Foothills Famous: Conversations With Calgary Entertainers

Taylor Cochrane is the driving force behind Calgary's acclaimed '36?'. Along with his partner, singer/songwriter Laura Hickli, he was touring the United States until the COVID-19 shutdown forced a return to Calgary. I spoke with the power couple via Facebook video chat. The wide ranging interview was fun, reflective and enlightening.  Enjoy! 

Roofeo and Goodword are two of Calgary's finest DJs. We chat about their inspiration, greatest gigs, the art of stealing and what they've learned about music from their kids. 

Talented, Dedicated and Fun: Freak Motif are one of Calgary's favourite bands. Even vast Canadian geography cannot prevent this funk tribe from bringing their talents to stages and record. I talk to Stu Wershof (in Montreal) and Stef Haynes (in Toronto) for some interprovincial good vibes. 

Danny Vacon is on Calgary’s rock n roll Mt. Rushmore, and the personification of RadTown. The Dudes and High Kicks frontman discusses his music, writing process and philosophies for leading a fulfilling life. 

Today I pick up the telephone and check in on good friends Spencer Streichert, Christina Ray, Nate Reno and Iron Lion. We talk creativity, remote working and government conspiracy as the world deals with the Covid-19 shutdown.

A great chat with Matt Berry, the music director for Calgary's alternative radio station, X92.9. Matt talks about his start in radio, and his journey to his current role. He also gives us some fascinating stories about his job, as well as insight into the music and radio industries. 

Crack the Lens have been mainstays on the Calgary music scene for years. As they prepare for their final show, Justin and Taylor stop by to discuss their long time friendship, the formation of their band, winning the Xposure contest, writing a TV theme song, naming their band van Vandy Quade and their upcoming farewell show at Dickens. 

Christmas comes to Foothills Famous! We talk about film, standup, theatre, Boomer humour, improv and much more. 

A great chat with MC Rebecca Dawn about her craft, her new album, yoga, her years in Mexico as a TV and radio star and the art of compliment rap battles. 

A room full of musicians talk about childhood heroes, first concerts, inspiration, stage, studio and look ahead to our show at the Big Winter Classic. 

Taylor McNallie is the force behind Taylor Made Radio, Taylor Made Studios and Bubble Bath Buffet. We talk about the hustle, the challenges of personal brands and the pros and cons of being involved in Calgary's arts and entertainment scene. 

Michelle Atkinson is an award winning glass artist and graphic designer from Calgary. We talk about her art, her inspiration and her company Jewel Notes.  

Rubix is a hip-hop artist from Calgary. We talk about his beginnings, his writing process, dancing, his work with Indigenous youth, hip-hop's importance to the Filipino culture and more. 

Jory Kinjo lives in Calgary, where he was born and raised, but his musical journey regularly sees him performing in Japan and New York City. We talk about roots music, making a living with music,  studying jazz in university, Mocking Shadows and the universal power of music. 

Tarik ‘Teekay’ Robinson is a mainstay in the Calgary hip hop scene. Together with DJ Cosm he forms Dragon Fli Empire, a duo that has represented the 403 with style and consistency for nearly two decades. We discuss his beginnings in hip hop, DFE’s several European tours, and how his days at William Aberheart High influenced his rap style.   

When I moved to Calgary I knew him simply as 'Castle John'. John Hiebert tells of being a punk rocker in the Calgary High School environment of the 1980s, of the upward trajectory and eventual snags that encountered his band Field Day, of touring with the Backyardigans and of working at Festival Hall in Inglewood today! 

Zak Pashak's incredible story of sudden wealth and attention is right at the heart of Calgary's music and nightlife culture. A sudden influx of cash, the opening of Broken City, the launching of Sled Island Music Festival, a run at City Hall and a relocation to Detroit to manufacture bicycles. It's all here in candid detail. A great chat with Zak Pashak. 

Guest host Brian Campbell comes in and regular host Jonathan Stoddart (AKA Ricca Razor Sharp) becomes the guest. Brian asks Ricca about his 20 year music career, defEKt, Phattoe, Audible Intelligence, Blades of Steel, bad fashion choices and being a white rapper. 

I sit with Old's Alberta's Christina Ray and discussing her modelling career, the transformation towards body positivity taking place in modelling and society, her work with 'Local Women Unite' and all other aspects of her busy and inspiring life. 

Amy Bishop is a very talented singer/songwriter right here in Calgary. She shows up at my place at 8:30 AM, guitar in hand, and reflects on her musical journey, while looking forward to the future. From her church choir roots to her stint on TV's 'The Launch' and her friendship with Nikki Sixx we have a great conversation! 

Calgary's most loveable hip-hop crew, the Jazzlib Collective, stop by to talk about music, hip-hop, boy bands, life, jazz, Google Docs, the virtues of mumble rap, producing an album inside of a Honda, band philosophy and the reason why they've been hanging out at my house longer than I have. 

Rob Reuser makes things out of metal. He also makes music. On top of that, he's my longtime friend. Listen to us discuss art, music, frisbee golf, old times and more! 

Gary Martin and his band, the Heavenly Blues, have Bowness rocking every Sunday afternoon. The man has had a legendary career and is a member of the legendary Funk Brothers.  He shares of his experiences and his uplifting philosophies about music. 

My great friends King Lou, SoLeo and Wyzaker have a new group, entitled Hydramental. A producer focussed collaborative rooted in hip hop, but touching on a wide range of genres. We talk about learning their craft back in the day, the genesis of this project, song of the day club and the effects of fatherhood on their music. 

Spencer Streichelt is a well known YYC stand up comedian, but has also written scripts and starred in both stage and screen acting. We have an honest and open chat about showbiz, real life, goals and balance. 

Big Nate Reno is not hard to find. At 6'6 he can be easily spotted in a crowd, and as a player in local band Kyoktys, promotor, sound engineer, producer and podcast host, his hands are all over the YYC heavy metal scene. 

Meet Sarah from Sarah Sociables. She runs a website and social media accounts dedicated to keeping you up to date on the restaurants, pubs, speakeasies and special events that make Calgary such a great place to let loose in. We chat about the city while sharing a Wild Rose. 

In 2003 Calgary's Sittin' Idol found themselves opening for heavy metal legends Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, formerly of Pantera. By the end of the evening, they were faced with a choice: drop everything and join the tour, or forever wonder 'what-if'. Vocalist Scott Lennox shares the whole story.

Everything Calgary Flames!  A chat with Beesley, the iconic voice of the Saddledome, a visit to some local breweries hoping to cash in on the playoffs, and a brand new song by Ricca Razor Sharp, Iron Lion, King Lou and Wyzaker. 

Calgary comedian and comedy promotor Amy Edgar stops by for a great chat about matters both funny and serious. 

Beni J stops by to talk about the world of 10 at 10, Calgary's hip-hop hub and launchpad, which he sits at the centre of. We talk Humble Giants, Calgary talent, SXSW, Canada cool and that ATB commercial you might recognize him from. 

Grant Burns and Kevin Brooker talk about 35 years hosting 'Road Pops' on CJSW, freedom of speech, getting the original CJSW FM licence, old-school Calgary nightlife and much more! An episode not to be missed. 

Singer/Songwriter Lisette Xavier and her partner Michael 8 (Semptembryo) stop by to chat about writing songs, raising kids, making a comic book, being a hot mess, astral projections and much more. 

Calgary's King Dylan talks about his musical career, his innovative videos and his evolution as an artist.

Calgary's Adrian Urlacher talks about creating the Big Winter Classic music festival, working to grow it, and how music is not a seasonal sport. 

Calgary's Miesha Louie discusses the music business, her history as a performer, and her role in Girls Rock Camp. 

Calgary's Kandi 'Krush' Wyatt talks about life in and out of the squared circle, on her quest for boxing greatness. 

Our friend Nate Schmold tells us about his life as a professional video game developer.

Brenda Lieberman, head honcho of Calgary Underground Film Festival discusses the role of film festivals, her career path, and her journeys to other festivals.

My friend DJ C-Sik talks about winning the DMCs, visiting Sway in the Morning, turntablism, party rocking, learning to DJ in Calgary and performing worldwide.