The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

Welcome back to The New Exchange podcast and to very the beginning of season 7. I am beyond excited to share these talks with you, starting with a guest I've been dying to have on here for a long time. Seye Adelekan is a Nigerian-British artist who's toured with Lana Del Rey, Emeli Sandé, KT Tunstall, and Paloma Faith; though he is best known as a prominent live member of Gorillaz's touring party. I first saw Seye onstage at Governors Ball way back in 2014, performing alongside Damon Albarn. Since then, I've been a fan, and seeing his growth as an artist over the years has been something special. Along with being an in-demand touring musician, Seye has also started to release his own solo music. His latest songs have so far explored various shades of human emotions, while also being draped with this tone of intimacy and expansiveness that speaks to his years of experience as an artist. On this premiere episode of the podcast, Seye shares with me his experiences of finding refuge in creativity amidst navigating sobriety, embracing his cultural roots, and also what happens when you start believing in yourself.

A short explainer of what to expect between now and the launch of season 7 (March 2024).

Let's be honest, if we had to make a list of the acts we've taken with us from our high school years into adulthood….the list would be pretty short. So imagine how trippy it feels for me to have not only done that with Ash (my favourite band) but that I've also found myself in a position to say they're still making their most vital works. Their latest and eighth album, Race The Night, is full of a blistering spirit that's simply awe-inspiring. I'm joined by Tim, Rick, and Mark to chat about the passion that went into making this album and the reasons why ultimately this album means so much to them. Also, if you're listening to this on Apple, Google, Deezer, or pretty much anything other than Spotify: I'll be dropping some special radio episodes of the pod between now and the start of season 7 in 2024. Those types of episodes can only be streamed on Spotify, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast there as well!

Honestly, when it came to planning this season, I knew the finale had to be about my home, Ireland. But the end result has turned out to go well beyond what I expected. Ireland is a country that's embraced me for over a decade now and I'm constantly gobsmacked by the amount of love and generosity I feel when I'm there. It's a place that's been crucial to both my professional and personal life, with both areas being connected due to the arts. The artists of Ireland are some of the most talented human beings on earth, with each artist embodying the ways that Ireland is a small, but mighty country. These artists constantly put it all on the line, they're constantly pouring out their emotions in ways that amazes me again and again. There's also a beautiful sense of creative diversity that's growing throughout Ireland and it is my absolute privilege to tell you more about that. Joining me today are four artists who beautifully showcase the diverse palette of creativity that Ireland has to offer. I'm joined by the stunningly talented Sorcha Richardson (4:36), God Knows (37:08), Ryan Vail (1:18:25), and Problem Patterns (1:52:27). Also, next week I'll be dropping part 2 of this finale, which will be a radio broadcast full of an unbelievable collection of Irish songs that I can't wait to share with you. That radio broadcast will be dropping on September 25th and you'll find that only on Spotify.

In just a few short decades, Germany has transformed into an epicenter of the arts. Whether it's painting, writing, or music, artists from all over the world know that Germany is a place where your creativity can flourish. That reputation has led many to this European country, not just to create art, but also to appreciate it in a more tangible way. It's also become a place where people can build a new life and start again; which is something we beautifully explore across this episode. I've been to Germany a few times throughout my life and crafting this episode made me appreciate the country in a new way. My favorite thing that I learned was that to Germans: the only rule of creativity is for artists to challenge themselves and the audience. Joining me today are three artists who symbolize the eclectic creativity that Germany fosters. I'm joined by the unbelievably talented Wallis Bird (3:45), Milky Chance (45:40), and Meagre Martin (1:23:12). Also, next week I'll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible German artists (along with other artists who call Germany home). That radio broadcast will be dropping on September 12th and you'll find that only on Spotify. RIP to Kieran (aka Profound Beats). The track you're hearing in the intro is his tune Twilight in Taipei.

Sulene is an accomplished songwriter, producer, performer, and composer from Cape Town who's one of the most creative New Yorkers that I know. When I decided on featuring South Africa in this season, I knew it'd be important to explore the country considerably; especially since I've never been there before. One of the earliest talks I had for this season was the one you're about to hear; where my friend Sulene teaches me about what it was like to grow up in South Africa and how her experiences there still impact her today.

It's pretty crazy, this episode marks the first episode of the season to feature a country I've yet to experience. South Africa is a nation full of history, home to over 60 million people, and is one of the most culturally diverse places on earth (12 languages are spoken regionally throughout South Africa). Along with these attributes, the music and art of South Africa is also profoundly rich; with artists constantly striving to explore their truth regardless of their circumstance. I've been privileged to witness the vigorous creativity of South African artists while working with them here in New York and getting to share a bit of that with you is a massive honor.  Joining me today are four artists who're exemplary of the uniqueness of South Africa, my friend Jean-Philip Grobler of the band St. Lucia (3:13), Desire Marea (44:03), Yugen Blakrok (1:17:57), and HONEYMOAN (1:54:54). Also, next week I'll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of striking South African artists who're out of this world. That radio broadcast will be dropping on August 8th and you'll find that only on Spotify. Intro song prod. by WAVY.

The next episode of this season is about a country that reinvigorated me just a few months ago. Brazil is a part of the world that's famous for its warmth, it's vibrancy, and enthusiasm across its people, but I have to say; getting to experience that firsthand is really something else. Getting to go there, I got to experience some of the most overtly passionate people I've ever met and honestly, getting to share this episode with you is such a privilege. The trait that unites my guests is that even though they've all lived vastly different lives, they're all exemplary of how Brazilian art tends to be an explosion of affecting colors that strive to embrace you. Joining me today are four artists who're amazing examples of that, my sister Nicole Almeida (3:18), Nouvella (41:35), Nonô (60:10), and my friends in Boogarins (60:34). Also, next week I'll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible Brazilian artists that I know you're going to love. That radio broadcast will be dropping on July 19th and you'll find that only on Spotify.

Michaël Brun is a ridiculously talented DJ, producer, and songwriter from Haiti that's perpetually manifesting his dreams. In a few short years he's already collaborated with acts like Ed Sheeran, J Balvin, Maesgo, and honestly, the list is practically endless. Haiti is also the home country of my family, and getting to make this episode was a beautiful gift. Haiti is a prideful country where its citizens deeply care about community, working hard, doing right by people, and being mindful of how you present yourself to others. Throughout the art of Haiti, is this a continuous quality of how artists are fostering dignity through liberation; and that quality rests at the core of my conversation with Michaël. After you hear our chat, be sure to check out Michaël's upcoming BAYO dance parties that'll be happening at MTELUS in Montreal on July 7th and Central Park Summerstage here in New York on July 22nd.

To call today's episode personal would be a massive understatement. France is a country that's become quite a second home to me, a sentiment I'm fortunate to feel about several places but it's a very different beast when it comes to France. My family are Haitian and French, with our roots extending between the two countries for actual centuries. I, myself, have been going there quite regularly since I was twenty years old and my love for the country has grown from my interactions with people all throughout France. A quality that unites all French artists is their ability to create art that's sophisticated but melded with fun and deep emotion. Joining me today are four artists who're amazing examples of that, my friend Dan Black (3:28), Ibeyi (45:41), Romane (60:07), and my friend Ben l'Oncle Soul (60:25). Also, next week I'll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible French artists that I know you're going to love. That radio broadcast will be dropping on June 27th and you'll find that only on Spotify.

This is a short reminder of what to expect from the companion episodes of The Passport Season. Listen to find out more and get ready to hear the first one tomorrow only on Spotify.

Welcome to Season 6 of The New Exchange Podcast: The Passport Season. This is an idea that's been kicking in my head for quite a while now and getting to have it materialize for you feels unreal. Traveling has been a major part of my whole life and the thing that I value the most about traveling is how I've perpetually gotten to meet people who're different than me. The Passport Season is all about celebrating those differences and also exploring them. This season will feature 6 episodes that will feature multiple guests from a specific country. Our first episode is about Belgium, the capital of Europe. Something I swiftly learned when making this episode is how the energy of the musicians in Belgium is reflective of the people who live there. Where the closest thing to a Belgian identity is a willingness to be eclectic. I'm joined by Glints (2:45), Coely (30:14), Jasper Maekelberg (52:35), and High Hi (76:29). Also, next week I'll be dropping a radio broadcast that goes along with this episode. The playlist for that will be full of incredible Belgian artists, many of who we talk about on today's podcast. That radio broadcast will be dropping on June 7th and you'll find that only on Spotify.

It's finally time to announce season 6 of the podcast: The Passport Season. Six episodes, six different countries, and six additional radio broadcasts sharing music from each country. To further explain how this season will work, I welcomed back my buddy Toby Tenenbaum to ask me about the who, what, when, why, and how of this different kind of season. 

Welcome to the last off-season episode before the launch of season 6 (which will be announced very very soon!). Getting to finish off this series of talks with Nottingham-based singer-songwriter Yazmin Lacey feels like the perfect situation, and I'm proper excited about you falling in love with Yazmin's music the way I have. Her debut album, Voice Notes, is the perfect blend of R&B, jazz, soul, and electronica; with Yazmin cooly singing about her insecurities and doubts. The Guardian's 5-star review of the album describes it as “there's so much to love and savor.” and hand-on-heart, they're dead on about that. But what is it like to put yourself out there in such a direct fashion? Well, that's what we explore on today's podcast, along with the importance of building community and what the word “legacy” means to Yazmin. Also, it must be said, we also trade a fuckton of laughs (Yazmin Lacey is funny as fuck). 

Corniness be damned: you just gotta love when good things happen to good people. My brother (and returning pod guest) Abraham Alexander is having a stellar year, all off the back of hard work and authenticity. His debut album, SEA/SONS is a contemplation on loss, redemption, and anguish, but also light, joy, and most importantly; hope. In a time of perpetual algorithms, AI tech, and diminishing attention spans, SEA/SONS almost acts like an antidote to the coldness of the world, offering a gentle reminder of “hey, it's ok to sit with your feelings for a bit.” Throughout this episode, we explore the stories behind the songs off the album, along with delving into Abraham's own life story (and of course, we chat about the fact that my brother has Gary Clark Jr AND Mavis Staples on his debut album).

Naaz is a Dutch-Kurdish alternative pop singer that brilliantly exemplifies what this podcast is all about. I'd forgive you for mistaking this series as a podcast about music, after all, I do talk to a lot of musicians. But no, this series is really about humanity and you have to admit, behind every great song and every great album is some form of hardship, some form of adversity, and quite frankly; a lot of tough shit. Naaz is no exception to that, having not only dealt with the usual struggles of everyday life but also having to navigate cultural clashes, societal pressures, and inner self-doubt. However, the result of navigating those hardships is an invigorating debut album called Never Have I Ever. Creating this album was in many ways a lifeline for Naaz, with the central question being “Who do I want to be?” We explore that and more across our chat.

This is an episode I feel an immense sense of gratitude towards. SAIAH is a west-coast based musician that intrigued me with their authenticity and unapologetic approach to writing. I don't think it's breaking new ground by stating how in 2023 we live in a society that constantly asks us to be “perfect.” Honestly, in my opinion, the best artists are the ones that look at that and say “fuck that.” You see it with acts like Christine and the Queens, Turnstile and now enters SAIAH. Their music explores how humans can be petty, angry, pain-stricken, and simply; how a lot of us can be tragic figures within the stories of our lives. Within this episode, we chat about all of that, along with the ‘why's' that drive SAIAH's art.

I'll be real with you: I'm incredibly biased when it comes to today's guests. But hand-on-heart, I do feel like they're one of the best rock bands in the world and their latest album has only further solidified that thought. They're called July Talk, they hail from Toronto and they deeply care about the human condition. Specifically, how can the multitudes and nuances of the human experience be expressed in rock music? If that sounds objectively heady to you, don't worry, these humans love to have some fucking fun; with a relentless energy that's awe-inspiring. This episode is a talk about how anger, sadness, confusion, joy, and connection can beautifully inspire a group of people to pour themselves into art. This is the story of Remember Never Before by my friends, July Talk. You can catch July Talk live across the states this April, be sure to visit julytalk.com for full tour dates.

Since childhood, it was obvious that twin sisters Naomi Diaz and Lisa-Kaindé Diaz would have music as the dominant fixture of their lives. When you have a father like the legendary Anga Diaz, how could that not be the case? That said, nobody could've expected the ways in which Naomi and Lisa have challenged the music world with their project; Ibeyi. For over a decade, the sisters have birthed, fostered, and evolved their own unique sound that blends r&b, soul, and dance with their Yoruba roots. Universally, it's agreed that ‘no one sounds like Ibeyi but Ibeyi' and that thought is further expanded on their latest offering, Spell 31. It's their most decisive, concise, and personal body of work to date, but what was the journey to get here? That's what this episode is all about, along with why the sisters hope these new songs make you “feel like gold.” You can catch Ibeyi live across the states this March, be sure to visit ibeyimusic.com for full tour dates.

Welcome to the off-season, a series of talks I'll be releasing on the road to season 6. Today's episode is about an act I deeply respect and admire, largely due to their tenacity as both an artist and human being. Across four albums, Kimbra has perpetually challenged audiences across the world, with a clear love for experimenting with sonics and chasing the perfect melody. Her latest offering, A Reckoning, is easily her most personal body of work yet, but describing it as such really is an understatement. Lyrically, the songs of the album explore the hardest thing to reckon with: oneself. Kimbra doesn't pull any punches towards describing what a mental head fuck the last few years have been, and almost all the songs have this candor towards owning one's flaws, shortcomings, and the unexpected strength we can obtain from allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. You can catch Kimbra live across the states this winter, be sure to visit kimbramusic.com for full tour dates. Kimbra's also started a podcast series called Playing With Fire, which is also fantastic and features talks with incredible creatives like Jacob Collier, Mitski, Dawn Richard, and more. You can find that podcast where ever you stream podcasts (such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc).

I'm ecstatic to announce The New Exchange Radio, an extension of The New Exchange Podcast. Starting February 7th, I'll be releasing new episodes in a radio format that'll be showcasing a wide range of artists from all over the world. The aim will be to share songs/artists that you're both familiar and unfamiliar with, along with why those artists move me the way that they do. Don't worry, The New Exchange Podcast isn't going anywhere, season 6 will be premiering in May. Something very important to note is that these radio episodes will ONLY be available to stream via Spotify. Don't worry, the full podcast episodes will still be available everywhere else (both new and old episodes), but again, episodes of The New Exchange Radio will only be on Spotify. So if you're not already doing so, be sure to follow The New Exchange podcast feed over on Spotify and I look forward to sharing some great music with you.

It feels so fitting to me that we get to kiss season 5 goodbye with a friend of mine from Ireland, the incredibly talented Eoin French (aka Talos). A supremely talented individual, Talos has achieved international acclaim by creating these soundscapes that transport you elsewhere. Brilliant at experimenting with various electronic textures, beats and arrangements, it's wild how he's figured out this sweet spot between being abstract and direct with his music. A major theme of his music is embellishing contrasts, which he's done so effectively on his latest body of work, Dear Chaos (which is out now). Naturally we chat about his works, but a lot of this episode centers around how personal art is by it's very nature. Eoin is someone who deeply cares about the human condition, and with that he evokes so much of what this series is about; how we can learn about ourselves by trying to learn about those around us. In Eoin's case, Dear Chaos is a body of work that was born in solitude but fostered by collaboration (including a mutual old friend of ours, the legendary Lisa Hannigan). Season 6 of the podcast will be coming at ya May 2023, BUT don't worry, there'll be some special (and wildly different) bonus episodes coming February 2023. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out (especially on Spotify).

It's such a joy that the last bonus episode of the season is with an old friend of mine, the incomparable Ella Vos. Ella is a pop singer-songwriter who's one of the most resilient people I've ever met. From intense heartbreaks to battling a cancer diagnosis while building her career….Ella's been through a lot, and yet the way she's able to be a shining light in the face of all this darkness has been mystifying to me. We recorded this episode a few days before she released music for the first time in two and a half years, and a lot of our talk centers around the experiences that inspired that music. From the internal work of reaching a place of self-acceptance to the ridiculous nonsense Ella has faced as a mother who operates within the music industry; this is a talk that reeks of humanity, the good and the bad. Ella's new singles are called Glitter and Tears and Mountain, both songs are out now and can be found where ever you stream music. A new album will be coming out next year.

Nova Twins are two best friends, Georgia South and Amy Love, who've just had a life-changing year. Based in London, Nova Twins have taken elements of punk, grime, punk, hard rock, and even dance, to craft a sound that's distinctly them; a sound that's caused them to be impossible to place within a box. However, the most alluring thing about them isn't only the music, but also how Nova Twins have been able to build a world around them. Their social media, videos, and photography all reflect a group that wants to leave a lasting impact; a group that aims to leave you wanting more beyond their fast-paced songs. A major aspect of this is how both Georgia and Amy advocate for living your truth; essentially by saying what's on their mind and not caring how it might be perceived or interpreted. That's what today's podcast is all about: the two of them sharing the story of Nova Twins, with an exploration of the hardships they've faced to get to where they are now. And yes, we do of course shat about the work that went into crafting their Mercury Prize-nominated album, Supernova. Nova Twins will be touring across the UK and Ireland this February, starting on February 8th at The Lexington in London. Visit their website for ticket info and tour dates.

Charlie Gunn is an entertainment journalist/editor from London who's founded an incredible new outlet called The Forty-Five. It's an online music magazine that focuses on the creative exploits of women, women-identifying and non-binary people; specifically through the lens of writers and photographers who're also part of those communities. Kicking off during the covid pandemic, The Forty-Five operates as an outlier in the music world, with a high level of quality across its features that celebrate the multitudes of everyone involved. In just a few short months, the mag has had incredible features showcasing the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, HAIM, St Vincent, Amber Mark, Lykke Li, and more, yes, seriously more. On this bonus episode, editor-in-chief Charlie Gunn shares her vision with me, and the importance of betting on yourself in times of uncertainty. Be sure to give The Forty-Five a follow on Instagram and Twitter so you don't miss out on upcoming features. Also, remember to also check out The Forty-Fives Patreon page for early drops on interviews, bonus content, and more.

It's the third time it's happened but it has to be said: it is wild that we're at the point where we have return guests to the pod. Honestly, what a privilege to welcome back Charlene Kaye (aka KAYE), a friend I deeply admire and an artist I'm a proper fan of. We first met when she was part of the Brooklyn-based outfit, San Fermin, and since leaving the band she's evolved into one of NYC's most daring artists. Part of achieving that has come from her ability, no, actually, more her desire for metamorphosis. A true testament to Charlene's character is how when many of us are running away from change, she's able to run toward it with open arms. Her latest release, Neon God, is a body of work that feels wholly reflective of its creator. Across the 5 tracks, Charlene projects a stylish ambition and a level of honesty that feels both vulnerable and defiant in equal measure. To get to the bottom of this, we decided to have this episode be a track-by-track, meaning we go into the stories of each song. The end result is a talk that's become the most personal episode of season 5, in a way that leaves me with so much gratitude and privilege. In addition to a stellar music career, Charlene also created/hosts one of my favourite podcasts; The Golden Hour. It's a truly beautiful podcast where Charlene interviews creatives of Asian and Pacific Island backgrounds about the intersection between artistry and identity. Season 2 just started, so be sure to catch the podcast over on Apple, Spotify, and where ever you listen to podcasts (also support the podcast through Anchor). Be sure to join Charlene and company at the second-ever Golden Hour Fest, which will be happening at Farm To People in Brooklyn. Tickets can be found here.

Today's guests are a group of people I've been dying to have on since season 1! Dream Wife are a punk band based in London that I've gotten to know over the years and the list of what makes them special is endless. But if I had to condense it, I'd say this: they're a stellar band who've hit the sweet spot between having killer tunes and constantly having something to say. Where many (arguably most) acts in the world are shy about sharing their beliefs and political standings, Dream Wife makes it as crystal clear as possible to know where they stand on…pretty much everything. Collectively, the band are strong advocates for unity, community, the rights of women and non-binary people, as well as the rights of LGBTQ people. Throughout my years of knowing them, I've been amazed by how they truly live what they preach. This new episode of the podcast is a mixture of things. Since it's been a while since I've caught up with the band, we do explore the work that went into their adventurous second album, So When You Gonna? along with shedding light on their upcoming third album. Be sure to check out the band's latest single Leech, which you can also find as part of the official New Exchange Playlist.

This is one of those bonus episodes that's a perfect example of how nuanced we are as human beings. Christina Xing is an Asian-American director who's honestly one of the funniest, most thoughtful, and incredibly talented individuals I've ever met. She's been making a fierce name for herself by directing a constant stream of amazing music videos (for artists such as PS5, Courtney Barnett, K Flay, Frances Forever, etc). Christina's work stands out due to how she's capable of straddling that fine line between surrealism and presenting moments that hit close to home on a deeply personal level. Together we explore the experiences that inspired Christina to pursue directing, along with how crucial it is to have a personal stake in your art. After you hear today's episodes, be sure to check out these works by Christina: This Old Dog Games by Tessa Violet and lovelytheband PS5 by Salem with TOMORROW X TOGETHER feat. Alan Walker Life of the Party by Sofia Mills Write A List of Things To Look Forward To by Courtney Barnett

I feel a lot of gratitude towards this episode that you're about to hear. Largely because, they're artists you come across that you just know are going to leave a lasting impact, and that's absolutely the case with my guest, Ruel. He's a pop singer-songwriter from Australia who's already achieved so much in his short career. With multiple top-charting singles, a worldwide fanbase, and numerous awards under his beat…it's just mental to think that this is still only the beginning for Ruel. I wouldn't say that this episode is an origin story, but more of: here's the story ‘so far.' Together we chat about the artistic evolution Ruel has gone on throughout the pandemic, along with a pure first for the podcast: a fan Q&A session (big ups to the legendary Michelle Grace Hunder for making that happen).

In a lot of ways, today's guest is an anomaly in the music world. During a time when social media dominates the lives of many, causing attention spans to grow shorter each year….this artist dares to ask: what if you spend some time with my art? Tamino is a Belgian-Egyptian singer-songwriter who's achieved astronomical success by making contemplative pop songs. A soft-spoken soul, Tamino's music is intimate yet cinematic, elusive and yet personal. His debut album Amir brought him all over the world and was so beloved by Radiohead's Colin Greenwood that he asked to be a member of Tamino's live band (seriously). But what happens after you achieve success like that? How do you expand both your mind and your heart after your life dramatically changes? Those questions rest at the center of this episode, along with the work that went into Tamino's exceptional second album, Sahar (which is out now).

Truth be told, I generally don't care about numbers. You see, the music industry has this constant conversation around numbers, in the context of how many views and streams someone's gotten and utilizing those numbers as a metric of a person's worth. No, this isn't a veiled attempt to highlight what a hipster I am, no, it's more to highlight that when we have guests on this podcast; their numbers rarely come to mind. Which makes today's guest a super special case; say hello to Lana Lubany aka an artist you're undoubtedly familiar with due to Tik Tok. Lana is a London-based pop musician with Palestinian roots that play a major role in her art. Those songs have also gone viral worldwide, especially across Tik Tok, where Lana reigns supreme with over 8 million likes and over 300,000 followers. In both an industry and a world that tries to convince people to be a copy, Lana Lubany is an outlier in how she approaches…well, pretty much, everything. This podcast episode is her story (so far).

It seriously brings me so much joy getting to welcome another artist from Ireland onto the podcast. David Keenan is a singer-songwriter who in many ways is an unabashed maverick. His arrangements and singing styles tend to go against the conventional structures of western pop music, and yet his music still has an accessibility factor that allows his art to be embraced by the masses. The thing that's impressed me the most about David's art is how he's achieved this without ever compromising his vision; which is part of what we explore on today's podcast. How does our need and desire for art shift in a time when the world is in utter disarray? We also chat in-depth about the difficult yet liberating work that comes with making a body of work that reflects who you are (in the form of David's second album ‘WHAT THEN?' and his upcoming third album, Crude (which will be out on November 11th). We also have a talk about David's friend/bandmate, Gar Kane, who sadly passed away in October 2020. In tribute to Gar's life, David wrote/released a song called His Name Was Gar Kane, which you can find via Bandcamp. Be sure to purchase the song, since all proceeds go to Gar's widow and children.

It's always wild when we get to have a guest who directly inspired this series. Jarlath Regan is a standup comedian from Ireland who has also created one of the most unique podcasts in all of Europe. That series is An Irishman Abroad, a podcast that highlights people of Irish descent, with a strong emphasis on the successes and failures that make up a life. A major element that makes the podcast stand out is Jar's ability to always convey sincerity, curiosity, and honesty when talking to his guests; and he does this in a way that I've long-marveled at. The intersection between his podcasts and his comedy is fascinating; which is largely what we chat about on this episode of The New Exchange. We also chat about family dynamics, raising children when working a creative job, and explore what makes a podcast great. After you hear today's episode, be sure to check out Jar's hilarious comedy special, Notions Eleven, which you can stream in full over at YouTube. An Irishman Abroad can be streamed via Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud, and where ever you stream podcasts. Also, be sure to check out his Patreon for An Irishman Abroad. Joining the Patreon grants you access to his numerous spin-off series, such as Running Abroad, Irishman In America, and Honey, You're Ruining Our Kids.

So this is a very different kind of episode than our usual interviews (even for Real Exchanges). It's majorly important to me that this podcast is never about promotion or glorifying one act in particular, but this felt like the right kind of circumstance. Arctic Monkeys are a band I've loved for well over a decade now, and today they're releasing their seventh album, The Car. Throughout their career they've made musical choices that most acts would shy away from, causing them to become a band that's impossible to pigeonhole in the process. To discuss what makes them so special, I invited back my friends and colleagues to the podcast; Will Oliver and Aysia Marotta. Together we discuss our favourite songs, albums, live shows, and in a way, we try to figure out: what is it that makes Arctic Monkeys such a special band? In celebration of this episode being out, I've crafted a playlist that features my favourite songs by the band. It's called Arctic Monkeys at their very best and you can hear it via Spotify.

It's lovely getting to share with you this special episode where you're getting two podcasts for the price of one. One of the things I love about my job is how it forces me to meet people who leave me feeling deeply inspired. That was the case when I met both of today's guests: Nashville-based singer-songwriter Phillip-Michael Scales and Austin-based singer-songwriter/producer Mobley. Both of them are making names for themselves due to their distinctively exceptional live shows; which effectively are reminding people just how unique the act of performing can be. Phillip embodies swagger with a disarming process of storytelling that leaves you feeling like you hung out with your best friend at a bar. Mobley is grand at taking his experience as a director and infusing those sensibilities into his songs (also in terms of performance; he's quite literally a one-man band). Hands down, these guys fucking rule and it's an absolute privilege getting to share their stories with you. I chat with them both to explore their backgrounds, what drives them to approach music differently and why performance rests at the center of what they're all about.

It's been a while since I've had a fellow New Yorker on the podcast and it's beautifully fitting that this is also our first bonus episode of season 5. Ariana Di Lorenzo (aka Ariana and the Rose) is a pop music singer-songwriter who fiercely believes that just because a song is a banger doesn't mean it's not capable of being emotional. Her debut album, Lonely Hearts Club, is filled to the brim with that theory being actualized into a proof of concept; an approach that's proven to be a hallmark of Ariana's career. On today's chat, we hone in on how Ariana's desire for wanting to live a better life essentially bleeds into every facet of her career; from live events to recording sessions and even onto Tik Tok videos. We also talk in-depth about her experiences of going viral on the app, along with how authenticity should always be more than a buzzword.

Jared Lee (aka Duckwrth) is a rapper, singer-songwriter, and visual artist who's carving out his own path in fiercely unique ways. His upcoming project, Chrome Bull, is a wide-ranging spectacle that features Duckwrth collaborating with numerous artists of the LGBTQ community. In many ways, this new music poignantly represents the ways that Duckwrth is a trailblazer, but every superhero has an origin story; and that's largely what we explore on today's podcast. This is the story about how a young black kid from a Christian household in South Central LA went on to become a world-class performer who's opened up for the likes of Billie Eilish, Anderson .Paak, Earthgang and Louis The Child. Together we chat about the ways Duckwrth isn't afraid of tackling the conformities of gender roles and the ridiculous pace in which his life has changed over the last few years.

My guest today is easily one of the bravest people that I know and it's mystifying how that's solely due to the honesty in which she lives her life. AJ Haynes of Seratones is a frontwoman and activist from Shreveport, Louisiana that is challenging what you've come to expect of rock music. Seratones third album, Love & Algorhythms, is unabashedly celebratory of the multitudes of our modern age (along with being an unapologetically queer as f$%k album). Sonically the music plays with elements of dance, electronica, pop, and soul while lyrically the songs depict the flux of the human condition. That said, I should point out how music is so little of what we talked about, and more about how life itself eventually inspires the art that we make. Along with being a frontwoman, AJ is also the President of the Board of the New Orleans Abortion Fund, a non-profit organization that's fighting for a woman's right to choose, especially in the face of the recent Roe v. Wade decision. Together we chat about a wild myriad of topics such as being black outside of the US, the pivotal nature of AJ's work in abortion care, the need that comes from truly loving yourself, and yes; we do discuss how this all informs the music of Seratones. Please consider making a donation to the New Orleans Abortion Fund, you can learn more about the organization by visiting their website here. Also, be sure to check out Seratones performance of Good Day for the Stephen Colbert show.

This is an episode I've been looking forward to sharing with you for quite some time now and it still shatters my mind that it's happened. Giles Duley is a photographer, writer, CEO, presenter, and cook; who for over a decade has traveled the world photographing people within conflict zones. In 2011, he suffered a grave injury by an IED, causing Giles to lose both of his legs and left arm. Where such an experience would understandably be a bookend for some, it was the exact opposite for Giles. It reignited his passion for photography not as a career but as a function of storytelling. This episode is about the long road it took for Giles to arrive at this point of being a well-respected and award-winning photographer (Giles is a recipient of the May Chidiac Award for Bravery in Journalism, the AIB Founders Award for Outstanding Achievement, AND the prestigious Amnesty Media Award for Photojournalism). Together we delve into the journey Giles went on from being an entertainment photographer to a photographer in conflict zones across Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, DR Congo, and Ukraine. Along with the need to re-contextualize purpose, community, career, success, and truly…the importance of recontextualizing life in general. We don't normally do show notes for this podcast but in this instance, they're absolutely necessary: Giles photography website The non-profit Giles founded, Legacy of War (I highly recommend signing up for their newsletter) The Power of a Story Ted Talk Gile's cooking/travel show for Vice, One Armed Chef The NHS photos for GQ Hype

Let's be honest, there aren't many artists who can say they're making their most compelling work 17 years into their careers. And yet, this is exactly the case with British band Editors. Across their 6 albums, they've continuously challenged themselves & listeners by breaking the conventions of rock music and electronic production; defying all expectations in the process. This has brought them to arenas all over the world, festival headline stages, and now their 7th album, EBM (out this Friday). It brings me so much gratitude that I can call these people my friends & it's a true privilege getting to kick off season 5 with Tom, Ed, and Ben of the band. Together we go into the specifics of crafting a body of work that plays by its own rules; especially from a personal point of view. The band has a European tour kicking off on October 1st in Spain and a UK and Irish tour kicking off next January at Nottingham on January 25th. For more info on their tour dates be sure to visit their website (here).

It took only over 100 episodes for me to finally release an introduction episode! But all jokes aside, it hit me a few months back that some of you who've gotten into the podcast might at some point have asked; who the f%$k is Ken Grand-Pierre, anyway? The short of it is I'm a photographer that's traveled with musicians and a person who feels the most comfortable around people who're from different walks of life. But that doesn't explain the why's and the hows of this series. So to make sense of all this, I invited my friend + peer, Toby Tenenbaum, to my apartment to interview me about The New Exchange. Beyond sharing a few laughs, we also explore why this series is important to me and what inspires my belief that everyone has a story to tell. Season 5 of the podcast will be kicking off on September 20th. Be sure to rate, subscribe and leave a review!

Let's be honest, we're all keenly aware that the world is a dumpster fire. Arguably, we're overly aware of that, which is why when a band like Los Bitchos comes around; there's an intense need for celebration. They're an all-girl band based in London that has one goal: to make you have a great time. That attitude is expressed strikingly so across their debut album, Let The Festivities Begin! (which is out now). To further hit this point home, the band has been on a non-stop run of shows throughout the world, both to headline shows and support acts like Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand. I caught up with guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Agustina Ruiz after their recent US tour to discuss how the band came to be and her favourite experiences from recording one of the best albums of 2022. Los Bitchos are currently wrapping up a European tour and will be touring the UK starting on September 20th in Bedford. They'll also be supporting Franz Ferdinand again throughout October, with a massive show at London's Ally Pally on October 20th. Be sure to visit their website here for more tour dates.

What's it like to not only grow up in a place that's confused by your very existence but also resistant towards you sharing your heart? Most of us can't imagine what it'd be like to deal with such hardships and yet, that's exactly what today's guest had to deal with; both as a child and as an adult. Say hello to morgxn, an independent singer-songwriter who's made a name for themselves through collabs with acts like Tiësto, Walk The Moon, and Sara Bareilles, along with their own stellar releases. Their latest album, MERIDIAN, is about challenging what you've come to expect, about how the journey is always more important than the destination. On our next summer bonus episode, I chat with morgxn about their experiences of growing up as a queer person in America, navigating both a city and an industry that's confused by that and they even sing some songs for us throughout the episode (really, what a sweet touch, eh?).

We all know that classic R&B sound of the '70s is timeless, right? Artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Charlie Wilson have all released songs that sound like they could've been released yesterday. But, what if I told you that there's a new guy who's not only continuing that legacy but also truly building upon it? Joel Culpepper is a deeply passionate British singer-songwriter who doesn't shy away from celebrating his influences. His debut album, Sgt. Culpepper, effortlessly jumps between vulnerable croons to dance floor anthems full of soul, funk, and yes; that classic R&B. Together we chat about how he turned heads in the UK by performing shirtless across national TV (on Jools Holland actually), his battle with imposter syndrome and how music has helped Joel to understand who he is.

What if I told you that one of the best movies of 2022 involved parallel universes, a genocidal coconut, the power of friendship, and a treasure cove of internet culture references? Yeah, it's true, that movie does in fact exist and it's called Night of the Coconut, the directorial debut of Patrick Willems. Throughout the years, Patrick has made a name for himself on YouTube with thought-provoking video essays that fuse humor with an endearing passion for storytelling and a seamless sense of whimsy. On today's bonus podcast, we chat about his film, particularly the unspoken joys and challenges that come from crafting a film. We also delve into why friendship is so crucial to a creative pursuit, and yes: we do talk about that genocidal coconut. Night of the Coconut can be streamed now via Nebula, a streaming platform created by and for creators. Learn more about Nebula here, especially to receive a discount through Patrick's channel.

They're not many bands out there who can say that they excel at challenging listeners, let alone themselves. But legendary Canadian indie band Metric have done just that and the proof is all over their latest offering, Formentera; the band's 8th album. Named after an idyllic island off the coast of Spain, the album explores that universal desire to escape from the madness of life. But is that even possible, especially during a time where so much is in our faces, 24/7? Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw join me on the first summer bonus episode that'll bridge seasons 4 and 5 (which begins in September). Metric will be touring North America extensively this summer and autumn, be sure to visit ilovemetric.com for all tour dates.

Before we start, I want to give a major thanks to everyone who's been on the podcast this season, along with a massive thanks to you, the listener. I say it every season but the fact that you're proactively taking the time to listen to this is huge and it truly means the world to me. Season 4 was such a wild journey, a true blast of technicolor of people from various walks of life. Getting to bring you this was a major life experience for me, largely in reminding me of the importance of other people; why we need to celebrate our differences and take stock of how we all have stories to tell. My guest today is a prime example of that, Brooklyn-born and raised artist Melanie Charles. She is a jazz musician who refuses to be boring and in turn; she refuses to bore you. Her album, Y'all Don't (Really) Care About Black Women, is both a reworking of famous originals while also being an outward mirror of Melanie's experiences as a black woman on this place we call earth. On today's episode, we talk about the deeply personal nature of crafting this body of work and share some heartwarming laughs about navigating the world in our black skin. Melanie will be playing a selection of shows in Canada, Europe, and the UK soon, along with a free show in Central Park on July 16th. Be sure to visit her website tour dates. Season 5 of the podcast will be kicking off in September, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter so you don't miss out on updates!

True story: one of the most ambitious bands on earth hails from Hamilton, Ontario. They're called Arkells and they're here to remind you that rock music can be fun, exhilarating, and colorful. Their latest and sixth album, Blink Once, is full of songs that work both for stadium sing-alongs and those quiet walks home from the bus stop. The architect of these songs is frontman Max Kerman, a musician who isn't shy about the aspirations he has for his friends. On today's podcast, I catch up with Max about what makes that ambition unique, the ways music can uplift us from dark times, and how music has a lot more in common with sports than you'd think. Big ups to Brooklyn Cannery for hosting us for this talk and after you hear this episode, be sure to also check out Max's podcast The Best Hang Podcast with Mike Veerman and Shane Cunningham.

I do love these kinds of episodes and we simply had to have one more before this month's season finale. Photography is a passion of mine that's grown at a rate that quite frankly staggers me. It started as a side-hustle and over time has transformed into a career of sorts. A major form of enrichment that I've gotten from photography is how it's introduced a wild array of people into my life; such as today's guests. Those incredible people are DeShaun Craddock, Michelle Grace Hunder, and Jenn Five, photographers who aren't only my peers but also my friends. On today's episode, we explore how we got started, the experiences that we cherish, and why passion will always be the best antidote to the chasing of clout.

It's no overstatement to highlight that today's podcast is with a certified pop star. Yuna is a pop singer-songwriter from Malaysia who's one of the most successful artists to ever hail from the region. For over a decade she's released songs that have garnered millions of streams and has collaborated with titans like Tyler The Creator, Little Simz, Pharrell Williams, and USHER. She's been nominated for over 100 music awards and has won multiple Malaysian Music Awards (the equivalent of the Grammy's in Malaysia), along with winning a Billboard Music Award, Rolling Stone Award, and a VMA Music Award! Currently, Yuna is on a new path with her career, where she was forced to ask, what do you do after you've achieved most of the dreams you've ever chased? Surprisingly, the answer is to create a new path, which is what she's currently doing with her Y5 project. Throughout this year, Yuna will be releasing 5 short EPs, that will eventually lead up to a full album comprising of all the tracks. On today's episode, I chat with Yuna about her feelings behind re-contextualizing her career and what it looks like to forge a new path for one's self.

This is a talk that's been in the making for quite a while and the amount of joy I have in getting to share this with you is insurmountable. Sampa The Great is a singer-songwriter, poet, and rapper from Zambia and Botswana who's fiercely unapologetic about what she stands for. A major touchstone of her values is an unwavering love for family, friendship, and culture, but another key focus is a steadfast acceptance of who she is and where she's going. For years now she's been praised by outlets like NPR, The Fader, Noisey, NME, Complex, and at this point pretty much the whole fucking world agrees: Sampa the Great is an unbelievable talent. And yet, it still feels like things are only getting started for Sampa, which is what we delve into within today's podcast. We chat about her return to Africa after years in Australia, the differences between creating music about your home vs. while you're actually there, her now-legendary performance of Final Form at the ARIAS (aka the Australian equivalent of the Grammy's), and so much more.