In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Brendan Yates of Turnstile explores family, community, identity, creativity, and the relationships that shaped both his life and his music. From growing up outside Baltimore to forming Turnstile with close friends, Brendan reflects on the people, places, and experiences that helped define his creative journey.  

Brendan discusses discovering music through his older sister, learning from his grandfather’s piano, receiving his first drum kit, and spending years rehearsing in his parents’ basement—a space that eventually became the recording location for Turnstile’s earliest releases. He also shares stories of his father’s unwavering support, driving young bands to shows across the East Coast and helping make a musical life possible.  

 

Guest: Brendan Yates of Turnstile
Host: Nabil Ayers
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Produced by Palm Tree Island

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00:00 Intro
01:00 Exploring his family history
04:20 The older sister who introduced him to music
06:40 His grandfather’s piano and first instruments
08:00 Getting his first drum kit
10:00 The parents who made it all possible
12:20 Recording Turnstile’s first music in the basement
13:00 Touring before Turnstile
14:20 Why bands become families
18:20 Community, grief and growing together
20:50 What family means to Brendan

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Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are—and how we find belonging.

Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He’s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.

Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from—and where we’re going.

In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Brendan Yates of Turnstile explores family, community, identity, creativity, and the relationships that shaped both his life and his music. From growing up outside Baltimore to forming Turnstile with close friends, Brendan reflects on the people, places, and experiences that helped define his creative journey. &nbsp;
Brendan discusses discovering music through his older sister, learning from his grandfather&rsquo;s piano, receiving his first drum kit, and spending years rehearsing in his parents&rsquo; basement&mdash;a space that eventually became the recording location for Turnstile&rsquo;s earliest releases. He also shares stories of his father&rsquo;s unwavering support, driving young bands to shows across the East Coast and helping make a musical life possible. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Guest: Brendan Yates of Turnstile Host: Nabil Ayers Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Produced by Palm Tree Island
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00:00 Intro 01:00 Exploring his family history 04:20 The older sister who introduced him to music 06:40 His grandfather&rsquo;s piano and first instruments 08:00 Getting his first drum kit 10:00 The parents who made it all possible 12:20 Recording Turnstile&rsquo;s first music in the basement 13:00 Touring before Turnstile 14:20 Why bands become families 18:20 Community, grief and growing together 20:50 What family means to Brendan
- Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are&mdash;and how we find belonging.
Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He&rsquo;s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.
Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from&mdash;and where we&rsquo;re going.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.

In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.

Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?

Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.

The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Identified with Nabil Ayers

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Turnstile’s Brendan Yates on Why the Band is Like a Family

From an Army household in Washington, D.C. to New York’s creative community, Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on the people who shaped her life, and the love that expanded her world.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Meshell Ndegeocello for a conversation about family, music, identity, mentorship, and belonging.

Meshell reflects on growing up in a musical household, where her father played tenor saxophone in the U.S. Army Band. She shares memories of learning bass alongside her older brother, playing her first professional gigs as a teenager with her father’s band, and discovering the discipline that would shape her career.

The conversation follows her journey from Washington, D.C. to New York, where mentors, collaborators, and close friends introduced her to new music, new ideas, and entirely new ways of thinking. She reflects on how love, community, and curiosity transformed both her creative life and her understanding of herself.

Guest: Meshell Ndegeocello
Host: Nabil Ayers
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Produced by Palm Tree Island

Recorded Live at Public Records, Brookyn.

From an Army household in Washington, D.C. to New York&rsquo;s creative community, Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on the people who shaped her life, and the love that expanded her world.
In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Meshell Ndegeocello for a conversation about family, music, identity, mentorship, and belonging.
Meshell reflects on growing up in a musical household, where her father played tenor saxophone in the U.S. Army Band. She shares memories of learning bass alongside her older brother, playing her first professional gigs as a teenager with her father&rsquo;s band, and discovering the discipline that would shape her career.
The conversation follows her journey from Washington, D.C. to New York, where mentors, collaborators, and close friends introduced her to new music, new ideas, and entirely new ways of thinking. She reflects on how love, community, and curiosity transformed both her creative life and her understanding of herself.
Guest: Meshell Ndegeocello Host: Nabil Ayers Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Produced by Palm Tree Island
Recorded Live at Public Records, Brookyn.

Meshell Ndegeocello on Family, Music, and Mentorship.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Matt Berninger of The National to explore family, creativity, friendship, and the communities that shape us.  

Matt reflects on growing up in Ohio, the artistic influence of his parents, discovering music through his older sister, and the local scenes that first made him believe a creative life was possible. From college bands and design school to moving to New York in the 1990s, he traces the experiences that eventually led to the formation of The National.  

Nabil and Matt explore the unusual family dynamic at the heart of The National, a band built around two sets of brothers and decades-long friendships. Matt discusses collaboration, creative tension, trust, and how maintaining artistic relationships over time often resembles maintaining a family.  

Guest: Matt Berninger
Host: Nabil Ayers
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Produced by: Palm Tree Island

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Check out our Podcast:
➡️https://linktr.ee/identifiedpodcast

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00:00 Growing up in an artistic family
01:40 The creative influence of his parents
02:15 Discovering music through his sister
04:00 Moving to New York in 1996
05:00 The music scene that shaped him
06:00 The radio station that changed everything
08:00 Why he wanted to start a band
10:00 Design school and creative life
11:00 The beginnings of The National
14:00 Being the only non-brother in the band
18:00 Writer first, singer second
19:30 Creative relationships and family
21:00 The National’s parents and children
24:00 Supporting the next generation
27:45 What family means to Matt

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Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are—and how we find belonging.

Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He’s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.

Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from—and where we’re going.

Read more about Nabil:
➡️https://www.nabilayers.com/

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Matt Berninger of The National to explore family, creativity, friendship, and the communities that shape us. &nbsp;
Matt reflects on growing up in Ohio, the artistic influence of his parents, discovering music through his older sister, and the local scenes that first made him believe a creative life was possible. From college bands and design school to moving to New York in the 1990s, he traces the experiences that eventually led to the formation of The National. &nbsp;
Nabil and Matt explore the unusual family dynamic at the heart of The National, a band built around two sets of brothers and decades-long friendships. Matt discusses collaboration, creative tension, trust, and how maintaining artistic relationships over time often resembles maintaining a family. &nbsp;
Guest: Matt Berninger Host: Nabil Ayers Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Produced by: Palm Tree Island
-
Check out our Podcast: ➡️https://linktr.ee/identifiedpodcast
-
00:00 Growing up in an artistic family 01:40 The creative influence of his parents 02:15 Discovering music through his sister 04:00 Moving to New York in 1996 05:00 The music scene that shaped him 06:00 The radio station that changed everything 08:00 Why he wanted to start a band 10:00 Design school and creative life 11:00 The beginnings of The National 14:00 Being the only non-brother in the band 18:00 Writer first, singer second 19:30 Creative relationships and family 21:00 The National&rsquo;s parents and children 24:00 Supporting the next generation 27:45 What family means to Matt
-
Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are&mdash;and how we find belonging.
Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He&rsquo;s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.
Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from&mdash;and where we&rsquo;re going.
Read more about Nabil: ➡️https://www.nabilayers.com/

The National’s Matt Berninger on Why He Thinks of Himself as a Writer First

In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast explores family, Korean identity, mixed-race identity, grief, language, heritage, and belonging. The conversation traces her family’s history, her upbringing in Oregon, and the experiences that shaped her understanding of herself and her place between cultures.  

Michelle recounts discovering a diary written by her mother in 1978, learning Korean as an adult, moving to Korea, and reconnecting with family history through language and memory. She also reflects on growing up mixed-race, finding identity through music, and the journey that led from an unpublished essay about Korean food and grief to the bestselling memoir Crying in H Mart.  

Guest: Michelle Zauner
Host: Nabil Ayers
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Produced by: Palm Tree Island

00:00 Discovering her mother’s diary
01:45 Growing up without a musical family
03:00 The hidden family history of performers
05:15 Finding identity through music
07:00 Growing up mixed-race in Oregon
09:10 Wanting to be a “neutral body”
11:00 Learning Korean later in life
13:10 Moving to Korea and reconnecting with family
15:00 Meeting her 21-year-old mother through a diary
18:00 The origins of Crying in H Mart
21:00 Rejection, success, and changing careers
23:30 Building a family through music
25:00 What family means now


Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are—and how we find belonging.

Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He’s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.

Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from—and where we’re going.

In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast explores family, Korean identity, mixed-race identity, grief, language, heritage, and belonging. The conversation traces her family&rsquo;s history, her upbringing in Oregon, and the experiences that shaped her understanding of herself and her place between cultures. &nbsp;
Michelle recounts discovering a diary written by her mother in 1978, learning Korean as an adult, moving to Korea, and reconnecting with family history through language and memory. She also reflects on growing up mixed-race, finding identity through music, and the journey that led from an unpublished essay about Korean food and grief to the bestselling memoir Crying in H Mart. &nbsp;
Guest: Michelle Zauner Host: Nabil Ayers Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Produced by: Palm Tree Island
00:00 Discovering her mother&rsquo;s diary 01:45 Growing up without a musical family 03:00 The hidden family history of performers 05:15 Finding identity through music 07:00 Growing up mixed-race in Oregon 09:10 Wanting to be a &ldquo;neutral body&rdquo; 11:00 Learning Korean later in life 13:10 Moving to Korea and reconnecting with family 15:00 Meeting her 21-year-old mother through a diary 18:00 The origins of Crying in H Mart 21:00 Rejection, success, and changing careers 23:30 Building a family through music 25:00 What family means now
 Identified is a podcast series that explores identity, race, culture, and family through personal conversations. Hosted by author and music executive Nabil Ayers, each episode dives into lived experiences that reveal how our backgrounds shape who we are&mdash;and how we find belonging.
Nabil is the author of My Life in the Sunshine (Viking, 2022), and has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, and GQ on themes of race, music, and personal history. He&rsquo;s also the President of Beggars Group US, co-founder of Sonic Boom Records, and founder of the record label The Control Group / Valley of Search.
Identified brings together notable voices for reflective, vulnerable conversations about where we come from&mdash;and where we&rsquo;re going.

Turnstile’s Brendan Yates on Why the Band is Like a Family

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