Stoops2Stages

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Jahrell. Jahrell is an emcee based out of Toronto. During the sitdown, we discuss his linking up with Erik, his creative process, and why he goes above and beyond with all of his videos. On his reasoning for putting in so much effort into his videos: Songs are great but I feel that visuals are what draws fans in. I love the hands on process, from scene 1 to scene 50. That's something I want to be a part of. On the creative process behind New Black Soul 2: It was a much more personal project. I produced most of the project. I barely had features on it. I feel like I made that project for myself, so that I can grow as a human being. Jahrellmusic.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Esco sits down with ELPJ. ELPJ is an artist out of the DMV area who recently released the e.p. Canei Kick It?! During his visit, he talks about his many aliases, the early stages of his writing, and his up and coming plans. On his creative process: I've never been the type to write fast. I take my time. I want my music to sound as good as possible. Nothing should ever be sub par. On the role that hiphop has played in his life: When it comes to hiphop, it wasn't just the music of choice; it was my culture. The way I walk, the way I talk, everything is from there.

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Wordsworth. Wordsworth is an emcee hailing from Brooklyn, NY, a member of the amazing eMC crew, and one of the hardest working artist around. In today's episode, we discuss the standards that he maintains for himself, the joy in collaborating with different artist (like JSoul on their new EP, Blame it on the Music), and the importance of supporting artist early on in their development. On how he maintains such a high standard with his lyricism: I'm very self-aware of if something is hot or is corny. I always think outside of myself and put myself in the audience and ask "would they would be inspired by that?" On the competition in hiphop: I know there's a Nas, there's a Jay, there's a Kendrick, there's an Em. So I know that when I'm writing, if it doesn't sound of the caliber to be on the same track with them, then I don't think the verse is hot.

In today's episode, we sit down with JFKratez. JFKratez is a producer from the DMV area. During our phone interview, we talked shop about his production set up, being a self contained business while being an artist, and how his production brought him full circle back to his family, and working with his brother. On how his name came about: People who work with me, where ever I set up the studio, we've always called it the Krate. The Krate is wherever I'm at, and we're all going to have a good time. On how many hours he puts into his craft: How much time do I devote to music during the week? All the time I'm not at work.

In today's episode, Esco sits down with Clyde Jones. Clyde is a director and photographer based out of DC. During the episode, he touches on stories from the set, reconnects with Esco and gives us a sneak peak into the grind that goes into being a success behind the lens. On his making the decision to pursue his dream: I didn't know what I wanted to do. I'd wake up, hating having to go to work. On leaving his safety net job behind: I had a good job, I was making good money. So it couldn't be that. I needed to make a change. CJvisions.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, we get the return of Steven Murillo of Someone in a Tree. During the visit, they talk about wrapping up their new album Daily Distortions, the work that goes into planning a new tour, and the bringing together the vision of four people to create a beautiful final project. On the benefit to being a full time musician and being fully available for this project: That's why we were able to make this album come out. The drive is there. We had the songs and the time. We made it happen. On the group dynamic and making decisions: Usually we vote it out, but there are times when you have to stick to your guns a bit and defend your idea. It's a good lesson in civility and it makes you a better artist. someoneinatree.bandcamp.com Stoops2Stages.com

On his childhood friends from Jersey: Sitting on my steps. Just shitting on each other. My friends were so mean. I still call them all the time. They keep me in check. That's how I got funny. On his return to standup: I bombed. Quit performing for 2 years. Then I moved to New York and started again. It wasn't until then that I found my true voice. In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Greg Stone. Greg is a comedian based out of New York by way of New Jersey. We talk about his action figure collection, trash talking with his friends in Jersey, and how he got his start in comedy. On the writing process, and when he know's a joke is worth doing: As a comedian, you know what's funny. But the trick with the audience is to make them see what you see. GregFStone.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Esco sits down with Kastoway. Kastoway is a DMV based musician. During their sit down, they talk about creating music, his humble beginnings, and Kastoway shared some live music as well. On how cutthroat the industry can be: I believe in helping others. I'm not for other people's downfall. On what other musicians struggle with: There's millions of really talented singers out there. But they don't have a direction. They don't have a plan. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with JSoul. JSoul is a producer out of Baltimore, MD. During his visit, we discussed his involvement in the DMV hiphop scene, the effects his work ethic has had on his career, and his ambitious goals for the coming year. Finally, we get to hear the new single "Satellite" from his collabo album with Wordsworth. On what motivated him to start making music: I was a visual artist growing up. I've been around it all my life. But I got into music because visually what I was painting, I couldn't express myself how I wanted to. My paintings weren't loud enough. On the early start in his career: I was doing shows every single week. I ended up falling in love with the art form. On what his music has provided for him: I wanted my music to take me around the world. That's what it's become now. It's my engine to see the world and to get all my thoughts out. JSoulmusic.bandcamp.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Dyme-A-Duzin. Dyme is an emcee from the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. We discuss his natural need to be creative, his childhood love for NBA Live, and why everyone is after that easy chicken. On getting his name from his rap mentor Q the Prophet: They say rappers come a dime a dozen, so why not take it? Why not be a standout and make it ironic. Just strive to be the best. On his independent mindset, and how it effects his output: I've always moved like an independent artist. That was always my attitude. Shits gotta get out. I gotta find a way to make a music video the way I see it. I don't want to have sit at notable and have to explain to people my vision. Might as well bring it to life myself. On his joy of performing: I love performing. Making a song is fun too, but performing? I live for that. That's when you really connect. They feeling what you're saying. They get your attitude. It's all about the connection. Stoops2Stages.com

In today’s episode we turn the tables, interviewing our usual host Gastor. Guest host Esco stops by and talks with Gastor about his decision to do standup, his first tv appearance, and how awesome and welcoming the comedy community has been.

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with JB. JB is a rapper from Long Island, NY. We talk about what inspires his famous work ethic, his personal low point, and how he has managed to turn his life around and motivate others with his music. On building a successful team to work with: I've come to the realization that I can't make it without a team. You're going to need people around you who are going to keep pushing the vision when you're not there. On growing his movement with his oldest friends: I felt it necessary to continue that tradition of loyalty. So that everywhere you go, the ones that are behind you have your back and support you. On the support from his mother: I thank God that my mom didn't shelter me. She let me try and persevere. I treat every situation as a small battle to win the big war. legendsinthemaking.us Stoops2stages.com

In today's episode we sit down with Oscar Collazos. On what inspired him to be a standup: Being an immigrant, I didn't know what standup comedy was. I knew humor. But I always think back and wonder how did I end up here. On when he first discovered that he was funny: I got voted the funniest person in my 3rd grade class. I barely spoke English and I was making people laugh! On how he responded to his brother's career questions: My brother is in finance. He's a suit. One time he asked me when is this funny business going to get left behind. And I was appalled. I told him never. I'll be doing this when I'm 80. Oscar is a comedian out of New York by way of Plantation, Florida. We talk shop, discuss bombing early on, what keeps him doing standup, and how his girlfriend learned to appreciate what he does. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with the homie Lawrence Deloach. Lawrence is a comedian out of Brooklyn. During his visit to the stoop, the guys discussed being from real Brooklyn, doing shows 6 days a week, and taking the plunge and doing Standup full time. On the support he received when he decided to do standup: I have one of the most supportive mothers. Ever. She told me if that's what you want to do, do it. Just don't half-ass it. On the response some of his peers have gotten when deciding to live the artist life: People need to see something tangible. Our families worked too hard, so they aren't going to have you out here bullshittin. People don't understand the process. They don't know how long it takes to build a solid 15 minutes. You're like a mad scientist. It's the hardest job but it's also the most satisfying. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, we will have the final installment of season 2's best of series. This week's episode will feature Hannibal King, Renaissance of Green Street, Sean Phazes, Cocoa Sarai and Marcus D. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode we will be checking out part 2 of Season 2's best of. This will feature clips from Gist the Essence, Tab One, Gail Thomas, J Manifesto and DonWill. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, we will be checking out part one of Season 2's best of series. This will feature clips from Substantial, NessRhyme, Nello Luchi, Half Amazin', and Jeff Simmermon.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Angel of Vagrant Sneaker. To celebrate a year worth of episodes, show producer Ricky decided to join Gastor on the mic side of things and chop it up with our first guest ever. Angel talks about his health scare and how his new diet has effected his personal and creative life. His new direction, including the decision to (finally) release prints of his famous sneaker shots, and his plans for the coming year. On why he delayed monetizing his work: I never wanted to make money off of my images. That wasn’t my intent when getting into photography. The intent was simply because I love doing it. I love taking pictures. On how his passion has turned into a paying hustle: It just came. I don’t have an accountant, a manager out there getting me gigs. That just happens if it comes to my door. I don’t go out looking for it. Vagrantsneaker.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Marcus D. Marcus is a producer out of Seattle, WA known for his jazz influenced sound and for his work with Bop Alloy. We talked about his love of Seattle sports, his early start in the hiphop scene, and the amazing support he has gotten from the music scene in Japan. On the importance of having your own sound: If you're unique and people just haven't found you, there's never a point where you might not blow up. But if you're trying to sell out, that's a bad look. On following his own path: If you have something that's already well done, that means that somebody brought that from obscurity to the market. It doesn't make sense to try to be a carbon copy. On his position against asking artist to "do it for the love:" All artist deserve to be compensated for their work. If you want to help the economy of your community, the one you're trying to make a living from, you need to put back into it.

In today's episode, we sit down with Renaissance of Green Street. Ren is a producer based out of Brooklyn, NY. During the episode, we discuss his production process, living with fellow musicians, and how his near death experience changed his outlook on life. On how their productivity changed when they all moved into the same area: We were working remotely, between Brooklyn and Boston. It worked, but its been so much better since we've all moved to New York. Its cohesive. On the benefits of being a talented engineer and producer: Every time you give up your work to someone, you're giving up creative control. I didn't start out as an engineer. I started out making beats. But I had to learn those separate things to see my vision through. On what drives him to get better: You'll find a way to learn things you didn't think you could figure out. But that only happens if you're pushing yourself. That only happens if you have a purpose. GreenStreetRecords.Net Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sat down with Theda. Theda is a New York based singer, who recently put out her own EP. Heavy Hitter. We talk about her creation process, her mom's role in her career, and why it was so important to her to write her own material. On being self motivated in her early development as a singer: That was all me. I would do the research online, looking for contest to enter. Then I'd beg my mom to take me. On her mother's requirement that she earn everything she was given: Everything was earned. Everything. You want that new Eminem cd? I had to clean the kitchen. But I'm glad my mom did that because I'm ok with working for everything. On the role that her music plays in working through her darker moments: When I came out with these songs, my own parents were surprised about whats going on. I don't talk about things. It's uncomfortable talking. I'd rather sing the song. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Substantial. Substantial is an emcee from Maryland, who has been one of the most prolific independent artist in the hiphop scene over the last 20 years. We discuss hiphop and fatherhood, finding the right creative partners, and why it's important to be a man of action. On how he balances his family time with his professional obligations: You'll find a way. You worry about not being able to pursue the music, or to spend time with your family, but because you care, you'll find a way. On his need to create: For me its like breathing. I just love creating and I'm lucky because I have many avenues to create. I'm always going to find a way of sharing what I'm feeling. On the role his students play on his art: Kid's are hella inspirational. They are constantly breathing life into me and into my art.

In today's episode, Gastor talks with the homie Ty Millan. Ty is an emcee out of the Bronx, NY who's been creating a street buzz with a real grassroots approach to his marketing. During his visit to the stoop, we talked about how the modern independent artist has to market, staying true to yourself, and why he doesn't glorify the negativity of street life. On why he is so driven: For me? It's by any means to me. I really live by that. Sometimes you don't have those initial resources, but you have to do what you have to do, to get to where you want to be at. On his decision to make street music without glorifying street life: I don't glorify the street life because there is a lot of loss. I don't glorify it because I don't want people to think it's the only way. There's many ways. On the focus on quality and telling of his current life with each project: I'm laying the groundwork right now. I want my new fans to discover me, and go back to my old shit and know that I've progressed. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor talks with Sean Phazes. Sean is a video director out of Chicago. During their sit down, Sean talks about his transition from post-college life to directing, his early days as a student of the craft, and starting his own media company. On balancing his day job with video directing when he first started out: I always had a job, and while I would do what I needed to do, I always made sure that I had enough time to devote to my craft. On the beauty of the modern information era: In this day and age, you can really do anything. With the internet and youtube, you can learn anything. You can contact someone and ask to shadow someone and open up opportunities. On how he's been able to self-study and learn his craft without traditional schooling: The key is out there, and if you really want it, you can find it. vashr.com stoops2stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor visited the amazing Cocoa Sarai. Cocoa is a singer from Brooklyn, NY. A staple in New York's independent music scene, we discussed balancing her projects while supporting her peers, giving back to younger artist, and coming back to singing after having lost her voice. On the spontaneous moments that happen during her shows: Anyone that has seen me performs knows, I will jump off the stage, jump on a speaker, jump on a desk, jump on a bar, jump on your mama, if that's where I'm moved to perform. On performing versus song creation: The fun part comes for me after. Making the songs is work. Its fun, but its work. But after I got all of the emotions out, I get to focus on how to best convey that to the audience. On creating an experience for the audience: The most important part for me is to make it memorable. There's a lot of people that might have a beautiful voice, but can you create an experience? Cocoasarai.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor speaks with Hannibal King. Hannibal King is a Queens New York based hiphop artist. Initially known for his production, Hannibal began releasing his own music, including his most recent album Don't Die. We had a chance to talk about his creation process, working as a musician full time, and being truthful in your music. On why he chooses to share so much of his personal feelings on his music: I come from a family that keeps everything in. What happens in the family, stays in the family. But for me, this allowed me to be me. This music felt natural and that's important to me. On the reception he's gotten from making more vulnerable records: I've gotten no negativity from people because of sharing to much. Not that it's perfect, but people appreciate that. They appreciate the honesty. On the clarity that making music offers him in his life: The people around me are very understanding. They know I'd go crazy without this. I'm not the kind of person to go home and talk about my day. So without this, I'd lose it. HannibalKingMusic.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Donwill. Donwill is a member of the hiphop group Tanya Morgan. A hiphop renaissance man, Don has been a part of group and solo albums, host a trivia show, and DJ's for Wyatt Cenac's Night Train comedy show. We discuss his backstory, and get an idea on how he balances everything while still creating his own art. On how he's become so well known in the hiphop and comedy community: I'm a fan of stuff. I am an unabashed fan of stuff. I believe in showing appreciation. On performing versus recording: You get feed two different types of ways from performing and recording. I still prefer performing, but I've figured out how to make recording therapeutic for me. On how he stays so productive: I'm one of those people's who during the day, always has 2 or 3 things going on. I've built this balancing act of harmoniously doing everything at once. But more importantly, I don't do anything that I don't want. Donwill.me Stoops2Stages

In today's episode, Gastor talked with Tab One of Kooley High. Tab is an emcee out of North Carolina who recently released a project with Sinopsis entitled Sincerely,Tab. We had the chance to talk about the hiphop scene in NC, the beauty of having the support of your home town, and high of writing something you're proud of. On the advantages of being in a group: Being in the group dynamic pushes us to make the best music we can make. As far as me and Charlie, he's just constantly pushing me to do better. On the energy that people feel at a Kooley High show: I put as much time into the live show as we do into the music that we're putting out. We think its just as important. On being productive: If it's something important, you make time for it. If it's something you want to do, you do it. I work, I come home. I spend time with my wife and kid. Then I make to do something creative. It's my outlet. KooleyHigh.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Half Amazin. Half Amazin is an eclectic east-coast producer. Mostly known for his work with Noah Caine, we discuss his production history, what inspires his music, and how his creative eye effects his overall vision for a project. On taking part with the art direction of an album he produces: I just wanted to make sure that the album art work matched the album. And who else would know what the album feels like more than the producer? On being consumed with his art: It's dope to have a passion like that, because it doesn't matter what's going on, you can go back to that. On the advantages of the digital music age: People always talk about the industry being flooded. Music cleanses itself. If you're not strong enough, you're not going to be making music on a certain level. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Erik. Erik is a Danish emcee who is currently out in Los Angeles. During our chat, we talk about the creation of his new album No Boundaries, what inspires him to travel, and his plans to create more music in other languages. On how working with other talented artist made him up his game: Deacon and Natti, took a few hours to write and record their parts, and they were out. Then after that I realized, OK, my part of this track has to be good enough to be on par with those guys. On the positive vibe of the album: That's something I've always gone for. Positive and Uplifting. That's something I've always tried to portray with my music because that's what drew me in. On getting over the intimidation of the LA scene: A lot of people let the fact that it's Hollywood, scare them because they make the most movies and music. But if you look passed that, you realize they're just people. People making what they want to make. Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Nello Luchi. Nello is an emcee straight out of Brooklyn. During this interview, Nello talks about her passion for creating a blueprint for what New York hiphop should be, the displacement of her people from her hometown, and her vision for her upcoming project. On the displacement that gentrification is having in her neighborhood in Brooklyn: Some people choose to talk about it in their music. I choose to talk about it. We need to do more then just talk if we want to make real change. On the effect that some of her local hustlers had on her: That's the beauty of the hood. Yes, they sold drugs. Certain things happen, but they aren't proud of that either. But it's those same hustlers that looked out and made sure you get to where you're at. Just because their predicament was fucked up, they didn't want that for you. On the power of good music: The people that I've met, the stories that I've gotten from these projects, I haven't even shared all of them yet. This project actually got me all the way to Brazil. NelloLuchi.com Stoops2Stages.com

In this weeks episode, Gastor sat down with JreamBeatz. Jream is a producer out of the Castle Hill area of the Bronx, NY. We talk about how moving as a child influenced his music, his musical idols, and how his support system has been vital to his success. On the value of learning the more technical aspects of making music: Once you understand how music works, that's when you really become 'you.' It's a science and people take it for granted. On how a vioilent incident at his local barbershop changed his life: Day before thanksgiving, I was at the barbershop and I guy came in shooting. I caught one in the leg. That day wasn't a sad day though, because to me it was an awakening. It was blessing in disguise. It pushed me to become the producer I am today. On his approach to production: I started looking at production like a job. It's like building the ultimate race-car. I started to make guidelines for myself. Putting additional pressure on myself and making it a chore to do the things others don't. You really want to put out the best possible product. Stoops2Stages.com

This week, Gastor chops it up with @NessRhyme. Ness is an emcee out of Brooklyn, known for the release of 2013's God's Plan. During the interview, we talk about his creative process, his bond and working relationship with Atown, and how his life is always reflected in his music. On some of the differences between modern day artist and the artist he grew up on: Back in the day, artist showed characters. Any time you saw them, during music videos, during interviews, it was an event. They understood it was entertainment. On the importance of showing your true self as your artist: You gotta laugh, stop pretending to be too cool. Hiphop artist shouldn't be scared to show themselves laughing because it makes kids scared to try things. On representing himself in all places: If I can't be me, 100%, the way I portray myself, then I don't want to be there. If there's limitations to who I can be in front of you, because of the class you think you're in, then I'd rather not be there. NessRhyme.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Gabe Pacheco. Gabe is a comedian based out of Brooklyn, NY by way of DC. During the interview we talk about his love of show producing, the comedy-short Simfield, and what he's set out to do in comedy. On experiencing as much as possible in life: If you've already done it once why do you need to do it again? why repeat? Life is too short. On creating comedy in several different genres: In the past, people were told to pick a lane. But we have so many other aspects to us. You should be able to find a way to express yourself in all the mediums. Be a fully-formed human being. GabePacheco.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode. Gastor got to sit down with J.Manifesto. J.Manifesto talked with us about his Queens upbringing, the formation of OISD, how he came to join the Dope League, and what was behind his decision to share the stage on his forthcoming project, as well as his new single, So Live. On being business savvy as an independent artist: JayZ was very influential in that. Going from being the guy under the business guy, to just being the guy. I don't have to be the basketball player anymore. I can be the player. I can be the coach. I can be the manager. On his early recordings: I had a cheap lavaliere mic. The cheapest clip on mic. The RadioShack mic. But I needed to record. Jmanifesto.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor gets a visit from prior guest, Stephen Babcock. Stephen talks about the work that comes with promoting a new album, the joys of touring down south, and the excitement of releasing his new album, Said & Done. On how he selected which songs to keep on the album: I could have made this record 12-15 tracks, but I wanted every record to carry itself. I wanted every record to be able to stand on its own. On the importance of the songs working live: That's. So. Important. I always want to make a record that sounds good live, feels good live, and can be fully performed live. Performing is very important to me so that was definitely a focus. Stephenbabcockmusic.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor talks with Gist The Essence. @Gistmusic is an emcee out of Queens, NY, who has been releasing amazing projects for a decade. In part two of this interview, Gist talks about his love of performing, how his personal struggles are bringing out the best in his music, and why he considers himself a conflicted, conscience rapper. On the beautiful feeling of accomplishment that comes from making a song: I’m on a high right now from a record i did yesterday. Creating a record? It’s something else On his album creation process: I’ve never made 35 records and picked 15, Every album started out with an idea. Started out with a wavelength. GistMusic.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor talks with Gist The Essence. Gist is an emcee out of Queens, NY, who has been releasing amazing projects for a decade. In part one of this interview, Gist talks about his early buzz, the creation process behind his early albums, and why he feels that having love for your art leads to the creation of the best music. On the energy that comes from creating music with no ulterior motives: In your youth, when you were playing ball, you were thinking of playing in the NBA. You were just playing ball. For the love. That love is what I try to bring into the music. On which of his projects is his favorite: With each of my projects, they’re like my kids. I don’t like one more than the other because I can always remember where I was at the time. GistMusic.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Deepak Ananthapadmanabha. Deepak is a standup comedian, illustrator, and the host of Abemixture. He also is a part of the team that brings us Baking with Mercury. During this episode, we talked about parenting, Manny Ramirez, and why hosting a standup show can bring a community together. On promoting his college radio show: We were 17, 18 years old. We were telling people to listen to our show. At 3am. So from the very beginning, promoting a show for me started with the idea of someone saying "no" and convincing them otherwise. [14:30] AbeMixture.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Gail Thomas. Gail is a writer, storyteller, and actor hailing from Oklahoma. We touch on her writing process, maintaining a work and art-life balance, and on sharing stories from your scariest moments and making them entertaining. On the feelings she gets when telling a story: I used to try to make sense of things alone, but then I went on stage and wow, people were interested. [25:30] On why she pursues storytelling: I didn't have the freedom to tell stories. But I always felt like I had something to say. Now I have a voice and I tell stories because I want to encourage other people to have a voice. [26:55] Gail-Thomas.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, Gastor sat down with Jonathan Morvay. Jonathan is a writer and stand-up out of New York. During today's episode, Jonathan spoke about his writing process, focusing on a particular aspect of comedy, and what is motivating him to move to LA. On the writing process behind his style of comedy: It's I Don't do stories. I won't get on stage and talk to you about what happened to me today. But I will take the idea of what happened, and write it into joke form. [39:55] On how being a standup has changed how he views other comedy: I'm very analytical. It's hard for me to laugh now. I love watching other shows, analyzing what I think would be a great punchline. I love tagging other jokes. [40:36] Jonathanmorvay.com Stoops2Stages.com

Welcome to a new year of Stoops2Stages. This week Gastor got to sit down with Jeff Simmermon. We had a chance to talk about Jeff's background in writing, how he fell in love with storytelling, the role his imagination and art background played in his storytelling, and his reasons for pursuing stand up. On why he got into storytelling 8 years ago: I've always been the person who was telling the story that people wanted to hear. [12:15] On his time at art school: I always loved critique day. Other people hated it, but I loved it because I got to explain and justify. I got to tell the story behind the painting. So my stories got bigger and bigger, and my paintings got smaller and smaller. [15:30] On the time he hosted a standup show at Carolines for Michael Che: I was wearing a 3 piece suit. I sweated through all of it. People didn’t get laid because of me. I watched it not happen. I came away from it feeling horrible but wanting to conquer that environment. [24:38] JeffSimmermon.com Stoops2Stages.com

In today's episode, we have the final installment of our best of 2015 series, This will feature clips from Kevin Johnston, Steven Murillo, E6, Omar Shaukat, and Noah Caine

In today's episode, we will be checking out part 2 of our 2015 best of series. This will feature clips from Cherryann Griffith. Patrick Holbert, Angel Gonzalez of Vagrant Sneakers, A-Live of Green Street and Tonedeff

In today's episode, we will be checking out part 1 of our 2015 best of series. This will feature clips from JohnnyU, Atownomas, Abby Feldman, Sinopsis of Kooley High, and Fjer.

Happy New Years! In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Lauren Hope Krass. Lauren talks about her start in comedy, her move from South Carolina to New York, her comedy festival experiences, and how shes been able to quickly become a part of the NYC comedy scene.

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Luca Di Fabio. Luca talks about his journey to America, the values of buskin culture, and what goes into his creation process.

In today's episode, Gastor sits down with Sinopsis of Kooley High. Sinopsis talks about his start in music, the role his family played in his production, and competition within the group.

In today's episode, we sit down with Steven Murillo. Steven tells us about the formation of his group, Someone In a Tree, how he came to want to pursue music, and the journey in finding what you're meant to do.

In today's episode, we sit down with the awesome Abby Feldman. Abby talks about her time on Redacted Tonight, her start in stand up, and how staying true to herself has led her choices.

In today's episode, Gastor get's to sit down with Atownomas. Atownomas talks about his creative process, thinking things into existence, and the value of supporting others first.