On this episode we chat with veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist, Talia Keys. Based in Salt Lake City, Talia is known for her powerful vocals & captivating performances. With over 16 years of experience in the music industry Talia continues to be passionate about using her platform to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.

From The Ashes , is the first release under Buy Before You Stream, an initiative designed by Midtopia to support independent artists by offering a sustainable revenue model outside the streaming economy. Here fans can purchase exclusive vinyl editions of albums before they hit streaming platforms, with 100% of the profits going directly to the artist! The initiative aims to foster direct artist-to-fan relationships, support local record stores, and build a more equitable music ecosystem for independent musicians.

“When fans buy vinyl, they’re holding onto something real, something that ties them to the music and to me as an artist. It’s a way to share a moment, to create lasting memories, and to give fans a piece of my journey. And at the same time it’s a way for us, as independent artists, to keep doing what we love, without having to rely on the systems that often leave us behind.” Talia concludes, “We’ve reached a point where artists need to come together and demand better from the industry. This is about taking back our worth and rebuilding our careers. Buy Before You Stream is a lifeline for independent musicians, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

From The Ashes is a record that was a year in the making, self-funded by Talia herself, and features collaborations with a string section and longtime collaborators. The album’s title reflects her personal evolution—from anger and protest to gratitude and resilience—and its lead single, “⁠Matchstick⁠,” is a deeply emotional tribute to her late friend and disability rights advocate Psarah Johnson.

Talia has gained a loyal following playing Salt Lake City clubs for over fifteen years, and has furthered her fanbase performing on national tours and festivals. In 2024, Keys released an emotional standalone single “Need You To Care”, which followed a series of covers including “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes), “I Put A Spell On You” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), and “Sweet Dreams” (The Eurythmics).

In 2023, Talia was direct tour support for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, a fortuitous opportunity and budding professional relationship that would facilitate her performing to enthusiastic new audiences all over the U.S. She has also opened for the Indigo Girls, Danielle Ponder, Thievery Corporation, Joanne Shaw Taylor, George Clinton & P-Funk, Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, ALO and many more.

Resonant and raw, 2022’s LP Lessons saw Keys emerge from the pandemic chaos recharged and reborn, leaning into strength and resilience with more clarity and focus in her compositions. With typically-provocative lyrics dotting the kaleidoscopic album, the biting barbs addressed her own space and place as a queer woman in today’s divided America.

2015’s Fool’s Gold EP, the live-looping adventures of Gemini Mind (2014), and debut Soak Your Meat In This (2012). Before breaking out on her own musical trip, Keys assumed numerous roles in the seminal funk-jam syndicate Marinade, with whom she logged six years of shenanigans from 2009-2015.

Talia Keys: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midtopia |

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Talia's Playlist⁠

On this episode we chat with Austin, TX based singer-songwriter Amy Atchley Originally from the Galveston area, Atchley landed in Austin after several years honing her skills in New York City. There she performed at venues such as CBGB’s, The Bitter End and The Living Room and worked for MTV.

Amy's signature ethereal vocal style and catchy melodies that blend pop, indie rock, folk, and classical influences are are seamlessly crafted on her latest release. Sometimes a Woman is King , released in 2023, is her fourth solo album. Produced by Robert Harrison of Cotton Mather, the record consists of eight new original songs and an impressive cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark". Atchley delivers expertly crafted indie pop reminiscent of artists such as Vanessa Carlton, Lana Del Rey, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, and Aimee Mann. 

We conducted this interview on the heels of National Women's Day, and specifically discussed our favorite female artists and recordings. It couldn't have been more fitting...The title track, “Sometimes a Woman is King” is about sisterhood and is for all the strong women and survivors, the moms, the mother figures, the leaders out front and the quiet storms behind the scenes; to all the women who keep the world turning and to Mother Earth, herself.  This track is a universal anthem-like song that features Amy’s arresting vocals, piano playing and songwriting that introduces listeners to the dreamy landscape that she and Harrison have created.   

Amy and her husband, Elias Haslanger, a critically acclaimed jazz saxophonist, reside in Austin, TX, where, in addition to her music career, Atchley serves as a leader in social and environmental justice initiatives. She works with Austin Energy and is involved in various community projects aimed at promoting sustainability and social impact. Atchley has performed with the critically-acclaimed Austin groups Fabu and Hush and can be heard on jingles used in national ad campaigns for Disney, eBay, the NY Lottery, Barbie/Mattel and more.

Amy Atchley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠| ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ | Amy's Playlist⁠

On this episode guest co-host Adam Kirby joins Skunk Manhattan to chat with writer, comedian, and fervent bagpiper, Madeleine Hamilton. Madeline, a native Texan originally from Houston, lived in Los Angeles and studied abroad in Scotland (where she took up and became obsessed with bagpipes) before relocating to Austin, TX.

Her bagpipes-centric "Piping Hot", was performed at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and she received four star reviews from The Scotsman and Broadway World. The one woman show is essentially a first timer’s bagpipes lesson, but Madeleine teaches about the bagpipes through true stories of her sexual escapades. American made, with and a pile of kilts purchased on Amazon, she has incorporates her country’s trademark lack of propriety and chronic horniness into the show. Each part of the bagpipes unfortunately reminds her of a man from her past, and Madeleine weaves a narrative of her search for love and coping with heartbreak against the backdrop of her true love: the loudest instrument ever. 

Madeleine has been doing stand-up comedy for over 6 years, ran a show for a year and a half, and performed at The Comedy Store and Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. To date, she has written four pilots and two features, and has twice placed in the Second Round of the Austin Film Festival.

Madeleine is currently working on a degree in accounting at the University of Texas, while performing solo or with the Austin-based pipes and drums group, Silver Thistle. She is also working on the third draft of a novel which has caused a stunning amount of family drama.

Madeleine: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Linkedin

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ | Madeleine's Playlist

On this episode we chat with Rob Derhak from the eclectic "jam band" ⁠moe⁠. Rob discusses his 35 year journey from playing a party in Buffalo, NY to becoming a staple in the jam band scene. Moe (stylized as moe.) formed in 1989 and release their first record record ⁠Fatboy⁠ in 1992. This established the band as a favorite of the 1990s jam band and improvisational rock scene. 

Moe toured with the ⁠Furthur Festival⁠ in 1997, appeared at ⁠Woodstock '99⁠, played Summerstage at the Rumsey Playfield in ⁠Central Park⁠, performed at ⁠Radio City Music Hall⁠ on ⁠New Year's Eve⁠ 2006 and returned there for New Year's Eve 2007. They have also performed at ⁠Bonnaroo Music Festival⁠ five times. They have also opened for such notable acts as The Allman Brothers and The Who.

We talk about unique sounds, influences, and the evolution of moe's music over the years. Rob shares insights into the meaning behind their latest album '⁠Circle of Giants⁠', and personal details about hardships and tragedies met throughout the recording process. We thank Rob for his candid interview.

Look for moe. currently ⁠on tour⁠! 

moe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Wiki ⁠| ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠ | Rob's Playlist⁠

On this episode Skunk, along with co-host Vic, interviews longtime friend and musical colleague, Sukunya. A talented musician from a young age, Sukunya (aka Suki) was forced to leave behind her teenage success in Thailand when her family relocated to San Antonio, TX. Sukunya knew very little English at the time and had to learn the language while attending music classes at San Antonio College. It was at this time she met San Antonio native Chris Wright (now better know as Skunk Manhattan).

Sukunya tells us about her journey from Thailand to San Antonio to Los Angeles California, where she now resides. She moved there after a few years in SA to attend the prestigious Musician's Institute. After studying at GIT and performing at a variety of venues including residency's at Thai bars and restaurants Suki gravitated towards film. Over the last two decades she has worked as a producer, director, composer, editor, and actress, often taking on multiple roles in a single project.

Though busy with film and video projects, music has remained a passion close to Suki's heart. In recent years she returned to her roots, not only as therapeutic and rewarding self endeavor, but as a tribute to her son. Her debut EP 'Tiger Heart' (though she has released singles and music videos in the past) came out October 2024 with the title track as a tribute to her half Thai half American son, Indy. The two traveled, along with Suki's father to Thailand to star in the video, which was produced and directed by Sukunya. The song and video depicts the generational evolution of the family and pays homage to the roots, traditions and values of their heritage. As a whole, the 4 song EP is incredibly touching as Suki writes and sings about her most personal triumphs and tragedies. The latest single, a particularly moving song, is "December". Suki has already performed at major Thai festivals promoting the release and can be seen opening for the Thai pop band Cocktail on January 23rd at the Vermont Hollywood.

We discuss the emotional authenticity of Sukunya's music, the challenges of perfectionism in production, and the healing power of storytelling through her documentary work in 'Cooking With Love'. The film was produced by Sukunya and shot entirely on location in Thailand. She wrote, directed and produced the film with the help of her supporting husband, who also works in the TV and film industry. The documentary focuses on the daily lives of women in Thailand who cook for their families and often their humble villages. The authentic content further emphasizes Sukunya's value of family and traditions as well as human bonding, regardless of background and culture. The film is an homage to tradition, the importance of home-cooked meals and family time, the creative outlets found during motherhood, and a connection between food and music as universal experiences.

For more on Sukunya check out the links below. And be sure to follow us for more amazing guests!

Sukunya: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify | ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | IMDb

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠| ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠

⁠ESP Playlist | Sukunya's Playlist

On this episode, Ruthie Craft, a talented musician and singer-songwriter, joins us to discuss her journey in music, from her early influences and experiences on American Idol to her recent EP, Sound of Blue.

Ruthie shares her struggles with Tourette's syndrome and how singing initially became a source of comfort and expression. Her passion led her to pursue a career in music, and after a turbulent marriage at a young age Ruthie relocated to Austin, TX to realize her dream. She talks about her move from Washington to the live music capital of the world, the dynamics between her bandmates, and her unexpected success in acting and commercials.

Ruthie discusses the cultural insights gained from her travels, the impact of online comments on artists, and her future plans in music, including further collaborations with artists and producers who have inspired her. This conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a genuine passion for music and connection.

Ruthie Craft: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Music⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ I ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | TikTok

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠| ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

ESP Playlist | Ruthie's Playlist

This episode features Omar Jahwar II, drummer of the EDM meets jam band 2Lot. We discuss the band's formation during a time of personal loss and social change, their unique sound that blends electronic music with improvisational elements, and their mission to inspire and activate change via music. The conversation delves into the challenges of addiction, the importance of community support, and the hard work required to succeed in the music industry as Omar shares personal stories that highlight the power of music as a unifying force and the band's commitment to social advocacy. Omar discusses the freshly released debut album entitled Entropy and upcoming tour plans for the band.

The band's name, '2Lot', symbolizes overcoming life's challenges and the emotional journey conveyed through their music, particularly in the title track 'Entropy'. The connection between jam music and EDM is explored, emphasizing the significance of live performances in creating memorable experiences for audiences. Omar also talks about what resonated musically during his teenage years and the musical influences that shaped his career in conjunction with the profound impact of music on personal empowerment and the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.

Omar, Vic & Skunk also curate a playlist that reflects Omar's personal musical journey as they discuss influential albums and artists, share memorable performances, and delve into the impact of 90s hip-hop and grunge.

In this engaging conversation, Vic and Skunk Manhattan sit down with Kevin Keller, a renowned composer in the ambient and neoclassical music scene. They explore the essence of ambient music, its atmospheric qualities, and how it can transport listeners to new places.

Kevin shares his musical journey, from his early influences in rock and classical music to his experiences in film scoring and contemporary dance. The discussion delves into the role of technology in music production, the importance of live musicians, and Kevin's upcoming projects, including a ballet inspired by his latest album, 'Evensong.'

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the impact of influential composers and the evolving landscape of music composition. In this engaging conversation, Kevin Keller discusses the profound influence of ambient music, particularly the works of Harold Budd, and how it shapes his own compositions. He delves into the creative process behind his latest album, 'Evensong,' which incorporates ancient melodies from Hildegard of Bingen, and reflects on the evolution of musical modes throughout history. Keller shares his eclectic musical tastes, highlighting modern influences and the impact of music in film, particularly in the context of Hans Zimmer's work on 'Dune.'

The discussion culminates in Keller's insights on creating meaningful music through collaboration and experimentation.

In this episode, Skunk Manhattan and Tim Driscoll welcome ZZ Ward, a talented recording artist known for her unique blend of blues, pop, and hip-hop. They discuss her musical journey, influences, and the recent release of her EP 'Mother,' which marks her return to her blues roots and personal experiences as a mother. ZZ shares insights on balancing her career and family life, her collaborations with notable artists, and her upcoming tour plans. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in music and the challenges of navigating fame while staying true to oneself.

Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/ykfsckxn

In this episode of the Eclectic Soundtracks podcast, Vic and Skunk Manhattan discuss the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, and the evolution of Skunkfest. They reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on live music events, the upcoming anniversary of the Lifeblood album, and the importance of community in music. The conversation also touches on Vic's journey in acting and voiceover work, as well as his involvement in Jiu-Jitsu, and the intersection of music and martial arts. They reflect on past performances, the influence of blues in recent festivals, and the exciting lineup for Skunkfest 2024. The duo also shares insights into their podcast's revamp, emphasizing the creation of playlists to enhance listener experience and promote featured artists.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7p5y5uvurPV8wMNrDV4XpN?si=cmKJKPjjQs6qO8d5EQ6Kkg