Eighth Note Sessions

In this final episode of the Eighth Note Sessions, we're joined by frequent special co-host Michael Farrow to wrap up a years-long project in community storytelling. We go over maintaining hope as a position in an industry which is undergoing major changes - but these days, what isn't? We also share footage and conversations from last month's union action at the Starbucks picket line. Former guests were present there, and we thank them for their time and insights as well! A huge thank you to all our previous guests (who are too numerous to list here) for their shared stories and experiences. Thank you also to Music is Art for producing this series, as well as the myriad of haunts and hallowed spaces within the City of Buffalo which served as backdrops for our interviews. Solidarity Forever.

In this week's episode we're joined by @Nietzsche's staple Don Wegrzynowski. If you're a regular at one of Buffalo's oldest and most celebrated music venues you probably recognize Don from the door. We join in conversation about his life, an emotional history of the city, how to be prepared for booking your first show at the venue, and the cause for optimism. Check out @VillainsBlues at their Thursday residency. If you're interested in supporting the war effort in Ukraine check out @DniproUkrainianCulturalCenter on facebook!   Don would like to dedicate this interview to "all who came before, who gave him music and the joy of music."

Disclaimer: The views in this interview are not reflective of Music is Art's. This week in the beautiful Karpeles Manuscript Library, we join in conversation with journalist, sing-songwriter, and all around remarkable individual Leigh Stoner. "No dedication" -Leigh https://soundcloud.com/user-191653596-685283605

In this week's episode, we catch celebrated WNY drummer and returning guest Damone A-Miracale Jackson at Larkin Square for Jamaican Day! This day he was playing with Olmsted Dub System, but be sure to check out his numerous side projects and main gig, The Damone Jackson Outcome. We discuss Damone's approach to playing collaboratively, the role of musicians and artists in unification, and how things are slowly getting better in ways that matter. This interview is dedicated "to people who want change for the betterment of all humanity."

Explicit Language Disclaimer Trigger Warning: Self-harm In this episode, we're joined by Big Brother (Phil Draper). We discuss his background in music starting in the early digital content creator scene, to deathcore, to now working in hip hop. BB is about as down to earth in conversation as you can get, but his heart and mind are set toward spiritual connection and bringing the light. We discuss in this episode: bullying, being respectful to the culture as a white rapper, keeping a local mentality for supporting business, and engaging in politics, as well as other fun anecdotes. Keep an eye out for Phil on streaming services, as well as for his brand of apparel, "Deadass Digitial." https://open.spotify.com/album/7zFKgfOI7Gu8KNNSBbhgtn

 In this episode, we're joined by keystone individual Brennon Anderson (Beats Anonymous), owner of Bridge Studios NY. We talk about Brennon's history in music and production, visions for a comprehensive space for artists, ongoing projects and connections, the state of the music industry, and a potpourri of other anecdotes about other individuals in our vibrant music scene. Brennon exchanges sleep for dreams, so don't sleep on the remarkable work coming out of this studio. Brennon's advice for upcoming artists and business folks is “don't be comfortable, find your comfort in the uncomfortable. Nobody knows how to do something when they start, so don't be afraid to fail 10 times if you succeed on the 11th” This interview is dedicated "to all 'The Indie-Visuals' out there (yes that's you!) truly living their independent visions to the fullest - to those who aren't, what's stopping you?! “ https://www.bridgestudiosny.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BridgeStudiosNY/ https://www.instagram.com/bridgestudiosny/ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3TFShytjfZwJz95d8hsLZJ...

*Explicit language disclaimer* Intro/outro music by MYQ Farrow and Michael DeLano: https://open.spotify.com/track/3unzf8LZ1udzwTCQXpPqyS... In this episode, we're joined in conversation with co-hosts of No Label The Podcast, Nelson and Dante. We discuss their biography, the roots of the podcast, and insights into Buffalo's hip-hop and R&B scene, as well as free talk on social issues of race, economic equity, becoming a part of the solution, small moments of joy, and forecasts on a better future. These gentlemen are currently working on their next season of the podcast, so be sure to follow them for education on what's happening in one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city's musical ecology. http://linktr.ee/nolabelthepod Two upcoming guests for their podcast are as follows: Love the Genius (recently signed by Drumworks) OJ (manager at Drumworks) For artists looking for a space, contact Beyondprofilic for renting; they do music videos! Nelson and Dante would like to dedicate this interview to:“Aaron Salter, Jr., and to safe spaces for Black creatives. The future of artistic expression will destroy the glass ceiling on creativity and liberate the next generation for years to come.”

In this episode, we go to Jack Rabbit to join in conversation with Alt-rock group The Safety Meeting! We discuss the genre, upcoming work, what is dad rock exactly, writing for healthy emotional expression, and a potpourri of other things. Check out The Safety Meeting on streaming services, instagram and facebook. The band would like to dedicate this interview to the humble stinger sandwich.

In this episode we talk with Rochester/Buffalo artist Dom Brown. Dom proudly wears the title of no-genre in his music ranging from pictures of real life, to political commentary, to expressing love and appreciation for our Bills. In this episode we discuss his music history and ethos; the tragedy of May 14th, and the differences between the Rochester and Buffalo music scenes. Be sure to follow Dom at IG:Domfadedd FB: Domjbrown and any streaming services! Dom would like to dedicate this interview to the victims of May 14th, rest in power.

In this episode, Eric Crittenden joins us in conversation about his involvement in our upcoming 716 Music Expo. His workshop will focus on connecting the deep roots of ritual and expressiveness into tools and practices musicians can use both on and off stage. In addition, we discuss Eric's remarkable career; within are observations about our current musical ecology and how it connects to our past. Eric's advice for the young and anxious; stay in the moment foster empathy we're you can. Eric would like to dedicate this interview to the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology , everyone who operates it and everyone who enters it. https://buffalomusicclub.com/artists/eric-crittenden/

In this episode, we join in conversation with David Cloyd. David is a recording artist and co-founder of Buffalo Music Club, among many other hats. This time around, we talk with David about his musical journey and process as well as what to expect for his plans for our upcoming 716 Music Expo. The Expo will feature 8 different workshops curated by Buffalo Music Club, including a songwriting workshop presented by David himself. The workshop will be a holistic approach to creating music, centered less on perspective applications of music theory, and instead about achieving flow state and personal connection to your expression. Get your ticket now for our music expo! musicisart.org/expo @ecrmusicgroup @buffalomusicclub @DavidCloydMusic David would like to dedicate this interview to his late father.

This week we're joined by part of Muddle! These young punks share their experiences navigating the lock down, touring during the pandemic, and projects coming down the pipeline, and reflect on safe spaces and accountability in the music scene being an essential part of punk music.

In this episode, we're joined in conversation by RnB/Neo-soul singer/songwriter MAEGAN. We discuss her musical life which is founded in refreshing confidence and openness. Keep an eye out for her live and for an album later this year! IG: @Maeganthesinger www.maeganthesinger.com This episode is dedicated to: “Growth and finding yourself cause it's finding joy at the end of the day; if I turned into a cranky ass I won't be myself.”

This week, we're joined in conversation by Jungle Steve! In this interview, we discuss the story behind the name, get a little insight on the life of the artist, and discuss his process in creating a sound that is described as "stone and velour." This interview is dedicated by Jungle to "my girl probably" (good on ya!)

We're starting off 2022 strong with this week's guest, Singer / Songwriter Maria Sebastian! Maria is a veteran singer songwriter who fuses a chameleon-like ability to sit in a wide range of genres. She also teaches English Literature and is a skillful poet. In this episode, we cover her experience as a working musician, along with the vicissitudes, and the triumphs that follow a decades long career. This is a fun one with great insight! Follow Maria's career at https://www.mariasebastian.com/ or Facebook at @MariaSebastianMusic Dedicated to upcoming musicians, Maria offers the straightforward advice: "Keep practicing, because you won't know what you don't know until you don't know it."

This week, we're joined in conversation with engineer, student of the law, and general badass Jamila Nicolas! In this episode, we discuss Jam's career and journey in the oftentimes joyous, oftentimes challenging field of technical audio work. We gain insight on the experience of working in a male-dominated culture and working to change the playing field. You can find Jam working at raucous concerts and soaring operas! Follow Jam's adventures on instagram at @Space_jammy Intro/Outro Music provided by Breakfast for Dinner Breakfastfordinner.bandcamp.com Insta: @b4dband Jam would like to dedicate this interview to all the hard working production people that make magic happen and are never seen or appreciated!

This week we're joined in conversation with Real Movement! We discuss the band's story, their music, and the music communities they're part of. This is a good episode for those looking to check out open mics or for those looking for their own people. It's out of this world! Real Movement would like to dedicate this interview to "anything rusty.

This week, we're joined in conversation with Allison Mitchell of Velvet Bethany. We discuss her alchemic writing style which turns the world of dreams, spiritualism, and ephemeral stories into lyrics with a deceptively simple presentation. This is a mystical one, so be sure to keep an ear out for Velvet Bethany's offerings in the future! Follow their instagram @Velvetbethanyrecords Allison would like to dedicate this interview to Pluto and and Lilith holding hands!

Today we're joined in conversation by beloved educator, musician, engineer, and MiA board member Marc Warner Hunt. In this episode, we discuss education, engineering shoptalk, and the nature of working professionally in audio and music, as well as Marc's long and varied career. It was a pleasure to speak with such a veteran of the scene; be sure to check this one out! Check out Marc's music at marchunt.bandcamp.com, and enjoy this tool for learning how to set up audio systems from the comfort of your home: audiofusion.com Marc would like to dedicate this episode to "All the members of the music community, my friends, and family who have mentored, encouraged, taught and give continued support for me and my career in WNY and beyond."

*Explicit Content Disclaimer* In today's episode, we're joined in conversation with TallyHood and Ajent O of GWOP Nation on the tail end of their latest EP release. This is good for anyone looking to delve into some of WNY's rich and vibrant hip-hop scene. Collingwood and Palmetto is a moody, no-holds barred expression of life in motion, excellently produced with attitude to back it up. Tally and Agent O share their thoughts on the city, the passionate love of music, and some of the other exciting artists creating in the region. https://ajento.bandcamp.com/album/collingwood-and-palmetto https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051205016682 Tallyhood would like to dedicate this interview to MagicFloki - if ya know ya know.

*Explicit Language Disclaimer* This week, we're joined in conversation by Isabel and Max for the seance of Tina Panic Noise. This is ENS' first post-mortum interview and it's a good one! We discuss the stories behind the music and a slice of experience in Buffalo's queer community, as well as representation of trans-folk in media, and the broader social consciousness. 

Being trans can mean existing is itself a transgressive act. In a time of social upheaval, the take-away is to treat everyone with a laser focus on fundamental human dignity. The world can be an aggressive place, but (whether in rage or introspection) you don't have to stand alone in meeting it face to face. Though TPN has reached its conclusion, you can still listen to their recordings on major streaming services and bandcamp (links below.) Keep an eye out for the next iteration of the music - it promises to be something different. Additionally, check out burningbrujajewerly.bigcartel.com - it's pretty cool! https://www.facebook.com/TinaPanicNoise https://tinapanicnoise.bandcamp.com/.../white-is-the... Isabel and Max would like to dedicate this interview to "two bands that really helped us out from the beginning: The Lopez from Pittsburgh and Lung from Cincinnati"

This week we're out at Hoyt Lake, joined by artist Jay Aquarious. We're talking community, the creation of LGBTQA+ performance spaces, and the wide-reaching pallet of projects that Jay is immersed in. This is a light-hearted one - you're invited to let your hair down and laugh along. If you're interested in supporting Jay and other queer artists, check out this helpful list below: Jay Aquarious LBXX Paris Glenn Music Loncé thee Starr CharlieBae-art C4W2 Disprettymofo Divine the Rapper Nubia the Artist (Meeka Wallace) The Glam Vamps Jay would like to dedicate this video to his 18 year old self - "You've come so far with more ways to go. I love you!"

This week, we're joined by another one our favorite recurring guests, Dr. Joseph Thomas. It can be challenging to know exactly what to do in terms of maintaining good personal and public health during the time of COVID-19. In this episode, we approach and deconstruct some consistent narratives regarding the virus, speak on both misinformation and disinformation, and offer the case for getting vaccinated, as well as when you need to mask up. This is a technically rich talk, but well worth the insight. You can check out Mayday Buffalo (@maydaybandbuffalo on instagram)

Today we are joined at our HQ by singer-songwriter Ian McCuen. In this episode, we parse apart Ian's craft, examining the threads that unify his bedroom-folk trilogy, "Songs of Fleeting Permanence Vol I-III." Additionally, we discuss the obstacles and considerations made in writing from a place of quiet sorrow, including artistic motivation, and offer advice for other young men who encounter periods of invisibility. https://www.instagram.com/ianmccuen/ http://ianmccuen.com/ Ian would like to dedicate this interview to the idea of "solidarity with all those in the international struggle against white supremacy, imperialism, our planet, and our people."

In today's episode, we're joined by engineer-musician-producer Ryan Howze! We discuss the intersection of music and social politics and creating with a universalist mentality, as well as hopes for changes in inclusivity and diversity within our scene. Ethos Logos Pathos Music   Website ► http://ELPMousiki.com Twitter ► https://twitter.com/ELPMousiki Instagram ► https://instagram.com/ELPMusic Facebook ► http://www.facebook.com/ELPMousiki Ryan would like to dedicate this interview to Angel and Thalia.

This week, we are joined by the band Roy G Biv; this trio shares their musical animus playing in a form cheekily described as "avant-garde funk post-jam.” As the name suggests, this group is about providing sonic color, giving people an emotional ladder up, and experimenting with different forms to create their own unique sound. This is the first full group we've done for a segment and based on this one, surely not our last. Thanks to the band for making time to join us! This interview is dedicated to raising awareness about cystic fibrosis. You can donate at the gofundme link below! https://linktr.ee/roygbivtheband https://gofund.me/48df22aa

Today, rapper and former drag superstar Alexis Mills joins us for an insightful conversation on changing artistic focus, creating art for oneself and storytelling through inviting, exciting, and truthful mediums. We also touch on the particular challenges of finding oneself when questioning your own identity— Alexis' advice? Find your own people. Sometimes water is thicker than blood and there's always a community waiting for you. *A fair disclaimer: the content of this interview has trigger warnings for conversations about sex.* This is Alexis' debut interview, and there's a preview of an unreleased song in the end credits so be sure to stick around! Alexis would like to dedicate this interview to anyone trying to find their own way.

Today, music therapist Caroline West joins us in discussion about the history, practices and lessons of one of clinical psychology's most interesting applications. Anyone who may have wondered why people love music may find it interesting to learn about the scientific applications of music as an indirect way of attaining non-musical goals such as emotional processing and sharpening communication skills, as well as finding joy in the creative process. COVID has, like with many fields, changed the nature of music therapy - but the work continues in earnest. If you're interested in helping out, it can be as simple as donating an instrument— find any local music therapists in your area at: https://www.musictherapy.org/about/find/ Caroline would like to dedicate this interview to increasing advocacy and awareness about the wonderful field of music therapy.

Today, marketing whiz and superparent Liz Colosimo joins us in conversation about the rigors and triumphs of parenting a musician. Her son, Michael DeLano, is one of MiA's most involved artists and surely a rising star within the WNY music scene. In this episode, we talk marketing tips and mental health, as well as the tricky navigation of both. Beyond the morass of mental health awareness and the sometimes empowering, sometimes overwhelming intersection of business, it's depression season and we here at MiA hope you're all hanging tight— you'll always have friends here. Liz would like to dedicate this interview to The Trevor Project https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDeLanoGuitar https://www.twitch.tv/michaeldelanomusic

Hey folks - this week we're joined by previous guest songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Philip Stephen ! We get a status update on how Phil's been keeping busy during the pandemic, and rest assured - the music hasn't stopped. Additionally, we spend a large chunk of the interview talking about binding the threads of our community together. Join us in a brainstorming session on some of the fracture points in our music scene, as well as suggestions on how we can move past division and recognize our common condition as artists and supporters of local music. If you're interested in becoming part of the conversation, check out our WNY Music Industry Alliance or leave a comment with your thoughts on the video! We'd love to hear from you. Check out more from Phil at www.philipsivecz.bandcamp.com or facebook.com/philipstephenmusic

Today, Music is Art Program Coordinator and previous guest Sara Elizabeth joins us in conversation about the work that MiA's Music Industry Alliance is doing, what it's community outreach goals are, as well as ways to get in on the action yourself. Additionally, we get a status update regarding the authoritative online streaming concert series from WNY's Band Together Buffalo. Be sure to support your local community and discover new music with these two programs. Sara would like to dedicate this interview to the broken hearts that move this world.

Today, multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer-songwriter, comedian, and podcaster Cain joins us in conversation. Another densely packed episode, we cover his music and story - but also the memory of Stonewall, toxic masculinity, and forgiveness in the year of 2020.

Executive Director of Music is Art, Tracy Fletcher, joins us for an insightful conversation on how non-musicians are absolutely essential in fostering a unified music community. Additionally, we cover in broad strokes some programs that Music is Art runs outside of our yearly festival, as well as a brief history of the organization. Tracy would like to dedicate this video to the hard-working volunteers, educators, artists, technicians, marketers, venue owners, fans, and straight-jacketed magicians who make this whole thing possible.

Ethnomusicologist and multi-instrumentalist Sally Schaefer joins us for a lively conversation about studying music outside of the American canon, the role of music in culture, as well as lighter fare and her craft.

The incomparable Mark Madden joins us for conversation about his rich artistic career and chronicling the Buffalo Renaissance. A self-described octopus or perhaps punky tattooed Da Vinci, Madden is a co-creator of currently ongoing docu-miniseries "Tuk Talks," and one of Buffalo's most vibrant artistic personalities.

Denny Kremblas of Squeeze & Thanks joins us for a conversation about his unique career blending music, cinematography, and smart marketing. This episode includes lessons for making the most of your personal advertising, ways to stay competitive, and how to cooperate with skill-bartering.

Michael Farrow joins us today for a conversation about his music, politics, writing for diverse audiences, and craft. Michael, also known as MYQ F (and the lead singer of Farrow), is a multi-genre singer/songwriter who provides incisive lyrics in a nest of vocal virtuosity and passionate musicianship. A bard of the revolution, Michael is currently working on a release that seeks to invoke 60's-70's counterculture while tempering it with contemporary society.