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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. 0:00 - ep.095 preview 3:00 - SOUL Brass Band - NorCal run late January 4:00 - BISS List - Bay Area fan hub/newsletter 5:45 - The UPFUL Update 12:00 - introducing OTIS McDONALD 15:15 - INTERVIEW - Otis [117m] 2:12:15 - DERRICK 'Smoker' FREEMAN 2:28:00 - Introducing/Interview: PIET DALMOLEN [30m] 2:58:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jam 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.  Long before he moved into Hyde Street Studio D (the site of famed Wally Heider Studio in SF, where so many classic records were brought to life), Otis McDonald had become a ubiquitous presence online. He was repeatedly commissioned by YouTube and Facebook for free audio libraries offering copyright-free music to help video creators enhance their work. The dude has recorded hundreds of tunes that have been soundtracked in tens of millions of videos streamed into the billions! A Bay Area underground hero, multi-instrumentalist & all-world producer, keeper of the legendary Hyde Street Studio in SF, a streaming-era pioneer, & erstwhile music culture/industry philosopher: episode 095 welcomes OTIS McDONALD!    Episode 095 checks back with Derrick "Smoker" Freeman of SOUL Brass Band [Episode 008 circa 2018!] to discuss their imminent NorCal run at the end of January. We also reflect on the success of The Shadow People Podcast, his entertaining/education program co-hosted with (friend of the pod) Nigel Hall.   The NorCal vibes continue: a short, sweet chat with singer/songwriter & guitar troubadour PIET DALMOLEN way up in Humboldt County. His debut solo LP 'Time Stands Still' was profiled among Upful LIFE's annual favorite records in 2025's feature.   ViBE Junkie Jam  Otis McDonald "I Can't Stand [we can't stop]"   OTIS McDONALD  website, YouTube, IG, Bandcamp SOUL Brass Band - IG The Shadow People Podcast PIET DALMOLEN - Bandcamp, IG Upful LIFE 2025: Favorite Records & More!  9th annual comprehensive compendium w/ reviews, playlists, purchase links Spotify book - Mood Music by Liz Pelly     CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS BISS LIST   AARON SCHWARTZ ART LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs Send B.G. a coupla' dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

In the tailwind of D'Angelo's October 14th passing after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, your humble narrator was shell-shocked in a melancholic malaise. Over a week of confounding parasocial grief eventually gave way to a torrent of inspired creativity & righteous purpose. I found catharsis in embarking on a couple of legacy projects in tribute to the dearly departed.   This very lengthy, meticulously-crafted, deeply-intentional memorial episode welcomes a diverse smattering of vibrant voices across geography & generation. Musicians/artists, journalists, poets, archivists, superfans navigating the seismic loss, mining inspiration & mourning this monumental spirit in our own loving words & ways.   with very special guests: 16:30 - jay smooth 53:30 - dan charnas 1:01:25 - ursula rucker  1:29:55 - nikki glaspie 1:47:50 - eric krasno 2:28:00 - funk it blog shoutout  2:31:35 - d.j. williams  2:37:05 - otis mcdonald  2:43:50 - mista vee 2:52:40 - viveca hawkins 3 2:59:10 - fede pecoraro [ECHT!] 3:04:30 - jonny g [lespecial] 3:08:10 - adam spangler  3:17:00 - bombastic  3:23:25 - sari jordan  3:32:35 - derrick 'smoker' freeman 3:39:40 - jon hammer 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 "Lady" - Chris Rock Show 1997   D' Angelo w/ Raphael Saadiq, Questlove, Spanky, Ali Shaheed Muhammed      "Cosmic Slop" [Funkadelic] D'Angelo & Questlove are Brothers in Arms 3/4/13 Brooklyn Bowl NYC     D'Angelo "Africa" [Demo] date unknown     Confessions of a Curly Mind - D'Angelo [6hr rarities mix]   Jesus Saves by Robert Christgau - Village Voice 3/28/00   B.Getz D'Angelo Voodoo Tour Feature on JamBase [2020]   MY REDEEMER - Voodoo Anniversary Deep Dive [B.Getz, 2020]       CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE      

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. 0:00 - ep.093 preview 03:25 - Sponsor- AARON SCHWARTZ ART 06:55 - Sponsor - LAZYMOON DESIGN 08:50- The Upful Update & B.G's BIG NEWS! 19:45 - introducing Ben and Grant from POLYRHYTHMICS 24:00 - INTERVIEW - Polyrhythmics [71 min] 1:34:45 - afterglow & ViBE Junkie Jamz 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 ViBE Junkie Jamz "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   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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.  0:00 - ep.092 preview 3:00 - SPONSOR - Aaron Schwartz Art 6:20 - The Upful Update 10:10 - introducing MORiLLO 13:20 - INTERVIEW w/ MORiLLO [40min] 53:40 - introducing AIN'T SISTERS 56:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Barb and Arrie [46min] 1:42:30 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jamz 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   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO Bee a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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! 0:00 - episode 091 preview 3:00- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:30 - introducing BLAIR JACKSON 18:20 - INTERVIEW - Blair Jackson [133 min] 2:31:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ 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   B.Getz profile of RECONSTRUCTION from 2020   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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. 0:00 - episode 090 preview 3:15- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART- LETT US PLAY 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:00 - introducing SHAWN SETARO 15:15 - Trigger Warning - SA/DV 16:45 - INTERVIEW - Shawn Talks DIDDY Trial [85 min] 1:42:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ 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.   Shawn Setaro - author page COMPLEX German article Shawn references/gets quoted THE CIPHER SHOW pod archives! Complex Subject: Pop Smoke [Shawn Setaro hosted pod series] Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods by Shawn Setaro [Complex Presents] Shawn Setaro on Grammy.com Shawn Setaro IG   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "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    VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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. 0:00 - Episode 089 PREVIEW 4:00 - SPONSOR - Down By The River, 7/19 Cactus Jack's, CO 6:00 - The UPFUL Update 8:30 - Introducing MARC BROWNSTEIN 12:30 - INTERVIEW - Brownie [116m] 2:09:00 - intro- DAVE MARGULIES of High Sierra Music Festival 2:13:00 - State of the HSMF Union w/ Dave [19m] 2:32:00 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAM 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    ViBE Junkie JAM 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   Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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.  0:00  -  ep.088 preview 03:45 -  SPONSOR - Down By The River @ Cactus Jack’s CO 7/19 06:00 -  The Upful Update  11:15 -  Introducing: DOGS IN A PILE 17:45 -  INTERVIEW / Dogs [44 min] 1:01:30 - Crossover to JASON ABRAMS  1:07:15 - CONVERSATION w/ J.A. [55 min] 2:02:30 -  Afterglow, ViBE Junkie JAMZ 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.!   ViBE Junkie JAMZ “Spread That Feeling [All Around]” - Nikki Glaspie & the Homies. (PLEASURE cover) - 5/4/25 Maple Leaf Bar, NOLA “Look Johnny” - Dogs In A Pile - 1/28/25 - SLC, Utah   Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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. 0:00 - ep.087 preview 3:30 - sponsor JUST SCHWANDERING NOLA Jazz Fest Parties 6:00 - The Upful Update 10:45 - introducing TARRIONA "TANK" BALL 13:50 - interview w/ TANK [39 min] 53:00 - gratitude x Scott T x Tank SLAM Story 58:15 - introducing - TYPE RIDER 1:02:20 - interview Scott T. [35 min] 1:37:30 - afterglow + ViBE Junkie JAM Tank And The Bangas bio: 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! About TYPE RIDER: 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.  ViBE Junkie JAM "Twice The First Time" - SAUL WILLIAMS [1999]   Buy TYPE RIDER book HERE Stream/Download TYPE RIDER on BandCamp     Please check out our generous sponsor! Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans   Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

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.  0:00 - Ep.086 preview 3:15 - Sponsor: Just Schwandering NOLA JazzFest 5:50 - Sponsor: CORNFLOWER Ka-BLOOM! Tour 8:20 - The Upful Update 12:15 - Introducing: NUBYA GARCIA 16:40 - INTERVIEW w/ Nubya [54 mins] 1:11:40 - afterglow > ViBE Junkie JAMZ  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! ViBE Junkie JAMZ 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   Please check out our generous sponsors! Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans Cornflower Music     Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

Episode 085 kicks off with the return of STS9’s ALANA ROCKLIN! The beloved bassist delivered one of this program’s most popular conversations [#66, Spring 2023]; Rocklin was kind enough to come back for another round, a shorter interview recorded mid-Feb.2025 aboard Jam Cruise 21. We linked up on my cabin balcony for a discussion that covered the band’s long-awaited return to The Boat (and Alana’s maiden voyage!), new Sector 9 compositions and their forthcoming LP, curating intentional setlists and introducing material in the live element, the post-pandemic current touring model, live music bringing people together in tough times, and more! 0:00 - ep.085 preview 3:30 - sponsor - OM Festival 5:30 - The Upful Update 10:30 - introducing ALANA ROCKLIN 14:30 - interview w/Alana [33 min] 47:30 - afterglow > CORNFLOWER spot 52:10 - introducing ASHER FULERO 56:10 - interview w/ Asher [62 min] 1:57:45 - sign-off, ViBE Junkie Jamz Alana's chat is chased with a lengthier convo featuring Portland, OR's virtuosic keyboardist/producer/composer ASHER FULERO. We unpack his phenomenal 2024 solo LP 'Worlds', a hybrid organic-electronic affair that remains among my faves last calendar year.  Fulero details a journey through the creative process and industry opportunities, how this particular project was wrought with false starts and new lessons/understandings; plus recording/releasing original music in the ever-confounding streaming/social media era of sound-art and consumerism. In addition to Asher Fuler Band and experimental trio Threedom, the artist transparently reflects on experiences working with Emancipator Ensemble, Everyone Orchestra, Liberation Movement, Yonder Mountain String Band, Jon Fishman, and more.   ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ "Exploring An Asteroid" - Threedom "Dark Star" - STS9 live 11/14/24 Fox Theater, Oakland CA *cover photo of Alana Rocklin by Jason Myers, Jam Cruise 21*   Please check out these generous sponsors! Cornflower Music instagram.com/cornflowermusic  instagram.com/theomfestival    Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

All the way from Brussels, Belgium - please welcome ECHT! bassist FEDERICO PECORARO to episode 084! An honor and privilege to connect across the world with a member of one of the most exhilarating bands I’ve had the good fortune of stumbling upon in many, many moons. An idiosyncratic quartet since 2017, ECHT! (Brusselier for ‘The Real Thing’) is remarkably adept at reverse engineering electronic music, a modus operandi of progressive-minded live instrumentation unleashed on a lava-like level beyond your wildest imagination. These brilliant lads blend a malevolent concoction of 'Belgian Trap Jazz' that oscillates through soundscapes of sonic revolution. On March 7, 2025 ECHT! will release their highly-anticipated third full-length LP Boilerism via the Sdban Ultra label. 00:00 - episode 084 preview 03:40 - The Upful Update 07:25 - introducing FEDERICO from ECHT! 13:30 - interview w/ Federico Pecoraro [72 min] 1:24:50 - afterglow > ViBE Junkie Jamz Your humble narrator randomly discovered ECHT! via debut LP INWANE, during a lysergic intercontinental deep dive in early January 2022. In the interim three years, the band has been omnipresent in my ear goggles, and I’ve enthusiastically evangelized the mighty ECHT! everywhere I’ve set foot, copious festivals and dancefloors from coast to coast . Thanks to Seb at Sdban Ultra, I finally had the pleasure to conversate with ECHT! low-end technician Federico via the interwebs, 5pm in Brussels, 8am here in the East Bay.  For over an hour, we unpack the bombastic unicorn magic that makes ECHT! tick tick boom! Including - but not limited to: new LP Boilerism; embryonic band origin story; the concept/execution of the ECHT! brand of kaleidoscopic sound art; four musicians moving as one organism; the Brussels sound/scene; influences/inspirations from J Dilla to Jonwayne, Skee Mask, Aphex Twin, and even D’Angelo(!); the challenging realities of touring internationally; bouncing back from injuries; programming a live set; their individual and collective creative process, keeping the music in constant evolution; sick side projects, and so much more. ECHT! bio A **deep bow** of gratitude to Federico, the members of ECHT!, and Seb at the label, for making this mothership connection possible. Large Up all dearly beloveds for tuning in to *The Upful LIFE Podcast*. - bg ViBE Junkie Jamz ECHT! 1. Chris Dave & Daniel Crawford - “Takin Orders” > Ashley Morgan - “DOUBLESIZE” > De La Soul - “The Bizness” (Brewmix vol.1, 2021) 2. “Charlier” - INWANE 2021 3.“Boilerbeek” - Boilerism 2025   ECHT! on IG ECHT! on YT ECHT! on Bandcamp Brewmix vols. 1-3 (audio)   Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome back NIGEL HALL to The Upful LIFE Podcast. Member of my favorite band Lettuce. Co-founder and former member of The Nth Power. Collaborator to dozens across genre and generation. My dear friend of a decade plus. Virtuoso musician, otherworldly vocalist, transparent human being. Inspirational cat who takes no shorts and keeps it as real as it gets, and on this episode you find out exactly how/why that is. Unplanned and improvised on the fly, this spirited conversation was taped during day one of Suwannee Hulaween 2024. Nigel and B celebrate their friendaversary in the place and space where it all began, Spirit of Suwannee Music Park.  0:00 - ep.083 preview  3:30 -  iamavl music industry relief fund  5:30 -  The Upful Update 11:15 - introducing NIGEL HALL 19:00 - The Shadow People podcast plug 20:00 - conversation w/ Nigel Hall [102 min] 2:02:15 - afterglow + Vibe Junkie JAMZ  Topics include: a detailed Nigel Hall rig rundown to kick things off. The new Nigel mentality; reflections on Bear Creek beginnings and the Royal Family era; performing w the JB's; the modern-day LETT renaissance; Nigel's love for the city/Sound of Philadelphia; cheesesteak detour; Frankie Beverly and MAZE; George Duke; various projects and records in the pipeline for 2025; partnership w DJ Harrison; Nigel wisdom regarding recovery, transparency, knowledge of self; the sober keyboard brotherhood, and so much more. Check out round 1 w/ Nige  on Episode 043 from March 2021. Deep bow to the great NIGEL HALL for the time, energy, music, and humanity.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Greens" - Raquel Rodriguez w/ Nigel Hall "Happy Feelings" (Frankie Beverly and MAZE cover) - Lettuce at Franklin Learning Center in Philadelphia, 9/27/24   Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 082 offers a bit of a different trip than the usual Upful LIFE Podcast. This program is focused entirely on Asheville NC & surrouding Appalachia in the wake of unimaginable destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene in late September. The Asheville music and arts community is a beacon of light and creativity, full of ambitious artisans, dreamers n' doers whom I admire. The good folks of AVL and Appalachia need a whole lotta love, positive energy, prayers, and most importantly DONATIONS to continue their long, arduous process of recovery and rebuilding.  This podcast presents four conversations between five different people rooted down in Appalachia, connected to the local music/arts community, and who each lived their own harrowing version of this same nightmare.  It is an honor and privilege to offer a platform for these special souls to tell their storm stories, and ruminate on the realities of the recovery journey. Tune in for emotional, inspirational reflections from Leah Song (Rising Appalachia) and Andy Fyfe, Josh Blake of GFE and iamAVL, Wren Ashley from The Nohm Collective, and Brian Good of Asheville Music Hall. If you are moved by the contents of this programming, please consider a donation to any of the efforts linked below. 0:00 - ep.082 preview 4:00 - iamAVL - Music Industry Relief Fund 6:15 - Come Together 12/6 benefit concert for Asheville Music Hall 7:50 - The Upful Update 10:00 - why I'm doing a pod about Hurricane Helene / Appalachia 17:20 - shoutout Katie Flanagan - AVL superhero 20:00 - introducing LEAH SONG and ANDY FYFE 23:00 - conversation w/ Leah, Andy [37 min] 1:01:40 - introducing JOSH BLAKE 1:03:30 - conversation w/ Josh [46 min] 1:50:00 - introducing WREN from The Nohm Co. 1:52:20 - conversation w/ Wren [25 min] 2:17:00 -  introducing BRIAN GOOD of Asheville Music Hall 2:20:15 - conversation w/ Brian [19 min] 2:39:15 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAMZ On September 27, 2024 the remnants of the Category 4 Hurricane Helene turned Asheville, N.C., into a post-apocalyptic landscape: fallen trees blocking streets; roads turned into creek beds; power lines down everywhere; city water lines destroyed; bridges torn apart. The region’s two rivers carried whole houses downstream. What buildings that remain in the lower areas of Buncombe County are larded with a foot-deep layer of toxic mud. Many people died.  The storm was prodigious. Official reports note that 2,300 structures were destroyed completely or made uninhabitable. That’s homes, stores, and other businesses. The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina was closed along its entire length, and its director said that some 10,000 trees had fallen into the roadway. Parts of the parkway were covered in landslide mud, while in other places the pavement had washed away entirely. In several locations, the North Fork Swannanoa River carved new courses, leaving at least one bridge over dry land and the water flowing a hundred yards to the west.   Along the French Broad River south of downtown Asheville, the River Arts District was completely wiped out. The narrow, 14-mile long Hickory Nut Gorge, which drops about 1,800 feet between the town of Gerton and Lake Lure, much of the road is now reduced to a rocky creek bed.  Estimates for regional damages are currently at $53 billion.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Tomorrow's Cost" - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Friends "Everybody Hurts" (REM cover) - Al Green   Vetted resources and references Grassroots Aid Partnership   iamAVL - Music Industry Relief Fund   Rising Appalachia [several fundraising options]   Flood Back Art    Katie Flanagan [AVL superhero]  donate here   Art Garden AVL   Asheville Music Hall - Joe Marcinek's Dead Funk Summit 12/6   More resources via ArtsAVL   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome back the lovely and talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ms. ANNA MOSS. One-half of beloved political folk-hop duo Handmade Moments, the NOLA-based chaunteuse has launched an absolutely sensational solo project under her own name, leading a larger band on guitar and vocals, and she released a fantastic debut LP ‘Amnesty’ in March 2024. We checked in w/ Anna at the end of a jam-packed summer for a lengthy, spirited, occasionally raw and vulnerable convo about this dynamite new project, her career evolution, the mental/emotional roller coaster she rode during the pandemic to manifest this music, among other associated topics du jour. Anna Moss was first featured on this program Episode 020 (June 2019), where the focus is almost exclusively Handmade Moments, and her musical/personal journey up through that juncture. Ep.081 picks up where we left off, spotlighting her new chapter: writing solo songs, her killin’ band, crucial collaborators, and more. Then we probe a bit deeper beneath the surface to unpack some heavier matters and perspectives, too.    00:00 - Ep. 080 Preview 02:30 - HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF - iamAVL 06:00 - The Upful Update 15:30 - Introducing ANNA MOSS 20:30 - conversation w/ Anna [80min] 1:41:00 - Afterglow x Vibe Junkie JAMZ   Asheville's Hurricane Helene MUSIC INDUSTRY RELIEF FUND   donate via iamAVL "With the world outside her window rapidly unraveling into chaotic madness, Anna Moss found herself holed up alone in her New Orleans home during 2020’s unprecedented global pandemic. Frozen in a state of paralyzing panic, crippling anxiety, and isolation, she was armed with only a guitar, and the voices in her head. A working musician her entire adult life, touring gigs and studio sessions had suddenly screeched to a harrowing halt. Online, friends and fans sparred feverishly, screaming at each other and into the ether, while the realities and insecurities of her precarious situation sent the singer/multi-instrumentalist spiraling into a deep depression. Manifested from the nadir of her own darkness and demoralization, Moss mined a medicinal muse from within, incessantly writing on guitar and rediscovering her salvation in song. Intimate, delicate, dreamy, messy, a flurry of new tunes began to flow freely, slowly liberating Anna from the suffocating clutches of her own despair. Emerging from the ashes of this traumatic, dehumanizing spell: a phoenix of deeply personal compositions that would eventually comprise Amnesty, Anna Moss’s solo debut LP released in March 2024 via Empire Records. An intoxicating gumbo of bedroom pop and existential R&B, Amnesty is at once Anna’s potent opening salvo and a righteous rebirth, too. Paeans born of an emotional purge peel back the rawest, realest layers to reveal ruminations on an artist’s humanity. Throughout Amnesty, Moss treads distinctly different topography than with the idiosyncratic Handmade Moments—her long-running political folk-hop duo with partner Joel Ludford. Rich in ethereal harmonies, subtle sensuality, and melodies majestic, her album’s stripped-down, organic-soul sound leans into throbbing basslines and pulses with a buoyant thump."      (c) B.Getz, May 2024   ViBE Junkie JAMZ Anna Moss "Gravy" Sari Jordan "Perfect Is the Enemy" [live @ Maple Leaf Bar, NOLA 2024]   Anna Moss 'Amnesty' LP feature via L4LM Anna Moss Instagram AnnaMossMusic.com Sari Jordan     EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINEa