We sit down with St. Louis's own Jordan Ward on the release day of his debut album "Forward." We talk through the many meanings behind the title of his album, and what this record represents for him and his career. What it means to come from St. Louis and the importance of giving back to his hometown. And what life has been like on tour opening sold out dates for JID and Smino. 



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Jordan Ward Interview: Moving Forward (9.3)

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.

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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." 



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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.



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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.



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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.”



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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.



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Jordan Ward Interview: Moving Forward (9.3)

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