We caught up with Def Jam's newest signee on the eve of releasing his latest project "I Am, Because You Are." Dende talks coming up in small town Texas playing in Church choir with his family and learning how the perform from studying Baptist preachers. We discuss the emotion tax of making R&B and the essence of his music that comes from a deep yearning. Dende names his Mt. Rushmore of iconic "running" singers, and performs his standout track "Never." © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their righ...
Apr 10, 2025•27 min•Season 11Ep. 2
We caught up with Johnstown, PA's own Eem Triplin to talk through his major label debut "Melody Of A Memory," working with the legendary DJ Dahi who executive produced the record, and how studying the art of songwriting has evolved his sound, amongst more. Thank you to our friends at Damballa. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min•Season 11Ep. 1
We’re starting off the year joined by Toronto’s Kingo Halla. We talk the development of his sound and navigating new collaborations on his upcoming project Alchemy. He talks coming up as the youngest in a musical family, and watching his brothers pave their own paths in the industry. Going through the conservatory system and studying at Berklee, leaning into community in Toronto and more. Plus a live performance of the title track to his new album, Alchemy. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their ri...
Jan 21, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 47
For the last episode of the year we catch up with the boys from the prolific jazz outfit BadBadNotGood during their marathon residency at the Blue Note. We talk through their process of writing and collaborating — most recently with Baby Rose on Slow Burn. We discuss their hometown of Toronto and the influential scene they came up in alongside Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and more, the secrets to longevity as a band, and what's next for them. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights ho...
Dec 23, 2024•40 min•Season 10Ep. 46
We caught up with Jordan Hawkins to talk through his rise from coming up in North Carolina and his early days in the church, to beginning his professional journey out in LA, making waves across the country, and living out his rock star dreams next year releasing a new project & touring his music around the world. Check out Jordan's latest single "Love So Good" out now on all platforms. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders...
Dec 10, 2024•21 min•Season 10Ep. 45
Charlotte’s own Mavi joined us on the day before releasing his latest body of work “Shadowbox,” a record that he says represents a wholly artistic pursuit, created freely without inhibition or external pressures. Mavi discusses his journey as an independent artists and the challenges, as well as the honor that goes along with that, we talk through his hometown’s impact on him and in turn his work to creating greater access to the arts for kids coming up in Charlotte, amongst more. Plus a perform...
Dec 05, 2024•30 min•Season 10Ep. 44
We sat down with LA’s Nana a few months back after the release of his 3 EP, the lead up to his latest “Are U Still There?” We talk through the West Coast’s banner year this year, the importance of visual storytelling, coming up in family of Ghanaian immigrants and the influence his parents have had on his artistry, and more. Plus a performance, live from the fire escape, of his standout “Motion.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights ...
Nov 26, 2024•25 min•Season 10Ep. 43
Isaiah Huron takes his time but doesn’t over think it. On the heels of releasing his latest “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later” we have a conversation about growing up in the church and what those early experiences taught him about performing, finding comfort in chaos, putting the art first, and embracing human error, amongst much more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: I...
Nov 22, 2024•41 min•Season 10Ep. 42
Tariq Al-Sabir is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, musical director, the list goes on. We caught up with Tariq to talk through his latest “Unlike Yesterday Today I’m Ready,” the foundation his hometown of Baltimore set for him creatively, his work as a producer and music director most notably with Dev Hynes, and more. Plus a performances of Dry Flower live from the studio. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights ...
Nov 19, 2024•34 min•Season 10Ep. 41
The crew from San Jose collective Peach Tree Rascals join us today on the heels of releasing their latest “LOVE, THE RASCALS.” We talk through what it takes to stay friends and collaborators navigating the ups and downs of the industry. What the viral “Mariposa” moment meant to them, at 378 million plays and counting, and the power in rebuilding from the ground up. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with exp...
Nov 15, 2024•31 min•Season 10Ep. 40
Prolific producer and DJ ESTA stops by to talk through his latest record FRANCIS, his early days running around with Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12, 2024•20 min•Season 10Ep. 39
Detroit’s Baby Money stopped by sit down with RaShaad and talk through the intention behind his music, representing the city of Detroit, and the talent that’s rising from that city right now. We discuss hitting the road for the first time and being a father, amongst more. Plus an acapella performance of "Shinin." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter Ti...
Nov 07, 2024•16 min•Season 10Ep. 38
LUCI is a North Carolina-raised, Brooklyn-based artist known for boundary pushing sounds that span punk, hip-hop, electronic, experimental and everything in between. We talk subverting genre and pushing beyond labels while maintaining a connection to your sonic roots. Luci speaks on art school and her many creative pursuits from visual art to dance to playwriting. And performs SPINS off her latest record THEY SAY THEY LOVE YOU. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. A...
Nov 04, 2024•32 min•Season 10Ep. 37
Tempest joins us today on the heels of releasing her latest "The Ranch." Multi-talented and ever pursuing new creative endeavors we talk to Tempest about DJing, cooking, songwriting, producing, performing and more. We talk making fun music that stems from rage, the power of an ego death, and more plus a live performance of the title track The Ranch. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission...
Oct 31, 2024•27 min•Season 10Ep. 36
Xenia Manasseh joins us today discussing her journey from Nairobi to Berklee college of music to LA. We discuss her relationship to place as a part of her creative process, the ever rising ceiling of opportunity for artists coming out of Africa, writing as a form of confession and self reflection amongst much more plus an in-studio performance of “Phases.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit per...
Oct 28, 2024•22 min•Season 10Ep. 35
Radamiz is one of one. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist and filmmaker stopped by NOT 97 to have an expansive, thoughtful conversation about intention, purpose, how and where we seek validation, worth, and so much more. Radamiz is known as a deep thinker, a community leader, and a visionary artist, amongst more. He talks use through his journey, his growth, and his perspective. Plus — performances of “I am blessed, I’m Alive, I’m Amazing” and “STTTRETCH” live from the studio. *Not 97 is powered...
Oct 24, 2024•52 min•Season 10Ep. 34
A few months we linked up with Yellow Days before his sold out show at Elsewhere to talk through this “Hotel Heaven” era of his — what this warped world represents and the thrill of pulling people out of their comfort zone. Yellow Days talks through the twists of his career from signing to a major, getting lost in LA, to holding up in a flat in London to find himself again. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97...
Oct 21, 2024•32 min•Season 10Ep. 33
We sat down with the boundary bending Duckwrth as he gears up to release his highly anticipated new album — he breaks down the process to creating his most vulnerable, expansive body of work to date and building a world for his art to live in. We discuss his foundation as a graphic designer his hands-on approach to his career, and what led to this point, amongst more. Plus an in-studio live performance of the lead single "GREY SCALE." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NO...
Oct 17, 2024•23 min•Season 10Ep. 32
Today’s guest Chenayder may be still be in high school but she’s already gotten co-signs from Tyler The Creator, SZA, Clairo, Smino, Mavi, and more. We talk through her nascent career and building her sound in real time, juggling high school and music, hitting the road with Mavi, and releasing her debut EP “Maybe In Another Life.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: In...
Oct 10, 2024•25 min•Season 10Ep. 31
Atlanta’s own SWAVAY joins us today to talk through his latest “BILLY,” what he’s learned from his decade + career in this industry, lessons from Metro Boomin to James Blake, and the importance of community in the rap game, amongst more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Oct 07, 2024•36 min•Season 10Ep. 30
We’re sat down with Justin Nozuka on the heels of releasing his latest body of work "CHLORINE" to dive into Justin’s illustrious career since dropping his debut album at 16 years old and coming up in a family surrounded by music & ambition. Justin reflects on his experiences and lessons learned over the years navigating this creative pursuit & introduces “Berlin Spins” off CHLORINE — available on all platforms. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ...
Oct 03, 2024•31 min•Season 10Ep. 29
We’re tapping in with Pittsburgh-born artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist BENJI, coming into his own after years working with Atlanta supergroup Spillage Village and Earthgang. We talk through coming up out of Pittsburg and how that city has shaped who his is as an artist, finding his sound, and his Love Gun Trilogy as he gears up to release the final installment Love Gun 3 based around themes of Self Love. Plus, a live performance of “Radio.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Huma...
Sep 26, 2024•34 min•Season 10Ep. 28
Today we’re joined by Brooklyn newcomer Kenji. We discuss his process & the journey to finding his voice, his sound, and his community. Kenji offers an intimate live performance of his track "SALMA," the lead single to his debut EP "between heaven & earth" that will be available on all platforms on September 27th. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram T...
Sep 23, 2024•25 min•Season 10Ep. 27
A few months ago we sat down with Lekan and discussed his approach to songwriting and surrendering to the creative process. And we talked through what this current moment means to him, as Lekan supports Tems on her "Born In The Wild" tour. Plus Lekan givs an intimate in-studio performance of "Familiar," the stand out track from his latest “So You Know” EP. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit per...
Sep 19, 2024•27 min•Season 10Ep. 26
Buddy joins us on the heels of dropping his latest record “Don’t forget to breathe.” Buddy discusses his journey from signing with Pharrell at 15 and working within the major label system for over a decade, to today, releasing his music as a fully independent artists. Buddy talks through his own perspective shifts over the last couple of years, going on a wellness retreat in Portugal, and ultimately finding peace within himself. Amongst more. Plus an impromptu, acapella performance of "Buddy A F...
Sep 12, 2024•17 min•Season 10Ep. 25
TeaMarrr is not one to sleep on. The LA-by way of Boston artist has been making waves in the industry for years with a pointed pen and a contagious energy she’s ready to step back into the light after laying low since 2023’s “You Should Prolly Sit Down For This.” We talk through her latest single “CATMAN” and what this new era represents for her both sonically and conceptually. We discuss her relationship with Issa Rae and the experience of being signed to Issa’s Raedio imprint. Plus, a captivat...
Sep 05, 2024•20 min•Season 10Ep. 24
Rising Baltimore-born singer / songwriter Low.bō talks through his relationship with his hometown, what it means to develop your own sound in real time, the importance of family, and how his experience in visual art mediums has impacted and influenced his music. Plus, a live performance of his track "Silverhaze." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter Ti...
Aug 29, 2024•38 min•Season 10Ep. 23
New York’s own Andre Lawrence join us on the heels of dropping his debut record “Dustrial Denim.” We talk through his aspirations in music and pushing beyond hip-hop, how this city has shaped who he is and the artist he is becoming, what it means to pay homage to those before you while staying true to yourself, and more. Plus a live performance of his track "Vignettes." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 wit...
Aug 22, 2024•23 min•Season 10Ep. 22
This episode is a special delivery — highlighting not a rising artists, but a rising collective of music journalists, videographers, photographers and more. REAL ONES is a Chicago force — covering the sound of the city and beyond for the better part of the last 3 years. We had the pleasure of working with Real Ones to present Frank Leone’s debut album release party in Chicago and in New York and had to have them — all eight of them who were in New York — on the show to talk through the community...
Aug 15, 2024•56 min•Season 10Ep. 21
Back in May we linked with Chicago artists and producer Frank Leone to celebrate the release of his long-awaited Fools’ Gold debut “FISH” with two shows in New York and Chicago. While in New York we had Frank stop by the studio to talk through his illustrious career spanning over a decade of making music, his interest in visual storytelling, and what this moment with Fools Gold means to him. As well, a live rendition of "Morning Dew." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NO...
Aug 08, 2024•28 min•Season 10Ep. 20
