The Fade podcast interviews artists and creators involved with and in preparation for the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival to be held in June 2025 in Houston, TX. Join us for entertaining and informative conversations with creatives from Houston and beyond as we prepare for one of the biggest events to come in 2025! Let's fade it forward!! For more information about the festival, visit fadetoblackfest.com. #thefadepod #ftbaf #fadingitforward #FTBFEST2025
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Plunging into the personal playlists of remarkable individuals as we explore the songs that shaped their lives. Get ready for provocative discussions, filthy humor, and daring questions that aim to both entertain and enlighten. Gain fresh perspectives on your favorite creatives as they share their moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt inspiration through a playlist of their all-time favorite songs. Tune in and join the laughter—share your story on Music Junkies today!
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Send us a Text Message. In this mini-episode (a light Fade) we sat down with multi-hyphenated artists, Thomas Meloncon, Curtis Von and Errol Anthony Wilks to discuss the state of black theatre. You won't want to miss this short, but topical discussion. Catch a Light FADE!! Catch the video premiere of new episodes on Wednesdays at 7PM here: https://…
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From Child Actress to Modern Marilyn: Erin Gavin's Musical Journey
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Ever wondered how a childhood actress transforms into a mesmerizing Marilyn Monroe? Join us on this captivating episode of Music Junkies, where we sit down with the incredibly talented Erin Gavin. From her high school experiences and early crushes to the unforgettable melodies of U2 that accompanied her upbringing, Erin shares her heartfelt journey…
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Send us a Text Message. This episode's guest, ShaWanna Renee Rivon, playwright, screenwriter, actress and director. Shawanna discusses her journey as an actress, her triumphs as a playwright, her continuous growth as an artist and her involvement in the Fade To Black. Join us for this dynamic conversation with this gifted artist! Catch the video pr…
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From Classical Roots to Rock Legends: Joel Hoekstra's Musical Journey
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What happens when classical music meets rock and roll? Join us on Music Junkies as we chat with the extraordinary Joel Hoekstra, a guitarist whose vibrant journey spans from the classical influence of his accomplished musician parents to the electrifying world of rock music. Joel shares the pivotal moments that defined his career, from being inspir…
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Send us a Text Message. This episode's guest, Jabari Collins, Board President of Shabach Enterprise, parent company of The Fade To Black Play Festival. Jabari discusses his "everyman" duties with FTB and other organizations, his career as an theatre educator, theatre's role in education, and his role in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us…
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Send us a Text Message. A brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, the always busy, award winning actor, Edwin Lee Gibson! Edwin takes a break from Hulu's award winning show ,The Bear, to drop by The Fade to discuss his journey from Houston to Hollywood and all routes in between while dropping gems along the way. Join us for…
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Drummer & Voddy Swiller with BIF NAKED Drummer Chiko Misomali
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Feel the drumbeats of life's great symphony with the rhythm maestro, Chiko Misomali as he joins me on the latest Music Junkies episode. As someone whose musical heartbeat has fueled the likes of Biff Naked and resonated in games and commercials, Chiko brings a playlist that's the soundtrack to his life's milestones. We kick off reminiscing about ou…
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Nightmare Dates: Avoiding the Dating Disaster with Mss Francois
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Ever wondered how losing your job could be the best thing that ever happened to you? Today on Music Junkies, we have the hilarious Ms. Francois sharing her unique perspective on social media fame and unconventional careers, including her uproarious take on getting fired and the unexpected twist of using Instagram to gain sympathy and followers. We …
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Episode 12 - Dr. Jolie Rocke and Dr. Kiana Day Williams
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Send us a Text Message. A brand new episode of The Fade is here! This episode's guests Dr. Jolie Rocke and Dr. Kiana Day Williams. These sistas with voices discuss their musical journeys, the importance of music and voice, and their involvement in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us for this captivating and funny conversation with two int…
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Behind the sense a Hollywood love story with Brianne Davis
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If the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, combined with the raw undertones of sex, love, and addiction intrigue you, then you're in the right place. Today, we're thrilled to have the entertainment industry's dynamo, Brianne Davis, in our musical hot seat. She's on board to peel back the curtains on her journey, from creating a playlist for her bestsel…
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Leather, Lace and Fire. The Tales of Raw Love
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When the pulsating beats of DJ Raw Love first filled my ears, I knew we were in for an electrifying journey. Chrisanna a New York Times bestselling author turned pro bodybuilder, now spinning the decks with a flair that's hard to ignore, graces our show with tales of her leap into the music scene. Her hit song, a beacon of her love story, reflects …
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Send us a Text Message. A brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, legendary playwright, Thomas Meloncon! Mr. Meloncon discusses his start in theater, his journey as a playwright, the theater business and his involvement with the Fade To Black Festival. Join us for this intriguing conversation with this world-renowned playwr…
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Rockin Out: Freeman's Iron Maiden Obsession and Unconventional Skills
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Ever thought of the wild stories that lie behind the making of a music playlist? Hold on to your headphones as we embark on a sonic roller-coaster ride with Freeman, the ultimate Iron Maiden fanatic. We kick off with a hilarious tale of a pub encounter, a man smitten by Freeman's hair, and a band playing at an absurdly early hour. From amusing misu…
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From "Fade to Black" to Podcast Crack: with Chuck Shute
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Ever find yourself wistfully thinking back to the music that scored your youth, or the songs that became the soundtrack to your most cherished memories? Chuck and I, Annette Smith, take you on a sentimental journey through our shared love for music, storytelling, and the art of the interview. As Chuck Shoot graces the Music Junkies podcast, we unea…
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Send us a Text Message. This episode of The Fade we are joined by director and producer, Lea Jones. Lea is a frequent contributor to The Fade to Black Festival as a director. Lea discusses her career, faith in entertainment and her involvement in the Fade To Black Arts Festival in June 2025. Join us for this enlightening conversation with this inno…
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Striking a Chord: with the 7-Foot Flute Player Brent Tyler
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Ever thought about how a towering height could influence a person's music career? Well, put on your headphones, and let's meet Brent Tyler, who stands tall at seven feet, not just in height but also in his passion for music. Brent generously shares the captivating journey of his life, beautifully interwoven with music, basketball, and knee surgerie…
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Church Choirs to Crotch Splitting with Tim Steinruck
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Get ready for an exhilarating ride through the world of rock and roll with Tim Steinruck lead vocalist and guitarist of The Mighty One. Our conversation dives deep into Tim's musical journey, tracing his evolution from a young music enthusiast to a seasoned songwriter and performer. Listen in as we dissect the complexities of his creative process, …
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Send us a Text Message. A brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, Errol Anthony Wilks. This actor, writer, director and producer joins us to discuss his journey in the arts, his knowledge of the business and his involvement in the Fade To Black Arts Festival in June 2025. Join us for this riveting dicsussion with this actin…
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"Rocking Legends: Lorraine Lewis and the Legacy of Vixen and Femme Fatale"
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1:16:46
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Step up and get ready to be swept off your feet by the whirlwind tales of rock 'n' roll royalty, Lorraine Lewis. The iconic Vixen lead vocalist and casting producer takes center stage as she recounts the electric days of her musical journey, from high school dreams to the legendary Sunset Strip. Her voice carries the wisdom of the ages, yet pulses …
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Highs of hockey glory and the anthems of '80s rock with Derrick Germain
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This week on Music Junkies, I’m thrilled to have my good old buddy, Derrick Germain, onboard. We'll be swapping stories - from wild high school experiences to his heartwarming love saga with his wife, Tracy, and their journey through four failed date attempts before finally hitting the sweet spot. Our friendly debate on the significance of flexibil…
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Send us a Text Message. This episode actor, writer and producer Timothy Eric joins, host, Brandon Morgan. Tim discusses his career highlights, the craft of acting and his latest performance in the world premiere of Thomas Meloncon's Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word. Join us for this intriguing conversion with this outstanding artist! Ca…
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Pranks, Playlists and, Illusions with Stand-Up Comedian and Magician Danny Whitson
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When comedy and magic collide, the result is a spectacle of humor and surprise that captivates audiences. This podcast episode introduces us to the remarkable Danny Winston, whose journey through comedy, illusion, and music is as multifaceted as it is fascinating. Host Annette Smith engages Danny in a conversation that is both enlightening and ente…
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Goth Metal, Grit, and Glam with Glenn from Two Shadows
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Slip into the shadows with us as Glenn from Two Shadows unravels the tapestry of goth metal melodies and the raw emotion behind their chart-topping hit "Scratchin' Out the Surface." It's not every day that you get to steal glimpses into an artist's soul. Still, Glenn lays it bare, recounting the transformative studio journey, the tug-of-war with re…
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Send us a Text Message. In this session, host, Brandon Morgan is joined by the Executive Artistic Director of the Main Street Theater, Rebecca Udden. Becky sits down to discuss the history of MST, the world premiere of the Thomas Meloncon play Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word and MST's involvement in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival…
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Chords of Change: From Rock Bottom to Mosh Pit Miracles with Kevin Hellestad
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When Kevin, a fervent music aficionado, shares his life-altering odyssey through the realms of rock and metal, you can't help but feel the electric charge in the air. Our latest episode features his tale of salvation through sound, a narrative that spans from the solace he found in music during his darkest times to the explosive energy of mosh pits…
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Mixtape Memories: Comedy, Crushes, and Carmen Lynch
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Picture yourself rummaging through old mixtapes and stumbling upon the soundtrack of your youth. That's where we kick things off with Carmen Lynch, a strikingly hilarious New York City comedian who joins me to reminisce about the power of music and its uncanny ability to teleport us back to the days of high school dances and first crushes. We unpac…
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Send us a Text Message. Actor, writer, director and poet extraordinaire Joe Palmore stops by The Fade to visit with host, Brandon Morgan. Joe P. discusses his acting career, poetry, collaborating with Tobe Nwigwe, the future of theatre in Houston and the part he plays in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us for this insightful and funny in…
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Guitar Strings and Heartbreak: The Ballad of Chancy Grife
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When Chancy strums the strings of his custom Frankenstein-style guitar, it's like unlocking a treasure trove of stories and emotions woven into each note. In this episode of Music Junkies, prepare for a captivating symphony of heartfelt narratives as our guest, a passionate music and movie aficionado, paints a vivid picture of his life's soundtrack…
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Rockin' the Dirty Edge: A Metal Journey Unleashed
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Get ready to rock as I, Annette Smith, unleash the electrifying energy of London's metal masters, Prodigal, straight into your eardrums. Stan, George, Johnny, and Louis peel back the layers of their wild journey, from jamming in the schoolyard to dominating the stages they command today. Our conversation is a no-holds-barred exploration of the elem…
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Send us a Text Message. Curtis Von, actor, writer, director and producer of both stage and screen joins us this session to discuss his journey to creative independence, theatrical best practices and his involvement with The Fade to Black Festival. Join us for a fun and informative interview with this trailblazing creator! #thefadepod #ftbaf #fading…
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Ice, Beats, and Chuckles: with Lori "ICE" Fetrick from American Gladiators
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Ever found yourself lost in the beats of your childhood, each song a thread in the tapestry of your memory? Lori Fetrick 'Ice' from American Gladiators joins me, Annette Smith, for a session that's as much a concert of nostalgia as it is a symposium on the sheer force of music in our lives. We trace Lori's journey from country classics that echoed …
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Karate Moves, Cruise Upgrades, and Acid Wash Jeans: with Jane and Deklan
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Ever found yourself gripping the steering wheel, with Eminem blasting through the speakers, as you navigate a snowstorm? That's just a sliver of what we unpack with Jane and Deklan from the brutal, bizarre, and boozy podcast on this episode of Music Junkies. Our conversation traverses the emotional landscapes music creates, from s Deklan's breakup …
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Send us a Text Message. Eileen J. Morris, The Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, talks about her career, her love of theatre and the Fade to Black Arts Festival. Catch the video premiere of new episodes on Wednesdays at 7PM here: https://youtube.com/@thefadepod25?si=yCQQJTM_6MaEhOfr Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information …
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Strings, Songs, and Sinful Stories: Rocking Out with Matthew Holtby
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Have you ever been whisked back in time by a single guitar riff? Singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby joins us on Music Junkies to share his symphony of life—an auditory tale that dances through his vibrant solo career and the tracks that define it. Our conversation is a mixtape of moments, from the Anne Murray show that started it all, to the punk roc…
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Retro Rambles: Hip Hits & Shoulder Pad Misadventures! with Harvey Laguerre
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Ever wondered how a stroll down memory lane with 80s music could stir up more than just fond recollections? Join me, Annette Smith, as I sit down with Harvey, the charismatic voice behind "Love is Black" and "Men Are the Prize," for a vivid trek back to the era of synthesizers, leg warmers, and MTV. We tap into the pulse of a decade that revolution…
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Send us a Text Message. Jason Dirden, star of stage and screen (Fences, Greenleaf, American Soul) is joined by his dad, Willie Dirden, an accomplished actor and director himself (Jitney, Two Trains Running, The Piano Lesson), in a candid talk about family and the family business. Catch the video premiere of new episodes on Wednesdays at 7PM here: h…
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Beats, Blunders, and Blazing Truths: with Joelle Gilmour
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Looking to discover how the magic of music can shape our lives, relationships, and personal growth? Join us for an enlightening conversation with our extraordinary guest, Joelle Gilmour who shares her intimate journey with music. We dive into the depths of our shared love for music, discussing its profound influence on our lives and how it connects…
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Send us a Text Message. Tony Award winning educator, Roshunda Jones-Koumba discusses the importance of arts in education, her Tony experience and her efforts to help make the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival the best event not too be missed in June 2025. Catch the video premiere of new episodes on Wednesdays at 7PM here: https://youtube.com/@thefad…
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From Vinyl to Van Halen: Rocking Ron Coolen's Dirty Musical Memoirs!
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Can you remember your first concert or the thrill of buying your first album? Our guest for this episode, the self-taught musician and radio personality, Ron Coolen, takes us down memory lane to his early experiences with music. He shares his affinity for heavy metal music, sparked off by his first album purchase, Boston's "Don't Look Back." A resi…
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Beats, Body Slams, and Book Projects: Unraveling Music and Wrestling with CJ Plain
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1:15:48
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Get ready to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and nostalgia as we explore the mesmerizing world of music and wrestling. I'm your host, Annette Smith, and joining me in this insightful journey is our music-obsessed guest, CJ Plain. He opens up about his home studio, the sentimental significance behind its name, and his intriguing book pr…
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Beats, Booty Shakes, and Banter: Getting Down and Dirty with the Music Man! Eric Alper
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Have you ever wondered about the transformative power of music? Join me as I sit down with Eric Alper, a major figure in the Canadian entertainment industry, for an engaging and thought-provoking journey through the world of music and beyond. We kick off with Eric's personal playlist, each song a life lesson. He gives us a rare glimpse into the mus…
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From South Central LA to Chicano Shuffle: Ramon Ballesteros Odyssey
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Ever wondered how the cultural blend of TV, music, and films across two languages shapes a person? This episode takes you on a fascinating journey with Ramon, a first-generation Mexican-American, whose childhood was marinated in a mix of English and Spanish entertainment, and how that blend has influenced his life and work. We're rolling back the y…
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Send us a Text Message. The Founder of the Fade To Black Festival series sits down with our host, Brandon Morgan, of this first episode to discuss, celebrate and promote the upcoming Fade to Black Festival in 2025. Denise discussed the history of the festival series and what to expect in 2025. Catch the video premiere of new episodes on Wednesdays …
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The Symphony of Kevin Joly: From School Bands to Biggie Theories
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Get ready to ride a rollercoaster of emotions with our extraordinary guest, Kevin Joly. In this engaging conversation, we travel in time as Kevin paints a vivid picture of his life, significantly shaped by music. His tale takes us from his elementary school days when he was rocking out to Def Leppard, to choosing a wedding song that evokes cherishe…
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Behind the Scenes with Rob Bolland: The Making of 'Rock Me Amadeus' and Understanding Music's Cultural Impact
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Ever wondered who's the mastermind behind the global hit 'Rock Me Amadeus'? Join us as we sit down with award-winning songwriter and producer, Rob Bolland, who's left an enduring imprint on the music scene and sold over 67 million records worldwide. Get ready to traverse through Rob's enthralling career journey, from his youth in South Africa to hi…
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Exploring Heavy Metal, Horror Films, and Juggalo Culture with Jeremy Bryant
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Guest of honor, Jeremy Bryant is joining us for an enlightening chat, imparting his expertise on metal music, horror films, and the intriguing lifestyle of Juggalos. Our conversation takes us on a journey through Jeremy's high school years, shedding light on how his love for the band Sticks shaped his musical taste. Tag along as we dive into Jeremy…
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Backstage Pass to Burlesque Cults & Rock & Roll A Deep Dive with Sid Stratton
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Prepare for a wild ride as we go backstage with Baranot Regrets and Sid Stratton to uncover the magic and mayhem of the music world. Our journey starts with a nostalgic trip down memory lane as Sid reveals his life-long love affair with music, triggered by the iconic Batman Forever soundtrack. Hear his fond recollections of partying with Jimmy Buff…
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From Yearbooks to Concert Halls: Matthew Clark's
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Have you ever considered how music shapes your life? How does it bring back special memories or inspire you to create new ones? This week, we welcome our guest Matthew Clark - a music aficionado with a passion that's infectious. As we traverse through his curated playlist, Matthew takes us into the deep corners of his musical world, sharing persona…
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Exploring the Melodic Journey of Lukey Antonio: From Family Roots to a Unique Musical Style
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If you've ever wondered how life's experiences, family, and even food can shape an artist's musical journey, then you'll love our latest episode with the multi-talented Lukey Antonio. A classical musician who found his unique style, Luke's story is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of always staying true to oneself. From his…
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Prepare to be entertained by our vibrant guest who not only speaks five languages but also composes hilarious songs centered on male anatomy. This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride as Sadia unveils how music has crafted the story of her life, from her Ohio roots to the eclectic music culture that is Los Angeles. We look back on the profound…
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