Make My Day

Taft is one of the most compelling artists I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. A relentless creator, captivating performer, and an uncompromising producer.

I first met him after he’d moved back from his time spent in New York. Watching him perform, I became envious of the control he maintained over his material. He gracefully dug into song after song, each of the high caliber one witnesses when attending the performance of a true artist.

One indistinguishable summer afternoon in Austin, I had gotten together with Josh Halpern (drummer for Marmalakes, Shearwater, TAFT among many others). He was living with Taft in a house just a few minutes walking distance from my own. I didn’t know Taft too well at the time. We came in to say hi and found him in a poorly lit bedroom, hunched over a computer screen working on his music. At that moment, I started to realize that there were artists recording and producing their own stuff. Getting their hands dirty. Not waiting for anyone to give them permission. Just doing it.

I thought to myself, “I want to do that.”

Back when it came out a couple of months ago, Taft’s record TDNP provided me with a soundtrack to the streets of New York City. Songs that I played on repeat for weeks.

In many ways I look up to Taft and his effort, his energy, spent as an artist. His persistence is an example, but his craftsmanship is an inspiration.

I hope you check out his music at taft.ninja

Here’s my interview with him in episode 43 of Make My Day

Thank you for listening,

Marcus

PS special thanks to CBS for not sponsoring this week’s episode...

Make My Day: Episode 42 ft. Adam Westbrook. Make My Day returns with an #incredible episode. Get practical fashion advice for this sweltering season, and catch up on sports and all that stuff. Video essayist Adam Westbrook joins Marcus for a conversation on creativity and perseverance. patreon.com/adamwestbrook

Make My Day: Episode 41 ft. Emily Bell

In this episode we welcome Austin musician Emily Bell to talk about creativity, baby birds, and her new EP Kali.

You can check out all her awesome stuff at EmilyBell.com

Special thanks to Delta Airlines, Sir Roger Bannister, LeBron James, and the number 41.

Intro and background animation by Ofer Shouval @velosounds

Show notes page: marcusbrown.me/blog/mmd41

Random Product of the Day: Fish Tank Thermometer

http://amzn.to/2qU1kJJ

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/wWJ0aSQMS-w

Soundcloud Link: https://soundcloud.com/makemydayshow/make-my-day-episode-41-ft-emily-bell

Make My Day: Episode 40 Ft. Maki Borden

In today's episode we welcome actor and writer Maki Borden to the show. In our interview we discuss using nervous energy to channel performance, moving to New York City, and table top role playing games.

Special thanks to Headspace, American Idol, Spirit Airlines, and Warren Buffett.

Intro and background animation by Ofer Shouval @velosounds

Show notes page: marcusbrown.me/blog/mmd40

Random product of the day: Grand Slam Turkey Hunt for PC http://amzn.to/2pkD9oq

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/CNtCFjVoXrw

Make My Day: Episode 39 ft. Claudi Ausbury

Today we welcome Claudi Ausbury of Pinc Louds to the show. We talk subway performance art, airplane seat preference, and general human kindness.

Intro and background animation by Ofer Shouval @velosounds

Special thanks to Rite Aid, sunblock, the FBI, and Russell Westbrook.

Show notes page: marcusbrown.me/blog/mmd39

Guest links: pinclouds.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/pincloudsings/

open.spotify.com/artist/5G4Nw3oz2lzx4gneIDs3YX

Random Product of the Day:

Dalmatian Dog Puppy Patch

http://amzn.to/2ptWimn

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/6eQZHNei_Mw

Episode 38: Today we welcome Aaron Hamel, the new drummer for VELO. Aaron is heading off for an East Coast run with York Lore, so we here at MMD wish him the best of luck. As always, enjoy the best of sports, news and entertainment with your amiable host Marcus Brown.

Special thanks to Record Store Day, United Airlines, Aaron Hamel, and Russell Westbrook.

Guest links: https://soundcloud.com/aaron-hamel/sets/recording-catalog https://www.instagram.com/toomanycircles/

Random Product of The Day: "World's Worst Boss" mug for humor or serious gifting. Buy now at goo.gl/ZdM2FI

YouTube Link:

Show Notes Page:

Episode 37: Today, we welcome Evan Tyor one of the creators of Apartment Sessions on YouTube. Evan is a wonderful songwriter and performer living in Brooklyn. We got to chat about Apt Sessions, his creative process, and his new record "F" which comes out May 1.

Also, special thanks to Home Depot, Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder, Google News and Huggie's.

Guest links: https://www.youtube.com/ApartmentSessions

and https://ehff.bandcamp.com ++OUT MAY 1st++

Random Product of the Day:

Huggie's wipes for wiping yourself(40 Pack) http://amzn.to/2ozluWt

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/EN6Cn0ZukCQ

Show Notes:

Kelly Hackmann joins us on the show to discuss life, personal development, and his blog, http://www.innocentideas.com

Also, sports, gym etiquette, morning routines and more!

Special thanks to this week's sponsor, Velveeta Cheese http://www.kraftrecipes.com/velveeta/products/products.aspx

In this episode Marcus is joined by hypnotherapist Dr. John McGrail to talk about taking control of your happiness. Also, money saving tips, sports and more!

Special thanks to our sponsor, Trader Joe's: www.traderjoes.com

For more info on our guest, visit: http://hypnotherapylosangeles.com

In this episode, Marcus speaks to singer/songwriter Ezra Vancil about his new record, his career thus far and overcoming addiction. Also, sports, incredible business advice, and other amazing stuff as well also...

This episode is brought to you by BP, your friendly neighborhood gas station.

Check out EzraVancil.com for more info on our guest