Songs & Stories

Show Notes: In this captivating episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with five-time Grammy nominee Lakecia Benjamin, a saxophonist, composer, and trailblazer redefining modern jazz. Lakecia shares insights into her latest album, Phoenix Reimagined (Live), a vibrant celebration of resilience featuring collaborations with legends like John Scofield and Randy Brecker. Recorded live at Brooklyn's The Bunker, this Grammy-nominated album brings her electric stage energy to life, offering listeners a genuinely immersive jazz experience.

Dive into Lakecia’s journey, from her Washington Heights roots and early work with icons like Stevie Wonder and Prince to her heartfelt tributes to John and Alice Coltrane. She discusses the evolving artistry that has shaped her career, the power of live music as a communal experience, and her upcoming performance at Yoshi’s Oakland on February 8. Don't miss this rich exploration of music, creativity, and the human connection.

Guest Information:

Call-To-Action:
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Podcast Playlist:

Essential Takeaways:

Hashtags:
#BackstageBayArea #LakeciaBenjamin #JazzMusic #PhoenixReimagined #LiveMusic #GrammyNominee #YoshisOakland

Show Notes:

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, Steven Roby sits down with the extraordinary flutist, composer, and educator Jamie Baum. Known for her trailblazing work blending jazz with classical, South Asian, and spoken-word influences, Jamie discusses her latest album, What Times Are These. She reflects on her inspirations, her creative process of setting modern poetry to music, and her enduring passion for musical exploration.

The conversation also highlights Jamie’s upcoming West Coast performances, including her shows in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Half Moon Bay. Listeners will gain insights into Jamie’s unique Septet+ and her quartet and the challenges and triumphs of composing during the pandemic. 

Guest Information:

Jamie Baum
Flutist, composer, Sunnyside Records artist, and educator. Explore her work and stay updated:

Upcoming Performances:

Essential Episode Takeaways:

Call-to-Action:

Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area for more intimate conversations with trailblazing artists. Follow us on YouTube at youtube.com/@BackstageBayArea and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Podcast Playlist:

Hashtags:

#JamieBaum #WhatTimesAreThese #Jazz #ModernJazz #BackstageBayArea #SFJazz #FluteMusic #SantaCruzJazz #HalfMoonBayMusic

Photo: Erika Kapln

Episode Overview:
In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Sam Lucid, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for the genre-defying band Dogs in a Pile. Based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the band has built a passionate fanbase with their eclectic blend of funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia. Sam talks about the band’s creative process, upcoming album, and what fans can expect from their highly anticipated show at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. He also shares stories from the road, including the band’s efforts to support wildfire relief during their West Coast tour.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Featured Tracks in This Episode:

Upcoming Tour Date Highlight:

About the Band:
Dogs in a Pile is an eclectic quintet from Asbury Park, New Jersey, merging funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia into an unmistakable sound. Their dedicated fanbase, affectionately called the Dog Pound, has helped propel their meteoric rise across the country. For more information on the band, including music, tour dates, and merchandise, visit dogsinapileofficial.com.

Show Notes:
In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Karen Barajas of Karen y Los Remedios, the trailblazing trio redefining the boundaries of cumbia. Karen shares the group's origin story, from early collaborations with Jonathan Muriel (Jiony) and the addition of guitarist Guillermo Berbeyer (Z.A.M.P.A.) to their evolution into one of the most innovative acts in Latin music today. The discussion delves into the group’s creative process, blending traditional Latin rhythms with downtempo and electronic experimentation, and the profoundly personal inspirations behind their acclaimed 2023 album Silencio.

Karen opens up about her journey as an artist, the influences that shaped her sound, and what fans can expect at their upcoming show on January 19th at San Francisco’s Rickshaw Stop. Along the way, listeners will hear standout tracks from the group, including “Las Muchachas,” “Cartas Marinas,” and “Presagio.” Tune in for a thoughtful, engaging conversation that bridges the poetic and the danceable, offering a fresh perspective on modern cumbia.

Guest Information:

Call-To-Action:
Don’t miss Karen y Los Remedios live in concert on Sunday, January 19th, at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. Doors open at 7 PM, and tickets are available here. Be sure to subscribe to Backstage Bay Area on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode!

Podcast Playlist – Songs Played in the Episode:

Hashtags:
#BackstageBayArea #KarenyLosRemedios #CumbiaFusion #SilencioAlbum #LiveMusicSF #PodcastLife

Show Notes:
In this episode, we sat down with Sam An, the artist behind Lana Del Rabies, to explore the intersection of myth, music, and survival. Known for her genre-defying sound that blends industrial, gothic noise, and experimental metal, An discusses the creative process behind her critically acclaimed album STREGA BEATA, from the apocalyptic themes of “Apocalypse Fatigue” to the empowering mythology of “Queen of the Black Muses,” Sam shares how grief, humanity’s destructive impulses, and her existential reflections shape her art.

We also discuss her electrifying live performances, the visual storytelling that complements her music, and her upcoming show at Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland on January 12th. Whether you’re a fan of experimental music or intrigued by the cathartic power of art, this episode offers an unforgettable glimpse into the mind of an artist redefining dark music.

Guest Information:

Call-To-Action:
Don’t miss Lana Del Rabies live at Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland on Sunday, January 12th. Grab your tickets here: Eli’s Mile High Club Tickets.
Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to catch all the latest episodes and dive deeper into the music world.

Podcast Playlist – Songs Featured in This Episode:

1.   “Apocalypse Fatigue”

2.   “Hallowed Is The Earth”

3.   “Queen of the Black Muses”

Hashtags:
#LanaDelRabies #DarkMusic #ExperimentalNoise #IndustrialMusic #STREGABEATA #OaklandMusicScene #BackstageBayArea #LiveMusic

Show Notes

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby chats with two-time Grammy-winning violinist and composer Mads Tolling to explore the art of collaboration and musical reinvention. Mads shares the stories behind his groundbreaking work with celebrated jazz pianist John R. Burr and acclaimed vocalist Kenny Washington, including their reinterpretations of classics like "Blackbird" and "What a Wonderful World." He also teases their upcoming January 26 show at the Piedmont Center for the Arts—a performance not to be missed.

Listeners will get an inside look at Mads’ career journey, from his days as a young musician in Denmark to his rise as one of jazz’s most innovative violinists. He reflects on his unique creative process, the chemistry that fuels his collaborations, and the magic of live performances. With highlights including "My Girl" and an exclusive preview of his 2024 album Masters of Jazz Violin, this episode is a must-hear for jazz lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

Guest Information

Mads Tolling

Call-to-Action

Don’t miss Mads Tolling, John R. Burr, and Kenny Washington live at the Piedmont Center for the Arts on Sunday, January 26. Showtime is 4:00 PM, and doors open at 3:30 PM. Grab your tickets now at Piedmont Center for the Arts Tickets.

Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area for more exclusive interviews with top musicians:

Podcast Playlist

Episode Takeaways

Hashtags

#MadsTolling #JazzViolin #BackstageBayArea #KennyWashington #JohnRBurr #JazzMusic #LiveMusic #PiedmontConcerts

Episode photo by Ron Jones.

Episode Overview:
In this captivating episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with South African guitarist and composer Derek Gripper to discuss his groundbreaking collaboration with Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko.

Known for his ability to translate the kora’s 21 strings onto a six-string guitar, Derek shares the stories behind their self-titled album, recorded in just three hours, and the unique synergy that defines their performances. From his journey of blending classical guitar with African string traditions to his creative philosophy, Derek offers an intimate look into his world of music.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Music in This Episode:

About the Guest:
Derek Gripper is a South African guitarist known for his innovative West African kora music transcriptions. His collaborations with Ballaké Sissoko and his reinterpretation of classical and folk traditions have garnered international acclaim. Derek’s music is a bridge between worlds, blending intricate African string music with classical guitar techniques.

Upcoming Show Info:

Where to Find Derek Gripper:
Explore Derek Gripper’s music and tour schedule at derekgripper.com.

Listen Now:
Please tune in to hear Derek Gripper’s full interview and dive into his world of strings, creativity, and musical transformation. Available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Show Notes

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Grammy-winning bassist and global music ambassador Richard Bona. Known for his dynamic blend of jazz, Afropop, and the vibrant traditions of his Cameroonian heritage, Bona shares insights on his creative process, the challenges and triumphs of being an independent artist, and his latest projects. Listeners will hear about his upcoming single, Piel Canela, a soulful collaboration with Alfredo Rodríguez, and his January concerts with the Asante Trio at Yoshi's Oakland.

From reimagining timeless classics to championing young musicians, Bona’s stories provide an intimate look into his life as an artist. The episode also teases his European tour, which features performances with the Metropole and Brussels Jazz Orchestras. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Bona’s music, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about global sounds and the evolving music industry.

Guest Information

Guest: Richard Bona
Bio: Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Known as “The African Sting,” Bona blends jazz, Afropop, and Cameroonian traditions into a unique sound that has captivated global audiences.
Website: www.richard-bona.com
Instagram: @richardbonaofficial
X (Twitter): @bonarichard
Facebook: @TheRealRichardBona

Call-To-Action

Don’t miss Richard Bona live at Yoshi’s in Oakland on January 14 and 15! Tickets are available now at Yoshi’s Official Website.
Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area for more exclusive artist interviews on YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

Podcast Playlist

Essential Episode Takeaways

Hashtags

#RichardBona #AfroCubanJazz #BackstageBayArea #IndependentArtists #PielCanela #GrammyWinner #YoshisOakland #GlobalMusic #MusicPodcast

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, we’re thrilled to feature Nyles Lannon, the visionary behind Nyte Skye, a band that blends atmospheric dream-pop with shimmering shoegaze textures.

Formed during the pandemic, Nyte Skye is a family-driven project founded by Nyles and his son Skye. It showcases a beautiful collaboration of talent and creativity. Their debut album, Vanishing, is a 10-track exploration of intricate melodies that has captivated audiences since its release in 2023.

We dive deep into Nyles’ fascinating career, from his days in the shoegaze band Film School to his many projects, including Total Brightness and National Sweetheart. In this conversation, Nyles reflects on the joys and challenges of playing in a band with his son, the evolution of his relationship with music, and the ever-changing Bay Area music scene. Plus, we get a sneak peek at what’s coming next for Nyte Skye, including their upcoming second album and live performances.

Episode Highlights

Featured Songs

Key Takeaways

Show Info

Links and Resources

Social Media Hashtags

#NyteSkye #BackstageBayArea #DreamPop #Shoegaze #BayAreaMusic #LiveMusic #FilmSchool

Thank you for tuning in to Backstage Bay Area. Don’t forget to check out Nyte Skye’s music and follow their journey online. See you next time!

Show Notes:

In this festive episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Emilio Castillo, founder and tenor saxophonist of the legendary East Bay soul band Tower of Power.

Emilio shares the story behind the band’s very first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, a soulful and funky collection that brings new life to beloved holiday classics. From “This Christmas” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Emilio talks about their creative process, working with producer Joe Vannelli, and how the band infused their unmistakable Oakland sound into each track.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at Tower of Power’s Holidays and Hits Tour, which blends their classic hits with fresh holiday magic. Emilio reflects on their deep connection to Oakland, especially the iconic Fox Theatre, where the band will perform on December 21st. Tune in for an episode filled with music, memories, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, featuring timeless tracks like “This Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Silver Bells.”

Guest Information:

Emilio Castillo

Call-To-Action:

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area on:

🎟 Get Tickets to Tower of Power’s Show:Don’t miss Tower of Power’s Holidays and Hits Tour at The Fox Theatre in Oakland on December 21st!Tickets available now at: ⁠thefoxoakland.com⁠

Episode Playlist:

Key Takeaways:

Hashtags:

#BackstageBayArea #TowerOfPower #HolidayMusic #SoulMusic #OaklandMusic #ItsChristmas #EastBayFunk #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #FoxTheatre

This episode features soulful grooves, holiday cheer, and classic hits—a true celebration of Tower of Power’s enduring legacy!

The record label, artist, or press representative provides music and grants use in our episodes for promotional purposes. We encourage our listeners to purchase their music and attend their shows.

Photo: Jon R. Luini