Best Not 97 Podcasts (2024)

1
LUCI: Being a multifaceted creative, pushing boundaries while staying true to her foundation, and what’s next 31:34

12h ago31:34

31:34

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…

1
Tempest: Channeling rage into fun, being a multi-creative, ego death, & her latest release The Ranch 27:01

16h ago27:01

27:01

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…

1
Xenia Manasseh: Songwriting as a form of confession, raising the ceiling for African artists, & creating space for people to feel. 21:51

2d ago21:51

21:51

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 “…

1
Radamiz: On intention, purpose, finding peace in the process, spreading love, and so much more. 51:32

6d ago51:32

51:32

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, h…

1
Yellow Days: On "Hotel Heaven," storytelling, reconnecting with himself, and exploring a new sound. 31:45

10d ago31:45

31:45

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 Lon…

1
Duckwrth: His most vulnerable album, world-building, defying preconceptions, & more. 23:02

19d ago23:02

23:02

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 …

1
Chenayder: Her life-changing year, cosigns from Tyler, The Creator to Clairo, balancing music & high school, and her debut "Maybe In Another Life." 24:30

20d ago24:30

24:30

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.” *Not 97 is powere…

1
Swavay: Staying true to himself, lessons from Metro Boomin & James Blake, building community, and his latest BILLY. 35:39

29d ago35:39

35:39

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. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT…

1
Justin Nozuka: Growing up surrounded by music, Toronto, his process, & latest “CHLORINE." 30:41

1M ago30:41

30:41

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 & intr…

1
Benji.: Coming out of Pittsburgh, his time with Spillage Village, developing his sound, and crafting the Love Gun Trilogy. 33:45

1M ago33:45

33:45

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 releas…

1
Kenji: On his debut project "between heaven & earth," finding his voice, and building community. 25:07

1M ago25:07

25:07

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. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard …

1
Lekan: On intentional songwriting, surrendering to the creative process, and touring with Tems 27:27

2M ago27:27

27:27

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 K…

1
Buddy: On finding himself, going independent, & his latest release "Don't Forget To Breath." 16:49

2M ago16:49

16:49

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, goi…

1
TeaMarrr: On having fun in her cat woman era, songwriting as therapy, misogynoir, and more 20:09

2M ago20:09

20:09

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 bo…

1
Low.bō: On Baltimore, honest songwriting, family, & embracing his own creative path 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

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." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard &…

1
Andre Lawrence: On Dustrial Denim, growing up in NYC, exploring new sounds, & more. 23:09

3M ago23:09

23:09

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 …

1
Real Ones: Chicago's music platform on their rise, community, & who they're listening to 55:49

3M ago55:49

55:49

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 al…

1
Frank Leone: On his debut album FISH, finding his voice, coming up in Chicago, world building, & more. 27:37

3M ago27:37

27:37

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 wh…

1
Seafood Sam: On redefining the sound of Long Beach, embracing the process, the importance of family, & more. 25:55

3M ago25:55

25:55

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-st…

1
Tunji Ige: On Philly, blurring genre, songwriting, and what's next 32:06

3M ago32:06

32:06

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-nominat…

1
Rae Khalil: On her debut CRYBABY, working with Anderson .Paak, Rhythm & Flow, intentional songwriting, and more 22:49

4M ago22:49

22:49

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 & …

1
Chris Patrick: On Jersey, work ethic, artist development, and building his own community. 26:04

4M ago26:04

26:04

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 ar…

1
MoRuf: on Jersey, coming up around legends, redefining his worth, the Tiny Mic era, & being a father 40:39

4M ago40:39

40:39

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 e…

1
Erick The Architect: On embracing his full potential as an artist, the impact of the Flatbush Zombies, collaborating with legends, & his passion for design 30:40

5M ago30:40

30:40

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 …

1
Daisy World: On capturing the moment, the power of community, being vulnerable, & finding confidence in the process on her debut album “Toothpick” 29:03

5M ago29:03

29:03

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 aroun…

1
Kenny Mason: On building a community, being vulnerable, subverting genre, & pushing forward 31:19

5M ago31:19

31:19

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 th…

1
Joony: On Maryland, crafting a sound of his own, staying consistent, & being about his business. 26:12

5M ago26:12

26:12

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.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sourc…

1
Sadboi: On Toronto, making music for the girls, Drake's advice, & her debut debut project BARE CHAT. 30:39

6M ago30:39

30:39

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 caree…

1
Brandon Woody: On creating his own sound, Baltimore, releasing music on his own time, and more. 48:01

6M ago48:01

48:01

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…

1
Neemz: On identity, intention, discipline, & world-building 48:56

6M ago48:56

48:56

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…

1
SiR: On the his record "Heavy," family, growth, vulnerability, and more. 18:30

6M ago18:30

18:30

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. …

1
Amal Zenab: On being a first generation New Yorker, thoughtful songwriting, collaboration, and more. 23:16

7M ago23:16

23:16

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. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Hu…

1
Shaé Universe: On family, self-love, virality, & “Love’s Letter" 24:28

7M ago24:28

24:28

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 …

1
Una Mia: On her debut, training as an opera singer, learning to be vulnerable on record, and more 16:39

7M ago16:39

16:39

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,…

1
Asha Imuno Interview: On Pins & Needles, Moreno Valley, & staying true to himself 17:38

7M ago17:38

17:38

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.” *Not 97 is p…

1
Amindi Interview: Manifestation, the DIY mindset, creating her own version of success, & more 19:55

8M ago19:55

19:55

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 …

1
FELIX! Interview: On Van Buren, Brent Faiyaz, graphic design, and more. 25:32

8M ago25:32

25:32

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…

1
April + VISTA Interview: Collaborating with Little Dragon, DIY Mentality, & Appreciating The Moment 39:35

11M ago39:35

39:35

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, a…

1
Rodney Chrome Interview: Little Rock, queer representation in rap, & manifesting stardom 26:16

12M ago26:16

26:16

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 hims…

1
Femdot. Interview: On Free Samples Vol. 2, songwriting, & Chicago 25:17

12M ago25:17

25:17

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…

1
Cisco Swank Interview: On being raised around music, finding his sound, & the debut album "More Better" 17:49

1y ago17:49

17:49

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 g…

1
They Hate Change Interview: Life on the Road, Inspiration, New Music, and more 30:16

1y ago30:16

30:16

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, hig…

1
Live from Digilogue Day ft. Kerry Blu, Cedric Brazle, Prez Harris [Part Two] 44:32

1y ago44:32

44:32

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, Ce…

1
Live from Digilogue Day ft. Nyla XO, Tymain Robbins, DZH, & Léa The Leox [Part One] 50:31

1y ago50:31

50:31

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 songwri…

1
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.” 30:11

1y ago30:11

30:11

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. *Not…

1
C.S. Armstrong Interview 32:41

1y ago32:41

32:41

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 t…

1
King Isis Interview 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

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 evol…

1
Pote Baby Interview: Hometown Hero 27:03

1y ago27:03

27:03

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 celebrat…

1
Léa Sen Interview: How To Write Sad Songs That Make You Happy 24:39

1y ago24:39

24:39

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 …

1
Aja Monet Interview: Surrealist Blues Poet, Organizer, Storyteller 1:15:26

1y ago1:15:26

1:15:26

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 en…

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