Your boy is back from paternity hiatus with another banger! Preposterously prolific San Francisco composer, producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist OTIS McDONALD is finally here. Hallelujah! Gov't name Joe Bagale, Otis has turned Hyde Street’s Studio D — a hallowed sacred ground in the annals of funk/rock/hip-hop history — into a potent personal laboratory where he generates/facilitates a steady flow of ridiculously dope records. The in-demand music man slides through episode 095 for a lengthy, illuminating upful discussion; BG also checks back in with Derrick 'Smoker' Freeman [SOUL Brass Band, Shadow People Podcast]; and later introduces rising NorCal guitarist/solo artist Piet Dalmolen.

Otis McDonald released an original track every Friday for three years during the pandemic, though he since pumped the brakes to every third week. In addition, the gifted producer/engineer and sideman has delivered assorted crucial collabs with the likes of Eric Krasno, Nicholas Payton, Aloe Blacc, Wil Blades, Charlie Hunter, among others. Across two-plus decades in the Bay Area, he's worked extensively with scene stalwarts Jazz Mafia, Atta Kid, and their various spinoffs/side trips; Bagale even logged a couple years fronting an iteration of Mickey Hart Band on keys, guitar, and lead vocals. 

Otis McDonald "I Can't Stand [we can't stop]"

OTIS McDONALD 

PIET DALMOLEN - Bandcamp, IG

BISS LIST 

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with very special guests:

An afghan of reverential storytelling. FOUR heart-filling hours brimming with memories, love letters, & gratitude reflections from a blessed & benevolent collection of souls who've touched my life across the years & miles. We all share a profound reverence for the man born Michael Eugene Archer. Large UP each crucial contributor for their sacred offerings to this show. This passion purge in podcast form is my deepest bow.

Give Thanks 4 D'Angelo. May the four winds blow you safely home. We'll be loving you always. -bg

D'Angelo In Memoriam: Thank You For Talking To Me Michael.

B.Getz via Live For Live Music:

ViBE Junkie Jamz

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Episode 093 welcomes back POLYRHYTHMICS, the fantastically-funky septet primarily based in Seattle, but these days steadily spreading their net further and wider than ever before. BEN BLOOM (along w/ bassist Jason Gray) appeared on Ep.059 in 2022, now the guitarist/co-founder returns to chop it up once again, this time with drummer/co-founder GRANT SCHROFF (aka Champagne Bubblebath) also in the mix.

Late 2025 brings busy, fertile, exciting times for the erstwhile groove merchants as they mark 15 years in the game, and we celebrate the release of their fiery new LP 'Life From Below'. They're hitting the road just as the pod goes to press, the boys ready to bless up some long dormant markets in the Northeast, Southeast, and beyond. We get the scoop on the blazin' new joints, before delving into some personal developents like how Bloom recently relocated back East with his family. The guys discuss the new geographical band dynamics, and how it affects the hang, writing, rehearsal, travel, and overall Polyrhythmics' modus operandi. We go inside the lab and look into studio sessions for the latest record, hear some philosophies on improvising, unpack band interpersonal communications, reflections on collaborating with vocalist Adryon de Leon, the forthcoming Champagne Bubblebath mixtape with Gray and searing Seattle axeslinger Jimmy James, plus a whole lot more!  -bg

Bio:

Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 15 years of sonic exploration with the release of their highly anticipated new album, Life from Below. Since forming in 2010, this seven-piece powerhouse has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene.

This year’s Life from Below marks an exciting new chapter for Polyrhythmics, delivering a fresh collection of grooves infused with the bold creativity and signature tight-knit musicianship that fans have come to expect. As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, the band reflects on a decade-and-a-half of musical evolution, countless miles on the road, and a loyal community of listeners that continues to grow.

Polyrhythmics website, BandCamp, Instagram

"Mayo Con Yayo" - Polyrhythmics

"Humpin' Around" -- The Nth Power GAP Band Tribute ft. Eric Gales and Nicholas Payton [9/21/25 Tipitina's in New Orleans for DJ Soul Sister's 50th]

"New Life" - Blind Melon - demo 1995

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Episode 092 is all about the underground, from sea to mighty sea; welcome MORiLLO and AIN'T SISTERS! Among my preferred dancefloor generals on the decks across the past decade, it’s high time to tap in with The Dub Cartographer, global bass sorcerer MORiLLO down in L.A. Gov’t name Zach Morillo, the Groundation drummer pulls double-duty as a dynamite producer-dj and modern-day dub maestro. My man was kind enough to share some stoke, perspective, co-conspirators, and crucial creative processes surrounding his intoxicating latest full-length release, and this exciting new collaborative chapter in an ever-evolving electronic dance music career. 

Listen to MORiLLO - The Dub Cartographer

Get the 411 on Atlanta-based, SOSMP faves AIN’T SISTERS. Frontpersons Barb Carbon and Arrie Bozeman join the pod from the deep Southeast, an insightful, humorous, nostalgic chat to discuss their unique connection, band origin/journey, their music & message, and the incomparable energy native to the Spirit of Suwannee. Across the past few years, it's been recommended I check out this white-hot band of badasses in ATL, by way of numerous folks in the know. As such, it was hella cool to finally hear their colorful story, karmic chemistry, and punky alt-folk rock musical adventuring; reflections and recollections heard straight from the Ain’t Sisters’ mouths. 

MORiLLO bio-

With a desire to expand his opportunities across the music world, Zach moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He quickly found work as a touring drummer for internationally acclaimed artists RHYE, Childish Gambino, and Groundation and has traveled the world performing at the biggest and best festivals and venues like Coachella, Red Rocks, and The Hollywood Bowl. In addition, he has been creating and developing his own unique sound and identity through music production and djing. As ‘MORiLLO’, Zach has released a multitude of projects on established labels such as Gravitas Recordings, Muti Music, High Vibe Records, Tribal Trap, Hybrid Trap, Simplify, and Play Me Records. As he continues to build his project, Zach’s music has been celebrated by music lovers and DJ's on stages and at festivals around the world. MORiLLO released his latest LP The Dub Cartographer in summer 2025.

MORiLLO on Bandcamp

MORiLLO on IG

Ain’t Sisters bio -

Fun, eclectic folk rock. Fronted by the deliciously androgynous duo Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon, the Aints deliver high-energy performances of their wildly diverse original music. Joined by the hardest working men in rock n Roll, Richie Jones on the Boom Chick thwackita whackita, and Justin Boudreau, aka BooDreamy, masterfully holding down the rhythm section and making everybody swoon with their gorgeous licks. Think Indigo Girls meets Dream Theater but with a little Birdcloud in the mix.

AIN'T SISTERS YouTube

AIN'T SISTERS IG

ViBE Junkie Jamz

MORiLLO x Peace Sine "Tribal Dub"

Ain't Sisters 11/11/22 Tree House

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It's not every day a decorated Grateful Dead historian/Jerry Garcia biographer slides thru the crib for a nearly 3-hour interview spread across 2 separate sessions. Such was the case over a few days in July when BLAIR JACKSON visited with your humble narrator right here in the ViBE Junkie Studios in Oakland, Ca! Author of 1999's extraordinary, bar-setting bio GARCIA: An American Life; publisher of pioneering GD fan-zine The Golden Road; journalist with BAM Magazine; author of The Music Never Stopped; co-author of This Is All A Dream We Dreamed (with David Gans), blogger at Dead.net; among many other endeavors. This here OG is nothing short of a pillar in chronicling all things GD culture, a deeply-researched and articulate authority on that lovable fat man and how the music played the band. All that said, this episode is bound to cover just a little more ground!

Eternal thanks to the grate Blair Jackson for his precious time, energy, integrity, thoughtful recollections & personal reflections.

ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ

“Welcome to the Basement” - RECONSTRUCTION

3/7/79 Rancho Nicasio, CA

“Crazy Fingers” - GRATEFUL DEAD

8/15/75 - Great American Music Hall, SF

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Episode 090 taps in with renowned hip-hop culture journalist SHAWN SETARO who recently spent 2 WILD Manhattan months courtside at the Sean "DIDDY" Combs trial reporting daily for COMPLEX. Definitely some different topical topography juxtaposed to the norm for this program. Please rest assured, this is a serious conversation; an insightful, illuminating, sobering look into the lengthy legal proceedings & celebrity circus surrounding this salacious sordid saga, and a sad, scary, depraved drug-addled cuck at the center of the chaos he created.

Sean "Diddy" Combs fka "Puff Daddy" - founder of Bad Boy Records, Sean John clothing, and resident pop-culture megalomaniac - was involved in a high-profile federal criminal case where he faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His former partner Cassie Ventura, once an artist on his label, was the star witness for the prosecution. After a seven-week trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. 

BIO: Currently a freelance journalist after many years on staff with Complex, Shawn Setaro has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, GQ, and Forbes, and is the writer and reporter on the Spotify/Complex podcasts 'Infamous' and 'Complex Subject.' Prior to Complex, Setaro worked for Genius.com and hosted The Cipher, a podcast featuring interviews with 250 legendary figures in hip-hop. Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods was his first book. Shawn first appeared on The Upful LIFE Podcast episode 052, in Dec. 2021.

"24 Hrs. to Live"

Mase ft. The Lox, Black Rob & DMX

“The Last Huzzah (Remix)” 

Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, EL-P 

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Please welcome The Disco Biscuits bassist/co-founder MARC BROWNSTEIN aka DJ BROWNIE to Episode 089, a particularly wide-ranging, illuminating conversation long overdue but undoubtedly over-delivers. Marc has indeed appeared on a plethora of pods; however, this cosmic convergence is a brutally honest, beautiful breaux-down many, many moons in the making. Tapping in from his family home outside Philly, at 51 years young Brownie is vibrant and verbose, footloose and fancy free, embracing a health-is-wealth mindset, feeling reborn on the wheels of steel. Celebrating his pioneering quartet’s 30th anniversary in 2025, whilst confidently co-piloting the Bisco renaissance/revolution in motion. Across nearly 2 hours of fast-paced dialogue, the ever-affable Brownstein is jovial and reverent, pontificating with trademark passion, transparency, vulnerability, and candor.

Marc Brownstein pod topics include: DJ Brownie x Adam Deitch, House Music All Night Long, juggling a side project and a main gig, the rebirth of Bisco; 3 decades of Disco Biscuits, practice, band interpersonal dynamics and communicating styles, shedding from home, singing improvements, Coach Joey, substance use- past/present, Brownie quitting ganja/vaping and how it’s affecting his life/vocals. Getting professionally/effectively medicated for anxiety, prioritizing self-care, Zack Brownstein fka Mini Man, Brownstein Family Band, father/song jamming, intergenerational jamband lineage, tDB legacy/influence, Weed Santa at Warfield SF, profound life lessons and Gospel Tent rendezvous, RIP Johnny R. Goode, and so much more.

High Sierra Music Festival's DAVE MARGULIES

As the 33rd iteration of this treasured tradition approaches Fourth-of-July weekend in NorCal, we welcome the grate DAVE MARGUILIES of the mighty HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL for an impassioned, sobering, emotional, and ultimately inspirational 'State of the High Sierra Union'. An iconic, grassroots, grand-daddy of em' all, HSMF is among the last few truly independent fests of its size and history;  post-pandemic the event has suffered staggering losses in attendance,  beyond this year, the festival's future is uncertain. Also celebrating 30 years (w/ HSMF), Dave slides thru to testify as to why We, the dedicated denizens of High Sierra Nation, must rally 'round the family and "not let this baby die on the vine." He explains his vision/roadmap for the current economic climate and the necessity to reinvent his festival business model. Powerful, poignant stuff from the OG. This chat also serves as a thorough, insider's preview of what's certain to be another incredible, intimate Independence Day weekend full of dance parties in Quincy.

15% OFF 4-DAY HSMF TICKET

Use SIERRA15 at checkout 

DJ BROWNIE x DOGS IN A PILE

"Higher State of Consciousness" [Josh Wink cover]

5/24/25 Burning Daylight Fest

Katarakt - 1988 Stoner House Edition

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Behold the prodigal sons of Asbury Park, NJ! It's a total joy to welcome red-hot buzz band DOGS IN A PILE to the Upful LIFE. This colorful conversation with all 5 members went down mid-Feb. '25, during Jam Cruise 21. Though DOGS are somewhat of a young band, their meteoric ascent certainly shreds for itself. So I wanted a peek behind the curtain, to see what makes these boys tick, and find out what it's like riding a rocketship into jam-scene success. Wrangling together all the Dogs’ cats into one cruise cabin during the biggest rager of the year is no small feat, however these dudes were definitely stoked to connect, and once we got established they really opened up. Dogs In A Pile proved a humble, humorous, hungry pack; after wrapping the insightful chat these Jersey boys definitely felt like my new homies. So much so that I chased the Dogs convo with the return of my oldest/dearest pal Jason Abrams (J.A.), who comes back to the Upful podwaves talkin’ summer tours and a whole lot more. 

Dogs In a Pod topics include: Jam Cruise then and now, band origin story, Asbury Park scene, Danny Clinch, West Coast vs. East Coast audiences/energy, family lineage, Grateful Dead, responding/reacting/handling increasing success/popularity, and more. Huge Thanks to Jeremy Kaplan (keys/vox), Brian Murray and Jimmy Law (guitar/vox)· Joey Babick (drums), and Sam Lucid (bass/vox); appreciate y’all carving out some boat time for Unc, keeping it a buck, and delivering a cool improvisational convo.

DOGS IN A PILE bio

"I'm On Fire" [Bruce Springsteen] - Hanll house edit

After that round-robin situation, get ready for the grand return of J.A.! My hometown homie and best bud of 35 years, lifelong Springsteen Stan, noted Jerzadelphia Phishtorian, glam-rock guru, and pro-wrasslin’ encyclopedia sits down for another classic one-on-one. Jason Abrams makes his record 6th appearance on the Upful LIFE program to discuss select summer tours, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame class of ‘25, Bruce, the current state of Guns n’ Roses, GD60 in SF this August, BMFS, plus the usual nans and hijinks listeners have come to love from the legend J.A.!

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TARRIONA "TANK" BALL, founder/frontperson/visionary of NOLA-based, GRAMMY-winning TANK AND THE BANGAS joins B.Getz for a special broadcast aboard Jam Cruise 21! Episode 087 was recorded around 12noon on Day 5, and Tank brought an insightful, jovial, reflective perspective to the table for a coloful conversation. On the hees of a pair of dynamite performances as part of their second sailing on The Boat, having first joined this floating circus a precious few weeks before the pandemic in Jan.2020, Tank talks about her JC experiences onstage and off, past and present. She also revisits her 2024 Grammy triumph, winning Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for their 3-part masterpiece The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. Other topics include Tank's hometown of New Orleans; embryonic beginnings with SLAM Poetry; longtime friend and collaborator Norah Jones, what makes a BANGA? co-producers Iman Omari, James Poyser, Robert Glasper; the impact of their shapeshifting 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, resulting in Trey Anastasio stanning her band very publicly; getting the 2025 NOLA Jazz Fest poster, and more! 

Episode 087 also features an illuminating dialogue with SCOTT T. about his latest foray into a new frontier with the bold, ambitious, and groundbreaking poetry/music/visual art multimedia project TYPE RIDER. This chat was recorded a few months ago at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.

Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest — an eclectic performance that has since been praised by musicians like Miguel and Anthony Hamilton and has now amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. Now, Tank and the Bangas arrive with a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. With this offering, Tank opens up about the wisdom she’s gained from new beginnings, endings, and in-betweens.

special thanks to Cloud 9 and Jam Cruise for facilitating this interview!

TYPE RIDER is a psychedelic multimedia project by Jacksonville-based poet Scott T. Horowitz that defies traditional literary boundaries. Released via Subtle Body Press, a Florida-based publisher, this extraordinary work combines prose, poetry, visual art, and music into a singular, immersive experience that pushes the limits of creative expression. TYPE RIDER is more than just a book—it's a multi-modal journey that engages readers through multiple sensory channels. The project brings together a diverse team of creatives, including Colombian illustrator Jorge Peña, Virginian music producer B. Helix, and mystical scholar Dr. Manuel Festamos, to create a unique interdisciplinary work. 

"Twice The First Time" - SAUL WILLIAMS [1999]

Buy TYPE RIDER book HERE

Stream/Download TYPE RIDER on BandCamp

Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans

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A supreme honor & privilege to welcome scintillating saxophonist/composer NUBYA GARCIA to Episode 086. At the dawn of her first US headlining tour, the UK-based sorceress was kind enough to tap in for a deep, insightful chat on a smattering of salient topics with numerous delightful detours. Your humble narrator has been paying rather close attention to this dynamic, shape-shifting artist since she unveiled 2020 debut full-length LP SOURCE. In 2024, Garcia blasted back with the otherworldly sophomore sensation ODYSSEY, a multi-hued document that delivers different shades than its prodigous predecessor.

For just under an hour, Nubya Garcia unspools the passions and pathways that manifested this magnificent new record. Exploring the vision, compositions, and inspirations that made ODYSSEY spring to vibrant life, plus the exhilarating experience of conducting a chamber orchestra for the first time - while recording in a church no less! Nubya discusses her foray into spoken word, recalling a humorous story tracking vocals in Brazil. She later revisits the genetic codes, cross-pollinations and hybrid strains native to the majestic SOURCE. We explore the symbiosis between club culture and her sound art; Ms. Garcia reflects on the impact of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert appearance(s), her lengthy relationships and crucial collaborations with a loyal cadre of co-conspirators including Joe Armon-Jones, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Mala, DJ Harrison (Butcher Brown), and beyond. 

Nubya Garcia bio (courtesy of Concord Jazz):

"Nubya Garcia isn’t an artist you can easily classify. Is it jazz? Sure, the London-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader grew up studying the genre under the noted pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. But it isn’t until you listen to albums like 2020’s Source and 2024’s Odyssey that you hear broader creativity shining through: It’s jazz, classical, dub, R&B and whatever else Garcia wants to convey. It all comes from a place of exploration and self-study, of wanting to do all the things across all disciplines while ignoring arbitrary boxes that don’t fit.

Garcia’s sophomore album Odyssey released via Concord Jazz. A majestic feat on which she blends orchestral arrangements with R&B, jazz, broken beat and dub, resulting in a grand, nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacrificing the groove. It’s a deeply personal offering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the past four years."

Big Thanks to Mick & the Nubya team for making this conversation possible!

Nubya Garcia - "Source" [Glastonbury 2022]

Nubya Garcia - "Triumphance" [Jools Holland 2024]

Nubya Garcia & Joe Armon-Jones Band - "Hold" [2020]

Mala, Joe Armon-Jones, Nubya Garcia, + more : London 2023

Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans

Cornflower Music

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