Renowned keyboard player and all-around great human Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident is here!!  Kyle has been behind the keys and on the road with Cheese for almost three decades, and has been at it as a solo artist for two decades. His latest album, All We Are, is a timely and lively collection of wonderful songs and great jams, all the while celebrating life and reflecting on the challenges many of us face.  

Kyle has a fun-loving charm; he’s quirky and kind, and he talks to me about his life with String Cheese, the impact on his family life, and we compare and contrast our similar musical influences. Kyle brings his easy-going energy and warm enthusiasm to Roadcase for this episode, and I’m super psyched to share this one with you!!    

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Chapters

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg; Introducing Kyle Hollingsworth

04:25 Introduction and First Impressions  

07:17 The Evolution of Kyle's Music Career  

10:14 The Origins of String Cheese Incident  

13:22 The Band's DIY Ethos and Early Days  

16:16 Creative Processes and Outdoor Inspirations  

19:11 Communication and Growth in the Band  

22:12 Reflections on the Grateful Dead and Musical Influences  

26:13 The Tubes and Their Influence  

27:50 Electric Forest: A Festival's Heartbeat  

29:08 Tragedy and Resilience: The Texas Floods  

30:44 Boldness in Music: A New Album's Journey  

33:23 Creativity Through Technology: Evolving Soundscapes  

40:09 The Analog vs. Digital Debate  

45:01 Family Life and Music: Balancing Act  

48:32 Balancing Family and Music Career  

51:19 The Emotional Journey of Fatherhood  

52:10 Musical Influences and Inspirations  

55:15 Collaborations and Live Performances  

58:09 Navigating the Challenges of Touring  

01:01:06 The Evolution of Musical Style  

01:04:09 The Beauty of Genre Diversity  

01:07:12 Reflections on Musical Legacy 

01:10:55 Episode Wrap Up and 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

I’m super excited to have @scottymetz on the show for this week’s episode. Scott’s stellar guitar work has been the hallmark of his 25-year career, and he's now grown permanent roots with his project (and lifelong dream) @lamp_trio along with bandmates @russlawton and @raypaczkowski (both of Trey Anastasio Band).  LaMP’s latest album, “One Of Us” is out there now for your listening pleasure; it’s a spectacular work of musical art!!  

Scott brings his excitement, enthusiasm, curiosity and his special brand of enduring authenticity to the show, and I couldn’t be happier to share this special interview with all of you. Scott talks to me about his life of “happy accidents;” a series of life-defining moments that he expresses with genuine gratitude and surprise. From a punk rock kid to exploring gypsy jazz, to diving into the depths of improvisation, to his early roots and connection with WEEN, Scott has seen and experienced tons of twists and turns, and he’s here to share it all.

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Chapters

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg

03:45 Introducing Scott Metzger

05:56 The New LAMP Album and Festival Experiences

09:57 Travel Challenges and Touring Life

13:16 Managing Expectations in Music and Life

16:10 Creating Accessible Instrumental Music

21:02 Musical Values and Artistic Integrity

24:39 The Heart of LAMP: Drumming and Melodies

25:37 Early Musical Influences and Experiences

31:08 The Spirit of Rock and Roll

31:35 AI and Live Music: A Candid Discussion

33:16 From Punk Rock to Jam Bands: A Musical Journey

35:46 Meeting Phish: A Turning Point

37:12 The Birth of a Band: Joining Phish's Legacy

40:31 Growth Through Improvisation: The JRad Experience

42:27 The Importance of Space in Music

44:34 Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Self-Discovery

46:15 Preparation Meets Opportunity: The Music Career Path

52:47 Artistic Focus: Following the Musical Thread

55:22 The Essence of Authenticity

56:48 Finding Balance in Creativity

59:57 Exploring Musical Dynamics

1:02:20 The Role of Instruments in Expression

1:05:05 Transitioning Through Personal Change

1:08:39 The Journey to Sobriety

1:15:01 Embracing Growth and Change

1:21:50 Episode 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

After a short and much-needed break, I’m back with new episodes and excited to have The Lemon Twigs on the show this week!  

Brian and Michael D’Addario have perfected a vintage pop sound to make it their own, and their shimmery, fun vibes combine with vocal harmonies seemingly only brothers can achieve. Despite their relatively young age, they are industry veterans, and have been performing for the majority of their lives. With a musical family as a support network, they started out over a decade ago, and caught the attention of Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, who encouraged them to start playing gigs in their native NYC.  With their recently released fifth album, A Dream Is All We Know, The Lemon Twigs are truly hitting their stride.

The brotherly love is real with these two, and they’ve got an amazing story to tell. Click on that link in the bio now to check this one out!!   

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Roadcase and the Lemon Twigs  

07:57 Musical Background and Influences  

11:03 Living in New York vs. California  

14:00 The Impact of Broadway on Their Music  

17:01 Transitioning from Acting to Music  

20:04 Musical Development and Family Influence  

22:57 Brotherly Dynamics and Collaboration  

26:03 Recent Projects and Musical Freedom  

29:03 The Essence of Their Music and Artistic Direction  

31:26 Exploring Sonic Influences and Trends  

34:58 Navigating Comparisons and Musical Identity  

39:03 The Art of Analog Recording  

46:02 The Energy of Live Performances  

51:03 Songwriting Dynamics and Emotional Range  

57:01 International Touring and Audience Reception  

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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’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

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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’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