Talk about yourself—Who are you? Where are you located? What creative projects are you currently involved in? Any other hobbies?
I’m Trent Gay, I live in Portland ME and co-host the Speak All Evil podcast. I also play music in a band called Paranoid Social Club with co-host, Dave Gutter, and have worked on a number of musical projects with co-host Kevin Kennie and on other podcasts with co-host Cat Smith. I’ve been trying to get decent at chess for the past several years and like to walk trails with my dog, provided they are not inclined.
WHAT IS Speak All Evil (SAE)?
Speak All Evil is the podcast you were warned about. We watch horror movies and talk about them. Our goal is to explore greater context in which to watch, think about and enjoy the films than popcorn escapism, though we love that part too, and hope to introduce people to things they haven’t seen. We discuss artistic, technical, social, political, and personal aspects of the movies, get into our feels, and try to roast each other as much as possible.
What inspired the start of Speak All Evil?
A years long group text thread about horror movies seemed like it could be put to more productive ends. Also we wanted an excuse to hang out every week and talk about something we all love. Now we have to.
Something that I’m curious about, because I tend to be constantly involved in projects, how do you find the time to balance SAE, creating music, and life in general?
It’s not easy, especially with a group of people. Everyone has other commitments and things going on. You have to just find a way to make it happen if you really wanna do it. I’ve been known to fall behind on housekeeping.
Tell me about your creative process, what influences you to create and how do you incorporate your creativity into the podcast?
It’s fun to make stuff. It didn’t exist before and you made it and that’s cool! I think of the podcast like any other show and try to make the kind of show that’s fun for me and that I’d like to hear and that I can stand behind.
As it stands right now, what is your favorite episode that you’ve done?
I can really only say the first episode because it showed us we could do it.
What are your top three horror movie recommends?
Someone recently told me they’d never seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), which kinda blew my mind. For more recent and less obvious recommendations I’d say The Lodge (2020) and The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
What is the most twisted horror flick you’ve ever seen?
I’ve seen so many but I’d say A Serbian Film (2010).
What movie scared the crap out of you as a kid?
Poltergeist
What do you wish you would’ve known before starting this podcast?
How much fun it would be so I would’ve started it sooner
I’ve been digging into microphones lately and curious to know what equipment you use for the podcast? Is there a specific program you use for recording and editing?
Most of us use basic, inexpensive mics designed specifically for podcasting with USB ports that are light to power when needed. Some of us also use Focusrite Scarlett interfaces. For recording and editing we use ProTools.
Where can one find and listen to your podcast?
Apple, Spotify and Stitcher
Can you tell me about the worst experience with recording?
There have been lost episodes for various technical reasons and that is not fun.
What has been your best moment so far with the podcast?
Any time the four of us are laughing
Any tips for those interested in starting their own podcast?
Just do it. Dive in and learn as you go.
Echoes of Oddities 