Today we’re joined by Chicago’s own Femdot on the heels of dropping his latest mixtape "Free Samples Vol. 2" & kicking off his Free Samples headlining tour. We talk through the mixtape series and building towards his forthcoming album. We discuss the evolution of his writing style over the years as he’s sharpened his pen and become more comfortable telling intricate stories. And we talk through what it means to be a Chicago artist and following in the the legacy of those who have come before. Plus Femdot lays down a live performances his own “Cowboy Bebop."



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Femdot. Interview: On Free Samples Vol. 2, songwriting, & Chicago

NOT 97 is a home for discovering new music from talented, under-the-radar artists around the world. Biweekly episodes feature intimate conversation with rising artists from around the world, as well as exclusive in-studio live performances. Season Ten of NOT 97 will include a range of artists from Amindi, to FELIX!, Shae Universe, and more. NOT 97 is produced in partnership with The Orchard & Human Re Sources.

Music

Music Interviews

Music Commentary

Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of her visuals, and representing herself and her culture as a proudly Palestinian artist, amongst more. Plus Neemz gives a high energy performance performance of her track “Big Steppa." 



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neemz: On identity, intention, discipline, & world-building

Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date.



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SiR: On the his record "Heavy," family, growth, vulnerability, and more.

Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us.



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amal Zenab: On being a first generation New Yorker, thoughtful songwriting, collaboration, and more.

On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how she’s gotten iconic features through genuine, organic connection, and what it means to work with the one & only Lalah Hathaway. Shaé also treats us to a powerful in-studio performance of her song “Passenger Princess.”



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shaé Universe: On family, self-love, virality, & “Love’s Letter"

Today’s we're introducing the young, Toronto-born RNB upstart UNA MIA. Una is fresh off the heels of releasing her debut single "Lose You," with a breakout Colors performance. We talk through what it means to introduce yourself and your music to the world, Una’s journey as a classically trained Opera singer, finding her footing as a live performer, and more.



*Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources

© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.



Follow Not 97:

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Femdot. Interview: On Free Samples Vol. 2, songwriting, & Chicago

Download our free app to listen on your phone