy, swapping heavy‑metal grip for jazz‑style brushes, and what that taught him about versatility.
- Gear talk & quirks, from labeling his shoes “L & R” to swapping a snare for a salad spinner, London’s playful relationship with his tools reveals the humor and ingenuity that keep his creative fire burning.
Whether you’re a drummer, a punk‑rock fan, or simply someone who’s ever felt the world’s weight pressing down, this episode offers a raw, heartfelt look at how music can be both a refuge and a catalyst for growth. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and let London’s story remind you that when words fail… music always speaks.
Listen on the website: https://www.whenwordsfailmusicspeaks.com/episodes/544-the-power-of-sound-london-may-on-music-s