It’s a very particular kind of music, and it isn’t pop. It’s different, but I think it’s going to hit people. I think there’s a synergy with certain kinds of art that hit at the right time, and I don’t quite know why that happens, but it does. And hopefully, Roland will have another day in the sun, you know?
~Paul Pope
What happens when one half of a legendary musical partnership becomes a global icon, and the other becomes a cult legend?
In this episode of the Superfan Podcast, cartoonist and Battling Boy creator Paul Pope introduces us to Rowland S. Howard, the haunting guitarist behind The Birthday Party, Crime & the City Solution, and These Immortal Souls.
If you don’t know Howard yet, you’re not alone. Neither did we. For Pope, Howard’s music was a revelation discovered in a small-town record store—a sound that helped shape his teenage years and continues to echo through his creative life decades later.
Along the way, the conversation explores artistic influence, underground fandom, the strange phenomenon of forgotten geniuses, and why some music keeps growing with you long after you first hear it.
We discuss:
The strange phenomenon of artistic duos where one becomes famous, and the other fades into cult status (think Nick Cave vs. Rowland S. Howard and Tom Hanks vs. Peter Scolari in Bosom Buddies).
Why underground or “crooked tree” artists often resonate more deeply with fans than polished mainstream stars.
The way music—especially sad or cathartic music—can shape a creative life.
Why some art grows with you over decades, revealing new meaning every time you revisit it.
Pope also shares a deeply personal perspective on influence. For him, Howard’s legacy isn’t about copying what came before; it’s about interpreting it, the way every artist must reinterpret their heroes to find their own voice.
In other words: don’t imitate the masters. Converse with them.
If you’d like to further explore the music and artists discussed in this episode:
Film reference mentioned in the episode:
Wings of Desire (dir. Wim Wenders)
Every episode of the Superfan Podcast is accompanied by a cocktail, a mocktail, and a dessert recipe inspired by the guest and the conversation.
There are few things less punk rock than a cocktail, so we’re keeping it simple: great Australian whisky.
Recommended by the site Aussie Whisky Reviews, try:
Starward Two-Fold Double Grain
“The Two-Fold is the benchmark Australian blended whisky. In both its design and execution, it’s a rare thing: a complete original that still evokes elements of both Scottish blends and wheated bourbons.”
Serve neat.
Or, if you’re feeling truly punk rock, straight out of the bottle.
From WhistlePig Whiskey comes the perfectly named:
Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry Old Fashioned
A pre-batched, alcohol-free drink made with:
Dealcoholized whiskey
Maple syrup
Sugar
Cordyceps mushroom powder
Schisandra berry extract
Damiana extract
Natural flavors and bitters
It’s a collaboration with Alice Cooper, which may be a little far from punk rock—but it’s worth noting that Cooper himself has been sober since 1977.
Chocolate Crackles are a childhood classic in Australia—but this version goes full punk.
Ingredients
4 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup dark chocolate chips
⅓ cup coconut oil
½ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup crushed pretzels
2 tbsp instant espresso
1 tsp smoked sea salt
Instructions
Melt chocolate and coconut oil together.
Stir in cereal, coconut, pretzels, espresso, and salt.
Spoon into cupcake liners.
Refrigerate until firm.
Vibe: crunchy, messy, caffeinated, slightly bitter—like something a band would pass around backstage at The Tote in Melbourne.
If you love discovering the artists who influenced the artists, the crooked-tree geniuses who didn’t always become household names, this episode is for you.
Because sometimes the most powerful fandom isn’t about the biggest star.
It’s about the artist who changed your life…
even if the rest of the world hasn’t caught up yet.
Thanks for tuning in to Season 2, Episode 10 of the Superfan Podcast! Huge thanks to Paul Pope for shining a spotlight on a hugely influential musician and inspiring more people to discover Rowland S. Howard’s music. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss more creators sharing the passions that fuel their own creativity. And if you’re interested in behind-the-scenes chats, bloopers, and special unaired content, make sure you become a paid subscriber to gain access!
On the Superfan Podcast, we talk to the people who make the comics you love about the things that they love... that are not comics. Season One of the Superfan Podcast is now streaming, featuring Rodney Barnes on Stephen King, Marc Guggenheim on Billy Joel, Kelly Sue DeConnick on Alan Alda, Matt Kindt on John le Carré, Marjorie Liu on gardening, and Patrick McDonnell on Frank Zappa!
Season Two of the Podcast is underway, starting with a conversation about professional wrestling with Eisner and Ignatz Award winning cartoonist, designer, zinemaker, and illustrator Jim Rugg (True Crime Funnies, Hulk Grand Design). In the freewheeling, no-holds-barred episode, Rugg reflects on who has the best gimmick in wrestling, the appeal of heels and heroes, and the art of kayfabe. In the second episode, Gender Queer cartoonist Maia Kobabe talks about eir love of K-pop. And in the most recent episode, #1 New York Times Bestselling graphic novelist Johnnie Christmas reflects on Mike Flannigan’s Netflix show, Midnight Mass.
Upcoming episodes feature an all-star line-up of award-winning writers and artists, including Eisner Award-winning artist Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) on her love of Terry Pratchett’s seminal, satirical Discworld novels, and acclaimed artist Elsa Charretier (Love Everlasting) on the many merits of game-based dog training.
You can find us on the socials at Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, and X! You can also listen to the podcast on our YouTube channel, as well as wherever your other favorite podcasts are found.
Special thanks to our Season Two sponsor, the amazing Fanbase Press! Fanbase Press is a GLAAD Media Award-winning and Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated comic book publisher that celebrates super fandoms and creates new ones! #StoriesMatter.
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