The Mixtape Lounge

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with superstar SHANI!***ABOUT SHANI:Shani Rigsbee ( SHANI), is part of a rare power pack of American stars that are equally fluent  both on stage, recordings and on screen.   A multi-award winning Artist, her credits as a Singer, Composer and Producer appear in major motion pictures and she has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues.  Widely considered an International Artist, at  the heart of it, she is just an American girl from a small town in Arkansas with a love for rhythm, melody and soul and a move to the big city of L.A. changed it all…  After relocating to Los Angeles at the end of her high school years, she honed her talents and was introduced to a wide range of International music.  She was then invited to tour, write and record with some of the entertainment industry’s finest Artists – globally famous such as International Pop Icon and Hollywood “Walk of Fame” recipient, ANDY Madadian, a Persian Armenian Superstar whom she has performed and collaborated with for years.   Soon her work became featured in film and television with a special emphasis on globally diverse projects.  With 4 Solo albums released Internationally, she has also released a variety of singles and collaborations and recorded in multiple languages.  Her award-winning musical, humanitarian venture called “We Hear Your Voice,  was an original song penned, produced and performed by Shani and features some of the World’s greatest voices singing in solidarity and unity with top Producers and musicians in the industry lending support.  It was chosen to be performed before a live televised audience for the One World Peace Concert with the Dalai Llama on AXS TV.   Her single, “Changing Tides” was written and performed by Shani in response to the outcry of civil rights in America and around the world.    She has written and performed an original Holiday song, “Light of the World” and a special collaboration Short Musical Film,  “Breathe Free” which she also performed with ANDY about overcoming adversity and is paired with a state-of-the-art music video with a 2 time Oscar Nominated Virtual Producer collaboration.The Warner Brothers released feature film, AMERICAN WRESTLER features Shani as a singer in the end title credit song she co-wrote called “Rise” performed by ANDY . She is also appears in the music video and directed it.   She wrote the theme song “The Good Fight” to the  film, AMERICAN FIGHTER.   She has created and performed works for many other television and features which include her song, “El Llamar de Pasión – Call of the Wild” in the ACADEMY AWARD WINNER for Best Picture, CRASH.  On screen, Shani has played a variety of roles from a sultry femme fatale to a seductive ancient temptress.   In GUARDIAN ANGEL, she plays a Detective and has also written and performed the theme/end credit song “Far and Away” for the film.     Shani was the Featured Vocalist in the 20th Century Fox epic film, ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING, and also appeared in and provided music for THE HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG (Dreamworks).  In THE KEEPER – THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM (Guide Company Films) with Academy Award Winner Vanessa Redgrave, she played the exotic “Court Entertainer”  and was also the Executive Producer of the film’s soundtrack and created original music for the film, “From Here to Beyond”.   One of her first major credits was being chosen as the featured Vocalist for Sony PlayStation’s PARASITE EVE, a mega-popular and ground-breaking International...

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with rock'n'roll royalty MOOSE from SONS OF LIBERTY!***ABOUT SONS OF LIBERTY:The band from Bristol (UK) have established themselves as mainstays of the current original hard rock scene. With a reputation built on extensive touring, blistering live performances and a passion for creating exceptional new rock music the band's trajectory has been extraordinary. Sons of Liberty are Russ Grimmett (Vocals), Fred Hale and Andy Muse (Guitars), Mark Thomas (Bass) and Steve Byrne (Drums). The band have recently released their highly anticipated third album ‘The Detail Is In The Devil’, building on all of their experience.…. including the hit singles 'Time To Fly', ‘Turn This Tide’ and ‘Light The Fuse’. The new album has been hailed at THE ALBUMOF THE YEAR by many reviewers in the rock music press. The band released their debut recording, the ‘...Shinola’ EP in 2018.... with the follow up ‘Aged in Oak’ releasing later that year. The first album ‘Animism’ was released in 2020 featuring the single 'Damned If You Do'.... with the band being voted 2020 #4 band of The Year by the New Wave Of Classic Rock fan group. 2021 saw the release of their highly acclaimed sophomore album ‘Aces & Eights’, which was produced and engineered by Josiah J Manning (Kris Barras Band) featuring singles Don’t Hide Behind Your Weakness (Classic Rock Magazine ‘Tracks of the Week’), Ruby Starr (Classic Rock Magazine ‘Tracks of the Week’), Damaged Reputation (as play-listed on Planet Rock Radio) and Fire & Gasoline (‘Track of The Week’ on Planet Rock Radio)  and also featured on the UK top 10 charting Official New Wave Of Classic Rock - Volume 1 ‘rising stars’ CD The Sons have recently co-headlined on tour with Preacher Stone (USA) and toured as special guests to FM, Molly Hatchet, and Grand Slam as well as becoming festival favourites in the UK and in France. Their third album ‘The Detail Is In The Devil’ was released on Feb 23rd, 2024. Elevating the band to Classic Rock Magazine’s ‘Hot List’ 2024. Including the hit lead single ‘Time To Fly’, which has already achieved #2 in Classic Rock Magazine’s ‘Tracks of the Week’ feature and #1 most played song on HRH Radio, and the follow-up hit singles ‘Turn This Tide’ and ‘Light The Fuse’ heralding the new 11 track album, which was again produced and engineered by Josiah J Manning, taking things up a few steps.Connect with Sons of Liberty: Website***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with music superstars BOTTLEMOTH and MARC DEL GIUDICE!***ABOUT BOTTLEMOTH:Sometimes you have to take a step back before moving forward, and that’s exactly what Bottlemoth have done. Bottlemoth formed in January 2024 by the former members of Bridges. The band cut their teeth touring the UK under their previous moniker, playing tour supports with Slow Readers Club and festivals such as 2000 Trees, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury. Since returning to live in 2024 as Bottlemoth, the band have already performed alongside The Dangerous Summer, Cold Years, Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun and Adult Leisure. Previous releases have amassed over 130,000 streams and have been celebrated by the likes of Far Out Magazine, Clash and God Is In The TV. Influenced by artists such as Manchester Orchestra, The Gaslight Anthem, The Wonder Years and Frightened Rabbit, their sound is honest and heartfelt, emotive and dynamic.Connect with Bottlemoth:Website: https://www.bottlemoth.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottlemothX: https://x.com/bottlemothInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/bottlemoth/***ABOUT MARC DEL GIUDICE:Marc's musical journey is a dynamic tapestry, blending the classic tones of rock with a contemporary indie flair. His compositions, fueled by introspective lyricism and captivating melodies, pay homage to the roots while exploring the modern frontiers of indie rock. Each song is a journey through the landscapes of emotion, narrated with authenticity and a distinctive musical fingerprint.Acknowledging the evolving soundscape, Marc draws inspiration from contemporary luminaries like Bleachers and Dayglow. This infusion of modern indie elements adds a refreshing layer to his music, creating a sonic landscape that resonates with a diverse audience.Connect with Marc Del Giudice***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with music superstar MASON JONES!***ABOUT MASON JONES:Mason Jones is an indie-pop artist making high-energy, synth-fueled anthems that blend nostalgic 2010s vibes with a bold, queer energy. His new EP entitled "Too Much" drops on the 26th of July, featuring four bops that explore queer identity and masculinity.Connect with Mason Jones: Linktree***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with music superstar RYAN WRIGHT!***ABOUT RYAN WRIGHT:Virginia-based singer/songwriter/producer Ryan Wright creates songs that don't make sense on paper--an ethereal voice singing angsty lyrics over confectionary synth-driven hooks. Her lyrics--at times profane, often tongue-in-cheek, occasionally devastating--reveal a searing wit and a sensitive heart. Her arresting voice embodies the kind of teenage heartache that is deeply personal and yet universal and timeless.
Her latest single, “Quarter Life Crisis” marks a new direction for Wright, as she ventures from clean indie guitars and crunchy production, married with a Roy Orbison-esque melody, into a bubble grunge sound with punky production and an edge that cuts deep. Heavily influenced by female artists like Mitski, Momma, Veruca Salt, and Blondshell, the result is a crossover between the grunge production of the 90s and the very female led category of bubblegum pop. Wright confides, "Quarter Life Crisis is the very essence of what it feels like to be in your early 20s to mid-thirties. Although the age gap is vast, the feelings are mutual because in reality it’s not easy to become an independent adult. The song nurtures the very real feelings of the fear of becoming an adult and falling further and further away from youth. The song has a bit of longing that still clings to the urge to act young and dumb like you did as a teenager, but you’re stuck in your twenties feeling like your life is maturing way faster than you are. Quarter Life Crisis is the anthem for the trials and tribulations of aging.”“Quarter Life Crisis” is off of her upcoming EP due this summer, where the theme of pessimism rings throughout all of the songs. Wright shares, “All of the lyrics are about conflicted feelings of wanting the good but hoping for the worst at the same time, wanting to feel secure in your relationships and in yourself, but also craving the drama and the downfalls; the trials and tribulations of a narcissist.”Connect with Ryan Wright:https://www.instagram.com/ryanwrightmusichttps://www.facebook.com/ryanwrightmusichttps://twitter.com/rywrightmusichttps://www.youtube.com/@RyanWrightMusichttps://www.tiktok.com/@itscryinryan ***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this (very British) episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with the up-and-coming star of the literary world, ANDY BRAMLEY, and country music superstar REN JACKSON!***ABOUT ANDY BRAMLEY:When not sleuthing around Cabot Cove in 1984, Andy Bramley can be found writing professionally sill comedy/fantasy books. Base in Kingston Upon Hull in the UK, Andy sees his writing as therapy and a temporary escape from a difficult world. Armed with no creative writing degree, his ambitious anthology of eight books aims to tell a story, set in Yorkshire that isn't about trawlers.Connect with Andy Bramley: Linktree***ABOUT REN JACKSON:Singing since her teens and dabbling in writing from her early twenties, Ren Jackson started to frequent local karaoke bars in South East England (Kent) and take part in singing competitions, local and national. Auditioning for X Factor three times as well.Eventually, she started to gig however life took over and confidence took a nose dive. This meant gigging stopped, however, she continued to sing and hit up the karaoke bars. Her intro to country was when Taylor Swift was just an unknown artist back in her late teens, this meant she branched out into the genre loving the rawness of people’s emotions and talent for putting them into song.Now a little older and wiser and still with an immense passion for singing, she's hit the ground running and decided now is the time to release her debut single RED FLAG.Connect with Ren Jackson: Instagram***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with the brilliant multi-hyphenate from the hit show California Dreams, Jay Anthony Franke!***ABOUT JAY ANTHONY FRANKE:Jay Anthony Franke is an American screen and voiceover actor who first rose to prominence as ‘bad boy’ Jake Sommers on the ‘90s teen sitcom, California Dreams. As a voice actor, Jay is widely known for his portrayal of J. C. Denton in the critically acclaimed, award-winning video game Deus Ex, and can be heard in the fan-favourite Mass Effect franchise as Randall Enzo in the mobile game, Mass Effect: Infiltrator.***CALIFORNIA DREAMS BAND ANNOUNCES LOS ANGELES CONCERT DATES JULY 12 & 14, 2024 AT BACKBEAT ON SUNSET @ HOTEL ZIGGY IN HOLLYWOODLOS ANGELES – Following a sold-out reunion concert in NYC, The California Dreams Band is getting back together again for two Los Angeles concerts on Friday, July 12 & Sunday, July 14 at Backbeat On Sunset @ Hotel Ziggy, 8462 W. Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, California. Fans will join the stars for a fun-filled weekend featuring live concerts, meet & greets, and exclusive VIP experiences - all set on the famous Sunset Strip. Original cast members Michael Cade, Jay Anthony Franke, Brentley Gore, Aaron Jackson, Jennie Kwan, Kelly Packard and Diana Uribe are scheduled to appear. The beloved teen musical series “California Dreams” premiered September 12 1992 and ran for 5 seasons on NBC’s Saturday morning TNBC block. The band was also signed to MCA Records which released their debut CD featuring Dreams hits including “Love Is Not Like This,” “Heart Don’t Lie,” “Castles On Quicksand” and “California Dreams Theme.”Expect a "kinda groovy, laid back mood" where fans will have exclusive opportunities to get autographs, selfies and professional photo ops at intimate meet & greet events. The two high energy live concerts will showcase the very best of The California Dreams Band and its stars – then and now. Learn more about The California Dreams Band and purchase tickets at www.californiadreamsband.com***CONNECT WITH JAY ANTHONY FRANKE: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with music superstars TWO WEEKS IN NASHVILLE and LONELY PARROTS!***ABOUT TWO WEEKS IN NASHVILLE:After discovering their sound & identity whilst on a writing trip to Nashville, TWIN conceived their name in tribute to the music capital of the world. Consisting of three mates who came together through love for their shared rock heroes, Billy, Marc, and Ian have enjoyed significant growth over the past 12 months. They’ve received support from Wonderland Magazine, BBC Introducing, and MTV Rocks and amassed over 5M video views across their fast-growing social platforms. They’re showing no signs of stopping.Becoming best known for their raucous and electric live shows, TWIN has headlined grassroots venues across the UK, alongside support slots with Supergrass, The Hoosiers & Toploader. Connect with TWIN: Linktree / Website / Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / SoundCloud***ABOUT LONELY PARROTS:Lonely Parrots is a brand new folk-pop duo based in the Bay Area. One part Michael Martinez & one part Max Embers, the two singer-songwriters have been making music and performing professionally for the past 8 years (joint credits include Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Naika & John Oates to name a few). The two met in Boston at the Berklee School of Music nearly a decade ago but only realized their creative chemistry in the fall of 2022. What started as a sunset jam on the beach turned out to be their first of many songs. They sing about the highs and lows of friendship and love, about the planet they both love dearly, and do so while singing in haunting unison or beautiful harmonies, leaving audiences unsure of who is even singing which part. Their voices, unique on their own, become an entirely new and third voice as Lonely Parrots. They welcome the comparison to Simon & Garfunkel though with a modern Coldplay twist. After touring the Pacific Northwest last year the duo is excited to start releasing music this year! They are also the founders of the MORF initiative (Music On Regenerative Farms) which aims to bring concerts to sustainable farms and projects, giving earth-conscious artists an opportunity to share their music in a beautiful setting and to raise awareness for the regenerative movement!***SUPPORT THIS SHOWSUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINESUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b" rel="noopener...

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with the brilliant multi-hyphenate from the hit show California Dreams, Aaron Jackson!***ABOUT AARON JACKSON:Hollywood actor, AARON JACKSON, is an Actor, Producer, Director, Coach, and Motivational Speaker. He’s best known for his role on the NBC TV series, California Dreams where he played Mark Winkle, one of the band's lead singers. He has starred in numerous movies, and commercials and has performed in many theatrical productions worldwide. Aaron has directed films like Cross to the Other Side and Fighting a War of My Own. He most recently finished directing and starring in the award-winning film, What’s Your Poison. Aaron is also a Motivational Speaker. He travels the country inspiring students of all ages to make positive life choices. Through his Company, Dangerous Curves Productions, Aaron also speaks to students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, the negative effects of bullying, and how to set achievable goals. He is passionate about teaching kids about Bullying and the power of their words, through his Dangerous Words Program. Aaron’s innovative approach allows his students to become part of the message, making it more meaningful and motivational whether they are watching the presentation or have a role in it.***CALIFORNIA DREAMS BAND ANNOUNCES LOS ANGELES CONCERT DATES JULY 12 & 14, 2024 AT BACKBEAT ON SUNSET @ HOTEL ZIGGY IN HOLLYWOODLOS ANGELES – Following a sold-out reunion concert in NYC, The California Dreams Band is getting back together again for two Los Angeles concerts on Friday, July 12 & Sunday, July 14 at Backbeat On Sunset @ Hotel Ziggy, 8462 W. Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, California. Fans will join the stars for a fun-filled weekend featuring the live concerts, meet & greets, and exclusive VIP experiences - all set on the famous Sunset Strip. Original cast members Michael Cade, Jay Anthony Franke, Brentley Gore, Aaron Jackson, Jennie Kwan, Kelly Packard and Diana Uribe are scheduled to appear. The beloved teen musical series “California Dreams” premiered September 12 1992 and ran for 5 seasons on NBC’s Saturday morning TNBC block. The band was also signed to MCA Records which released their debut CD featuring Dreams hits including “Love Is Not Like This,” “Heart Don’t Lie,” “Castles On Quicksand” and “California Dreams Theme.”Expect a "kinda groovy, laid back mood" where fans will have exclusive opportunities to get autographs, selfies and professional photo ops at intimate meet & greet events. The two high energy live concerts will showcase the very best of The California Dreams Band and its stars – then and now. Learn more about The California Dreams Band and purchase tickets at www.californiadreamsband.com***CONNECT WITH AARON JACKSON: Website / Facebook / Instagram***SUPPORT THIS SHOW<a...

In this episode, your host, Greg Howard Jr, talks with the author of the smash hit memoir Won't Be Silent: Don't Stop 'Til It Matters, Abe Gurko, and multi-hyphenate Bo Baskoro!***ABOUT ABE GURKO:When Abe Gurko packed his bags and moved from New York City to Hollywood, he wasn’t leaving a career in the fashion industry to chase the usual dream of becoming a movie star. “I wanted to be a mechanic to the machine called celebrity.” Over the next few years, he developed his skills as a behind-the-scenes creative working with arguably the coolest woman in Hollywood, Carrie Fisher. There, he acquired an intimate knowledge of the writing process and observed the inner workings of the entertainment industry. “I was like Alice careening through the Looking Glass, Mad Hatter and all.”Before finishing his debut memoir, Abe spent decades producing countless high-profile events: premieres, fashion shows, and music videos; created New York Design Week and even races in Central Park. His fundraising activities helped raise money for AIDS, other charities, and the theatre. He is currently in production on two documentaries:Won’t Be Silent – The history of protest music, co-produced by Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams for MAX.Wolf’s Song – The discovery of a long-lost piece of music written in a concentration camp by his uncle, composer/conductor Wolf Durmashkin, who was killed hours before the liberation.Abe is living happily ever after in La La Land with his husband, Shlomi, and their Chihuahua, Alfie.Connect with Abe Gurko: WontBeSilent.com / TikTok.com/@WontBeSilent / https://abewontbesilent.substack.com/ / https://linktr.ee/WontBeSilent***ABOUT BO BASKORO:Bo Baskoro is a prolific artist, actor, and mental health advocate from the Pacific Northwest. His music is known for its percussive ear candy, honest lyrics, and energizing production. The now LA-based artist exudes an heir of nostalgia, having created a unique sound that seamlessly captures who this Indonesian American is at the core. The Portland native has always marched to the tune of his own drum. Inspired by the fictional horn-playing character Lanky Kong of Donkey Kong 64, Baskoro's creativity gravitated toward the trombone, which he continued to study and play throughout his earlier years.During recovery from a tumor and labrum tear surgery, international brand Maxwell House® commissioned a mini-documentary of Bo's experience, and his artistic drive amidst his trials. Bo was flown to Los Angeles to meet producer Harvey Mason Jr. (Tori Kelly, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson) and have one of his singles ("High") produced for a Maxwell House® marketing campaign. Bo is now featured as one of the faces of MAX by Maxwell House®, appearing in ads all over YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and other media platforms. His original songs have since amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify.Throughout his musical + acting endeavors, Tourette's syndrome has played a large role in Bo's personal and artistic journey. It has been a part of him and continued to develop/change since he was 6 years old. "I’ve worked so hard to free myself from the world where the topic of mental health was taboo and...