This Is 393 Podcasts

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson recently released Theory of Ice. An 8 song album of ideas and moods. water and ice, layers and space. listening to this interview takes you to the significance of art. Leanne illustrates with words like lake waters gently cover rocks. We talk about the impact of indigenous musicians of the past, why go from written word to music and how? This is a magnificent, candid listen with an emotionally brilliant, self aware, wise and well-informed artist. "Leanne Betasamosake Simpson" is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist, who has been widely recognized as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. Her work breaks open the intersections between politics, story and song—bringing audiences into a rich and layered world of sound, light, and sovereign creativity." Albums Theory of Ice Noopiming Sessions

Andrew Eastman is one of the man people behind Synonym Art Consultation in Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg. This crew decided to put on a virtual Drag festival. Andy walks us through the beginning idea, acts involved and the layout for the Festival.

Sappfyre chats about Take Home BIPOC Arts House In Treaty 1 (Winnipeg), Manitoba. Their first exhibition "Embodied: They Hold Their Own" (February 27 - March 20, 2021) , meeting the needs of artists in the Black, Indigenous and communities of People of Colour. It's a first in the city and we get to hear a piece of their story with The Administrative Coordinator, Sappfyre Mcleod. "TakeHome BIPOC Arts House is an artist run centre and communal art studio with the focus of providing space, support and nourishment to BIPOC artists on Treaty 1 Territory, to show and create art, in any discipline. We recognize the energy and knowledge afforded to us and honour this by sowing seeds for future generations of BIPOC collectives, spaces and projects."

Studio 393 chats with the Scarborough based writer Natasha Ramoutar. The Indo-Guyanese writer walks us through her collage of thoughts. Where is home and the idea of home being many places. What is memory? From Scarborough to Guyana to India lets explore with this greater writer through her book, Bittersweet.

Tasha Spillett talks about her series "Surviving The City 1 & 2." There are wonderful questions about inspiration, creative collaboration and insights into the decision making process of her Graphic Novels. The Cree/ Trini author, speaker, and educator left us with vital questions answered. enjoy. Edit: Osani Hosts: Osani, Stella, Racquel, Mercy

Caid Jones - MC/ Producer/ Community organizer has made the city of Winnipeg take notice with his technical rap skills, enthusiasm for the craft and a work ethic that is second to none. A true lover of community. It has been him and his group of friends priority to work with organizations like Taking It Global and Graffiti Art Programming to assemble aid packages for those that need in Treaty 1 , Winnipeg. Proud of his Indigenous and Irish heritage you can see this in every step that he takes. "Stay Woke" is his current release. Pay Attention Records is the label he co-founded to put the music out. Take a listen as 393 jogs through the beginning of promising career with Caid Jones.

The active, Brash and empathetic Alt-Diva chats with the 393rs about closing a tour down because of COVID, a new live record, the creative process of working with the Dead Matt production team and tips for young creatives. Mercy, Aiyanna, Cade, Osani, Stella, Kenneth are the host. Please check @artx393 on Instagram for these interviewers great virtual art gallery. "Pegged as Canada’s breakout alt-diva, Begonia launched into the Canadian music scene on the strength of her critically acclaimed 2017 EP Lady In Mind. The indie pop singer has received media praise and numerous awards, and had two #1 songs on Canada’s CBC national radio chart. As Begonia, Alexa Dirks has blossomed into a glittery supernova who feels like music’s best-kept secret to her fans." http://www.hellobegonia.com/home

Lxvndr (MC/Singer) - Sits with Sappfyre & Osani to talk inspiration, PEI and Black Lives Matter protest, clothing, creative processes and rapped styles.

From May 22 2019 - Drag Queen and community activist Prairie Sky dropped by to speak with 393 participants. Answered questions about the scene, Drag prep and the Winnipeg community at large. A great convo with some great chemistry. All of this done after a hard day of sellin tacos for Sunshine House. 2nd Part features an interview with Khao House owner Randy Khounnoraj . Kenneth asks questions. They talk business, swap stories of immigrant common threads, talk food and serving the community their in.

Join us for a talk with Winnipeg emcee Len Bowen. He sits down with Sappfyre and Osani to discuss his roots in the Winnipeg rap scene. Him being a part of a proud lineage of some emcees from Central Park in Winnipeg. He talks of his first productions, the start of his rap group Shades Of Black and gets into depth about his current solo release "Flow Nostalgic on Fourth Quarter Records.

Mahlet Cuff is one of the many organizers fot the Justice 4 Black Lives Winnipeg team. Through out the month of June 2020 they've organized 9 rallies to bring awareness to the many layers of Black Lives Matter in the city of Winnipeg. Demands have been brought forth to governments, politicians, police, education and citizens about equality, police brutality, equity, and over all human rights. How does change come about? All these things are discussed with our interviewer Sappfyre. Mahlet is a multi -disciplined artist. Please check her work with Collective Patterns and Rind plus on her instagram feed.

Interview with legendary Hip Hop producer, audio engineer & visual artist David Strickland. Cayden & Osani sit with him as he shares stories of his Indigenous background and how it's woven into his current project "Spirit Of Hip Hop" June 29th release.

5 years ago, Jayem Kayem picked up her things in Calgary and moved to Canada's most populous city for various reasons. This DJ, Promoter, Writer, Broadcaster and Producer shares with Tessa, Osani and Kenneth her journey of wearing many hats. From Dj to Promoting parties and explaining the value of community. She barely touches on it but her and partner, Freeza Chin has provided a great online radio station in ISO Radio. A real community has formed. Enjoy the listen.

DJ Hunnicutt has been around the national and Manitoba music scene since he emerged with his rap group, Farm Fresh in 1993. For the past few years he has been a venue owner. Because of COVID 19 Good Will Social Club, his current business, was threatened to permanently close its doors. This interview was done just after a GoFund Me campaign was launched and the community immediately might the ask. Sappfyre, Osani and Kenneth are the interviewers.

Grammy & Juno Nominee, plus multi-award winner Fresh IE sits down does a Zoom interview with Caiden and Josh. They discuss the Winnipeg artist's journey through Hip Hop and the Christian music scene, Steps that he took that later created a path for other artists in his sub-genre.

U of W Collegiate Teacher and Red Rising Education Co-founder speaks with Osani & Kenneth about integrating hip hop into her curriculum and changing the narrative of the colonial perspective to something more diverse in perspective, truth based and worth investing interest in for students. Plus explaining her involvement with Red Rising Magazine and its education wing.

Josh ahd a chance to interview MC/ Singer Haviah Mighty before her 13th Floor album was long listed and eventually won the Polaris Prize. This interview is an indepth conversation with the Toronto & Brampton raised musician. We get to walk thru her influences of family and place. Her understanding of having a voice as a proud Black Woman is also explored. A great convo from May of 2019.

Shad - MC/ Broadcaster/ Play Collaborator - For more than a decade Shad has been visible on the Canadian and International Hip Hop scene. As an emcee he's a Juno award winner and a multiple Polaris Prize short lister. He's currently the host of the Netflix documentary series Hip Hop Evolution and has recently had "Anywhere But Here," the play that he wrote songs for premier in Vancouver. Our hosts, Sappfyre & Osani spoke with him as he was in the midst of working on a new album. Thanks for listening.

A September 2019 interview with Winnipeg based Hip Hop artist Charlie Fettah. Kenneth & Sappfyre chat with experienced and cornerstone of the Winnipeg Hip Hop community. As a member of Winnipeg's Most, Winnipeg Boyz and now a solo artist on 4th Quarter records Fettah has hustled hard and inspired many writers to tell their story. Currently booking shows as he continues to do his part to get artists paid and have younger artists showcased. This Interview was done between STVN TYLR 1 & STVN TYLR 2

Studio 393 "Broken Head Phones" is back with a brand new podcast!!! We interviewed Ally Gonzalo, professional portrait and editorial photographer and a member of RIND WPG. We had Dr.Moneca St.Claire, PHD, and local Winnipeg artist, and we also had local Winnipeg MC Dill The Giant, also part of Hip-Hop group "3 Peat". So grab a pair of broken headphones (probably not thoguh, its a joke guys) and make sure to tune in!!!

Ila Barker is an Ojibwe Soul Folk artists that is based in Winnipeg. As of this interview she was the interim coordinator of the Indigenous Music Development Program at Manitoba Music. She dropped by to give us some knowledge and share some laughs. Osani, Josh, Kenneth held it down with Jay and Eric doing the research. We end things off with a new roundtable segment. Osani, Kenneth and Sappfyre hold it down on topics about paying for streams and favourite albums right now. Setlist Nathaniel - Been Here Before (Demo) Kimmortal -The Blues Mereba - Black Truck

Tara Williamson is a First Nations Singer/Songrwirter. Her current album is "Songs To Keep US Warm". Here she sits down with Osani & Jay to discuss her music, preferred equipment, writing a musical about Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and the IMA's 2019 Throat Singing controversy plus the greater discussion of cultural appropriation. This was recorded in mid April of 2019.

A cornerstone of the Indigenous Hip Hop scene. Hellnback walks us through his beginning with pioneering Native Rap group War Party to his time with Team Rez Official and his solo work. Currently he is promoting his #1491 album that has garnered many accolades and award nominations. Hellnback through his many incarnations has been the part of many firsts on the hip hop music scene north of the 49th. Taleigha, Osani & Josh sit down with this intense performer and youth workshop facilitator. Fire storytelling. Lots of cussin. Plenty of sincerity. Hellnback is Rap Royalty in Canada. Spread the word. Enjoy the listen.

Uzoma Asagwara has made the decision to enter into the political arena. Kenneth chats with the QPOC co-founder (Now MLA) to here about her beginnings, the climate of sports when it came to the treatment of those in the LGBTQ community as she grew up. Danielle Morrison - Is a hip hop fan, graphic designer, law student and entrepreneur. Her Clan Mother brand has become a sought after brand in the city of Winnipeg and outside. Hear about inspiration, her goals and how Norval Morrisseau played into her work and what they share in common. Osani & Kenneth ask a few questions. Boogey The Beat - is a former instructor at Studio 393. A producer/ beat maker extraordinaire. He has been working with Snotty Nose Rez Kids, YK and Mob Bounce as of late. As a producer at the forefront of the powwow step movement his songs have charted and gotten many sync placements. What else does he have planned? Josh & Osani find out. Plus some tunes from Josh (Instrumentals), Jimmy The Jamster, Milli The Kid, JB The First Lady ft Kimmortal We were trying to figure out new equipment this week. So a bit of technical issues occurred. Thanks for rocking with us.

Winnipeg based visual artist Jordan Stranger dropped by for an interview in 2018 before his workshop at Studio 393. The Peguis First Nations artists had just finished up his "I Am Not An Indian" exhibition at The Graffiti Gallery in Winnipeg. Throughout this interview he describes his work and his issues with the Indian Act. It is a good conversation. Something for young and old to listen. The interviewers and the interviewee are vulnerable as they discuss what Canada historically is about as it pertains to that document. Jordan Stranger says "I don't like having a card saying I'm an Indian. I'm Oji-Cree from Peguis. That was originally in Selkirk not 2 hours north." @totemdoodem @kineww

Black History Month Celebrations w/ Rhonda and the Black History Month Committee of Winnipeg. Plus a look into the world of Winnipeg emcee/producer Malcolm Jay as he talked prior to his Beatmaker summit at F & H. Final segment has Singer/producer Marisolle Negash and director Plutoe as they sit with Taya (aka Daddy Tay). They talk video premiers, colour schemes and claiming ones name on the internet. Pretty funny story.

DJ Ariel came through to play Grand Entry at sakihiwe festival in 2018. She dropped by Studio 393 for a workshop and dropped some gems in this interview with Dana and Tessa. Good points on the ever evolving backstory of Hip Hop and the roll of the DJ at an event. Who influenced Nas?? She talks that too.

Osani Balkaran does a phone interview with Polaris Prize & Juno Nominated hip hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids. They talk new album with Kato on production, different ways to keep politically active when even away from home, Transmountain Pipeline and Boom Bap vs Trap beats. West Coast, Haisla Nation's own...come listen wit us.

Taya, Dana, Osani sit down with podcaster/broadcaster Adeline Bird. This is a 2018 interview when she was on the verge of showing her first film. Lots of good discussion about race, representation and controlling ones narrative. The interviewers and Adeline wax poetic about bi-racial identities and how it informs their perspectives. Also an educative moment of the difference between Aboriginal and Indigenous is discussed. How we address ourselves in a colonial reality does matter.

Drezus (MC/Producer) - From his roots in the Calgary rap scene, rapping with legends team Rez Official, to winning awards with Taboo of Black Eyed Peas. He takes our youth on a journey from rap to jail time to discovering & celebrating traditions of his Indigenous heritage. Protest at Standing Rock to the red carpets of LA. This is a good one. Plus some songs from the 393 Participants to end the show.

Winnipeg based, genre bending vocalist Havs walks us through her pursuits, processes and her come up on the local scene. Her sound fringes on R&B and atmospheric trap soul. but do not pigeon hole her. Check her album "Distortion" or the many singles she continues to drop. If you want to hear more of her aesthetic please check EZ Clique. That's her crew.

Josh & Aryan interview one of the most skilled emcees in the country. E.GG has put out a flurry of solo efforts and still holds strong as a member of Winnipeg's dynamic, rap crew 3peat. Check for his music on all streaming platforms and videos on youtube. Gabby Funk is a Winnipeg based visual artist that has her show "Woman Good Bad Bad" currently up at the Graffiti Gallery (Dec 7 -Feb 15). It revolves around the image of women by women and the intrigues of creating myth. How did she get to this point? Give the podcast a listen. Gabrielle Funk's "The Funeral " is the art that is pictured in this podcast. Setlist: E.GG - Game Of Death E.GG w/ Dil The Giant - Still Movin' E.GG - Half Way T- Rhyme - EGO HAVS - Dreams Dead Prez - Police State (Rob Crooks Rmx)

Dione C Haynes aka Rampage is a Winnipeg based writer, poet and comedian. A vocal member in the LGBTQ community. Forever observant and celebrating her Black Caribbean roots. She took time to speak to the 393 youth about her inspirations, creative process, and endeavours. Her involvement in WOKE comedy, organizing a comedy routine are covered and a small performance of two of her poems are included.

In this episode we interview Mama Cutsworth. She is a staple in the Winnipeg music scene. She is a sought after DJ, entrepreneur, former CBC employee and CKUW radio host. A few years ago she decided to start The Mama Cutsworth DJ academy for women and non-binary individuals. It has been a resounding success. Here she shares her experiences, philosophies and motivations.

In his former life he was known as WATG Steve. Now known under the moniker of BBS. Steve. This Winnipeg based producer/MC recently sat down with the youth of Studio 393 to discuss his early days attending Graffiti Gallery drop ins facilitated by Canadian legend DJ Kutdown, his work with 3peat and his overall views on the role of a producer. This is all discussed as BBS prepares for the STVN TYLR cassette release. It's an album produced by Steve and rapped by Charlie Fettah. It's Winnipeg Gritty Boom Bap with a descriptive narrative that the 4QR (4th Quarter Records)roster is nationally getting a reputation for. Sit back and relax as Steve gives his time and the youth deliver some questions, live from the Skywalk in Portage Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Playlist: 1. GWAP - 3Peat x 2oolman 2. Never End - STVN TYLR (Charlie Fettah x BBS Steve) All tracks played with permission of the artists. Photo: Emily Christie *originally aired on 101.5 UMFM for the radio show "This Is 393." If you are between the ages of 14-25 and are interested in media, picking the brains of artists and making music, art or dancing please come down to Studio 393. M-F 4 to 8 pm.