The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

Let’s be honest, if we had to make a list of the acts we’ve taken with us from our high school years into adulthood….the list would be pretty short. So imagine how trippy it feels for me to have not only done that with Ash (my favourite band) but that I’ve also found myself in a position to say they’re still making their most vital works. Their latest and eighth album, Race The Night, is full of a blistering spirit that’s simply awe-inspiring. I’m joined by Tim, Rick, and Mark to chat about the passion that went into making this album and the reasons why ultimately this album means so much to them.

Also, if you’re listening to this on Apple, Google, Deezer, or pretty much anything other than Spotify: I’ll be dropping some special radio episodes of the pod between now and the start of season 7 in 2024. Those types of episodes can only be streamed on Spotify, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast there as well!

Honestly, when it came to planning this season, I knew the finale had to be about my home, Ireland. But the end result has turned out to go well beyond what I expected. Ireland is a country that’s embraced me for over a decade now and I’m constantly gobsmacked by the amount of love and generosity I feel when I’m there. It’s a place that’s been crucial to both my professional and personal life, with both areas being connected due to the arts. The artists of Ireland are some of the most talented human beings on earth, with each artist embodying the ways that Ireland is a small, but mighty country. These artists constantly put it all on the line, they’re constantly pouring out their emotions in ways that amazes me again and again. There’s also a beautiful sense of creative diversity that’s growing throughout Ireland and it is my absolute privilege to tell you more about that.

In just a few short decades, Germany has transformed into an epicenter of the arts. Whether it’s painting, writing, or music, artists from all over the world know that Germany is a place where your creativity can flourish. That reputation has led many to this European country, not just to create art, but also to appreciate it in a more tangible way. It’s also become a place where people can build a new life and start again; which is something we beautifully explore across this episode. I’ve been to Germany a few times throughout my life and crafting this episode made me appreciate the country in a new way. My favorite thing that I learned was that to Germans: the only rule of creativity is for artists to challenge themselves and the audience.

Joining me today are three artists who symbolize the eclectic creativity that Germany fosters. I’m joined by the unbelievably talented Wallis Bird (3:45), Milky Chance (45:40), and Meagre Martin (1:23:12).

Also, next week I’ll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible German artists (along with other artists who call Germany home). That radio broadcast will be dropping on September 12th and you’ll find that only on Spotify.

RIP to Kieran (aka Profound Beats). The track you're hearing in the intro is his tune Twilight in Taipei.

Sulene is an accomplished songwriter, producer, performer, and composer from Cape Town who’s one of the most creative New Yorkers that I know. When I decided on featuring South Africa in this season, I knew it’d be important to explore the country considerably; especially since I’ve never been there before. One of the earliest talks I had for this season was the one you’re about to hear; where my friend Sulene teaches me about what it was like to grow up in South Africa and how her experiences there still impact her today.

It’s pretty crazy, this episode marks the first episode of the season to feature a country I’ve yet to experience. South Africa is a nation full of history, home to over 60 million people, and is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth (12 languages are spoken regionally throughout South Africa). Along with these attributes, the music and art of South Africa is also profoundly rich; with artists constantly striving to explore their truth regardless of their circumstance. I’ve been privileged to witness the vigorous creativity of South African artists while working with them here in New York and getting to share a bit of that with you is a massive honor. 

Joining me today are four artists who’re exemplary of the uniqueness of South Africa, my friend Jean-Philip Grobler of the band St. Lucia (3:13), Desire Marea (44:03), Yugen Blakrok (1:17:57), and HONEYMOAN (1:54:54).

Also, next week I’ll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of striking South African artists who’re out of this world. That radio broadcast will be dropping on August 8th and you’ll find that only on Spotify.

Intro song prod. by WAVY.

The next episode of this season is about a country that reinvigorated me just a few months ago. Brazil is a part of the world that’s famous for its warmth, it’s vibrancy, and enthusiasm across its people, but I have to say; getting to experience that firsthand is really something else. Getting to go there, I got to experience some of the most overtly passionate people I’ve ever met and honestly, getting to share this episode with you is such a privilege. The trait that unites my guests is that even though they’ve all lived vastly different lives, they’re all exemplary of how Brazilian art tends to be an explosion of affecting colors that strive to embrace you.

Michaël Brun is a ridiculously talented DJ, producer, and songwriter from Haiti that’s perpetually manifesting his dreams. In a few short years he’s already collaborated with acts like Ed Sheeran, J Balvin, Maesgo, and honestly, the list is practically endless. Haiti is also the home country of my family, and getting to make this episode was a beautiful gift. Haiti is a prideful country where its citizens deeply care about community, working hard, doing right by people, and being mindful of how you present yourself to others. Throughout the art of Haiti, is this a continuous quality of how artists are fostering dignity through liberation; and that quality rests at the core of my conversation with Michaël.

After you hear our chat, be sure to check out Michaël’s upcoming BAYO dance parties that’ll be happening at MTELUS in Montreal on July 7th and Central Park Summerstage here in New York on July 22nd.

To call today’s episode personal would be a massive understatement. France is a country that’s become quite a second home to me, a sentiment I’m fortunate to feel about several places but it’s a very different beast when it comes to France. My family are Haitian and French, with our roots extending between the two countries for actual centuries. I, myself, have been going there quite regularly since I was twenty years old and my love for the country has grown from my interactions with people all throughout France.

A quality that unites all French artists is their ability to create art that’s sophisticated but melded with fun and deep emotion. Joining me today are four artists who are amazing examples of that, my friend Dan Black (3:28), Ibeyi (45:41), Romane (60:07), and my friend Ben l'Oncle Soul (60:25).

Also, next week I’ll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible French artists that I know you’re going to love. That radio broadcast will be dropping on June 27th and you’ll find that only on Spotify.

This is a short reminder of what to expect from the companion episodes of The Passport Season. Listen to find out more and get ready to hear the first one tomorrow only on Spotify.

Welcome to Season 6 of The New Exchange Podcast: The Passport Season. This is an idea that’s been kicking in my head for quite a while now and getting to have it materialize for you feels unreal. Traveling has been a major part of my whole life and the thing that I value the most about traveling is how I’ve perpetually gotten to meet people who’re different than me. The Passport Season is all about celebrating those differences and also exploring them.

This season will feature 6 episodes that will feature multiple guests from a specific country. Our first episode is about Belgium, the capital of Europe. Something I swiftly learned when making this episode is how the energy of the musicians in Belgium is reflective of the people who live there. Where the closest thing to a Belgian identity is a willingness to be eclectic. I’m joined by Glints (2:45), Coely (30:14), Jasper Maekelberg (52:35), and High Hi (1:16:29).

Also, next week I’ll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible Belgian artists, many of who we talk about on today’s podcast. That radio broadcast will be dropping on June 7th and you’ll find that only on Spotify.