Roadcase Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Jano Rix is on Roadcase this week, and I couldn’t be more psyched to share this amazing interview. Jano has been behind the drum kit in The Wood Brothers now for almost 15 years, and his magical drumming, percussion, keys, and vocals add that critical third dimension to the trio’s wonderful musical exploration that is at the heart of The Wood Brothers unique sound. The band’s sonic journey continues with their latest album Puff of Smoke, which came out August 1.  

Jano comes by his musical talent quite honestly — his Dad, noted drummer Luther Rix, had Jano playing drums by the time he was only 3 or 4 years old. And now, Jano and his Dad have together released an album, Legacy Vol. 1, with their new collab project, RIX. It’s a delightful album with the heartwarming story of a father, a son, and their lifelong shared musical connection. For Jano, this album was a long time coming.

Jano also talks to me about how the hand of fate brought him to The Wood Brothers and we discuss what it means to join the band that he once adored as a fan — how  discovering their music was a true revelation for him. And he describes to me that when he got the call from Oliver, he had truly found his musical home. It’s a serendipitous and fateful path that led Jano to this current place, and it’s an amazing story. 

Jano is kind, funny, and full of wonderful surprises, and you won’t want to miss this epic and unique story!!   

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Episode Chapters:

Episode Intro with Josh Rosenberg

Introduction to Jano Rix

Musical Influences and Early Life

Joining The Wood Brothers

The Creation of the Shittar

Touring Experiences

Collaborations and New Projects

The Creative Process

Live Performances and Their Impact

The Evolution of The Wood Brothers

Conclusion and Reflections

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For The Wood Brothers tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com

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

I caught up once again with Mo Lowda & The Humble on their Tailing the Ghost Tour for their recent shows in Birmingham and Nashville. On this episode, I continue my Roadcase on the Road Series, as I feature interviews with the two “newest” members of Mo Lowda, bassist Jeff Lucci and guitarist Kirby Sybert.  At the tail-end of this seven-week tour, the band is totally in the pocket, vibes are high and the entire operation was a well-oiled machine.  And their playing followed suit: these guys were super “tour tight,” and the shows (and crowds) were simply outstanding!

I was delighted to interview Jeff and Kirby for separate, one-on-one interviews before they hit the stage at Nashville's Basement East.  Both dudes are totally chill, fun guests, and of course, conversation flows as it does between friends, and it’s a super intimate look at tour dynamics, their individual backgrounds and creative styles, and how they have both become important and integral parts of this tight-knit unit of extraordinary musicians.

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg 

01:50  Introducing Jeff Lucci

03:40  Interview with Jeff Lucci

46:40  Jeff Lucci wrap up

50:50  Introducing Kirby Sybert

51:50  Interview with Kirby Sybert

1:36:30  Kirby Sybert interview wrap-up and Episode conclusion with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For Mo Lowda Tour info and tour dates, click here

For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com

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

I’m capping off the Lollapalooza Series with today’s Part 3 from Chicago’s Grant Park, including interviews with first-timers Malik Flint of bLAck pARty, along with Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird of San Diego rock band benches.

Malik is an LA-based artist originally from Arkansas (hence the LA and AR of bLAck pARty), who for over a decade now has been creating compelling beats mixing funk, afrobeats and hip hop with a dash of country and R&B.  The excitement of this young artist has been on full display and he’s cultivated a working relationship with Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino as well as Issa Rae.  His latest album, The Last Dance, is out there now!

Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird are childhood pals and now make up one-half of the band benches.  First timers at Lolla, these guys bring the SoCal energy to the festival. Their latest effort, an EP entitled “Kill The Lights” has put them on the map as a force in the glam rock world, and I’m excited for what’s in store for this fun and super talented band from California!

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Episode Chapters:

00:00 Episode Greeting with Host Josh Rosenberg and Introducing Malik Flint

04:55  Interview with Malik Flint aka bLAck pARty

20:05  Malik Flint wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg

21:49  Introducing benches

24;40  Interview with Evan Ojeda and Charlie Baird of benches

43:30  benches Wrap-Up with Host Josh Rosenberg

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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Or contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.com

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

The Newport Folk Festival Series continues and I'm really excited to bring you this outstanding and diverse group of artists for the penultimate chapter of in-person interviews I conducted live at Fort Adams.

I'm kicking off this installment with the amazing singer songwriter Mereba, whose folk / soul hybrid style of artistry is nothing short of stunning.  I have a super chill convo with Mereba, a truly gentle soul -- and a massive Bob Dylan fan -- who had dreamt of playing at Newport Folk.

Next, it's Bluegrass time in the Media Tent, as I have a rousing and super fun conversation with the one and only Bluegrass legend and 15-time Grammy winner, Jerry Douglas. It's a laugh a minute as Jerry and I talk about how traditional bluegrass has morphed into its modern form while still respecting its roots. 

I then attempt to use my high school French skills (but mostly the interpreter) in my convo with Jupiter Bokondji of Jupiter and Okwess, who comes from the Congo by way of Berlin to bring us his magical mixture of African beats, dance moves, and psychedelic rock. I talk to Jupiter about his role as a trailblazer and he explains to me the secrets of Okwess: how he nourishes the world with his musical vibes. 

Rounding out Part 4 and taking our souls and spirits higher is The Harlem Gospel Travelers: Ifedayo Gatling, George Marage and Dennis Bailey. They talk to me about how you don't have to be a Believer for gospel and to raise you up and make you feel it.  Their sets are a true inspiration and further proof that the power of music is REAL. 

I'm so grateful to be able to bring you inside the Media Tent with these amazing artists who each bring such a unique and indelible vibe to the stage, into our lives and beyond.  Enjoy and Rock On!!       

The Newport Folk Festival vibe is in full-effect as I swing into the third segment of this illuminating five-part in-person interview series, this time around featuring five dynamic artists from the worlds of Folk, Americana, Roots and Country and each one performing for the first time at Newport Folk. Join me, Josh Rosenberg, as I talk to Jaime Wyatt about how being super comfortable in her own skin has transformed her life; and she's on a roll now with a new album, Feel Good, coming out November 3. I also have a mellow chat with Abraham Alexander who has an amazing -- and at times sadly tragic -- story which he recounts to me and has documented in his wonderful debut album SEA/SONS.  In the third slot, I have a simply delightful and fun convo with rising star and all-around great hang, Raye Zaragoza, whose strong spirit embodies a sense of openness and inclusivity, paving her way as an advocate for Women's Rights and greater representation for People of Color.  And to round out this amazing episode, I talk to Aaron Vance and Tylar Bryant, who are part of the Black Opry collective and talk to me about their lifelong devotion to Country music and how Black Opry gave them opportunities they didn't think were possible for young black artists searching for inspiration. This is truly a wonderful collection of unique and talented artists and I'm here to give you all the interviews direct from Newport Folk!!

To learn more about these artists, you can visit their websites:

https://www.jaimewyatt.com/
https://www.abrahamalexander.com/
http://blackopryrevue.com/
http://www.aaronvance.us/index.html
https://www.tylarbryant.com/
https://www.rayezaragoza.com/

For more information on Roadcase: 
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

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

For the second installment of the five-part Newport Folk Festival Series of in-person interviews conducted at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island we're featuring Gregory Alan Isakov, Holden Jaffe of Del Water Gap, Jobi Riccio and Alice Phoebe Lou. Greg's new album, Appaloosa Bones, is out now, and when he's not on his farm in Colorado, will be embarking on a massive World Tour later this year. Holden Jaffe who performs as Del Water Gap is a stellar songwriter with a hip vibe whose new album, I miss you already and I haven't left yet," is out September 29.  Jobi Riccio is playing Newport Folk for the first time and her debut album, Whiplash, is coming out September 8. Jobi was also awarded the 2023 John Prine Songwriter Fellowship. Berlin resident, Alice Phoebe Lou, hails from Cape Town, South Africa and is a songwriter of incredible power and brilliance, and her latest album, Shelter, is no exception.  Come sit down with Josh on the couch at Newport and learn more about these amazing artists for this second part of the Newport Folk Festival Series!!

To learn more about these artists, you can visit their websites:

https://gregoryalanisakov.com/
https://delwatergap.net/  (Holden Jaffe)
https://www.jobiriccio.com/
https://www.alicephoebelou.com/

For more information on Roadcase: 
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

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

We're back from the 2023 edition of Newport Folk Festival with loads of in-person interviews to share. First up in this five-part series is the amazing Danielle Ponder! Danielle is an exceptional artist known for her honest and empowering live shows which serve as a platform of self-affirmation, self-love and self-acceptance. Her debut album from 2022, Some Of Us Are Brave, is even more evidence of her power as an artist, storyteller and voice of truth. "Roll The Credits," Danielle's latest, just-released single, confirms her place as one of the most compelling artists of today. Josh talks to Danielle about what it means to truly live in the moment and not only explore what is that special passion that drives all of us but what are -- and how to confront -- the roadblocks that can stand in our way. It is a freeing and wholly validating interview filled with laughs, sighs, and genuine moments of self-discovery.  This is a special one, Roadcase Fam, and we're here for it!!     


To learn more about Danielle Ponder:
https://danielleponder.com/

For more information on Roadcase: 
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

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

Festival season is here, and we're totally psyched for it!!  Just back from Newport Folk Festival, Roadcase ventures into the depths at Pitchfork Music Festival for this special live interview episode -- the first of the summer -- and it's a hot one. In this episode, Josh sits down with three super-talented artists, each bringing a unique vibe to Union Park for this year's hippest indie Fest. Up first is Sen Morimoto, a Chicago-based performer, songwriter, producer and now co-owner of the new indie label Sooper Records.  Outside of the box performer Axel Boman, who hails from Stockholm, Sweden, joins us "fresh off the boat" to tell us about his compelling brand of house and experimental music and regales us with tales of growing up in the hot Rave culture in Scandinavia. Then Ariel Zetina joins Josh to talk about the DJ scene in Chicago and how she has helped shape and support the Queer community in the Windy City.  All amazing artists in their own way and we're here for it!!  We're kicking off this year's Festival coverage here at Roadcase in style!! And make sure to stay tuned for more stellar artists from Newport Folk and Lollapalooza coming up NEXT!!

For more on Pitchfork Music Festival:
https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/

To learn more about Sen Morimoto:
https://senmorimoto.com/

Click for more info on Axel Boman:
https://soundcloud.com/axelboman

To learn more about Ariel Zetina:
https://soundcloud.com/arielzetina

For more information on Roadcase: 
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

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

We're finally easing into summermode this week with our last full interview of the season and this is a great one!  Proxima Parada's Nick Larson and Kevin Middlekauf have been friends since college in San Luis Obispo, CA, and have crafted a musical career together underpinned by the strong support of their fans and local community.  Now, almost ten years into this, they're on their fifth album, Second Brother, released in 2021 and their free-flowing and sun-soaked indie soul vibes feel fresh and organic as ever -- most apropos for a native-California band. While their growing fanbase had been built on hardwork and much love, in late 2022, when a video clip of their music went viral on a popular TikTok channel and earned over 30 million views, these guys were launched well beyond their expectations -- a much welcomed turn of events for any band, let alone for Nick and Kevin who love to tour, meet their fans, and connect with audiences in a live setting. With two new singles currently out, "So Many Ways to Get Downtown," and "Tunnel Through a Mountain," these ambassadors of forward motion are ready to roll through 2023 and beyond!  Come learn more about how Proxima Parada balances success while remaining true to one's self and loyal to their community on this episode of Roadcase.  

It's summertime and Roadcase is rolling out its festival coverage starting with Pitchfork Music Festival, taking place in Chicago's Union Park this weekend, July 21-23.  To celebrate this unique gathering of amazing musicians, Josh talks to Nic Gohl and Shiraz Bhatti of Deeper as well as the multi-talented Sarah Tudzin of illuminati hotties. Both bands are Pitchfork Rookies and are looking forward to their time on the Union Park stages. In this special two-part episode, Josh first talks to Chicago’s Deeper about their relationship with live performance and how they're gearing up for this special Pitchfork set. Sarah, who is both a noted producer as well as a stellar songwriter and performer, talks to Josh about what performing at Pitchfork means for illuminati hotties and how she faces a delicate balancing act as her touring and studio work begin to collide more and more in her life. For both bands, Pitchfork comes at a key time in their careers and they're all here to reflect on what that means to them. Great things are on the horizon for both bands: Deeper's new album "Careful!," comes out Sept 8 and illuminati hotties have a new single coming out this week, July 19, and will be touring in support of Boygenius in August.  So come kick off this exciting month of July Festivals with Roadcase!!  It's gonna be a great ride.


For more on Pitchfork Music Festival:
https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/

To learn more about Deeper:
https://www.deeperchi.com/

And click for more info on illuminati hotties:
https://illuminatihotties.bandcamp.com/music

For more information on Roadcase: 
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com

Contact: info@roadcasepod.com

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