Episode 180 - AWOLNATION

It's Bootsy, baby! Jordan and Demi talk to legendary bassist Bootsy Collins about working with James Brown, George Clinton, Kali Uchis and more!

What's that sound? It's the angelic voice of Clay Aiken. The 'American Idol' favorite has returned with a new Christmas album. 'Christmas Bells Are Ringing' is a collection of holiday standards inspired by the golden era that gave us classics by Perry Como, Brenda Lee, Andy Williams, and Darlene Love.Jordan and Demi talk to Aiken about recording the album, his favorite holiday foods (hot takes!), and his rise to fame on 'Idol."

This week, Demi talks to two of her favorite indie artists, re6ce and Max Fry. re6ce is a Liverpool-based musician. From a small home studio, re6ce creates trippy pop that meshes chillwave with Stone Roses-style psychedelia. Their latest single "SCREAMING ALONE" follows the EP grey europe from earlier this year.Max Fry is a songwriter and producer who calls his mix of dark post punk and synth pop "Floridacore." His rise in popularity was ignited by the viral single "zombie," released in 2023. Like re6ce, Fry is adept at making music that sounds futuristic and vintage at the same time.

Emi Grace can shred! The guitarist, producer, and songwriter has built a huge social media following thanks to her "Trashy Tone Thursday" videos. Inspired by rock legends from the '70s and '80s, she mixes complex guitar work with modern beats. She's always pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can sound like. Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos talk to Emi Grace about developing her technique, her favorite guitarists, and collaborating with roommate Zoe Ko. Plus a performance!

The megahit "Sail," made Aaron Bruno famous, but he spent more than a decade performing in different bands before creating AWOLNATION. Since then, his music has become the soundtrack for countless commercials, TV Shows, and sporting events. Bruno continues to try different sounds and instruments as AWOLNATION evolves.In this episode, Bruno talks to Jordan and Demi about the making of his new album, The Phantom Five, the creation of "Sail," and his love for surfing and the Las Vegas Raiders.

We're back with two of our good friends from the LA music scene! Chloe Chaidez is known to for fronting the band Kitten. Recently she's focused on PSY Sound, a record label, production studio, and artist development company. One of Chaidez's frequent collaborators is Kian Stevens-Winston AKA Sugar Pit. The viral musician/producer, known for his high energy and bizarre videos, recently signed to Atlantic Records. Demi talks to both about working together, their legendary DIY shows, and the motivation behind their unique fashion choices.

If you've been on social media in the last few months, you've probably come across "Dirt Man." The funny little song has changed Carter Vail's life. There's merch, sold out live shows, and even an official Bob's Burgers tribute.Vail talks to Jordan and Demi about the making of "Dirt Man," his favorite music gear, and his love for mixed martial arts.

Dun-dun! Jordan and Demi talk to legendary TV composer Mike Post. His iconic themes include Law & Order, NYPD Blue, The A-Team, and Hill Street Blues.Post breaks down a few of his most well-known songs, as well as the recording of his new album Message from the Mountains & Echoes of the Delta.

Washed Out (Ernest Greene) recently released his fifth studio album Notes From A Quiet Place. It's a lush collection of sunny pop songs perfect for a summer drive. Tracks like "Running Away" drip with nostalgia and the optimism of young love.Riding the wave of Hype Machine and the music blog boom of the late 2000s, Greene rose to become of one electronic music's most respected musicians. Tracks like "Feel It All Around" and "Amor Fati" have become modern classics and party playlist staples.Greene talks to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about making the new album, life in rural Georgia, and how Portlandia changed his life.

Over the last few years, Danae Hays has become one of TikTok's biggest comedy stars. With characters that poke fun at her Southern roots, the Alabama native can hardly go anywhere without being recognized.Recently, Hays has been making a push to expand her audience beyond social media. She's embarking on a 28-city standup tour starting July 19, and she's beginning to land parts in movies.Hays has also been recording music. Embracing the early '90s country sound her parents loved, she's released the singles "All It Takes" and "Rode Hard." Working with real Nashville songwriters, she creating a style that straddles the line between legit country music and satire.Listen to her talk to Jordan Edwards about the origins of her career, teaming up with her wife Mandie for videos, and the humane way to prank call a stranger.