Host MK Burnell interviews professionals from all corners of the music world - from artists to those working behind the scenes - about how they’re staying busy and staying connected in the time of COVID-19. There’s always plenty of room for off topic conversation too!
Talking music with one of Kingston's finest.
Sam Smith (the bass virtuoso, not the pop singer) joined me to chat about Art Thief’s upcoming record, performing at NAMM with the flu, and extraterrestrial life. Plus, hear the single Invaded With Love at the end!
Musician and author Seth Davis joins me this week. Find his book “The Trouble with Kim” out now via Intersection Press, and explore his music at sethdavis.com. We covered animal companionship, the terror and exhilaration of being emotionally vulnerable in front of a crowd, and much more.
Talking fashion and self-titled albums with singer/songwriter Ciarra Fragale. Hear her latest single “Too Good (For You, Baby) at the end of the episode!
Talking human connection with leadership and life coaching professional Michael Ehrenberg.forward4change.net
I was long overdue for a spiritual-metaphysical deep dive, and musician Dylan Emmet was just the guest to go there with me. We discuss the power of controlling your own perception, why you should always just ask for what you want even if you might not get it, and much more. Plus, hear Dylan’s latest release “Lose This” at the end of the episode!Head to dylanemmet.com for more info, music and updates.This episode brought to you by upstatecountryrealty.com.
It was an absolute delight chatting with my pal Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie, the legendary Philly piano rock band. Adam revolutionized the livestream game way back in March and never stopped; you can catch his Tough Cookies stream Saturdays at 6 eastern, and Thursdays at 6 for Patreon members, and hear the outstanding new record "Private Lives" out now everywhere.
This was one of those lovely, freewheeling conversations I particularly enjoy, but the central theme that emerged was opportunity - how to look for it, how to seize it, and what to make of it. Sam Kogon is a pro at creating opportunity for himself, whether it’s managing or playing with artists he admires, hosting an underground radio program or landing a role in a Martin Scorsese film. We chat about all of it - and we get to hear Sam’s song “Something’s Wrong” at the end!Hear Sam Mondays at noon on The Lavender Hour on KPISS.FM.This episode brought to you by Upstate Country RealtyDonate to Jam For Tots/Toys for Tots this holiday season!
Always fun to get to talk about something I love - this time, Sean Matthew Whiteford and Logan Callahan chatted with me about (among other things) musicals! Cats: great or terrible? Jesus Christ Superstar: why is it so hard to stage? Little Shop of Horrors: show ending or movie ending? And of course, we discuss the music of Whiteford & Callahan! Hear their incredibly serotonin-boosting new single Trust Yourself at the end of the episode.Want to spend lockdown #2 improving your vocal skills? SMW Vocal StudiosThis episode is supported by Unleashed Music - unleashedmusic.com
Alt rock trio Autumn City consists of vocalist Aster Pheonyx, percussionist Manny Kelly and bassist Audra Thomas. We all got together over Zoom to talk about the band, how to wrangle an enthusiastic audience member into playing drums semiprofessionally, whether you really need a physical book to plan your wedding, and much more. Plus, hear their gorgeous new single If I Could at the end of the episode!https://www.facebook.com/AutumnCityMusicThis episode brought to you by Unleashed Music - unleashedmusic.com.
Lindsay Rubin fronts Kingston, NY indie band Amity, who have just released a brand new single “Clover.” She’s also a cat mom, self care enthusiast, and overall delight to talk to. Hear “Clover” at the end of the episode and listen for an exclusive peek at what living in MK’s neighborhood sounds like! Also, what’s a pillow princess anyway?https://amity.bandcamp.com/track/cloverThis episode supported by Unleashed Music - unleashedmusic.comand Susan Barnett, Upstate Country Realty - upstatecountryrealty.com
Disclaimer - I did an oopsie with my own audio on this one, so pardon the first 7 minutes where I sound like I'm talking through a towel.Jason Sherman is the vocalist for progressive metal band Torrential Downpour, who just released their new record "202020" (as the band celebrated their 20th anniversary this year). He gives us a detailed look inside the making of the album as well as a teaching us some vocab words and discussing whether the internet is killing us or nah.This episode brought to you by Unleashed Music - unleashedmusic.comand Upstate Country Realty - upstatecountryrealty.com
Well guys, it finally happened. I encountered a guest who appreciates the genius of TSwift as much as I do. Singer/songwriter Shlomo Franklin joins me for a lively discussion of bad/weird Airbnb experiences, going with the flow without getting murdered, why legacy acts' later work is usually not that great, and yes, Miss Americana herself.This episode supported by Unleashed Music - unleashedmusic.com.
DISCLAIMER: NO SECRET SWIM SPOTS ARE REVEALED IN THIS EPISODE. There, that’s out of the way. The talented Diana DeMuth released her debut album, "Misandventure,” via Thirty Tigers in September, and even managed a COVID-friendly radio promo tour. She and MK discuss the album’s genesis and working with producer Simone Felice, plus some misadventures of their own in wilderness survival and outdoor summertime activities.
It's the Blotto episode!Entertainment lawyer Paul Rapp played drums in legendary New York band Blotto under the alias Lee Harvey Blotto. On this episode of MMPQB, he relates the story of the band's beginnings, the phenomenon of their hit "I Wanna Be A Lifeguard," the snarky origins of single "Metalhead" and much more!Visit blotto.net for the upcoming release of the newly rediscovered live radio performances!
Remember how in multiple previous episodes, the mysterious “Andy” was mentioned as the social connector between various extended members of the Cold Flavor Repair family? Finally, radio engineer and virtuoso keyboardist Andy Gladding emerges from the shadows to chat with MK about the viability of terrestrial radio and secret spots in New York City.
DJ Scully plays bass in The Number Twelve Looks Like You, whose album Wild Gods was released a year ago as of this recording. He's also the US general manager for Vigier guitars, and MK's boyfriend. They're both a couple of anime nerds and they have a lovely discussion about it in a closet.DJ: insta @dj.scully.bass#12: @thenumber12lookslikeyouMK: @mk.ultramatic@moremusic.podcast
Hoo boy… this is an exciting one, guys. Jonathan “Jono” Diener of bands like The Swellers and Baggage has something very weird in common with MK: a nightmarish condition in which certain noises give you a panic attack! They discuss the ins and outs of life in misophonia, Jono’s 2019 release Life in Misophonia, and also more positive stuff like Jono’s project The Inevitables, a 22 page comic with an accompanying original soundtrack.The Inevitables Kickstarter here! —> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theinevitables/the-inevitablesToday’s ad break - learn more about The Yell of Teddie Drake and contribute to the project —> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sammdelorey/the-yell-of-teddie-drake
Daniel Marc is a songwriter, guitarist, tour manager for Melvin Seals & JGB, and host of the DMMRR podcast. MK, who barely manages one task at a time, is dying to know how he handles it all. Also, they talk about the pride of a well-kept outdoor space.danielmarcmusic.com -> music! artist-series die cut sticker pack! DMMRR!
Brad Savage is the program director and afternoon drive host at The Summit, a legendary noncommercial radio station out of Akron, Ohio. He’s also super easy to talk to - we meant to discuss his extensive vinyl and CD collection, but we were having so much fun just chatting about life, travel aspirations, why humans sometimes suck (and sometimes don’t) and more, that we only touched on that towards the end. Listen to find out how noncomm radio is adapting to COVID times and much more!
Chrrry is a dynamic 24 year old singer, songwriter and performer from Brooklyn. She and MK discuss the ins and outs of getting to know your own brain - processing trauma, uncovering your own patterns and much more!This episode is brought to you by Unleashed Music - find them at unleashedmusic.com when you're ready to get your music heard by the world!
New York City native Kessaye Selassie is a musician, visual artist, father, and most recently the author and illustrator of "Omi & Elli Go To The Park," an original kids' book inspired by his own daughter. He's also a super sweet and hilarious guy! Kassaye and MK talk about music (natch), the struggles of marketing your own projects, NYC in the 90s, why kids often have such good taste in music, and more.Grab the book here! --> https://www.5thchild.com/book
This week, we're supporting our fellow podcasters! Eric Gottlieb hosts Nite Owls, the interview podcast for insomniacs. It's terrific.Radha Mistry is a leader of Strategic Foresight at Auto Desk, where she explores the impact of emerging technologies for the future of architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and manufacturing, and media & entertainment.
Joe Marcinek tours all over the US playing with the likes of Melvin Seals, George Porter Jr. and a diverse network of talented regional players. He and MK discuss the joys (and sorrows) of traveling vs. touring, driving alone, alien encounters and more.
Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar are sometimes known as Mike + Ruthy, and other times as members of indie folk band The Mammals. They chatted with MK about the trials and tribulations of friendship and connection, particularly in times of pandemic and political division.
Turns out MK and singer/songwriter Al Olender have a lot in common: they're both geminis, both enneagram type 4s, and both bisexual af. They cover a ton of ground on this episode of MMP:QB.
Brandi Thompson is the lead singer of NYC band Brandi and the Alexanders, a resident of the city and mother of 3 year old twins. She and MK discuss the flaming dumpster that is 2020, and what the future might hold.
Singer-songwriter Laura Stevenson and her husband Mike Campbell, touring bassist and talent buyer/manager for Woodstock NY's Colony venue, welcomed their daughter just as COVID-19 began to spread across the US. They talk to MK about what that's been like - spoiler, it's been hard.
MK calls up her old friend Gray, a member of the Boston and Providence music scenes with bands Salem Wolves and Gray Bouchard & The Dedications (and also a soon to be first time dad!). They discuss all things comics. One of them likes the MCU. The other does not. Listen to find out who's who!
Bob Malone is a touring keyboardist with John Fogerty as well as the singer and songwriter of his own original music. He and MK discover they have something major in common: a total disdain for capitalism.
Andy Frasco heads one of the best live bands on the planet, Andy Frasco & The U.N. He also hosts Andy Frasco's World Saving Podcast, and, since the pandemic, the weekly streaming World Saving Shitshow. He and MK discuss it all!
Jen Daunt heads independent promotions company Dauntless Promotions out of Portland. She and MK discuss what exactly an indie promoter does, the dangers of road cycling, the joys of being in a band without too much pressure, and more!
Lara Hope is the leader of touring rockabilly act Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones, as well as half of the Gold Hope Duo alongside her husband Matt. Plus, like MK, she lives in Kingston and recently bought her first home! They chat about the immediate future of live shows, and all things homeownership.
Jack Barton Entertainment is a multimedia company encompassing radio tracking, artist management and more. On this episode of MMPQB, Jack breaks it down and talks about how his company is handling lockdown, partying in Boulder, why he and his wife Beth are cat people rather than kid people, and much more.
James Felice plays accordion, keys and more as a member of the Felice Brothers. He's also an avid cyclist and sardine enthusiast, among many other interests. He and MK chat about a bunch of them on today's episode.
Steph is the president and founder of independent, genre-agnostic music label Soundly out of Nashville, and also a mom of 2. She and MK discuss running a business and raising kids during quarantine. Also, can people really change? And would you ask that question if I were a dude?
On the very first episode of MMP:QB, MK is joined by bass virtuoso John Ferrara of Consider the Source to talk about tour disruptions, Skype lessons, meditation, psychedelics and more.