272 avsnitt • Längd: 45 min • Veckovis: Måndag
Exclusive insights from the forefront of the music world, uncovering the creative process, cutting-edge technology, and the business acumen driving the industry forward.
The podcast Music Explored Podcast is created by Music Explored. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
The episode elucidates the transformative journey of a vocal coach who, through his collaboration with the artist Daniel Caesar, has garnered significant recognition within the music industry. Initially approached to provide vocal coaching, our speaker's involvement swiftly evolved into vocal production for Caesar's acclaimed album, "Freudian," which ultimately led to Grammy nominations. This pivotal experience not only catalyzed his ascent in the industry but also underscored the profound impact of music in transcending borders and fostering emotional connections among audiences globally. Throughout the discussion, we delve into the nuances of audience reactions across different cultures, the importance of community within the Toronto music scene, and the challenges faced by emerging artists in gaining recognition. The conversation culminates in a contemplative exploration of the necessity for a more interconnected musical community that champions collaboration over competition.
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In this podcast episode, we engage in a profound exploration of the intricacies of human relationships and their profound impact on our well-being. We delve into the fundamental elements that constitute healthy connections, emphasizing the significance of communication, trust, and empathy. Through thoughtful discourse, we examine the various dynamics that influence our interactions with others, highlighting both the challenges and rewards inherent in these relationships. We also reflect on the role of personal growth in fostering meaningful connections. Ultimately, our discussion seeks to illuminate the pathways to nurturing more fulfilling and enriching relationships in our lives.
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The salient point of our discussion revolves around the significance of cultural diversity within musical ensembles, particularly in the context of gospel music. We explore the impact that a mixed membership in choirs has on audiences, especially in regions where such diversity is less common, such as Eastern Europe. Through our travels and performances, we have encountered numerous opportunities to forge connections with local communities by translating our music into their native languages, thereby enhancing their engagement and enthusiasm. We emphasize that the appreciation for gospel music transcends geographical boundaries, and it is vital for us to recognize and nurture the global audience that exists beyond the confines of the United States. As we reflect on our experiences, it becomes evident that the world is indeed our audience, and we are committed to fostering this appreciation for gospel music across various cultures.
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The primary focus of our discussion centers on the intriguing phenomenon of synesthesia and its relationship to musical perception and experience. We delve into how musicians often engage in a premeditated thought process prior to playing, which enhances their performance and confidence. Throughout the episode, we explore the interplay between various sensory experiences, particularly how colors are associated with different musical notes and scales, and how these associations can evolve over time. We also examine the potential effects of substances like psychedelics on synesthetic experiences, considering whether they might amplify or alter the perception of music. Ultimately, our conversation reveals the profound connections between music, perception, and the unique ways individuals experience and interpret sound.
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The principal focus of our discourse centers on the imperative of transcending conventional boundaries within the creative process, particularly in the realm of music composition. We elucidate the notion that genuine innovation arises when one dares to deviate from established templates, fostering an environment conducive to the emergence of novel trends. Throughout the conversation, I share my personal methodology for crafting songs, which predominantly involves an organic approach, wherein I collaborate with producers and musicians, allowing the music to guide the creative output rather than adhering strictly to predefined structures. This fluidity in the songwriting process not only enhances creativity but also facilitates a deeper connection to the material, steering clear of overthinking and self-imposed constraints. Ultimately, we arrive at the conclusion that the essence of music creation lies in the balance between self-exploration and receptivity to external feedback, ensuring that the final product resonates authentically with both the artist and the audience.
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In a thought-provoking exchange, we delve into the complexities of content creation within the digital landscape, examining the often counterintuitive nature of audience engagement and the phenomenon of VIRALITY. The conversation is catalyzed by an unexpected success story—a video featuring playful interactions with convention attendees that garnered significant viewership despite the absence of elaborate production values. This narrative serves as a springboard for a broader exploration of the relationship between effort and creative authenticity, as Speaker A reflects on the irony of producing a video with minimal effort that resonated profoundly with viewers.
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The primary focus of our discussion centers on the imperative for artists and creatives to cultivate a robust understanding of the financial and legal frameworks that underpin their careers. We elucidate the significance of utilizing one's platform and success to forge opportunities, thereby ensuring the longevity of one's endeavors in the realm of entertainment. It is vital to acknowledge that the transition from passion to profession demands a profound shift in mentality, as one must recognize the inherent responsibilities that accompany the pursuit of their craft as a livelihood. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of establishing a formal business structure to safeguard one's interests and optimize financial management, particularly in light of the complex tax implications that can arise. Ultimately, our discourse seeks to empower individuals to navigate the intricacies of their creative industries with diligence and foresight, thereby maximizing their potential for success.
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This podcast episode delves into the profound influence of sound and music on the lives of the speakers, particularly highlighting the speaker's early immersion in a musical environment shaped by familial ties and community interactions. Central to the discussion is the speaker's childhood experiences, particularly the unique upbringing in a music store owned by their father, a musician, which fostered a deep-seated passion for sound creation and production. The narrative unfolds as the speaker recounts the rich tapestry of musical encounters, including memorable jam sessions that engaged both local and visiting musicians, thereby illustrating the organic nature of musical collaboration. Additionally, the speaker reflects on the transition from organ to piano as a significant evolution in their musical journey, emphasizing the challenges and rewards associated with mastering different instruments. This exploration not only encompasses personal anecdotes but also reverberates with broader themes of cultural identity and the transformative power of music in shaping one's aspirations and artistic endeavors.
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The central theme of this discourse revolves around the imperative nature of business acumen within the artistic realm, particularly in the music industry. I elucidate the essentiality of developing a robust business plan, asserting that such a plan serves not merely as a navigational tool but as a foundational blueprint for success. My experiences, particularly the trials and tribulations I faced while managing artists, underscore the critical need for artists to cultivate a profound understanding of business operations, transcending mere artistic expression. I reflect upon the discouragement often encountered in the industry, where established figures may dismiss the necessity of formal education or knowledge acquisition in the realm of music management. Ultimately, I contend that an artist’s success is intricately linked to their ability to engage and understand their audience, thereby fostering a sustainable career that is resilient to the vicissitudes of the music industry.
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The sole focus of our discussion is centered on the intricacies of vocal articulation and the critical role of the tongue in the production of sound. We delve into the mechanics of speech, highlighting the necessity for proper utilization of all four articulators—namely the tongue, jaw, lips, and cheeks—to achieve a more resonant and controlled vocal performance. Throughout the discourse, I emphasize that many individuals possess the innate ability to sing; however, excessive tension, particularly within the tongue, can significantly impede vocal flexibility and expression. We explore the psychological factors that contribute to vocal habits, recognizing that a shift in technique can yield immediate improvements in vocal quality. Ultimately, our objective is to empower artists to harness their voices effectively, fostering a sustainable approach to vocal health and performance.
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The principal focus of this podcast episode is the critical distinction between the release of music and the accompanying engagement with audiences, particularly in the context of the evolving music industry landscape. I expound upon the notion that while the act of releasing music has become akin to expansive seas, the more intimate connections fostered with fans through live performances are akin to rivers—narrow yet profound. We observe that, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, artists have had to creatively engage their audiences without the traditional avenue of touring, utilizing platforms such as Instagram Live to reach fans directly. Furthermore, I emphasize the significance of merchandise as a vital revenue stream that artists often underestimate, highlighting that the music industry necessitates a comprehensive understanding of both the art and the business. Ultimately, we advocate for a nuanced approach to audience engagement, urging artists to be intentional in their market strategies to ensure sustained success in an increasingly competitive environment.
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The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around the transformative journey of an individual who, nearly a decade ago, seized an unexpected opportunity that would significantly alter the trajectory of his career. This personal narrative commences with the speaker's decision to attend a conference by Israel Houghton, driven not by ambition for fame or monetary gain, but by a genuine desire to learn and grow within his craft. The speaker recounts the serendipitous encounter with his mentor, Paris Barnes, who recognized his potential and invited him to perform, despite the speaker's initial reluctance and lack of preparation. This pivotal moment catalyzed a series of events that led to substantial professional opportunities, underscoring the importance of intentionality and the willingness to embrace challenges. Throughout the discourse, we reflect on the significance of remaining grounded and appreciative in the face of success, emphasizing that the journey itself holds as much value as the destination.
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The fundamental premise of this conversation revolves around the transformative journey of songwriting, which is characterized by an intrinsic progression from the heart to the head, in stark contrast to the conventional learning and performing process in music.
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The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the innovative functionalities of a music management tool, specifically designed to enhance live performance capabilities through real-time setlist adjustments. I elucidate how this tool allows musicians to effortlessly navigate their setlists via devices such as smartphones or tablets, thus circumventing the constraints of traditional methods that require extensive setup and preparation. Moreover, I discuss the ability to rearrange songs on-the-fly, thereby facilitating a more adaptive performance experience that caters to the dynamic nature of live shows. Additionally, we delve into the intricacies of managing song transitions and looping sections, which are essential for improvisation and audience engagement. Ultimately, this episode provides valuable insights into how technology can significantly streamline the performance process, allowing artists to focus on their creativity rather than logistical challenges.
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The primary focus of this discussion revolves around the profound impact of sound on human perception and behavior, particularly in the context of advertising and brand engagement. I elucidate the notion that auditory stimuli significantly influence emotional connections, an understanding that, despite its importance, remains underappreciated within the advertising industry. We explore the historical significance of sound, tracing its roots back to early human interactions, where communication was often facilitated through music and melody, thereby encoding memories and emotions. Furthermore, I emphasize the necessity for brands to reevaluate their strategies, recognizing the evolving landscape of information consumption that diverges from traditional methodologies. This episode advocates for a more integrated approach, wherein sound and music are leveraged as pivotal elements in crafting impactful brand narratives, ultimately enhancing consumer engagement and emotional resonance.
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The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the inherent challenges and realities of achieving success in the music industry. We explore the notion that possessing talent is an indispensable prerequisite for any artist aspiring to thrive, drawing a parallel to the world of sports, where innate ability is paramount. Furthermore, we discuss the pervasive misconception that simply uploading music to platforms such as Spotify guarantees fame and recognition; rather, we emphasize the necessity of consistent hard work and the patience to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of an artistic career. Our conversation also delves into the transformative experiences facilitated by TSX Entertainment, where we aim to create meaningful interactions between artists and fans, reminiscent of the vibrant entertainment culture of the past. Ultimately, we highlight how the surprise element in live performances can significantly amplify an artist's reach and impact, as evidenced by our successful events featuring prominent figures in the music industry.
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We discuss the profound and transformative journey of a musician who navigated the tumultuous landscape of the pandemic, leading to the inception of a thriving business, Juice's Music Shop. The cancellation of multiple tours prompted a pivotal decision, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of a music store that not only sustained the individual and his family but also contributed positively to his community. Through faith and resilience, he embraced the challenges presented by the global crisis, thereby creating a platform that facilitated his ongoing commitment to ministry and evangelism. This episode encapsulates the essence of adaptability and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, as the speaker reflects on the serendipitous emergence of opportunities during an era of adversity. We further explore the implications of this journey on personal fulfillment and the intersection of faith and business in fostering community relationships and spiritual growth.
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This podcast episode delves into the intricate journey of a musician who has transformed his passion for music into a thriving business. The principal focus is on the speaker's evolution from a church musician to an entrepreneur, highlighting the establishment of Juice's Music Shop and Juicy Ears. We explore the challenges and triumphs inherent in navigating the music industry, particularly during the pandemic, when unexpected opportunities emerged. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, mentorship, and the intertwining of faith and creativity in achieving success. Moreover, we discuss how the speaker's entrepreneurial spirit continues to grow, aiming to elevate his brand to meet esteemed industry standards.
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This podcast episode delves into the intriguing phenomenon of synesthesia, characterized by the intermingling of sensory perceptions. Our guests, Bridget O'Regan and Blake Hamilton, share their personal experiences with this condition, elucidating how they perceive sounds, colors, and shapes in ways that defy conventional sensory boundaries. I also contribute my own insights regarding the nuances of synesthetic experiences and the ways in which they influence our interactions with music and sound. We explore the complexities of this sensory condition, addressing both its challenges and its unique gifts. Through engaging dialogue, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of synesthesia and its implications in the realm of creativity and perception.
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The episode delves into the intricate dynamics faced by musicians who navigate the dichotomy between performing in gospel bands and engaging with secular music. We explore the challenges of reconciling one's faith with the professional demands of the music industry, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining personal comfort and integrity in artistic choices. Each speaker articulates their perspectives on the potential backlash from religious communities and the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God over external expectations. Furthermore, we discuss the broader implications of these choices on a musician's career trajectory, highlighting the significance of opportunity and networking in both secular and sacred environments. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a profound reflection on the complexities of faith, identity, and professionalism within the realm of music.
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This podcast episode features a fascinating discussion about the intersection of Scottish bagpipe music and Indian classical traditions.
Archy J, known as "The Snake Charmer," takes us on a fascinating journey through her unique musical path as a professional bagpiper blending Indian music with traditional Scottish pipes. After a transformative encounter with a folk metal band that featured bagpipes, Archy found herself captivated by the instrument, leading to an obsession that transformed her life. He shares insights into her upbringing in New Delhi, her early singing experiences, and how her parents supported her unconventional musical pursuits despite their initial confusion about her passion for bagpipes. Archy describes the process of merging the rhythms of Scottish and Indian music, revealing unexpected similarities that inspire her innovative compositions. Listeners will also learn about her collaborative projects, including "Goddesses of Bagpipes," and her plans to incorporate more vocal elements into her future works.
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The podcast delves into the vital relationship between teaching and learning, emphasizing that the best teachers are also perpetual students. KV Banks highlights the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, suggesting that when educators stop seeing themselves as learners, they hinder their own effectiveness. The discussion transitions into the qualities that make a teacher exceptional, focusing on innovation, communication, and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. Sean adds that effective teachers often have struggled through their learning process, making them more adept at guiding others. Throughout the episode, there’s a strong emphasis on the need for understanding the "why" behind musical concepts, illustrating how true mastery involves not just borrowing techniques but owning them through contextual application.
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This podcast episode features an engaging conversation with Londa Larmond who shares insights into their journey within the music industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being signed to a record label. They candidly discuss the experience of being dropped by their label, reflecting on the broader issues faced by many artists during that time. The discussion also touches on her upcoming project, which promises to showcase a deeper lyrical content, moving beyond traditional themes in gospel music. Additionally, Londa shares her newfound passion for acting, revealing the joy they found in this unexpected opportunity. The episode concludes with a powerful story about the creative process behind her new song, "Been a Long Time Coming," which illustrates the profound connection between prayer and inspiration in their songwriting journey.
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A near-death experience profoundly transformed Speaker A's life, leading to a spiritual awakening that filled them with beautiful energy and a newfound sense of self-worth. After recovering in the hospital, they found themselves free from the urge to drink alcohol and eager to share their insights about life after death, emphasizing that the soul continues to exist in a beautiful realm. The conversation delves into how this experience reignited Speaker A's artistic passions, despite previously being discouraged from pursuing art and music during their childhood. They candidly discuss the negative impact of teachers and societal expectations on their self-esteem and ambitions, highlighting the struggles many face in pursuing creative paths. Ultimately, Speaker A's journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of following one's passion, even against the odds.
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This podcast delves into the profound concept of second chances and the importance of transforming opportunities into meaningful resets in our lives. Speaker A shares personal experiences of overcoming trauma and expresses gratitude for the challenges faced, emphasizing the strength gained from those struggles. The conversation navigates the complexities of life’s hardships, including the pain of loss and the impact of unhealthy relationships, while underscoring the necessity of self-love and accountability. Speaker B and Speaker C contribute by highlighting the value of uplifting connections and the transformative power of sharing perspectives. Throughout the discussion, there is a clear call to create love and positivity in our daily interactions, reinforcing that the journey of self-discovery and healing is an ongoing process.
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In this short bonus clip Bill Dolan from Spirit Media tells us about the art of telling a good story and building your audience!
In this episode of Music Explored, hosts Dee and Anthony welcome guest Bill Dolan, a seasoned creative director and author. The conversation delves into the profound impact of storytelling in both music and film, exploring how personal experiences shape creative journeys. Bill shares his defining moments in storytelling, the importance of audience connection, and the courage required to share one's art. The discussion emphasizes the vulnerability artists face and the significance of mentorship in navigating creative paths. In this conversation, Bill Dolan shares his journey of self-discovery and career development in the television industry. He discusses the defining moments that shaped his path, including the importance of mentorship, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of authenticity. Bill's unique approach to networking through baking cookies highlights how personal touches can create lasting impressions and open doors to opportunities. In this conversation, Bill Dolan shares his insights on storytelling, the transformative power of experiences, and the importance of relationships in marketing. He discusses his near-death experience and how it shaped his approach to business and creativity. The discussion also covers the concept of the 'Platinum Rule' in business relationships, the essential qualities of a creative director, and the profound impact that creative direction can have on society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:49 The Power of Storytelling in Music and Film
06:02 Defining Moments in Creative Pursuits
09:00 The Impact of Audience Connection
12:00 Courage and Vulnerability in Creativity
14:59 Navigating the Creative Journey
17:59 Finding Your Path as a Creative Director
19:26 The Journey to Discovering Passion
22:01 Defining Moments in Career Development
24:39 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear
26:15 The Power of Authenticity
31:35 Transforming Opportunities into Success
32:55 The Power of Storytelling
34:33 Transformative Experiences and Marketing
35:47 The Seven Disciplines of Relationship Marketing
41:01 The Platinum Rule in Business Relationships
43:11 Essential Qualities of a Creative Director
49:38 The Impact of Creative Direction on Society
In this episode, hosts Dee and Anthony reflect on the passage of time, the joy of the holiday season, and their memorable podcast experiences throughout the year. They discuss the importance of setting goals for the new year, focusing on health and wellness, and the evolving political landscape as they look ahead to 2025. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a genuine appreciation for the connections made through their podcasting journey. In this conversation, Dee and Anthony explore the importance of finding balance in life, the impact of social media on authenticity, the origins of beliefs, and the unity that can arise in times of tragedy. They emphasize the need to live a life that matters and reflect on the societal pressures surrounding the celebration of Christmas.
Chapters
00:00 The Passage of Time and Holiday Reflections
02:58 Memorable Podcast Experiences
05:51 Looking Forward: Goals for the New Year
08:56 Health and Wellness: The Importance of Routine
11:57 Political Landscape and Future Changes
17:43 Finding Balance in Life
20:05 The Impact of Social Media and Authenticity
24:56 Beliefs and Their Origins
28:43 Unity in Times of Tragedy
30:10 Living a Life That Matters
In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, hosts Dee and Anthony engage in a captivating conversation with Nick Holmsten, a music and tech visionary who played a pivotal role in transforming the music industry. They discuss Nick's journey from being an aspiring artist to becoming the global head of music at Spotify, exploring the evolution of playlists, the impact of streaming on music consumption, and the challenges new artists face in today's competitive landscape. The conversation highlights the importance of music discovery, the shift towards mood-based playlists, and the transparency that platforms like Spotify have brought to the industry. In this conversation, Nick Holmsten discusses the evolving landscape of the music industry, emphasizing the importance of building a dedicated fanbase and the reality of achieving success in music today.
He draws parallels between music and sports, highlighting the necessity of talent and hard work. Holmsten also shares insights on his work with TSX Entertainment, aiming to recreate the immersive experiences of past entertainment eras, particularly in iconic locations like Times Square. He reflects on the motivations behind his book, which aims to redefine the relationship between artists and fans in the modern age, stressing the need for authenticity and reward mechanisms in fan engagement.
In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of the music industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and the role of technology. They discuss how artists can effectively engage with their fans, the significance of live music experiences, and the potential of blockchain and AI as tools rather than replacements for genuine artistic expression. The conversation highlights innovative approaches to fan engagement and the necessity for artists to adapt to the changing dynamics of the industry while maintaining their authenticity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation
10:56 The Evolution of Playlists and Music Consumption
18:31 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape for New Artists
24:31 The Evolution of Artist-Fan Interactions
33:32 The Motivation Behind Writing a Book
39:41 Building Community Through Music
45:44 Navigating the Evolving Music Landscape
In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, host Anthony and Dee engage in a deep conversation with artist Dalia, exploring her journey through music, the impact of her upbringing, and the emotional depth of her songwriting. Dalia shares her early influences, the significance of her boarding school experience, and her reflections on love and life. The discussion delves into the role of artists in shaping emotional stability and the complexities of conveying messages through music. Dalia emphasizes the importance of second chances and personal growth, making for an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue. In this conversation, Dahlia shares her emotional journey, reflecting on the importance of connections, the impact of music, and the messages conveyed through art. She emphasizes the need for compassion in relationships, the significance of building a legacy, and the role of generosity in business. Dahlia also discusses her upcoming projects, including a poetry book and a new music record, while encouraging listeners to create love and support one another.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dalia's Journey
06:28 The Impact of Boarding School on Creativity
12:16 The Role of Artists in Emotional Stability
20:15 Reflections on Life's Challenges and Growth
27:17 Emotional Connections and Goodbyes
33:01 Letting Go with Love
38:53 Generosity and Business Ethics
52:34 Upcoming Projects and Creative Endeavors
In this engaging conversation, Dee, Anthony, and Travis explore various themes related to music, particularly focusing on the concept of 'resting bass face', the importance of minimalism merch for musicians, and the creative process behind Travis's Fiverr bass player project. They delve into the significance of feel and space in music, the role of social media in providing accountability and opportunities for musicians, and how teaching can enhance one's own skills. The discussion is filled with insights and personal anecdotes that highlight the evolving landscape of music and performance. In this conversation, Travis discusses the importance of social media in creating opportunities for musicians, particularly through platforms like Instagram. He emphasizes the significance of storytelling in music and how it can enhance engagement with audiences. Travis also shares insights on overcoming creative blocks and the value of creating content that resonates with viewers. He concludes by revealing his upcoming projects and plans for teaching.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Resting Bass Face
02:59 Merch and Minimalism in Music
06:01 Fiverr Bass Players and Repurposing Content
08:59 The Importance of Feel in Bass Playing
12:07 Understanding Space in Music
14:56 Social Media and Accountability in Music
18:09 Opportunities from Online Presence
21:28 Leveraging Social Media for Opportunities
23:13 The Power of Storytelling in Music
29:42 Creating Engaging Content for Social Media
33:11 Overcoming Creative Blocks
40:04 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the multifaceted career of Reds, transitioning from an engineer to an artist manager. They delve into the intricacies of artist management and tour management, highlighting the differences and responsibilities associated with each role. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, leveraging relationships, and understanding the business side of the music industry. Reds shares personal experiences and insights, providing valuable knowledge for aspiring professionals in the music field.
They delve into the complexities of navigating record labels, understanding contracts, and the significance of negotiation. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to build leverage and maintain a balance between their creative and business endeavors. Future plans for market expansion and the importance of nurturing existing fan bases are also highlighted. They discuss the responsibility that comes with creating music and the need for meaningful audience experiences, emphasizing the role of music as a source of upliftment and transformation in people's lives.
00:00 Introduction and Social Experimentation
02:00 The Evolution of Reds: From Engineer to Artist Manager
09:00 Understanding the Roles: Artist Management vs. Tour Management
19:58 The Hierarchy of Artist Management and Touring
23:01 Building a Successful Team and Future Plans
24:28 Evolving in the Music Industry
25:52 Challenges of Independent Touring
27:48 The Importance of Management
30:02 Navigating Record Labels
32:44 Understanding Contracts and Negotiation
35:56 Building Leverage as an Artist
39:06 Balancing Engineering and Management
41:28 Future Plans and Market Expansion
45:30 Navigating the Unknown in Artist Management
48:10 Faith and Confidence in the Journey
51:02 The Healing Power of Music
54:02 The Responsibility of Music Creators
59:58 Creating Meaningful Experiences for Audiences
This podcast delves into the complexities of the music industry and the importance of valuing artistic talent. The speakers, who share their personal experiences, emphasize the necessity of mutual respect between musicians and corporate entities, highlighting the challenges artists face in securing fair compensation for their work. They discuss how the perception of musicians as "starving artists" has evolved, and the role they play in shifting this narrative. The conversation also touches on the significance of building genuine relationships in the industry, illustrating how kindness and professionalism can lead to unexpected opportunities. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that understanding and respecting the artistry behind performances is crucial for a thriving creative community.
Delving into the intricacies of the artistic journey, this podcast episode illuminates the often-unseen struggles and triumphs faced by musicians within the corporate landscape. Speaker A and Speaker B share a rich dialogue about the importance of storytelling, urging listeners to recognize and embrace their own narratives. They highlight how every individual has a unique story that contributes to the larger human experience, encouraging a culture of sharing and connection among artists and audiences alike.
The conversation takes a personal turn as Speaker B recounts their evolution from playing bass in church to navigating the complexities of the corporate music scene. They candidly discuss the harsh realities of being an artist—often undervalued and offered paltry compensation for their performances. Through personal anecdotes, Speaker B illustrates the frustrating phenomenon of being treated as a 'starving artist,' a narrative that has historically plagued the industry. This reflection serves as a powerful critique of how society views artists, emphasizing the need for respect and fair compensation for their craft. The speakers articulate a vision for a future where artists are recognized as valuable contributors to cultural experiences, challenging the stigma that often accompanies artistic professions.
As the dialogue progresses, the speakers delve into the significance of intention behind artistic endeavors. They argue that when artists shift their focus away from purely monetary motivations, they unlock a deeper fulfillment in their work. Both Speaker A and Speaker B advocate for a mindset rooted in passion and genuine connection, suggesting that nurturing relationships and demonstrating kindness can lead to unexpected opportunities. This episode serves as both a reflection on the evolving music industry and a call to action for artists to embrace their unique journeys, fostering a community grounded in respect and shared experiences. Ultimately, listeners are left with a profound understanding of the importance of connection, intention, and the collective narrative that defines the artistic landscape.
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In this engaging conversation, Anthony and Dee reflect on their podcasting journey, the importance of building connections, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. They discuss the significance of audience engagement, the challenges of navigating social media algorithms, and the personal growth that comes from sharing stories. The duo emphasizes the need for intentionality in their podcasting efforts and the value of hearing diverse stories from everyday people. In this engaging conversation, Anthony and Dee explore the significance of human stories, the transition from being a musician to an entrepreneur, and the respect that artists deserve in the music industry. They discuss the importance of intentions in interactions, the value of being punctual, and the balance between self-respect and caring for others. The duo emphasizes the power of conversations and the practical lessons that can be extracted from them, all while appreciating the role of podcasts in broadening perspectives.
00:00 The Journey of Podcasting
06:02 Navigating the Music Industry's Changes
12:05 The Why Behind the Podcast
18:51 The Power of Human Stories
24:19 Intentions and Interactions
30:53 Self-Respect and Balance
36:49 Extracting Practical Lessons
In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, host Anthony interviews legendary musician Jay Douglas, who shares his remarkable journey from Jamaica to Toronto and his experiences in the evolving music scene over five decades. Jay discusses the challenges faced by local musicians, the influence of American music on reggae, and the importance of community and education in his life. He also highlights the significance of the Cougars band in opening doors for local talent and the impact of the 'Jamaica to Toronto' album in revitalizing the music scene. Throughout the conversation, Jay emphasizes the importance of accountability in performance, drawing from advice given to him by Sissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston. In this engaging conversation, Jay Douglas shares his musical journey, reflecting on the vibrant music scene in Montreal and Toronto, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. He emphasizes the significance of respecting the foundations laid by past artists, the need to nurture the next generation, and the impact of his upcoming documentary. Throughout the discussion, he offers profound insights on life, ambition, and the pursuit of peace and love in music and beyond.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Music Legend
03:01 Journey from Jamaica to Toronto
06:03 The Evolution of the Toronto Music Scene
09:01 The Cougars: A Launchpad for Local Talent
11:58 Influences of American Music on Reggae
14:53 Challenges in Gaining Radio Play
18:01 The Impact of 'Jamaica to Toronto' Album
21:02 Performing Across Canada: A New Frontier
24:01 Advice from Sissy Houston: Accountability in Performance
24:06 The Musical Journey Begins
26:31 Learning and Growth in Music
30:27 The Changing Landscape of Music
31:45 Respecting the Foundations of Music
36:50 Legacy and the Next Generation
38:08 The Impact of the Documentary
42:46 Life Lessons and Reflections
46:41 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
In this episode of the Music Explorer Podcast, hosts Dee and Anthony welcome Haitian artist Darline Desca. They discuss the rich musical culture of Haiti, Darline's journey as a singer and songwriter, the challenges she faces as an artist in Haiti, and the importance of self-belief and authenticity in the music industry. She shares her experiences of building a supportive team and her desire to represent Haitian culture through her music.
In this engaging conversation, Darline Desca shares her aspirations for Haitian music to gain global recognition, highlighting the immense talent within the community. She discusses influential artists who paved the way for her and others, her creative writing process, and the evolution of Haitian music influenced by technology. Darline emphasizes the importance of live performances and offers valuable advice to the next generation of artists, while sharing her dreams of achieving Grammy success in the near future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:02 Exploring Haitian Music Culture
05:56 Darline's Musical Journey
08:55 Challenges of Being an Artist in Haiti
11:53 The Importance of Self-Belief
14:58 Building a Supportive Team
17:55 Authenticity in Music and Cultural Representation
20:16 Elevating Haitian Music on the Global Stage
21:31 Influential Haitian Artists and Their Impact
23:39 The Writing Process: Inspiration and Methodology
26:26 The Evolution of Haitian Music and Technology's Role
29:21 Live Performances: Bridging Studio and Stage
31:21 Advice for the Next Generation of Artists
33:45 Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations
In this engaging conversation, Dee and Anthony welcome Zarah, a Brazilian singer-songwriter who shares her journey from Brazil to Canada. Zarah discusses her experiences with cultural and language challenges, the role of social media in her music career, and her songwriting process across different languages. The trio explores the differences in music culture between Brazil and Canada, Zarah's musical influences, and her aspirations for the future in the music industry. The discussion delves into the influence of gospel music and the legacy of Whitney Houston, highlighting the responsibility artists feel when performing powerful songs. Zarah also reflects on her cultural connections between Brazil and Canada, her desire to build a solid career in music, and her upcoming releases that blend various musical styles. The conversation culminates in a live performance by Zarah, showcasing her talent and passion for music.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:55 Zarah's Journey from Brazil to Canada
06:02 Cultural and Language Challenges
08:52 The Role of Social Media in Music
11:59 Songwriting Across Languages
14:57 Differences in Music Culture
17:59 Zarah's Musical Influences and Aspirations
20:59 Future Goals and Industry Insights
22:40 Zarah's Aspirations in Music
24:26 The Influence of Gospel Music
26:59 The Legacy of Whitney Houston
28:10 Cultural Connections: Brazil and Canada
33:09 Building a Career in Music
35:03 Exploring Musical Styles and Inspirations
39:54 Zarah's Live Performance
40:30 Upcoming Music Releases and Future Plans
Musicians need to prioritize professionalism in their craft, and this episode dives into five critical behaviors they should stop immediately. The hosts discuss the importance of replying to emails promptly, finding replacements when canceling gigs, and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence that come from relying solely on talent without preparation. They also explore the repercussions of double booking and the impact it has on reputation and relationships within the industry. The conversation touches on the dynamics of band relationships and the importance of knowing one's role in a performance. With a mix of humor and personal anecdotes, the hosts provide insights that are both entertaining and educational for musicians at any stage of their careers.
Takeaways:
Chapters:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
In this engaging conversation, Sean Jones shares his remarkable journey from a shy young boy to a successful musician and songwriter. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the formation of his boy band InEssence, the challenges he faced in the music industry, and the impact of mentorship on his life. Sean discusses his transition into songwriting, the ups and downs of navigating contracts, and the unexpected path that led him to explore food ventures. He also offers insights into the current state of the music industry and the need for a revolution to support artists' rights.
They explore the degradation of musical standards due to technology, the importance of work ethic, and the current state of R&B in Canada. Sean shares his experiences and challenges in creating opportunities for himself and others in the industry, while also addressing the struggles artists face in sustaining their careers. The discussion highlights the importance of community support and the need for change in the music landscape.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Humble Beginnings to Music Stardom
02:54 Discovering the Passion: The Birth of a Musician
06:03 The Formation of InEssence: A Boy Band's Rise
09:01 Navigating the Music Industry: Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
11:59 Full Circle: The Impact of Mentorship and Teachers
15:00 Songwriting: The Transition from Singer to Songwriter
18:04 The Rollercoaster of the Music Business: Contracts and Opportunities
21:01 The Unexpected Path: From Music to Food Ventures
23:57 The Power of Timing: Seizing Opportunities in Music
26:54 Reflections on Success: Gratitude and Life Lessons
29:48 The State of the Music Industry: Challenges and Changes
33:03 A Call for Revolution: The Future of Music and Artists' Rights
35:12 The Power of Solidarity in Music and Sports
39:56 The Degradation of Musical Standards
45:46 Work Ethic and Standards in the Music Industry
51:04 The State of R&B in Canada
57:34 Creating Opportunities in Music
01:01:50 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, Anthony and Karl Wesley Phillips delve into the themes of teamwork, potential, and self-discovery. They discuss the importance of having a supportive team, the impact of expectations on personal growth, and the journey of finding one's purpose. Karl shares his experiences with feeling pressured by potential and how he shifted his mindset to focus on action and faith. The conversation emphasizes the significance of daily habits, celebrating small wins, and creating a vision for life. Karl also introduces his book, 'Moving Past Potential,' which aims to help others break free from self-limitations and unleash their best lives.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Teamwork and Role Players
02:53 Understanding Potential and Its Impact
06:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery
09:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Expectations
12:03 The Shift from Potential to Action
14:58 Faith and Its Activation
18:01 Living in the Present and Celebrating Small Wins
21:01 The Importance of Daily Habits
23:55 Creating a Vision for Your Life
26:59 The Role of Community and Support
30:04 Moving Past Potential: The Book and Its Message
Londa Larmond, an award-winning gospel singer, shares her journey in the music industry. She started singing in the church at a young age and eventually formed a group called the Gospel Soul Sisters. She later joined the Youth Outreach Mass Choir and recorded an album with them. Londa then signed with EMI Gospel and released her solo album, Love Letters. She has traveled the world, performed at prestigious events, and even ventured into acting. Londa is currently working on her next project, which will be released in the fall. In this conversation, Londa Larmond discusses her upcoming music project and the inspiration behind it. She talks about the importance of creating relatable and faith-centered music that incorporates different genres and styles. Londa also emphasizes the significance of prayer and the spiritual atmosphere in the creative process. She shares her plans for the release of her new music and expresses her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest
02:22 Londa's Background and Early Singing Experiences
03:56 Signing with a Record Label and Success
06:23 Venturing into Acting and Other Accomplishments
08:41 Experience with Record Labels and the Music Industry
09:36 Gratitude for Past Opportunities and Future Projects
11:13 Challenges in Establishing Toronto Gospel Music
12:13 The Power of Collaboration and Songwriting Camps
13:28 Creating In-Depth Lyrics and Embracing Wordy Songs
14:26 Inspiration from Hymns and Their Lasting Impact
14:58 Introduction and Discussion of Music Project
15:25 Creating Relatable and Faith-Centered Music
16:22 The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Atmosphere in the Creative Process
18:33 Incorporating Different Genres and Styles
19:25 Plans for the Release of New Music
23:34 Gratitude for Support
Justine Tyrell shares her experience as a musician and performer in Calgary, Toronto, and New York. She discusses the differences in music scenes and cultures in each city, highlighting the rawness and vocal nature of New York, the established sound of R&B in Toronto, and the friendly and warm atmosphere in Calgary. The conversation also touches on the unique Toronto accent and how it has become a cultural phenomenon. Justine also shares a memorable tech issue she experienced while opening for the Calgary Stampeders, which was a mortifying moment. She emphasizes the importance of staying composed and not letting technical difficulties affect the overall performance.
Justine also discusses her upcoming projects, including an EP that focuses on self-reflection and personal growth. She shares details about her Toronto performance at the Baby G and her collaborations with other artists. Justine encourages artists to push themselves and not be afraid to put themselves out there.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Banter
02:01 Justine's Musical Journey from Childhood
03:01 Performing in Calgary and Starting Her Career
05:22 The Music Scene in Calgary
07:33 Performing in Toronto and New York
08:49 Differences in Music Scenes
10:16 The Unique Toronto Accent
13:10 Tech Issues During Live Shows
16:16 Handling Technical Malfunctions
23:24 Embracing Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
25:23 Taking Risks and Putting Yourself Out There
27:19 The Power of Collaboration
29:59 Appreciating the In-the-Moment Experience
In this conversation, Anthony, Dee, Sean, and K.V. Banks discuss their personal experiences and how they came together. They also introduce a new course on Sean Wilson Piano focused on gospel organ playing "Let's get churchy". The course aims to help musicians gain confidence in playing in a church setting and covers both piano and organ techniques. K.V. Banks shares his own struggles as a musician and how he wants to help others overcome similar challenges. The conversation explores the qualities of a great teacher and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind musical concepts. The conversation covers topics such as the approach to teaching gospel music, the differences between playing organ and piano, the unique sound and approach of gospel music, the value of focusing on quality over quantity in music education, and the release of KV Banks' new single 'Step Away'.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences
09:59 Introducing the Gospel Organ Course
14:56 Building Confidence in Church Settings
18:56 Overcoming Challenges and Struggles
19:55 The Qualities of a Great Teacher
27:22 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Musical Concepts
35:04 The Importance of Context and Vocabulary
38:23 Raising the Musical Base
40:59 The Limitations of Licks and Shortcuts
41:53 Teaching Gospel Music
42:58 Playing Organ vs. Piano
47:41 Quality over Quantity
58:16 Step Away: KV Banks' New Single
01:03:05 The Power of the Online Community at Sean Wilson Piano
Some words of Wisdom from D-Lo!
Today's episode is a clip of us connecting with musical director and producer David "DLO" Outing. DLO has played behind and programmed full shows for some of the industry's top artists and award shows, such as Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Fantasiam Mary J Blige, Anthony Hamilton, and B.E.T awards. In this episode, DLO shares his approach to programming live shows and breaks down the process and some of the thinking when creating a live performance.
Jason shares the power of understanding our purpose and following your dreams with intentional action.
The Keys to Success in the Music Industry: Transferable Skills and a Winning Mindset:
In this conversation, Redz, Anthony, and Dee discuss the balance between personal and professional life, the sacrifices and rewards of their careers, and the pursuit of financial independence. Redz shares his experiences working as an audio engineer for the Marley Brothers Legacy Tour and the importance of rehearsals in delivering a great show. They also touch on the significance of making memories with family and the freedom that comes with pursuing one's passion. The conversation revolves around the theme of sacrifice and the different perspectives on pursuing dreams in the music industry. The conversation also touches on the growth and success they have achieved in their careers and the impact they hope to have on future generations. In this final part of the conversation, Redz and Anthony discuss the importance of mentorship and inspiring the next generation. They highlight the success that comes from hard work, passion, and a strong work ethic. They emphasize the need to have a clear purpose and to constantly strive for greatness. Redz shares his experiences as a monitor engineer and the dedication required to deliver exceptional performances. They also discuss the transferable skills and mindset that are necessary for success in any field.
00:00 Introduction and Mic Talk
02:35 Starting the Day on the Right Note
04:18 Introducing Jason Reynolds (Redz Engineer)
06:20 Juggling Personal and Professional Life
08:20 Finding Balance and Overloading on the Personal Side
12:30 The Freedom of Pursuing Passion and Financial Independence
15:02 The Sacrifices of a Regular Job and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
18:54 The Ultimate Goal: Making Money While You Sleep
21:18 The Sacrifices of Pursuing Dreams
23:13 The Impact of Ignorance
26:24 Exposing the Next Generation
30:39 Inspiring the Next Generation
34:26 The Journey to Success
45:20 Inspiring the Next Generation and the Importance of Mentorship
50:26 The Key to Success: Hard Work, Passion, and Work Ethic
56:42 Striving for Greatness and Having a Clear Purpose
01:02:45 Transferable Skills and a Winning Mindset
01:05:29 The Role of a Monitor Engineer: Dedication and Exceptional Performances
We are excited to speak with singer-songwriter and author Tara Shannon in today's episode. Tara's journey defied expectations when she returned to the music scene as a woman in her forties and immediately established a following locally, nationally, and globally. She splits her time between Nashville and Ottawa with the goal to empower and inspire the other musicians on the label she founded, Willow Sound Records. In her music business education with The Syndicut, another entity she founded to help educate music creators and encourage them to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Her experiences in teaching workshops inspired her to write the book titled, "You and the Music Business, A Self-Care Guide to Finding Balance and Joy in Today’s Music Industry" to empower other independent artists who find themselves on a similar path. In this episode, we talk about the many hats Tara wears, her songwriting and discuss her new book!
Cigar Club is a band formed in 2016, consisting of Tyler Booth on drums, Dan Amato on guitar and vocals, Trevor on vocals, and Jeff on bass. The name 'Cigar Club' was suggested by their original drummer, Simon. They talk about their evolving approach to writing songs and incorporating different elements into their music. They also discuss the importance of crowd testing their songs and making adjustments based on audience reactions. The band shares their plans for the future, including upcoming releases and the Gussapalooza Festival.
Chapters
01:35 Origin of the Band Name
05:13 Early Performances and Songwriting
09:20 Tyler Booth Joins the Band
12:42 Recording Music
14:49 Collaborative Writing Process
18:45 Crowd Testing and Adjusting Songs
20:02 Future Plans and Releases
26:12 The Dream: Making Music for a Living
Takeaways
00:00 Understanding What You Don't Know
02:17 The Value of Hiring Professionals
05:51 The Experience of Attending a Music Festival
08:22 The Potential for Growth and Improvement
11:16 The Limitations of Censorship
23:14The Dark Side of the Entertainment Industry
25:30 Being the Light in a Dark World
29:29 The Temptations and Compromises of Fame
The conversation explores the evolution of Hoss's music journey, from his childhood exposure to music in Iran to his passion for electronic music and technology. We delves into his experience as a percussionist, DJ, and radio show host, highlighting his transition into starting a record label out of necessity. Hoss shares his decision to treat the label as a business and the steps he took to establish it, including investing in legal agreements and creating an SEO-friendly website. The conversation also touches on the growth of Funktasy Records and its magazine, Funktasy Magazine, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Funktasy experienced growth and had access to A-list celebrities due to their good content, persistence, and the fact that people were at home. The magazine concept was an unexpected evolution for Funktasy. Hoss also highlights the significance of understanding royalties and publishing, and the role of radio in the music industry.
00:00 The Evolution of Hoss's Music Journey
08:48 Starting Functasy Records: A Necessity Turned Business
12:25 The Growth of Functasy Records and Fun2C Magazine
16:12 Adaptability and Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry
22:43 The Importance of Radio in the Music Industry
25:39 Funktasy: Welcoming Artists from Various Genres
27:30 Understanding Royalties and Publishing in the Music Industry
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Michael McCaslin, the visionary founder of Keyhole Piano Shells. Michael's innovative designs have revolutionized the piano industry, providing musicians and performers with elegant and functional piano shells that elevate any performance. We dive into Michael's journey from concept to creation, discussing the challenges he faced, the inspiration behind his designs, and the impact of Keyhole Piano Shells on the music world. Whether you're a musician, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, this episode offers fascinating insights into the world of piano innovation. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael McCaslin, where we uncover the passion and ingenuity that drive his work at Keyhole Piano Shells.
Anthony and Dee discuss the importance of being present, managing screen time, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They emphasize the need for intentional use of time, reducing screen time, and making mindful choices for personal wellness.
In this conversation, Anthony interviews Phil Morse, a professional DJ, CEO of Digital DJ Tips, and author of the book Rock the Dance Floor. Phil shares his journey as a DJ and how he transitioned into teaching others. He discusses the five-step method of teaching DJing, which includes gear, music, mixing, performing, and success. Phil emphasizes the importance of trying different genres of music and being open to new opportunities as a DJ. He also addresses the blurred line between DJing and producing, highlighting the use of technology in live remixing and the controversy surrounding the beat sync button. In this conversation, Phil and Anthony discuss the blurred line between producers and DJs, the importance of understanding the tools and technology used in DJing, and managing nerves in front of a crowd.
In this clip Anthony and Dee chat various forms of beef in other popular genres of music, including the frequencies of the music itself!
In this conversation, Kevin from Shoemaker Levee discusses the origin of the band's name and the fragility of the human condition. He also talks about the band's journey and the process of writing and recording music. The band focuses on creating a live experience that emulates their recorded music. They value authenticity and the emotional connection with their audience. Technology plays a role in their music creation process, but they strive to maintain the rawness and imperfections that come with live performances.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
03:18 The Band's Journey and Overcoming Challenges
08:04 Collaborative Songwriting Process
11:14 Creating an Authentic Live Experience
21:29 The Value of Live Music
26:17 Balancing Personal Life and Music
32:43 Goals and Legacy in the Music Industry
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction and the Kendrick Lamar-Drake Beef
02:54 The Dangers of Gangster Rap Culture
08:30 The Impact of Social Media on Artists' Exposure
13:38 The Dispute Between Universal Music Group and TikTok
15:50 The Sincerity of the Music Industry's Fight for Artists' Rights
23:37 Challenges for Canadian Artists
26:19 The Complexities of International Travel
28:56 The Influence of Universal Music Group
33:53 The Implications of AI in Music Creation
Today's chat focuses on the ongoing hip hop beef between Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake, highlighting the intensity and potential consequences of such beefs. The conversation explores the escalating beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, discussing the personal and hurtful nature of their diss tracks. There is speculation about whether the beef is orchestrated for entertainment purposes or if it has gone too far. The conversation also touches on the role of ghostwriters in the industry and the importance of collaboration in songwriting. The potential impact of the beef on the hip-hop community and the responsibility of artists to set a positive example for younger generations is also discussed.
Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Appreciating the Balance of Busy and Slow Times
05:20 Beef in Music: A Historical Perspective
09:28 The Influence of Music Frequencies on the Mind
14:50 The Intensity and Consequences of Hip Hop Beef
17:56 Introduction to the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef
18:24 Speculation on the intention behind the beef
19:10 The personal and hurtful nature of the diss tracks
20:30 The role of ghostwriters and collaboration in songwriting
25:23 The sustainability of battle rap leagues
26:27 The potential impact of the beef on the hip-hop community
28:24 The line between entertainment and personal attacks
29:47 The importance of respecting boundaries and codes in hip-hop
31:21 The possibility of a face-to-face battle or rap battle
33:09 J. Cole's decision to choose peace
35:26 Final thoughts and prayers for peace
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Concept of Giving Away Guitars
06:13 No Specific Attachment to Guitars
11:24 The Power of Natural Inspiration
28:00 Overcoming the Fear of Repetition in Songwriting
32:37 The Desire to Collaborate with Drake
Takeaways
00:00 Childhood Dreams and Hip Hop
07:09 The Decline of Music Television and the Need for New Platforms
12:29 Overproduction in Music Shows
21:26 Marketing and Planning for Success
26:36 The Journey of Self-Improvement
30:40 Living Within Your Means and Making Positive Changes
The conversation explores the impact of AI on various industries, particularly music and healthcare. While AI has the potential to streamline processes and reduce costs, it also poses a threat to job security. In the music industry, AI can assist in composing and producing music, lowering barriers to entry for artists. However, it also raises questions about the authenticity of the art and the role of human creativity. In healthcare, AI can improve diagnostics and provide alternative treatment options, but it may also lead to a loss of trust in human doctors. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for balance and careful consideration of the implications of AI. The conversation explores the impact of AI on the music industry, discussing topics such as AI-generated music, AI voices, and AI tools for musicians. They also touch on the potential loss of jobs for humans and the blurred lines between real and fake content. Despite the concerns, they express hope for the future and the value of human talent and authenticity in live performances.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
06:14 AI in Healthcare: Improving Diagnostics and Treatment
09:43 Job Security in the Age of AI
16:05 Balancing the Benefits and Risks of AI
27:56 Balancing Job Loss and Human Creativity
Summary
In this conversation, Dee and Anthony interview Leo Bernard, the founder and developer of AbleSet, a software solution for managing set-lists and controlling playback in Ableton Live. Leo shares his background in music and software development, as well as the inspiration behind creating AbleSet. The conversation covers the challenges faced by musicians in live performances and how AbleSet addresses those challenges. Leo discusses the features of AbleSet, including remote control of playback computers, dynamic looping of song sections, and the ability to change set-lists on the fly. He also mentions future updates and integrations he is considering for AbleSet. In this conversation, Leo discusses the capabilities of AbleSet, a software that enhances the functionality of Ableton Live for live performances. He explains how AbleSet allows users to reorder songs and create random set-lists, making it easier for party bands and musicians to perform on the fly. Leo also shares the challenges he faced in developing AbleSet and the lack of official support from Ableton. Despite this, he has received endorsements from respected Ableton certified professionals. Leo talks about his other projects and applications outside of AbleSet and his goals for the future. He also shares his passion for music and attending concerts.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:22 Introduction to AbleSet
02:48 Inspiration for AbleSet
04:01 Leo's Background in Software Development
05:23 First Issue: Remote Control of Playback Computer
06:36 Second Issue: Changing Setlist on the Fly
09:26 Dynamic Looping of Song Sections
12:27 Development and Commercialization of AbleSet
15:30 Future Updates and Integrations
18:33 AbleSet's Capabilities
19:10 Reordering Songs and Random Setlists
20:02 Challenges and Solutions
21:10 Lack of Official Support from Ableton
22:08 Endorsements and Frustrations
23:49 Other Projects and Applications
25:31 Attending NEM and Future Plans
27:19 Goals for AbleSet
28:04 Unwinding and Hobbies
28:51 Favorite Concerts
30:14 Concerts on the Bucket List
31:17 Social Media and Closing Remarks
In this episode we delve into crucial advice for musicians aiming to thrive in today's ever-evolving music industry landscape. Join us as we identify and discuss five common pitfalls that musicians often fall into, hindering their progress and success. From neglecting branding and obsessing over social media metrics to ignoring essential music business fundamentals, we explore the detrimental effects of these habits on artists' careers. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, as well as embracing adaptation to industry changes. Packed with valuable insights and actionable tips, this episode serves as a wake-up call for musicians striving to elevate their craft and achieve long-term success. Tune in to discover the key strategies for navigating the challenges of the modern music industry and taking your music career to new heights.
- [01:00] Discussion on the importance of branding for musicians.
- [02:15] Why neglecting branding can hinder an artist's success.
- [03:45] Tips on building a strong brand as a musician.
- [05:00] Exploring the obsession with social media metrics among musicians.
- [06:30] The downside of solely focusing on follower counts and likes.
- [08:00] Alternative strategies for leveraging social media effectively.
- [09:30] The significance of understanding music business fundamentals.
- [11:00] Common mistakes made by musicians who overlook business aspects.
- [12:45] Resources and education avenues for learning about the music industry.
- [14:00] Addressing the tendency for musicians to neglect self-care.
- [15:30] The impact of neglecting health on creativity and performance.
- [17:00] Strategies for prioritizing health and well-being in the music industry.
- [18:30] Discussion on the importance of adapting to changes in the music industry.
- [20:00] Examples of outdated practices that musicians should abandon.
- [21:30] Embracing innovation and staying relevant in a dynamic industry.
Conclusion
- [23:00] Recap of the 5 things musicians need to stop doing.
- [24:00] Closing remarks and encouragement for listeners to implement positive changes.
Embark on a melodic voyage through the depths of indie rock with DNA Airwaves' latest episode featuring the enigmatic band, Monowhales. With insightful commentary and captivating tunes, this episode promises to immerse listeners in the essence of Monowhales' musical prowess.
[00:00 - 03:12] - Introduction: Dive into the world of Monowhales as the hosts set the stage for an enlightening conversation with the band members. Learn about their origins, influences, and aspirations in the music industry.
[03:13 - 12:45] - Evolution of Sound: Explore the evolution of Monowhales' sound from their humble beginnings to their current musical endeavors. Delve into the creative process behind their acclaimed tracks and the inspiration that fuels their artistic vision.
[12:46 - 25:30] - Song Breakdown: Get a closer look at some of Monowhales' most beloved songs as the band provides insightful commentary on their lyrics, melodies, and underlying themes. From introspective ballads to high-energy anthems, each track offers a glimpse into the band's multifaceted talent.
[25:31 - 35:57] - Behind the Scenes: Go behind the scenes with Monowhales as they share anecdotes from their experiences on the road, in the studio, and beyond. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of life as a touring indie band.
[35:58 - 43:21] - Fan Interactions: Hear firsthand accounts from Monwhales' dedicated fanbase as they share their favorite memories, concert experiences, and the impact the band's music has had on their lives.
[43:22 - 50:00] - Future Endeavors: Wrap up the episode with a glimpse into Monowhales' exciting plans for the future, including upcoming projects, collaborations, and aspirations. Leave inspired by their unwavering dedication to their craft and their relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Join DNA Airwaves as they unravel the captivating narrative of Monowhales, one verse at a time. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their music, this episode promises to leave you spellbound by the raw emotion and undeniable talent of this extraordinary indie rock ensemble.
In today's episode, we delve into the rhythmic world of Luckystickz, a Canadian singer, songwriter, and virtuoso of the steelpan. Born of Jamaican and Trinidadian roots, Luckystickz blends Soca, Dancehall, R&B, and Gospel into his distinctive Afro R&B/Pop sound. Beyond music, Luckystickz is a passionate philanthropist, founding the TuneIn Foundation to empower youth through music education. We also explore his journey as an author, diving into his book "I Make Money Moves" and much more. Join us for a vibrant conversation with Luckystickz about music, philanthropy, and creativity.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:00 Balancing Life and Pursuing a Purpose
06:12 The Birth of TuneIn Foundation
10:36 Programs Offered by TuneIn Foundation
22:17 Managing Time and Teamwork
23:00 Building and Scaling a Team
24:25 The Importance of Investing in Team Members
25:54 Making an Impact in the Community
27:02 The Journey of Writing a Book
28:28 Empowering Young Black People
29:58 Creating Culturally Responsive Content
31:21 Leading with Love
32:56 Leaving a Legacy
36:19 Overcoming Rejection and Hardships
41:56 Sowing Seeds and Consistency
44:46 Continuing the Mission
In today's REPLAY we have the CEO of Musora Media, Jared Falk as our guest today. Since 2003, Jared has built an incredibly successful e-learning business that focuses on teaching drums through its social learning community called Drumeo. Drumeo has also hosted guest lessons from well-known drummers, including Benny Greb, Anika Nilles, Russ Miller, Tommy Igoe, and Dennis Chambers, to name a few. Following the achievement of Drumeo, Jared and his team have since launched new instrument verticals such as Pianote, Guitareo, and Recordeo. We connected with Jared over the internet and talked about his love for drums, why he decided to launch Drumeo, and much more!
Want to learn more about Musora Media or Drumeo?
Musora Website Drumeo Website Instagram Facebook YouTube
Join us for a laid-back and entertaining episode as we dive into some fascinating topics without a guest this week. First up, we explore the unique world of "guy talk" – the banter, the humor, and the unspoken rules that govern male conversations.
Next, we take a deep dive into the iconic Toronto accent, exploring its quirks, history, and how it sets us apart in the world of accents. Get ready for some laughs and insights as we dissect the nuances of the "Toronto" way of speaking.
Tune in for a casual yet insightful discussion that promises to entertain and enlighten. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
Max Ghirardi is the visionary CEO of MAG Keyboards, a leading producer of musical instruments based in Prague, Czech Republic (EU). Founded in 2001, MAG is the brainchild of Max, a passionate musician, Hammond organ specialist, and industrial engineer. The company crafts a range of top-notch instruments including organs, speakers, effects pedals, and keyboard accessories, all designed for superior quality and playability. Dive into the world of musical innovation with MAG Keyboards CEO Max Ghirardi. Explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind MAG's top-notch instruments in this captivating episode.
Today's episode is the second part of our conversation with the incredibly talented Toronto musician, Desarae Dee. In this continuation, we delve deeper into Desarae's musical journey, exploring the inspirations behind her latest creations, her evolving sound, and the stories that fuel her passion for music.
We're delighted to welcome back Toronto musician Desarae Dee to the podcast for another captivating conversation. Join us as we catch up with Desarae and delve deeper into her musical journey since our last chat. From new projects to evolving influences, we'll explore the latest chapter in her creative endeavors. Get ready for an engaging discussion filled with music, inspiration, and insights into Desarae's continued growth as an artist. Tune in and reconnect with this talented musician!
Join us for a captivating episode featuring our guest Lucky Benjamin, a talented musician from Nigeria. Dive into the rhythm of his early musical journey, the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian music scene, and much more. It's a melodic exploration that unveils the rich heritage and diverse influences shaping his musical prowess. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:21 Discussion on Nigerian Music Culture
02:21 Lucky Benjamin's Music Background and Inspirations
03:19 Influence of African Sounds on Lucky Benjamin's Music
04:15 Lucky Benjamin's Musical Journey and Teaching Experience
07:06 Different Sounds in Nigeria
09:29 Continuation of Music Career after High School
10:13 Studying Geophysics and Continuing Music
14:05 Changing Perception of Africa and Nigerian Music
15:44 Prominent Nigerian Stars and Dominant Music Genre
19:40 Afrobeat and its Origin
21:06 Impact of Afrobeat on Global Music Scene
24:15 Africa's Economic Boom and Perception Shift
25:30 Local Music Scene and Upcoming Artists
26:57 Afrobeat Events in Nigeria
28:02 Enjoying Local Music in Clubs
29:30 Working with Gospel and Hip-Hop Artists
30:04 Versatility as a Music Producer
32:05 The High Production Level of Lucky's Church
33:54 The American Sound of Nigerian Gospel Music
35:27 Lucky's Social Media Channels
36:14 Closing Remarks
Andre Favreau from Multitracks.com speaks on the companies growth, new features and the whole multitracks eco-system.
In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts engage in a spirited discussion exploring the nuanced differences between Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and the rich tradition of Gospel Music. From the historical roots to the distinctive styles and cultural influences, join us as we delve into the unique characteristics that define these two genres. It's a musical journey that sheds light on the diversity and vibrancy within the world of Christian music
Join us as Divine Brown takes center stage, discussing her pivotal role in the Canadian premiere of Broadway's "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" by Dave Malloy. Delve into her insights on musical theatre, the creation of her docu-concert, and more!
From time to time we like to chat about conversations that for a moment capture the attention of the world in main stream media. Here are our final thoughts on the conversation with Katt Williams and Shannon Sharpe!
Join us in this episode as our hosts dissect the infamous Katt Williams interview. They also dive into a candid conversation about stand-up comedy, reaction videos on the internet, and more laughter-filled revelations.
Our guest today is musician LJ Mitchell. LJ is currently the musical director for the Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elevation church for anyone who doesn't know is one of the larger churches in the US with over 12 locations in the US and Canada with a weekly attendance of well over 25,000 people. We talk to LJ about how he had almost given up on his love for playing the keys when the chance of a lifetime presented itself, the journey from Toronto to Charlotte, and some of the conversations currently circulating regarding the current state of gospel music. It's funny but the more we think about all the incredible musicians and artists, we notice more often that their success is really about progress meeting with opportunity and he is just another example of that so please enjoy his story.
In this snippet, The Honest Guy talks about his connection to Afrobeats as a Nigerian artist, his creativity and writing process.
Embark on a journey through the melodious chapters of Mubarak Adeyemi's life. Join us as "The Honest Guy" shares insights into his early musical odyssey and unravels the magic behind his songwriting process.
On this week's Flashback episode, Anthony and Diriki discuss the passing of legendary Canadian hip-hop artist Pat Stay and the uncertainty of everyone's time on earth. They also examine what a successful life means to them and share some thoughts on how to obtain it.
Join us in this special episode as we wrap up the year by revisiting the standout moments from our best episodes in 2023. Reflect on the insights, laughter, and memorable discussions that made this year exceptional.
Take a listen to this short list and let us know your thoughts!
Tune in to our festive episode as we unwrap a sleigh full of Christmas topics! From navigating the digital wonderland of online Christmas shopping to sharing our favorite yuletide tunes, we've got your holiday cheer covered. Join the jolly conversation as we dive into Christmas movie classics, explore quirky traditions and much more!
In this episode, we're honored to have Sandra Tyler as our guest. With a remarkable 26-year career shaping the music industry, Sandra takes us on a journey through her visionary initiatives. From the launch of 91.5 The Beat to the iconic "Beat Rocks the Block" concert in downtown Kitchener, Sandra's impact is undeniable. As the Marketing Director for The JUNO Awards and Canwest, she has been a driving force for change, championing racialized communities. We delve into her commitment to social change with programs like "Artists Against Bullying" and the renowned Mel Brown Music Festival. Explore the heart of Canadian music with "Black Exposed," KW's groundbreaking primetime FM radio show on 98.5 CKWR, where Sandra exclusively showcases Black Canadian artists. Join us for our chat with Sandra emphasizing the importance of highlighting Black accomplishments to empower the next generation of Black youth in the music scene.
Sam Williams of SSP Music Group shares some gems on his preparation process as a Music Director!
In this episode, we sit down with the exceptionally talented Sam Williams, a producer and multi-instrumentalist, who has not only carved out a niche for himself in the music industry but has also ventured into creating his own record label. Join us as we delve into Sam's journey, exploring his musical prowess, production insights, and the exciting world of running a record label. It's a conversation filled with music, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in for a glimpse into the multifaceted world of Sam Williams.
Shez Mehra, VP of Growth at Songtradr gives us a comprehensive breakdown on how to define your Brands sound & on the flip side what this does to the customer experience.
To listen to the full episode check out episode #171
Corey Butler, professor at the esteemed York University chats about the importance of learning and teaching culturally relevant music!
In this episode, we are honored to host Corey Butler, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Zamar Music Inc. Corey brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Musical Director of the Juno Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir for over a decade. His songwriting collaborations include the esteemed Carvin Winans, a Grammy Award-winning Hall of Fame inductee.
As a prolific pianist, music professor at York University, and accomplished producer, Corey has left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene. Join us as we explore his journey, from playing alongside legends like Jackie Richardson to curating docu-concert performances that celebrate love, equity, and diversity. Corey Butler's impact on music education and performance is nothing short of extraordinary, making this episode a must-listen for music enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.
Today's episode features, painter, composer and author of SHINE ON David Ditchfield. We chat about David surviving a life changing near death experience, his recovery both physically and spiritually, and the inspiration behind his art.
Social Media links
David’s Website: https://www.shineonthestory.com
David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_ditchfield/
David on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@david_ditchfield
David on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidDitchfieldNDE
David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidDitchfieldNDE
David on SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/davidditchfield
David on X: https://twitter.com/DavidDitchfield
In this episode meet Shez Mehra, Vice President and Head of Growth at Songtradr.
Shez's journey through the music industry is nothing short of remarkable. His career took off as Drake's first DJ, propelling him into the heart of the music scene. With a unique blend of musical insight and an innate understanding of industry trends, Shez has since become a driving force behind the innovative developments in the intersection of music, technology, and film.
His expertise extends beyond the realm of technology – it delves into the very fabric of culture and artistry.
From sparking discussions about the evolving nature of creativity to challenging preconceived notions about the human touch in art, the conversation promises to be thought-provoking and enlightening.
Enjoy responsibly!
This weeks episode features Jeff Caylor founder of Oaktone. Jeff is also a music producer and Ableton Live specialist currently living and working in Hong Kong. With writing and production credits on more than 10 albums and several more singles, his most recent commercial work has focused on artists local to Hong Kong.
An Ableton Certified Trainer since 2013, Jeff focuses on solutions that exploit technology to support the story, deploy automation to enhance the message and free the performer to focus on the room.
Our guest for this episode is Matthew Ram, an Entertainment lawyer. Matthew's journey began at the University of Toronto, where he earned a degree in Economics, and later, he completed his Juris Doctorate at the University of Detroit Mercy. He went on to establish MSM Group Professional Corporation, specializing in Real Estate, Corporate, and Entertainment Law. As MSM Legal Group gained recognition, Matthew turned his attention to his other passions: entrepreneurship and music. Today, the firm provides an innovative New Business Start-Up package and is making waves in the entertainment industry. We had the privilege of sitting down with Matt at the MPL studio to discuss his work in entertainment law and gather valuable insights for aspiring artists looking to make music their career. This episode is brimming with valuable information, so don't miss it!
In this hilarious and diverse episode, we tackle the ins and outs of the gym – from the sweaty to the smelly, we've got stories. Then, we dive into the nerve-wracking experience of trying out a new barber. Plus, we share our adventures at the Black Music Canada media event and plenty more on the menu.
In this engaging episode, we sit down with Mike Robinson, Band Director at The Potter's House, and explore his remarkable journey. From his beginnings in the band to the unique dynamics of being part of a megachurch, we dive deep into the world of music and faith. Discover the fascinating story behind the creation of "Musician World" and much more.
Check out Musician World on YouTube!!
We discussed the perceptual phenomenon known as synesthesia. Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway (ie. hearing) leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway (such as vision). Sometimes, this takes the form of hearing music and simultaneously sensing the sound as swirls or patterns of colour. In this episode, we chat with two musicians, Brigit O'Regan and Blake Hamilton, who are both synesthetes (A person who reports a lifelong history of synesthesia) to learn more about this fascinating subject. Enjoy!!
In this episode, we explore the keys to living a long, vibrant life inspired by the Netflix documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones." We also delve into the art of embracing boredom as a source of creativity, maintaining discipline during life's challenges, and the exhilaration of having a mountain trek on our bucket list. Join us for a diverse and inspiring conversation about the many facets of life and living it to the fullest.
Canadian musician, songwriter, producer, AND dentist Alan Shiner joined us for today's episode. Alan Shiner has collaborated onstage and in the studio with legendary musicians like Mariah Carey, Drake, Ne-Yo, Baby Face, The Pointer Sisters, Boz Scaggs, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, and even George Burns & The Smothers Brothers in Toronto, New York, Nashville, London, Miami, and Los Angeles. For over four decades, he has written and performed keyboards on numerous Top 40 tunes. Alan is the founder and CEO of TOYHOUSE MEDIA CREATIONS. He has written several iconic jingles for companies like "967-11-11" (Pizza Pizza), "Everyone Loves Marineland," "African Lion Safari," "Sleep Country Canada," "Sunwing.CA," "Signature Vacations," "Sleeman's," and "Coca-Cola." In this episode, Alan shares with us his early beginnings with his band, THE NOVA SOUNDS, how some of the iconic jingles came to pass, and many more incredible stories.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved
Join us as we relive our unforgettable experience at the premiere of the documentary "299 Queen Street West" by Sean Menard, held at the prestigious Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto. We share our thoughts, highlights, and the cultural significance of this remarkable film event. Tune in for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this captivating evening celebrating the iconic MuchMusic era.
Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the world of filmmaking with the acclaimed director Sean Menard. Discover the creative journey of this talented filmmaker, from his early inspirations to his notable works that have left a mark on the industry.
We delve into the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, where Sean has excelled in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Get insights into his creative process, influences, and the challenges he's overcome on his path to success.
Sean shares anecdotes from his experiences working on thought-provoking documentaries, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of storytelling through film. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a cinema lover, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from a true artist.
Tune in for a captivating conversation that explores the art of filmmaking, the power of storytelling, and the creative vision of Sean Menard.
Join Anthony and D in this unfiltered episode as they delve into online commenters, share a wild road rage story, and discuss the quest for self-validation. Tune in now for a candid conversation!
Our guests for today's episode are Dr. SarahRose Black and Dr. Andrew Ascenzo. Dr. SarahRose is a certified music therapist and registered Psychotherapist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Health (Hospice) in Toronto, Ontario, currently specializing in music-centered psychotherapy in cancer care with palliative, hematology, general acute inpatient populations, and long-term care. Dr. Andrew is a cellist, conductor, teacher, composer, and musical director. He has designed a new concert genre along with Dr. SarahRose, combining live performance with narratives of the power of music in health and well-being. Their current project, "Pulse: Stories from the Frontlines of Music and Medicine," will occur at 918 Bathurst on September 14th, 2023, at 7:30 pm. Today, we connect with Dr SarahRose and discover what great things she has been up to since our last conversation. We also learn about Dr. Andrew's musical beginnings, the upcoming concert, and more!
In today's episode, we dive into the soulful world of The Commotions. This band comprises twelve members, including three lead singers and a five-piece horn section. They write unique soul music with influences ranging from Tower of Power, Chicago, and the Supremes to modern pop chart toppers Michael Buble and Bruno Mars. The Commotion's third album, Volume 3, is set to be released on October 20th. Today, the musical director and tenor saxophonist Brian Asselin and lead singers Jeff Rogers and Rebecca Noelle join us today to discuss what it's like working in a larger band, the new upcoming album, and much more!
We are excited to speak with singer-songwriter and author Tara Shannon in today's episode. Tara's journey defied expectations when she returned to the music scene as a woman in her forties and immediately established a following locally, nationally, and globally. She splits her time between Nashville and Ottawa with the goal to empower and inspire the other musicians on the label she founded, Willow Sound Records. In her music business education with The Syndicut, another entity she founded to help educate music creators and encourage them to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Her experiences in teaching workshops inspired her to write the book titled, "You and the Music Business, A Self-Care Guide to Finding Balance and Joy in Today’s Music Industry" to empower other independent artists who find themselves on a similar path. In this episode, we talk about the many hats Tara wears, her songwriting and discuss her new book!
Today we connect with the incredibly talented married duo of Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis! Joy is a musician, composer, academic and arts educator. She was awarded a Masters in Music Composition at York University, and has received international acclaim for her proficiency with the tenor pan. She also leads The Joy Lapps Project, an ensemble exploring Afro and Latin-Caribbean Jazz, with a hint of R&B and soul. Larnell Lewis is a Grammy Award winning musician, composer, producer, and just like his wife, an educator as well. He's established himself among the most diverse and in-demand drummers in the world and since 2012, Larnell has been playing with the three time Grammy Award winning band, Snarky Puppy. Larnell also leads successful ensembles of his own and has toured the globe with highly reputable contemporary musicians, including Quincy Jones, Gregory Porter, Jacob Collier, & Kurt Elling to name a few. His latest release, Relive the Moment is a revived re-imaging of his compositions from his debut album In the Moment with brand new drum performances available now on all your favourite streaming platforms. During this webcast, we get into the backstory of how these two met, what it's like to be successful traveling musicians while trying to raise a family, and so much more. We had a great time talking to this beautiful and talented couple . Hope you enjoy!
In today's podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of music and technology with Andre Favreau, the Brand Manager at Multitracks.com. We discuss the cutting-edge technologies and tools that Multitracks.com offers, empowering worship teams to unleash their full creative potential. Andre shares valuable insights on how musicians can harness these resources to elevate their music and connect with audiences like never before.
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In this episode of the podcast, our hosts chat with Canadian entertainment professional Keziah Myers. Keziah currently works with SOCAN and Re:Sound, Canada's largest rights management organizations that serve as advocates for music creators, publishers and labels. Keziah’s main role is to educate media and non-media organizations on the significance of music licensing, and facilitate the initial process of getting songwriters their royalties. In this interview, we speak about public performance copyright and royalties for artists in Canada. A great conversation for any creator to check out!
Join us on this captivating episode as we delve into the extraordinary career of Bill Welychka, a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. In this episode, we unravel the fascinating stories behind Bill’s journey, from his early beginnings to his rise as a renowned MuchMusic host and journalist. We delve into his notable interviews, his unique approach to storytelling, and the moments that have shaped his career. We also discuss his debut memoirs titled “Bill Welychka: A Happy Has Been. Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists,” which is slated to be released at the end of August. Tune in for a great conversation with one of Canada’s most recognizable and respected television personalities.
Dennis Passley is a renowned saxophonist known for his exceptional performances with The Arkells and Northern Soul Horns. He adds a vibrant touch to their dynamic sound with his soulful melodies and electrifying stage presence. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Dennis's dedication to accessibility and inclusion is reflected in his involvement with Toronto People's Library. His passion for storytelling and empowering BIPOC voices shine through. With diverse influences and a passion for creating meaningful connections through music, Dennis Passley continues to inspire audiences with his remarkable talent and unwavering advocacy. In this episode, Dennis shares the hats he wears beyond playing saxophone, what prompted his desire to help BIPOC authors and much more.
World-class pianist, composer, and author Kenny Werner is our guest for today's podcast episode. In 1996, he published Effortless Mastery, Liberating The Master Musician Within, a must-read for any musician. Werner has since created videos, lectured around the world, and written numerous articles on how musicians, artists, and even business people can allow their "master creator" within to lift their performance to new heights, demonstrating how to be spontaneous, fearless, joyful, and disciplined in our work and our lives. We connect with Kenny over the Internet to discuss his landmark book, how he became a musician in the first place, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Today's podcast episode delves into the captivating world of singer-songwriter Meryam Saci. Meryam's music transcends genres, blending R&B, soul, and jazz into a mesmerizing tapestry. Join us as we explore the stories behind her fearless artistry, the personal journey that fuels her music, and more!
Today we connect with dancer, instructor, and entrepreneur Aaron Aquino-Annobil. Aaron is one of the owners of Run The Flex, which initially started as a 6-week beginner Hip Hop dance program, focused on providing education on the origin and culture of Hip Hop. Now in 2023, RTF has opened its very own studio in the heart of downtown Toronto, at 893 Yonge Street, 2nd floor. On today's episode, Aaron shares with us the inspiration behind opening the studio, his journey to becoming a dancer, and much more!
Diriki and Anthony discuss a potential change in streaming monetization. They also get into the recent copyright battles and try to figure out the difference between inspiration and infringement in music.
Today we chat with the new owners of the iconic Grant Ave studios in Hamilton, Marco Mondano, Mike Bruce and Andrew Lauzon.
Marco Mondano is a well-known fixture in the music industry. For more than 20 years, he has owned and run DC Music, Toronto's finest rehearsal, recording, and live production facility, which has hosted some of the biggest musicians in the world. Mike Bruce, a musician as well, founded the well-known Hamilton film and television studio Aeon Bayfront Studios. Andrew Lauzon, a.k.a the "Audio Geek," is their new in-house Producer and Engineer. He has recorded, mixed, and played on countless recordings over the last two decades as a freelancer in the Southern Ontario music scene.
On this episode, we get to sit down in studio and speak to the trio about their musical journey, how they all met and what led to the purchase of this Steel City landmark plus much more!
Check out more on Grant Ave Studio here!
Today we have Jeremy John joining us on the show. Jeremy John is a talented musician and content developer. He got his start in music at a young age in the church and immediately fell in love with the bass and drums.
He's performed with Grammy winners Chandler Moore and Isaiah Templeton, as well as acclaimed artists such as Dylan Sinclair and Tanika Charles. On this episode, Jeremy shares his musical experiences with us, from the triumphs and the challenges that defined his career.
For more information about Jeremy John and to experience his compelling music, visit his official website: jeremyjohn.ca
In this episode of The DNA Airwaves podcast, we're thrilled to introduce you to The Recipee Band, a powerhouse collective of musical talent hailing from Toronto. Juwayon Clarke and Omar Lunan join us as we delve into the remarkable journey and diverse influences shaping this extraordinary group. With a combined experience of over 20 years in performing, arranging, producing, and mixing, their contagious energy and extensive repertoire have made them a highly sought-after choice for local and internationally touring Canadian acts.
You can join them on May 25th at the Don on Danforth, where The Recipee Band will set the stage ablaze with their electrifying live performance. Alongside them, we have the incredibly talented Kim Davis, O'sound, and Patricia Shirley, promising a night of unforgettable musical moments that will leave you craving more. (Click here for ticket info)
Please tune in to this episode as we uncover the secrets behind The Recipee Band's constant quest for musical growth and staying current while remaining rooted in the rich origins of various genres.
In this replay, Jonathan Chase joined us for chat on his unique approach to the world of autism support. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of fourteen, he travels the country helping parents, professionals, and educators better understand people on the autism spectrum. He also published a book called "From Surviving to Thriving: Classroom Accommodations for Students on the Autism Spectrum".
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On this episode of The DNA Airwaves podcast, we're joined by the incredibly talented Asher Laub, a classically trained violinist and music producer. With a unique blend of classical, pop, and electronic music, Asher's performances are a must-see. We'll delve into his journey as a musician and discuss how he developed his signature sound. You won't want to miss this episode as we explore the fascinating world of Asher Laub's music.
Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved 2023
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Todays short is a clip from our chat with musician LJ Mitchell. LJ is currently the Broadcast Worship Director for Elevation Church with head quarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The more we think about all the incredible musicians and artists, we notice more often that their success is really about progress meeting with opportunity and he is just another example of that so please enjoy his story.
Our friend and talented musician Grenville Pinto returns to the show for today's episode. G Pinto is a Canadian violinist who has captivated audiences with his musical talent since age seven. Grenville performs professionally across North America and internationally for special events and concerts. On May 13th, Grenville will be performing in a highly-anticipated concert in Mississauga that promises to showcase his incredible musical abilities and dynamic stage presence. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Tom Cochrane.
In this episode, we delve into Grenville's journey as a musician and performer, his creative process, and the challenges he has faced. We also discuss the upcoming concert and what the audience can expect from this unforgettable experience.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved 2023
Join us on our podcast as we speak with Bean Gill, a remarkable entrepreneur, business leader, and the host of the CBC show "Push." Bean's life changed forever after a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, but she refused to let her disability define her. Instead, she channeled her resilience and determination into building successful tech and healthcare companies and becoming a prominent advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. In her show "Push," Bean profiles individuals who have overcome adversity and positively impacted their communities. In this episode, we delve into Bean's inspiring journey, the lessons she's learned from her experiences, and the importance of representation and diversity in media. Don't miss this empowering conversation with one of Canada's most inspiring leaders.
Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved 2023
Saxophonist Carson Freeman joins us for this week's episode. Carson has developed a distinctive style that has propelled him into the performance spotlight. In 2010, he was awarded the Canadian Smooth Jazz Wind Instrumentalist of the Year and has since performed with renowned artists such as Michael Bublé, M.C. Hammer, and Diana Krall. Freeman has also shared the stage with other notable musicians, including Dave Koz and Gino Vannelli, and has been a member of Andy Kim's band since 2017. He has appeared on national television and performed for prominent figures like Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Catherine Zeta-Jones. We connect with Carson over the Internet, and he shares his incredible story with us in this episode.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved 2023
Mentioned in this episode:
Today's short features Grammy-nominated musician and artist Divinity Roxx the female bass legend, best known as the Musical Director and bass player in Beyonce’s all-female band.
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Quisha Wint joins us for today's podcast! Quisha is more than just a phenomenal vocalist; she's a producer, arranger, and co-founder of QW Productions. Quisha is one of Toronto's most sought-after session vocalists. In 2021, Quisha launched her debut EP, My Life, to rousing acclaim. Her debut single, "Black Shoes," from her grassroots project, recently debuted at the top of the Independent Music Artists charts. In this episode, Quisha shares how she first discovered her passion for singing, how she writes songs, and the motivation for starting a production company. Enjoy responsibly :)
Music historian Alan Cross breaks down the transition from FM Radio to streaming and the affects on revenue, meta-data and listening habits.
Our favourite bloke Tony Momrelle returns to the podcast for today's episode. Tony is a British singer-songwriter with an unmistakable voice and a natural talent for music. Born and raised in London, Tony's passion for singing and performing began early. He has spent the last two decades honing his craft, and his music reflects a unique blend of soul, funk, and jazz. Tony has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Incognito, Sade, Whitney Houston, and Sir Elton John, to name a few. He has also released several successful solo albums, including "Keep Pushing" and "Best Is Yet To Come." We catch up with Tony to find out what he's been doing since we spoke last and what he's got planned for the future.
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In this clip Kiana Eastmond breaks down some opportunities for growth in the space that you're in!
Our guest today is award-winning CEO Daphne Jones. Daphne E. Jones is an accomplished and seasoned executive with extensive experience strategically, entrepreneurially, and globally within multi-national corporations. She has over thirty years of experience in general management and executive-level roles at IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric. Drawn from her own rags-to-riches story, WIN WHEN THEY SAY YOU WON’T: Break Through Barriers and Keep Leveling Up Your Success is her inspiring guide to help anyone achieve the career of their dreams with a winning mindset and proven playbook. On this episode, Daphne shares with us growing up as a pastor's daughter, how she defied everyone’s expectations and went from the bottom to the top of the white male-dominated field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
The DNA Project – All rights reserved 2023
In this mini clip, the boys chat with Kiana "Rookz" Eastmond about her pathway to working with Canadian Celebrities such as Drake.
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Anthony and DIriki discuss controlling their emotions, time management, and our ongoing phone addictions.
In this 10 minute cliff hanger Author, Artist and near death experience survivor, David Ditchfield recalls his story of the moments leading up to and immediately after being hit and dragged by a subway train.
In this episode, we announce the launch of Black Music Canada with chairman Jon Sarpong. This organization was established to acknowledge and honour the contribution of Black Canadian Music to the country while offering innovative possibilities for our artists to develop, advance, and share their work. In today's episode, Jon and the guys discuss how the organization started, why they felt it was necessary, and what they hope to accomplish.
We are our greatest critics, but beating yourself up can be counter productive! In this clip we discuss the significance of having a support system built on the foundation of honest and informed feedback.
Our favourite piano teacher Sean Wilson returns on this podcast episode to discuss the origins of black music in North America and how it's shaped his teaching in 2023.
In this bonus clip we sat down to chat with Canadian music icon & activist Jully Black!
Entertainment manager Cory Taylor joins us on today's episode. With more than ten years of expertise, Cory Taylor is a talented professional in the music business. The native of Virginia began working in the music business in 2005 as the day manager for Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, a member of the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B trio known as "Sisters With Voices," or SWV. He also contributes to VIBE and has interviewed various people, including Teddy Riley, Faith Evans, Tank, Musiq, Tweet, Ginuwine, and Tank! Faith Evans and Cory have partnered to create and produce several upcoming docuseries. Cory discusses his early days in the church, the key to his success in the business, and a health concern that caused him to reassess his priorities.
Kenny Werner talks about getting out of your ego and playing in the space, as he describes it, the space between the future and the past, and the space between thinking and not thinking. Not thinking is the space between two thoughts.
Enjoy responsibly!
Elliott Landy (born 1942) is an American photographer and writer. Best known for his iconic photographs from the Sixties Classic Rock period, Elliott Landy was one of the first "music photographers" to be recognized as an "artist.”
His press pass and camera not only gave him access to the political scene but also provided him a personal entry into the new rock music counterculture. Albert Grossman who managed the careers of many of the most popular and successful performers of folk and rock music including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Peter, Paul and Mary, Richie Havens and The Band had seen Elliott’s images of Janis Joplin and invited him to photograph The Band, Those photographs were used on the Music From Big Pink album. During this time, he met Bob Dylan and his photo of him appeared on the cover of the September ‘68 edition of the Saturday Evening Post.
Within the next few years his celebrated images included portraits of Bob Dylan (Nashville Skyline), The Band (Music From Big Pink), Janis Joplin (Big Brother & The Holding Company: Cheap Thrills), Van Morrison (Moondance), Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker and many others.
His latest work includes:
Chip Fu is a rapper and DJ best known for his work as a member of the hip-hop group The Fu-Schnickens. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career in the early 1990s as a group member known for his unique style that combined elements of hip-hop, funk, and soul. The Fu-Schnickens were known for their energetic, high-pitched rapping style, which helped to set the group apart from other hip-hop acts of the time. He was also a skilled beatboxer and DJ, becoming integral to The Fu-Schnickens' live performances. Although the group was only active for a few years, they significantly impacted the hip-hop scene and are remembered as one of the most innovative groups of their era. Chip Fu connects with the guys to share his childhood, creating a group dynamic, and much more!
Toronto-born singer/songwriter Dakarai joins us for today's episode. Dakarai is an accomplished vocal arranger/producer with experience working with some incredible artists in both Canada and the US. On today's episode, he sits with us to discuss his early start in music and the excellent musical education he was exposed to as a young child. He also shares his thought process regarding writing music, how he's worked through tough times, and much more!
Robb Nash is the lead singer of The Robb Nash Project, which is an immersive concert experience that uses music and stories to captivate its audience. Depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, bullying, and suicidal ideation are among the issues covered in their presentation. They bring this sensitive subject matter to life in a totally unique way that is both thought-provoking and motivating, as well as engaging and hilarious at times. Their performances take place in performing arts theatres and arenas across Canada and are planned in collaboration with local schools and communities. Robb shares his incredible story with us and what prompted him down this unique path. Incredible chat with an incredible human being.
The guys sit down to chat with Eddie Bullen.
In our episode of the new year, Diriki & Anthony chat about 2022 being behind them as well as insights and predictions for the new year.
On this podcast episode, the guys catch up on how their weekend was, get into a conversation about the holiday break, and review the 2022 year for the podcast.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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There are no guests today on this short episode, but the guys get into a deep conversation about life, and what matters.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Canadian musician, songwriter, producer, AND dentist Alan Shiner joined us for today's episode. Alan Shiner has collaborated onstage and in the studio with legendary musicians like Mariah Carey, Drake, Ne-Yo, Baby Face, The Pointer Sisters, Boz Scaggs, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, and even George Burns & The Smothers Brothers in Toronto, New York, Nashville, London, Miami, and Los Angeles. For over four decades, he has written and performed keyboards on numerous Top 40 tunes. Alan is the founder and CEO of TOYHOUSE MEDIA CREATIONS. He has written several iconic jingles for companies like "967-11-11" (Pizza Pizza), "Everyone Loves Marineland," "African Lion Safari," "Sleep Country Canada," "Sunwing.CA," "Signature Vacations," "Sleeman's," and "Coca-Cola." In this episode, Alan shares with us his early beginnings with his band, THE NOVA SOUNDS, how some of the iconic jingles came to pass, and many more incredible stories.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Keziah Myers returns to the podcast! Since her last appearance, Keziah has continued her incredible work on the business side of the music industry and became the first Executive Director of ADVANCE, Canada's Black Music Business Collective (www.advancemusic.org). In this episode, we dive into what she has been up to since we last spoke. Keziah also speaks about the formation of ADVANCE and the complex challenges Black Canadian professionals encounter in the music industry.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Our guest for today's episode is Dwayne Morgan. Two times over, Dwayne Morgan has won the Canadian National Poetry Slam. In 1993, he launched his spoken-word music career. He established Up From The Roots entertainment in 1994 to highlight the valuable contributions made by African Canadian and urban-influenced performers. He now spends his time interacting with audiences across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, sharing his poetry and the keys to his success. We connected with Dwayne to hear his story and discover the secrets that have helped him remain relevant in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Gord Carruth joins us for today's episode. Carruth is a Canadian playwright, composer, author, and retired principal at Sir Allan MacNab and Westdale in our hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. Together with fellow retired educator, author, and playwright Bob Knuckle, Carruth penned "I Am Not a Legend," a highly successful drama about the life of football coach Vince Lombardi. His work has won the Canadian ACTRA award for best dramatic writing, the Critics' Commendation at the Edinburgh Festival, and many other stages and television awards. We connected with Gord while he was enjoying Florida to speak about his time in Hamilton, the early beginnings of writing musicals, and the journey that's dubbed him one of the country's most prolific writers of Canadian political /historical musicals.
In this episode, the three amigos are back together, and Mat shares about his car being broken into. They also get to talk about the current strike in Ontario with education support workers, plus an update on the Kanye West backlash.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Our guest today is Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, music director, drummer, programmer, and multi-instrumentalist Keith Harris! Keith earned a degree in Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music and quickly became one of the hottest drummers in hip-hop. He has produced, composed, and contributed his unique musical style to numerous worldwide hit records and countless live performances by artists, including The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Earth Wind & Fire, Chris Brown, Usher, Ricky Martin, The Pussycat Dolls, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, Busta Rhymes, Robin Thicke, Estelle, and a multitude of others. We connected with Keith to speak about his success, the path that led up to his "big break," and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Two out of three ain't bad, so on today's episode, Anthony and Diriki discuss the importance of sleep, then get into some music news, and make a big announcement as well.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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On today's podcast episode, Mat updates us on the Bruce Willis story from a previous episode. Then the guys get into a conversation about some common misconceptions about working musicians.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Digital creator and online personality GenDirect joins the guys on today's podcast episode. @gendirectmusic is best known for his "Daily R&B suggestions" and curated vibes for various times of our busy days via TikTok and Instagram. He is also the co-host of the R&B Heads Podcast on YouTube and various digital platforms. With over 200,000 followers on Instagram and half a million on TikTok, we wanted to connect with GenDirect and talk about his early days as a digital creator and the growth of his audience. We also get into the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Today's podcast episode begins with the guys talking about the first-ever edition of the Legacy Awards being nationally televised on CBC. Anthony discusses his journey into self-improvement, and Mat shares some incredible scientific events in a new segment called, 'The Future is Now".
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumental Francesco Yates joins the guys on today's podcast episode. The Toronto-based Francesco Yates has gathered numerous platinum-selling awards and has already racked up more than a billion streams on Spotify. He released his self-titled debut EP in 2015, sang and played guitar on Robin Schulz's international blockbuster hit "Sugar," and garnered the support of big names like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams. Yates also recently toured with the Backstreet Boys on their North American tour. We connect with Yates over the internet to talk about tour life, authenticity, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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On this week's podcast episode, Anthony and Diriki discuss the passing of legendary Canadian hip-hop artist Pat Stay and the uncertainty of everyone's time on earth. They also examine what a successful life means to them and share some thoughts on how to obtain it.
The guys connect over the internet for this podcast episode, and Anthony shares with us things he believes musicians should immediately stop doing and some other fun stuff along the way.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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We are lucky to have Juwayon Clarke join us for today's podcast episode. Juwayon is a mix engineer, bass player, and musical director in the GTA. We connect over the internet to discuss why he decided to become a musical director, his approach to bass playing, his experience playing at Coachella, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Today we connect over the internet to speak with musical director and producer David "DLO" Outing. DLO has played behind and programmed full shows for some of the industry's top artists and award shows, such as Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Fantasiam Mary J Blige, Anthony Hamilton, and B.E.T awards. In this episode, DLO shares his approach to programming live shows and breaks down the process and some of the thinking when creating a live performance.
Our guest for today's podcast episode is Danish rapper Sleiman Nejim. Sleiman was born in Lebanon of Palestinian origin. He immigrated to Denmark and joined the local gang that eventually landed him in jail. After an assassination attempt, he left gang life and started to pursue music. He's released several singles that have succeeded on the Danish charts and collaborated on a book titled "Instead We Became Evil: A True Story of Survival and Perseverance" with Dart Adams. During this episode, we connect with Sleiman over the Internet and ask him about his early life as a refugee, how he discovered his love for hip-hop, and so much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Musician Joel Lightman joined us for today's podcast episode. Joel has over twenty years of professional musicianship, including stints with major stadium bands and world tours with his projects. He is also co-founder of the Great Canadian Dueling Pianos with Cody Fenwick. In this episode, we chat about the concept of dueling pianos vs. playing with a band. He also shares why he decided to leave England and come to Toronto, the difference between a pub and a bar, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Desiree Mckenzie is a Toronto-based award-winning poet, arts educator, and aspiring photographer. Desiree has represented Toronto Poetry Slam at the 2020 Women of the World Poetry Slam in Dallas, Texas, where she placed in the top 40 of 100 poets, in addition to being the 2019 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word National Champion with Up From the Roots. At the 2020 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam, she was among the top three poets in Canada. Her poetry has also appeared in CBC's Poetic License series, the Black Diamond Ball, the Bergen Lit Fest, the VIBE Arts NExT program, and Clearbanc Financial's International Women's Day Campaign. She received the JAYU iAM Arts for Human Rights Award in 2020, recognizing creatives doing exceptional work where the arts and human rights intersect. WET HAIR, her first spoken word EP, was released in 2021 and is now available on all streaming platforms. In this podcast episode, Desiree shares with us what sparked her love of poetry, her journey pursuing the art form, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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In this podcast episode, the fellows talk about staying in time as a band, backing tracks, their weekly recommendations, and much more!!
Eric Alper has been at the forefront of the Canadian entertainment industry for over 25 years, putting the public in public relations. His enthusiasm and comprehensive knowledge of music's past and present have made him Canada's go-to for music. He also hosts one of SiriusXM's most popular shows, "ThatEricAlper." With over one million followers, friends, and connections across his social media platforms, it's easy to see why Billboard, Paste, and the National Post named him a "must-follow." He has been nominated for Publicist of the Year six times during Canadian Music Week. He has represented artists with over 135 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 10 in 2022), including 19 JUNO Awards and 35 Canadian Folk Music Award nominees. In this episode, we discuss the best decade in music, blending technology with music, and much more. Enjoy responsibly!!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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In today's podcast episode, the gangs talk about the infamous Roger's outage and our dependency on the internet. They also get into doomsday prepping and some of the strangest foods they have tried.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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The guys connect remotely for today's podcast while Anthony and Mat are working away. In this episode, they get into a conversation about in-ear monitors, live production at large venues, and much more. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Instrumental fusion artist Desarae Dee returns for this episode of the podcast. Desarae is a talented musician, educator, producer, and content creator from Toronto. After 6 years of anticipation, Desarae Dee has returned with a brand new EP. Her EP, "SELF" represents her current journey of healing. As an instrumentalist and a black woman, it is important for her to share her story and experiences. We connected over the internet to speak with Desarae about some of those experiences, how they translated into her music, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Fresh off of staycation, Anthony and Diriki get into a conversation about Canadian summers, losing focus, and authenticity. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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The squad was a man down this week but Mat and Diriki sit down in the studio and talk about This Is Pop, Boyz 2 Men, and their social media addictions. Enjoy responsibly
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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The incredible Divine Brown is our guest in today's podcast episode. Divine Brown grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and quickly had a following since she first surfaced on the scene, gaining fame for her amazing five-octave range. She's best known for her radio hit "Old Skool Love" and continues to perform at various festivals worldwide. Divine sits down with the guys in the studio and talks about everything from psilocybin to the team surrounding musicians and frequencies! A great chat with another incredible woman. Please enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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In today's episode of the podcast, we start things off with a breakdown of the infamous 1985 "Patty wars" here in Toronto. They also reminisce about some of the classic tv jingles of our childhood, musical geniuses, and music's monetary value to today's superstars.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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In today's episode, the guys get into a conversation about some of their hobbies, and give some recommendations based on some of their favourite shows, music, restaurants, and books! Enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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In this episode, the guys talk about spring, the incredible impact space exploration has had on technology, and why we need to live on other planets. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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While Anthony was off conquering the world, Diriki and Mat get into a discussion on today's episode about foley sound in film, pop music's evolution, and Hollywood accounting.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Another one of our favourite guests returns for today's episode, author and composer David Ditchfield. David experienced a near-death experience (NDE) in 2006 while being pulled under a speeding train in a rare freak accident. We catch up with David to learn what's new since we last spoke. We also get into a conversation about his road to recovery after the accident, therapy, and much more.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Friend of the show and musician Brigit O'Regan joins the guys again on this episode! Brigit is a popular violinist/fiddler who has garnered a lot of attention on social media with the success of her FanExpo and ComicCon videos. In today's episode, they try to talk about foley, but mostly about heels for men, the art of bartering, the superpower of music and so some random things in between. Please enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Our guest today is Yasmine White, the founder and CEO of Voices Together, the most prominent musical therapy organization in North Carolina. She is also the author of the book, "Autism and the Power of Music," written to help parents of children with autism connect more fully with their children and help them advocate for themselves. We connected with Yasmine over the Internet and spoke about her early connection to music, how her organization started, and much more.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Musician and comedian Emily Misura is our guest on today's episode. Emily is a Toronto-based violinist, DJ, model, and comedian. She has performed with numerous ensembles, and she was awarded a first violin position with the Venice Symphony when she was only sixteen. Dashboard Confessional, MAE, The Who, ELO, Frankie Valli, Amy Grant, Machine Gun Kelly, and Richard Cheese are just a few of the musicians and bands she's worked with. Emily has also recently announced the release of her debut comedy album, "Trigger Warning," which will be available across all platforms on 4/20, or you can pre-save it now HERE. We sat down in the studio and spoke with Emily about her love for the violin, her experience moving to another country during the pandemic, and why she decided to get into comedy. Please enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Joanna Majoko, a Toronto-based performer, songwriter, and bandleader, is our guest today. Joanna has made a name for herself as one of Canada's most promising young singers. She has regularly been on the bandstand with some of the country's top musicians, including Jane Bunnet and Maqueque, David Clayton-Thomas, of Blood, Sweat, and Tears, and Larnell Lewis of Snarky Puppy. Majoko spent most of her youth in Zimbabwe, despite being born in Germany to German and Zimbabwean parents. Majoko migrated from Zimbabwe to South Africa before settling in Manitoba with her family when she was fourteen. Early last year, Joanna released her debut EP, No Holding Back, which is currently available on all your favourite streaming platforms. We connected over the internet with Joanna to discuss her journey halfway across the globe to Manitoba, how she fell in love with music, and so much more. Please enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
In today's episode, the guys chat about the importance of constant learning, creating music, and the human body. Please enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Our guest today is Canadian musician Robb Nash. Robb is The Robb Nash Project's lead singer, an immersive concert experience that uses music and stories to captivate its audience. Depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, bullying, and suicidal ideation are among the issues covered in their presentation. They bring this sensitive subject matter to life in a totally unique way that is both thought-provoking and motivating, as well as engaging and hilarious at times. Their performances take place in performing arts theatres and arenas across Canada and are planned in collaboration with local schools and communities. Robb shares his incredible story with us and what prompted him down this unique path. Great chat with an amazing human being. Enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Jonathan Chase joins us for this week's episode. Jonathan is a musician, author, autism /autistic advocate, and public speaker. With over fifteen years of experience as a professional musician, he brings a unique approach to the world of autism support. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of fourteen, he travels the country helping parents, professionals, and educators better understand people on the autism spectrum. He also published a book called "From Surviving to Thriving: Classroom Accommodations for Students on the Autism Spectrum". This teacher's resource takes a fresh look at classroom systems for students on the autistic spectrum. We connected with Jonathan over the internet and spoke about how he got started in music, why he chose to become an autism advocate, and much more. Enjoy responsibly
World-class pianist, composer, and author Kenny Werner is our guest for today's podcast episode. In 1996, he published Effortless Mastery, Liberating The Master Musician Within, a must-read for any musician. Werner has since created videos, lectured around the world, and written numerous articles on how musicians, artists, and even business people can allow their "master creator" within to lift their performance to new heights, demonstrating how to be spontaneous, fearless, joyful, and disciplined in our work and our lives. We connect with Kenny over the Internet to discuss his landmark book, how he became a musician in the first place, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Canadian rock band MONOWHALES joined us in the studio for today's episode. MONOWHALES is an alt-rock band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consisting of three members: Sally Shaar, Jordan Circosta, & Zach Zanardo. The band debuted in 2017 with the release of their first single, "Take It Back," produced by Al-P of Mstrkrft, reaching #25 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart. On September 13, 2019, the band released the single "RWLYD." It became the only independent band in Canadian radio history to reach #2 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart, thanks to overwhelming support from Canadian alternative rock radio. Their new single, "CTRL^^^" from their latest album, 'Daytona Beach,' is available wherever you stream your music! We sit down with the group to discuss the name, of course, and how the band came together in the first place and stayed together during these unprecedented times. Enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Our favourite violinist/fiddler and friend of the show Brigit O'Regan joins the guys on this episode of the podcast. Brigit is a musician and YouTube personality that has garnered a lot of popularity due to the success of her FanExpo and ComicCon videos. She's also shared the stage with world-class performers, Juno award winners all across the GTA. In today's episode, we sit down in-studio and chat about male body image, YouTube, musicals, and sausages? Enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Singer/Actress Carolina Lopez joins the guys for today's episode. Hailing from Medellin, Colombia, Carolina Lopez has earned international recognition as a dynamic and versatile artist, excelling in film and music. With over 25 film and television projects and 5 TV and film nominations in Colombia, she is known for her natural and multifaceted acting. She has also made her mark as a singer-songwriter in recent years, leveraging her cinematic experience from her acting career to bring her music to life with amazing music videos. She has recently earned three nominations at the Canadian International Fashion Film Festival (CANIFFF) in 2020 and 2021 for her two recent songs, "Mundos Paralelos" and "Heroe." Lopez has just released her fourth single, "El Latin Dance," which combines Latin dance vibes with a hip-hop foundation, describing a budding romance on the dance floor. We sit down in the studio with Carolina and talk about her acting career in Columbia, her decision to move to Toronto, and the origins of her Latin hip-hop vibe. Enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
We had the opportunity to chat with Florian Simmendinger, the CEO of Soundbrenner, for this podcast episode. Soundbrenner is responsible for the world's first wearable smart device for musicians. They have also created other incredible wearable tools and software that bring the best possible practice experience for musicians everywhere. We connect with Florian, currently in Hong Kong, and discuss the company's inception and early beginnings. We also talked about how they built a community around a product and the future of wearable technology.
Check out more on SoundBrenner
Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Singer/songwriter Mihaela Marinova joins us for today's podcast episode. Mihaela is an award-winning Bulgarian artist best known for being a finalist on the television show X-Factor Bulgaria. Her groundbreaking singles have garnered over 60 million views and streams. This episode discusses life as an artist during covid in Sofia, Bulgaria. They also get into her experience on X-factor Bulgaria and writing traditional songs vs. English pop songs.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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The boys wanted some alone time for this episode. Today, Anthony, Mat, and Diriki sit down in the studio to briefly talk about technology. They also revisit a validation conversation from a previous podcast and other random topics in between! Enjoy responsibly.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
We are excited to have our favourite piano teacher Sean Wilson join us in the studio for this episode. Sean is the founder of seanwilsonpiano.com, an online-only training membership website for musicians who want to learn to play gospel and jazz by ear at a high level. Sean sits down with us and a keyboard for this special master class episode.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Musician/Composer Hadrien Feraud connects with us over the internet for this episode of the podcast. Hadrien was born in Paris and grew up in a very musical family. His parents, who are also musicians, immersed him at a very young age in various music environments. He's recorded and performed with many renowned musicians, including John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Thundercat, Jada Pinkett Smith, and many more. Hadrien chats with us about his experience as a musician during the pandemic. The group talks about learning an instrument over the Internet and his early days as a musician in France.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
The DNA Project - All rights reserved 2022
Happy New Year! Grammy-nominated musician and artist Divinity Roxx, join us for our first podcast of 2022! Divinity is a female bass legend, best known as the Musical Director and bass player in Beyonce’s all-female band. Despite her appearances with so many legendary and iconic figures, it is in her solo performance that Divinity shines brightest. She combines virtuosic bass playing with an eclectic mash-up of hip-hop, rock, and funk that she calls ‘Alternative Soul.’ Her passion for composition, lyrical prowess, and electrifying stage presence captivates audiences worldwide. She is currently performing, teaching, and writing multiple projects, including a new album, a stage play, and a children’s book and music series. We connect with Divinity over the internet and hear about the incredible moment with legendary Victor Wooten, where she was invited to tour; we also discuss her love for hip-hop and much more. Fantastic chat with an incredibly cool human!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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For today's episode, we are joined by two members of Toronto's Hip-Hop Brass band, Bangerz Brass: Max Forster and Emily Ferrell. Bangerz Brass is an incredible Toronto-based group featuring three MCs backed by a dynamic collection of horn and percussion players. They have quickly gone from busking in Toronto's Kensington Market to selling out some of the city's most popular venues in a few years. In this podcast episode, we speak to Max and Emily about how this band came into existence, hip-hop, and what it's like working on music with 12 different people!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
The DNA Project - All rights reserved 2021
Andrae Ennis joins us in the studio in this episode of the podcast. Andrea is a dynamic vocalist and entrepreneur from the city of Toronto who created Soul Sessions, a signature event that delivers an incredible musical experience with talented Canadian artists. Andrea was also a top 20 contestant on the Canadian hit show "Canadian Idol" in 2004!
In this episode, Andrae chats with the guys about how covid forced him to slow down, the power of live music, and practice (yes, we talking 'bout practice!) Great chat with one of the coolest vocalists in our city. Enjoy responsibly!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
In this week's episode, the guys get together, in the studio, to talk about getting old while briefly celebrating their 75th episode. They also get into the various roles in bands, the many faces of anxiety, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Jeff Lurie dropped by the studio for this week's episode. Jeff is an Audio Director and Composer with TA2 studio here in Toronto. As a composer for over 15 years, he's worked with some incredible brands and companies such as Lincoln, CIBC, Ford, and Freedom Mobile. In addition to composing, Jeff also is a singer, voice-over actor, and creator/author of the children's book Jamie Jangles, which he created with his daughter during the pandemic. In this episode, Jeff talks with the guys about the life of an audio director, his early days in music, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Multi-instrumentalist Desarae Dee came into the studio to chat with the fellas on this week's episode of the podcast. Debuting as an artist in 2014, Desarae is a powerhouse pianist/keyboardist who has been making major waves in the Toronto music scene. Dubbed “Toronto’s Fusion Pianist” by BUZZMUSICLA, she has an undeniable playing style that is uniquely her. Her latest, "Late Arrival (Remix)", is truly a song for the hopelessly soulful, the “start your day” workaholic coffee drinkers and those who appreciate true musicianship. Desarae talks about her unconventional musical style, and how she's been able to blaze a trail in the name of instrumental music for current and future Black Women Musicians in Canada. Please enjoy responsibly!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Somali-Canadian singer-songwriter Amaal joins us for today's podcast episode. Amaal began her remarkable journey in war-torn Mogadishu, where she and her family lived until they were forced to flee as refugees in the early 1990s. Starting fresh in Toronto, she embraced the poetic nature of her cultural heritage. Still, she bristled at the conservative structures and customs that came with it, particularly the repressive expectations placed upon women. By the time she hit 20, Amaal had grown bold enough to begin making her music. However, she still felt limited as to what she could sing about, so she focused her creative energy on politically and socially conscious material inspired by the civil unrest in Somalia and the struggles her people faced. In 2019, Amaal finally worked up the courage to step outside her comfort zone with the release of Black Dove, a critical smash, garnering a Juno nomination for Soul/R&B Recording of the Year! Amaal's sophomore EP, Milly, is available wherever you stream your music or podcast. Amaal connects with the hosts today to discuss her journey to Toronto, her connection to her culture, and how she eventually became comfortable expressing her true story.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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In this week's episode, the three men get into a discussion about hearing loss, manufactured motivation, and the vast pool of courses available online. Please enjoy responsibly!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
No guest on today's podcast so the hosts get into a discussion about social media and Youtube comments, overall internet behaviour, our love of food, and of course MUSIC! Please enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Guitarist TJ Whitelaw joins the guys in the studio for today's episode. TJ is a touring and session musician based out of Toronto. He has performed on 3 of the most extensive network TV stations in Canada, CBC, CTV, and Global, as well as performing on Mahogany Sessions (2019 w/ Amaal), The Directors Guild of Canada Awards (2019), the Indspire Awards (national aboriginal awards), in the house band for Canada's Walk of Fame, etc. as well as multiple IHeart radio stations nation-wide. Tj's on-stage experience is extensive (touring in North America, Europe, and Asia) and all-encompassing, spanning from pop to jazz to gospel. He's performed with MYA, Jessie Reyez, Madison Beer, Kardinal Offishall, Allan Rayman, Ruben Studdard, Johnny Reid, and many more. In this episode, TJ shares with us the inspiration behind putting out a solo album, the group debates who is the coolest member in a band, and of course, guitars!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Just the 3 amigos in the studio for this episode chatting about sleep deprivation, mixing a song, and the early days of hip-hop engineering! Enjoy responsibly :)
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Musician Otis Williams joins us on the podcast today! Otis Williams is a professional drummer born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He started playing at the tender age of 2 and began playing every Sunday at his local church at 9. Along his musical journey as a teenager, he was given opportunities to play drums on various local gospel recordings. He became one of Toronto's premier gospel session drummers working with local recording artists such as Brian Hamilton & Divine Worship, Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, Londa Larmond, Toronto Mass Choir, Dave Brown, Eddie Bullen, Divine Brown, Kardinal Offishall, and more. Otis was also afforded the opportunity to perform with International gospel artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, Tasha Cobbs, Travis Greene, Israel Houghton, and Elevation Worship. He has also toured with Canadian pop artist Francesco Yates as musical director and drummer for Justin Timberlake's "Man of the Woods" tour. The guys connect with Otis over the internet and chat about his unique entry into music and how he could carve out a career that led him to Elevation—a great conversation with a fantastic gentleman.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Today's guest is the CEO of Lynx Music & AudioProcess Ryan Altschuler. We connect with Ryan over the internet, and he takes us from the humble beginnings of his musical journey to how he eventually ended up opening up one of Toronto's elite rehearsal and recording studios.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Guest free today. Instead, Anthony and Diriki sit down to have a discussion about critiquing their personal progress over the duration of the podcast and share some of their challenges and discoveries in doing so.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Our friend of the show, Dr. SarahRose Black, came into the studio again to continue the discussion of musical therapy from episode 17! SarahRose holds a Master of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Music Therapy. She recently completed her doctorate at the University of Toronto, where she conducted the first study on music therapy in the context of medical assistance in dying. Dr. SarahRose Black is also an accredited music therapist and registered psychotherapist specializing in palliative care and psychosocial oncology at both the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Hospice here in Toronto. Not to mention she is also a great pianist, vocalist, and violinist! In this episode we chat about how we use music as therapy unintentionally, Dr. SarahRose explains some of the ways she incorporates music into her therapy and she also shares some updates since the last time we chatted.
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Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
We are excited to have the CEO of Musora Media, Jared Falk as our guest today. Since 2003, Jared has built an incredibly successful e-learning business that focuses on teaching drums through its social learning community called Drumeo. Drumeo has also hosted guest lessons from well-known drummers, including Benny Greb, Anika Nilles, Russ Miller, Tommy Igoe, and Dennis Chambers, to name a few. Following the achievement of Drumeo, Jared and his team have since launched new instrument verticals such as Pianote, Guitareo, and Recordeo. We connected with Jared over the internet and talked about his love for drums, why he decided to launch Drumeo, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNAProject
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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In today’s episode, we connect with the internationally renowned artist Pavlo! Born in Toronto to Greek parents, Pavlo has made a name for himself by offering a musical amalgam he calls “Mediterranean music” – a blend of Greek, flamenco, Latin, and even Balkan flavours, wrapped in contemporary pop. His music has taken him all around the world; along the way, he’s performed for royalty like Prince Charles and worked or toured with artists such as Jon Secada, Olivia Newton-John, and The Tenors. In this conversation, Pavlo shares his early beginnings in Toronto’s Greek community, the secret to his success, and how he’s dared to do what he loves and the drive to do it well.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Sean Wilson returns to the podcast to chat with the fellas! Sean is a musician and teacher from Lakeland, Florida, who created an online music training membership website, seanwilsonpiano.com, where he shares his unique insights and provides in-depth lessons and hands-on guidance in addition to support from other members of the online community. In this episode, Sean offers incredible insight into how to successfully learn any instrument, musical education, and much more!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Dejah Gomez connected with us for today’s episode of the podcast. Dejah is a talented actress-singer with experience in theatre and TV. She is best known for her role in the film Young American Gangstas, and she was a backup vocalist with Stevie Wonder. More recently, Dejah has committed to using her talents for healing by becoming a spiritual counselor and teacher through music medicine. She has founded KIRTI PREET KAUR, which offers guidance and counseling in a safe space for healing through diverse modalities such as Kundalini yoga, meditation, and much more. Today we speak with Dejah about her early start in music and the reasoning behind taking time away from music to heal. Hope you enjoy…..namaste!
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In a continuation of episode 13, we sit down with the founder of the Canadian Synesthesia Association Greg Jarvis. Greg is a Toronto-born musician and composer best know for his work leading the rock group the Flowers of Hell. He's also worked at major labels in the early 1990's such as BMG in Toronto, Prague, and Moscow, and later for Universal in London. He is currently a professor at Durham College's Media, Art, & Design School where he teaches about music history and the music industry. We sit down with Greg and discuss what his experience has been like living with synesthesia. Hope you enjoy it and thank you for your support!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
No guest today on this episode of the podcast, but instead we dive into the conversation about the typical life of an artist or musician trying to make it in any major city. We also get into a discussion of the average fan's idea of supporting their favourite artists and how that may still not even be enough. Thanks for listening. Enjoy responsibly!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Singer Michelle Victoria came by to chat with the fellas on today’s episode. Michelle is a Canadian singer from Toronto who has worked with The DNA Project and other talented groups for years now but recently decided to pursue becoming a doctor. We sit down with Michelle to find out why she decided to become a doctor and the impact music has had on her life.
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Judith Hill is an American singer-songwriter from Los, Angles California. She appeared on season 4 of The Voice, making it to the top 8, and was given the opportunity of a lifetime when she was chosen as Michael Jackson’s duet partner on his final concert tour; This Is It! Judith has also toured with award-winning artists Josh Groban and John Legend. In this podcast episode, we chat with Judith about her time with the King of Pop, Prince, and Stevie Wonder! We also discuss her musical journey and writing music for different mediums.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
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Canadian Pop singer Terez joins us for today’s episode of the podcast. Terez is a singer-songwriter from Alberta known for her creative expression and great style. She’s collaborated with Nicole Arbour, Keith Urban, and Rai Mae, and her latest single, “Cake,” is currently available wherever you stream your music or podcasts. We connected with this upcoming pop star over the internet to discuss the Alberta music scene, her creative process, and more! Great conversation with a cool young lady. Enjoy!
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Opening Theme by: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Our guest for today’s episode is Desiree Dorion. Desiree is a JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter whose music has topped the Indigenous Music Countdown, and five of her songs entered into the top 100 Country Music Charts in Canada. The 2017 "Songwriter of the Year'' award recipient at Manitoba's Country Music Awards recently hosted the Achimotak Series, meaning "let's talk about it" with the Canadian Country Music Association - a conversation between Indigenous artists about their experience in the industry. Desiree has just released her first single of 2021 - a fun, upbeat, and unapologetic track about letting your hair down and having fun. The incredibly catchy tune "Sometimes I Drink" is out now and available wherever you stream music. We connected with Desiree to speak on the early beginnings of her musical journey in rural Manitoba, her experience as an Indigenous female artist in Canada, and much more….
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
David "Tokyo" Speirs is our guest on this podcast episode. @tokyospeirsmusic is a producer, engineer, singer, and songwriter wrapped up in one incredibly delightful package. Tokyo is based out of Toronto, creating with artists in diverse musical genres and currently working with Canadian indie pop band, Walk Off The Earth! We connected with our "friendgineer" via the internet and discussed various fascinating topics. A great conversation with such an interesting human. Hope you enjoy it!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Recorded at The MPL Toronto studio
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Leila Dey is in the studio with us for today's podcast episode. Leila is a Toronto native who has been a singer/songwriter here in the city since she was 15. While in high school, she recorded her hit albums "Something From Nothing" and "I've Arrived" and has also been featured in collaborations with Joel Ortiz, Vybez Kartel, and many more. Leila was also one of the women featured in our live stream currently available on The DNA Project YouTube page. In this episode with Leila, we discuss the importance of having a team, the grind of being an artist in the city, and much more!
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Kari Zalik joins us on the podcast today. Kari is a Publicist with Bad Parade @badparadeco, a music publicity firm focused on bringing musical talent to every corner of Canada. Kari began her career at Maple Music Recordings in Toronto and then progressed to artist publicity management. From launching albums to promoting tours and everything in between, she has worked to ensure maximum visibility for any artist or band's projects. We sit down and talk to Kari about the role of a publicist for musicians, how her role has changed in the streaming era, and why she chose this path in the first place. Another excellent conversation for artists of all levels to check out.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Can't believe it has already been 50 episodes! We decided to go guest-free for today's episode so the three of us could discuss some of the highs and lows of the last year and what the next 50 episodes have in store. We also wanted to say thank you to everyone that has been supporting us. We are so grateful for each person that takes the time to listen and don't forget to tell a friend!
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Today's guest is a Canadian icon and platinum-selling recording artist, Jully Black. CBC Music has named @missjullyblack one of "The Greatest Canadian Singers Ever," Her music career has yielded multiple singles, reaching the Top 10 Pop, R&B, and Dance music charts. In addition to all of her music accolades, she has hosted the radio show, "The Blackout with Jully Black, " on iHeartRadio - NewsTalk1010 and, most recently, took the musical theatre world by storm in February of 2020 with her critically acclaimed starring, and award-winning role as 'Caroline' in the Obsidian Theatre and The Musical Stage Company co-production of Caroline, or Change. Jully does it ALL!! We had a great chat with Jully about the early days of her musical journey, what it's like to juggle so many hats, and what's next for the Canadian Queen of R&B. We hope you enjoy listening.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman @ The MPL Toronto
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Alan Cross is a legendary Canadian radio broadcaster and writer of music. Originally from Stonewall, Manitoba, he is best known as the host of the syndicated radio series The Ongoing History of New Music, The Secret History of Rock, and ExploreMusic. This Canadian radio icon has been in the game for over 40 years! His radio show, "The Ongoing History of New Music", debuted in February 1993 and since then has recorded over 720 one-hour episodes making it one of the longest-running music documentaries in Canada (and one of the longest in North America—if not the world!). Alan joined us over the internet and spoke about where his love for music came from, his start in radio, and technology's impact on radio stations.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Cuban musician Alex Cuba is our guest for today's podcast. Alex has released several critically acclaimed solo albums and co-wrote songs for Canadian superstar Nelly Furtado. Alex was also honoured with a Latin Grammy for best Singer-songwriter and received a nomination for Best Latin Pop at the Grammy's in 2016. Alex joins over the internet to discuss his non-traditional approach to music, his new album, and much more.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
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Our guest for this episode is Tony Momrelle. Tony is a British Singer/Songwriter that is currently the lead singer for the band Incognito. In addition, to being part of this group, he has also released several solo projects and performed with some of the industry's biggest artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Sade, and Gwen Stefani. His latest EP, “Lockdown Acoustic Sessions,” is available wherever you stream your music. We connected with Tony over the Internet and discuss the UK music scene, his journey with music, and much more.
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Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project
Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer
Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
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Melaine Durrant sits down with us on this episode of the podcast. This hypnotic singer has garnered over 3.7 million Spotify streams worldwide. The Toronto-native has headlined multiple festival appearances, including the Montreal Jazzfest, Toronto Beaches Jazzfest, and has shared the stage alongside Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fantasia, Alessia Cara, and Sean Paul. “Listen” is the first single off Melanie’s upcoming album, Where I’m At, slated for release this month. Melanie shares her start in music with us, her creative process, and of course, her new album!
Our guest on today's episode of the podcast is Mckenzie Small. This Mississauga native is best known for her role as "Scarlett Dunn" on Disney and Family Channel tv show "Backstage". She can also be seen in the new CW Network series, "In the Dark" series. In addition to film and television, McKenzie has also been making a name for herself with her music and has released several singles as she continues to pursue her aspirations in film and television. McKenzie came into the studio to chat with us about how she got started in television, where her love for music came from, and much more!
Sarah Thawer is a self-taught drummer based in Toronto, Canada, who's been performing on stage since the age of 5 years old. Sarah has found great success by embracing the world of formal education by studying jazz and world music at York University. She was the recipient of the Oscar Peterson Scholarship, the highest award given by the institution, and graduating with the Summa Cum Laude distinction. Her accolades and work ethic have taken her to share a stage with world-class artists, including AR Rahman, Ruth B, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Del Hartley, and D’bi and the 333, to name a few. We had an incredible conversation with this amazing musician, and we were also lucky enough to have her record some tracks in our studio that we included at the end of this episode as well
Filmmaker Darrell Wonge dropped by the studio to chat with us on this week's podcast episode. Darrell is a dedicated and energetic creative with extensive experience in fashion, beauty, and sports. Competent in capturing high-quality images while displaying confidence and professionalism. Being a former professional athlete who has traveled worldwide, he brings that same work ethic to every project as a filmmaker. He has worked as a director/cinematographer for artists and brands such as Hennessy, L’Oréal Hair, Astha Tamang-Maskey, Gas NYC, and many more. We sit down and chat with Darrell about playing ball overseas, his transition from sports to filmmaking, and some funny stories in between. Enjoy!
We speak with producer and bass player Travis Dykes on today's episode of the podcast. @travisdykes has really made a name for himself from his YouTube channel where he creates bass and music related lessons along with insights that give practical knowledge about bass playing and the music industry as a whole. His videos typically range from bass lessons to bass covers and from vlogs to live play throughs. Travis joined us today to talk about his love of music and his career. We also get into the secret behind the success of his YouTube channel, and his rapid ascension up the ranks in the competitive Nashville music scene.
T Dykes Music: https://www.youtube.com/travisdykes
Jay Martin, aka “The Renaissance Man,” is a stand-up Comedian, Producer, Actor, and Entertainer who has impressed sold-out audiences with his top-notch comedic stylings across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. As one of the most sought-after comedians and event emcees in Toronto, Canada, Jay Martin has shared the comedy stage with Steve Harvey, Jamie Foxx, Russell Peters, Eddie Griffin, Tommy Davidson, and Cedric the Entertainer, among many other well-known acts. Jay has also successfully produced high-quality entertainment events over the years, including “Jay Martin’s Uptown Comedy Series,” the infamous “Bruk Pocket Party,” “Trinidad vs. Jamaica Mothers Day Special,” and the all-inclusive premier day party “The Experience by Jay Martin” to name a few.
Jay joins us in the studio to share his start into his unique entry into comedy, the transition during the lockdown, and more. Hilarious from start to finish!
The incredibly talented drummer Rob "Beatdown" Brown is our guest on today's episode. In addition to being fortunate enough to play and perform on some of the biggest stages internationally, Rob also created a YouTube channel that has grown to over 200,000 subscribers! Since his first instructional video uploads back in 2008, his goal has always been to share his knowledge of this instrument with as many drummers as he could reach across the globe. In this episode, we discuss why he decided to create the channel and keep it free, how he got started in music and his approach to being a versatile musician in this unpredictable industry. Great chat and we hope you enjoy it!
Sean Wilson is a musician and teacher from Lakeland, Florida. Sean got a degree in Mathematics but did not choose this path. Instead, he decided to develop some online music training courses. It started as a YouTube channel that grew to over 34K subscribers and then created seanwilsonpiano.com, an online-only training membership website for musicians who want to learn to play gospel and jazz by ear at a high level. In this episode, we talk to Sean about what inspired the online training course, his thoughts on various avenues available to musicians, and, of course, tips on becoming a better piano player.
Shortly after this recording, Sean was involved in a motorcycle accident he is currently recovering from, so our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Our guest for today's episode is musician Gabriel Vargas. Gabriel is based in Melbourne, Australia with strong ties to his native country of Brazil. He has a great approach to life and thirsts for experiences outside the normality of social conditioning and beyond his own areas of comfort. He connects to the fact that real growth occurs on the outskirts of normality and comfort. In this conversation, we discuss his transition from athlete to musician, the process of him learning to use music as a means of healing, and the experience of traveling on his own path!
Lady Luck joins us today for this week's episode. @iamladyluck has been in the music scene from a very early age, thanks to her aunt, the great Sylvia Robinson, one of the founders of the legendary Sugar Hill Records. Lady Luck went on to sign a record deal at the age of 17 with the iconic Def Jam recording label and was also featured in the 2000 documentary film of Jay-Z's 1999 tour, Backstage. In 2017, Luck was a cast member on the reality show "First Family of Hip Hop" on the Bravo cable network. We connect and talk about what it was like growing up immersed in hip-hop, the experience of being on a reality show, and much more. Available wherever you listen to music or podcasts!
Our guest today is musician LJ Mitchell. LJ is currently the musical director for the Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elevation church for anyone who doesn't know is one of the larger churches in the US with over 12 locations in the US and Canada with a weekly attendance of well over 25,000 people. We talk to LJ about how he had almost given up on his love for playing the keys when the chance of a lifetime presented itself, the journey from Toronto to Charlotte, and some of the conversations currently circulating regarding the current state of gospel music. It's funny but the more we think about all the incredible musicians and artists, we notice more often that their success is really about progress meeting with opportunity and he is just another example of that so please enjoy his story.
Today we connect with songwriter and musician Thad Cockrell. Thad had spent two decades steadily building his career through five album releases and constant touring before the COVID-19 pandemic forced musicians, including Cockrell, off the road. Cockrell intended to end his music career and even emailed his managers letting them know; however, on Jan 4th, Thad got a phone call every musician dreams of - his management called with the news that he would be performing on one of the biggest late-night television shows, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon! In this episode, Thad tells us the incredible story of how the Tonight Show appearance came on the same day he decided to hang it up, what he's been up to lately, and much more.
This week we sat down with Canada's premier media and public relations expert Eric Alper. Eric Alper started his own PR firm, Eric Alper Public Relations, after being the Director of Media Relations and Label Relations for eOne Music Canada for over 18 years. As a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, and 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, he's been fortunate to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time (past and present) including Ringo Starr, Ray Charles, Snoop Dogg, J Dilla, Slash, Ashanti, Allman Brothers, Bush and so many more. The Toronto native is a regular music industry contributor to Bell Media, Rogers, Shaw Media, among others, and also the host of his @ThatEricAlper show on SiriusXM. We connected with Eric to discuss the incredible journey he's had in music and his advice for the next crop of artists dealing with the publicity.
On this episode of the podcast, co-hosts Diriki and Anthony sit down to talk about their careers in the music industry, their new pursuit of learning the piano and song-writing, plus much more.
Today we are joined by Canadian musician Ori Dagan. Ori is an award-winning jazz singer-songwriter that has a remarkable ability as an improviser to produce rich and remarkable sounds that warm audiences' hearts all over the world. Dagan's 2017 recording "Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole" was an incredible visual album, that provided him the opportunity to showcase at South-By-South-West in Austin, Texas, and also a headline spot at the TanJazz Festival in Tangier, Morocco. Due to the covid-19 lockdown, we connect with Ori over the internet to talk about his start with Jazz music, the complexity of the genre, and how he has been adjusting to the current state of live performances. A cool chat with a cool cat, we hope you guys enjoy.
Our guest today is 4 time Juno Award winner and Canadian hip hop legend Choclair. @officialchoclair was one of the most successful Canadian rappers in the late '90s and early 2000s. He released his debut single, "Twenty-One Years", on his own independent label, Knee Deep Records, in 1995. He then went on to sign with Priority Records to release his classic debut album, "Ice Cold" in 1999, which went on to win the Juno Award for Best Rap Recording. He was also a part of the iconic Canadian anthem Northern Touch with fellow Canadian hip hop legends like the Rascalz, Checkmate, Kardinal, and Thrust. In 2018, Choclair and the other team members who recorded "Northern Touch" reunited to perform the song at the 2018 Juno Awards ceremony, which was an incredible moment in Canadian hip hop history. We connected over the internet with the Toronto legend to talk about the early days of Canadian hip hop, his recent release One Day Away, which is available wherever you stream music, and a lot more.
We are joined today with tour manager and engineer extraordinaire Jason "Redz" Reynolds. Jason started out in the industry at a very young age and worked his way up the ranks to work with some of the biggest stars in North America including, Grammy award-winning artist Shaggy, Koffee, Luther Vandross, and many more! In addition to engineering and being a tour manager for huge acts, Jason is also an instructor at the Metalworks Studio, one of Canada's premier entertainment arts schools located right here in the GTA. In this episode, we talk to Jason about how he's adjusted to a world without live shows and get into some in-depth conversations about music production from a more technical perspective. Great listen for anyone with an in-home studio or anyone interested in learning a bit more about recording in general!! Always great chatting with Jason and we hope you guys enjoy it too!
Today we are speaking with Producer, artist, and entrepreneur Erika Rose Santoro. While being a dynamic artist and executive in her own right, Erika is best recognized for co-writing the hit song "A Woman's Worth" with childhood friend and Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. In 2016, she was hired to be Keys' full-time manager and is now President of AK Worldwide, Keys' philanthropic organization. She is also currently the Director of Luminary Programming at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health located in western Massachusetts's beautiful Berkshires. We connected over the internet with Erika to speak about all of the various transformations she has made throughout her life and, of course, what it was like being childhood friends with an American icon and a bunch more. Great conversation with this fascinating woman, and we hope you enjoy listening.
Our first guest on the podcast for 2021 is the versatile Kellindo Parker. Kellindo is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and lead guitarist for Janelle Monae. He began playing the guitar at the age of 8 and was propelled into the music scene under the guidance of his uncle, Maceo Parker, a saxophonist for James Brown. Since those early years, he has collaborated and co-arranged with Janelle Monae on multiple hits featured on her Grammy-nominated albums, “Metropolis,” “Archandroid” and “Electric Lady.” Most recently, Kellindo released his new single, Long Gone, which is available wherever you stream your music. We spoke to the down to earth musician about how he first connected with Janelle, his process when writing or producing, and a lot more!
We decided to wrap up the 2020 year with no guest and take a look back at ALL that was 2020! This year will be one that the entire world will look back at one day to remember all the unprecedented events that took place. The crew gets into some of those events and touches on some of the brighter spots of 2020...like this podcast!! We talk about everyone's highlights from the pod so far, as well as what this podcast has taught us and what we are looking forward to in the new year!
Today we connect with the incredibly talented married duo of Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis! Joy is a musician, composer, academic and arts educator. She was awarded a Masters in Music Composition at York University, and has received international acclaim for her proficiency with the tenor pan. She also leads The Joy Lapps Project, an ensemble exploring Afro and Latin-Caribbean Jazz, with a hint of R&B and soul. Larnell Lewis is a Grammy Award winning musician, composer, producer, and just like his wife, an educator as well. He's established himself among the most diverse and in-demand drummers in the world and since 2012, Larnell has been playing with the three time Grammy Award winning band, Snarky Puppy. Larnell also leads successful ensembles of his own and has toured the globe with highly reputable contemporary musicians, including Quincy Jones, Gregory Porter, Jacob Collier, & Kurt Elling to name a few. His latest release, Relive the Moment is a revived re-imaging of his compositions from his debut album In the Moment with brand new drum performances available now on all your favourite streaming platforms. During this webcast, we get into the backstory of how these two met, what it's like to be successful traveling musicians while trying to raise a family, and so much more. We had a great time talking to this beautiful and talented couple . Hope you enjoy!
Our guest today is Entertainment lawyer Matthew Ram. Matthew graduated from the University of Toronto with an Economics degree and then completed his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy. Shortly after, Matthew became the founder of MSM Group Professional Corporation where he practices in the area of Real Estate, Corporate and Entertainment Law. Once MSM Legal Group became a renowned name in the industry, Matthew focused his efforts on two of his other passions, entrepreneurship and music. Today MSM Legal Group offers a comprehensive and innovative New Business Start-Up package and is rapidly growing in the entertainment industry. We sat down with Matt in the MPL studio to pick his brain about his work in entertainment law, and he offers up some great advice for artists trying to seriously pursue music as a career. A lot of valuable information worth listening to so please enjoy!
On today's episode we talk with author and composer, David Ditchfield. In 2006, David had a near death experience (NDE) while being dragged under a speeding train in a freak accident. While doctors grappled to' save his life, he re-emerged with some incredible new gifts. He discovered he could paint images he had seen in the "Afterlife", over and above any artistic ability he previously had. He also identified that he can now compose classical music, having never received any musical training. Since his debut symphony, "The Divine Light", he has been commissioned to compose further classical works which have also been premiered at sell-out performances and has completed more than thirty paintings and a number of commissioned artworks. David's connect with us over the internet during Covid-19 from his house in the UK to talk about his incredible experience, the time his spent in the "afterlife" and his new book, "Shine On" available now on Amazon. An unbelievable story worth hearing so sit back and enjoy. This is the DNA Airwaves.
Today we connect with Toronto native The BLK LT$ (pronounced Black Lotus), previously known as Andreena Mills. This singer/songwriter/producer/ and DJ has collaborated with some of music industry's biggest stars like Drake, Future and DMX. She has also worked with Grammy award winning producers like Boi 1da, Noah "40" Shebib, HitBoy and the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. She's been nominated for several Juno awards and is currently producing new music while working on some exciting projects in fashion as well. We connected with her via the internet during the Covid-19 pandemic while she was home in Los Angeles to her more about her humble beginnings, her metamorphosis from Andreena Mills to the BLK LT$ and the exciting path she is on now.
Michelle Treacy is a Canadian singer/songwriter from right here in Toronto, Ontario. She first made a buzz in the music scene with an impromptu duet with Lady Gaga during her ArtRave tour in Montreal. She then went on to compete and win the second season of CTV's hit series The Launch, which spawned her hit single "Emotional". She has made various media appearances and recently released her newest single, "Time Off From a Letdown", which available on all the major streaming platforms. For safety reason we chose to record this podcast remotely over the internet during the covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, In this episode, she shares her story about the infamous Lady Gaga incident, her time on The Launch and navigating the current climate as an artist releasing new music.
Lyndon John X, sometimes also credited as LJX, is a Canadian reggae and ska musician. He is most noted for his 2019 album The Warning Track, which won the Juno Award for Reggae Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2020. Of Grenadian descent, he grew up in Cambridge, Ontario. Born Lyndon John, he added the X to his performing name in tribute to Malcolm X. He released his debut album Two Chord Skankin' in 2007, and received his first Juno Award nomination in the reggae category at the Juno Awards of 2008. He followed up with the albums Brighter Days in 2010, which was a Juno nominee at the Juno Awards of 2011, and Escape from the Mongoose Gang in 2015, which was a Juno nominee at the Juno Awards of 2016. We speak to him about how he discovered how he found reggae music and how he's been able to stay relevant with a such a small social media presence.
Today we are joined by the award winning, childern's musical entertainment duo, Sonshine and Broccoli. Both Lisa Sonshine and Brock Burford attended Sheridan College's musical theatre program and have grown into one of Canada’s premier children’s entertainers. They've been entertaining children and parents alike for over a decade are are most noted for their album, "It's cool to be kind", which was nominated for Juno awards last year. We catch up with these two friends to find out how they've been adapting in the entertainment space during the Covid-19 restrictions and to learn a bit more about this dynamic duo.
Our guest for this episode is Lorraine Lawson. Not only is Lorraine the proud founder of Lawson Vocal Studios here in Toronto, she is also one of the most successful vocal coaches in North America. She is the vocal coach on CTV’s show The Launch and season 5 of the hit show Schitt’s Creek. Some other notable artists she’s coached include Blake McGrath and R&B star Roy Woods. We decided to record this episode remotely for safety concerns during Covid-19 but we had a great conversation with her about the innovative programming at her studio and tap into her wealth of experience in vocal coaching and performing. It was incredible conversation with such an amazing multi-talented woman we know you’ll enjoy.
Today we sit down and talk with music therapist Sarah Rose Black. Sarah Rose holds a Masters degree in music education from the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree in music therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is the founder and coordinator of the first music therapy programs at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Kensington Hospice in Toronto. She is also a Suzuki music educator, piano accompanist and singer/songwriter. In this episode we dive deeper into the use of music and the therapeutic relationship to promote health and well being.
No guest for this podcast but the hosts chat with our show's producer, Mat Keselman, who is not only co-founder of The MPL , but also a sound engineer and a college professor. On this episode of the podcast we discuss music technology, audio production, and how creativity & technology work together.
On this episode of the podcast we sit and chat with Karen Burke! Karen is the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Juno award-winning Toronto Mass Choir, a Gospel choir that has been touring and recording since 1988. Karen has written and arranged many of the songs on their 10 albums and has led the choir on tours in several countries including Poland, Romania, Italy and most recently, the Dominican Republic. In addition to her work with the Toronto mass Choir, Karen is also a Professor in the music department at York University and developed the first post-secondary gospel music curriculum in Canada. We had a great time speaking with her about her start in music and her reluctant path to becoming a professor. Enjoy!
Today we discuss the perceptual phenomenon known as synesthesia. Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway (ie. hearing) leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway (such as vision). Sometimes, this takes the form of hearing music and simultaneously sensing the sound as swirls or patterns of colour. In this episode, we chat with two musicians, Brigit O'Regan and Blake Hamilton, who are both synesthetes (A person who reports a lifelong history of synesthesia) to learn more about this fascinating subject. Enjoy!!
Today we sit down in the studio with violinist Grenville Pinto aka G Pinto. Grenville is a Canadian violinist originally from our hometown of Hamilton and was a member of the Philharmonic orchestra there. Similar to us, he’s now based out of Toronto and has travelled the world delivering his versatile repertoire of pop, jazz and hard rock in such a vibrant, brand new way. We asked him to join us at the studio to talk about why he chose violin in the first place and the cool path it led him down through music. We also included a sample of his amazing talent as bonus because he was kind enough to also perform live in the studio for us. Check out this incredible performance at the end of the episode! Cheers
Eddie Bullen is, undoubtedly, a rare breed amongst multi-talented artists. Pianist, songwriter, arranger and producer, Eddie's lengthy career has yielded an abundance of awards and recognition for his outstanding talents. From his first album, 'Nocturnal Affair' to his most recent single, "Sunset Marquee, Eddie continues to give us an incredible blend of jazz with world music, hip hop, R&B and Latin vibes. He's collaborated with many successful artists including Deborah Cox, Glenn Lewis, Fefe Dobson, Oleta Adams and Liberty Silver. He also composes and arranges for City TV, YTV, CBC, and TMN the Movie Network. We get a chance to hear the story of this exceptional career from start to finish in this episode. Listen now!
This week we are joined by Canadian songwriter, singer and vocal coach Nevon Sinclair. Nevon was born and raised in Toronto where he was first introduced to music. Over the years he has arranged and written for several groups and artists, including Grammy award winning artist Daniel Cesar. We connected with Nevon and discussed his writing process, his trek through the Canadian music scene and his future plans. Listen now!!
Our guests for this episode are violinist/fiddler Brigit O'Regan and saxophonist Nathan Allen. Brigit is known as “Violin Girl” by over 16 Million people due to the success of her FanExpo and ComicCon videos. Saxophonist Nathan Allen made his start on YouTube in 2009 and saw some success with creating RnB sax cover songs. His "Allen Music" brand took a leap forward in 2014 when Nathan began covering pop tunes on the Billboard charts. Both of their channels have skyrocketed in popularity and looks to continue to grow with the help of its devoted supporters. We sat to discuss what it's like to create content, run a YouTube page, and so much more. Check it out now!
Our guest for this episode is Canadian singer, songwriter and actor Robert Ball. This multi talented artist has sung background vocals for Kim Burrell as well as opened for artists Mary Mary, Cece Winans, Gordon Chambers, Keshia Chante, Shawn Desman and many more. His music has be played on television and radio all over Europe and North America. We had the opportunity to speak with Robert during the Covid-19 lockdown and learn more about his story. Check it out now!!
Our guest today is Kiana Eastmond aka Rookz. Kiana 'Rookz' Eastmond is the Founder & Director at Sandbox Studios. Rookz is one of Toronto's stars behind the stars and has made a name in the Canadian music scene by creating one of the most successful urban music artist development and recording facilities in the GTA. This serial entrepreneur has also become the Executive Director for Manifesto, one of Canada's premier contemporary youth arts and culture platforms. In our conversation, we get into her incredible story from the beginning, all the way to what's ahead for this incredibly inspiring business woman.
Today's guest is the incredible Canadian singer/songwriter Gary Beals. Gary was the runner up on the first season of Canadian Idol. He stepped away from music for over a decade to take a break from the scene but he is now returning with his new upcoming album, "Bleed My Truth", which will be available October 2nd. His new single, "Blood Red Rose" from the new album will be available August 21st on all the major digital streaming platforms. In this conversation, we discuss his long break from music, what brought him back and experience of being on the first season of such a big show!
This week's guest is one of Canada's brightest Pop and R&B recording artists NOA! NOA recently released her new single Patience, which has garnered a lot of attention and gaining momentum on Spotify and iTunes. During the height of the lockdown, we checked in with Canadian artist NOA and had a conversation about her start in music, her creative process during the lockdown, her time on The Launch and much more!
In this episode of the podcast, our hosts chat with Canadian entertainment professional Keziah Myers. Keziah currently works with SOCAN and Re:Sound, Canada's largest rights management organizations that serve as advocates for music creators, publishers and labels. Keziah’s main role is to educate media and non-media organizations on the significance of music licensing, and facilitate the initial process of getting songwriters their royalties. In this interview, we speak about public performance copyright and royalties for artists in Canada. A great conversation for any creator to check out!
The DNA Airwaves sits down with Juno award winner Carlos Morgan. Carlos is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer and vocal coach that has seen so much of the music industry in North America. We go in depth about his humble beginnings as an R&B artist in Canada and what he is currently working. As a bonus, Carlos also performs one of his latest singles, "Have a Little Faith" in studio!
We chat with Lisa Sonshine from the Juno nominated children's musical duo Sonshine and Broccoli about her career in music. Sonshine and Broccoli have performed at the NBA All-Star game along with large stages all across North America & are currently working on some incredible projects in film and audio.
Program Director, Justin Russo with the Music and Memory organization chats with the DNA Airwaves to discuss the powerful connection between music and the mind.
The hosts of the DNA Airwaves Anthony & Diriki sit down and discuss a little bit about themselves how this podcast came together.
The DNA Airwaves is weekly podcast that delivers engaging discussions and insights on life, love and music by some of Canada's top minds in entertainment and business. Some of our guests will include Award Winning Artists, Entertainment Lawyers, Industry Executives, Touring Musicians and more!
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.