In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Brian sits down with Apollo Spalding, guitarist and songwriter for the psychedelic alt-rock band Hypno Sapo.

Apollo’s approach to music is anything but one-dimensional. His sound and technique are shaped by a wide range of influences, from Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, the Sex Pistols and Prince to Chicago blues, Delta blues, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Celtic/gypsy jazz, Russian composers like Shostakovich, Eastern sounds, reggae, funk and more.

But what makes Hypno Sapo stand out is not just the range of influences. It is what Apollo does with them.

The band’s music may feel psychedelic, unpredictable and strange, but it is not random. Apollo talks about writing with different modes, tunings, voice leading, tone, dynamics and the details that make each song feel alive. His guitar ...