Rather Nice is a band from Rhode Island with a specialty of making the unfamiliar feel familiar. Through their music, music videos, and social media presence, all four parts of Rather Nice instantly make you feel like a part of their group. During our conversation, I was intrigued by the collaborative dynamic between the bandmates, each one a character able to offer something different to every song. In this interview, I have with me 3/4ths of Rather Nice, although you’ll hear Oliver at either ends of the episode through various voice notes he sent Joe before and during recording.

p.s.

The energy these guys brought to this episode was unlike anything I've done before. Definitely considering having larger groups on, I feel like it helps ease the tension that exists more so when it's a 1v1 podcast. (we do pvp here dont @ me)

Bambii is the embodiment of where artist meets aesthetic. Not only is the sound and feel of the music she and producer Zack make on point, so too are the visuals to accompany it, in music videos, merch, and the Instagram feed. During out conversation, I was so drawn in by Bambii’s creative vision and level of control she explores over every part of the process. I can't wait to hear what she's got coming out next, if her current  body of work is indicative of anything, it's that she's definitely an artist to watch. Her album, Dreamache, is out now on Spotify and other major platforms.

p.s.

Been moving slow lately, I've heard of the podcast "7th episode slump," which I thought I got over, but for me it hit right as I uploaded the 8th episode. Regardless, I plan on focusing on a steady grind from here on out, despite any changing circumstances outside of the podcast. Super excited for the next few, I've got a lot in the works that I can't wait for you all to enjoy with me.

Kibun started as a lofi producer, but has recently expanded his musical palette to include more nostalgic and atmospheric sound design. His latest album, Childhood Memories fully encompasses this sound. Joey's sense of worldbuilding is also one of his strengths, incorporating various elements of the fantastical to help portray his vision. Be sure to follow Kibun for updates on his future releases, and definitely check out his music. Everything in his discography is a good time.

Austin Havis is a world builder, combining a dreamy synth pop aesthetic with an earthy, indie twist. His newest creation, an album called "I wanna touch the moon but I’m too scared I’ll break it," is an improvement and expansion on that sonic style, definitely a wild ride. During our talk I was fascinated by Austin’s sheer willpower to make music, as well as his longing to explore his sound. The more I listen to "I wanna touch the moon," the better it gets. I mention in this episode that I've found it a very cinematic album, and I can definitely hear this album coupled with an A24 film montage of some sort. Take a listen and let Austin know what you think! Follow SWUN to be notified of future episodes and other musical happenings.

p.s

A side-effect of being new to podcasting is that I am not yet fully aware of the limitations of my technology. This was actually the second recording of this episode, the first version was terrorized quite heavily by garbage Wifi. Nonetheless, the second version, the one I've published here, is better. Hope you enjoy. Highly recommend Austin Havis' music. Big fan.

Updated description 4/5/21:

This episode was recorded and posted before Blxckbee came out, changing her name to Bailey (she/her/hers). She said leaving the audio in its original state is fine. The original description that follows has been amended. 

Blxckbee is a lofi artist who finds extraordinary in the ordinary -- during our talk, I was so intrigued by just how down to earth Blxckbee’s approach to making music is, especially how she came up with the idea for her latest album, Watching the World Wake Up. Her brand new work, an EP titled Awaited, Ahead, was released as a birthday present to herself. Definitely one of my favorite lofi releases of the year. Ever since it dropped I’ve had it on repeat, especially “Sign of Change (Reborn)” -- which I feel encapsulates lofi’s jazz roots. Gives me major coffee shop vibes. Always a pleasure to drink coffee and listen to lofi.

p.s.  Blxckbee is the first producer I’ve ever interviewed. I was super nervous that we wouldn’t have enough to talk about bc I always try to do a deep dive into lyric writing, but there was SO much that we discussed. I’ve known of Blxckbee’s music for a few years now, so I feel like this convo is long overdo. While it is our first, I know for a fact that it won’t be the last time we talk.

Blue Foster is an artist in every sense of the word. His music ranges from sappy acoustic guitar ballads to boisterous rap songs, making whatever he wants to make. His newest single, the movies, is out now, with PLENTY more on the way. During our talk, I was super intrigued by the sheer amount of passion Jake has for his music. Specifically, the story behind his album, King of the Hayneedles, struck me because I never would have thought psychosis to be an integral part of the creation of a project like that. There is so much good advice and things to learn from Jake. Enjoy.

In this episode of the So, Who's Up Next? podcast, I have a wonderful conversation with Nia Hendricks about her new EP, Unhinged, about the stories and process behind the making of it. Nia Hendricks is a dreamer and a do-er. Her new EP, Unhinged, is set to drop at the end of this month, October 30th, 2020. Throughout our conversation, I was struck again and again by Nia’s brutally honest approach to storytelling and how that translates into music, something that’s changed the way I think about my own process.  Working with producer Justin Amundrud, Unhinged tells Nia's own story through a very watery, atmospheric dream pop approach. Honesty and raw emotion is at the forefront of this project, something that Nia swears makes a world of a difference when trying to build an audience. This, and other amazing pieces of wisdom are in this episode. 

Follow Nia - https://www.instagram.com/niahendricks/?hl=en

Listen here - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0EptVj895GIreKBh9IA93J?si=DDISVH8eTBadfn1AIrIgQQ

Follow our show - https://open.spotify.com/show/177G5sWXCR8Ip62N9AbK4a?si=_8fzNDC8TBCXgNITSWmg_A

p.s. You can't tell (because the last three episodes have allowed me to become a master of my craft) but for like half of this interview I needed to cough. I didn't want to mess up the flow of the conversation, I know I could've edited it out, but I held it in until after the call was over. Why I am sharing this here, I'm not sure. I'll try to make the next post script more exciting. Catch ya later!

Welcome back to another episode of the So, Who's Up Next? podcast, the show where I (Justin the Flora God) interview my fellow artists, asking about their music, process, and creativity. Louie Jacobs is nothing short of a visionary. Blending pop-punk and emo-rap influences, Louie's new album, Before They Find Us, is set for release at the end of October 2020. (Realistically, most of you are listening after it has already released. Highly recommend you check it out after listening to our conversation.) We talk about some of the influences behind the album, the other members of the Hotel Rexford family, all of whom are frequent collaborators in Jacobs' work, and what the future holds -- entertaining a future in the states. 

This, along with plenty of other VERY interesting pieces of knowledge is contained within our episode. 

Louie Jacobs. Before They Find Us -- out on major streaming platforms starting 10.31.20

Follow Louie -  https://www.instagram.com/iamlouiejacobs/?hl=en

Follow our show - https://www.instagram.com/sowhosupnext/

p.s.

I've added the sound effect of an audience clapping because I've concluded the best way to live life is to not take it too seriously. Even when you start a podcast with the intention of building an empire from it. Also I just think the clapping is extra and goofy as hell. Big fan of that energy. I'll talk to you in the next one. (Also, there's always a p.s. note if you're curious about the other ones.) 

Welcome back to another episode of the So, Who's Up Next? podcast, the show where I (Justin the Flora God) interview my fellow artists, asking about their music, process, and creativity. Arise, Sir! is a mix of punk and indie rock, coupled with a strong  sense of poetics and prose. Our conversation follows the making of his newest release, the Obviously Icarus EP. Everything from the months of planning, to the studio recording sessions, Arise, Sir! tells us of the process of how he makes music. Because of our talk, I've reconsidered some parts of my own music making process, I'm definitely going to try to integrate a few pieces of knowledge I gained from this episode. 

This, along with many other super interesting ideas, can be found within this episode.

Arise, Sir!'s Obviously Icarus EP is out now on major streaming platforms.

Follow our show - https://www.instagram.com/sowhosupnext/

Stream Obviously Icarus - https://open.spotify.com/album/772MFopDfJy16tWaLdE2TM?si=wwdj1GAzToakdXwwpa9cOQ

Follow Arise, Sir! - https://www.instagram.com/arisesir/?hl=en

p.s.

I've known Alex (Arise, Sir!) for at least a year now. What you hear here is the first time we've ever actually spoken to each other!

Welcome to the first episode of the So, Who's Up Next? podcast, a show where I (Justin the Flora God) interview my fellow artists, asking them about their music, process, and creativity. DepopulateMontana is a Rhode Island native, who blends a classic indie DIY sound with a singer-songwriter aesthetic. In our first conversation, we talk about his new album, Ballad For Bob: And Other New England Stories, exploring exactly what inspired its creation, and what it was like during the process. During (and after) out talk, I was inspired to hear how someone else goes about making music. It was from Sean's (DepopulateMontana's) perspective that I am now reconsidering the way I release music, and in what format(s). This, along with plenty of other VERY INTERESTING pieces of knowledge is contained within this episode. Ballad For Bob: And Other New England Stories is out now, on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other major streaming platforms.

Follow our show - https://www.instagram.com/sowhosupnext/

Stream Ballad For Bob - https://open.spotify.com/album/1dqkKG1WDeRuU5NbXmX4Bn?si=bbtp4sSySgCCXMaEWcLnmQ

Follow DepopulateMontana - https://www.instagram.com/depopulatemontana/?hl=en

p.s. 

I feel like Clancy from The Midnight Gospel. He and I are quite similar, I think. Welcome to my space-cast.