Podcasts about ukulele underground

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/07/ukulele-history-in-a-song/ In this Week's Podcast, we're getting a History Lesson of someone who was not only influential to Ukulele, but also to Hawaii as a whole. Before we dive into History, we summon Mike to give recommendations for Sheet Music apps. He also gives his own History Lesson of an iconic Effects used in a lot of The Beatle's works. Aldrine shares his song for the songwriting challenge which incorporates a technique to manually replicate a phaser effect. Kahai's song is based of a Samurai Bunny Comic made by a Local Author. Aaron's Song is based on the life of the person who may have been the catalyst that brought the Ukulele to Hawaii. This Week's Podcast is jam packed with new things to learn.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/07/wearing-it-like-a-medal-tuup127/ This Week's Podcast, Aldrine is opening a special present and callback to a previous podcast where he says, “I would Keep it like a Medal.” Before Aldrine gets to open his Surprise Gift, he also gets a Personal Medal for facing his Fears on Stage. After Aldrine put on his new “Medal,” the guys try the Hot Sauce, Bacon Jam, and Smoked Honey sent from a loyal UU Member. Aldrine quickly answers What is the meaning of life before explaining some of his favorite Ukulele, and Non-Ukulele Intros to Songs. The Team give their thoughts on Tuning Baritones like Tenors, Tips for Ukulele Slippage when Chord Changing, and Buying a New Uke or Changing the Strings? Check out the Podcast for Everything else Answered and Explained in this Week's Show.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/07/the-most-technically-difficult-song-tuup126/ What makes a song Technically Difficult? Aldrine explains what might be the most Technically Difficult song that he performs, and What is the most Technically Difficult song he has written. He also shares other Ukulele Professional's Songs that are hard to nail down without being the person who wrote it. Before that we start off the podcast with a recap of the Hawaii Ukulele Festival, and a call for a personal apology from Jollibee. The guys talk about a new Children's Ukulele Book, and use that as inspiration for the next Songwriting Challenge. Aldrine's serves his thoughts on the Wimbledon Finals, the Oha Series from Kanile`a, and the best Filipino Restaurants on Kauai. The guys also give tips for Performance Anxiety, and buying your first ukulele.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/07/music-theory-charades-tuup125/ With our Favorite Guest back on the podcast, we're challenging Mike and Aldrine to play a game of Music Theory Charades. Before the game, Mike shares what some of the best selling ukuleles and ukulele accessories are. The guys answer a question on Tuning Ratios, and give their opinions on different tuners. Aldrine is tasked to play or describe Music Theory Terms without using the words in them, then Mike has to give a definition for those terms in 5 words or less. The UU Team pick a winner for the last Songwriting Challenge before answering questions about starter ukulele books, songs to test ukuleles, and what is the first effects pedals ukulele players should own?

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/07/sci-fi-uke-song-tuup124/ Hear 3 interpretations of a Sci-Fi Song using the Ukulele. The guys are playing their Songs for the Songwriting Challenge this week. They also discuss their ideas behind the songs, and how songs will write themselves. Aldrine answers a question about the Wahine `Ilikea Play Along, and his Signature Ukulele before talking about his two lost sentimental Ukuleles. Aldrine answers a couple of questions using 5 words which leads into a more than 5 word answer about respecting Hawaiian Music. 

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/06/underrated-ukulele-bands-tuup123/ This week we ask Aldrine to shed a spotlight on Underrated Ukulele Artist/Bands that you should know. First Aldrine covers the obvious choices (Pure Heart and Ka`au Crater Boys), then he lists the Bands that include Ukulele Players who may be overlooked, and what songs from the bands you should be listening to. An Audience member from Monopolele ask Aldrine how he got his Tone/Sound at the Festival. This leads to an in depth tech talk, and a deep dive into EQ settings. At the end of the Podcast, the guys introduce a new segment to Answer Questions Quickly.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/06/one-form-for-fingerpicking-strumming-rolls-tuup122/ Learn the One Form to rule them all (Strumming, Fingerpicking and Rolls). Aldrine shows the importance of the Basic Form, and how it helps with transitioning between different rhythmic techniques: Strumming, Fingerpicking, Rolls, Chunks, etc. He also gives an important tip if you want to smooth out your Fingerpicking to Strumming Rhythm. The guys offer advice for improving your Singing Rhythm and How to Get Over a Slump before setting up the Teki Giveaway / Songwriting Challenge. Aldrine answers the most asked questions from the Youtube Channel, and discuss Lap Steel / Slide Ukulele.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/06/with-love-from-italy-tuup121/ Aaron and Aldrine are back to talk about their trip to the Monopolele Ukulele Festival in Monopoli Italy. Good times with great uke players! The guys also discuss what music gear they travel with and passing the torch to the next generation of uke players.

Video Podcast and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/06/favorite-videos-from-16-years-tuup20/ In a totally normal podcast, the guys are taking turns and naming their 3 Favorite things from all of UU. See what they picked, and click on the video podcast link to check out all the things mentioned.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/05/big-bandito-tyler-tuup119/ In this special Pre-Recorded Podcast, we talk to Sarah Tochiki, the Music Director for both Kauai Community College and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. She is also the person who re-arranged songs from Bandito Tyler for Jazz Big Band. A few weeks ago we Recapped the Kauai Jazz Festival, but this week we pick Sarah's Brain for how she came up with the Arrangements. As we talk about each song, Aldrine shares the background history of the Bandito Tyler album, and we learn about the Real People who inspired the Characters. Sarah explains how she accomplished the challenging task of balancing the songs original essence while also adding more to the instrumentation. Mike contributes his own perspective as a member of the band, and as the person to plant the idea of re-arranging Bandito Tyler. We hope you guys are as excited to see what else can come from Future Ukulele and Jazz Collaborations.

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/05/name-the-quote-tuup118/ Content Warning: If you're Sensitive to Mouth Sounds or Eating, you may want to stop listening after 36:15 With Kyle back on the podcast, the guys are trying a new Ukulele Challenge, Name that Quote: Jake or Jac-Ob. Kahai is challenging Aldrine and Kyle to guess whether Jake Shimabukuro or Jacob Collier is the source for different Quotes. This leads the guys into discussing what Music Quotes have stuck with them through the years, and what Lyrics just won't leave their heads. A viewer asks where they can start learning Ukulele, so the team gives their suggestions for beginner songs. A UU+ Member asks about how they can move forward in their music journey? The latter half of the podcast, the guys are doing a Hot Sauce Taste Test. Aldrine gives advice on how to transition from chords to fingerstyle, and Kyle gives his best advice for anybody looking to improve.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/05/chord-substitutions-tuup117/ If you find a song “Boring”, use Chord Substitutions to spice them up. Kahai Challenges Aldrine to demonstrate a couple of ways you can change a song by “Replacing” one or two chords. Aldrine starts by adding notes to the base chord to make new Substitutions. On the next Level, Aldrine shows how you can use Relative Chords as Substitutions, and how you can combine both techniques to make a song your own. The guys also discuss how knowing some Music Theory is a good shortcut to find new Substitutions, but if you want to jump in, it can be as easy as Adding or Subtracting fingers from a Chord. The team shares some of their favorite examples of Musicians who didn't know Music Theory, but still made great Music. Viewers ask about Baritones as Starter Ukes, and what Amp Settings should be used for Ukuleles before the guys open a gift box from UU Member, Rux.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/05/gigging-dos-donts-tuup116/ This week, we're hanging out with friend of the show, Kyle Furusho, and finding out the biggest Do's and DON'TS for Gigging Musicians and Audience Members. The Podcast starts off with a question from Kyle's biggest Fan, Mickey Aüto. Then we ask Kyle how he makes a Setlist, and how he handles unknown Song Requests. Aldrine ask Kyle how to deal with someone picking up your tip jar, and explains why audience members should never do it. A viewer asks how they can break into Gigging, and if it's ok to write a “Song Menu” instead of taking request. The guys explain why they don't want to play certain songs, and how song request can break the flow of a show. The podcast is topped off with some stories of unwanted additional performers.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/04/improvising-memes-tuup115/ How do you use “Memes” to Jump in on Songs and Improvise? Aldrine shares his secret tips to playing along to other people even when you're unsure of the songs, keys, or chord switches. This leads into a discussion on improvising, and how you can use simple songs to “Meme” to your audience. Two viewers ask questions on plucking with your Fretting Hand, and improving your Strumming Speed. The guys respond to a viewers comment on being intimidated by the Improv Masters, Kalei and Corey, and show how even the pros use simple tricks to make effective solos. Aldrine gives his own examples of how he is trying to improve on his ukulele journey, and how he is still a student too. At the end of the day, everything comes down to having Fun!

Video Podcast & Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/04/fusing-ukulele-jazz-big-bands-tuup114/ What happens when you rearrange a Western Ukulele Instrumental Concept Album for Jazz Big Band? This Week Aldrine and Mike are sharing their experience playing and planning for the KCC Jazz Festival. We start off with a relatively quick conversation about Double Flats/Sharps, Reading the Youtube Comments, and Aldrine's T-Shirt, then we dive into Aldrine and Mike recounting the Jazz Festival. Aldrine explains what it was like collaborating with KCC Music Director, Sarah Tochiki to rearrange songs from his Album Bandito Tyler. Aldrine also shares his fears of playing at the Jazz Festival, and criticizing his own performance. We get some last minute questions about Beginner Ukulele Book Recommendations, and Chord Shape Viability before showing off gifts from UU Member, Yoda.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/04/essential-festival-items-tuup113/ What are Essential Items you bring to a Festival? Do you even need to bring an Ukulele to a Festival, and should you bring your most “Expensive Ukulele” or should you bring a “Beater”? The team tries to help a viewer define a group of notes, and explain why they aren't pentatonic, and why you don't necessarily need to name them. Aldrine explains the advantages and disadvantages of different Ukulele Bridge Types. The podcast is topped of with recounting the Kauai Ukulele Festival and giving a preview of Aldrine's workshop for the Monopolele Festival.

Video Podcast and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/04/memorizing-without-sheet-music-tuup112/ Is Sheet Music necessary for Memorizing a song? In this Week's Podcast Aldrine will show you how you can build your Music Instincts; Memorize songs using Numbers and Feelings; and play the “Wrong” Chord while playing the “Right” Song. We're giving all of our opinions on when it's appropriate to use and perform with TABS/Sheet Music.

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/04/tapping-in-two-minutes-tuup111/ Learn how to Tap in 2 Minutes! This week, the guys are challenging Aldrine to teach a Tapping Riff as fast as he can. After Aldrine's Tapping Speedrun, he explains the theory behind Tapping. The Team discuss learning Party Trick Riffs vs learning to apply the same Flashy Techniques. As an Example of Elegant Application of Tapping, the guys geek out about the genius of Jake's Album and Song, Dragon. This leads to an appreciative analysis of Ernie Cruz Jr. and the rest of the Cruz family. A Songwriting Challenge winner is picked while also drifting into a tangent about Dead Media. Aldrine ask's the last question of the podcast: what is the Algorithm's effect on Creativity?

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/03/building-confidence-through-little-oopsies-tuup110/ What does Pirate Ships, Sister Act and Building Confidence have in common? Answer: This Week's Ukulele Underground Podcast. The guys start off the Podcast by playing their Song Submissions for the Songwriting Challenge, and making plans to get their own Pirate Ship. A member ask Aldrine if there are specific Thumb Picks for Ukulele, and if he has recommendations? The team discuss how you can Build Your Confidence even if you make little “Oopsies” or play a wrong note? The podcast is topped off with what pickups does Aldrine use, and where can you get the best Acai bowl?

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/03/scrappy-youth-vs-mature-musician-tuup109/ What is the difference between a Scrappy, Up and Coming Musician VS a Mature Musician who has been around the block? What are the traits of Inexperienced Players and what are the qualities of  Tasteful Players? What Jamming Faux Pas should you avoid, and what can you do to Mature as a Musician? Find the answers to these questions plus our thoughts on High Humidity, Jazz, and Metal on today's podcast.

Show Notes and Timestamp: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/03/harsh-truth-among-impostors-tuup108/ What was a Harsh Truth Aldrine needed to face in order to improve as an Ukulele Player? Aldrine shares the precise moment when someone gave him a “Harsh Truth” that pushed him to being a better player. We also hear how Aldrine learned to grow from these criticisms and how he changed his goals to better reflect himself. The guys discuss Wound, Unwound and Flatwound Low G Strings and what they prefer. A new Songwriting Challenge is set before Aldrine gets introspective on where his own Impostor Syndrome comes from, and how he deals with it.

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/03/warm-ups-that-make-you-swole-tuup107/ Learn these Secret Warm-Ups that will maximize your (Finger) Muscles, and get you SWOLE! Before Aldrine reveals his secrets to the perfect Warm-Ups, he talks about his busy Weekend spent going to an awesome concert, and hanging out with Ukulele Heavy Hitters. The guys answer the questions of will sanding and repainting an ukulele change the sound, and how do you turn a Melody into a Fingerstyle Song? Aldrine explains his recommended Warm-Ups and how focusing on Form is more important than speed. If you want to be the Strongest Ukulele Player you can be, check out this Week's Podcast!

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/02/first-gig-fumbles-tuup106/ We're taking a retrospective look back at Aldrine's first unpaid Gig vs his first paid Gig. Aldrine also reveals the source of his Stage Anxiety, and if he regrets making mistakes while on stage. The guys give suggestions for playing odd time signatures before Aldrine talks about his impostor syndrome. The UU team reveal their humble working conditions while also teasing some future plans.

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/02/entering-the-flow-state-tuup105/ Today, the guys are joined by Mike "INSERT NICKNAME HERE" Odo to help explain what the "Flow State" is, and how musicians find themselves in that state. Before the guys dive into this topic, you know that they have to take a couple of detours talking about Disney+ and the Rock.  Back on topic, the UU team discuss what the "Flow State" feels like, experiencing Flow in a band, and what songs can put them into that state. They also list songs that get them Hyped before performances. The guys answer some audience questions about Widening the groove in your nut, and Traveling with your Ukulele. It's always a blast with Mike Around. Let us know what Mike's new nickname should be?

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/02/the-first-roadblock-tuup104/ What was the first Roadblock Aldrine experienced? Aldrine explains the first situational Roadblock he ran in to on his uke journey, then he tells what song and technique he faced as a Roadblock. The guys also discuss the importance of figuring out music by ear, playing with others, and being In the Zone. Aldrine demonstrates Bending, and how to incorporate different techniques into your strumming. At the end of the podcast, the team talks about Practice vs Playing, and how limiting your practice time is actually good for you.

Show Notes and Timestamps: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/02/how-to-spice-up-boring-strumming-tuup193/ Is Strumming “Boring” for you? This Week, UU tackles why people get Bored with Strumming, and the different ways you can take a “Boring” strum and Spice it up! Before the team unveils their Spicy Secrets, Aldrine demonstrates Arpeggios and what you can do to practice your Arpeggios. The guys mention some “Boring” songs from the Kauai Ukulele Club, and what they did to add a new dimension to the Songs. This leads to a discussion about How to Start your own Uke Clubs, and the best practices for new clubs. The podcast is topped off with talks about the upcoming Festivals, Future UU+ Solos, the new Play Along, and Peter Moon's Legacy.

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/01/apologetic-harmonics-tuup102/ The podcast continues from last Week when Aldrine explains Harmonics and how he used it to play Creep with Cynthia Lin. Before Aldrine demonstrates the many types of Harmonics (Natural, Artificial, Chordal, and Pinch), we expose the “High” budget of the podcast, while Aldrine issues an apology for the lateness of the New Solos and Play Along. A viewer asks for advice on how to avoid aggravating their Tennis Elbow, while another UUer asks for an explanation to the Percussive Mutes. Both Topics lead into a discussion on the importance of Form, and some of the General Rules you want to follow. The guys explain why there is no “Best String Set” and how you would switch from a Low G to High G Ukulele. A new Cliffhanger Question is asked for next Week.

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/01/revisiting-bodysurfing-tuup101/ What is Aldrine listening to? We start off this week's podcast with Aldrine talking about revisiting and reinventing Bodysurfing which leads into a discussion on what Ukulele Music he's been listening to. A member ask how would Aldrine tackle learning a difficult song like Bodysurfing and where would he start? The guys give their perspective on what Performers would like from an Event Organizer. Someone ask for help with the timing to a tricky riff, while another UUer ask what you can do to play ukulele silently? We finish with a cliffhanger question for next week.

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/01/favorite-moments-tuup100/ For our 100th Episode, we have Funkmaster Mike returning to share what were his Favorite Moments from the Past 100 Episodes. Before the guys share their favorite Podcast Memories, Mike talks about going to the Rose Bowl. The crew also discusses Ideal Action Height, Quality Control in Ukuleles, and Learning Guitar. The Podcast is topped off with some tips for choosing Ukuleles without trying them in person, and the woes of checking an instrument on a plane. Thanks for Listening, here's to the next 100 Episodes.

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2024/01/award-winning-podcast-tuup99/ CAN YOU SMELL WHAT UKULELE UNDERGROUND IS COOKING? You are now listening to An AWARD WINNING Podcast. The team is flying high after their recent Ukies Award. This podcast is definitely packed with all the quality (Power Rangers, Wrestling, Legends of the Hidden Temple) that you can expect out of an AWARD WINNING Podcast. The guys also answer some questions on Modes/Islands, what is a good amount of practice, the spider exercise, and upcoming Festival dates. Getting back to the cream of the episode, UU discusses being the Heel of Ukulele Podcast, and what will come for Ukulele Podcastmania 2024. Seriously, thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for us. We wouldn't be here without you guys.

Show Notes and Link: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/12/the-chord-tone-rabbit-hole-tuup98/ For the last podcast of the year, the guys ask Aldrine what Music "Rabbit Hole" he got into this year? Aldrine list several Music Obsessions he's had this year, but the most noteworthy is Chord Tone Soloing. He explains what Chord Tone Soloing is, and how it differs from regular fingerpicking. Two questions about thumb placement makes Aldrine reiterate how important proper form is. The guys debate what wood sounds closest to Koa before going off track with a Dessert discussion. The podcast is topped off with Warm Up recommendations, advice for Finegrstyle beginners, a Cardistry demo, and plans for a Mario Kart Stream. Our next Live Podcast will be January 8th. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the UU Team!

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/12/the-3-keys-to-ukulele-success/ What 3 Keys should you learn before joining a jam? Aldrine list songs in these 3 keys that will help you learn and familiarize yourself with the chords and notes in the keys. The guys talk about practicing with Backing Tracks and how Playing Along to the original is helpful even with Solo Ukulele Arrangements. Aldrine gives his recommendations for a starter loop pedals and a trick to using a loop pedal as a backing track. UU also tackles Barre Chords, beginner Mic and Amp suggestions, plus transposing music from Low G to High G.

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/12/the-best-holiday-uke-songs-tuup96/ The UU Boys are sharing what Holiday Uke Songs they blast during the season. Along the way, the guys get sidetracked with stories of musician's enjoying their own music, and get into their favorite non-uke Christmas Songs. Aldrine also offers advice for holding Am, switching between Guitar and Uke, cleaning your freatboard, taking care of your nails, and tightening a geared tuner.

Show Notes and Video Podcast: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/11/sheet-music-vs-music-theory-tuup95/ What is more important: learning to read Sheet Music or learning Music Theory? The UU team discuss the value of both, and how much you actually need to be a proficient uke player. Alongside this topic, Aldrine demonstrates how he's still discovering new pieces of Music Theory, and how he's applying it to spice up his own playing. The guys share tips on how to make the most out of In-Person Lessons, and advice on how to make a Jam more Beginner-Friendly?

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/11/our-biggest-buyers-remorse-tuup94/ Being the last podcast before Thanksgiving (and Black Friday), Aldrine shares what accessories are great buys, and which ones have caused him buyer's remorse. The guys also cover why you should learn different chord positions, their opinions on wound C, how to strum faster, and good books for beginner uke players. A few members of the underground ask how much they should pay for a uke upgrade, and what can they do to replace a bad pickup? Aldrine tops up the podcast with a story of two Bobs, and how awesome the uke community is! Remember, no Jam this week, but we'll be back next Monday for a new podcast!

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/11/string-wars-return-of-g-tuup93/ Aldrine Guerrero has returned to his home podcast of K-Town in an attempt to rescue his friend, Aaron "The Voice" from the clutches of the vile gangster, Colonel K. Little does Aldrine know that the GALACTIC UNDERGROUND has secretly begun construction on a new armored space instrument even more powerful than the first dreaded High G Ukulele. When completed, this ultimate weapon will spell certain doom for the small band of Low G Players struggling to restore music to the galaxy...

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/11/making-fancy-chords-easy-tuup92/ This Week Aldrine is demystifying and demonstrating "Fancy Chords" aka "Neal Chords". Aldrine shows his favorite "Easy" Fancy Chords and how you could substitute them in chord patterns. As the podcast progresses, Aldrine dives deeper into the chordal rabbit hole; showing more complex chords, and how you might construct them. After swimming in the depths of chords, the guys answer questions about Capos, Expensive Ukuleles, and how someone can improve their musicality.

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/10/fingerpicking-fingerstyle-chord-melody-oh-my-tuup91/ What is the difference between Fingerpicking, Fingerstyle and Chord Melody? With Fingerpicking being thrown around as a catch-all term, we ask Aldrine what his definition of Fingerpicking is and how is it different from Fingerstyle? The guys go deep with the definitions of these terms, and where the terms may have originated as trends. Wanting to break into ukulele, someone asks Aldrine what size they should start with. Aldrine then gives his list of Do's and Don'ts for Private Lessons. The team explains the New Private Lessons, and the changes to Live Coaching. At the end of the podcast, a Songwriting Challenge Winner is picked.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/10/overlooked-music-skills-tuup90/ This week, the guys are having a discussion about music skills that are overlooked by beginners, but essential to being a better musician. Aldrine makes his argument of Form, Phrasing and Playing with Others. Mike adds in Listening, and Slowing Down. Kahai throws in the bonus skill of Tuning by Ear. The guys talk about expensive custom instruments before showing off their songs for the songwriting challenge. How Aaron picked his "Chord Cousin" leads to a question about changing keys. A couple of last minute questions about intonation and figuring out your own riffs are answered before the podcast ends.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/10/woodshed-the-musicians-hyperbolic-chamber-tuup89/ Musicians say you need to lock yourself in a Woodshed and Practice to get better. We think the term should be updated to training in a Hyperbolic Chamber. This week, Aaron ask Aldrine what Woodshedding means to him, and what are examples of when he locked himself in the Hyperbolic Chamber. Aldrine talks about isolating and reflection, and how that helped him grow and create his own brand of music. The guys also share their own experiences of practicing and learning from music outside of the ukulele. The UU team ends the podcast by answering how to get started with looping, how is it to play a sopranino, and what do you think about the 3 stringed ukulele?

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/10/why-is-ukulele-great-for-songwriting-tuup88/ Funkmaster Mike is back this week to give his tips for Songwriting. The guys start off the podcast explaining why the Ukulele is great for Songwriting. Aldrine shares his suggestions for getting out of a 4 chord loop, while Mike passes on Songwriting Wisdom he learned from professionals. The guys set a new Songwriting Challenge before answering questions about Vibratos and Movable Chord Shapes. Mike ends the podcast with his updated guide to buying Hawaii Made Ukuleles.

Show Notes and Video Podcast: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/10/straight-vs-curly-koa-tuup87/ Straight VS Curly Koa. Glossy VS Satin Finishes. Aldrine explains the differences and gives examples of ukuleles that use Straight and Curly Koas, and ukuleles with Glossy and Satin Finishes. Before diving into that, Aldrine gives his secret remedy for sore throats. The guys also explain what it means for an ukulele to open up, and give their opinions on kids playing plastic ukuleles. Aldrine tops up the podcast with his preferences for multistring ukuleles.

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/09/ukuleles-biggest-misconceptions-the-ukulele-underground-podcast-86/ It's a special Aldrine and Kahai show at home. Because Aaron is taking a break this week, Kahai throws some hard hitting questions at Aldrine like what musicians would he want to see use uke more, and what are the biggest misconceptions of the ukulele? After tackling those spicy questions, Aldrine answers a Tennis question, and shows off a lovely gift from a member. The duo also answer questions about multi headed instruments, improvising, and if curl in wood actually affects the sound? Hopefully the UU Team will make a recovery, and be back together by next week.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/09/aldrine-and-aarons-stories-from-the-road-tuup85/ The boys are back, and ready to share some stories from the road. Before they jump into it, Aldrine demonstrates the most common problem people have with bending and how they can fix it. The guys thank everyone for coming to their shows, and talk about Kaniho's experience of touring for the first time. Aldrine shares his story of an Old Man and a Dog, and the ensuing banter. Aaron recounts a mystery he encountered while in Seattle, and the surprising turns of fate. The podcast ends with some quick recommendations for a loop pedal, budget ukulele, and strings.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/09/music-snobbery-elitism-magic-mike-tuup84/ We're making Magic Mike work on his own Birthday. Mike is back to share what instrumentals he thinks should be translated to ukulele, if you need to play in the original key, and if it's wrong to play with sheet music. Arguing against him (not really), Aldrine shares what songs he wants to see on the uke, why ukulele players change the keys of songs, and his personal Music Elitism take. We also get recommendations for Cheaper U-Basses, tips for figuring out songs by ear, the secret to memorizing music, and more.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/08/top-3-underrated-influential-ukulele-songs-tuup83/ Here are Aldrine's Top 3 Underrated Influential Songs. Do you agree, do you think there are more underrated ukulele songs that deserve to be on the list? Before Aldrine list his Top 3 Underrated songs, he lists some appropriately rated Quintessential Ukulele Songs. We also learn the origin of the name "Ukulele Underground", how Aldrine plans a set list, Aldrine's ideal burger order, and how he arranges Chord Melody Songs. We also answer questions about beater ukes, ukes for D tuning, and getting re-inspired with the uke.

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/08/the-songs-that-made-us-tuup82/ On this week's podcast Aldrine reveals, the first song he learned, and the first (couple) songs he was proud to have learned. Aldrine also explains what makes a good first song, and what made him proud to learn I'll Be Your Baby Tonight and Guava Jam. We get request for Aldrine to demonstrate Rolls, give tips for the Chunk, and exercises for Faster Playing. The guys also discuss Daily Practice amounts, and efficient playing/practicing.

Video Podcast & Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/08/tremolo-through-the-ages-the-ukulele-tuup81/ We hope you're hungry for some Tremolo action because in this Week's podcast, Aldrine will demonstrate every alternative to picking with your thumb nail. The guys discuss the trade-offs to each style of tremolo, and how it is a specialty technique. Aldrine answers questions about finger pain, and Flamenco Ukulele Players. The UU team also talk about learning from Masters and learning that there is always someone better than you.

Video Podcast and Show Notes: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2023/08/top-3-ukulele-players-with-the-best-tone-tuup80/ Which Ukulele Players have the best tone? On the first Monday Ukulele Underground Podcast, we're grilling Aldrine on who he thinks has the best tone in the Ukulele World. Aldrine narrows down his list to 3 (with some honorable mentions), and includes examples for when these player's tonal qualities shine. We answer a couple of questions about upgrading to Concert Ukuleles, and what someone should learn after the basic 4 chord songs? Aldrine also talks about reusing strings, and learning to pick for the first time. The podcast is topped off with a reminder of the upcoming UU Seattle Tour.

In this episode I'm talking with Lorelei Batisla-ong about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how the ukulele can be introduced using the Orff approach and some tips, tricks, and lesson ideas for incorporating ukulele into your lessons. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  AOSA Music Advocacy Resources: http://aosa.org/resources/advocacy/ Ukulele Underground: http://bit.ly/2vfXf6u Amazing Slow Downer App: http://bit.ly/3Eih1zs Ukulele Companion App: https://apple.co/2IXigEZ American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: http://AOSA.org