Best Hapnyn LLC Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 45: Nathan James 34:17

5+ y ago34:17

34:17

For more than 20 years, Nathan James has been entertaining audiences as a soloist, in partnership with Ben Hernandez, as a member of the James Harman Band, and with his own band, The Rhythm Scratchers. For this episode, he sits down to discuss with LJ his influences, his handmade instruments, and gives a demonstration of his unique washboard guitar…

1
Episode 44: Laura Chavez 32:25

5+ y ago32:25

32:25

Laura Chavez is one of the finest guitar players on the planet, and we're lucky to have her call San Diego her home. We managed to somehow lure her away from her busy schedule long enough to talk with LJ about her collaborations with the late Candye Kane, her current project with Nikki Hill, and the dozens of other artists she records and tours wit…

1
Episode 43: Jeeyoon Kim 40:35

5+ y ago40:35

40:35

Classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim delights audiences with her sensitive artistry, colorful musical expression, and insightful commentary from the stage. In this episode, she joins Laura Jane to discuss what music means to her, why she loves performing, and the inspiration behind her new album, "Over. Above. Beyond." Track listing 00:44 - Golliwogg's Ca…

1
Episode 42: Daring Greatly 38:25

5+ y ago38:25

38:25

Originally from Calgary, Daring Greatly headed south seeking bigger audiences & warmer temperatures, eventually landing in Fallbrook, CA. When not on tour, they can be found playing at a number of San Diego venues or festivals. Brandon, Patrick, Dail, and Liam join LJ to discuss their music, travels, self-produced events, and their new video produc…

1
Episode 41: The Anodynes 36:04

5+ y ago36:04

36:04

The Anodynes have been rocking San Diego to its very soul since 2016. In this episode, they join LJ in the studio to premiere three tracks from their new EP, "Catching Waves". And don't miss their CD release party at The Casbah on November 24th! Track listing 1:55 - Catching Waves 14:35 - Make It Rain 27:50 - Sit Back And Let The Universe Carry You…

1
Episode 40: Robin Henkel (Part 2) 1:05:23

5+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

We recorded more Robin Henkel than we could fit in two episodes, but it was all too good to edit out. So here is the extended conclusion of our interview featuring MORE songs, MORE guitars, MORE stories, and MORE Robin! Track listing 00:54 - Little Cars 10:20 - Slippery Like A Watermelon Seed (Live at Thunderbird) 31:30 - Mortero Road (Live at Thun…

1
Episode 39: Robin Henkel (Part 1) 29:50

5+ y ago29:50

29:50

Robin Henkel has been a staple of the San Diego blues scene for over 30 years, captivating audiences as a singer, guitar player, historian, and storyteller. For this episode, we decided to capture that by recording Robin LIVE in the studio with his eclectic assortment of guitars and stories. It was just too much fun to contain in a single episode, …

1
Episode 38: Low Volts 41:07

5+ y ago41:07

41:07

Three-time San Diego Music Award winner Low Volts is giving the music world a much needed shock to the heart. With his fuzzed-out, one-man, dirty blues-rock 'n' soul performances, Tim Lowman creates a thick and swampy sound equivalent to the force of a four-piece band. Having performed to a sold-out crowd at The Ryman, nationally touring with Brian…

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Episode 37: Blue Largo 33:14

5+ y ago33:14

33:14

Blue Largo is a traditional 1940s/50s era blues band, founded in 1999 by guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon. Their fourth album, Before The Devil Steals Your Soul, is scheduled for release on October 19, 2018. In this episode, Eric & Alicia join LJ in the studio to discuss their influences, the songwriting process, and share a few …

1
Episode 36: Young and Talented 30:48

5+ y ago30:48

30:48

Earlier this year, several of San Diego's most talented young blues & rock musicians gathered at Thunderbird Analog Recording Studio for a live recording session. Appearing in this episode are Reagan Williams, Noah Kapchinske, Justice Guevera, Boyce Hartsell, Sadie Holdaway, Anthony Cullins, JP Smith, Hunter Arnold, and Benji Davis. Track listing 0…

1
Episode 35: The Sleepwalkers 37:32

6y ago37:32

37:32

The Sleepwalkers (aka Los Sleepwalkers), are a San Diego-based band that specializes in original music, with styles ranging from Rockabilly, Cumbias, and their own brand of down-home Rock & Roll. They are known for their lively and high energy performances that pack in live music venues throughout Southern California. Track listing 01:30 - Digame 1…

1
Episode 34: Geezer 37:21

6y ago37:21

37:21

Grandpa Adam Gimbel of the band Geezer drops by the studio to promote their highly anticipated appearance at the upcoming 37th Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair. In the ensuing confusion, he also winds up talking about his grandson's band, Rookie Card, how much better things were in the old days, and some upcoming trends like hashtags and vinyl recor…

1
Episode 33: Jake Najor & The Moment of Truth 38:24

6y ago38:24

38:24

Jake Najor is a Grammy-nominated drummer and a San Diego native. He has played with such artists as Big Daddy Kane, Jason Mraz, Aloe Blacc, TV on the Radio, Karl Denson, Raphael Saadiq, Joss Stone, Percee P, Redman, Kelis, and far too many more to mention. His latest project, Jake Najor & The Moment of Truth just recorded their first album, In The …

1
Episode 32: The SOULcial Workers 35:08

6y ago35:08

35:08

The SOULcial Workers is an non-profit organization dedicated to the Social Education & Emotional Development of youth in vulnerable communities. Founded by Dairrick Khalil Hodges, they utilize theatre & the performing arts as a means of preventing youth suicide, as well as raising community consciousness around trauma & relationships. In this very …

1
Episode 31: Band of Gringos (B.o.G.) 39:29

6y ago39:29

39:29

The Band of Gringos (B.o.G) are a rockin' power-trio hailing from Ocean Beach, CA. Performing their original music with a classic vibe, they know how to drive a crowd into a frenzy, whether it's on a big stage or in a local dive. Guitarist Cody Sherman, drummer Spence Noble, and bassist Kasey Dring join LJ in the studio to talk about anything, and …

1
Episode 30: RexRode Productions 27:27

6y ago27:27

27:27

Kenneth Rexrode is working to make San Diego a mecca for music and live entertainment. Through RexRode Productions and The Six String Society, he is producing world-class shows, combining the most talented musicians & performers with some of the classiest venues in San Diego (and beyond). Links RexRode Productions Six String Society San Diego Piano…

1
Episode 29: The Lyrical Groove 46:55

6y ago46:55

46:55

The Lyrical Groove combines a musical blend of jazz, hip-hop, blues, R&B, and gospel with cohesively crafted spoken word to create a message of social consciousness and spiritual awareness that will speak to your soul. In this episode, LJ talks with founder and vocalist Kendrick Dial. Track listing 01:21 - Wake Up 21:09 - Truth Be Told 37:40 - Stro…

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Episode 28: Dave Gonzalez 40:48

6y ago40:48

40:48

Dave Gonzalez is a founding member of The Paladins, whose music graciously bookends this podcast every week. For this episode (recorded in January 2018), Dave sat down with LJ to discuss his latest recording – a country duet album with Susanna Van Tassel – called Think We're Gonna Be Alright. It also features a very special guest appearance by the …

1
Episode 27: Tim Pyles 32:17

6y ago32:17

32:17

Tim Pyles is a San Diego music legend. From his weekly radio show "Loudspeaker" on 91X to his shows at the Casbah & The Merrow, Tim has been helping to grow the local music scene for more than 30 years. In this episode, he talks with LJ about the history of the San Diego music scene, the early beginnings of Loudspeaker, some of the best venues to c…

1
Episode 26: Mimi Zulu 35:44

6y ago35:44

35:44

Mimi Zulu is an American singer, lyricist, & poet. Interweaving soul, blues, jazz, & trip-hop with spoken word, she creates flowing melodies of encouragement, hope, and empowerment. In this episode, she talks with LJ about the creative process that goes into her music & live performances. Track listing 01:19 - A Connection 12:07 - Look Around 29:10…

1
Episode 25: Vokab Kompany 37:50

6y ago37:50

37:50

Vokab Kompany has been thrilling audiences with their genre-defying collection of sound comprised of vocalists Rob Hurt & Burke Baby for over a decade. With live accompaniments by their five-piece band, they use heavy synths, guitars, saxophone, bass & drums to create an innovative sound that blankets audiences and leaves them in a musical stupor. …

1
Episode 24: Israel Maldonado 32:15

6y ago32:15

32:15

Israel Maldonado has been performing his unique blend of Latin and modern music in and around San Diego for over 20 years. In this episode, he discusses how he came to fall in love with Brazilian music and learned to combine its infectious rhythms with his classical guitar and drum line percussion training. Track listing 00:53 - Que Me Esta Pasando…

1
Episode 23: Lindsay White 42:07

6y ago42:07

42:07

Lindsay White is a San Diego-based singer & songwriter whose talents have garnered her national attention and numerous awards, including the 2018 SDMA for Best Singer/Songwriter. In this episode, she talks with LJ about the trials and tribulations of life, love, and loss, and shares those emotions as songs from her latest album, Lights Out. You'll …

1
Episode 22: XIV 41:34

6y ago41:34

41:34

XIV is an amazing group of artists from San Diego, carefully crafting a unique blend of musical styles ranging from trip-hop to electronica to downtempo. Sultry vocals by Kelly Samuels and Shani Ayanna weave seamlessly into a rich tapestry of hypnotic melodies, throbbing beats and deep, driving bass lines. While XIV's music could be compared to cla…

1
Episode 21: Ariel Levine 38:55

6y ago38:55

38:55

Ariel Levine is a San Diego transplant hailing from New York, where he was the frontman for the fabled hi-fi punk band, KiNDERGARTEN. Eschewing the pressures of center stage in exchange for sunny beaches, Ariel is quickly making a name for himself here as a composer, producer, tribute performer, session & live guitarist/bassist, as well as performi…

1
Episode 20: Nick Costa 38:37

6y ago38:37

38:37

Nicholas Anthony Costa is a musician and composer from San Diego where he has been playing guitar for over 13 years. Currently the guitarist for The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble and Jake Najor & The Moment of Truth, he recently released 2 singles off his solo studio project called MY MYND, and has a debut EP expected later this summer. Known for his tec…

1
Episode 19: WSOHOIDPS 28:34

6y ago28:34

28:34

A Ship in the Woods Music & Art Festival is unlike anything else happening in SoCal. Besides a diverse lineup of contemporary, independent, and emerging musicians, there will be immersive outdoor contemporary art installations with a focus on social practice, ecology, and experimentation. In this episode, Laura Jane talks with co-executive director…

1
Episode 18: Miki Vale 31:50

6y ago31:50

31:50

Miki Vale is a solo Hip Hop and Soul artist from Southern California, as well as one half of the rap duo 50|50. Track listing 00:50 - Worth It 12:56 - Love 25:28 - E.P.I.C. Links Miki Vale Facebook Hapnyn Thunderbird Analog Recording Studio Theme music for the What's Hapnyn San Diego Podcast generously provided by The Paladins.…

1
Episode 17: Shane Hall 35:41

6y ago35:41

35:41

Shane Hall is a versatile, multi-faceted Rock Blues and acoustic artist whose guitar work and various musical roles are shaking up Southern California's blues and folk rock scene with great force. Shane ensures that his live music experience is unforgettable for fans and music lovers wherever he goes. San Diegans can find him playing live with his …

1
Episode 16: OrchidxMantis 43:47

6y ago43:47

43:47

OrchidxMantis is a four person group straight out of North Park in San Diego whose hybrid stylings exist at the intersection of operatic vocals and jungle drum n’ bass within the genres of 3rd stream and avant pop. Fans might associate OrchidxMantis with the street corner of 30th & Thorn Streets, the important stepping off point where the group ori…

1
Episode 15: Karina Frost & The Banduvloons 37:38

6y ago37:38

37:38

Karina Frost & The Banduvloons emulate the 'looniness' of life through a musical fusion of soul and folk music. The Banduvloons are typically comprised of a 7 piece band of local San Diego artists and boldly led by front woman and songwriter Karina Frost. This week's guests strive to leave an impression on every audience member and listener at thei…

1
Episode 14: Taryn Donath (with Marty Dodson) 37:19

6y ago37:19

37:19

Taryn Donath has been captivating audiences with her tenacious piano stylings and smooth, sultry voice for over 19 years. She is joined in the studio by drummer Marty Dodson, who have been performing as a duo, weaving together a unique blend of jazz, funk, and soul that lights up the stage and thrills audiences everywhere. Track listing 01:04 - Mis…

1
Episode 13: Whitney Shay 36:56

6y ago36:56

36:56

Soulful vocalist Whitney Shay joins LJ this week to discuss her preparation for this year's Gator by the Bay, as well as other performances. She has been nominated by the San Diego Music Awards for Best Blues Artist, Best Live Performer, and Best Blues Album. Join us as we learn more about this musical force in the San Diego blues & soul scene. 01:…

1
Episode 12: Gator By The Bay 45:25

6y ago45:25

45:25

Gator By The Bay is celebrating its 17th year as the largest, most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival west of the bayou. Located at Spanish Landing Park on beautiful San Diego Bay, across from the airport, it features four days of live music with over 100 musical acts and special performances on seven stages, southern cuisine includ…

1
Episode 11: Gabriela Aparicio 35:33

6y ago35:33

35:33

Singer, songwriter, and cultural hybrid Gabriela Aparicio joins Laura Jane this week to discuss her neo-Latin, soul, and jazz influenced vocal stylings and percussive grooves. Whether playing solo or performing with her band La Buena Onda, Gaby's bi-lingual music is an ongoing experiment with material and presentation. Track listing 01:09 - You Cap…

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Episode 10: Rob Deez 38:35

6y ago38:35

38:35

North Park native and San Diego legend Rob Deez joins us this week to not only explore his music and comedy, but to introduce us to a new song that earned him the title of international recording artist. With five albums already to his credit, Rob Deez is always ready to provide San Diego and the rest of the world with new music and comedy. Whether…

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Episode 9: Jillian Calkins 25:07

6+ y ago25:07

25:07

This week on What's Hapnyn San Diego, Laura Jane discovers the depths of human emotion with the incredible Jillian Calkins. The jazz crooner grew up on Broadway songs and operas, including her favorite, Italian arias. Starting at the age of five, Jillian has devoted her life to music and still follows her passions to this day. Whether it's solo or …

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Episode 8: Cathryn Beeks 34:23

6+ y ago34:23

34:23

Cathryn Beeks is known as a singer, songwriter, promoter, radio host, retail specialist, and cinematographer – just to name a few of her many titles. Since her 1999 arrival in San Diego she has been constantly changing the local music and art scene, and helping countless artists showcase their own works. Laura Jane talks with Cathryn about her many…

1
St. Paddy's Break 2:06

6+ y ago2:06

2:06

What's Hapnyn San Diego is taking a week off. Join us on March 25th for our next exciting episode. Be safe, kiddies!

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Episode 7: The Tighten Ups 41:22

6+ y ago41:22

41:22

The Tighten Ups is a 7-piece soul, funk, blues, rock band fronted by singer (and podcast host) Laura Jane Willcock. Together for more than a decade, they set themselves apart by lacing their rock and roll with syncopated bursts of high voltage brass and soulful doses of rhythm and blues. Nominated in 2009 for a San Diego Music Award as Best Cover/T…

1
Episode 6: AJ Froman 35:28

6+ y ago35:28

35:28

The psychedelic, progressive, experimental rock group known as AJ Froman began as a recording project between Albert Bowman and John Joyce, eventually culminating in the current lineup including Sarah Norwood, Jeff Shaefer, and Patrick DeWit. Hailing from Ocean Beach, they can be found playing all over the local San Diego area and beyond. LJ is joi…

1
Episode 5: Sue Palmer 43:20

6+ y ago43:20

43:20

Sue Palmer, widely known internationally as The Queen of Boogie Woogie, has been a staple of San Diego's blues, swing, and jazz scenes for over 30 years. Best known for her beehive-wearing stint with blues diva Candye Kane in the '90's, Sue has been making her mark in the last decade with her high energy band, the Motel Swing Orchestra, and her fla…

1
Episode 4: Imagery Machine 29:36

6+ y ago29:36

29:36

Since their formation in 2015, San Diego band Imagery Machine has set the local music scene on fire. Their distinct style of female-fronted psychedelic rock is unlike anything else around, seamlessly blending classic new wave with modern and indie rock to create an intoxicating, dynamic sound. Fronted by the sultry voice of Jennie Lynn, the band fe…

1
Episode 3: Casey Hensley Band 46:09

6+ y ago46:09

46:09

All over California, people have been talking about 25-year-old powerhouse vocalist Casey Hensley, who is taking the blues world by storm. Influenced by such greats as Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, and Candye Kane, she surrounds herself with only the best musicians – which probably is why her band has been nominated as…

1
Episode 2: Sarah Rogo 34:08

6+ y ago34:08

34:08

Transplanted from the east coast, this destined-to-be-a-Californian had her apprenticeship in New England where she learned from such places as the Berklee College of Music, the Boston scene, and even the public library. An accomplished singer and songwriter: her repertoire also includes the saxophone, bassoon, clarinet, and guitar. She draws inspi…

1
Episode 1: Chill Clinton 29:43

6+ y ago29:43

29:43

With their roots in the dorms of San Diego State University, Chill Clinton has become an energetic powerhouse with a long list of venues that have borne witness to their electrifying take on hip hop, showcasing cool grooves, socially conscious lyrics, fuzzy guitar riffs, and spacey synth sounds. The two-piece act of Dan Rabb and DJ Morante has evol…

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