Benji Rogers was an ex sound-man, bartender, and broke 34 year old musician, sleeping on an air mattress in his mother’s spare room, when he had a vision. Eight years later, he’s one of the most innovative, outspoken leaders in the music business.
Read MoreSaxophonist Ben Wendel on being heard clearly, having deep conversations and finding personal style.
Read MoreHow Michael Dorf became one of the most influential music presenters in New York, despite his best intentions. How the city changed him and how he changed the city.
Read MorePianist Spike Wilner belongs to the tradition of jazz musicians who also own and operate clubs. In his case it came by accident, or rather, a series of accidents.
Read MoreI woke up on the road in Paris the morning after the American Presidential election and saw the results. Then my father and I had this brief conversation.
Read MoreThe New York Times calls Kurt Elling, "The standout male vocalist of our time.” Here he talks about his process, what motivates him, what Chicago offered him and why he moved to New York.
Read MoreSinger, songwriter, actor, and independent music writer Ari Herstand on why this is a great time for the music industry.
Read MoreMichael Feldman on a life in radio, why he thrives on performing in front of an audience, and why podcasts aren't radio.
Read MoreSinger-songwriter Pat MacDonald on inadvertently writing a hit song ("The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades"), the art of allowing circumstance to rule, the value of mishearing the world around you and the power of threes.
Read MoreEngineer and producer Al Schmitt is the embodiment of recorded music in America. Here he covers his career from recording big band music and race records in the 1950s to the roll of digital recording in the 21st century, the impact of drugs on the music business, and the importance of good personal relationships, and 23 Grammys along the way.
Read MoreThe guitarist and singer-songwriter talks about working with Norah Jones, the process of becoming a songwriter, making something happen and finding joy.
Read MoreWriter Clifford Irving has lived a lot of life and had many loves, but he says his “one true love” was the Island of Ibiza, where he made his life for 20 years starting in the early 1950s. Here he covers much of his compelling journey and explors the importance of imagination in writing, the question of ethical instruction between parents and children, and the love that can occur between man and monkey.
Read MorePianist, organist, composer Larry Goldings on New York in the 90s, developing his musical style, the importance of humor and the jazz life in LA.
Read MoreOn a recent weekend trip to Music City USA, I raised this question repeatedly and I got a variety of answers. Uber drivers, bartenders, music managers and restaurant patrons answer the question: should I move to Nashville.
Read MoreMinneapolis and the legacy of Prince, as seen through the eyes of three of his contemporaries. (Ricky Peterson, Paul Peterson and Monte Moir.)
Read MoreFor this special 50th Episode, bassist, composer, and friend of the podcast Michael Thurber turns the tables and interviews Leo.
Read MoreGuitarist Gabriela Quintero of the group Rodrigo y Gabriela on the power of fearlessness, her own unique technique, and the importance of community.
Read MoreButch Vig, Record producer on working with Nirvana, Garbage and the subtle art of communication.
Read MoreComposer Maria Schneider, Arranger Rob Mounsey, Producer Michael Leonhart, Engineer Al Schmitt, Drummer Bill Stewart, Organist Larry Goldings, Engineer James Farber, and Singer Alex Cuba - all contributed to Grammy nominated projects this year - on the intersection between music and life.
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