On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, I speak with Evan Greer, a powerhouse trans and queer activist, writer and musician based in Boston. Evan's journey is a dynamic interplay of musical wit, grassroots activism, and a fervent dedication to justice. She has gracefully evolved her sound from riot-folk roots to a more layered indie pop aesthetic with an anarcho-punk soul. Her recent album, "Spotify is Surveillance," has garnered praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork. As a touring musician and speaker, Evan has shared stages with a diverse array of artists, including Pete Seeger, Eve 6, and Tom Morello. Beyond her musical prowess, Evan serves as the director of Fight for the Future, a digital rights nonprofit, where her eloquence on issues of free speech, technology, and human rights resonate far and wide.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Evan Greer at: Evangreer.org IG @thatevangreer

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, we sit down with DJ Johnny Juice, a legendary figure in the world of hip-hop and an iconic DJ, producer, and musician. Best known for his work with the groundbreaking hip-hop group Public Enemy, DJ Johnny Juice has been a driving force behind the revolutionary sounds that have defined an era. Join us as we dive into his journey, exploring the profound history that has made up his extraordinary career.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about DJ Johnny Juice at Instagram: @johnnyjuice

johnnyjuice.com

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On this episode of "The Rhythm of Rebellion," I have a soulful conversation with the brilliant musician, composer, and singer, Toshi Reagon. Toshi's unique ability to move seamlessly between musical genres and create melodies that carry the essence of human experiences has earned her a distinguished place among musicians and activists. A remarkable facet of Toshi's career is her groundbreaking work, "Parable of the Sower" a congregational-opera based on Octavia E. Butler's seminal novel, exploring themes of Afrofuturism and social change. Join this conversation as we discuss the power of collaboration, and the timeless impact of music in sparking transformation and unity.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Toshi Reagon at:toshireagon.comIG @biglovely101

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode, I delve into a captivating conversation with Edisa Weeks, a renowned choreographer, educator, and the founder of the multicultural dance company Delirious Dances. Edisa’s artistic journey is a profound exploration of dance, liberation, and community engagement. Edisa's artistic vision extends beyond traditional performance spaces. Her artistic vision transcends traditional performance spaces as she actively involves communities, employing dance as a powerful tool for both personal and collective liberation. Through her groundbreaking projects, including the recent masterpiece "3 Rites," Edisa orchestrates a unique fusion of movement, inviting participants to intimately connect with their environments and histories. Throughout this episode, Edisa generously unveils the intricate methodology behind her work, providing profound insights into their deeper purpose. 

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Edisa Weeks at:deliriousdances.comIG @deliriousdances

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Meklit, an Ethio-American vocalist, songwriter, and composer known for her electric stage presence and her ability to craft deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs that resonate with audiences across the globe. Meklit's music has taken her from the heart of Addis Ababa, to stages in San Francisco, New York City, Nairobi, Cairo, Montreal, London, Rome and many more. Meklit is a National Geographic Explorer, a TED Senior Fellow, and a former Artist-in-Residence at Harvard University. She has also been involved in impactful projects like the Nile Project, which addresses cultural and environmental challenges in the Nile basin through music, education, and enterprise. You can also find Meklit as host of the "Movement," a podcast and live show that explores global migration through music. Embark on a journey through Meklit's musical evolution, creating a rich tapestry of sonic landscapes that celebrate identity and community.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Meklit at: Meklitmusic.com IG @MeklitMusic

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Morley, an artist deeply devoted to human rights and environmental justice. Morley's global travels have allowed her to share music with profound luminaries like His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. She has shared the stage with Toshi Reagon and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, and has starred in their renowned musical Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower. Additionally, Morley spearheaded the album "Borderless Lullabies," supporting KIND, aiding the reunification of children separated by ICE. Morley recently released the album "Story of the Sky," in collaboration with her spouse and musical partner, Chris Bruce, created to ignite the imagination and joy of children and families. Join us as Morley shares what she has learned about the transformative power of sound and harmony for a more just world.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Morley at: Morleymusic.org, IG @morley_music

Follow me at: tainaasili.com, IG + YouTube @tainaasili, FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Ivelisse Diaz, a dynamic force in the world of Bomba, an emblematic Puerto Rican musical tradition that emerged 400 years ago from our African ancestors. Ivelisse shares her journey, from learning Bomba as a child, to becoming director of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón based in Chicago's Humboldt Park community with classes offered throughout the world. Her story unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of Bomba as a tool for healing, resistance, reciprocity, and remembrance.

LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Ivelisse Diaz at: bomberadecorazon.com IG @laescuelitabdc or @ivelisse_diaz_

Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Jamila Sabares-Klemm, a prominent Filipina-American activist, actor, and singer currently starring as Dory/Evelyn in the Broadway Revival of Merrily We Roll Along. We discuss her journey through the world of theater, as well as her work as co-founder of Justice through Arts Music and Movement (J.A.M.M.), which uses music and movement as powerful tools to challenge injustice and dismantle oppressive systems.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel.

More info about Jamila Sabares-Klemm at:

jamilasabaresklemm.com

IG @jamilajoy

Follow me at:

tainaasili.com

IG + YouTube @tainaasili

FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with singer-songwriter María José Montijo, who is a self-described “weird, cosmic, and queer islander” from Puerto Rico, now based in the Bay Area of California. Her music draws inspiration from over 20 years of experience as a healer, and is rooted in a continuous process of discovery and care, where trauma is transformed into art.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel.

Check out the ⁠⁠⁠Spotify playlist⁠⁠⁠ to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season.

More info about me at: 

⁠⁠⁠TainaAsili.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠TW⁠⁠⁠ @tainaasili

⁠⁠⁠FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic⁠⁠

More info about María José Montijo at:

Esotericatropical.com

IG @esotericatropical 

TW @majomontijo

FB.com/mariajosemontijomusic

More info about this podcast at TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with music maker Xenia Rubinos, who uses her powerful voice to create beats and melodies from scratch. Xenia’s sound grows from a wide range of influences from Caribbean rhythms and beat music to minimalism and indie rock all delivered with a soulful punk aura. With her most recent album Una Rosa and accompanying videos, she continues to push musical and creative boundaries  even further.

Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel.

Check out the ⁠⁠Spotify playlist⁠⁠ to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season.

More info about me at: 

⁠⁠TainaAsili.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠IG⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠TW⁠⁠ @tainaasili

⁠⁠FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic⁠⁠

More info about Xenia Rubinos at:

Xeniarubinos.com

IG + TW @xeniarubinos

FB.com/xeniarubinos

More info about this podcast at ⁠⁠TheRhythmofRebellion.com