NOT 97
NOT 97 is a podcast that serves as a platform for discovering new music from talented, under-the-radar artists globally. Each biweekly episode features intimate conversations with rising artists and exclusive in-studio live performances. Season Ten includes artists like Amindi, FELIX!, and Shae Universe. The podcast is produced in partnership with The Orchard & Human Re Sources.
Episodes
Yearning with Dende
We caught up with Def Jam's newest signee on the eve of releasing his latest project "I Am, Because You Are." Dende talks coming up in small town Texas playing in Church choir with his family and learning how the perform from studying Baptist preachers. We discuss the emotion tax of making R&B and the essence of his music that comes from a deep yearning. Dende names his Mt. Rushmore of iconic "run
Eem Triplin: On his debut album, studying songwriters, evolving his sound, & more.
We caught up with Johnstown, PA's own Eem Triplin to talk through his major label debut "Melody Of A Memory," working with the legendary DJ Dahi who executive produced the record, and how studying the art of songwriting has evolved his sound, amongst more.
Thank you to our friends at Damballa.
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Kingo Halla: Coming up in a musical family, Toronto's community, exploring new sounds, and the latest "Alchemy"
We’re starting off the year joined by Toronto’s Kingo Halla. We talk the development of his sound and navigating new collaborations on his upcoming project Alchemy. He talks coming up as the youngest in a musical family, and watching his brothers pave their own paths in the industry. Going through the conservatory system and studying at Berklee, leaning into community in Toronto and more. Plus a l
BADBADNOTGOOD: the secret to longevity, the art of collaboration, touring the world, Toronto, & more
For the last episode of the year we catch up with the boys from the prolific jazz outfit BadBadNotGood during their marathon residency at the Blue Note. We talk through their process of writing and collaborating — most recently with Baby Rose on Slow Burn. We discuss their hometown of Toronto and the influential scene they came up in alongside Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and more, the sec
Jordan Hawkins: Coming up in the church, finding his sound, and living out his rock star dreams.
We caught up with Jordan Hawkins to talk through his rise from coming up in North Carolina and his early days in the church, to beginning his professional journey out in LA, making waves across the country, and living out his rock star dreams next year releasing a new project & touring his music around the world. Check out Jordan's latest single "Love So Good" out now on all platforms.
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Mavi: “Shadowbox,” the ups and downs of independence, evolving as a songwriter, giving back to the city of Charlotte, & more.
Charlotte’s own Mavi joined us on the day before releasing his latest body of work “Shadowbox,” a record that he says represents a wholly artistic pursuit, created freely without inhibition or external pressures. Mavi discusses his journey as an independent artists and the challenges, as well as the honor that goes along with that, we talk through his hometown’s impact on him and in turn his work
Nana: Artist development, the influence of the West Coast, visual storytelling, and more.
We sat down with LA’s Nana a few months back after the release of his 3 EP, the lead up to his latest “Are U Still There?” We talk through the West Coast’s banner year this year, the importance of visual storytelling, coming up in family of Ghanaian immigrants and the influence his parents have had on his artistry, and more. Plus a performance, live from the fire escape, of his standout “Motion.”
Isaia Huron: “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later,” finding comfort in chaos, embracing human error, and putting the art first.
Isaiah Huron takes his time but doesn’t over think it. On the heels of releasing his latest “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later” we have a conversation about growing up in the church and what those early experiences taught him about performing, finding comfort in chaos, putting the art first, and embracing human error, amongst much more.
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Tariq Al-Sabir: being unbound by expectations, wearing many creative hats, working with Dev Hynes, & more
Tariq Al-Sabir is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, musical director, the list goes on. We caught up with Tariq to talk through his latest “Unlike Yesterday Today I’m Ready,” the foundation his hometown of Baltimore set for him creatively, his work as a producer and music director most notably with Dev Hynes, and more. Plus a performances of Dry Flower live from the studio.
Peach Tree Rascals: Navigating the industry, their viral “Mariposa” moment, keeping each other humble, and more.
The crew from San Jose collective Peach Tree Rascals join us today on the heels of releasing their latest “LOVE, THE RASCALS.” We talk through what it takes to stay friends and collaborators navigating the ups and downs of the industry. What the viral “Mariposa” moment meant to them, at 378 million plays and counting, and the power in rebuilding from the ground up.
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ESTA: his debut album FRANCIS, coming up in Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts.
Prolific producer and DJ ESTA stops by to talk through his latest record FRANCIS, his early days running around with Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts.
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Baby Money: Coming up in Detroit, the message in the music, hitting the road, and being a father
Detroit’s Baby Money stopped by sit down with RaShaad and talk through the intention behind his music, representing the city of Detroit, and the talent that’s rising from that city right now. We discuss hitting the road for the first time and being a father, amongst more. Plus an acapella performance of "Shinin."
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LUCI: Being a multifaceted creative, pushing boundaries while staying true to her foundation, and what’s next
LUCI is a North Carolina-raised, Brooklyn-based artist known for boundary pushing sounds that span punk, hip-hop, electronic, experimental and everything in between. We talk subverting genre and pushing beyond labels while maintaining a connection to your sonic roots. Luci speaks on art school and her many creative pursuits from visual art to dance to playwriting. And performs SPINS off her latest
Tempest: Channeling rage into fun, being a multi-creative, ego death, & her latest release The Ranch
Tempest joins us today on the heels of releasing her latest "The Ranch." Multi-talented and ever pursuing new creative endeavors we talk to Tempest about DJing, cooking, songwriting, producing, performing and more. We talk making fun music that stems from rage, the power of an ego death, and more plus a live performance of the title track The Ranch.
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Xenia Manasseh: Songwriting as a form of confession, raising the ceiling for African artists, & creating space for people to feel.
Xenia Manasseh joins us today discussing her journey from Nairobi to Berklee college of music to LA. We discuss her relationship to place as a part of her creative process, the ever rising ceiling of opportunity for artists coming out of Africa, writing as a form of confession and self reflection amongst much more plus an in-studio performance of “Phases.”
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Radamiz: On intention, purpose, finding peace in the process, spreading love, and so much more.
Radamiz is one of one. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist and filmmaker stopped by NOT 97 to have an expansive, thoughtful conversation about intention, purpose, how and where we seek validation, worth, and so much more. Radamiz is known as a deep thinker, a community leader, and a visionary artist, amongst more. He talks use through his journey, his growth, and his perspective. Plus — performance
Yellow Days: On "Hotel Heaven," storytelling, reconnecting with himself, and exploring a new sound.
A few months we linked up with Yellow Days before his sold out show at Elsewhere to talk through this “Hotel Heaven” era of his — what this warped world represents and the thrill of pulling people out of their comfort zone. Yellow Days talks through the twists of his career from signing to a major, getting lost in LA, to holding up in a flat in London to find himself again.
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Duckwrth: His most vulnerable album, world-building, defying preconceptions, & more.
We sat down with the boundary bending Duckwrth as he gears up to release his highly anticipated new album — he breaks down the process to creating his most vulnerable, expansive body of work to date and building a world for his art to live in. We discuss his foundation as a graphic designer his hands-on approach to his career, and what led to this point, amongst more. Plus an in-studio live perfor
Chenayder: Her life-changing year, cosigns from Tyler, The Creator to Clairo, balancing music & high school, and her debut "Maybe In Another Life."
Today’s guest Chenayder may be still be in high school but she’s already gotten co-signs from Tyler The Creator, SZA, Clairo, Smino, Mavi, and more. We talk through her nascent career and building her sound in real time, juggling high school and music, hitting the road with Mavi, and releasing her debut EP “Maybe In Another Life.”
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Swavay: Staying true to himself, lessons from Metro Boomin & James Blake, building community, and his latest BILLY.
Atlanta’s own SWAVAY joins us today to talk through his latest “BILLY,” what he’s learned from his decade + career in this industry, lessons from Metro Boomin to James Blake, and the importance of community in the rap game, amongst more.
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Justin Nozuka: Growing up surrounded by music, Toronto, his process, & latest “CHLORINE."
We’re sat down with Justin Nozuka on the heels of releasing his latest body of work "CHLORINE" to dive into Justin’s illustrious career since dropping his debut album at 16 years old and coming up in a family surrounded by music & ambition. Justin reflects on his experiences and lessons learned over the years navigating this creative pursuit & introduces “Berlin Spins” off CHLORINE — available on
Benji.: Coming out of Pittsburgh, his time with Spillage Village, developing his sound, and crafting the Love Gun Trilogy.
We’re tapping in with Pittsburgh-born artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist BENJI, coming into his own after years working with Atlanta supergroup Spillage Village and Earthgang. We talk through coming up out of Pittsburg and how that city has shaped who his is as an artist, finding his sound, and his Love Gun Trilogy as he gears up to release the final installment Love Gun 3 based around th
Kenji: On his debut project "between heaven & earth," finding his voice, and building community.
Today we’re joined by Brooklyn newcomer Kenji. We discuss his process & the journey to finding his voice, his sound, and his community. Kenji offers an intimate live performance of his track "SALMA," the lead single to his debut EP "between heaven & earth" that will be available on all platforms on September 27th.
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Lekan: On intentional songwriting, surrendering to the creative process, and touring with Tems
A few months ago we sat down with Lekan and discussed his approach to songwriting and surrendering to the creative process. And we talked through what this current moment means to him, as Lekan supports Tems on her "Born In The Wild" tour. Plus Lekan givs an intimate in-studio performance of "Familiar," the stand out track from his latest “So You Know” EP.
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Buddy: On finding himself, going independent, & his latest release "Don't Forget To Breath."
Buddy joins us on the heels of dropping his latest record “Don’t forget to breathe.” Buddy discusses his journey from signing with Pharrell at 15 and working within the major label system for over a decade, to today, releasing his music as a fully independent artists. Buddy talks through his own perspective shifts over the last couple of years, going on a wellness retreat in Portugal, and ultimate
TeaMarrr: On having fun in her cat woman era, songwriting as therapy, misogynoir, and more
TeaMarrr is not one to sleep on. The LA-by way of Boston artist has been making waves in the industry for years with a pointed pen and a contagious energy she’s ready to step back into the light after laying low since 2023’s “You Should Prolly Sit Down For This.” We talk through her latest single “CATMAN” and what this new era represents for her both sonically and conceptually. We discuss her rela
Low.bō: On Baltimore, honest songwriting, family, & embracing his own creative path
Rising Baltimore-born singer / songwriter Low.bō talks through his relationship with his hometown, what it means to develop your own sound in real time, the importance of family, and how his experience in visual art mediums has impacted and influenced his music. Plus, a live performance of his track "Silverhaze."
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Andre Lawrence: On Dustrial Denim, growing up in NYC, exploring new sounds, & more.
New York’s own Andre Lawrence join us on the heels of dropping his debut record “Dustrial Denim.” We talk through his aspirations in music and pushing beyond hip-hop, how this city has shaped who he is and the artist he is becoming, what it means to pay homage to those before you while staying true to yourself, and more. Plus a live performance of his track "Vignettes."
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Real Ones: Chicago's music platform on their rise, community, & who they're listening to
This episode is a special delivery — highlighting not a rising artists, but a rising collective of music journalists, videographers, photographers and more. REAL ONES is a Chicago force — covering the sound of the city and beyond for the better part of the last 3 years. We had the pleasure of working with Real Ones to present Frank Leone’s debut album release party in Chicago and in New York and h
Frank Leone: On his debut album FISH, finding his voice, coming up in Chicago, world building, & more.
Back in May we linked with Chicago artists and producer Frank Leone to celebrate the release of his long-awaited Fools’ Gold debut “FISH” with two shows in New York and Chicago. While in New York we had Frank stop by the studio to talk through his illustrious career spanning over a decade of making music, his interest in visual storytelling, and what this moment with Fools Gold means to him. As we
Seafood Sam: On redefining the sound of Long Beach, embracing the process, the importance of family, & more.
Today we talk to Long Beach’s own Seafood Sam on the heels of releasing his latest Standing on Giant Shoulders . Sam discusses his legendary hometown and what it means to transcend the sound of the city. Over 8 albums in 5 years, we talk through Sam's prolific output and his evolution as a produce and songwriter. In addition, Sam gives a live in-studio performance of Rainboots & Ponchos.
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Tunji Ige: On Philly, blurring genre, songwriting, and what's next
We’re sitting down with Tunji Ige to talk through his career from the blog days to today, coming up in Philly and how that creative community has shaped him as an artist, finding his sound and not being afraid to defy genre, what it has meant as a Nigerian American to see African artists be accepted worldwide, and his experience as a Grammy-nominated songwriter for his work on Khalid’s Location, a
Rae Khalil: On her debut CRYBABY, working with Anderson .Paak, Rhythm & Flow, intentional songwriting, and more
Rae Khalil joins the show as she gears up to release her debut album CRYBABY with Anderson .Paak's Ape.Shit. We talk to Rae about her introduction into music and how her career and creative process has evolved since we featured the track “Girlfriend” off her debut back in 2018. We discuss Rae’s experience on Netflix’s rap competition show Rhythm & Flow, working with and being Grammy nominated with
Chris Patrick: On Jersey, work ethic, artist development, and building his own community.
Chris Patrick joins us today to talk through his rapidly rising career from Jersey to Atlanta to LA. We talk through work ethic as Chris is one of the most hard working artists out now, we discuss his experience releasing music on EVEN and the value of sharing music directly with his fans, and what it has meant to have a community of like-minded artists to both support and motivate to go harder, a
MoRuf: on Jersey, coming up around legends, redefining his worth, the Tiny Mic era, & being a father
Peace Peace — our friend and former guest MoRuf joins the show as he rolls out his “Tiny Mic Raps Vol 1” and looks ahead to the next wave of his career. We talk through MoRuf’s long journey through the mixtape era, what Jersey means to him, coming up around legends like SZA, Jesse Boykins the 3rd, and Joshua Kissi, being a father, and what we can expect from his forthcoming project, MOOLODIC. Plu
Erick The Architect: On embracing his full potential as an artist, the impact of the Flatbush Zombies, collaborating with legends, & his passion for design
Erick The Architect joins us on the heels of releasing his latest “I’ve Never Been Here Before," his most honest, his most experimental, and his most free — featuring collaborations from Baby Rose, George Clinton, James Blake, Joey Badass, and more. We discuss Erick coming into his own as a producer and artist, how formative his family has been in shaping who he is, what he learned from the rise o
Daisy World: On capturing the moment, the power of community, being vulnerable, & finding confidence in the process on her debut album “Toothpick”
Fresh off releasing their debut solo project "Toothpick," we talk through Daisy World's rise in LA with the band DAISY and what this new era means to her going off on her own without the band. We discuss Daisy’s breakout feature on Tyler, The Creator’s "Call Me If You Get Lost" and how that moment fueled her confidence, building a whole world around her music through design, fashion, visuals, and
Kenny Mason: On building a community, being vulnerable, subverting genre, & pushing forward
Over 5 years in the making, we finally sit with rising Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason. We introduced Kenny on NOT 97 back in 2018 and had him write a story for the first edition of NOT A Zine that same year. Kenny came to town on the heels of his latest project 9 and the Route 9 tour. We talk through Kenny’s growth since we first played his music on the show, signing with RCA, collaborating with legen
Joony: On Maryland, crafting a sound of his own, staying consistent, & being about his business.
Rapidly rising artist Joony joins the show to talk through his multi-dimensional sound and his prolific output dropping 5 albums in 2 years. We discuss the influence of Maryland and getting cosigns from artists like Brent Faiyaz and BLXST. Amongst more. Plus a live in-studio performance of “Cheap.”
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Sadboi: On Toronto, making music for the girls, Drake's advice, & her debut debut project BARE CHAT.
Today's guest is making moves across the world for their breakout song "Slide" and the latest "Baddies" — Toronto’s own Sadboi. We discuss Sadboi’s career from releasing covers on YouTube and entering singing competitions as a young teen to being cosigned by Drake. We discuss her relationship with her mom who has helped manage and develop her career for years, releasing music under Ebhoni before r
Brandon Woody: On creating his own sound, Baltimore, releasing music on his own time, and more.
Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw emotion & energy through sound. Amongst more.
Neemz: On identity, intention, discipline, & world-building
Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of her visuals, and representing herself and her cul
SiR: On the his record "Heavy," family, growth, vulnerability, and more.
Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date.
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Amal Zenab: On being a first generation New Yorker, thoughtful songwriting, collaboration, and more.
Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us.
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Shaé Universe: On family, self-love, virality, & “Love’s Letter"
On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how she’s gotten iconic features through genuine, orga
Una Mia: On her debut, training as an opera singer, learning to be vulnerable on record, and more
Today’s we're introducing the young, Toronto-born RNB upstart UNA MIA. Una is fresh off the heels of releasing her debut single "Lose You," with a breakout Colors performance. We talk through what it means to introduce yourself and your music to the world, Una’s journey as a classically trained Opera singer, finding her footing as a live performer, and more.
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Asha Imuno Interview: On Pins & Needles, Moreno Valley, & staying true to himself
Today’s episode features California newcomer Asha Imuno, on the heels of releasing his latest project, the debut “PINS & NEEDLES.” We talk through Asha’s journey in music since his days as a band kid, finding his voice, and balancing his place as a multi-faceted creative. As well, Asha gives an exclusive performance of “Watch My Step.”
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Amindi Interview: Manifestation, the DIY mindset, creating her own version of success, & more
Welcome back to NOT 97 on Today’s episode we link up with LA’s own Amindi to talk through her musical journey from her debut “nice” to 2023’s “Take What You Need.” Amindi talks through her vision for success, creative directing her own projects, and how to balance being true to yourself as a DIY artists and still knowing when to ask for help.
Plus a live, in-studio performance of the standout
FELIX! Interview: On Van Buren, Brent Faiyaz, graphic design, and more.
Welcome back to NOT 97 — this is Season 10! Today's episode featuring FELIX! Coming off the heels of being featured on the standout track "Upset" from Brent Faiyaz's latest album, FELIX! is the newest upstart from Brockton-based collective Van Buren Records. A creative Swiss Army knife, FELIX!'s music is a culmination of his past in design, fashion, and photography. His explosive singles "Paris Fa
April + VISTA Interview: Collaborating with Little Dragon, DIY Mentality, & Appreciating The Moment
Today’s episode has been a longtime coming, welcoming a dynamic duo we first introduced to our listeners back in 2018 with their song “How To Get By” — April + VISTA. The DC-natives recently released their collaborative EP with the legendary Swedish band Little Dragon. We talk about how that partnership came about, producing the record in Sweden, and their joint tour. We discuss the influence of t
Rodney Chrome Interview: Little Rock, queer representation in rap, & manifesting stardom
Today’s episode features an artist who we introduced earlier in the season during our episode with Kari Faux – a very special fellow Little Rock, Arkansas native by the name Rodney Chrome. We spoke with Rodney about how the south has shaped him and his music, his foundation as a dancer, queer representation in rap, and his undeniable belief in himself and his dreams. Plus an explosive in-studio pe
Femdot. Interview: On Free Samples Vol. 2, songwriting, & Chicago
Today we’re joined by Chicago’s own Femdot on the heels of dropping his latest mixtape "Free Samples Vol. 2" & kicking off his Free Samples headlining tour. We talk through the mixtape series and building towards his forthcoming album. We discuss the evolution of his writing style over the years as he’s sharpened his pen and become more comfortable telling intricate stories. And we talk through wh
Cisco Swank Interview: On being raised around music, finding his sound, & the debut album "More Better"
On today’s episode we talk to New York’s own singer/songwriter, producer, & multi-instrumentalist Cisco Swank. Cisco discusses his early years being raised in a house filled with music & knowing he would pursue this life from an early age. We talk through his recent debut “MORE BETTER” as an introduction to Cisco as a fully formed artist blending genres and stepping into his own sound. Plus Cisco
They Hate Change Interview: Life on the Road, Inspiration, New Music, and more
On today’s episode we welcome back the Gulf Coast’s own They Hate Change, coming off of a marathon year of tour — playing shows all over the world every since dropping their latest “Finally, New.” We talk through their mindset as they’ve opened for a range of artists from indie, to punk, to hip-hop, and more. How they prepare for their dynamic, highly coordinated live show and the many hip-hop duo
Live from Digilogue Day ft. Kerry Blu, Cedric Brazle, Prez Harris [Part Two]
Welcome back to NOT 97 live from Digilogue Day, this is part two of our marathon live interviews as a part of Digilogue Day’s Music Discovery Media Hub. Part one includes conversations with budding artists from Nyla XO, to Tymain Robbins, DZH, and Lea The Leo. Here we have sit downs with Kerry Blu talking about organizing his own music festival, Cedric Brazle on how real RNB is here to stay, and P
Live from Digilogue Day ft. Nyla XO, Tymain Robbins, DZH, & Léa The Leox [Part One]
Today’s episode is a special one — featuring seven interviews conducted live during the recent Digilogue Day music and tech festival hosted by Digilogue. We talked to NYLO XO about coming up in Chicago and producer her own music, Tymain Robbins on his latest project”Fashionably Late,” DZH putting New Jersey rap on the map, Lea The Leo about songwriting, Kerry Blu about starting his own grassoots f
Elmiene Interview: "Accepting the death of the life I thought I was going to have, for the birth of the one that I’m living.”
Welcome back to NOT 97 — on today’s episode we sit down with UK newcomer Elmiene. Two years since going viral for covering D’Angelo, we talk through the journey from then till now, embracing the new life he’s living, getting cosigns & working with legends like Sampha, and his new project “Marking My Time” — out everywhere Friday, October 20th.
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C.S. Armstrong Interview
Quick story time — back in December 2017 we played a song called “Alright With You” on NOT 97, featuring a raw, striking, unforgettable vocal performance. That voice was CS Armstrong — a Houston-born bluesman. Brought up in a deep tradition of gospel and soul, over the last few years Armstrong has made his mark on the music industry — cosigned by the likes of Dr. Dre, Lena Waith, Black Thought wit
King Isis Interview
On today’s episode we catch up with Oakland’s King Isis, in town to perform at Afropunk. Isis talks through their budding career, carrying a musical family legacy that began with learning to play on her great grandmother’s piano at an early age. We talk through Isis’s debut EP scales released in March, and how their approach to songwriting has evolved as they look ahead to their sophomore project,
Pote Baby Interview: Hometown Hero
On today’s episode we sit down with Savannah, Georgia’s own Pote Baby. We introduced Pote to our audience on our Season Nine finale with his standout track “Do It 4 Pappy.” We talk through growing up in Savannah and what his hometown means to him, plus the importance of giving back and his own Pote Day — a city-certified, community-focused celebration for the city of Savannah. We discuss Pote’s co
Léa Sen Interview: How To Write Sad Songs That Make You Happy
On today’s episode we catch up with French-born, London-based singer / songwriter and producer Léa Sen. We talk about Léa gearing up for her first ever US tour dates, her journey to songwriter in English — her second language — plus what inspired her two part EP “You Of Now” and her signature sound, balancing often melancholy subject matter with a hopeful tone and playful energy.
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Aja Monet Interview: Surrealist Blues Poet, Organizer, Storyteller
Welcome back to NOT 97 on today’s episode we’re joined by Aja Monet, a surrealist blues poet, an organizer, storyteller, and more. Aja recently released her debut album “when the poems do what they do” — an expansive work, featuring Aja collaborating with a prolific crew of jazz musicians to bring her poems to life. We discuss Aja’s journey from entering the poetry scene in high school with Urban
Interview: Planet Giza are Ready When You Are
On today’s episode we’re joined by Montreal-based boundary pushing trio Planet Giza. We talk through their latest record Ready When You Are, how they found their Retro Futuristic sound, breaking out of their city & the tribulations of being an English-speaking artist in a culture built to only support French-speaking creators. Plus Planet Giza hits the studio for a live performance of Elevator.
Fly Anakin & YUNGMORPHEUS Interview
On today's episode we're joined by rappers Fly Anakin & YUNGMORPHEUS while in New York on their joint tour. The two rappers and producers talk through approach to rap, what goes into creating such a prolific body of work, co-headlining a tour, and the process of putting together their recent collab, "Cassava Bread." Plus, a live in-studio performance of the song as well.
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Mamadou Interview: World Building, Storytelling, and Embracing the Process
Today’s episode features Harlem-based singer/songwriter, poet, and storyteller Mamadou. Mamadou talks through his introduction to music after years of writing poetry. His commitment to telling his unique story, building world for his audience to take part in, confronting the pressures of visibility, and finding peace in his creative process.
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Roundtable: The Art of Storytelling with Reason (9.10)
On our final roundtable of Season Nine we're joined by TDE's own Reason — on the verge of releasing his sophomore studio album “Porches," out everywhere on August 11th. We talk to Reason about the journey to releasing this record, the pressures of being a part of such an iconic and influential record label, and what it means to be a true writer and storyteller in music today. Reason introduces & p
Wesley Joseph Interview: “We punch above our weight so we can get to a higher level, and then we do that again.”
On today’s episode we catch up with London-based singer/songwriter, producer, and filmmaker Wesley Joseph. We talk through his recently release GLOW and what it means to now have the Secretly Canadian label team supporting him and his music. Wesley discusses his hands on process of writing, producing, and directing, and what that do it yourself mentality has taught him. As well, we talk about what
Roundtable: Love, Lust, & Accountability with BLK ODYSSY + Special Guest Wesley Joseph (9.9)
Today we're joined by BLK ODYSSY, the Austin based duo building conceptual worlds & blending genre from funk to hip-hop to soul and everything in between. We caught up with BLK ODYSSY on the heels of releasing their latest album Diamonds & Freaks — a deeply personal project grappling with lust, sex, masculinity and more. We highlight a standout off their record titled ADAM & EVE and a new single f
Reggie Becton Interview: The Sadboy Era
Today we’re sitting down with RnB’s rising star Reggie Becton. We discuss his hometown of PG County and what that community means to him, breakdown the eras of his budding career from the iconic Orange Beanie to now, and talk through his creative process & the stories behind his latest release Sadboy Vol. 1 — out now everywhere.
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Roundtable: The Blog Era with ItsTheReal + Special Guest Reggie Becton (9.8)
Today’s episode features brothers Eric & Jeff Rosenthal of ITSTHEREAL, influential voices for over a decade in hip-hop media as interviewers, sketch writers & actors, rappers, and more — now with their ten part podcast series The Blog Era, tracking the years between mixtapes and streaming when independent writers and publications held the reins of the music industry — introduces artists from Drake
DaVionne Interview: "This is the beginning of my true story."
On today’s episode we sit down with budding Atlanta singer/songwriter DaVionne. We talk through DaVionne’s career from being featured on Dreamville’s Grammy-nominated album Revenge Of The Dreamers III to recently being a part of UNCHARTED, the documentary produced by Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music organization that premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. DaVionne discusses her journey as a
Kei Henderson Community Check-In: "We have one of the best rosters in the business"
Our Community Check-In series continues with Kei Henderson — known as an artist advocate, a creative executive, strategist, entrepreneur, and more. Kei is a Grammy-award winning manager for her work with 21 Savage, one of the founders and former president of the influential Atlanta-label Since The 80s, and currently running her own ship at Third & Hayden, a creative incubation hub serving as a lab
Roundtable: Your Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper with KEY! + Special Guest DaVionne (9.7)
Today’s guest is the legendary Atlanta artist KEY! With outsized influence across the industry for over a decade, KEY! talks about his come up in Atlanta, to working with artists from 21 Savage to A$AP Rocky, Juicy J & Gucci Mane. We discuss what this moment means for him and his career as he gears up to release his forthcoming record Marquis. Plus he puts us on to Atlanta’s next generation.
St
Alex Vaughn Interview: Own Your Vulnerability
On today’s episode we tap in with RnB’s breakout star Alex Vaughn as she visits New York at the height of opening for Ari Lennox on the sold out Age / Sex / Location tour. Alex discusses her hometown of Washington, DC and how that community shaped the artist she is. Known for open & honest lyricism, we talk through the power of owning your vulnerability. Alex tells us about her experience working
Roundtable: Lolo Zouaï for Lolo by Lolo Zouaï + Special Guest Alex Vaughn (9.6)
On today’s episode we sit down with Lolo Zouaï in the midst of her Playgirl World Tour. We talk through her experiences performing her new album all around the world, as well as what it was like opening sold out arenas for Dua Lipa. We discuss Lolo’s new energy now that she’s officially independent after two major label albums. And what it means as an artist to touch everything from creative direc
Fana Hues Interview: Moving With Purpose (9.5)
On today’s episode we sit down with rising R&B artist Fana Hues as she visits New York, fresh from London, in the midst of her first ever international headlining tour. We talk through her childhood, performing music with her siblings in their family band and how she still keeps her family close & connected to her music, Fana speaks on exploring different forms of creativity from learning guitar,
Sidney Madden Community Check-In: "The stories that move me most are the ones that are challenging the way things are."
This is the second episode of our new Community Check-In series, where we bring back past guests — influential voices, industry insiders, essentially people who inspire us and many others. Today's guest is Sidney Madden, a writer & reporter at NPR Music and the host of the excellent podcast Louder Than A Riot: a show that puts a magnifying glass to Hip-Hop, examining and questioning the culture an
Roundtable: The South (Still) Got Something To Say with Kari Faux + Special Guest Fana Hues (9.5)
Today's episode features Kari Faux, a singer/songwriter, rapper, and producer who we first introduced in 2017 on the 2nd episode of NOT 97 ever. Kari joins us as she gears up to release her upcoming album "Real Bitches Don't Die," out everywhere May 26th. She introduces two standout singles — "Me First" and "Turning Heads." We talk working with legends like Big K.R.I.T. and the late Gansta Boo, pl
Dreamcastmoe Interview: Embracing Self (9.4)
On today's episode we catch up with DC's own dreamcastmoe on the day he opened for the legendary Roy Ayers in Brooklyn. We talk through his perspective shift that came last year after turning 30 and releasing his most recent project "Sound Is Like Water," what the city of DC represents to him, the influence Go Go music had on his come up and still has on his sound today, as well as what it means
Jamz Supernova Community Check-In: "It's never been easier to get your music out there, but it's never been harder to be heard."
We're starting a new series today called Community Check-In where we tap in with guests who have been on NOT 97 in the past — cultural shifters, tastemakers, influential voices, ultimately people who inspire us and many others. The first guest is Jamz Supernova, known for her work on BBC Radio as a DJ, previously 1Xtra now BBC 6 Music as well as Selector Radio. Jamz is also the owner of the Future
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