Ava Paige is country music’s 16-year-old rising star who is wise beyond her years. A cancer diagnosis opened her young eyes to hardship, the importance of family (including those you choose), and the power of hope. In this episode, Ava covers: — How her single “Hope Comes In” took on a surprise meaning — The influence cancer has had on her relationship with music and songwriting — Appearing on “The Talk” with Marie Osmond and what they have in common — Her favorite cosmic obsession — The one lif...
Feb 08, 2021•34 min
Lauren LoGrasso is a self-proclaimed multi-passionate creative. Her two new songs “Road to Glory” and “RISE” are anthemic and optimistic at a time when society needs it most. Lauren is a musician, singer/songwriter, actor, podcast producer, and creativity coach who shares her views on creativity's role in overcoming fear, suffering, and the future of society. Love what we're doing? Support our nonprofit Herizon Music Foundation . Be an angel and give a girl wings! In this episode, Lauren covers:...
Jan 13, 2021•37 min
Denise Parent is the drummer and vocalist for the first all-female Grateful Dead tribute band. And we say “It’s about time!” Thanks to an introduction through David Ganz of The Grateful Dead Hour, host Thea Wood caught up with Parent for this remote interview. Parent covers a lot of ground, so pop in your earbuds and let’s get started with The Shakedown! (watch videos and more at the extended Show Notes page) Never miss an episode-- sign up for our newsletter . In this episode Parent chats about...
Dec 04, 2020•31 min
Today, we’re Zooming to you from Austin, Texas as we are all practicing a social distancing lifestyle during the coronavirus pandemic. If you're feeling the covid blues, this is your episode! Meet Andra Liemandt, the co-founder of The Mrs, a pop band formed by a group of moms who have been on a mission since 2013. That mission and a powerful music video featuring a magic mirror earned national recognition on Good Morning America and the Queen Latifah Show. All in spite of record labels saying "n...
Oct 27, 2020•35 min
Today, we’re coming at you from Strait Music, Austin’s 3rd generation, family-owned music store that has won the Austin Music Awards Best Instrument Repair award for three out of the last four years. The secret sauce includes not one but *two* female guitar techs (and multi-instrumentalists) who work side by side, which is like finding a 5-leaf clover in the desert. Meet the women who are upstairs, behind the bench, and close to every guitar’s heart: Lauren Ellis and Jessica Baker. Our podcast i...
Sep 24, 2020•33 min
Having moved ~28 times by age 21, nomadic singer/songwriter Shelley King found her heart and her home in Austin, Texas. Shelley is a singer-songwriter, band leader, and the first woman to be appointed Official State Musician of Texas by the state legislature in 2008. She’s the boot scootin’, whisky shootin’, darling of Texas music royalty. Get ready for a high-energy chat with Shelley King recorded at One-2-One Bar in Austin, TX. In this episode, you'll get the inside story on: -- Why Shelley mo...
Aug 30, 2020•37 min
Don’t let the sweet smile and upbeat outlook fool you. Throw Kendal Conrad to the wolves, and she’ll come back the leader of the pack. Kendal is country pop’s rising star who isn’t afraid to create her own opportunity in an industry full of closed doors and scary stories. In fact, she’s up for the challenge with her “I dare you” attitude and a killer cowboy boot collection. Love what we're doing? Please click the "donate" button at https://backstagechats.com . In this episode, Kendal Conrad reve...
Aug 05, 2020•36 min
Recorded at the end of 2019, this chat with guitarist/singer/songwriter Jackie Venson foreshadows events that would unfold in Summer 2020. Just a few weeks before launching this episode, Jackie took a stand. She publicly turned down an invitation to play the perennial event “Blues on The Green” which is hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. Listen to the episode to find out why she turned it down and what history-changing result came of it. Thanks to the international Wellness Shoppers Club for pa...
Jul 03, 2020•36 min
Denise Kaufman (a.k.a. Mary Microgram) is an original Merry Prankster and co-founder of 1960’s psychedelic rock band Ace of Cups. Cups was one of the first all female rock bands who wrote and performed their own music in the United States. They earned great success in the 1960’s San Francisco music scene, playing with The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quick Silver Messenger, and Janis Joplin & The Holding Company to name a few. Jimi Hendrix praised Ace of Cups in the media. Yet, they ne...
Jun 28, 2020•29 min
The healing power of music is real, and leading researcher/music therapist Hope Young is on the cutting edge of breakthroughs in treating chronic disease, autism, ADHD, and mental illness. Young discusses the science behind music therapy and the successes she has witnessed. Hope Young has treated patients with various ailments for over 30 years and shares her stories of hope for those who previously had none. Trigger warning: chronic disease, mental illness, and suicide are all discussed in this...
May 22, 2020•33 min
From music teacher to innovative looping artist/vocalist/songwriter/producer, Angela Sheik stuns audiences as a live looper whose bare feet create songs before your very ears. Winner of the 2011-2012 Boss U.S. National Loop Champion, her 2019 Tiny Desk Contest submission "chiN uP giRL" received an honorable mention and well-deserved praise from NPR's "All Songs Considered." If you like what you hear, support the cause by visiting backstagechats.com and clicking the DONATE button. In this episode...
Apr 15, 2020•33 min
Ali Dineen is a singer-songwriter and musician based in New York City. She’s performed her original music from the American folk tradition at the Savannah Music Festival, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Folk Festival, just to name a few. Ali’s lyrics have been described as poetic and deeply personal. When talking about her new EP, Hold On, she said, “This album grew out of personal heartbreak, and the feeling of a collective heartbreak as we’ve watched the world descend farther in...
Feb 20, 2020•35 min
As a practitioner of the Blues, Karma Mayet describes her sound as “equal parts funk and glitter, cornbread and molasses.” Born in Chicago, the composer and performer has traveled the globe, collaborating with the likes of Meshell Ndegeocello, Lizz Wright, Vernon Reid, and The Roots. Karma has developed her own unique practice called Rootsong, which combines yogic healing with the power of voice. Credits: Hosted and produced by Eleanor Bennett. Executive Producer is Thea Wood. "You Ain't Changed...
Feb 17, 2020•27 min
Susan Rogers' chat was so informative that we split it into two episodes. This is Part 2, where Susan talks about * Her teachings/research at Berklee College of Music. * The differences in working with men and women * What happens to your career when your "eggs" are about to expire * How women and men are physically and psychologically impacted differently (and sometimes the same!) by music, and the conscious decisions artists/engineers/producers make as a result. * She also answers audience que...
Jan 30, 2020•43 min
Susan Rogers is a professor at Berklee College of Music who broke gender norms by becoming one of the few female audio engineers in the 1980s. Her life took a sudden turn when she joined Prince's team and went on to engineer Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, and Sign 'O' The Times. This episode focuses on her work with Prince. Part 2 focuses on her work at Berklee and why women face different challenges than men do in their careers. Thanks to our friends at The Inn At Newport Ranch for mak...
Dec 26, 2019•32 min
In this episode, Leslie Nuss covers: -- Why she took a 10+ year hiatus from songwriting/recording -- How an innocent trip to the movies turned into a traumatic, life-changing turning point -- An unexpected cover of "Eye of The Tiger" by Survivor -- Making her own clothing and applying for the hit TV show Project Runway Thank you to the Ritz-Carlton Chicago for hosting this episode at their architecturally captivating Water Tower Place location. Visit the complete Show Notes with links to Leslie'...
Nov 07, 2019•34 min
In this episode, Jan Bozarth chats about: Why "selling out" is no longer relevant Key success factors to controlling your career How surviving Stage 3 breast cancer affected her creativity and priorities The story behind "True Love Train" The BCWIM podcast and scholarship grants are made possible because of music lovers like you. Help us amplify the voices and careers of women in music and donate to the cause . Guest links: ReDragonFly.com Dreameroo.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Credits: Host: ...
Sep 27, 2019•30 min
In this episode, Jamie Bahr chats about: The unexpected finale of her first European tour. The emotional impact of music camps for teen girls and their families. How she became a comic book super hero. Her mom's shocking words that shut up a belligerent concert attendee. And don't forget about The Shakedown, a standard set of questions we ask all of our special guests! Donate to BCF TODAY and us amplify the voices and careers of women in music! Our friends at The Inn at Newport Ranch are support...
Sep 12, 2019•37 min
In this episode, Boyfriend chats about: Reconciling her rap cabaret art with her conservative christian upbringing Experiencing Imposter Syndrome Hairy armpits & beauty pains The problem with social media And don't forget about The Shakedown, a standard set of questions we ask all of our special guests! Who was your first concert? What was the first album you bought with your own money? Which artist or band is in heavy rotation on your playlist right now? Which woman has had the most influen...
Aug 12, 2019•34 min
In this episode you’ll hear: — The unconventional approach Ghostlight took to recording the album Best Kept Secrets — What it was like playing with two of her musical idols — Late night musical meditations (her best kept musical secret) — The most influential woman in her musical career Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe...
Jul 25, 2019•28 min
In this chat with Misty Boyce in Denver, CO, you’ll hear: — Misty’s fun answers to “The Shakedown” questionnaire. — Why her album Get Lost gets pretty heavy lyrically– and who is Marie?!? — Her take on women’s treatment and progress in the music business. —Answers to your fan questions, including what it was like to accompany Ashley C. Ford’s live performance on the Animal Meditation’s Podcast . Credits : Hosted and produced by Eleanor Bennett. Voiceover by Cathy Wood. Everything else by Thea Wo...
Jun 21, 2019•28 min
You’ll also hear: — Which skill set helps Juno in relating to multicultural acts and cities. — Willa’s experience working SXSW for the first time and how it took her out of her comfort zone. — What the ladies are seeing in shifting music trends, including looping. — A serendipitous story involving the Scottish band Lucia. — Tips for women who may want to become sound engineers. Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Allyson Holley. Guest Links: SoundGirls.Org Juno's Facebook Juno's Instagram ...
May 07, 2019•29 min
You’ll hear: — Why this young performer already feels so comfortable onstage. — How Naïa hopes listeners feel when they hear her music. — Why Naïa considers herself different than most adults. — The first album Naïa purchased with her own money... it will surprise you! Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Allyson Holley. Photo by @jpieroaz Sponsored by The Bee Happy Subscription Box Guest Links: Facebook Instagram Twitter Streaming Youtube Tour dates Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsle...
May 07, 2019•26 min
You’ll hear: — Karina’s favorite bass player and why. — What it was like doing a sound check with Phish. — A day in the life of Karina when she’s not touring (it’s pretty packed). — What she wants to achieve before climbing the golden stairway to heaven. Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Eleanor Bennett. Photo by Ace Cool. Sponsored by The Bee Happy Subscription Box Special thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka for hosting this backstage chat on the Tito’s Tour Bus at the Hogs for the Cause fe...
May 07, 2019•31 min
You’ll hear: — Which two country music icons can type and sell you a pair of cowboy boots. — The craziest online chat Thea can remember hosting (it involves beer and karate kicks). — The sad but true state of gender disparity in the music industry, supported by startling statistics. — Why Joan Jett and her band The Black Hearts induction into the Rock n Roll hall of fame in 2015 was a long time coming. Check out Joan Jett’s acceptance speech . — How sharing the stories of women in music and inve...
May 07, 2019•14 min
