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High-brow conversations with movers n’ shakers in the music industry, and beyond. Exploring diverse realms of sound art and festival culture, with a decided focus on inspiration and human resilience. Hosted by music journalist B.Getz
Episodes
![096: lespecial - A Year In The Life ft. RORY DOLAN, LUKE BEMAND, JONNY G, w/ YHETI [LIMINOID], + BRET PERETZ [P4 TM]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/a_year_in_the_life_of_1080_x_1080_px_7bqmq_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Episode 096 welcomes three-headed prog-tronic hydra lespecial, plus enigmatic bass-wizard Yheti, for an expansive deep dive into their mind-bending collaborative portal - LIMINOID. Framed through the lens of "A Year in the Life of lespecial," the conversations chronicle a monumental run from Jam Cruise 21 in Feb.2025, thru the LIMINOID experience, then NYE marking their 20th anniversary since forming as high-schoolers in the woods of Connecticut, before looking towards the future. This episode orbits LIMINOID’s debut The Outernet, an idiosyncratic sonic tapestry and brilliantly-bizarre concept album where the searing precision of Rory Dolan, Luke Bemand, and Jonny G is masterfully manipulated by the surgical, mad scientist sound design of Yheti. Ep.096 finishes with Tales of a Tour Manager featuring Bret Peretz [Pigeons Playing Ping Pong].
- 00:00 - Ep.096 preview
- 03:30 - check out Four Peaks Medicinals
- 04:30 - Golden Road Gathering
- 05:45 - The Upful Update
- 09:15 - Intro: a year in the life of lespecial
Interviews - 13:15 - Rory Dolan, Luke Bemand, Jonny G - Jam Cruise, Feb‘25
- 52:15 - Yheti & Jonny G - December '25
- 1:17:00 - Rory - Feb '26
- 1:39:45 - Luke - Feb '26
- 2:03:30 - Jonny G - Feb '26
- 2:28:30 - Tales of a TM ft. Bret Peretz (P4) - July ’25
lespecial: A Year In The Life begins on the ragey open seas, as B.Getz connects with all three members of lespecial while aboard Jam Cruise in Feb. 2025. This Day 5 cabin summit at the tail end of this floating carnival captures the fellas [Rory Dolan - drums/vox, Luke Bemand - bass/synths, Jonny G - guitar/synths, vox] reflecting on the boat’s bombastic musical escapades, playing with (friends of the pod) Alex Wasily, Mike Dillon and Skerik, Rory’s Primus audition, introducing new music onstage, revisiting “Cannibal Holocaust”, spotlighting their relationship with Yheti and a forthcoming collaboration at the time still in its infancy.
The narrative shifts to a focused deep dive in early December 2025 with Yheti, plus a little more color from Jonny G. Since it was always his baby, BG looks to Tyler Yheti to properly unpack the modus operandi behind the LIMINOID endeavor. Explore the creation of The Outernet, how they navigated the "liminal space" between organic instrumentation and avant-garde electronics. This segment highlights the brilliance of the concept, recalls initial challenges performing this project live (see - Mishawaka in May 2025), the tricks and tools required to bring this genre-schitzo robot to life - both in studio and then onstage, and creating a new hybrid strain of intoxicating, brain-splattering sound art that exists beyond traditional boundaries.
The saga continues: a series of individual conversations with Rory, Luke, and Jonny from early Feb. 2026. We complete this podcast revolution around the sun, honor 20 years of hometown buddies who made good, and look towards their mighty bright immediate future. These one-on-one sessions allow for a more granular peek into personal growth, interband dynamics, and creative philosophies as they recognize a brotherhood that has kept them bonded since teenage garage band glory. We amp the stoke for lespecial's long-awaited return to West Coast's burnin' shores on the cryptically-titled Tentacle Difficulties tour. Behold this monumental, DIY evolution from small-town Connecticut proggy power trio to a genre-blurring, frontal-lobe leviathan known to us mere mortals as lespecial.
For an episode chaser B.Getz checks in with an old friend in Bret Peretz, a connection rooted at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park years ago. The longtime Tour Manager for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has worked many jobs behind the scenes over the course of a decade-plus. Several months back, Bret opened up about his beautiful journey from the hotel hospitality industry and nearly joining the Coast Guard, humble backstage beginnings all the way to the P4 gig at the heart of contemporary jam scene success.
ViBE Junkie Jam
lespecial - "Boundary Dissolution”
Suwannee Hulaween 2023
lespecial's signature blend of “heavy future groove” combines headbanging metal riffage and surgical rhythmic precision with bone shaking 808s, sub synths and ethereal vocal stylings for a dance floor that welcomes moshing, dancing and hip swaying alike. Listeners are taken on a journey to the musical netherworld through esoteric soundscapes punctuated by raw, primal power.
LIMINOID is a musical entity formed through the integration of data streams from Yheti and lespecial, two distinct sonic architects. Yheti orchestrates the sonic experiment while lespecial contributes live instrumentation encoded with rhythmic complexity. Analysis of live performance recordings reveals high variability and dynamic modulation of energy states. Audience response patterns indicate elevated engagement during improvisational sequences. Conclusion: LIMINOID functions as a high-intensity auditory experiment, optimized for real-time adaptation and multi-genre convergence without reliance on predefined constraints. System recommends further observation. Their debut live performance was May 2025 at Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellvue, CO. 2025 debut LP ‘The Outernet’ is a 12 track concept album that explores the liminal space between humanity and technology. The group performed at several festivals and a short tour in November 2025.
- RORY DOLAN Interview w/ BG about Primus audition. March 2025
- Upful LIFE 2025: Favorite Records & More! [LIMINOID review inside]
- Jonny G on The Upful LIFE Podcast - Ep.40
- Slaytanic Panic: lespecial’s Wet ‘N’ Wild NorCal Debut
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![095: OTIS McDONALD, DERRICK 'Smoker' FREEMAN [SOUL Brass Band, Shadow People Pod], PIET DALMOLEN](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/ep_095_9_a0h59_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Your boy is back from paternity hiatus with another banger! Preposterously prolific San Francisco composer, producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist OTIS McDONALD is finally here. Hallelujah! Gov't name Joe Bagale, Otis has turned Hyde Street’s Studio D — a hallowed sacred ground in the annals of funk/rock/hip-hop history — into a potent personal laboratory where he generates/facilitates a steady flow of ridiculously dope records. The in-demand music man slides through episode 095 for a lengthy, illuminating upful discussion; BG also checks back in with Derrick 'Smoker' Freeman [SOUL Brass Band, Shadow People Podcast]; and later introduces rising NorCal guitarist/solo artist Piet Dalmolen.
- 0:00 - ep.095 preview
- 3:00 - SOUL Brass Band - NorCal run late January
- 4:00 - BISS List - Bay Area fan hub/newsletter
- 5:45 - The UPFUL Update
- 12:00 - introducing OTIS McDONALD
- 15:15 - INTERVIEW - Otis [117m]
- 2:12:15 - DERRICK 'Smoker' FREEMAN
- 2:28:00 - Introducing/Interview: PIET DALMOLEN [30m]
- 2:58:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jam
Otis McDonald released an original track every Friday for three years during the pandemic, though he since pumped the brakes to every third week. In addition, the gifted producer/engineer and sideman has delivered assorted crucial collabs with the likes of Eric Krasno, Nicholas Payton, Aloe Blacc, Wil Blades, Charlie Hunter, among others. Across two-plus decades in the Bay Area, he's worked extensively with scene stalwarts Jazz Mafia, Atta Kid, and their various spinoffs/side trips; Bagale even logged a couple years fronting an iteration of Mickey Hart Band on keys, guitar, and lead vocals.
ViBE Junkie Jam
Otis McDonald "I Can't Stand [we can't stop]"
OTIS McDONALD
website, YouTube, IG, Bandcamp
SOUL Brass Band - IG
The Shadow People Podcast
- Upful LIFE 2025: Favorite Records & More!
9th annual comprehensive compendium w/ reviews, playlists, purchase links - Spotify book - Mood Music by Liz Pelly
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Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
with very special guests:
- 16:30 - jay smooth
- 53:30 - dan charnas
- 1:01:25 - ursula rucker
- 1:29:55 - nikki glaspie
- 1:47:50 - eric krasno
- 2:28:00 - funk it blog shoutout
- 2:31:35 - d.j. williams
- 2:37:05 - otis mcdonald
- 2:43:50 - mista vee
- 2:52:40 - viveca hawkins <3
- 2:59:10 - fede pecoraro [ECHT!]
- 3:04:30 - jonny g [lespecial]
- 3:08:10 - adam spangler
- 3:17:00 - bombastic
- 3:23:25 - sari jordan
- 3:32:35 - derrick 'smoker' freeman
- 3:39:40 - jon hammer
An afghan of reverential storytelling. FOUR heart-filling hours brimming with memories, love letters, & gratitude reflections from a blessed & benevolent collection of souls who've touched my life across the years & miles. We all share a profound reverence for the man born Michael Eugene Archer. Large UP each crucial contributor for their sacred offerings to this show. This passion purge in podcast form is my deepest bow.
Give Thanks 4 D'Angelo. May the four winds blow you safely home. We'll be loving you always. -bg
D'Angelo In Memoriam: Thank You For Talking To Me Michael.
B.Getz via Live For Live Music:
ViBE Junkie Jamz
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![093: POLYRHYTHMICS vol.2 [Ben Bloom - gtr, Grant Schroff aka Champagne Bubblebath - drums]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/ben_Grant_pod_093_93q9o_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Episode 093 welcomes back POLYRHYTHMICS, the fantastically-funky septet primarily based in Seattle, but these days steadily spreading their net further and wider than ever before. BEN BLOOM (along w/ bassist Jason Gray) appeared on Ep.059 in 2022, now the guitarist/co-founder returns to chop it up once again, this time with drummer/co-founder GRANT SCHROFF (aka Champagne Bubblebath) also in the mix.
- 0:00 - ep.093 preview
- 03:25 - Sponsor- AARON SCHWARTZ ART
- 06:55 - Sponsor - LAZYMOON DESIGN
- 08:50- The Upful Update & B.G's BIG NEWS!
- 19:45 - introducing Ben and Grant from POLYRHYTHMICS
- 24:00 - INTERVIEW - Polyrhythmics [71 min]
- 1:34:45 - afterglow & ViBE Junkie Jamz
Late 2025 brings busy, fertile, exciting times for the erstwhile groove merchants as they mark 15 years in the game, and we celebrate the release of their fiery new LP 'Life From Below'. They're hitting the road just as the pod goes to press, the boys ready to bless up some long dormant markets in the Northeast, Southeast, and beyond. We get the scoop on the blazin' new joints, before delving into some personal developents like how Bloom recently relocated back East with his family. The guys discuss the new geographical band dynamics, and how it affects the hang, writing, rehearsal, travel, and overall Polyrhythmics' modus operandi. We go inside the lab and look into studio sessions for the latest record, hear some philosophies on improvising, unpack band interpersonal communications, reflections on collaborating with vocalist Adryon de Leon, the forthcoming Champagne Bubblebath mixtape with Gray and searing Seattle axeslinger Jimmy James, plus a whole lot more! -bg
Bio:
Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 15 years of sonic exploration with the release of their highly anticipated new album, Life from Below. Since forming in 2010, this seven-piece powerhouse has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene.
This year’s Life from Below marks an exciting new chapter for Polyrhythmics, delivering a fresh collection of grooves infused with the bold creativity and signature tight-knit musicianship that fans have come to expect. As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, the band reflects on a decade-and-a-half of musical evolution, countless miles on the road, and a loyal community of listeners that continues to grow.
Polyrhythmics website, BandCamp, Instagram
ViBE Junkie Jamz
"Mayo Con Yayo" - Polyrhythmics
"Humpin' Around" -- The Nth Power GAP Band Tribute ft. Eric Gales and Nicholas Payton [9/21/25 Tipitina's in New Orleans for DJ Soul Sister's 50th]
"New Life" - Blind Melon - demo 1995
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![092: MORiLLO [global-bass producer/DJ] + AIN'T SISTERS [Alt-Folk/Rock]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Ain_t_Sisters_2_767qk_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Episode 092 is all about the underground, from sea to mighty sea; welcome MORiLLO and AIN'T SISTERS! Among my preferred dancefloor generals on the decks across the past decade, it’s high time to tap in with The Dub Cartographer, global bass sorcerer MORiLLO down in L.A. Gov’t name Zach Morillo, the Groundation drummer pulls double-duty as a dynamite producer-dj and modern-day dub maestro. My man was kind enough to share some stoke, perspective, co-conspirators, and crucial creative processes surrounding his intoxicating latest full-length release, and this exciting new collaborative chapter in an ever-evolving electronic dance music career.
Listen to MORiLLO - The Dub Cartographer
Get the 411 on Atlanta-based, SOSMP faves AIN’T SISTERS. Frontpersons Barb Carbon and Arrie Bozeman join the pod from the deep Southeast, an insightful, humorous, nostalgic chat to discuss their unique connection, band origin/journey, their music & message, and the incomparable energy native to the Spirit of Suwannee. Across the past few years, it's been recommended I check out this white-hot band of badasses in ATL, by way of numerous folks in the know. As such, it was hella cool to finally hear their colorful story, karmic chemistry, and punky alt-folk rock musical adventuring; reflections and recollections heard straight from the Ain’t Sisters’ mouths.
- 0:00 - ep.092 preview
- 3:00 - SPONSOR - Aaron Schwartz Art
- 6:20 - The Upful Update
- 10:10 - introducing MORiLLO
- 13:20 - INTERVIEW w/ MORiLLO [40min]
- 53:40 - introducing AIN'T SISTERS
- 56:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Barb and Arrie [46min]
- 1:42:30 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jamz
MORiLLO bio-
With a desire to expand his opportunities across the music world, Zach moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He quickly found work as a touring drummer for internationally acclaimed artists RHYE, Childish Gambino, and Groundation and has traveled the world performing at the biggest and best festivals and venues like Coachella, Red Rocks, and The Hollywood Bowl. In addition, he has been creating and developing his own unique sound and identity through music production and djing. As ‘MORiLLO’, Zach has released a multitude of projects on established labels such as Gravitas Recordings, Muti Music, High Vibe Records, Tribal Trap, Hybrid Trap, Simplify, and Play Me Records. As he continues to build his project, Zach’s music has been celebrated by music lovers and DJ's on stages and at festivals around the world. MORiLLO released his latest LP The Dub Cartographer in summer 2025.
Ain’t Sisters bio -
Fun, eclectic folk rock. Fronted by the deliciously androgynous duo Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon, the Aints deliver high-energy performances of their wildly diverse original music. Joined by the hardest working men in rock n Roll, Richie Jones on the Boom Chick thwackita whackita, and Justin Boudreau, aka BooDreamy, masterfully holding down the rhythm section and making everybody swoon with their gorgeous licks. Think Indigo Girls meets Dream Theater but with a little Birdcloud in the mix.
ViBE Junkie Jamz
MORiLLO x Peace Sine "Tribal Dub"
Ain't Sisters 11/11/22 Tree House
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![091: BLAIR JACKSON [Jerry Garcia Biographer/Grateful Dead Historian]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/BLAIR_JACKSON8833m_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
It's not every day a decorated Grateful Dead historian/Jerry Garcia biographer slides thru the crib for a nearly 3-hour interview spread across 2 separate sessions. Such was the case over a few days in July when BLAIR JACKSON visited with your humble narrator right here in the ViBE Junkie Studios in Oakland, Ca! Author of 1999's extraordinary, bar-setting bio GARCIA: An American Life; publisher of pioneering GD fan-zine The Golden Road; journalist with BAM Magazine; author of The Music Never Stopped; co-author of This Is All A Dream We Dreamed (with David Gans), blogger at Dead.net; among many other endeavors. This here OG is nothing short of a pillar in chronicling all things GD culture, a deeply-researched and articulate authority on that lovable fat man and how the music played the band. All that said, this episode is bound to cover just a little more ground!
- 0:00 - episode 091 preview
- 3:00- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART
- 6:30 - The Upful Update
- 11:30 - introducing BLAIR JACKSON
- 18:20 - INTERVIEW - Blair Jackson [133 min]
- 2:31:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ
Eternal thanks to the grate Blair Jackson for his precious time, energy, integrity, thoughtful recollections & personal reflections.
ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ
“Welcome to the Basement” - RECONSTRUCTION
3/7/79 Rancho Nicasio, CA
“Crazy Fingers” - GRATEFUL DEAD
8/15/75 - Great American Music Hall, SF
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![090: SHAWN SETARO [COMPLEX] - Unpacking the DIDDY Trial](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/episode_090adjlu_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Episode 090 taps in with renowned hip-hop culture journalist SHAWN SETARO who recently spent 2 WILD Manhattan months courtside at the Sean "DIDDY" Combs trial reporting daily for COMPLEX. Definitely some different topical topography juxtaposed to the norm for this program. Please rest assured, this is a serious conversation; an insightful, illuminating, sobering look into the lengthy legal proceedings & celebrity circus surrounding this salacious sordid saga, and a sad, scary, depraved drug-addled cuck at the center of the chaos he created.
- 0:00 - episode 090 preview
- 3:15- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART- LETT US PLAY
- 6:30 - The Upful Update
- 11:00 - introducing SHAWN SETARO
- 15:15 - Trigger Warning - SA/DV
- 16:45 - INTERVIEW - Shawn Talks DIDDY Trial [85 min]
- 1:42:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ
Sean "Diddy" Combs fka "Puff Daddy" - founder of Bad Boy Records, Sean John clothing, and resident pop-culture megalomaniac - was involved in a high-profile federal criminal case where he faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His former partner Cassie Ventura, once an artist on his label, was the star witness for the prosecution. After a seven-week trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
BIO: Currently a freelance journalist after many years on staff with Complex, Shawn Setaro has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, GQ, and Forbes, and is the writer and reporter on the Spotify/Complex podcasts 'Infamous' and 'Complex Subject.' Prior to Complex, Setaro worked for Genius.com and hosted The Cipher, a podcast featuring interviews with 250 legendary figures in hip-hop. Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods was his first book. Shawn first appeared on The Upful LIFE Podcast episode 052, in Dec. 2021.
- Shawn Setaro - author page COMPLEX
- German article Shawn references/gets quoted
- THE CIPHER SHOW pod archives!
- Complex Subject: Pop Smoke [Shawn Setaro hosted pod series]
- Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods by Shawn Setaro [Complex Presents]
- Shawn Setaro on Grammy.com
- Shawn Setaro IG
Vibe Junkie JAMZ
"24 Hrs. to Live"
Mase ft. The Lox, Black Rob & DMX
“The Last Huzzah (Remix)”
Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, EL-P
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![089: MARC BROWNSTEIN [The Disco Biscuits, DJ Brownie] + DAVE MARGULIES [High Sierra Music Fest]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Subheading_1_6fxmj_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Please welcome The Disco Biscuits bassist/co-founder MARC BROWNSTEIN aka DJ BROWNIE to Episode 089, a particularly wide-ranging, illuminating conversation long overdue but undoubtedly over-delivers. Marc has indeed appeared on a plethora of pods; however, this cosmic convergence is a brutally honest, beautiful breaux-down many, many moons in the making. Tapping in from his family home outside Philly, at 51 years young Brownie is vibrant and verbose, footloose and fancy free, embracing a health-is-wealth mindset, feeling reborn on the wheels of steel. Celebrating his pioneering quartet’s 30th anniversary in 2025, whilst confidently co-piloting the Bisco renaissance/revolution in motion. Across nearly 2 hours of fast-paced dialogue, the ever-affable Brownstein is jovial and reverent, pontificating with trademark passion, transparency, vulnerability, and candor.
- 0:00 - Episode 089 PREVIEW
- 4:00 - SPONSOR - Down By The River, 7/19 Cactus Jack's, CO
- 6:00 - The UPFUL Update
- 8:30 - Introducing MARC BROWNSTEIN
- 12:30 - INTERVIEW - Brownie [116m]
- 2:09:00 - intro- DAVE MARGULIES of High Sierra Music Festival
- 2:13:00 - State of the HSMF Union w/ Dave [19m]
- 2:32:00 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAM
Marc Brownstein pod topics include: DJ Brownie x Adam Deitch, House Music All Night Long, juggling a side project and a main gig, the rebirth of Bisco; 3 decades of Disco Biscuits, practice, band interpersonal dynamics and communicating styles, shedding from home, singing improvements, Coach Joey, substance use- past/present, Brownie quitting ganja/vaping and how it’s affecting his life/vocals. Getting professionally/effectively medicated for anxiety, prioritizing self-care, Zack Brownstein fka Mini Man, Brownstein Family Band, father/song jamming, intergenerational jamband lineage, tDB legacy/influence, Weed Santa at Warfield SF, profound life lessons and Gospel Tent rendezvous, RIP Johnny R. Goode, and so much more.
High Sierra Music Festival's DAVE MARGULIES
As the 33rd iteration of this treasured tradition approaches Fourth-of-July weekend in NorCal, we welcome the grate DAVE MARGUILIES of the mighty HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL for an impassioned, sobering, emotional, and ultimately inspirational 'State of the High Sierra Union'. An iconic, grassroots, grand-daddy of em' all, HSMF is among the last few truly independent fests of its size and history; post-pandemic the event has suffered staggering losses in attendance, beyond this year, the festival's future is uncertain. Also celebrating 30 years (w/ HSMF), Dave slides thru to testify as to why We, the dedicated denizens of High Sierra Nation, must rally 'round the family and "not let this baby die on the vine." He explains his vision/roadmap for the current economic climate and the necessity to reinvent his festival business model. Powerful, poignant stuff from the OG. This chat also serves as a thorough, insider's preview of what's certain to be another incredible, intimate Independence Day weekend full of dance parties in Quincy.
Use SIERRA15 at checkout
ViBE Junkie JAM
DJ BROWNIE x DOGS IN A PILE
"Higher State of Consciousness" [Josh Wink cover]
5/24/25 Burning Daylight Fest
Katarakt - 1988 Stoner House Edition
Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla!
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Behold the prodigal sons of Asbury Park, NJ! It's a total joy to welcome red-hot buzz band DOGS IN A PILE to the Upful LIFE. This colorful conversation with all 5 members went down mid-Feb. '25, during Jam Cruise 21. Though DOGS are somewhat of a young band, their meteoric ascent certainly shreds for itself. So I wanted a peek behind the curtain, to see what makes these boys tick, and find out what it's like riding a rocketship into jam-scene success. Wrangling together all the Dogs’ cats into one cruise cabin during the biggest rager of the year is no small feat, however these dudes were definitely stoked to connect, and once we got established they really opened up. Dogs In A Pile proved a humble, humorous, hungry pack; after wrapping the insightful chat these Jersey boys definitely felt like my new homies. So much so that I chased the Dogs convo with the return of my oldest/dearest pal Jason Abrams (J.A.), who comes back to the Upful podwaves talkin’ summer tours and a whole lot more.
- 0:00 - ep.088 preview
- 03:45 - SPONSOR - Down By The River @ Cactus Jack’s CO 7/19
- 06:00 - The Upful Update
- 11:15 - Introducing: DOGS IN A PILE
- 17:45 - INTERVIEW / Dogs [44 min]
- 1:01:30 - Crossover to JASON ABRAMS
- 1:07:15 - CONVERSATION w/ J.A. [55 min]
- 2:02:30 - Afterglow, ViBE Junkie JAMZ
Dogs In a Pod topics include: Jam Cruise then and now, band origin story, Asbury Park scene, Danny Clinch, West Coast vs. East Coast audiences/energy, family lineage, Grateful Dead, responding/reacting/handling increasing success/popularity, and more. Huge Thanks to Jeremy Kaplan (keys/vox), Brian Murray and Jimmy Law (guitar/vox)· Joey Babick (drums), and Sam Lucid (bass/vox); appreciate y’all carving out some boat time for Unc, keeping it a buck, and delivering a cool improvisational convo.
"I'm On Fire" [Bruce Springsteen] - Hanll house edit
After that round-robin situation, get ready for the grand return of J.A.! My hometown homie and best bud of 35 years, lifelong Springsteen Stan, noted Jerzadelphia Phishtorian, glam-rock guru, and pro-wrasslin’ encyclopedia sits down for another classic one-on-one. Jason Abrams makes his record 6th appearance on the Upful LIFE program to discuss select summer tours, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame class of ‘25, Bruce, the current state of Guns n’ Roses, GD60 in SF this August, BMFS, plus the usual nans and hijinks listeners have come to love from the legend J.A.!
ViBE Junkie JAMZ
- “Spread That Feeling [All Around]” - Nikki Glaspie & the Homies. (PLEASURE cover) - 5/4/25 Maple Leaf Bar, NOLA
- “Look Johnny” - Dogs In A Pile - 1/28/25 - SLC, Utah
Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla!
![087: TARRIONA "TANK" BALL [Tank And The Bangas] + TYPE RIDER [multi-media poetry project]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Tarriona_TANK_Ball_1_9oa6s_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
TARRIONA "TANK" BALL, founder/frontperson/visionary of NOLA-based, GRAMMY-winning TANK AND THE BANGAS joins B.Getz for a special broadcast aboard Jam Cruise 21! Episode 087 was recorded around 12noon on Day 5, and Tank brought an insightful, jovial, reflective perspective to the table for a coloful conversation. On the hees of a pair of dynamite performances as part of their second sailing on The Boat, having first joined this floating circus a precious few weeks before the pandemic in Jan.2020, Tank talks about her JC experiences onstage and off, past and present. She also revisits her 2024 Grammy triumph, winning Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for their 3-part masterpiece The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. Other topics include Tank's hometown of New Orleans; embryonic beginnings with SLAM Poetry; longtime friend and collaborator Norah Jones, what makes a BANGA? co-producers Iman Omari, James Poyser, Robert Glasper; the impact of their shapeshifting 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, resulting in Trey Anastasio stanning her band very publicly; getting the 2025 NOLA Jazz Fest poster, and more!
Episode 087 also features an illuminating dialogue with SCOTT T. about his latest foray into a new frontier with the bold, ambitious, and groundbreaking poetry/music/visual art multimedia project TYPE RIDER. This chat was recorded a few months ago at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.
- 0:00 - ep.087 preview
- 3:30 - sponsor JUST SCHWANDERING NOLA Jazz Fest Parties
- 6:00 - The Upful Update
- 10:45 - introducing TARRIONA "TANK" BALL
- 13:50 - interview w/ TANK [39 min]
- 53:00 - gratitude x Scott T x Tank SLAM Story
- 58:15 - introducing - TYPE RIDER
- 1:02:20 - interview Scott T. [35 min]
- 1:37:30 - afterglow + ViBE Junkie JAM
Tank And The Bangas bio:
Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest — an eclectic performance that has since been praised by musicians like Miguel and Anthony Hamilton and has now amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. Now, Tank and the Bangas arrive with a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. With this offering, Tank opens up about the wisdom she’s gained from new beginnings, endings, and in-betweens.
special thanks to Cloud 9 and Jam Cruise for facilitating this interview!
About TYPE RIDER:
TYPE RIDER is a psychedelic multimedia project by Jacksonville-based poet Scott T. Horowitz that defies traditional literary boundaries. Released via Subtle Body Press, a Florida-based publisher, this extraordinary work combines prose, poetry, visual art, and music into a singular, immersive experience that pushes the limits of creative expression. TYPE RIDER is more than just a book—it's a multi-modal journey that engages readers through multiple sensory channels. The project brings together a diverse team of creatives, including Colombian illustrator Jorge Peña, Virginian music producer B. Helix, and mystical scholar Dr. Manuel Festamos, to create a unique interdisciplinary work.
ViBE Junkie JAM
"Twice The First Time" - SAUL WILLIAMS [1999]
Stream/Download TYPE RIDER on BandCamp
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