Dynasty Podcasts: Chicagoverse

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 174 - John Williamson (Songfinch) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago music tech figure John Williamson speaks about his new company Songfinch, which produces custom made songs for individuals and corporate clients. Williamson speaks on the inspiration for the company, delves into how the songwriting process works, reflects on the impact the finished product has made on grateful customers, and speaks on potential partnerships in the works. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 173 - CYN http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts In a call from LA, singer-songwriter CYN dials in to Dynasty Podcasts. The artist discusses how she pivoted from studying management informations systems to moving to LA, and recalls that she grew up with the expectation of a more traditional career path. CYN also shares how she first connected with Katy Perry, and reveals what was going through her head the first night they met, with CYN playing piano for Perry in the superstar's living room. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 172 - Adrienne Gibbs http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Accomplished journalist Adrienne Gibbs visits Dynasty Podcasts to share her story on how she got started writing, a journey that saw her choose to attend Northwestern University over Harvard. Gibbs speaks on what keeps her based in Chicago, and reveals why she loves covering Chicago figures and culture. She also reflects on her time as a writer in miami, and speaks on notable features she's written about Chance The Rapper and Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 171 - Musa Reems http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago MC Musa Reems visits Dynasty Podcasts to share his thoughts on getting signed to Columbia College Chicago's student record label, AEMMP Records. Reems also speaks on his perspective on not only being signed at Columbia, but also being a student at the college, as well. The artist also discusses getting support from Closed Sessions' Alex Fruchter, both at Columbia, where Fruchter is an instructor, and via Fruchter's music blog, Ruby Hornet. Reems reveals MF Doom as an early influence, and delves into coming from the Austin neighborhood on Chicago's west side. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 170 - Daniel Kisslinger x Damon Williams (AirGo Radio) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago broadcasters Daniel Kisslinger and Damon Williams of radio show and podcast AirGo visit Dynasty Podcasts to delve into all things broadcast, podcast, and Chicago music. The radio and podcasts hosts speak on their respective broadcast backgrounds, with Williams offering insight into his political activism work, as well. The duo reveal how the AirGo project first came together, with the pair wanting to create a community driven conversation showcasing Chicago talent, which brought them to WHPK 88.5 FM, University of Chicago's college station. Williams and Kisslinger also shed light on the production process in publishing an episode a week, and speak on the strategy they've utilized in achieving longevity. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by A

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 169 - MFn Melo http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Rising rapper MFn Melo makes his debut on Dynasty Podcasts to discuss his new MeloDramatics project. The artist reflects on the multi-year journey to write, record, and release the record, revealing that the album went through multiple drafts before arriving as a final and finished statement. Melo also speaks on the origins of Pivot Gang, revisiting the early days of himself, Saba, and Joseph Chilliams as The Rally. The artist talks on the friendly level of competition within the Pivot Gang, and recalls how the group's first post on Fake Shore Drive marked a turning point in Pivot's journey. Finally, Melo discusses the upcoming John Walt Day concert event on Saturday, November 25th at the House Of Blues, where the Pivot family will remember the late John Walt. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice im

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 168 - Corbin Reiff http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago-based music writer Corbin Reiff returns to Dynasty Podcasts, following speaking on last year's Breaking Into Professional Music Journalism panel. Reiff delves into his newly released book, Lighters in the Sky: The All-Time Greatest Concerts 1960-2016, which chronicles the most legendary live performances ever. The writer reveals how he conducted research and gathered firsthand accounts about legendary concerts going back decades, including getting to connect with none other than The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Reiff and host Jaime Black also bond over their love of Kanye West and Nine Inch Nails, geeking about the live theatricality of the former, and marveling at the transformation of the latter over the last three decades. Finally, Reiff revisits the concert event that turned him onto live music, and reveals the one concert he'd attend if he had one time machine opportunity. Hosted

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 167 - Greg Buissereth x Justin Cunningham (SocialWorks) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Greg Buissereth and Justin Cunningham of SocialWorks make their Dynasty Podcasts debut, to delve into the story behind the youth empowerment charity. The duo speak on the spirit of altruism and the personal challenges that led to the creation of SocialWorks and a desire to pursue selfless endeavors. Cunningham and Buissereth also reveal how the passing of Brother Mike Hawkins led to the launch of OpenMike youth poetry series, and share how Chance The Rapper helped take the project to the next level, legitimizing SocialWorks as a charity organization early on. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 166 - Jason Valcarcel x Herson Escobar (PVTSTCK) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Jason Valcarcel and Herson Escobar of PVTSTCK make their Dynasty Podcasts debut, speaking about the planning and vision that went into the creation of the recording studio and record label business in Chicago. The duo speak about the importance of community within the PVTSTCK organization, as well as their goal to help legitimize and establish artists and industry in Chicago. Escobar and Valcarcel also discuss long term plans to open their own space in a neighborhood like Pilsen, to support and empower Chicago youth, providing insight on how the music business works. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 165 - Chris Lindsey x Evan Brown (Ear 2 Ground) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts In an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels in Chicago, Evan Brown and Chris Lindsey of tech and content site Ear 2 Ground make their Dynasty Podcasts debut. The duo share the little known news that not only is ar 2 Ground a content and editorial/features site, it’s also a tech company, creating APIs and software for artists like Chance The Rapper and more. Brown and Lindsey speak on showcasing editorial videos showcasing Chicago talent, while working on tech services for artists in the background. The pair reveal how they plan to roll out the tech features for artists in the future, and discuss the challenges that come with creating customized campaigns to meet an artist’s needs. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 164 - Michael Salisbury http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago photographer Michael Salisbury visits Dynasty Podcasts to discuss his visual craft, in an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels. The Chicago photographer shares how he sees Instagram adapting as a platform, and how those changes affect its core base. Salisbury also touches on shooting with corporate clients at Leo Burnett, reveals how and when his work turned a corner in finding an audience, and speaks on shooting Chicago artists for longform features with These Days. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 163 - Mel Safford (Chicago Ideas Week) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts In the midst of preparing and promoting the festival, Chicago Ideas Week booking director Mel Safford visits Dynasty Podcasts to speak about this year’s CIW. Safford looks back at her beginning in the creative industries, to her role as a booking producer at Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios. Safford also shares what she loves about her role booking thought leaders as speakers at Chicago Ideas Week, and affirms why it’s important for the festival to remain affordable and accessible to a creative audience. Finally, Safford speaks on the high profile speakers lineup at this year’s edition of the festival, from Kim Kardashian to hometown heroes Joe Freshgoods and Elise Swopes, to acclaimed actor and screenwriter and Chicago native Lena Waithe. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice im

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 162 - YehMe2 http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts In an interview recorded at his home in Chicago, longtime Dynasty Podcasts guest* Josh Young, AKA YehMe2, returns to the podcast to talk about his work and his life, post-Flosstradamus. (Young’s first appearance was in one of the earliest episodes of Dynasty Podcasts, all the way back in 2005.) Young speaks on his feelings of no longer connecting with the sound and lifestyle that came along with the success of Flosstradamus, and how differing musical tastes between himself and longtime musical collaborator Curt Cameruci inspired Young to pursue his own path. The artist also details what makes YehMe2 different than Flosstradamus, and how he’s more concerned with creating a steady flow of creative and imperfect ideas, over working on a project without a set deadline until it’s absolutely perfect. Finally, Young speaks in depth on how the family life - a wife and two children - has influenced his goals an

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 161 - Company Of Thieves http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts In support of Company Of Thieves’ reunion tour, Marc Walloch calls in to Dynasty Podcasts to reconnect with Jaime Black. Walloch speaks on the mood leading up to Company Of Thieves’ hiatus in 2014, and how he first reconnected with COT frontwoman Genevieve Schatz in LA. He also reflects on his time playing bass for Awolnation and guitar for Juliette Lewis during COT’s hiatus, and reveals how moving to LA initially humbled him. Walloch also discusses the mood in Company Of Thieves now that he and Schatz are again making music together, and talks about the group’s perspective on releasing new music in the near future. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 160 - Leor Galil (Chicago Reader) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Following his appearance as a speaker at the Breaking Into Professional Music Journalism panel in 2016, Chicago music writer Leor Galil returns to Dynasty Podcasts for an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels. The writer reflects on his musical upbringing in Washington, D.C., and how picking up the Chicago Reader became a ritual once he moved to Chicago. Galil also reveals the story he wrote at the Reader that had the biggest impact on the life of a feature’s subject. Additionally, Galil offers his thoughts on Chicago’s changing media landscape, and reveals why he loves working and living in Chicago. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 159 - Justin Kaufmann (WGN Radio) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago broadcaster Justin Kaufmann visits Dynasty Podcasts to take a break from leading his own interviews, and talk about his two decades in radio, in an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels. Kaufmann reflects on getting his start at Chicago NPR affiliate WBEZ, and touches on his involvement with WBEZ spin-off station Vocalo. The broadcaster also speaks on the live, local approach in his current work, hosting The Download on WGN Radio, five nights week. Kaufmann reveals how his background as a radio producer served as invaluable experience in preparing him to be an on-air talent, and shares how WGN’s reputation opens the door in setting up sizable interviews. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 158 - Jessi Roti (Chicago Tribune) http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago journalist Jessi Roti makes her Dynasty Podcasts debut, in an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels in Chicago. Roti recalls how Almost Famous served as career inspiration at an early age, and reveals how veteran Chicago music journalist Greg Kot became a mentor early in her journey. The writer also shares her approach to choosing and pitching a story concept at the Chicago Tribune, and speaks on the challenges of being a journalist in Chicago’s ever-changing and frequently perilous media industry. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 157 - Elton Aura http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago artist Elton Aura visits Dynasty Podcasts at Virgin Hotels. Aura recalls how he drew his earliest musical inspiration from The Temptations’ 1998 television miniseries, and details how he developed his skills as both a rapper and a singer. The artist also delves into his various musical projects, including The Art Of Cool and MDMC, and reflects on his recent involvement with Young Chicago Authors. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 156 - Nico Sirridge http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Chicago photographer Nico Sirridge makes his Dynasty Podcasts debut, in an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels. Sirridge speaks about his start as a photographer as Instagram was blowing up, and shares how he developed a distinct visual style in order to compete and stand out amongst a crowded talent pool. The visual artist also recalls how he was able to shoot a private Chance The Rapper show, and reveals his ambitions for going on tour with a live concert and lifestyle photographer. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes

Dynasty Podcasts Chicagoverse 155 - Manwolves http://dynastypodcasts.com https://soundcloud.com/dynastypodcasts Jamie McNear and Eli Cohen of rising Chicago band Manwolves visit Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Virgin Hotels. The duo look back on their time recording music in high school, and discuss their decision to focus first and foremost on music after their senion year. The pair also discuss performing at notable Chicago venues like Reggie’s and SubT, and reflect on the learning process of being in a rising band. Finally, McNear and Cohen discuss the influence of defunct Chicago act Kids These Days, and tease new music on the horizon. Hosted by Jaime Black Produced by Dynasty Podcasts Logo design by Danyelle Sage | http://danyellesage.com Web Design by Marcus Carter Voice imaging by Alice Hayes