Life is a Piano

It has been awhile since I've posted, as I'm sure you've noticed, so I detail the craziness that has been my life the last couple of months as I anticipate going into a busy next couple of months playing several festivals, traveling, camping, and somehow trying to get in shape/prepared for a fall trip/studio session with one of my bands.  This will serve as an update for Mitten Backstage, but Life is a Piano listeners can glean info from this as well. I appreciate your patience and understand as things continue to be adjusted!  Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more! ▶▶ Early access, exclusive merch, and more when you support on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink Patty PerShayla

I'm joined today by The Smoogies, a stellar band of musicians currently touring the country supporting their latest album release, People Music! I caught one of their sets at Cliff Bell's the night before this interview, and it was great to hear about how the band came together, their work with Nicholas Payton, advice for young artists, and experience their band dynamic filled with love and support! These guys radiated gratitude, because as successful as they all are and with a bunch of credentials to their careers, touring with The Smoogies feels like coming home! Plus, for you keyboard fans out there, Vaughan "V. Keys" Henry is a member of the band, a talented artist who works with groups like Snarky Puppy and Ghost Note! There are a lot of great keyboard sounds and styles throughout People Music too, plenty of ear candy! ▶▶ Support The Smoogies! Tour Dates: https://linktr.ee/thesmoogies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmoogiesband/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKD1X8pFHaEaJUQ3GF-Xiw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tibEPEN1fY1WGUxHSf8wk Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-smoogies/1541511318 Bandcamp: https://thesmoogies.bandcamp.com/music The Chivertones Sessions: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4BoKi0IhzR2oK8tqOXm3Xg Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation! ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink Patty PerShayla

I take a few minutes to reflect on this podcast and all of the conversations I had in 2021! I also give a little update on an upcoming break from posting episodes, social media, and how the podcast will return in 2022! Thanks for everybody who checked out this podcast and a BIG shoutout to every guest who came on! Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes! ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​ BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink Patty PerShayla

In anticipation of our upcoming 3-day run together, Dustin Galish (Tree No Leaves) joins us today on the podcast! We chat about music education, music scenes, and navigating the future in our respective bands and regions while celebrating the return to gigging both of our bands are experiencing! ▶▶ Support Dustin Galish! Website: https://treenoleaves.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treenoleaves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treenoleaves/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/treenoleaves YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/treenoleaves Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7y5z7Ggt8JbmJ1ySzQLGmn Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation! ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​ BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink Patty PerShayla

I am so glad I got to sit down and chat with Jordan Anderson for Life is a Piano! He is a wonderfully musical pianist and keyboardist from the east side of Michigan, and he's currently studying at Michigan State University while performing with groups like Sabbatical Bob, The Vincent Chandler Experience, and soon with his powerful statement of black artistry, Say Less! We have honest conversations about the relationships between audiences and performers, jazz history and its impact on the current educational and performance landscapes, and so much more in this episode! Note: Thanks so much to listeners for their patience, between the Halloween show taking up my Saturday and full days of work Sunday/Monday, I had to delay the episode's release to today. Hope you enjoy the conversation! ▶▶ Support Jordan Anderson! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captain_anderpants/ Sabbatical Bob Drive (New Single): https://open.spotify.com/album/5MrAFe6chjozm0CqASHfak?si=aTtmKh1TSRyQJ1-aXc_rAw Website: https://sabbaticalbob.wixsite.com/funk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabbaticalBob Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabbaticalbob/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vFxdosJYUGMUbA3N7YmJ1?si=UjL9XToBTOS2dVXGR69thQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXm0bvXVY7dX30kLtHuRElA Bandcamp: https://sabbaticalbob.bandcamp.com/ Say Less Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saylessproject/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saylessproject/ Bandcamp: https://sayless.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kGuyiRGOHRv3TyZwRKhEZ?si=FSZ1SmqhR2qqeFyqOukdRA Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!   ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink

Today's guest is pianist Emile Pandolfi, who is the first guest I have met through hosting this podcast! Emile has a long and successfully sustainable career as a solo pianist with over 30 albums in his discography and a solid list of performances under his belt around the world. He has sold over 4.5 million albums and has received over 750 million streams online, all based on a repertoire of well-crafted arrangements of popular classics, movie soundtracks, musicals, and iconic American Songbook numbers. We discuss life, the wonderful journey that comes from making a career in music, and his upcoming book, Play It Like You Mean It, which releases on October 19th! It was a joy to have Emile on the podcast, and I hope you enjoy today's episode! ▶▶ Support Emile Pandolfi! Website: https://www.emilepandolfi.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilepandolfi.music/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilepandolfi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8V0lD8nqBEjw5QfQmELdjA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5BcEbeQq5n2fz8HbhI9CWU?si=dkyPsotxSd28iKdBQMC1zg Pre-Order Play It Like You Mean It: https://www.emilepandolfi.com/emile-pandolfi-play-it-like-you-mean-it Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes!     ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink

Life is Piano is back! Today, I chat with Mario Sulaksana, a pianist I met last summer who recently relocated from Detroit to LA! We chat about our career goals as pianists, the changes that spurred some of our recent life decisions (beyond the pandemic), and Mario's background as a musician and composer! ▶▶ Support Mario Sulaksana! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariosulaksanamusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rio_on_tha_insta/ Bandcamp: https://mariosulaksana.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CugdOU48zfe9nrcPlwOPK?si=v4iEu3rKQPCTpiXCujsemw&dl_branch=1 Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!    ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​ BIG THANKS to my patrons! Tracy Snedeker Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink

I chat for a bit with Ypsilanti-based keyboardist Galen Bundy! We chat about his background in music, our shared experiences attending NAMM conventions through Cusack Music, and we spend a healthy dose of time nerding out about gear! Enjoy today's episode, and check out his groups (Project 206, LNGBLNKSTR, and Proton Candy) after you're done listening! ▶▶ Support Galen Bundy! Website: https://www.galenbundy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalenBundyMusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galenbundy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lofiandpedals Project 206: https://galenbundy.bandcamp.com/album/volatile Proton Candy: https://protoncandy.bandcamp.com/releases LNGBLNSKTR: https://lngblnkstr.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/63C8EWfXODukWG2R0YwtwH?si=3bO5HrFVQvKbpXiL-yOvZQ&dl_branch=1 Pedal Demos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItWSiODm4-TXj0uCffsv41rG_mG4yhOu Project 206 Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLItWSiODm4-Rtp0LCWpY-JcBYSyY7Qg1L Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!    ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​ BIG THANKS to my patrons! Tracy Snedeker Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree

It was so great catching up with Erika Dohi, a virtuosic pianist who is part of the NYC music scene and a friend I met years ago at the 2016 Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival! She collaborates around the contemporary classical and avant-garde scenes with all sorts of composers and performers, including Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Immanuel Wilkins, and Ambrose Akinmusire. We chat about her upbringing, current creative focuses, her recent album I, Castorpollux, and more! ▶▶ Support Erika Dohi! Website: https://www.erikadohi.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.dohi.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikadohi/ Bandcamp: https://erikadohi.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VrJsPSHawPbSdgTWzplV9?si=esYvAKXlTrCks9vDa0U0Nw&dl_branch=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PpumqDcLkvkuVB3WSaYxw RighteousGIRLS: https://www.righteousgirls.com/ Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player.   Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation! ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Tracy Snedeker Chris Bota George Herschel Kyler Byker Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree

I'm joined today by Jes Kramer, an artist in the indie/DIY Grand Rapids music scene! Between her love for smaller keyboards and the variety found in her live setup, there's a lot of fun gear to talk about that often gets overlooked! ▶▶ Support Jes Kramer! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesKramerMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeskramermusic/ Bandcamp: https://jeskramer.bandcamp.com/ Life is a Piano focuses on conversations with keyboardists, with host and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker sitting down with friends and industry professionals to discuss the craft, lifestyle, and opportunities that come with being a proficient keys player. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts thanks to Anchor.fm distribution, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!    ▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​ BIG THANKS to my patrons! Tracy Snedeker Chris Bota George Herschel Kyler Byker Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree