Girls Talk About Music

In this final episode of the first season of Girls Talk About Music, I look back at the women musicians who inspired me to start the podcast and who inspire me every day with their music and talent. Musicians mentioned:Pink FloydClare TorryZero 7Sia FurlerMayra AndradeIbeyiDaniel CaesarH.E.R.Songs mentioned:The Great Gig in the SkyDistractionsDestinyCarried AwayLinks to explore:Pink Floyd - The Great Gig in the SkySia - Lady CroissantMayra Andrade - LuaIbeyi - Live at KEXPH.E.R - Carried AwayH.E.R. Fender Sessions

In this episode, I continue the exploration I started on episode 5, "Music in Difficult Times," and look at two faces of the music listening experience: Pleasure and grief.As part of this exploration, I interview my aunt Adina Imprenta, who last year, after experiencing a terrible loss, faced grief head on, and did so in great part through her relationship with music. Songs discussed in the podcast:Zero 7 - SwimmersFranco De Vita - Tú De Que VasRicardo Montaner - Tu CaraRicardo Montaner - Tributo al AmorLibertad Lamarque - Negra María (Bruna)Blogs discussed: We Are Pilgrims, in El Camino and in Life

In this episode, I talk to Jodie Ortega, a speaker, feminist, and artivist--An artivist because she believes that art can be a birthplace of change. During our conversation, we discuss her 2014 TEDx Talk, Breaking My Silence—Healing Thrives in Conversation and look at music both as a catalyst for healing but also, as a mirror for our values and beliefs as music fans, and all in the context of Jodie's life-long but continuously evolving relationship with the music of her youth: hip hop. Links:Jodie Ortega's TEDx TalkIntersectionality Matters with Kimberlé Crenshaw 

In this episode, I explore why I can' t listen to music during difficult times, such as the current pandemic.Then I talk to Gabriela Mörken-Romero, a music lover whose life was literally transformed by her love of music. We talk about Oasis and her obsession with Brit Pop, and her evolution as a music listener.

In this episode, I talk to  sound engineer,  tour manager and front of house technician, Swann Barrat. Swann has worked at most venues in Vancouver and has toured with bands across North America and Europe. She’s an Audio Instructor at the Nimbus School of Recording and Media in Vancouver, and has worked with organizations such as Girls Rock Camp, Women in Music BC, and the Producers' Lounge. You can find find Swann on Instagram @swann2nVisit:Girls Rock CampWomen in Music BCProducers' Lounge 

In this episode, I share some of my memories of Canadian progressive rock band Rush and pay tribute to Rush's late drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, who died on January 7th, 2020. Also, I talk to Tahnee Juryn, a young musician taking her love of Rush to a whole new level by being the singer in a Rush tribute band.  Links to visit after the episode:Click here to learn more about Tahnee Juryn and her Rush tribute band The Modern Day Warriors. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook. Best of all, watch Tahnee and the band performing some of Rush's most beloved songs on their YouTube channel. 

In this episode, I talk to Elvan McMillen, a music fan who has taken her fandom to a whole new level by photographing dozen of concerts a year from her seat. In our conversation, we touch on everything from growing up in Turkey with a music-obsessed mother, her first musical loves, to how she discovered her love of concert photography. Elvan has photographed artists such as Phillip Phillips, John Mayer, OAR, Sting, Melissa Etheridge, and Bruce Springsteen, bringing joy to fans all over the world with her photos. To see Elvan’s wonderful concert photography, visit her Instagram page @elvanmcm. 

In the introduction of her book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Critic, music critic Jessica Hopper writes: “The title of this book is for those whose dreams (and manuscripts) languished due to lack of formal precedence, support and permission. This title is not meant to erase our history but rather to help mark the path.” Growing up as a girl in love with progressive rock in conservative Venezuela, I never felt there was a space for me to voice my opinion and fandom. Using Hopper’s book title as a call for women to create and take up that space, I explore what it means to be a female music fan in a world that’s still dominated by male voices, both on and off stage. To learn more about Jessica Hopper and her work, visit her website.  Her book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Critic is available here. 

Girls Talk About Music is a podcast where women can talk in-depth about their love of music and how music has shaped their lives. Join us as we explore music criticism, fandom and musical obsessions through engaging interviews with musicians, women working in the music industry and especially, fans.