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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
![077: PETER LEVIN [keys - Gregg Allman, Blind Boys AL, The Highwomen] + Summer Tours '24 Preview w/ J.A.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Episode_077_5_64n8y_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Welcome NY-bred, Nashville-based PETER LEVIN, a keyboardist/singer/producer to Episode 077! A veteran of multiple music scenes, bands, and geographies, Peter Levin has written/performed with numerous artists who've appeared on this show, & dozens more who have not. A well-respected musician, songwriter and producer, across 3 decades Peter has collaborated with legends like the late, great Gregg Allman, cultural institutions such as the Allman Brothers Band and Blind Boys of Alabama, rising stars i.e. Amanda Shires, and appears on the award-winning album The Highwomen.
- 0:00 - ep.077 preview
- 3:00 - a word from our sponsor For the Funk of It Festival
- 6:20 - The Upful Update
- 11:00 - introducing PETER LEVIN
- 14:25 - interview w/ Peter [65min]
- 1:20:30 - introducing Jason Abrams
- 1:23:00- Summer Tours '24 Preview w/Jason [37min]
- 1:59:00 - Afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM
Late last year, Levin released the fantastic record under his own name: 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning'. The LP features an all-star slate of contributors that dot his musical journey, including guitarists/friends-of-the-pod Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff and Eric Krasno. Most recently, Peter has been an integral member of the Allman Brothers tribute ensemble 'Trouble No More', with our hero Nikki Glaspie, among others. Peter Levin was kind enough to take some time to drop in and explore his career and collaborators, a conversation that took place at the very end of 2023.
Special Thanks to Solaris Entertainment Studio for making Peter available for this interview.
After Peter's interview wraps, we head right into the Summer Tours 2024 Preview segment with returning fave Jason Abrams, co-host of the Rock n' Wrestling Connection Podcast, my friend of nearly 35 years and an encyclopedia of both rock n' roll and pop culture.
Vibe Junkie JAM
"The Chain" [Fleetwood Mac cover] - The Highwomen
- Check out our awesome sponsor FOR THE FUNK OF IT FESTIVAL , going down August 9-11 in NorCal
Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!
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![076: AGENT 23 - Granola Funk Express [mc/educator/Grammy-winning artist - SECRET AGENT 23 SKIDOO]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/ep_076_coverbheg7_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Agent 23 aka Cactus aka Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, welcome to The Upful Life Podcast! A founding member of pioneering Asheville-based live hip-hop collective Granola Funk Express (GFE). A progenitor of "family hip-hop" with his Secret Agent 23 Skidoo project, which took home a Grammy in 2019 for Best Children's Album. Cactus is a published author of several books, and a prolific educator around the country for kids of all ages and backgrounds.
- 0:00 - episode 076 preview
- 3:30 - iamavl - thank you for the sponsor
- 6:30 - The Upful Update
- 12:40 - introducing Agent 23 aka Cactus
- 16:10 - interview w/ Cactus [95min]
- 1:51:30 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM
From train-hopping, to Rainbow Gathering kitchens, to rap ciphers at Phish festivals, this conversation is a colorful strut down memory lane for any GFE fan. And my man makes sure to spread the love around the krewe. Similarly, Cactus takes us through the birth of his daughter Saki, her transformation into MC Fireworks, and the heights their inspiring hip-hop connection took this beautiful family. These days, 23 and his 'Secret Agency' collaborate with students and symphonies, to wed classical music, global indigenous instruments, and storytelling to the elements of hip-hop. Cactus has also evolved into a successful educator, bringing hip-hop into the classroom as a multi-faceted teaching device.
bio
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is an internationally touring, purple velvet tuxedo wearing family funk phenemenon. Combining the positive, primal power of hip hop with the surreal storytelling of science fiction, 23 Skidoo has concocted a potent potion that wows family crowds across the planet. After a decade of touring nationally as a rapper and producer in Granola Funk Express, he released his first kids' hip-hop album in 2008.
The ingredients of his magic spells include reverence for the boundless mindstates of young children, respect for the culture and DNA of hip hop, funk and soul music, and a deep belief in the power of the imagination to change the world in positive ways, both personal and universal. At the 59th Grammy Awards in 2019, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo won Best Children's Album for his record Infinity Plus One. At the 57th Grammy awards [2017], his record The Perfect Quirk was nominated in the same category. Book Weirdo Calhoun and the Odd Men Out won Silver at the 2014 Moonbeam Awards.
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Secret Agent 23 Skidoo & Asheville Symphony - The Beat Bach Symphonies
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Dennis Cook feature article on GFE - 2006
Vibe Junkie JAM
"Dreamland Theatre" Agent 23 feat. Adam Strange
Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!
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Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Live n' direct from their studio in Vienna, Austria, iconic electronic producer/DJ duo KRUDER and DORFMEISTER tap into the Upful LIFE. On Episode 075, Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister pull up for a colorful, career-spanning conversation, both fellas waxing nostalgic, and piloting the wayback machine through the pair's prolific, pioneering journey in sound. Our chat starts at the 22min mark.
- 00:00 - episode preview
- 04:30 - our sponsors: iamAVL, & Love That Baby
- 09:00 - The Upful Update
- 13:00 - Introducing KRUDER & DORFMEISTER
- 22:00 - Conversation w/ Peter Kruder & Richard Dorfmeister [83min]
- 1:45:45 - Afterglow & Vibe Junkie JAMZ
Listening to these two fine gentleman humourously reflect on their embryonic origin story and enduring connection was nothing short of a pinch-me, bucket-list, feather-in-the-Kangol experience for your humble narrator, as K&D music remains among the most sacred in my lifetime playlist.
Pod topics include:
- the serendipitous rendezvous that first brought them together.
- exploring their idiosyncratic creativity & DIY modus operandi.
- Atari to Ableton: sampling obsession & tech/gear evolution.
- the lost mystique of vinyl crate-digging.
- their early days of globe-trotting.
- developing a trademark sound/aesthetic.
- crafting genre-defining records & timeless remixes: G-Stoned, DJ Kicks, K&D Sessions, 1995
- reinventing themselves onstage w/ a sensational comeback 3 decades deep.
- K&D's virgin sojourn to Burning Man aka the Black Rock Mudpacolypse 2023.
Kruder & Dorfmeister Bio
During the 1990s, Vienna, Austria-based producer/DJs Kruder & Dorfmeister helped invent the electronic music genre known as downtempo/trip-hop. Their presence has loomed large over the scene ever since, despite a relatively small discography as a duo. With 1993 EP G-Stoned- the first release on their similarly titled record label - the pair established a laconic, smoked-out, organic sound & aesthetic rich in live instrumentation. K&D are well-known to incorporate acid jazz, dub, house, atmospheric drum & bass, hip-hop, bossa nova, funk, soul and beyond into their trademark, succulent sonic gumbo.
The duo built up a lengthy résumé of remixes for a diverse smattering of artists, including Roni Size, David Holmes, Depeche Mode, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Several of these were aggregated on the landmark double-album The K&D Sessions (1998), which was lavished with much critical acclaim upon release and its reputation continues to age like a fine wine. Over the years, the two producers remained active with solo work and adjacent projects (most notably Tosca, Dorfmeister's duo with Rupert Huber, and Peter with Peace Orchestra). 1995, a fantastic full-length studio album of original material that had been mysteriously shelved for a quarter century, was unearthed and released in 2020.
Kruder & Dorfmeister are currently celebrating their 30th anniversary with an expansive world tour that unveils an authentic, emotional, kaleidoscopic audio/visual concert experience.
Eternal thanks to Peter & Richard for the time, music, & energy. -bg
- B.Getz's feature: K&D return to US, 1st Burning Man, SF show- Sept.23
- K&D 30th anniversary show - Belgium, Nov.23
- K&D at Burning Man - DISTRIKT sunrise, Sept.23
Vibe Junkie JAMZ
"Speechless" - Count Basic [K&D drum & bass remix]
"Useless" - Depeche Mode [K&D remix]
"Everybody Loves the Sunshine" [Roy Ayers remixed by NETSKY]
Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!
Check out the dope apparel at our friends LOVE THAT BABY
Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!
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![074: ROGERS STEVENS [guitarist/co-founder BLIND MELON]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Ep_074_IG_square_cover_ROGERS909mo_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Welcome ROGERS STEVENS, guitarist/co-founder of Blind Melon - as well as Towne & Stevens - to Episode 074! A dream come true for your host, an unabashed lifelong Blind Melon fanatic. Rogers joins the pod from his cozy home studio just outside Philadelphia for a 90-min conversation about his career - past, present, and future.
A peek inside Rogers' process making records with Nathan Towne, and Stevens finally finding his singing voice later in life. Working with Rene Lopez again, long after Extra Virgin and The Tender Trio. Growing up a rocker in rural Mississippi. Embarking on the storied sojourn from the Deep South to the Sunset Strip, arriving at the peak of glam-rock hair-band decadence. Rogers pulls up in a Cadillac, sittin’ in the back, opens the passenger door and invites us on a wacky, wild, reflective ride through the galaxies of yesteryear in the Blind Melon wayback machine.
Buckle up fam, this ep is my love letter to anyone who ever treasured this beautiful band, and those of us who still grieve deep for the dearly-departed Shannon Hoon.
- 3:15 - a word from our sponsor IAMAVL
- 6:15 - shoutout COLD BLOODED DESIGNS
- 7:30 - The Upful Update
- 10:15 - Introducing ROGERS STEVENS + B.Getz’s BLIND MELON rabbithole
- 31:20 - conversation w/ Rogers [97 min]
- 2:08:30 - Afterglow & Reflections, + Vibe Junkie JAM
Background:
In 1990, 23-year-old Shannon Hoon first met Rogers Stevens in Los Angeles after taking a bus from Lafayette, Indiana to SoCal. A year or so earlier, Stevens and bassist Brad Smith had relocated to L.A. from West Point, Mississippi, where they graduated high school and worked on the kill floor of a local slaughterhouse. Stevens connected with Shannon through a mutual friend in Hollywood; Hoon - hometown homies with W. Axl Rose and already making waves on the West Coast - swiftly reeled off a couple of tunes for Rogers. Immediately taken with Hoon’s voice and mesmerized by his presence, they decided - on the spot - to form a band together.
Blind Melon consisted of Stevens, Hoon, Smith, drummer Glen Graham, and guitarist Christopher Thorn. A promising, multi-hued, idiosyncratic brotherhood that was sadly short-lived. Dreamy single “No Rain” blasted the band into superstardom pretty quickly, and their self-titled debut went triple platinum in the tailwind of the huge hit. In less than five years, the quintet released a strong pair of studio albums, while touring at a furious clip. They appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, SNL, MTV, Canada's MuchMusic, and threw down a legendary set at Woodstock '94. Headlined clubs and theaters, opened stadiums for The Rolling Stones, supported Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, Neil Young, and numerous others.
After the monster success of their debut CD, Blind Melon set about refining/redefining their unicorn sound, as evidenced on sensational sophomore record Soup. Critically-panned and a commercial disappointment at the time, over the course of nearly three decades Soup has proven a celebrated fan favorite. A gumbo of compositions and performances that transcend era and genre, Soup is a magnificent work of high art in the Crescent City voodoo tradition. When Hoon died suddenly from a drug overdose, on tour in New Orleans in October 1995, the band was evolving rather organically, though still finding their stride. A posthumous collection of B-sides and outtakes, the gripping Nico (named for Shannon's daughter Nico Blue Hoon - only a few months old when he tragically transitioned) was released in 1996, an emotional nod towards what could’ve - and should’ve - been.
These days, Rogers Stevens is an attorney who lives in the Philly suburbs with his family. He’s currently workshopping songs with Nathan for the next Towne & Stevens record. I offer the deepest of bows & eternal thanks to Rogers Stevens for his time, energy, the music and memories. Rest easy, Shannon Hoon & Long Live Blind Melon!
Vibe Junkie JAM
Blind Melon - "Time" (1995 > 1992 > Woodstock '94)
sourced from the film Letters From a Porcupine
- Letters From a Porcupine film [1996]
- All I Can Say [2019 documentary]
- An Angel On One Shoulder, Devil On The Other by Greg Prado [2008 book]
- Shannon by Greg Prado [2021 book]
- MELONcholy & the Infinite Sadness by Chris Heath [article in Details/Nico CD-Rom - 1996]
Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!
Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!
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![073: MARYA STARK [singer/songwriter] + WREN LIZABETH [herbalist - The NOHM Co.]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/ep_073_cover_IG_square63998_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Episode 073 proudly welcomes a pair of prolific special guests: the magnificent multi-instrumentalist, multimedia enchantress, self-confessed storyteller, bard, and muse: Ms. MARYA STARK sits down for a colorful, career-spanning conversation. Chased by a second, equally-illuminating chat with WREN LIZABETH, an herbalist, permaculturist, and educator, the founder of alternative holistic health/self-care collective The NOHM Co., & elixir line The MerTails.
- 1:30 - a word from our sponsor iamavl
- 4:15 - shoutout Cold Blooded Designs
- 6:00 - The Upful Update
- 10:00 - introducing MARYA STARK
- 13:15 - interview w/ Marya Stark [46 min]
- 59:15 - introducing WREN LIZABETH
- 1:03:15 - conversation w/ Wren Lizabeth [49 min]
- 1:48:30 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Marya Stark found her voice in the high desert, and marks a memory as a very young child singing herself into an ecstatic state as the embarkation point for a lifelong dalliance with sound art and music therapy. A decade-long run of critically-acclaimed records would patiently and intentionally unfurl; a career cannon punctuated by emotionally-charged, introspective songcraft, frozen time capsules illuminating her own lived experiences. Nascent explorations in soul retrieval and energetic psychology through expressive arts and ritual performance.
In September 2023, Marya Stark released her fifth solo LP, Weightless; an exquisite collection of songs soft and vulnerable, human and dreamy. She's also 1/5 of the acapella supergroup Starling Arrow with Tina Malia, Ayla Nereo, Leah & Chloe of Rising Appalachia. When not composing music or performing onstage, Marya Stark mentors artists and women. She teaches courses in The Art of Voice, Cultivation of the Muse, and songcraft. Stark is the founder of the Temple Of The Muse, leading inner alchemy through immersive expressive arts containers and womb wisdom. Marya Stark currently lives in Grass Valley, California.
- stay up on all things Marya Stark music HERE
- find out more about TEMPLE OF THE MUSE
Ep.073 also includes a deep dive with a dear friend, the renowned herbalist/entrepreneur Wren Lizabeth (fka Jill TrAshley), founder/owner of The NOHM Co., as well as The MerTails (elixirs as mixers), Village Witches Elixir Bar, plus much more. Based in Asheville, NC, Wren Lizabeth is a familiar fixture at music festivals all over the country and internationally. Often tending bar with The NOHM or Village Witches, as well as curating nourishing meal plans for retreats & parties, or sourcing/making herbal medicine for The MerTails elixir line. Art is her first love, as such the plate and the cup are her canvas. Wren believes our food is our medicine.
Wren is passionate and motivated to educate about decentralizing and divesting our dependence on modern day supply and demand cycles and trends. Her work is often focused on rooting them back into local bioregions with her own hands, and creating/nurturing collaborators in such spaces. Wherever Wren goes (including our hangs and this podcast) she sparks profound conversations about conscious consumption, with a goal to expose the accessibilities we have to better facilitate living in sync with our natural surroundings, one bite or sip at a time.
- Follow Wren Lizabeth on IG @herban_urbalist
- Keep up w/ all things The NOHM Co. & The MerTails
Vibe Junkie JAM
"God Morning" - Ra-Be 333 feat. Marya Stark
Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!
![072: ALEX WASILY [Dumpstaphunk, Francis Comes Alive, very good trombonist]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/ep_072_Wasily_cover8nuf1_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Welcome Alex Wasily to Ep.072 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast*! #VeryGood trombonist with NOLA institution Dumpstaphunk since 2016; musical director of Francis Comes Alive, Neal Francis new 11-piece big band experience and concert film. Teacher and student, the crew cheerleader and a masterclass mentor, plus expert mixologist and host with the most. Alex was kind enough to bring his huge personality, beautiful journey, and insightful perspectives to the show for a lengthy conversation.
- 2:30 - A word from our sponsor iamavl
- 5:30 - The Upful Update
- 11:00 - introducing ALEX WASILY
- 13:15 - INTERVIEW w/ Alex [103 min]
- 1:56:00 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM
With a passion for life, art, the hang, and the pursuit of unity through music, alex wasily has made a standout approach to music that can be attributed to his unique unyielding optimism and positive outlook on what most would consider a wild way to live. He goes by many names. a-waz. waz. my dawg. ya boy. the forever hang. Egyptian born, American raised, all soul, and all hang. alex was born in alexandria, egypt and raised in savannah, georgia. performing music is alex's way of taking you out of what may have been a depressing day and into what might be the wildest night of your life.
Alex regularly performs and tours the world with Dumpstaphunk and is Neal Francis’ music director when the 11-piece goes on the road. he also throws the funkiest party in Los Angeles every monday at Gold-Diggers at his series simply called Very Good Mondays™.
Vibe Junkie JAM
"Hard to Face the Music" - Idris Muhummad [1976]
Check out Alex Wasily's Very Good Cocktails HERE
Alex Wasily trombone masterclass
Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl
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![071: PAUL LEVINE [10th Hulaween, Bear Creek, SOSMP] + Remembering James Casey + BGetz Hula23 Picks](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/Epiisode_07189503_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
A very special guest many moons in the making, please welcome dear friend and fearless leader PAUL LEVINE of Hulaween, Purple Hat Productions, co-founder of Bear Creek and Purple Hatters Ball, Suwannee Resonate, and all-around ambassador of Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. Paul is a major force of nature in our little sliver of the musical universe, responsible for so many epic endeavors over the years. On the occasion of the 10th Hulaween, Paul the Wolf finally slides through the pod to discuss the joys, journey, success, teammates, peaks, valleys, tragedy, community, and the Spirit of Suwannee dream. After our conversation, BG runs thru the Hula 2023 schedule and gives you a handful of can't miss picks.
Episode 071 begins with your host’s lengthy, personal eulogy/tribute to the late, great James Casey, who passed away August 28th at the age of 40 from colorectal cancer.
- 3:30 - a word from our sponsor iamavl
- 6:30 - The Upful Update
- 11:15 - Remembering JAMES CASEY
- 28:15 - introducing Paul Levine & a love letter to Spirit of Suwannee
- 39:45 - interview w/ PAUL LEVINE (73 mins)
- 1:52:45 - B.Getz’s Hulaween 2023 Picks
- 2:17:45 - Vibe Junkie JAM
Please check out our sponsor IAMAVL
James Casey was a longtime saxophonist/vocalist with Trey Anastasio Band, he logged time with Lettuce before that, founded hybrid electronic squad Animus Rexx, performed in various ensembles with The Nth Power, and sat in with countless bands and artists across genre and geography. A certified musical genius, he was a personal friend to me and so many others in the jam diaspora. Offstage, James Casey was somebody I admired for the way he moved through life: determined, ambitious, graceful, loving. From when we met in 2011 til our last interaction, he was always very kind to me. I wanted to say a few words about the man while the wound is still fresh. Rest easy, James Casey.
Paul Levine interview: After recognizing the ingenuity, resiliency, and longevity of HULA, naturally Paul and BG hop in the wayback machine for treasured memories of Bear Creek, the long-defunct, bitter-cold, beloved funk olympics hosted in those same spiritualized woods on the banks of the Suwannee River. From there, we love on Lettuce for a good long while, as Levine was instrumental in the band's SE regional come-up, Bear Creek was LETT HQ for seven glorious years, and he remains a major ally and asset to the squad. Paul offers poignant recollections of Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, revisits Purple Hatters Ball, talks Mama Margie, plus music and community as medicine in the wake of tragedy and grief.
Thank you Paul, for EVERYTHING.
Vibe Junkie JAM
Scott T - 'Get Back (to the River)'
Scott T workshop on the history
of the Spirit of Suwannee (Hula 21)
James Casey - Music As Medicine (mini-doc)
Hurricane Idalia Fundraiser for Sonny Perez at SOSMP
![070: PAPA MALI [solo,7 Walkers, Shantytown Underground,] + RIP Russell Batiste Jr.](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/PAPA_MALI_Episode_070_coverbb70l_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Welcome the great guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer PAPA MALI! Based in NOLA for the past dozen years, Papa Mali is a certified rock n' roll troubadour, having lived several musical lives in numerous locales across the past half-century. An artist for art’s sake and rad to the core, Malcolm is an old-school bluesman, reggae devotee, soul/R&B aficionado - he’s at home with funk, folk, and gutbucket piano joints too. The man is a living breathing chameleonic musicologist in our midst. A conversation brimming with detailed ruminations and colorful pointifications.
In addition to the Crescent City, Papa Mali reflects on nascent days soaking up culture in his Shreveport childhood, before wandering onward to Little Rock, Kingston Jamaica, Austin, and eventually New Orleans, with a plethora of potent points between. The lifelong soundtrack to these travels, trials, and tribulations is a terrifically-tasty gumbo on the transistor radio station.
Episode 070 starts with a short message from your host, a moment of reflection and prayer for peace. Followed by a brief tribute to the dearly departed NOLA drummer/icon RUSSELL BATISTE JR. Papa Mali begins our conversation with a lengthy, touching tribute to fallen friend and collaborator, an Austin legend, bassist BRAD HOUSER.
- 3:15 - a word from our sponsor iamavl
- 6:00 - a brief acknowledgement of current events
- 9:30 - The Upful Update
- 16:00 - Celebrating the life of Russell Batiste Jr.
- 21:30 - Russell Batiste Jr. talks about Frenchy
- 23:15 - introducing PAPA MALI
- 27:15 - INTERVIEW w/ Papa Mali (108 mins)
- 2:15:30 - afterglow & Vibe Junkie JAM
Please check out our sponsor IAMAVL
Papa Mali interview topics include: Remembering Brad Houser, discovering/absorbing music as a kid, Howlin' Wolf, Rolling Stones, Johnny Slim Campbell, a wide-eyed, shape-shifting 1977 sojourn to Kingston, Jamaica at the apex of political gangland warring, getting adopted by rastas in the bush, moving to Austin, acclaimed American reggae band Killer Bees, the death of co-founder Michael E. Johnson, coming back to reggae decades later with NOLA’s Shantytown Underground, the connection between reggae/rocksteady and New Orleans R&B/soul, meeting/dosing with Bill Kreutzman of the Grateful Dead at Oregon Country Fair, embarking on 7 Walkers with Billy, George Porter Jr., and Matt Hubbard, writing with Robert Hunter, moving to NOLA and creating Music Is Love album, Reverend Goat Carson, making two LPs with Dan Prothero and Fog City Records, Papa Mali the record producer, and more!
Vibe Junkie JAM
“Flouride” Critters Buggin’ (1998)
Stanton Moore and Adam Deitch talk Russell Batiste Jr.
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Finally... KARINA RYKMAN has come BACK to *The Upful LIFE Podcast*! The bassist/vocalist just dropped a dynamite debut LP JOYRIDE, with contributions and co-production from Trey Anastasio. On the heels of several barnburner festival throwdowns this summer, she's blasting off on a huge headline tour from coast to coast in the fall. Karina slides thru for a candid and colorful conversation, revealing how her career has evolved and exploded since we last spoke. A detailed unpacking of the creation and manifestation of her record. Reflections on musical partnership with producer Gabe Monro, bandmates Adam November and Chris Corsico, plus mentor Marco Benevento. Selling out the venerable Blue Nile during Jazz Fest after dark. And so much more!
Ep.069 also contains a short, spirited chat with BRIAN SWISLOW, keyboardist of Humboldt County's R&B-soul upstarts OBJECT HEAVY. A real hot band out here on the West Coast. Check out my record review of their phenomenal Color Red LP Love & Gravity HERE.
- 2:30 - a word from our sponsor iamAVL
- 5:30 - The Upful Update
- 8:45 - introducing KARINA RYKMAN
- 14:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Karina (80min)
- 1:45:30 - introducing BRIAN SWISLOW [Object Heavy]
- 1:49:00 - quick chat w/ B-SWIZ
Order Karina Rykman JOYRIDE on vinyl
Vibe Junkie JAM
"Dropkick" - Marco Benevento
2.25.22 Ardmore Music Hall
KARINA RYKMAN BIO
Born and raised in New York City, Karina Rykman’s musical path began in her early teens playing in bands whenever she could while attending a veritable ton of live music as a fan. Her remarkable prowess on the bass guitar soon landed her a number of high-profile television gigs spanning America’s Got Talent to backing up pop star Julia Michaels on TODAY. By the end of her senior year at NYU, Rykman’s virtuoso talent and infectious spirit saw her invited to join pianist Marco Benevento’s band (as recommended by Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz), with whom she performed countless shows including dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Guster, and many more.
Rykman soon formed her own namesake band, accompanied by Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). She quickly earned a reputation as a mesmerizing, unmissable live act, lighting up an array of international stages with headline sets, show-stealing festival performances (including Bonnaroo, Peach Music Festival, and Sweetwater 420 Fest), shows alongside Khruangbin, Guster, and The Disco Biscuits (among others), and recent appearances sitting in with the 8G Band on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers.
That same spellbinding power was soon captured on a series of independent singles, including “Elevator” and the million-streaming “Plants,” both of which have now been newly enhanced for Rykman’s debut album, JOYRIDE. Written and recorded with childhood friend, producer Gabe Monro, the album serves as a vivid canvas for Rykman’s vibrant expression and chameleonic songcraft. JOYRIDE features Trey Anastasio as co-producer and featured musician, contributing guitar on five of the album’s nine tracks.
Object Heavy is Northern California’s hardest hitting Soul sensation. Based in Arcata, this cast of musical characters has made waves up and down the North Coast of California, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the United States. Object Heavy was voted best band in Humboldt, four out of the last 5 years, including 2022.
Object Heavy hit the studio to cook up Love & Gravity, a new album produced by Kelly Finnigan (Monophonics), showing off their progressive yet soulful sound. The band is proud to partner with Color Red Music.
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
What an absolute thrill to welcome FRENCHY to Episode 068! Based in NOLA, this icon of live-painting in both music/festival culture(s) and pro sports is renowned around the world for his stunning version of acousti-optics. Frenchy's joyful, freestyle process and pioneering visual art set the bar sky high for a quarter century to come, and continues to elevate and innovate to this day.
Frenchy's flow-state sessions painting the finest live music performances are long the stuff of legend. Funkafied renderings of the heroes of yesteryear and stars of today. A self-taught wizard wielding kaleidoscopic colorways, total Zen amidst the bombastic beats and dancing freaks.
Now 53, married with an 11-year-old son, Frenchy marks over 2 consecutive years of sobriety with humor, candor, and gratitude. He offers this beautifully human reflection on his unique journey on this rock.
Episode 068 is dedicated to the late Andrew Laganella, aka Lag. I'm sho' those four winds blew you safely Home.
- 3:30 - SECRET DREAMS Music & Arts Festival
- 6:45 - The Upful Update
- 12:15 - Lettuce-Praise merch giveaway, Give Thanks
- 19:00 - introducing FRENCHY, dedication to Lag storytime w/Bee
- 31:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Frenchy (75 mins)
- 1:56:00 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAMZ
Bio:
Frenchy paints with soul and celebration, as he travels the world capturing live music performances, festivals, fundraisers and sporting events with style and finesse. From his palette comes vibrantly colored brush strokes inspired by rhythms and melodies, giving emotions a shape in real time. His vivid, energetic pieces captivate art collectors, sports fans and music lovers alike, as if they had the best seat in the house. Based in the talent-rich city of New Orleans, Frenchy is an ambassador to the arts and a bastion of creativity.
Born to a boxer and a saint on August 16th, 1970, in the industrial New England town of Lowell, Mass., Randy Leo Frechette -– a.k.a. Frenchy –- has been drawing since he could grip a pencil. In grade school he impressed friends with caricatures of teachers and classmates, but he did not realize his true calling until The Boston Horns approached him in Orlando and persuaded him to paint their performance live in 1994. Since then, Frenchy’s presence has filled venues both large and small with an explosion of creative spirit.
I'm mighty proud to be the platform where Frenchy chose to share of himself so freely. -bg
- for more info on FRENCHY, check out www.frenchylive.com
Vibe Junkie JAMZ
Brotherhood of Groove - "Wookie World" (2004)
SOUL Brass Band - "If You Want Me to Stay" (live 2019 on WWOZ)
WIN a limited edition 'LETTUCE PRAISE' T-SHIRT
info to enter in this episode's intro