Category Archives: Outta World interviews

2017 marks the return of Dub Gabriel with his 5th full-length solo album entitled “ADSR DUB” on his pwn record label, Destroy All Concepts. After his critically acclaimed 2013 album, Raggabass Resistance, he locked himself away in the studio and went into complete isolation in what he refers to as “one of the most prolific times of his 20 year career ”. Mixing his love for classic dub productions with vintage analog tape echoes, spring reverbs and tubes, with his love of krautrock and his collection of Moog, Arp and Korg analog synthesizers, to provide the listeners with one of the most original albums to come out in recent memory.

The album Features guest performances by Addis Pablo, son of the legendary Augustus Pablo. Ranking Joe, who rose to prominence in the 1970’s on such legendary labels as Studio 1, as well as his collaborations with King Tubby. And, The Spaceape, who became the voice of U.K. Dubstep through his groundbreaking work with Burial, Kode 9 & The Bug. Recorded in San Francisco at d/a/c Laboratory for Research & Development, mastered by the legendary, Kevin Metcalfe, at Sound Masters in the U.K. and cover art by acclaimed French illustrator, Olivier Bonhomme.

We took some time to dive into the new release, how for me it takes me out and away from the current state of the real that seems to drag me down. We talk about the balance one must find within creation of a project from start to finish and starting and making a family of three when it once was two. I have been listening to creations of Dub Gabriel’s for a long time and it was nice to hear about his take on what my thang (taste maker) involves as well as which toys from his studio would he choose if he could only have a few. We talk about the flow of the music and art and how as creators, we have to let the story, the narrative speak for itself. Check out our conversation to take the canoe ride within the story.

cover art by acclaimed French illustrator, Olivier Bonhomme.

When last we spoke with Joe Marcinek, he was coming to town with friend of the proGram, Dr. Bernie Worrell. What a treat!! This time around he will be bringing the Joe Marcinek Band to the 5th Annual Schenk’s Corners Block Party on Friday, August 18th.

This stop through, Joe will be bringing an ALL-STAR cast (as usual) with him! Featuring Joey Porter from The Motet on keys, Pete Koopmans from Family Groove Company on drums, and Buddy Pearson from FREEK JOHNSON on bass. Joe tells me of the contributions each of these folks have played parts in throughout the history and the present of the band. We paint the funky landscape of what could be expected in an ever-evolving set from these cats and how the vibe of the people, those who go and show, create the newness of today while the jammin’ is happening.

Joe and I spend some time talking about the newest album, “Slink” and how it came to fruition, the impact of his circle of fans and friends alike to make this latest musical story complete, and how doing it in a way that fits right for the pieces of the puzzle, makes all the difference in an album’s creation. The band will be featuring much of “Slink” while here in Madison and as someone who has been sharing those grooves to the listeners, this is a much set get-down-to-the-sound event. It is clear that Joe appreciates the scene and those wo make it up here in Madison, so let’s return that love on the 18th.

We are always so lucky here in Madison when the summer rolls around and we are fortunate to have culture travel to us. This coming weekend, La Fête De Marquette will once aGain provide a great opportunity to catch some acts you might not otherwise get a chance to bump into. One such act is out of the Czech Republic, Mydy Rabycad. They create and electro-swing or glamtronic sound that has people around the globe up and moving their bodies. I had a chance to chat with Mikulas and JohnyD of the band from Canada, as they are making their first trip to North America and we are going to get a dose of them this weekend. We talked about what the festival goers can expect from their sound, their audience interactions and the music they create and how it translates into a wild time o=f dancing. I assured them that Madison is a home for some eclectic dance moves. We talked about how it is more likely for a group out of the Czech Republic to get known better once they leave town and broaden their listener-ship, as well as how their relationships together have strengthened their live and produced works. We touch briefly on how times have changed for them as they are working on studio album number three, and how the growth of a band and the doors that get opened by others really assist in making it all happen.

I am thinking the dust will fly this week end, and the group will have a few more reasons to head home happy and with more fans as they leave North America behind, but not until we give them a taste of Madison first.

It’s always nice to catch up with friends from times aGo. Had a chance to do just that with Sunny Jain, as Red Baraat makes their way back to Madison on July 15th at the Union Terrace and then July 16th at La Fête de Marquette. We spoke about what a newcomer to the band could expect to see and hear when checking our Red Baraat at either of these Madison stops. We had a chance to walk down memory lane and discuss the difference of landscape between when the group first came here years ago versus where they are at sound-wise and production-wise today as they released “Bhangra Pirates” in March of 2017. It is always a pleasure to learn how the paths have changed throughout the years and how life plays into the way we do what we do, musically and otherwise.Madison holds a special place in this group’s heart, and I am sure we will return the love on the upcoming weekend. Comprised of eight musicians who can whip a crowd into a frenzy with an unprecedented, high energy, gut-busting fusion of jazz, hip-hop beats, rock muscle, funky go-go, and scalding hot bhangra. A horn section blares, percussionists pound, the guitarists rips, everybody shouts, and the group’s charismatic leader, Sunny Jain, holds the explosive songs together with rhythms from his dhol – the Indian double-headed drum played slung over the shoulder that provides bhangra with its frenetic heartbeat. This energy blast is always opening the door to newness in front of crowds, let’s have Madison respond in similar fashion by being itself, ready for anything. And if you were wondering what Sunny would air if I gave up a half hour or so of the proGram, well he clues us in at the end of this conversation..some interesting stuff, as I would expect.

Had a chance to catch up with Matt Doe of Too Many Zooz as they will be playing the after party on June 23rd once the Dark Star Orchestra finishes up their “Live on King Street” Performance. Set to hit the Majestic Theater stage around 11pm to help the Madison scene walk into the front door of a “Brasshouse” experience. We spoke about the process of going from NYC subway musicians crafting and tuning their craft up to being found out by the Queen B herself, Beyoncé and how that led to working on her Lemonade album as well as some dates working with her team in a live setting.

With the trend towards electronic instrumentation in music, it’s easy to forget where it all first started: on street corners with real instruments, playing for tips, that is until you’ve heard Too Many Zooz. This three-piece “BrassHouse” band is Matt Doe, Leo P, and King of Sludge. They have now worked with a wide group of artists that is stretching the boundaries of their sound, including friends of the proGram Galactic and Beats Antique, to create a mind opening provocative body shake groove.

Named one to Billboards’ Top 25 Next Big Sound, thanks in part to a video of one of their frenetic subway performances was posted to Reddit and went viral to the tune of over 2.2 million views, and in a very short time amassed a large fan base. If you make your way to the June 23rd show in Madison, you’ll understand why this trio’s mark being left is real and true and set to make a lot of noise heading into the future. Their groove is infectious and easy to move to and all the instruments come together in an explosive climax of sound. Too Many Zooz will definitely force you to reconsider the way you think/listen to music.

Had a chance to catch up with my musical brother from another mother and find out what’s been going on, DeeJay Alex J. Alex and I go way back now and it is our love of diverse sounds and how they blend that has kept us movin & groovin’ toGether through this scene. Alex and I talked about a couple new joints he’s been working on, one included below. We also spoke on the ways and times of now versus then with listening and sharing of sounds, the way he and I and DoodleBUG all got connected up in a circle of remixes as well as the time and process that goes into making the connections and producing the goods. (off air we spoke NCAA championship and sneakers in the closet.)

Here’s the skinny:

Alex 2morrow (aka DJ Alex J) joins musical forces with Australian singer Jason Singh for their standout single on King Street Sounds titled ‘Love Is What I Need (Your Love).’ The featured mix is DJ Alex J’s ‘Future JazzFunk Mix’ that combines Jason’s smooth and silky vocals with jazzy house, tech sounds and live instrumentation.

Check it: Out now on traxsource:
http://www.traxsource.com/track/4135286/love-is-what-i-need-your-love-dj-alex-js-future-jazzfunk-mix

Took the opportunity to catch up quickly with friend of the proGram, Mister Mina Girgis as The Nile Project heads back to Madison to perform in two shows (for students ranging from Kindergarten through seniors in high school) on March 6th at The Overture Center as part of the Onstage Student Field Trip event. Along with the two shows, there will be some knowledge transfer about how the decisions people make truly affect all beings on this planet. Mina defined the mission of The Nile Project and the musicians associated with this years tour, the commitment to making a change and being a bridge between Africa and students of all ages around the globe to help hear and share ideas to foster the growth of the Nile citizens. The two shows will open ears to the sounds of the regions along the Nile River as it flows with life, different in may ways, yet so similar that people quickly become united as one when the sounds and styles get explored together. Take a moment to reintroduce yourself if you are familiar with the concept, and if this is new to you, please take a listen to to our conversation as it may be you who holds an important key to keeping the smallness of our world united.

I had the pleasure of chatting it up with Rench of Gangstagrass to promote the upcoming show Sunday, December 18th at the Frequency here in Madison. If you have never heard, or heard of Gangstagrass, Rench and I dive into what could surprise your eyes even before your ears catch the drift. He takes the time to discuss the process of finding the right team members for such a distinct project and how visions meld with open minds. Rench shares a story that all artists should hear and remember as they hustle to get noticed, how once and a while, you just get a call out of the blue and even end up with an Emmy nod for your efforts.
We take a side road and discuss the two places he goes to get away from it all and get lost in it, as well as what tunes he would share with the greenarrowradio listeners if I happened to give up a half hour of my show to his musical ways. Check out this chat and discovery why two great tastes sometimes DO taste so great toGether.

Gangstagrass Making their way to madison 12/18/2016

Just in time for the Trick or Treaters…Mister Rourke’s TERRORVISION made it’s devious little way to my doorstep and I have been scaring, I mean sharing it with you ever since. The scratches are rhythmic and rowdy and believe it or not…this is one scratch album that has a plot and a story. We also learn something very interesting about Rourke’s project Guvna Dub, there is a special sax player working on the new project—a friend of greenarrowradio no doubt? If you never thought you were one for it, try it. We also spend some quality time talking about life, Elf Music and a couple of different ways in which inspiration is gained thru the eyes and ears of this scratch sculptor Mister Rourke.

catch our catch up session here.

FESTIVAL!!! Man what a day it is going to be this Saturday November 22nd at the historic Congress Theater in Downtown Chicago. The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, a one day celebration of the roots of music will be taking place all day with doors opening at 11amCST. Aiming to help eradicate congenital heart defects in children, a portion of the event’s proceeds will contribute to the research efforts of the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation. Until now, fans have had to travel far outside city limits and setup camp to witness a legend like David Grisman share a stage with the scene’s newest genre-defying sensations, The Avett Brothers, and a host of rising talents from the roots, blues, bluegrass, & jamband scenes.

The David Grisman Quintet
The Avett Brothers
Ha Ha Tonka
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Majors Junction
Dollar Store
Blue Mother Tupelo
Billy Childers
How Far To Austin
and many more…….

My conversation with Mike Raspatello, Director of the Festival.

From the man himself, Andrew McPherson we hear about some of the musicians that are behind the wide openness sound of SHIVA boom, the new release from Eccodek on White Swan Records. Andrew is a friend of the program and it is always a charge chatting him up–this time is no different. We spend time talking about the making of the new album, have I mentioned it’s called SHIVA boom(?), on-going projects and thoughts about potential and hopeful future fusion collaborators. Currently SHIVA boom sits at #13 on the CMJ charts in the World category…and the love is just beginning around here. Get yourself in a spot to take a direction unknown around the globe journey that album # 3 from Eccodek is ready to provide—a charm!

Listen in on Andrew and I chatting it up here.

Eccodek’s SHIVA boom White Swan Records 2008

It’s always refreshing to spend time chatting with Xavier Rudd. He is such a laid back cool cat and I always feel like we are sitting on top of our boards just chillin’. Anyhow, this time was no exception and we had a chance to dissect a few tracks off the new album released on Anti entitled: Dark Shade of Blue. This dissection revealed some way cool and super heavy info on one of the mates in his touring posse and we learn who helped produce this raw rocker of an album. Have no fears, there are certainly great moments of world music fused in there along with mind consuming awareness lyrical content. Xavier was involved in a project recently with Matthew McConaughey, a movie called: Surfer Dude and of course we discuss one of the socially and globally important issue on his mind that you might not even have known existed.

Check out my time with Xavier Rudd right here.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is an amazing artist. Playing with everyone from U2 and Lenny Kravitz to the band down the corner of a N’Orleans street side, but what really resonated like a perfect low note, was how grounded he is. He is cool and collected and and wise for his short time physically upon the earth. At 22 years old Troy has already experienced more than most musicians three times his age, and he has the chops to prove it. Having traveled extensively in the United States as well as globally, Troy’s music has reached innumerable music lovers who will never forget his amazing live performances. He will bring his amazing spirit and band Orleans Avenue to the Union Theater here on the beautiful campus of the university of Wisconsin on October 2nd. In on conversation we talk about everything from the NBA to what music he is currently sporting on his Ipod. I hope you find a moment to check out our chat and become more familiar with the person known as Trombone Shorty.

Listen to Troy and I converse it up here.