The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

We universally find ourselves turning to poetry during confusing times. There’s something indescribable about the solace we can feel in knowing another human being has felt the feelings we carry with us throughout the day. This experience is what lead to the crafting of When I Rise Up, the next EP by my dear friend Sallay-Matu Garnett (aka Loah). Throughout the EP, Loah showcases her dynamic range as an instrumentalist as she sings the words of Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Eva Gore-Booth, etc. Reminding us all how timeless these words remain to be as the world rebuilds itself in real-time. On today’s podcast, we chat about the work that went into re-imagining these famous poems and the unexpected solace that poetry can provide in confusing times.

To say that William “Billy” McCarthy has seen it all would be a severe understatement. Over the years, Billy has traveled the world playing music to thousands and in doing so he’s shed light on the specific complexities of American life. On today’s episode, I have a beautiful ramble of catch-up with my old friend about music, the injustices of our country, and why we need to remember that we’re all in this together. We also talk in-depth about our mutual friend, Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit (RIP to you Scott).

It’s truly a miracle that movies ever get made when you stop and think about the insurmountable work that goes into filmmaking. Thankfully we have people like Chinese-American filmmaker Liann Kaye who’s work ethic is truly inspirational. Throughout her career, she’s expertly crafted an eclectic range of projects from comedy sketches, music videos, short films and even directing videos at massive music festivals like Global Citizens. On today’s episode, we explore the work that went into her personal award-winning short film, The Blessing, and talk extensively about why diversity is more than just a buzzword.

Happy release day to the one and only Sinéad Harnett. Today’s podcast is a beautiful companion to her stellar sophomore album, Ready Is Always Too Late. This album shows us a refined Sinéad who isn’t afraid to tell you who she is and what she wants (along with impressive collabs from EARTHGANG, Lucky Daye, Masego and VanJess). On today's episode, Sinéad chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about how internal growth was essential to the creation of Ready Is Always Too Late and together they explore the importance of being honest with oneself.

In a lot of ways, this episode is a love letter to Belfast, Northern Ireland (aka one of the best places on earth). Our guest is Northern Irish musician Ryan McMullan, a singer/songwriter whose affectionately intimate songs are truly one of a kind. After touring the world with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol, Ryan’s found himself back in Belfast to work on his eventual debut album. Together we chat about the songs that have made his career, the highs/lows of lockdown and why Belfast is indeed one of the best places on earth.

The idea of language barriers in music feels non-existent in 2021. Talent, emotion and intention all transcend verbal comprehension and a prime example of this is the works of celebrated Dutch musician, Eefje de Visser. Throughout her career she’s pushed the boundaries of music, leading her to craft a masterpiece in the form of Bitterzoet. On today’s episode, I chat with Eefje about making dynamic music and the personal growth that went into crafting the album she’s always dreamed of making.

Today’s special bonus episode features two talented brothers who’re approaching music with a unique vision. Christian Tierney is a world-class photographer who’s worked with your favorite stars (Hailee Steinfeld, Niall Horan, etc.) and Alex is a gifted musician who is amassing thousands of streams worldwide. On today’s episode, we chat about how their working relationship has grown throughout the pandemic and why the people who say “never work with your family” have got it all wrong.

Let’s be honest, a lot of us find exercising to be a chore. But thankfully they’re people who remind us that fitness can be fun and can bring us closer to our own bodies. My dear friend Ellie Richardson is a talented personal trainer in London who’s grown as a teacher throughout the pandemic. On today’s episode, I chat with Ellie about her experience of building a virtual community, the rush of pushing your body beyond the limits and why fitness goals need to go beyond weight loss.

Today I’m joined by my friend Brittany Brave, a rare kind of comedian who’s able to have no filter whole also considering the feelings of others. Her jokes remind us why it’s important to have silliness in our lives and that we can get through painful moments in life. Along with performing live, Brittany also produces The Friday special at The Tiny Cupboard in Brooklyn, a space that’s made the pandemic more bearable for so many people. Together we chat about why comedians need to perform to make sense of their own lives, what it’s like to work as a comedian and more.

Be sure to check out Brittany’s web series The Disastrous Dating Life of Diane Damone and to follow her on both Twitter and Instagram @brittanybrave for updates on her upcoming comedy special, which will be coming later this year.

“We should never give others the authority to define who we are.” is a quote that MICHELLE shared when releasing their single, FYO. It’s a quote that perfectly encapsulates what this young music collective is all about. Within their short career, they’ve already self-released an album, built a strong bond, while also providing a voice for people of colour, queer and non-binary people within the world of music. On today’s episode, I chat with five of the six members of MICHELLE about how their individual experiences fuels their creativity, along with how they seamlessly bend genres to their will and the hard work that’s going into their next album.