Sonic Smoothie

On today's episode, notorious morning person and host Russ Stone talks with Charu Suri and Danielle Erin Rhodes, the masterminds behind the jazz hit "Bluesy."

"Bluesy", is a gorgeous, restrained lullaby, composed as a response to all of your bombastic love songs. The song, written as part of the "New American Songbook" by Charu Suri, debuted at Carnegie Hall with Danielle Erin Rhodes on vocals, along with Charu's "Book of Ragas". Charu is the first Indian American woman to premiere her own work at Carnegie Hall, which the collaborators say (JOKINGLY), was totally no big deal at all.

The conversation with these unique, innovative, and very fun artists ebbs and flows out of life's most important questions, such as, was Marie Kondo right? How do you stay focused during lockdown? Should you, the listener, learn to roller skate?

The three also talk about minimalism and subtlety in jazz and love, caroling and the importance of Christmas trees in 2020, and then, maybe the most stressful story we've heard on the show so far.

Plus, you'll feel all the warm fuzzy feels as the two friends gush about their working relationship (aww).

To keep up with Charu, visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.To keep up  with Danielle, follow her on Instagram. Song featured: "Bluesy"Composed by Charu Suri Sung by Danielle Erin Rhodes2019

Jump into a time machine with us: the year is 2020.

It's mid December-ish. Box wine sales are booming. Host Russ Stone is mildly hungover. Life is good (???)

But we digress: on today's episode, Russ talks with Nashville based neo-psychedelic folk wizard Andrew Adkins about life in the hub of country music, the Mandalorian, writing music for social change, and Ryan Gosling's piano. They also discuss the quality of the Breaking Bad soundtrack, which is, spoiler alert, very high.

Andrew has been writing music and playing guitar since he was a kid, when his life trajectory was set by a Marty Robbins songbook left for him by a late family member. He said music gave him an identity of sorts and he hasn't stopped since he's started. Though his sound is influenced by bands like Nirvana, Andrew's personal writing style is "Andrew on auto pilot", and making music as the "closest thing to magic" he's experienced.

In his decade+ long career, Andrew's experiences range from touring with a blues trio, sharing the stage with artists including Sturgill Simpson, Cage the Elephant, Little Big Town, among many others. and how his world still stops when he hears "I am the Walrus". Several solo albums in, Andrew's learned how to "fake his way" through various instrumentations" and today has an impressive discography of timeless classics with a sound that is distinctly and fascinatingly Adkins.

Andrew is a brilliant composer, performer, and writer, and when he's not making music, he loves grilling, listening to music, and collecting books on his nightstand.

To keep up with Andrew, visit his website and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, purchase his music on bandcamp and stream it on Spotify! 

 

Song featured: "Save the Day"Written, Produced Performed by Andrew Adkins ©2020 Whiskey Begonias (ASCAP)

Today, pecan pie enthusiast and host Russ Stone talks with The Shrubs, a psychedelic indie duo based in Texas. 

Miguel and Josh, brothers and bandmates, started making music together when they were kids, dating back to when Miguel needed "a human" to keep the beat during practices with his high school band. The two went on to do their own things, jamming and writing together from time to time, before forming their electric and eclectic, wildly nostalgic and innovative duo in 2018. Since then, they've been knocking out songs at a break neck pace as a way of creating surrealist art together. They are currently signed to Blossom Records and have had their music featured in a commercial for the motorized skateboard, One Wheel. 

When they're not making music, they're appreciating art, doing yoga, falling down internet rabbit holes, and-- making music. 

Russ sits down with Miguel and Josh to talk about positivity and gratitude, the collaborative process as brothers, sunflowers, and how everything always comes back to trap music. 

Plus, a quick visit from Uma! 

To keep up with The Shrubs, buy their music on bandcamp and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Song Featured: "No Dreams"The Shrubs, © Blossom Records

On this episode, Russ Stone, the same man who just now put a butternut squash in the oven, talks with the powerhouse pop star duo, Kalina and Kiana.

Before you ask, NO. Kalina and Kiana are not twins.

They are, however, a brilliant sister team that have been in cahoots since they were kids. At ages 11 and 13, the two started a band with their friends called "The Raymies" that stacked up around 100 shows in their impressive 3 year run. Kalina and Kiana have traveled the world, composed music for television, and shared a stage with some of the greats-- the Beach Boys, Justin Bieber, and the Bangles. They're also huge advocates for cancer research and are very involved with "Cancer for College".

During the lockdown, the sisters have continued creating feel good, empowering music with creative, powerful lyrics and captivating hooks. Also, sourdough bread.

On this episode, Russ talks with the duo about their lives, their process, Star Wars, and the Jonas Brothers.

Plus, Russ has a new cohost!

To keep up with Kalina and Kiana, visit their website and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Click here to learn more about Cancer for College.

Song featured: "She Is"Words Music by Kalina Kiana Campion and Michael Campion © 2020 Music Epicenter, FalCamp Music (BMI) Epidural (ASCAP)

Today, Russ Stone, the same person who accidently made 10 cups of coffee for 2 people this morning, talks with Johnnie Gilmore, the one man bass band from Boston. 

We saw Johnnie, now based out of L.A., during his tour of the East Coast in a New York venue sometime in late 2018.  While on stage, Johnnie was hidden by a mob of club patrons that covered him like a wave. Eventually we pushed our way through, and we were stunned; on the platform, the spectacle was a tall guy with curly hair, pouring all of his essence into an electric bass. We suspect Johnnie must have heard the old saying, "music is only 3 chords and the truth", and then he decided to swap the "3 chords" for "4 strings".

Don't worry: the obvious question was asked immediately in this one: "Why the bass?"

And Johnnie said: "It was an accident."

Johnnie started playing piano with his Mother as a kid and then took up the trumpet and guitar, but as he matured, so did his deep, fuming love of hard rock. The issue was: piano on hard rock is too gentle, and Johnnie's 2 big hands made the classical guitar too difficult. 

When Johnnie was at a music shop at age 15, he plucked a bass off the wall and played the only bass riff he knew; "So What" by Myles Davis. Hypnotic, stunning melodies and a gorgeous, vulnerable approach to the songs he writes. A team player, a brilliant solo artist, and an all around hilarious and warm human, we can't wait to see where Johnnie's rare ability takes him next. 

Russ and Jonnie talk about the moments where "all the stars align", a new EP during lockdown, Boston sports, and dinosaurs.

Plus, Russ and Johnnie come up with an idea to slow down traffic on a successful album with press releases that are exclusively written in emojis!   

Keep up with Johnnie by visiting his website and following him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok! 

And, purchase the eclectic new EP When You Come Home featuring "Vineyard Roads", the wildly moving and gorgeous single as heard in today's episode HERE.

Today, Russ Stone, who just made it to page 100 of a sci-fi novel in Mandarin that he’s been reading for 2 years, talks to award winning pop artist from Edmonton, Rebecca Lappa.

Rebecca has been writing and performing since she was 9 years old, when she'd go with her Dad to local open mics to showcase the traditional folk music (murder ballads) she’d constructed. Today, the innovative folk pop queen has been making the college radio charts, performed a set at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and opened for the Crash Test Dummies. Rebecca has a deep love for words and an unwavering need to tell stories, which comes through in her captivating hooks and cinematic lyrics. When she isn’t making music, she’s studying for her Music Therapy grad program and chasing her cats out of trees.

Russ and Rebecca sit down to talk about cool things in Vancouver, singing on the train, and Christmas on the beach.

Also, the two bond over cats and Rebecca fixes a dim light!

Keep up with Rebecca Lappa by visiting her website and following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Today, host and cat lover Russ Stone talks with Madison-based rapper and musician Marcus Porter.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, the artist grew up in a musical home where his dad was a DJ and his mom was a drummer. Even though writing his own music is a more recent development, Marcus always wrote poetry and played the violin for 6 years.

Marcus makes music that is heavy with emotion and honesty; his lyrics come straight from his soul with the intention of connecting to humanity. And, the artist searches for inspiration anywhere he can find it, from other musicians to paintings. The resulting product is a sound that is intensely catchy and deeply moving, like an emotional earworm that makes you dance/cry. When Marcus has downtime, he's figuring out ways to uplift his community and working with other artists as a mentor and audio engineer.

On this episode, Russ and Marcus talk about music school, anime, and the art of simplicity. We also learn Marcus loves shoes.

Plus, we get to hear a new, unreleased Marcus Porter song called, "Soup For the Soul", and Russ keeps loudly putting his water glass down on a glass table (hence some audio jumps).

Keep up with Marcus by following him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Today, newly bleach-blonde host Russ Stone sits down with Cliff and Ivy, Alaska's only Goth duo.

The couple, described as "one of the more original and intriguing projects in the international goth music scene right now" are constantly working and always creating. From a new album in the works, constructing masks for their fans, movie scoring, and a modern take on "Macbeth", Cliff and Ivy breathe creativity, innovation, and warmth. Their desire to share and connect with their community is just as strong as their need to make. 

Cliff and Ivy met in New Jersey in the 1980's and moved to California before landing in Alaska years later. Now, the brilliant couple are advocates for autism awareness and parents to two boys who help them bring their various visions to light, often appearing in music videos or singing backup on tracks. Inspired by punk, old school goth, horror movies and industrial jams, Cliff and Ivy are a fascinating team of activists and artists with over 20 years of experience under their belts. 

On this episode, Russ talks to the duo about the music and goth scene in Anchorage, using the available resources during lockdown and beyond, and shooting videos in a "huge microwave" (HAARP Research Facility).

Also, there are Moose everywhere!

Keep up with Cliff and Ivy by visiting their website and following them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Also, check out their merch store and bandcamp to purchase some Cliff and Ivy swag and downloads.

Today on the podcast, passive video game enthusiast and host Russ Stone talks with independent hip-hop artist Jordan Galbreth, AKA JordanLivinGood.

Jordan started his illustrious musical career as a joke after asking his cousin (a gospel rapper) if he could record a song using the equipment he had set up in Jordan's childhood bedroom. (Before you ask, Jordan does not know why his cousin's studio was in his bedroom.)

The artist recorded his first mixtape at 10 years old and immediately fell in love with the process, saving all of his coins to pay for his own home studio, which included a $12 microphone glued to a mirror with a sock over it. Fifteen years later, Jordan has recorded and produced several music videos, collected thousands of Spotify and Soundcloud plays, and perfected his social media presence. More than that, Jordan's drive, creativity, and positivity combined have made him an absolute force of nature.

The two talk about Austin hotspots, using all your resources as an independent artist, and staying positive. Also, Russ has his first exposure to the wizardry of virtual Zoom backgrounds.

Keep up with Jordan by visiting his website, and following him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

And, hear JordanLivinGood's newest single, "GOAT" wherever you stream!

Today, host and Austin native standing at 5"11 and 3 quarters, Russ Stone, talks with the Massachusetts-based mastermind behind the chart topping single "Couture", Taija New.

Taija AKA "The Newbian King", has always had "music in her DNA". As kids, she and her sister would study the music videos their mother would record onto VHS tapes. The sisters then made a band with an extremely clever name that we forgot to ask how to spell, and later, Taija went on to become a fixture in the Springfield music scene by frequenting open mics and bringing her own unique brand of pop, hip hop, and ambience. The performer now has an incredible resume of festivals and stages under her belt and over 300,000 Spotify plays on her latest single, "Couture".

Russ and Taija talk about the importance of community, grad school, and striking the right balance between mass appeal and individual artistry.

Also, why don't we pay teachers more??

Keep up with Taija New by visiting her website and following her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.