On this episode, my conversation with Marcos de Jesus "de la Guagua." Marcos is a good friend and has been on the show many times and needs little introduction. So, here's a short and sweet one. Marcos de Jesus "de la Guagua" is an artist, most notably, a singer, rapper, and dancer. He has roots in Milwaukee, the Bronx, Puerto Rico, and Pomerania. He's also a licensed NYC tour guide and is a virtual artist in residence at TLCofNYC.org. His compositions have been presented by What a Neighborhood! and Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theatre.

 

We had a hoot discussing his newest project Erstwhile Shuffle, a motet, or short sacred piece, encompassing varoius characters and genres, all anchored on the existential angst of modern life and inevitability of death. We talked about the meaning of music, coping with anxiety in modern life, why there's a dance challenge associated with the project, meaning in the finiteness of existence, the state of contemporary hiphop, and more. We also listened to Erstwhile Shuffle. It's fun; quirky; silly; hiphop-py; meaningful; emotional; and just, well, good.   Thank you for listening. I hope you enjoy.  

 

Currently, Jim Nog Pod is a one-man show. JNP takes a lot of effort and time. Please show your support via Patreon.com/jimnog.

 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro song

0:44 - Introduction

3:33 - Start of convo: What is the meaning of music?

16:15 - Some context for the Erstwhile Shuffle project

19:17 - "Erstwhile Shuffle II-Rap Song for the Club"

23:05 - What is the Erstwhile?

25:22 - "Erstwhile Shuffle III-BOTS et al. Dance, party! etc."

27:39 - What is the Erstwhile? cont'd

34:00 - How to cope with the existential angst of modern life?

43:09 - Why the suit coats, Marcos?

50:39 - Why does Erstwhile Shuffle have a dance challenge?

55:28 - "Erstwhile Shuffle IV-Extending Grace"

56:49 - What's the meaning of death?

1:09:38 - What's the state of contemporary hiphop?

1:20:10 - Wrap up

1:23:22 - Outro song: "Erstwhile Shuffle II-Rap Song for the Club"

1:26:38 - Credits

 

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- Website: http://www.jamesnoguera.com

 

References:

- "Don't Be an A-hole" by Marcos de Jesús "de la Guagua": https://delaguagua.com/track/2344139/don-t-be-an-a-hole - www.delaguagua.com

- Marcos' Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/guaguaelectrica

- Marcos' TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcosdelaguagua