Pickathon Podcast

Zale sits down with Matt Wagner, Executive Director of Creative Neighborhoods. They discuss the challenges facing Pickathon, how we've been working on these issues for years, and why audience feedback is so critical in shaping a sustainable future for the festival. -Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. -Be sure to check out the Showdown Saloon in Portland, Oregon, for great music and events curated by Pickathon seven days a week!  Keep up-to-date on the schedule at www.showdownpdx.com   -Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon podcast: Zale and his good buddy Phil Pirone, co-founder of the band JJUUJJUU, as well as the fabulous music festival Desert Daze, share stories of festival nightmares and miracles, as well as the dedication it takes to conduct a music festival with passion and love for the art, no matter the adversity. Be sure to check out JUUJUU's latest release, Up To You, as well as the rest of their fantastic catalogue wherever you collect your ear worms!   -Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    -And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.   -Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon podcast: We're just 8 days away from Pickathon, and at the top, Zale talks about all the creative design plots and neighborhood schematics that are going to be showcased this year. He is then joined by le plus talentueux, Erin Rae, who discusses the influential creatives that dawned from Tennessee and the regions alike, her innate drive to be unique in the musical landscape, and the myriad of talented folks that have helped her fulfill her musical passion along the way. Be sure to check out Erin Rae's latest single, On Her Side, and the rest of her catalogue of great music wherever you collect your earworms. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

This week on the Pickathon podcast: at the top, Zale reveals some exciting news about a new endeavor coming down the Pickathon pipeline! Zale is then joined by esteemed rock-n-roller, Madeline Link of the hit new rock band, Packs, where they discuss the means to help the music community through outreach, and mentorships to build upon the next generation's dreams and creative endeavors. Be sure to check out PACKS's latest album, Melt the Honey, wherever you collect your earworms. -Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! -And check out our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. -Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale talks a little bit about the work going into designing and constructing the art installations around Pickathon this year. Exciting stuff! Zale is then joined by the crazy talented Julia Steiner, of Ratboys, where they talk about everything from basketball, to the unsung Chicago music scene, to all the excitement of DIY band management and production. Be sure check out Ratboy's music wherever you collect your ear worms.    - Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    -And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.   -Thank you all for listening!

This week on the Pickathon podcast: at the top, Zale talks about how much “vibe” plays an important factor into developing the festival. Zale is then joined by the soulful strut of Adi Oasis as she talks about how music has shaped her world, how the industry is reshaping the world of the artist, finding your artistic identity, and how important it is yo never settle for less than what you want from your work. Be sure to check out Adi Oasis's latest release, the deluxe edition of Lotus Glow, wherever you collect your ear worms! Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!  And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. Thank you all for listening!    

This week on the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale talks about the humble origins and goals of the Pickathon festival. Zale is then joined by the one and only Alec Duckart of the hit band, Searows, where they discuss Alec's humble origins, how it feels to be thrust into fame while staying true to your authentic self, and the meaning of finding success on your own terms. Be sure to check out the work of Searows wherever you collect your ear worms. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.    Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: Zale and his guest, Jake Kohn, soon to be a voice of his generation, spare no time getting down to the nitty gritty about growing up in the eastern United States, the influences that shaped Jake's sound, how he found success at such an early age, and what it means to synthesize the greats while developing an original sound of your own. Be sure to check out the music of Jake Kohn wherever you collect your earworms. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.    Thank you all for listening!

In this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: At the top, Zale talks about his early days as a music festival connoisseur, and a little about the inception of Pickathon. Zale is then joined by the multitalented co-founder of Elephant Revival, Bonnie Paine, where they talk about everything from bottle rocket wars in Ward, Colorado, cooking-oil powered tour buses, tour bus fires, the tragically beautiful origin of their namesake, and what's down the pipeline for Elephant Revival. Be sure check out Elephant Revival's music wherever you collect your ear worms.    . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.    . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale walks us through the current challenges and future endeavors of Pickathon's journey. Zale is then joined by one of the world's most authentic and creative young artists, Billie Marten, where they talk about personal journeys of self discovery, letting passion find you, and to ultimately be patient with yourself and your goals. Be sure to check out Billie Marten's latest EP, OurVinyl Sessions, out now wherever you collect your ear worms. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on!    And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.    Thank you all for listening!

Welcome to season two of the Pickathon Podcast! On todays episode: at the top Zale catches us up on the news of Pickathon's conditional use permit. You probably already know this by now, but.......WE WON! A resounding YES from our friends and neighbors in Happy Valley! Pendarvis Farms, here we come AGAIN! Zale then sits down with one of Country's newest greats, the sultry toned Vincent Neil Emerson, where they talk about everything from Vincent's heritage, his connection to Southern country in particular, and what it truly means to put in the work, and somehow make it through the struggle that is following your passion, your call, your niche. Be sure check out Vincent Neil Emerson's music wherever you listen to your favorite music. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. Thank you all for listening!

On this episode of the PIckathon podcast: at the top, Zale gives us an update on Pickathon's status for a conditional use permit, which is being decided on very soon! Our wonderful guests, the wildly talented Piya, Nya and Sabrina, from Say She She, then jump in to give Pickathon some love and support, and express their kinship with Pickathon for social justice and humanitarian advocacy. Along with their impressive backgrounds as soul/funk singers and songwriters, Say She She utilizes their talents and positions to not only voice rich harmonies, but give voice to struggling communities, and the disenfranchised. Be sure check out Say She She's music, and their latest release, Silver, wherever you listen to your favorite music. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale gives us an update on the future of Pickathon and the conditional use permit. Community is key! We thank you all for your support! Zale then sits down with legendary artist Doug Martsch of Built To Spill where they talk about all the happenings in the world of indie-rock, the myriad of venues that contribute to the indie-rock scene all across the US, his love and appreciation for what Pickathon brings to the festival world, and how perseverance in your craft and what you love to do does have a power to fulfill you whether or not you make it big. It's your art and no one can take that away from you. Be sure to check out the work of Built To Spill wherever you listen to your favorite music! . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale gives us some updates on the progress of Pickathon getting a conditional use permit. Zale then sits down with the incomparable Mike Dillon to talk about everything from his history in the music industry (some great stories), the inception of Punkadelic, the many pies of rock that percussion dips its finger into, the abundant and important musical culture in New Orleans, and the struggles of being a working musician in an ever-inflating country. Be sure to check out the work of Mike Dillon and Punkadelic's music wherever you listen to your favorite music. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale gives us some updates on the progress of Pickathon getting a conditional use permit, and thanks the wonderful community for all of their support. Zale is then joined by Ramón Perez Prieto and Grimaldo Del Solar, two of the four members of one of Peru's most eclectic and electrifying bands, Novalima. They give us a break down of their roots, the many machinations of putting an album together, and a little history of Peruvian instruments and musicality. Be sure to check out the work of Novalima wherever you listen to your favorite music. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale gives us some updates on the progress of Pickathon getting a conditional use permit. Zale then sits down with contemporary Powwow artist, Joe Rainey, to talk shop about bringing Powwow music to the forefront of today's music scene, the art of utilizing recording tech and tapes to create a wholly unique sound, and how the power of faith in your culture, yourself, and in others can take you beyond your own wildest dreams. Check out Joe Rainey's ever growing creative archive of Powwow music and culture at soundcloud.com/rainmanmnx. And be sure to buy his albums on Bandcamp at  joe-rainey.bandcamp.com! . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasting on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers. . Thank you all for listening!

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale talks us through the process of Conditional Use permits, and how important community is for keeping independent festivals afloat. Zale then sits down with Mariam Diakite and Erich Huffaker of the Oakland-Malian rock band, Orchestra Gold, where they discuss the styles and dynamics of Malian music, the intimacy between the instrumentation and Mariam's vocal style, and the crucial element that is being a cross-cultural, local band that has the power to share musical stylings that come from another part of the world. Be sure to check out Orchestra Gold's music wherever you listen to your favorite tunes. And check out their latest EP, Vol II: The Lost Tapes, available for digital download on Bandcamp. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcast on! . And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale reflects on how far Pickathon has come, as well as the significance of putting in the work to stand out as an independent music festival. Zale is then joined by the magnanimous duo of They Hate Change, Vonne Parks and Andre Gainey, who give us some insight into the Tampa, Florida music scene, what inspires them to push the genre of hip-hop, and how you can make a name for yourself no matter where you come from. . Be sure to check out all of They Hate Change's music wherever you get your vibes adjusted! . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcast on! And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers, and independent festival goers.

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale dives deep into the influence psych-rock has had on Pickathon, and regales us with an amusing anecdote about the fun and spicy mayhem that can be found at the festival. Zale is then joined by the powerhouse duo, Felipe and Ivan Garcia, of Sgt. Papers, where they get into some of the history of Mexican music, smart management while on the road, and how they are able to develop such a massive sound with just guitar and drums. . Make sure to get your copy of Sgt. Papers' work on Bandcamp, and follow them on whatever is your favorite music platform. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcast on! And check out the Pickathon Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/Pickathon where there's exclusive content meant for the true music lovers.

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale gives us an update on what's going on at Pendarvis Farm, the future of Pickathon, and how community can be your biggest support system and help keep you afloat. Zale then sits down with three of the four members of the unanimously beloved southern rock band, Wayne Graham, where they talk about everything from being in touch with your local scene, to becoming an American spark oversees. Check out Wayne Graham's latest release, Ish, on Bandcamp, Spotify, or wherever you discover your true loves.

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On this episode of the Pickathon Podcast: at the top, Zale talks about the power of musical diversity, and Pickathon's efforts to bring an eclectic flare to the festival. The scratch-wizard, Nikki Nair, then jumps in and talks with Zale about the his experience coming up in the DJ and sound system scene in Knoxville, Tennessee, how day jobs can save an artist's tukus when starting out, and how breaking downs barriers in genre helps bring people together from all walks of life. Check out Nikki Nair's latest release, Set the Roof, on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you catch your favorite music. . Please remember to rate, review and subscribe wherever you're listening to the Pickathon Podcast. . Subscribe to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/Pickathon

In this episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale delves a little more into his roots, musical development, and how small town friendships can yield the greatest results. Zale is then joined the ever-authentic and courageous storyteller, Nat Myers, to discuss the poetic freedoms of blues music, the Homeric traditions of busking, and the history of cultural equality baked within the soul of southern music. Check out Nat Myers' latest album, Yellow Peril, on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your favorite music.

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale talks about the next phase of Pickathon, and the music that inspires the festival's oeuvre. Zale is then joined by the charming and magnetic members of the Mountain Grass Unit, Drury Anderson, Luke Black, and Sam Wilson, where they get into the weeds of childhood inspirations, the booming culture of country and bluegrass, and the bright future that's ahead of them in their college endeavors. Check out Mountain Grass Unit's latest release, an Audiotree Live exclusive of their biggest hits, wherever you listen to your favorite artists.

In this week's episode of the Pickaton podcast, at the top Zale talks about the ways in which Canada provides support for the arts, and what the US could learn about providing the freedom to be an active artist. Zale then sits down with the one and only, Cat Clyde, where she regails him about her work as an artist; from busking as a teenager, attending the Music Industry Arts program in London, Ontario, her work with the punk band, The S*** Bats, and all things exploratory about writing, collaborating, and living in the musical landscape. Also a harrowing story about airborne mold sickness. Test your rooms for mold, kids. Seriously.   Check out Cat Clyde's latest album, Down Rounder, on Bandcamp, and wherever you explore your musical landscape.

This week on the Pickathon podcast, at the top Zale talks about the mental aftermath of putting on an independent music festival, and delves deep into the necessity for honest feedback in order to hedge on and improve in just about every aspect of life. Zale then sits down with Michael Ruth, virtuoso and founding member of the band Rich Ruth, where they discuss the value of culture through the arts, the US's aversion to supporting the arts, geographic styles and influences, and the uniquely, and ultimately important live music curations that exist by way of independent venues. Check out Rich Ruth's latest single, Settling In, on Bandcamp or wherever you get your music.

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top it's our first interview since the last day of the festival and Zale is blown away, and very thankful. Zale then sits down with Jared, Kristen and Eric of The Shivas to discuss the merits of growing up in a band, finding your voice, and what it takes to continue to respect and appreciate one another after working together for so long. Check out The Shivas' latest EP, Covers Vol. 2, out now on Bandcamp, or wherever you get your music! 

On this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale taps into the elements of traditional genres such as bluegrass, Irish folk, American blues, etc... Then Zale sits down with founding member and lead guitarist of GA-20, Matthew Stubbs, to discuss the raw nature and soul behind Chicago blues, as well as give some shoutouts to contemporary blues musicians touring the US today.

In this episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale discusses the history, arc, and malleability of the genre that we know today as indie rock. Zale is then joined by Karly Hartzman of Wednesday to discuss the misconceptions of how to break into the industry, and what it means to harness your sound, and how to maintain authenticity and not let external forces determine what your music "should" sound like.

In this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale talks about getting ready for Pickathon, and the impact of being in the moment of it all. Zale then sits down with the immensely talented harpist and singer-songwriter, Mikaela Davis, to discuss the importance of grinding away at your passion, playing with the best bandmates in the world, touring the world at a young age, and all the luck that can spring forth along the way. Check out Mikaela Davis' newest LP, And Southern Star, available everywhere August 4th on Kill Rock Stars.

In this week's episode of the Pickathon Podcast, Zale talks about the eclectic tastes of Pickathon throughout the years. For our guest, Zale is joined by Bass Wizard McPluckerton, Andrew Randazzo, of Butcher Brown, who graciously slaps a funky little ditty on his way in, and discusses the merits of musical influences, how those inspirations can span in all directions, and what it means to bring that zhuzh to your repertoire.  

This week on the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale gives all sorts of shoutouts to the massive amount of talent that has graced the stages of Pickathon over the years, and the impact their success has had on the festival as a whole. Then, Zale sits down (across the ether) with the founding memeber of Hooveriii, Burt Hoover, to discuss the importance of your local library (aka record shops), and the interconnectivity of people sharing what moves them, and what new avenues they seek to venture.

In this episode of the Pickathon Podcast, at the top Zale talks about how generating work from what you love can be more rewarding than it sounds. And today we have Ryan Kaiser from the sensational band, Yot Club, to discuss how he also was thrusted into fame, awkward industry lunches, turning your hobby into a job, and how he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Tune in, young artists. This one's got some great industry advice for aspiring musicians.

In this episode of the Pickathon podcast, at the top Zale talks us through the leaps and bounds that the Pickathon team have made to curate THE BEST Pickathon ever this year. Zale then sits down with the ever-inspiring, vivacious, and one the most creative spirits of their generation, Brittany Davis. Brittany saddles us up for the story of a lifetime, and gives us a good lesson in the power of a truly musical spirit. May their cup runneth over. Listen to Brittany Davis' new single "So Fly" wherever you get your music.

In this episode of the Pickathon Podcast, Zale talks about Pickathon's survival during the COVID pandemic, and the impact it had on the world of live music. For our esteemed guests, Zale sat down with Kevin Murphy, Chris King, and Seth McDonald of the super group Small Paul to discuss how the pandemic inspired them to combine their musical strengths, how teamwork makes the dream work, and the value of supporting the arts through programs like SMASH and Sonic Guild.

In a much anticipated interview, Zale talks to Courtney Marie Andrews, one of the finest musical voices of her generation. Andrews discusses her early stint with Jimmy Eat World

This week on the Pickathon Podcast, Zale is joined by the legendary soul artist, Lee Fields, who with a career spanning nearly five decades, continues to bring the soul of the '60s and '70s to the 21st century. As Zale delves into the power of a musical voice, Fields regails us with his astounding brushes with titans of the industry, and how connecting with your audience often requires both a knowledge of yourself, and the universe as a whole.

WITCH, one of the seminal forces behind the Zamrock genre, has held a career in rock music that dates back over fifty years. In this epic episode of the Pickathon podcast, Zale is joined by WITCH's legendary founding member Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda, and WITCH's newest bassist, and synth rock wizard, Jacco Gardner, to talk about overcoming adversity, and standing up for yourself to realize your dreams. 

Zale discusses why collaboration is a magic ingredient in making an immersive music festival special, scalable, and sustainable.  The incredible story of the PSU School of Architecture is given as an example, where graduate students utilized diversion architecture to build the award-winning Treeline and Cherry Hill stages at Pickathon.  WHIMZ joins the conversation and explains how collaboration was the genesis of how they improvised the creation of their masterpiece synth-doom dream pop album, PM226.

Zale discusses the ins and outs of why Pickathon is often called the anti-festival.  The Kernel joins the conversation and we dive deep into what it was like growing up around the grand old Opry with his dad and how he became one of the greatest modern country songwriters alive. 

Zale discusses how time and learning from mistakes are the essential ingredients in building vibrant festival volunteer communities. Pachy Garcia joins the conversation to talk about how Pachyman is bringing the sounds of classic Dub music to a new generation of music lovers.

Zale tells a brief overview of the history of the Pickathon festival. Isabel Dammann, from Sprig of That, joins the conversation and shares stories about watching Lake Street Dive bring down the house at Pickathon 2014, her "Portland Famous" dad, and why a violin, guitar, and Tabla drum is the perfect ensemble to explore Northern European fiddle styles, modern American string music, and the "indie classical" movement.

Zale discusses how Pickathon became the first American music festival to eliminate all plastic and single-use dishware.  Nick Shoulders joins the conversation to talk about growing up in Arkansas, sustainability in music, fireworks naval battles, and how he learned to be the best yodeling country singer alive.  The show finishes with Zale and Nick playing a song together.

Zale discusses the design principles behind how Pickathon reimagines the music festival experience and how it relates to the birth of the Pickathon Podcast.  MØTRIK joins the conversation and we dive deep into the world of Krautrock.