I’m joined this week by Gavin Pilisi, who is one of the more active figures in the Saigon underground music scene. As well as being co-frontman for prolific local band OPN AIR DRG MKT, he is also one of the key organisers behind the Saigon Psych Fest, and one half of the event organiser group; Locally Trapped Wildlife, which is hugely instrumental in the championing of local indie acts.

In todays episode we discuss the origins of Saigon Psych fest, as well as what to expect from its second year coming mid February, the mission of Locally Trapped Wildlife, the origins of OPN AIR DRG MKT and much more.

Follow the Saigon Psych Fest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saigonpsychfest/

Follow OPN AIR DRG MKT at https://www.facebook.com/opnairdrgmkt/

Follow Gavins Solo project Merith fulton at https://www.facebook.com/merithfulton/

Drop us an email at [email protected], thank you and enjoy the episode!

I’m joined this week by Jaipal Tuttle. As well as having an extremely accomplished background in Physics having earned a PhD , Jaipal has also devoted a huge portion of his life to the study of The Tale of Kieu, which is considered the most important piece of literature in Vietnam!

In todays episode we discuss the story and the rich history behind Kieu, why it is deemed the most seminal piece of Vietnamese Literature, how Jaipal is devoting his time to translating the work, how non vietnamese speaking people can access the story and much more.

Purchase the book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2RcJpLd

Check out Pretty Broken Dolls at https://www.facebook.com/PXBXD/

Drop us an email at [email protected], thank you and enjoy the episode!

I’m joined this week by Troy Michael and Blaise Thomas from NGỮ WAVE Collective. With his videography and photography talents Troy is a driving creative force behind the collective, and Blaise along with his rapping and on camera talents helps give Ngu Wave its identity.

In todays episode we discuss what it is that NGỮ WAVE is doing, the challenges of figuring out your own brand identity, the influences of Hanoi and Saigon on their art, Blaise's latest mix tape & music video and much more.

Check them out on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/nguwave/

Listen to Blaise's latest mixtape at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnXbLj0PCz4

Drop us an email at [email protected], thank you and enjoy the episode!

I’m joined this week by Indy Laville and Anh Minh, 2 members of the phenomenal local band, Saigon Soul Revival.  In todays episode we discuss the funk and soul music of Vietnam in the 60s and 70s that inspired the band, the writing and recording process for their new album, their raucous live shows and much more.

Check out Saigon Soul Revival on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/saigonsoulrevival/

Stream their new album on Spotify now!

Drop us an email at [email protected], thank you and enjoy the episode!

I’m joined this week by Jack Briggs and George Bussel, 2 members of the incredible local psychedelic rock band Skeleton Goode. We discuss the origins of Skeleton Goode, the writing and recording process for their new debut album, working with an international record label, the building of their own studio space, and much more.

Check out the band on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/skellygood/

Drop us an email at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

I’m joined this week by Tricia Nguyen, the founder of the Wintercearig Project, a Saigon community project that helps raise awareness for mental health through contemporary arts. Through the project the participants are able to showcase their art as they process their experiences and emotions. In todays episode we discuss Tricias' own personal journey, the founding of Wintercearig, past and upcoming exhibitions, the role of arts in Mental Health and much more.

Follow the Wintercearig Project on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/wprojectvietnam/

Check out Lang Thang, the community art space mentioned in todays episode on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/langthang1847/ and on Instagram @langthang1847

Drop us an email at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

I’m joined this week by the multi-talented creative; Alex Flores. Alex is a photographer heavily involved in the music scene here in Saigon. He has also been involved with the creation of music videos for local acts, from conceptualising ideas, to shooting and editing. On top of this he is an active musician himself as a drummer in an upcoming band project, and involved with teaching the youth of a local school the importance of music and some viable career paths in the music industry.

To find Alex's work visit: https://facebook.com/alxndrray or https://instagram.com/alxndrray

Some of the local bands mentioned in todays episode: 7uppercuts, District 105, Moon Rise City and Zilwa.

Drop us an email at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

I’m joined this week by creative couple Becca Whiting and Bret Hamilton.  Bret is a cinematographer and film maker, who recently worked on a hugely successful YouTube channel and Becca is an events manager who has devoted herself to helping foster a thriving live music scene here, as well as a whole range of other kinds of events.

You can follow Beccas journey on Instagram @beccarosewhite.  Check out SOMA and Saigon Outcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SomaSaigon/ and https://www.facebook.com/saigonoutcast/.  Check out the Best Ever Food Review YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/sonnysidevideos and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BestEverFoodReviewShow/.  If you're interested in the Coracle music festival mentioned then visit https://www.coraclemusicfestival.com/.

You’re listening to the very first episode of Falling Jackfruit, a podcast series where I sit down and chat with the creative community here in Ho Chi Minh City.

I’m joined this week by Belinda 'Bee' Smith and Rhea Mehmet, who are representing the Dragonfly Theatre company. We sit down and have a chat about their upcoming theatre production of ‘Constellations’, both of their respective backgrounds and the journeys they’ve taken so far to get to this point, as well as touching on the local theatre scene here in Saigon. Find out more info on the Dragonfly Theatre Co. on the links below!

Constellations event page and tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/682054715652998/

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Falling Jackfruit!  This is a podcast series dedicated to discussing the creative arts scene here in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

From music, to film and theatre.  From painters, to poets and photography. We want to discuss the full spectrum of creativity happening here in this vibrant city and we hope that we can help you discover something new! 

You can follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallingJackfruit/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fallingjackfruitpodcast/ for more updates.  Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to get alerts on new episodes!  For the creatives out there or if you'd like to hear someone in particular on as a guest please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected]

Thank you and enjoy the show!