Neurons to Nirvana

As an independent artist, Asher Laub has found ways to monetize his music career by both pushing conventional boundaries in composition and implementing creative strategies that inspire fans to keep consuming his unique music. He is an electronic violinist, bollywood violinist, producer, composer, and performer. 

Asher is known for breakdancing across stages with his LED electric violin, and after you hear his how he lost his music career to adrenal insufficiency and subsequently recovered, I believe that you will be inspired by his story. 

Asher’s content can be found on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, and today, you will hear his original single Neon Dreams that brings high-energy progressive house music and merges it with contemporary classical. 

Connect with Asher:

Instagram @asherlaub

https://www.youtube.com/user/adlbrk

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My Guest on this week's episode is the lead guitarist and vocalist of Perpetual Groove, Brock Butler. 

I recently sat down with Brock before the band performed at one of my favorite Austin music venues, Mohawk. 

Perpetual Groove or also known to their loyal fan base as P Groove, is now back FULL throttle after the pandemic for their Fall tour. This current tour also introduces a new band member with the addition of drummer Darren Stanley. 

Perpetual Groove, over the years, has toured extensively to play for their adoring fans at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Hangout Festival, and Jazzfest to gain international critical acclaim. 

Perpetual Groove‘s sound is both genre-bending and unique that touches upon jazz, neo-psychedelia, trance electronica, and last but not least, Rock.

Find their music here: https://www.pgroove.net/

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Today's guest will take us on a deep journey into how music heals. Music has been my medicine over the years and that's the thing that drew me to Daniel Moody, a Coach, Songwriter, and a Family Man. He helps people to write their own songs, be themselves, and find freedom from their inner critic. 

He uses music and songwriting to help heal, those who are seeking to fill a void that's been lacking in their lives.

This episode is a powerful one and I hope you enjoy.

Want to write your own healing music with Daniel? Consider checking his coaching program out: https://www.danielhuntermoody.com/song

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Austin resident and master of psychedelic funk, Kalu James, sits down with Tom to reminiscence about their fateful first introduction in the rugged mountains of Utah. 

Along the way, hear a journey of musical enlightenment, peek into Kalu's storytelling, and sit down with two friends who found their way together during a period of isolation.

Kalu and the Electric Joint are considered one of the best bands on the Austin music scene right now. With their distinct sound, they have a vibrant live show that enhances their dynamic and uplifting songwriting. Kalu James sits down with Tom and shows his off stage persona as the two share stories of when they met, how their pandemic experience shaped them, and how their experience of moving to Austin has aligned (or misaligned) with their expectations.

Texas Monthly has said Kalu and the Electric Joint “pulls Austin’s sounds into the global diaspora: this is psych rock with more than a dash of Jamaican dub, Southern soul, and Nigerian funk.”

Kalu James grew up the son of a village chief in Nigeria and moved to Austin to enmesh himself in the live music scene. He’s been on the scene as a songwriter for years, and when he began a month-long residency at the Continental Club Gallery with another Austin mainstay, guitarist JT Holt, they both knew there was chemistry afoot. Their weekly shows would last nearly three years and along the way, drummer John Speice joined the party, officially forming Kalu And The Electric Joint.

The Joint was originally an only-in-Austin conception. Now, they have released their debut album, to introduce the world to the blues-rock, American soul and African polyrhythms. Time Undone, recorded over the period of a year out in Driftwood, Texas, and produced by Brett Orrison (Black Angels, Widespread Panic) include guest stars from members of Widespread Panic, War On Drugs, The Sword and Grupo Fantasma, who all contribute to a soulful world groove.

Enjoy Kalu and the Electric Joint’s single Garden of Eden at the end of the podcast.

Regardless of what language you speak, music transcends geographies and Bombino’s epic guitar shredding is a language I think all of us can appreciate.

Bombino taught himself guitar by watching videos of his heroes like Jimi Hendrix. After years of honing his skills back home and spending time as a shepherd in Libya, he first left Africa and traveled to California in 2006 as lead soloist on tour with Tidawt.

During his trip to California, he had the chance to record a desert blues version of the Rolling Stones classic “Hey Negrita” alongside Stones’ members Keith Richards and Charlie Watts. 

He has released a highly acclaimed studio album, Deran, including one rave reviews from in the form of a full page feature in the New York Times which dubbed Bombino ‘The Sultan of Shred’ 

Deran was nominated for Best World Music Album Grammy, the first-ever Grammy nomination for an artist from Niger.

His latest album, 'Live In Amsterdam' was was released in November 2020. 

Bombino held the center stage at Worldfest and it was an honor to sit down with him to discuss his life, travels and musical inspirations. 

He is an advocate for teaching children the Tuareg language of Tamasheq, the local Haoussa language as well as French and Arabic, all of which he speaks fluently. Sadly, I am not fluent in any of these four languages so you will us sit alongside one another while we share stories via the assistance of a French translator. 

It is a pleasure to show you another side of The Sultan of Shred: Bombino.

http://www.bombinomusic.com/

https://worldfest.net/

Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast

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Niki J Crawford and her band bring the heat with a high-energy soul get down. There is undeniable energy hitting the airwaves on this week’s podcast. You can feel her Soul, Funk, and R&B sound.  Niki and the band members have shared the stage and have played with Carlos Santana, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Macy Gray, The Roots, and Keb Mo just to name a few of the performers who have sought out her talent. 

She has performed on various late-night TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live. 

Making her way from the small country town of Springhill, Louisiana to Los Angeles, Niki is a triple threat: powerful vocalist, imaginative screen and songwriter, and stunning actress. 

Niki sat down with me after the California Worldfest to bring her signature southern charm, and probably the best compliment I could share with you is that sitting down with Niki feels like being home in Savannah, Georgia.

Check out Niki's links: https://linktr.ee/NikiJCrawford

Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast

https://worldfest.net/

Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.

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Welcome back to our third episode featuring artists who performed at the California Worldfest. 

During this episode, it is pleasure to introduce you to the music and spirit of The Gold Souls. 

The Gold Souls burst on the Sacramento music scene in early 2017 and are one of the most promising new talents in the area.

Not only do they bring driving grooves of funk and rich textures of soul, they also deliver captivating lyrics and fresh arrangements with a vintage sound.

One such track that captures this dynamic sound is their recent release, ‘94 Chevy. It is featured in the interview.

At Worldfest, I sat down with the dynamic and lovely lead singer Juniper Waller and also with their kind and clever drummer, Billy D. Thompson. 

Unfortunately, we don’t get to meet every member, but as you listen to their music, know that each member has a hand in writing and song composition, making The Gold Souls a truly collaborative effort.

The band has toured all up and down the West coast, as well as through New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and New Orleans. 

Visit their website thegoldsouls.com for tour and release information. They perform an exciting live show that you’ll want to catch.

Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast

https://worldfest.net/

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In this episode, we interview two very dynamic bands in this second episode of the Worldfest series, the first featuring the pioneering band from Brooklyn New York --Red Baraat.

Red Baraat fuses Hip-hop, Indian Bhangra, and funk. They unite the crowd in joy and high energy and are an act not to be missed.

And returning to the podcast for their second time is the extraordinary Cha Wa! From the NOLA streets to the stage to the studio, two-time Grammy nominated band Cha Wa delivers an organic sound, an authentic story and an undeniable energy. This brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit shares their electric energy.

To learn more about our guests visit:

https://www.redbaraat.com

http://www.chawaband.com/

https://worldfest.net/

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This episode kicks off a series with musicians who recently performed at the California Worldfest. 

During this episode and the next six episodes, you will hear background noise from the festival, and in some cases, you can join along in the experience with video on YouTube.

Today’s guests were a treasure to meet, and it is a delight to introduce you to two duos, Brightside Blue and Honey of the Heart. These duos began collaborating and performing together, and their integration in life and on stage emits a peaceful energy. Blue Honey –a name they have been trying out to represent their collaboration, are as much a representative of the eclectic and peace seeking characters who call Nevada County home as they are a hidden gem in the music industry. You’ll hear Honey of the Heart’s song Corazon and Brightside Blue’s song Mama, both of which are available for streaming, purchase, or download on bandcamp or Spotify. 

https://honeyoftheheart.com/

https://brightsideblue.com/

Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.

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