Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of The Citrus Podcast Show! Hosted by Ky Richy, we’re back to bring you your fresh squeeze of music, art, and culture. This season, we’ve leveled up the sound and moved to our new studio in Sacramento, and as always, we’re closing out every episode with an exclusive live session on our soundstage.
To kick off the new season, we sit down with the incredibly talented Oakland-based lyricist, J.Lately (@J.Lately). Fresh off his tour runs with Wax, J.Lately dives into the creative process behind their collaboration "Extra Time" and the importance of finding a "natural fit" when touring.
We explore J.Lately’s unique roots in Sebastopol, CA, and how being a biracial artist (Korean and White) helped him find his own musical identity outside of established scenes. J.Lately also gets real about the "basement studio grind," balancing his career with being a father to a newborn, and using music as a therapeutic tool to navigate mental health and personal growth.
Following our conversation, don't miss J.Lately's powerful live performance of his song "Time".
00:00:20 - Welcome to Season 3!
00:01:00 - Guest Introduction: J.Lately
00:01:55 - Touring with Wax & Reworking "Extra Time"
00:04:20 - Growing up in Sebastopol: Nature & Small Town Roots
00:05:30 - Finding a Musical Identity Without a Local Scene
00:06:20 - The Art of Co-Production (Bands at 8 Years Old!)
00:07:15 - Chemistry with Producers Space Cadet & West Coast Trey
00:08:15 - Fatherhood & The Basement Studio Grind
00:11:00 - Music as Therapy: Dealing with Darkness & Growth
00:11:45 - New Album 'Good Morning Hello' & The Singles Rollout
00:13:05 - Track Highlights: "Going Up" & "Vacation Mode" (feat. Through The Roots)
00:14:40 - Working with Legends: The Grouch & Living Legends Influence
00:16:40 - Touring with Locksmith & The Art of Complimenting Styles
00:18:21 - Stage Presence & Adrenaline: The One Time I Enjoy Attention
00:20:45 - Exploring Identity: Biracial Heritage & Korean Roots
00:24:50 - Tour Food Chronicles: Solo City Exploring & Local Bites
00:28:40 - The Story Behind "Time": Reassuring Yourself
00:30:15 - Dad Life: Elmo vs. Smooth Operator
00:32:15 - Advice for Artists: Being the Best Version of You
00:33:35 - Live Performance: J.Lately - "Time"
Did you enjoy this season premiere? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!
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This episode is brought to you by BERO. Non-alcoholic beer for a balanced lifestyle. Check them out at berobrewing.com and tell them Citrus Podcast sent you!
Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast
Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy
J.Lately (Guest): @J.Lately
Dustin Welk (Boards/Sound): @dustin_woelk
Recorded at Atrium Creative Spaces: @AtriumCreativeSpaces