The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

French musician Victor Solf shares how he’s felt inspired during the most hectic year of his life. 2020 saw Victor releasing music under his name for the first time (with the Aftermath EP and the 12 Monkeys Mixtape). Together we chat about finding inspiration in troubled times, raising a child in an uncertain world & the importance of subverting your own expectations. Be sure to check out Victor's latest single, I Don't Fit (which is out now).

Welcome to season 2 of The New Exchange! We’re joined by Arlo Parks, a musician from London who reminds us that music can touch people. Her debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams (out now) is already a firm standout in 2021. On today’s episode, Arlo shares the work behind making her stunning album into a reality.

One more bonus episode before we kick off season 2! I’m also happy to share that season 2 of The New Exchange will begin on February 16th!

Last Train are a rock band from France who’re beautifully ambitious. The proof is in their stellar sophomore album, The Big Picture, a body of work that blends brash aggression with somber moments of reflection. On today’s episode, I’m joined by bassist Timothée Gerard and drummer Antoine Baschung to chat about the band's history and how their friendship rests at the core of their bold approach to music.

Happy Holidays! This is a special bonus episode before we enter season 2 in February. Today’s guests are Gracie and Rachel, two friends from Berkeley, California who’re based in New York. Their sophomore album, Hello Weakness, You Make Me Stronger, is one of the best albums I heard in 2020. The songs are cinematic, lush & invigorating all throughout. Lyrically, the album explores how coming to peace with your weaknesses tends to be an internal dialogue, one that you have to eventually exercise within the real world.

On this episode, we not only chat about their lovely album but also how they overcame the challenges of 2020, not only as musicians but also as close friends. I hope you’re having a great holiday, especially if you can’t spend it with your family and friends. 2021 is going to be a better year and I look forward to seeing you all in February for season 2.

On the season 1 finale of the podcast, I’m joined by the incomparable James Vincent McMorrow. Since 2010, James has made a name for himself by touring the world and releasing music that’s authentic to his curiosity. James chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about the past, present and future of his career. (Season 2 of The New Exchange will premiere February 2021).

Another surprise episode before season 1 ends! Today I’m joined by my old friend Gary Jarman, bassist/vocalist of The Cribs (aka one of the most vital bands from Britain). On this episode, we chat about their new album Night Network (out November 20th via Sonic Blew and PIAS), getting through the pandemic while living abroad & how he fell back in love with being in a band.

The penultimate episode of season 1! Today’s guest is Camrus Johnson, a gifted actor, writer, producer and musician who only knows how to live his truth. You’ve seen him on Luke Cage, The Sun Is Also A Star, Billions and currently on CW’s Batwoman as Luke Fox. On today’s episode, Camrus chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about growing as an actor, being part of the DC universe and his animated short; Grab My Hand: A Letter to My Dad.

My favourite episodes are the ones where I get to catch up with friends and this one is a prime example. Sulene is an example of one of my absurdly talented friends. She’s a composer from South Africa that now calls Brooklyn her home. Along with being a talented songwriter, she’s also an incredible performer who’s played with Nate Ruess, Betty Who and LPX. On this episode we chat about working as a professional composer, her stellar Fire Escaping EP and just catch up as two friends.

Surprise! I’m joined today by Jed Shepherd, producer & co-writer of HOST, the surprise smash hit horror film; available now via Shudder. On this episode we chat about why the COVID-19 pandemic was a perfect time to make a film with your friends, overcoming the challenges of making a film via Zoom & so much more. Happy Halloween!

How do you leave your mark within a genre that feels set in stone? You defy any and all expectations of course. That is what July Talk has achieved with their third album, Pray For It. On today’s episode, I’m joined by vocalists Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis to explore how the album came to be. We also delve into the two historic drive-in shows they played at the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Sharon, Ontario.