I’m capping off the Lollapalooza Series with today’s Part 3 from Chicago’s Grant Park, including interviews with first-timers Malik Flint of bLAck pARty, along with Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird of San Diego rock band benches.

Malik is an LA-based artist originally from Arkansas (hence the LA and AR of bLAck pARty), who for over a decade now has been creating compelling beats mixing funk, afrobeats and hip hop with a dash of country and R&B.  The excitement of this young artist has been on full display and he’s cultivated a working relationship with Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino as well as Issa Rae.  His latest album, The Last Dance, is out there now!

Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird are childhood pals and now make up one-half of the band benches.  First timers at Lolla, these guys bring the SoCal energy to the festival. Their latest effort, an EP entitled “Kill The Lights” has put them on the map as a force in the glam rock world, and I’m excited for what’s in store for this fun and super talented band from California!

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg and Introducing Malik Flint

04:55  Interview with Malik Flint aka bLAck pARty

20:05  Malik Flint wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

21:49  Introducing benches

24;40  Interview with Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird of benches

43:30  benches Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I sat down to chat with tons of amazing artists at Lollapalooza last weekend, and I’m psyched to present this second installment — Part 2 — of my interviews from this giant festival that took place right in my front yard in downtown Chicago!!

This episode features the LA-based Carter Vail whose terrific sense of humor and eternal optimism is totally captivating.  Jesse Detor is next up and they really bring the Girl Rock energy and excitement to Roadcase. Jesse and her pals met at Berklee College of Music and have come together in spectacular fashion to give life to Jesse’s internal monologue.  The electronica and EDM artist JEV rounds out this episode, and we go deep — from his college days experimenting with quirky sonic beats to raging the clubs to everything in between. JEV is a fellow graduate of UCSB, and we have an instant connection.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg and Introducing Carter Vail 

04:30  Interview with Carter Vail

16:45  Carter Vail wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

19:32  Introducing Jesse Detor

21:15  Jesse Detor Interview

44:24  Jesse Detor Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

47:45  Introducing JEV

49:35  Interview with JEV

1:17:29 JEV Wrap-Up and Episode Outro with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Lollapalooza happened in Chicago last weekend, July 31 to August 3, and I was there to once again sitting down on the couch in the Media Area with amazing artists!! 

For this Part 1 of my Lollapalooza Series, I sat down with Ratboys, one of my favorite Chicago bands, with whom I had an awesome conversation — and they’ve got a new album coming out early next year, so heads up for that!!

I also loved this interview I did with the founders of French psych band, La Femme, Sasha Got and Marlon Magnée.  Childhood pals from Biarritz, France, Sasha and Marlon were steeped in French surf culture and the sounds of SoCal punk and rockabilly. They talk to me about their amazing story of cross-cultural and cross-genre exploration that represents the soul of La Femme.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode and Lollapalooza Series Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

02:55   Introducing Ratboys

05:30  Interview with Ratboys

23:35  Ratboys wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

25:30  Introducing La Femme

27:50  La Femme Interview

43:23  La Femme wrap-up and Episode conclusion with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

My series of interviews from Newport Folk Festival comes to a close with this Part 3 featuring Jake Cochran of Illiterate Light and the band flipturn.

Jake Cochran, together with his bandmate Jeff Gorman, has run the Bike Stage at Newport now for four years and it has become an exciting nexus for the Newport Folk community and a centerpiece for tons of breathtaking musical performances.  I talk to Jake about what cycling and the role environmental change play for Illiterate Light and we discuss all the ways in which Jake invites the band’s fanbase into the fold.

For my final interview, I’m psyched to have talked to flipturn for a full-band interview. Having honed their live show vibes over the course of many years, flipturn decided to chill for a bit in writing their second album, Burnout Days, and they talk to me about taking a beat but also how it has re-charged them as they head out on a global tour later this year! 

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg:  Introducing Jake Cochran

04:30  Interview with Jake Cochran

35:33  Jake Cochran wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

38:24  Introducing flipturn

40:20  flipturn Interview

50:20  flipturn Wrap-Up

52:32  Episode Conclusion with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Let’s keep it rolling with more interviews from Newport Folk Festival!! This Part 2 of the Series features my conversations with three amazing artists, each with a unique perspective on self-reflection, self-acceptance and the power of music as a vehicle for personal change and catharsis.

First up is one of my new favorite artists, Tom Odell, a British sensation who has garnered over 14 Billion streams of his music across all platforms. Much to my delight, Tom brings down-to-earth vibe and his love of conversation to Roadcase as we talk about the impact his evocative lyrics and powerful musical vibes have had on his many fans worldwide. Tom sets out on a European arena tour this Fall, and his new album, A Wonderful Life, is out September 5.

Jensen McRae’s fresh pop-Folk vibe pairs confessional-style honesty with a commitment to the Americana tradition, weaving personal stories and raw lyricism with an ethereal vocal style. A native of LA, we go deep on her songwriting and what it means to play songs for those the really need to hear them.

Roz Raskin, a Rhode Island native, is one-of-a-kind human with a huge heart and a way of lifting up others. Their project NOVA ONE explores the complexity of the human condition with a focus on acceptance and love while keeping it spicy with 60s-inspired synth-pop vibes.  

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg:  Introducing Tom Odell 

04:48  Interview with Tom Odell

40:40  Tom Odell wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

45:10  Introducing Jensen McRae

46:18  Jensen McRae Interview

1:07:42  Jensen McRae Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

1:10:01  Introducing Roz Raskin

1:11:54   Interview with Roz Raskin

1:34:39 Episode Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

================================

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

I’m kicking off this Part 1 of a three-part series of interviews from @newportfolk with indie legend Kevin Morby, followed by two Rhode Island natives and Newport Folk first-time performers Tyler Ballgame and Tyler-James Kelly.

Kevin Morby is truly an artist’s artist, who has produced a plethora of stellar albums, each with a unique vision and vibe, but also similar in their vision and commitment to self-reflection. Kevin really puts it all out there; he’s thoughtful and insightful and a joy to talk to. 

Tyler Ballgame grew up in Providence, RI and attended Berklee School of Music before heading out to LA, where he found his community along with his true self. His live show is super compelling and he is truly coming into his own as an artist.

Tyler-James Kelly is an all-timer. He’s an old soul with a golden voice, the gift of gab, and a great sense of humor. Combine all that together with his devotion to the music of the 70s, and you’ve got a truly special artist. His new album, Dream River is out now!!  

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg Introducing Kevin Morby 

04:15  Interview with Kevin Morby

18:33  Kevin Morby wrap-up

20:52 Introducing Tyler Ballgame

22:55  Tyler Ballgame Interview

44:36  Tyler Ballgame Wrap-Up

47:14  Introducing Tyler-James Kelly

49:10 Interview with Tyler-James Kelly

1:11:25 Episode Wrap-Up

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Songwriter, storyteller, and stellar vocalist Max McNown is here this week to share with me his compelling, poignant and triumphant personal story. What inspires Max and his legion of fans is his honest and grounded attitude, rooted in the personal health struggle of his brother, Brock, who had battled cancer for several years — a winning battle — and now joins Max on tour full-time. 

Max shares with me his story of having only picked up a guitar just a few years ago, when he found himself busking on the San Clemente, CA pier, telling his stories and inspiring listeners. Fast forward another year, and he’s gaining tens of millions of streams, is #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, and is selling out his first headlining tour in just a few hours.  

Max talks to me about how he realized the time was right for him to leave home — and his brother — to pursue his dreams,. And we talk about how Brock in turn, was given strength and inspiration by Max’s determination and ultimately, his success. It’s a truly heartwarming story of personal triumph for both brothers.

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

@molowda is in the house this week, and I talk to Indie-rock legends Jordan Caiola and Kirby Sybert in this epic interview filled with tons of laughs, loads of fun and awesome insights into this truly unique band from Philadelphia. 

Mo Lowda & The Humble’s brand new album, Tailing the Ghost, is out there now and it’s a total banger. One of my favorite bands, these guys totally bring it for this one — recorded live in multiple locations around the country for a super unique sound and that stellar Mo Lowda vibe!!  

My pals Jordan and Kirby talk to me about the album creation process and they share with me their philosophy on art, self-actualization, their killer live shows, and the giant benefits of ignoring that monster called “self-doubt.”  These boys have the sauce, and they’re here to talk to me about it.  

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Show Notes:

Click here for Mo Lowda Fall Tour dates

Check out Mo Lowda's latest album, Tailing the Ghost!!  

Follow Roadcase on Instagram here:  @Roadcasepod

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

04:20 Introduction and Catchphrases 

07:04 Creative Process Behind the New Album

10:13 Recording Locations and Collaboration

13:06 The Journey of Song Selection

15:60 The Importance of Intentionality in Music

19:11 Current Events and Upcoming Tours

22:11 Festival Experiences and Reflections

25:09 Nantucket Shows and Family Connections

26:25 Nantucket: A Unique Community Experience

29:02 The New England Vibe: Identity and Architecture

29:36 Streaming Success: The Impact of New Music

32:52 Album Production: The Creative Process

45:57 Translating Studio Sound to Live Performance

48:58 Crafting the Perfect Sound

50:13 The Power of Live Performance

51:30 Solo Album Spotlight

52:55 The Connection with the Audience

56:48 The Evolution of Indie Success

01:00:59 The Value of Independence

01:05:43 Preparing for the Fall Tour

01:07:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

01:09:30 Episode Wrap-up and Final Thoughts with Host Josh Rosenberg

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Jeff Gorman is cycling on The Road to Newport and he’s here to talk to all about this epic adventure. One half of the amazing and powerful rock duo Illiterate Light, Jeff, along with his bandmate Jake Cochran — who both pioneered the pedal powered and off-the-grid Bike Stage at Newport Folk — are cycling the 700 miles from the Shenandoah Valley all the way to Newport, Rhode Island for this year’s Newport Folk Festival!!     

Illiterate Light represents the true epic nature of the DIY spirit — that authenticity, energy and boundless creativity can truly bring people together and even seek to create change. Jeff talks to me about what this epic year of 2025 has already brought the band, and we discuss the importance of bike riding, their latest album, Arches, and what it meant to Jeff to play with My Morning Jacket at MMJ’s One Big Holiday festival this past April.  

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Show Notes:

To follow The Road to Newport follow Illiterate Light on Instagram, @illiteratelight

Click here for Illiterate Light tour dates

Follow Roadcase on Instagram here:  @Roadcasepod

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

06:40 The Road to Newport: Cycling and Music

09:32 The Bike Stage at Newport Folk Festival

12:24 Artists and Performances at the Festival

15:17 The Significance of Participation and Community

18:23 Personal Journeys and Environmental Awareness

21:26 The Future of Cycling and Music

24:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

30:06 Biking Through Life and Music

31:36 Community Engagement and Bike Advocacy

32:50 Innovative Touring: The Road to Newport

33:26 Partnerships and Equipment: Jamis Bikes

36:06 Preparing for the Journey: Logistics and Challenges

37:23 Exciting Performances: Upcoming Shows and Collaborations

39:51 The Magic of Red Rocks: A Dream Come True

42:30 Collaborating with Influences: My Morning Jacket

44:30 The Power of Music: Emotional Connections

55:14 Support and Brotherhood in Music

56:39 Celebrating the Release of 'Arches' and Its Impact

59:07 The Creative Process at Sunset Sound

01:05:17 The Legacy of Sunset Sound and Its Influence

01:09:50 The Evolution of Illiterate Light's Sound

01:15:52 Embracing Creativity and the Journey

01:21:22 Preparing for the Road to Newport

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Ben Atkind is back on the Pod on this final installment of my series of interviews from @northlands.live, and I couldn’t be more psyched about this one!!  I caught up with Ben on the last day at the amazing Northlands Music & Arts Festival, and it’s a fitting way to end what was a super fun weekend of insane jams, positive vibes and connecting with friends both new and old.

Ben is a well-known and celebrated drummer and simply an awesome human whom I’m honored to call a friend. Ben attended Berklee College of Music and was the drummer in Goose, of which he is a founding member.  He has since left that band and moved on to new ventures, namely his new home with the stellar Louisville-based band @houseplantjams, along with his continued involvement in long-time project @elephantproof.

Ben talks to me about the journey that has been his career to date, including his somewhat tumultuous departure from Goose, and how he has now found a place where he is truly happy, doing exactly what he wants to do, and most importantly, doing it with the people he loves.

This is yet another epic interview from an equally epic festival weekend, and you’re not going to want to miss this one!!  

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Show Notes:

For more information about Northlands Music & Arts Festival, click here 

Click here for Houseplant tour dates

Follow Roadcase on Instagram here:  @Roadcasepod

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Road Case and Northlands Festival
02:39 Ben Atkin: Journey from Goose to Houseplant
05:36 The Life of a Touring Musician
08:12 Transitioning to New Projects: Elephant Proof and Houseplant
11:22 The Dynamics of Band Relationships
14:17 Balancing Multiple Musical Endeavors
16:57 The Joy of Live Performance
18:50 Finding Happiness in Music
22:05 The Evolution of Ben's Musical Style
24:51 Plans for Houseplant and Future Tours
27:38 Personal Growth and Industry Insights
29:46 Reflections on Touring and Music Community
32:47 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected]

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer