Cultural Manifesto

Listen to an interview with Kate Lamont and Devon Ashley. Kate Lamont is a versatile musician, singer, and songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending approach to music. She rose to prominence in the early 2000s with MAB LAB—an experimental, Indianapolis-based band that explored jazz, rock, soul, and hip-hop. She was also a member of the folk ensemble Blueprintmusic. Kate launched her solo career in 2010 with the release of her album After the Rain. Her latest project is a remastered reissue of her self-titled 2013 album. That record was produced by prolific Indianapolis drummer Devon Ashley, best known for his work with The Last IV, The Lemonheads, The Pieces, and Simirit. Kate Lamont currently lives in Oakland, California—but she’ll be returning to Indianapolis on April 27 for a performance at the White Rabbit Cabaret. Also, listen to a new episode of Finding Etheridge with Mat Davis, an ongoing segment exploring the people and places connected to the Indianapolis poet Etheridge Knight. This

Listen to an interview with Todd Rundgren, a pioneering musician, songwriter, and producer known for his eclectic style and innovative approach to technology in music. Rising to fame in the late 1960s with the band Nazz, Rundgren gained widespread acclaim with his 1972 solo album Something/Anything? which included the hit singles “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light.” Rundgren is also a sought-after producer, working on landmark albums by the New York Dolls, Hall & Oates, XTC, Meatloaf, The Psychedelic Furs, and Patti Smith.  Rundgren has charted multiple Billboard hits and earned widespread critical acclaim. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rundgren’s genre-defying work spans rock, pop, soul, and experimental electronic music. He’s been recognized as a visionary for his early adoption of music videos and interactive media. But his latest project looks into the past. Todd Rundgren will be performing music from the late songwriter Burt Bacharach in Indianapolis on April 18, a

Listen to an interview with Indianapolis-based saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator Sean Imboden. He’s the director of the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, a 17-piece modern jazz big band. The Sean Imboden Large Ensemble will be issuing their debut recording Communal Heart later this month, and the band will be hosting an album release party at The Jazz Kitchen, on April 26th.  Sean Imboden was born and raised in Central Indiana. Local music fans may know Imboden for his work with The Tucker Brothers band, but he’s performed with a wide variety of musicians, including Slide Hampton, Aretha Franklin, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Listen to a conversation with the vocalist and actor Micky Dolenz, best known for his work with The Monkees. Dolenz will be performing in Central Indiana on April 25 at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.   In 1966, during the height of Beatle-mania, The Monkees premiered on NBC. The show focused on the lives of a fictional California rock band, featuring Davy Jones, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz. The Monkees would quickly grow beyond their television roots, recording four chart-topping albums and three chart-toppings singles. Dolenz provided lead vocals for many of the group’s best-known songs, including "Pleasant Valley Sunday", "I'm a Believer”, and "Last Train to Clarksville”. Also hear an interview with jazz guitarist Charlie Ballantine, he’ll be performing at The Jazz Kitchen on April 9. Ballantine has built an impressive discography of releases, featuring a unique mix of indie music, Americana and straight jazz. His albums, including the 2021 release Reflections/Intr

Explore a new album from the Steve Allee Big Band, titled Naptown Sound. The project pays tribute to the musicians, teachers, mentors, history, and places that contributed to the development of the Naptown sound.  The pianist, composer and bandleader Steve Allee has been part of the Indianapolis jazz scene since the 1960s. He came of age at a time when many historic Naptown jazz players were still active on the scene. Allee was befriended and mentored by legendary Indianapolis musicians, including Jimmy Coe, Claude Sifferlen and Errol Grandy. Allee began performing professionally as a teenager, touring with the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich. His debut recording, a 1973 session with the the Baron Von Ohlen Quartet, remains a favorite among jazz fans around the world, with original copies seeking for over $200 on the collector’s market.  Over the years, Allee has worked with a long list of jazz luminaries, including Slide Hampton, James Moody, Rufus Reid, Curtis Fuller, Jeff Hamilton, Milt Hinton and

Listen to an interview with the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. She’ll be performing in Indianapolis on March 24th at the Tobias Theatre at Newfields. Vega is known for her poetic lyrics and distinctive voice. She helped to pioneer the acoustic folk movement of the 1980s. Vega’s influential hits, including "Tom's Diner" and "Luka" achieved international success, positioning her as a vital figure in contemporary music. Vega will be issuing her 10th album, “Flying With Angels” this May.

Listen to a 2022 conversation with David Andrichick, owner of the Chatterbox, an important jazz club located in Downtown Indianapolis. The Chatterbox made national news this week when a video depicting a dispute between the club’s bartender and a Trump supporter went viral online. But many news reports and social media posts about the incident left out crucial context about the club’s history. Here in Indiana, the Chatterbox is known for celebrating the rich jazz history of Indianapolis and embracing a diverse community of patrons. The club’s reputation as a destination for live music has attracted notable patrons, including the Rolling Stones, Terence Blanchard, and Wynton Marsalis. In addition to music, the club has also hosted poets, including the world-renowned Etheridge Knight, who led his Free People’s Poetry Workshop at the Chatterbox.  When WFYI’s Kyle Long spoke with Andrichick in 2022, he was celebrating his 40th anniversary as owner of the Chatterbox, and they discussed the club’s history in-de

Hear an interview with rapper Sirius Blvck and hip-hop producer Scott Matelic. The duo issued their debut collaborative album, Daily Rituals of the Wild Heart.  Sirius Blvck is among the most prolific voices in the Indianapolis music scene. Known for his poetic and introspective lyrics, Blvck’s music has attracted a devoted following among hip-hop fans, with songs like “Tribe Quest” receiving over a million streams on Spotify. In 2021, Black received national attention, with 81355, an experimental hip-hop group featuring Oreo Jones and David “Moose” Adamson.  For over 20 years, Scott Matelic has helped to shape the sound of underground hip-hop music, with his soulful psyched beats. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s, producing music for the experimental hip-hop label Anticon. Matelic created beats for classic underground singles by artists including Sage Francis and Sole. Matelic’s music has been embraced by DJs and hip-hop fans around the world, including the beloved Japanese producer and DJ Nujabes

Listen to an interview with Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and The Bangas. They’ll be performing in Indiana this March. Tank is a native of New Orleans, but she spent time living in Indianapolis during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and graduated from Pike High School in 2006. Last month Tank and The Bangas won their first Grammy when their 2024 album The Heart, The Mind The Soul took home the award for Best Spoken Poetry Word album.

Listen to an interview with the vocalist and actor Akili Ni Mali, one of four featured artists at Art & Soul, the Indy Arts Council’s annual celebration of Black artists in Central Indiana.  Akili has been attracting attention for her unique music, a soulful blend of R&B, pop, jazz and classic hip-hop. She’s also earned praise for her work onstage; Akili recently portrayed the legendary musician Nina Simone in the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Four Women”.  Plus, hear a 2023 interview with neo soul vocalist Brandon Lott. Brandon is also a featured artist at Art & Soul 2025.

Listen to an interview with members of Sweet Poison Victim, an Indianapolis band known for their unique blend of West African music and rock and roll. The band also explores Latin American and Caribbean sounds, a reflection of the diverse backgrounds of the group’s members.  The band’s leader, Kwesi Brown, was born and raised in Ghana. Brown’s background has shaped every aspect of the group’s sound and style, including their name. The band’s name was inspired by a medicinal alcohol that Brown calls “sweet poison”. The drink is steeped in a variety of roots and herbs, and Brown says that mix of flavors is reflected in Sweet Poison Victim’s sound.  Hear music from Sweet Poison Victim’s new album Ringgold Avenue Highlife, along with excerpts from their recent appearance on WFYI’s Small Studio Sessions.

Listen to an interview with the legendary producer and bassist Don Was. He’ll be performing in Central Indiana, with the Pan Detroit Ensemble on February 28 at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952, Don Was rose to prominence in the 1980s, with the band Was (Not Was), the group’s music featured a surreal mix of funk, electronic dance music, new wave, and avant-garde jazz, along with an unexpected cast of guest performers that included Mel Torme, Ozzy Osbourne, Frank Sinatra Jr., Iggy Pop, and Leonard Cohen. Was (Not Was)  scored a top 10 hit in 1987, with the infection dance song “Walk the Dinosaur”.  The notoriety Was gained with Was (Not Was) paved the way for his historic work as a record producer. Was has received 6 Grammy Awards for his work as a producer, including album of the year in 1989  for Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time and producer of the year in 1994. Was has produced dozens of significant recordings, including the B-52’s breakout album Cosmic Th

Listen to an interview with John Lodge, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist for The Moody Blues. He’ll be performing in Indiana on February 28. The Moody Blues rose to prominence in the late 1960s, with a series of psychedelic hit singles, like “Tuesday Afternoon”and “Nights in White Satin”. Lodge wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Ride My See-Saw”, “Isn’t Life Strange” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)”. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for over five decades. In 2018 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also, hear a conversation with the singer-songwriter, pianist, and disability activist Lachi. She’ll be performing in Indiana on March 1. Lachi was born legally blind and her personal struggles with accessibility in the music industry inspired her to create RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities. RAMPD is an advocacy group dedicated to amplifying disability culture and promoting disability inclusion in

Listen to an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis. He’ll appear at the University of Indianapolis for a series of free events on February 10 and 11.  The New York Times has called Davis one of the “greatest living composers.” Davis has received attention worldwide for his orchestral and chamber compositions, but he’s best known for his work in opera, including his groundbreaking 1986 production X, the Life and Times of Malcolm X. In 2020, Davis received the Pulitzer Prize in music for his opera The Central Park Five.  Prior to achieving notoriety as a composer, Davis had a prolific career as a jazz pianist, recording with prominent jazz artists including Marion Brown, Oliver Lake, Leroy Jenkins, David Murray, Wadada Leo Smith, and more.

The legendary Indianapolis jazz club The Jazz Kitchen recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Through the years, The Jazz Kitchen has hosted performances from some of the biggest names including J.J. Johnson, Billy Cobham, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bob James, Ray Brown, Lakecia Benjamin, Kamasi Washington, and many others. In 2009, The Jazz Kitchen was recognized by DownBeat magazine, as one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world. Listen to an interview with the club’s founder David Allee, as he shares an oral history of The Jazz Kitchen. Allee is also a trumpet player and has performed with groups including the Jimmy Coe Big Band and Pavel & Direct Contact.

Let’s celebrate “Hi, How Are You Day,” an annual event honoring the late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston. The Indianapolis-based label Joyful Noise Recordings will be hosting a special “Hi, How Are You Day” event on January 24, featuring an exhibition of Daniel Johnston’s visual artwork. The exhibit was curated by Johnston’s friend and former road manager Don Goede.  Listen to interviews with Goede, and Joyful Noise Recordings’ founder Karl Hofstetter, as they discuss the significance of Johnston’s music.  Daniel Johnston was born in Sacramento, California in 1961 and he grew up in West Virginia. As a teenager, Johnston began obsessively creating music and art, often recording his songs on cheap consumer tape recorders. Throughout his life, Johnston faced serious mental health issues, struggling with schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. In his music, Johnston wrote about his life and troubles with disarming honesty.  While living in Austin, Texas in the mid 1980s, Johnston began distributing his homem

Listen to a conversation with pianist Elham Fanoos of the Fanoos Ensemble, a unique family group that blends the folk and popular music of Afghanistan with Western classical instrumentation. The Fanoos Ensemble will be performing in Central Indiana on January 25.  Elham Fanoos was born in Afghanistan in 1997. During that time, music was banned under Taliban rule. But Elham’s father, Ahmad Fanoos, a well-known singer and television personality in Afghanistan, nurtured his son’s musical talent. Elham started out on the tabla drum but later switched to the piano after watching YouTube videos of the classical music legend Vladimir Horowitz. Elham recently released his debut album with the Fanoos Ensemble, titled Echoes of Afghanistan. Also, hear a conversation with vocalist and songwriter Lindsay Littrell. Lindsay is the creative force behind LITTRELL, an Indianapolis-based music duo formed with the multi-instrumentalist and engineer Garrett Langebartels. LITTRELL’s debut album Public Love was released last y

Listen to a conversation with Wynton Marsalis, a world-renowned trumpet player, composer, and educator whose artistry and influence span the worlds of jazz and classical music.  Marsalis was Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1961. He grew up immersed in the jazz legacy of his hometown. His father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., was a legendary pianist and educator, and his brothers Branford, Delfeayo, and Jason are also acclaimed musicians.  A virtuoso in both jazz and classical music, Marsalis was the first musician to win Grammy Awards in both fields in the same year, a feat he achieved in 1984. Marsalis was also the first jazz musician to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Music, for his oratorio Blood on the Fields.  Marsalis has become a global ambassador for jazz, and since 1991, he’s served as the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.    Also, hear an interview with the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon. He’ll discuss his upcoming tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane “A Love Supreme:

This week, Kyle Long shares some of his favorite interviews of 2024. Listen to conversations with Carlos Santana, Omar Apollo, Babyface, Lakecia Benjamin, Zakir Hussain, Indianapolis jazz legend Phil Ranelin, Indiana reggae pioneers Reggaenomix, and David McDonald, author of the book “My Voice is my Weapon: Music, Nationalism, and the Poetics of Palestinian Resistance”.

Karl Hofstetter grew up hating Christmas music. But through his label Joyful Noise Recordings, he’s produced a fascinating archive of experimental holiday music.  Listen to selections featuring Jad Fair, Deerhoof, Sound of Ceres, Dale Crover (Melvins), Kishi Bashi, Danielson, Sedcairn Archives, WHY?, David Yow (Jesus Lizard) Thor Harris, and more.