Explore every episode of the podcast CHOONS
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus Episode: People Getting Loose - The Music of Saturday Night Fever | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:25:03 | |
Back in December 1977, a young actor named John Travolta (by then only known for his role as Vinnie Barbarino on the TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter) strutted across the streets of New York to the funky beat of an English trio that reinvented themselves from Soft Rock gentlemen to the purveyors of the global Disco explosion. While The Bee Gees' music was the centerpiece of "Saturday Night Fever," the film's soundtrack gave a spotlight to notable pop performers like Yvonne Elliman, masterful musicians and arrangers like David Shire, Ralph McDonald, and R&B veterans like The Trammps and Tavares that were also heavily instrumental in creating the blueprint of Disco in the early 70s. Show Tracklisting:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| O'Bryan Becomes An R&B Heartthrob With "The Gigolo" | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:38:56 | |
Before he graced the covers of Right On! and Black Beat, O’Bryan was a church kid with a stunning tenor tone informed by years of listening to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hattaway, Phyllis Hyman, and the Delphonics, among others. His vocal abilities impressed a string of influential people that guided him through his musical journey, from Philly Soul legend Ron Kersey to the mighty "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius, who later became co-writer of his songs and executive producer for most of his output with Capitol Records For his first single release with Capitol, O’Bryan choose a masterful blend of sounds that signaled a shift in musical trends in the early 1980s. It was the first in a series of tunes that elevated him as one of the top Rhythm and Blues heartthrobs of his generation, creating an unbroken relationship with his devoted audience. Show Tracklisting:
O’Bryan on social media
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| The Timelesness Of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's "Cherchez La Femme" | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:38:20 | |
It was 1976, and Disco was hot. While Donna Summer, Barry White, Gloria Gaynor, and the Salsoul Orchestra churned out the genre's early standards, there were also your usual oddities in the shelves, from the overtly sexy to the downright novelty. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was neither, and in fact, they weren't even Disco. However, their carefree lyrics and tight danceable musicianship fit beautifully with the times. Co-founded by brothers August Darnell (aka Kid Creole) and Stony Browder Jr., Dr. Buzzard's drew influences from the big-band and swing eras, as well as Soul, Latin, Jazz, and African sounds, and came up with a fresh and lush fusion that was ready for the funky feet. At its very core was the sensual, silky and exuberant voice of Cory Daye, who was more than happy to stay in the background and let the men call the shots. That was, of course, until they buckled under pressure and Cory had no choice but to step out front, give life to August’s lyrics of the “tragic mulatto” and Stony’s dazzling arrangements, and in the process, create one of the most enchanting postcards of the early Disco years. Note: In the episode we mention that Stony Browder Jr. passed on in 1991. He actually passed on in 2001.
Show Tracklisting
Dr. Buzzard's on Social Media:
Cory Daye on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| From Portland to the World: The Story Of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait" | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:45:37 | |
Portland, Oregon is a place known for its access to the great outdoors, fine wineries and breweries, and a delightfully weird culture. It also cultivated a thriving music scene, supported by multiple clubs where you could see people playing any conceivable style, from classical and chamber music to R&B, Riot Grrrl and Punk. Latin, Jazz, and Soul music enthusiasts Valerie Day and John Smith were a part of what they call the "golden age" of live music in Portland, and at a certain point, they were even one of the city's top bands, playing up to five days a week. When it seemed that they could be stuck in a rut, along came a funky beat born in their little apartment, one that had several iterations over the course of three years. A remix by Dutch DJ Peter Slauhuis, however, was the one that propelled the duo to international success and a Grammy nomination as Best New Artist. More than 36 years later, and after stepping away from the touring circuit, Valerie and John remain as creative and prolific as they ever were, while at the same time, enjoying the continued life and legacy of "I Can't Wait." Show Tracklisting
Nu Shooz on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 2) | 29 Jun 2022 | 00:33:48 | |
Princess' appearance at a London fashion show caught the eye of a member of the team working for songwriting and production trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, who were eager to continue their streak of success in the charts following the release of songs like Hazell Dean's "Whatever I Do, Wherever I Go," Divine's "You Think You're A Man," and Dead or Alive's iconic "You Spin Me 'Round (Like A Record)". Inspired by The BB&Q Band's "Genie," and the work Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis did for The S.O.S. Band, Stock Aitken Waterman decided to take a stab at credible soul recordings, carefully curating sounds that would complement Princess' powerhouse vocals. Although the collaboration between the parties ended abruptly at the end of 1986, "Say I’m Your Number One” is still very much considered as the jewel in the crown of Stock Aitken Waterman’s cavalcade of hits. Show Tracklisting
Princess on Social Media:
Phil Harding on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 1) | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:22:45 | |
As Princess (born Desiree Heslop) gets ready for her return to the stage, treating longtime fans with a first-ever performance of her debut album for Supreme Records, she looks back on the making of that LP and a journey through her extraordinary career, one propelled by the support of her brother and manager, Don Heslop. Both Princess and Don talk about how music came into her life, and her role as a session singer for up-and-coming and established acts, which led her straight to the doorsteps of the ‘Hit Factory’ established by producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, known for their assembly-like work with artists like Bananarama, Rick Astley, and Kylie Minogue. Show Tracklisting
Princess on Social Media:
Phil Harding on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| CHOONS' Greatest Hits (So Far) | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:31:10 | |
It's been six months since CHOONS was unleashed to the world, and nothing has prepared us for the overwhelming response we've gotten from listeners around the world who share our love for these songs, and most importantly, their place and meaning in our lives. This episode is dedicated to those of you who have shown your support for this show —think of this as our ‘greatest hits’ compilation, a collection of the best, entertaining and shocking moments from some of our most popular episodes. Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Regina Richards Gets Playful On "Baby Love" | 01 Dec 2021 | 00:37:31 | |
Regina Richards is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz. Inspired by the sounds of Motown, the Ronettes, and The Beatles, she began a prolific career as a composer at a tender age. Richards had enough songs in her portfolio that a band project (Regina Richards and Red Hot) was formed around her, becoming a fixture of the New Wave scene in New York. Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Alisha & Mark Berry Push Through With "All Night Passion" | 17 Nov 2021 | 00:31:31 | |
Back in the early ‘80s, Brooklynite Alisha Ann Itkin was pretty much your average American teenager. Outgoing yet a bit timid onstage, she shined as a cheerleader, and scored roles in school plays and functions. Oh, and she was also an outstanding vocalist who began training at the age of 8 with the support of her parents, Lillian and Al. Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| The Friends Of Distinction Go "Grazing In The Grass" | 03 Nov 2021 | 00:36:07 | |
One of the most vocally cohesive groups of its time, The Friends of Distinction—Harry Elston, Barbara Love, Jessica Cleaves, and Floyd Butler—enjoyed considerable success and influence due to their blend of California harmonies and crossover arrangements, qualities that set them apart from their contemporaries. Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Four Decades On, Sharon Brown Still Specializes In Love | 20 Oct 2021 | 00:34:25 | |
Born into a musical family, Brown found her calling as a little kid watching Sammy Davis Jr. and all the Motown greats at the world-famous Apollo Theater, in New York. With strong will and determination, she went on to become a prolific songwriter for CBS Records, penning lyrics for Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Ronnie Dyson. Brown also had a way of crafting funky tunes for her own with the highly influential “Family Tree,” a massive hit in England’s Northern Soul scene. More on Sharon Brown
Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Pajama Studios | 06 Oct 2021 | 00:33:39 | |
Pajama Studios opened its doors on April 1st 1993. A typical April Fools day, although these folks are no fools. It started with the vision of two-time Grammy nominated composer, arranger, producer and engineer James Gardiner, and his business partner, producer and director Paula Telander. Both greeted us on their world-class recording facility to talk in depth about the legendary performers that have walked their platinum and gold-disc hallway—from Beyoncé to En Vogue and 2pac—, how they help make a difference in what’s played on the radio and on streaming services, and how they’re developing the new faces of pop music. More on Pajama Studios and Gardiner Music Mentoring:
Show Tracklisting:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Special Thanks to Marcel Caldera III Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| So Much Love: A Tribute To Joyce Sims & "Come Into My Life" | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:26:48 | |
Multiple tributes flooded social media channels and websites when Joyce Sims made her peaceful transition on October 13th, 2022, all noting the tangible influence she had on music and people's lives. This Rochester, NY native found her way from perfecting her craft to soaring the international charts with a heavenly mix of Hip-Hop, electronic beats, and R&B vocal stylings, thanks to her collaboration with Sleeping Bag Records producer Mantronix. That mix led to some remarkable singles in the mid-to-late 80s, including "(You Are My) All And All," and "Come Into My Life," the latter becoming her most-known tune. Taking cues from one of her final interviews, we take a look back at Joyce's beginnings in music, her efforts to learn the process behind the engineering desk, her surprise rise to fame, and her last recordings before her passing. Show Tracklisting:
Interview with Joyce Sims (Courtesy of Halftime Chat) Donate or support the production of Halftime Chat CASHAPP: £halftimechat PAYPAL: nesoul
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Pretty Poison Looks Back On "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" | 22 Sep 2021 | 00:34:26 | |
Pretty Poison was no flash in the pan. Although “Catch Me” is their biggest commercial success to date, they have a whole history as part of Philly’s underground rock scene back in the early 80s. More on Pretty Poison
Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Kym Sims Is Not "Too Blind To See It" Anymore | 08 Sep 2021 | 00:32:12 | |
Ever heard the saying "be careful what you wish for"? Better ask House music vocalist Kym Sims. Destined to sing from a young age, Kym developed her talent as the voice behind jingles for major US brands before she ran into Hurley, a neighborhood friend who was impressed by her vocal talent at a local party. He promptly convinced her to collaborate with him and cut what became her signature record, a top 5 Dance hit in the US and an even bigger success in Europe. Having learned from past decisions that almost curtailed her career, she's now finally able to make the music she wants—on her own terms. More on Kym Sims
More on Steve "Silk" Hurley
Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Special Thanks to Thomas Arambula for making this interview possible Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Howard Johnson Channels His Inner 007 In "So Fine" | 25 Aug 2021 | 00:35:10 | |
Exposed to a sea of different influences, from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, to The Jackson 5 and Earth Wind and Fire, Howard Johnson started his career with a series of bands that included Niteflyte, whose single “If You Want It” cracked the US top 40 in 1979. After Niteflyte split, his life took an unexpected turn when he got the exciting opportunity to cut records with the legendary producers Kashif, Paul Laurence and Morrie Brown, already riding high with the megahit “I’m In Love” by Evelyn Champagne King. More on Howard Johnson More on Paul Laurence More on XL Middleton Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| The Legacy Of The Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt" | 11 Aug 2021 | 00:30:51 | |
Raised in Detroit, Michigan and vocally trained by their mom, gospel singer Mary Frazier Jones, Shirley, Brenda, and Valorie Jones were a musical wonder from the very start. Their misty harmonies caught the ears of some of the greatest performers of all time—from Norman Connors to Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross— who hired them as their backing vocalists. More on Shirley Jones Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Bonus Episode: The Craft of Music With Trevor Lawrence | 28 Jul 2021 | 00:15:03 | |
In an ever-changing music industry, where songs are produced and consumed at an insatiable pace, the creative role of musicians and songwriters often remains overlooked. According to Trevor Lawrence, a legendary producer and saxophonist who's worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and the Pointer Sisters, the art of creating a song might appear as simple as learning your ABCs, but in close inspection, it entails an entire process of understanding scales and structures, storytelling and originality in musicianship. In this bonus episode, Lawrence shares his experiences learning from his mentor Sol Moore (Dizzy Gillespie, Les Hite and His Orchestra) and his thoughts on how memorable music gets made. More on Trevor Lawrence: Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Gospel Meets Jazz, Funk and Electro In D-Train's "You're The One For Me" | 14 Jul 2021 | 00:31:02 | |
All aboard the D-Train! Joining us on this trip are vocalist James "D-Train" Williams and producer/songwriter Hubert Eaves III, who will look back on their groundbreaking 1981 debut single "You're The One For Me." When Williams and Eaves III met, it was a match made in club heaven: a singer rooted in Gospel, gifted with the ability of conveying his spirit through his vocal performance, and a prolific musician that fused funk with jazz and electronic music. Together, they created an influential sound that has been covered or sampled by the greatest musicians of all time, and it all began with a song that took just 45 minutes to write. More On D-Train More On Hubert Eaves III Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| A Band Divided: How Exposé Almost Got To The "Point Of No Return" | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:36:04 | |
Walk the warm streets of Miami Beach with Lewis Martinee and Laurie Miller, as they discuss the making and legacy of "Point Of No Return," originally released by Exposé as a 12" single in 1985, and rereleased for the pop audience two years later. Though Martinee started work as a rock musician, his claim to fame was developing the Latin Freestyle sound that would dominate the mid-to-late 80s in various parts of the United States. Laurie Miller, Sandra "Sandee" Casañas, and Alejandra "Ale" Lorenzo brought his concept to life with flashy outfits, fierce choreo, and strong tracks like "Point Of No Return" that skyrocketed to the top of the Dance charts. But just as the group was on the cusp of superstardom, things came to a screeching halt for the first generation of Exposé. More on Laurie Miller: Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| This Is CHOONS | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:02:09 | |
Have you ever heard songs that spur memories in your mind or get you going real hard? If you have, here are some good news: 1) you’re probably not alone in this, 2) those songs that get you going are often known as ‘CHOONS’, and 3) there is a new podcast that explores why those tracks remain memorable to this very day and have become the soundtrack to our lives. This is CHOONS Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nickfresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Company B Plays With Tension And Release In "Fascinated" | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:28:43 | |
Producer and musician Ismael "Ish" Ledesma, and Progressive House artist Noel Sanger talk about the making and legacy of "Fascinated," originally recorded by Latin Freestyle trio Company B in 1986. Born out of the ashes of "Disco Sucks" and a series of musical projects that included the bands Foxy and OXO, Ish created Company B as a vehicle for his wife Lori. A happy accident with "silly" lyrics, "Fascinated" is now a monster track that still fills the floors of clubs everywhere with versions that range from Latin to Hip-Hop and R&B. More on Ish Ledesma: More on Noel Sanger: Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| The Real Me Comes Alive: The Story Of Sheryl Lee Ralph's "In The Evening" | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:34:25 | |
In 1984, Sheryl Lee Ralph went from playing a "Dreamgirl" on Broadway to singing about the hustle and grind of New York City, and a desire for liberation that resonated with many dance goers then and now. Ms. Ralph and legendary musician Trevor Lawrence talk in-depth about how the song took shape, its classic status with the LGBTQ+ community, and how far we've come in terms of living our truth in the light. More on Sheryl Lee Ralph:
More on Trevor Lawrence: Show Tracklisting
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: NickFresh Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Leee John Celebrates Four Decades Of Imagination's "Just An Illusion" | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:41:21 | |
As the glamour of New Wave made its way through the UK music scene with acts like Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet, a band made out of three black men was making the most, sashaying into TV studios with an extravagant image and hypnotic tunes to match. Vocalist Leee John, bassist Ashley Ingram, and drummer Errol Kennedy ruled both the charts and the dancefloors with their own silky and soulful "Imagination" sound, created in collaboration with innovative production team Steve Jolley and Tony Swain, later architects of pop classics recorded by Spandau, Alison Moyet, and Bananarama. In this special CHOONS episode, Leee takes a trip back to his days working the pub circuit and learning from the greats, his pre-Imagination recordings, the inspiration behind his first hit singles with the band, and the treacherous session that led to one of the most unforgettable floor-fillers of the 1980s.
Pre-order Imagination featuring Leee John "40 Years" Limited Edition Box Set Out February 2023: https://leeejohn.lnk.to/imagination40 Leee John on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| How Snap's Penny Ford Reconciled With "The Power" | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:42:04 | |
On January 3rd, 1990, days after a unified East and West Berlin welcomed the new decade with a memorable New Years celebration a few feet away from Brandenburg Gate, German producers Luca Anzilotti and Michael Münzing unleashed "The Power," a song that blended soul, dance, and rap sounds. Though they weren't the first to come up with this fusion, the result was one of the most recognizable songs of all time and a symbol of the often problematic practices found in relationships between artists and production teams. Penny Ford, a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer with years working alongside greats like Chaka Khan, Joni Mitchell, Zapp, and the Gap Band, was caught in the whirlwind of it all, and saw her life completely turned upside down by the unexpected opportunity of fronting the Snap! project, and securing its afterlife for the next three decades. Show Tracklisting
Snap! on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Zimbabwe's Own Alton Edwards Wants To Spend Some Time With You | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:30:27 | |
Back in 1980, Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) had finally gained independence from the British, marking the end of racial segregation after a protracted war of liberation that claimed many lives. A year later, a young Alton Edwards became a prodigal son when his debut single climbed the UK top 20, one of the very first instances of a 12" single achieving success in the pop charts. It was the culmination of a journey that took Alton from being a member of several bands to leading his own solo project in collaboration with innovative record producer Chris Cameron. Though his journey also included obstacles that ultimately curtailed his momentum, Alton continues to express his creativity with impactful projects. He's also immensely grateful for the dancey tune that put him on the map and that makes bodies shake to this very day. Show Tracklisting
Alton Edwards on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Different Fur Studios | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:33:56 | |
Different Fur has been a landmark of the music scene in the Bay Area and at the cutting edge of studio technology since it was founded in 1968 by synth wiz Patrick Gleeson, who went on to play on albums by Herbie Hancock, and in soundtrack albums for the films "Apocalypse Now" and "The Plague Dogs." Nestled between taquerias and cocktail bars, it has hosted an array of legendary musicians, up-and-coming artists, and music lovers who have attended community-based events that are now the stuff of legend in the Mission. After navigating the shakeup of the COVID-19 pandemic, Different Fur looks to the future with its new co-managers, Lien Do and Grace Coleman. Both talk to us about their musical beginnings, their relationship with artists, and their goals for the future of this recording studio. More on Different Fur
Show Tracklisting:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Special Thanks to Marcel Caldera III Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Junior Shares A Universal Message In "Mama Used To Say" | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:39:43 | |
Born Norman Washington Giscombe on June 6, 1957, Junior had been making the rounds of the London music scene, just as the Britfunk movement was bridging the gap of a racially-divided England with its friendly and inviting sound, one inspired by American R&B, soul and funk. After dabbling in rock and even Disco, Junior found his groove with producer Bob Carter and tapped into the words of wisdom of his Jamaican mother to create a song that touched a nerve with audiences in the UK and the US. With its universal message of love, knowledge, and self-acceptance, “Mama Used To Say” helped Junior make history as one of the first British soul singers to cross over to America, and served as inspiration and praise for a number of equally iconic performers. Show Tracklisting
Junior on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Swing Out Sister Talk "Blue Mood, Breakout and Beyond" | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:47:45 | |
In the mid-1980s, a new batch of artists emerged on the UK music scene, blending pop sensibilities, refined arrangements, and an understated sense of fashion. Among the likes of Sade, Prefab Sprout, and Simply Red, there was the unique style of Swing Out Sister, originally comprised of jazz-tinged vocalist and songwriter Corinne Drewery, keyboardist Andy Connell, and drummer Martin Jackson. Show Tracklisting
Swing Out Sister on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Carrie McDowell Says "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex" | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:40:55 | |
In June of 1987, 24 year-old Carrie McDowell—the second white female artist signed to Motown Records—walked the stage of the legendary music show "Soul Train," and rocked the house with a performance of her first and only single, the controversial "Uh Uh No No Casual Sex." For McDowell, it was no daunting task, as she was already a seasoned entertainer by then. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Carrie was a musical child prodigy destined to sing. At age 3, she could carry a note and embody the feelings of classic melodies from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. By the time she was 10, Carrie went from showcasing her talent at local venues to dazzling the Vegas crowds alongside Liberace, George Burns, and comedy duo Rowan & Martin, and drawing standing ovations at the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. After her parents' divorce and poor management curtailed her early career, Carrie got her second wind by experimenting with musical styles, and embracing new opportunities with legendary Motown producer Willie Hutch, who introduced her to a song that, despite its lyrics, was part of a serious conversation society was having in the late 80s. Show Tracklisting
Carrie McDowell on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod Subscribe to our PATREON: patreon.com/choonspod | |||
| Information Society's Paul Robb on "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
The “Minneapolis Sound” is eclectic at its core. From the funktified innovations of Prince and André Cymone to the polished productions of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and the alt-rock fire of The Replacements, the scene always made space for everything—and everyone—even an offbeat band like Information Society.
In 1982, the same year The Purple One invited us to party like it was 1999, InSoc burst onto the scene with a robotic synth style that recalled Kraftwerk, early Devo, and Gary Numan. Paul Robb, Kurt Larson, and James Cassidy embraced the DIY ethos of punk, quickly building a loyal following. But true recognition didn’t come until the band relocated to New York City, where they forged their signature sound—a fusion of electro and pulsating dance beats that launched them onto the charts.
With the guidance of seasoned producer Fred Marr, the trio absorbed everything around them, from radio staples to late-night TV static. Armed with samples—and a certain ’60s sci-fi phenomenon like Star Trek—Paul Robb crafted InSoc’s pop breakout hit, a track that dominated clubs from L.A. to Rio and beyond. It set the foundation for the group’s unique brand of intellectual, tech-driven pop, a sound that remains as vibrant today as ever.
Show Tracklisting:
Information Society on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod | |||
| Disco legend D.C. LaRue and the legacy of "Cathedrals" | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:35:49 | |
More than half a century ago, a cultural and societal movement took root in the streets of New York City. Driven by the post-Stonewall sexual revolution and the masterful work of DJs spinning the latest R&B cuts, people flocked to the clubs in search of their tribe and live out an almost religious experience. Show Tracklisting:
D.C. LaRue on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel Follow us on social media: @choonspod | |||