Cestra bravely faces the darkness. Cestra’s daring new record, Portal, is a collision of dissonant industrial sounds and epic choral-orchestral settings that provide a platform for her exceptional vocal prowess. Cestra (Kat Marsh) also discusses how arranging and directing a choir for a special concert with Bring Me the Horizon at Royal Albert Hall not only developed her songwriting and sound, but gave rise to her ensemble, Choir Noir, which has earned a loyal following on YouTube. During the episode, we hear three tracks from Portal including “Monument,” “Twin Heart Beat,” and “Aeon.” Follow Cestra @cestratheportal Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Bones Owens has true grit. In his new, self-titled debut album, Bones’ powerful sound and songwriting is deeply inspired by ‘60’s garage-rock, Hill Country blues, and swampy roots rock. Bones talks about the making of the record and shares three tracks including “Good Day,” “Blind Eyes” and “Lightning Strike.” If you’re a sports fan, you can regularly hear his music as part of NFL and NASCAR segments. You can also catch Bones in a full-length album livestream performance on SPIN Magazine's Twitch channel on Thursday, March 4, at 5:30 PM PST / 8:30 PM EST. Follow Bones @bonesowens Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Jarrod Lawson is all about “being the change.” On his most recent record, Be The Change, the Portland based singer-songwriter spreads positive messages through his unique brand of jazz infused soul. Jarrod not only talks about the making of Be The Change, but also discusses how he found a very receptive audience for his music in Europe. You can check out Jarrod on a special livestream, February 25th, 2021, 2pm PST at https://www.ursalive.com/jarrod-lawson - 100% of every ticket sale from the livestream will be matched dollar for dollar by URSA Live and benefit music education nonprofit, Little Kids Rock. During the episode, Jarrod shares three tracks from Be The Change – “Love Isn’t Always Enough,” “I’ll Be Your Radio feat. Moonchild,” and “Universal Chord.” Follow Jarrod @jlawsings This episode presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Norman Sann doesn’t want to take the easy road. Norman is a truly distinctive voice in hip hop who knows that his unique approach may not be the “hit” sound the industry looks for. And, that’s ok with Norman who is looking to make a much more lasting and deeper impact through his story telling, musicianship, and gifts for language. Norman talks about the long arc narrative of the “rap slave” who gets tied into an industry contract later to be hospitalized, medicated and isolated. During the show, we’ll hear three tracks that presents this storyline, “No Good,” “Patient Intake,” and “First Dose.” Follow Norman @realnormansann This episode is presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Emma McGann wants you to be a part of the show. Literally. As an early adopter, pioneering live stream artist, Emma has built a loyal fan base that gets to interact with her during her dynamic and engaging online concerts. In this episode, we hear how Emma transformed a spare room in her Coventry, England house into a virtual touring headquarters. We also hear how she became even more creative with her live stream events after her 23 date US tour was abruptly postponed due to Covid-19. During the show, Emma shares her latest single, “Anyone Else” and she performs two songs live from her home studio – “Misfits” and “My Kinda Crazy.” Follow Emma @emmamcgann Joy Sounds is presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Part 1 of Artists from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. In this special two-part episode, we feature songwriters from UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The songwriting classes are taught by Professor Natasha Pasternak and are offered through the Music Industry programs. In Part 1, we meet three songwriters from UCLA including Sanjana (@sanjmusic), Hayden Everett (@hayden.mp3) and Gabe Deibel (@refreshingtasteofcokezero) and hear some of their songs. We’ll also talk with Professor Pasternak to hear about her classes and her approach to teaching. For more information about the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, visit schoolofmusic.ucla.edu. Joy Sounds is presented in partnership with Music Connection – www.musicconnection.com

Part 2 of Artists from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. In this special two-part episode, we feature songwriters from UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The songwriting classes are taught by Professor Natasha Pasternak and are offered through the Music Industry programs. In Part 2, we meet three songwriters from UCLA including Sophia James (@sophiajamesmusic), Krista Marina (@kristamarina_) and Seiji Oda (@seijioda). We also continue our conversation with Professor Pasternak and hear more about her background as a songwriter and artist and how she brings that experience into her classroom. For more information about the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, visit schoolofmusic.ucla.edu. Joy Sounds is presented in partnership with Music Connection – www.musicconnection.com

Judith Hill is Hollywood. In her new record, Baby, I’m Hollywood, (out March 5th) Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Judith Hill, re-claims what it means to be a creative and artist in the often stereotyped, misunderstood town. After working as a background vocalist for some of music’s most iconic figures, Judith has firmly established herself as her own artist with her own point of view. During this episode, Judith talks about how she articulates her experience as a bi-racial woman in today’s America through insightful, candid songwriting and infectious grooves. Judith also talks about how this is such an important time for artists who are creating and reacting to these significant times of transition and change. Also during the show, you’ll hear three tracks from the new record – the title track, “Baby, I’m Hollywood,” “Americana” and “Thank You.” Follow Judith @judithgloryhill – Joy Sounds is presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Kid Sistr is uniting little sisters everywhere. After having a surprise breakout hit with their song “Dallas” on Tik Tok, Kid Sistr has earned a dedicated fan base. But, don’t make the mistake of writing it off as simple made for social media pop. Kid Sistr’s songs have emotional depth and musicianship that sets them apart. During the show, Kid Sistr performs three songs live from the Joy Sounds studio in a safe, socially distanced session – “Dallas,” “Simple Math,” and “Peter Gabriel.” You can also hear these songs on their self-titled debut EP available on all platforms. Follow Kid Sistr @kid_sistr This episode presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Founded in the heart of Hollywood in 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) is a College of Contemporary Music built on the idea that musicians should teach—and learn from—other musicians in a creative, supportive environment. This unique college offers a complete education in every aspect of the music industry, including instrumental performance, DJ & producing skills, composing for video games, audio engineering, guitar building, music business, and training in the latest music technology. During the episode, we meet two current MI students – Clark Sims (@thefunk_father) and Ariel Bellvalaire (@arielbellvalaire) and hear some of their music. We also talk with the faculty and administration of MI to hear their perspective of what makes MI special. For more information, visit www.mi.edu This episode presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconection.com