NOT 97

Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw emotion & energy through sound. Amongst more.

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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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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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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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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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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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Today’s episode features California newcomer Asha Imuno, on the heels of releasing his latest project, the debut “PINS & NEEDLES.” We talk through Asha’s journey in music since his days as a band kid, finding his voice, and balancing his place as a multi-faceted creative. As well, Asha gives an exclusive performance of “Watch My Step.”

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Welcome back to NOT 97 on Today’s episode we link up with LA’s own Amindi to talk through her musical journey from her debut “nice” to 2023’s “Take What You Need.” Amindi talks through her vision for success, creative directing her own projects, and how to balance being true to yourself as a DIY artists and still knowing when to ask for help. 

Plus a live, in-studio performance of the standout track "green house."

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Welcome back to NOT 97 — this is Season 10! Today's episode featuring FELIX! Coming off the heels of being featured on the standout track "Upset" from Brent Faiyaz's latest album, FELIX! is the newest upstart from Brockton-based collective Van Buren Records. A creative Swiss Army knife, FELIX!'s music is a culmination of his past in design, fashion, and photography. His explosive singles "Paris Fashion Week," "Playboy," and "America Has A Problem" show an artist poised to take over in 2024.

NOT 97 is hosting a Season 10 launch party featuring FELIX! as well as Neemz! and LUCI. Saturday, March 16th at Nublu (151 Ave C) 

Tickets to Season 10 launch: tinyurl.com/mrx3ykff

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Today’s episode has been a longtime coming, welcoming a dynamic duo we first introduced to our listeners back in 2018 with their song “How To Get By” — April + VISTA. The DC-natives recently released their collaborative EP with the legendary Swedish band Little Dragon. We talk about how that partnership came about, producing the record in Sweden, and their joint tour. We discuss the influence of the DMV & the DIY mentality that drives their artistry, as well as the importance of cherishing the moment, letting go of the pressures of perfection, and embracing opportunity.

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