Lollapalooza Series Part 2 featuring Matt Maltese, Ella Jane, Cafuné and Loviet

Fans need tickets and artists need fans. On this week’s episode, I talk to Brando Rich, co-founder and CEO of Cash or Trade, the popular ticket exchange app. Brando’s mission is to get tickets that might go unused into the hands of fans that need them -- at face value or less. As the de-facto head of the Face Value Movement, Brando talks to me about the intricacies of ticketing, how best to thwart scalpers, and how the live music experience is the vital essence that drives Cash or Trade’s continued growth and expansion. Brando wants fans to enjoy the amazing experience of live music, and he learned early on from the Phish and jam band world that by using his programming expertise, he could unite fans with face value tickets in a community of like minded music lovers. Idealistic?  Yes!  Feasible and doable?  Yes and yes!! I really enjoyed this conversation with Brando as we explore this crazy and tangled up world of ticketing. I learned a ton, and so will you on this week’s episode of Roadcase!!    

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Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Durand Jones has a lot to say, and we really get into it in this amazing and refreshing conversation. Effusive, warm and fun-loving with a terrific sense of humor, Durand is here to honor his Louisiana roots and his hometown of Hillaryville, on the Mississippi just north of New Orleans. Having recently released his debut solo album, Wait Til I Get Over, Durand and I talk about going out without his band, The Indications, and I learn what exactly are the key elements of his upbringing that makes this latest record so compelling. Durand takes pride in his vulnerability and is thus able to share personal details he chose not disclose until this moment in his creative life. I was honored to chat with this genuine and truly dynamic artist from the Southern tradition of R&B and Soul. This is a special conversation and I’m excited to share itl! 

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Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Marcus Rezak is here and we're diving deep into the world of improvisational modern rock. I talk to Marcus about his commitment to collaborations and sit-ins as well as his new album Guitar Head, produced by Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy) and featuring Kris Myers and Joel Cummins of Umphrey's McGee, among others! Collaboration is a way of life in Marcus's world and he's played with a long list of musical luminaries. I find out what are the most important elements of improv and what makes up a "gentlemanly jam" as we talk about the true nature of live music and how situational awareness is a critical element in any band formation. Marcus is currently on tour; check out his website for more info. I'm psyched to have him on the show!!

For more info on Marcus Rezak head to:
https://marcusrezak.com/tour

For more information on Roadcase: 
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Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

We’re delving into the world of artist management this week when I talk to manager Drew Simmons, who’s riding high with his chief client, Noah Kahan -- one of the biggest names in music today.  Drew is a Partner at Foundations Artist Management in Nashville and is now at the pinnacle of his career. Nine years ago he discovered Noah’s music on SoundCloud, subsequently drove to Vermont to meet him and the rest is history. Drew had always been drawn to the music industry and in his younger days steadily worked his way up the ranks, working any and all jobs and angles he could find!  An expert at the human side of the business as well, Drew is well versed in managing not only careers from a business standpoint, but also focusing on the artist as a whole. His dedication, personal investment and love for what he does is palpable and I’m here for it.

For more information on Roadcase: 

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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Mayer Hawthorne is with me on Roadcase for this week’s episode, and I was honored to talk with this intriguing and widely-respected artist at this particular point in his life. Mayer’s latest album, For All Time, is a uniquely psychedelic ode to love in the style of the R&B and Soul artists who have been an inspiration throughout his long career. But more importantly, as Mayer winds down his Hawthorne Rides Again Tour, he will head home to welcome his first child into the world, and I wish him the best with all that!!  Exciting times indeed for Mayer Hawthorne, who might be best categorized as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist. He possesses a unique aesthetic that been praised throughout the music world, and his legendary DJ sets and live shows have brought immense joy to his broad legion of fans. So pour yourself a nice glass of your favorite wine, and enjoy my amazing conversation with Mayer Hawthorne on this week’s episode of Roadcase!

For more information on Roadcase: 

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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Big shoutout to all you Auburn University fans out there for this week’s episode when I sit down with Birmingham, AL natives and members of The Brook & The Bluff, who began their career playing house gigs and frat parties while pursuing their studies. This is a super lively five-way epic interview with band members John Canada, Joseph Settine, Fred Lankford and Alec Bolton who joined me to talk about their latest projects and life on the road.

These guys have mostly known each other forever — and even sung together in Choir — so they’ve been working on their sweet harmonies for a majority of their young lives. Live performance plays a major part in their band ethos, and they’ve managed to build a super strong connection with their audience by perseverance, musical skill, amazing song arrangements, and stellar personalities that keep fans coming back for more. Their story is a compelling and endearing tale of great friends who love what they do, and get to do it together.

It’s heart-warming and life-affirming in all the best ways and I’m all about that. Make sure to tune in for this amazing episode with Alabama rockers The Brook & The Bluff!!

For more information on Roadcase: 

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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

The amazing and inspiring Allison Russell joins me on Roadcase this week for a very special conversation. Allison’s latest album, The Returner, which received four Grammy nominations including Best American Album, truly celebrates the concept of “chosen family,” and I talk to Allison — a survivor of abuse — about the importance she places upon surrounding oneself with those that provide love, acceptance, and a nurturing environment. We also talk about the African American experience in North America, how that has shaped her own musical influences, and how the dynamics of “Survivor’s Joy” has been a driving force in her life. This conversation is simply a wonderful exploration of survival and the nature of love and community — it’s easily one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had to date, and I’m totally psyched to share it with you all. I’m so grateful for Allison and all that she brings!!  So tune in for this week’s episode for my conversation with the one and only Allison Russell.   

For more information on Roadcase: 

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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

While major summer festival announcements are coming in fast and furious, I dig deep into the Roadcase Vault and dream of warm summer days with four previously unreleased in-person interviews I did at last year’s Lollapalooza 2023 featured on this week’s episode.

First up is Texas rocker and legendary road dog Austin Meade who is now a new Dad, having welcomed his son into the world shortly after I spoke to him, and is just coming off a major North American Fall tour in support of Dirty Honey. His most recent album, Abstract Art of an Unstable Mind, sets a high bar for creative exploration in the rock genre.

Next, I had a super fun conversation with Chicago-native Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer. Having begun her journey in pursuit of a career in dentistry, Deanna explains to me how she quickly discovered that the straight route was just not for her. Solo gigs soon became a full band effort and Deanna talks to me about her personal and quirky lyrical style in full display on Sincere Engineer’s latest album, Cheap Grills.

In the third slot, I talk to Danny Davis of Husbands who is no stranger to change. Recently, he parted ways with his longtime collaborator and bandmate, Will Norton, quit his job as a software engineer to pursue music full-time, and moved to Costa Rica. Danny talks to me about how happy he is to have managed to create a new life for himself while doing what he loves. Husbands’ latest album, Cuatro, is a testament to the power of change and the pitfalls therein.

Lastly, I spoke to Axel Ellis, Hunter Olshefke, and Sal Defilippis of Ax and the Hatchetmen. These young Chicago-natives are  Lollapalooza rookies and talk to me about what that means having grown up fans of their massive hometown festival. Exciting things are yet to come for this enthusiastic and tight-knit group as they continue to turn on their fans with their infectious energy.

For more information on Roadcase: 

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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Say She She is here and I am still smiling from this super fun conversation I had with this stellar trio!!  The amazing Nya, Piya and Sabrina have been close friends for ages, and have finally come together in recent years to combine absolutely enthralling vocals with a vibey funk style they've dubbed "discodelic," and it's totally infectious. Their second album, Silver, released in 2023 has set a high benchmark for this expanding genre.  Fun times aside, these stellar women have been touring hard and killing it on stages both large and small, as well as massive shows from Glastonbury in the UK to the Hollywood Bowl to Central Park Summerstage. Their stories from the road are indeed epic but even more importantly, Say She She flies the flag for empowerment, diversity and social awareness; they are a band with a higher purpose, if you will. Their recent song, Norma, written in response to the overturning of Roe v Wade has propelled them speak out and raise money not only for reproductive rights, but also for other important causes such as stricter gun control legislation and climate change awareness.  Say She She is a bright light of awesome vibes and feel good music, while setting a shining example for new generations of young women. This interview is as inspiring as it is fun, and I'm all in!!

For more information on Roadcase: 
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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Stewart Copeland of The Police is on Roadcase for this week’s episode!  Stewart is a noted author, composer, multi-Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and just all-around great dude. He's a truly legendary drummer who created a style uniquely his own, and approaches life with a great sense of humor, kinetic energy and wit; we really get into it with his loads of opinions, fascinating background info and deep understanding of the Universal Power of Music. In this rousing and amusing hang, we chat not only about the early days with his band (yes, we talk about Sting), but also his latest projects, including his new album of “derangements” of Police songs, entitled Police Deranged for Orchestra, a new book, The Police Diaries, documenting the early days of the landmark band, and his newly released international version of Police songs for orchestra, Police Beyond Borders. He is also releasing a new deluxe version of the 1980 album from his original band, Klark Kent.  We go deep on this one and span the decades (and even millenia!) so make sure to tune into my epic interview with this true musical icon!!

For more information on Roadcase: 
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Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

Roadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer