Root Notes

This week I continue my journey through NYC with Indie-folk artist Jordan Lee (Mutual Benefit). In the episode we discuss his career in the industry, the musical community of New York City and gigs in some unusual spaces.

This episode, I'm in NYC chatting to the artist and founder of the community art installation - Never Records. We chat about some of the recordings he's done over the world with this, immortalizing moments in time - recording anything from skate parks, to orchestras to eulogies - giving an honest representation in sound of the life that fills the space at the time of the recording.    True to that philosophy, Ted was kind enough to invite me to his home to record this episode, where I met his two beautiful kids, who are also a part of this episode! So you might hear them featured throughout. Pls enjoy <3

In this episode, Rachel chats to sound engineer Mario Perez about the wide range of scenes in NYC, including the indie sleaze revival, hip-hop and inclusive queer country. We chat about his time playing with Trophy Wife, the role NYC plays as a hub for people all over the country as a place for community, opportunity and acceptance, and some great recommendations for some class venues all across the city. We also chat about Stone Circle Theatre - a non-profit, alcohol free 'pure music space' held in a functioning church. Who host everything from string quartets, to plays to metal bands... including some hammered dulcimer and harps in there too!

Another US epi - this time I'm in Manhattan chatting to music journalist and vinyl expert Larry Jaffee! We have a chat about living in and being involved with the NYC music scene from the 1970's to now, meeting Paul McCartney, chatting about his book 'Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century', his new project 'Thermal Beets' - a biodegradable vinyl production company, and getting banned from the Eastenders set!

It's 2025 and on to pastures new! In this episode I've landed in New York and starting off this leg of the American invasion is musician supreme Ronnie Lanzilotta. We talk about his journey in to music and the scene in Brooklyn.

Goodbye LAAAAA   In this final epi of the Los Angeles leg of the journey, I chat to Dennis 'The Menace' Scheyer about his life-long career in music & advertising, including all the amazing stuff he's done at Radio Malibu & PopCult, how the industry has and hasn't changed over the course of his life, about Bruce Springsteen getting booed (whuuut), and similar to his pal David Bason - the importance of making rad shit <3   Produced by Emily Zurowski Artwork by Nikki Milla

In this episode, Rach has a captivating chat with the big legend neo-psychedelic LA based artist - Vinyl Williams. In the episode, we chat about going to watch the Beach Boys in Griffith Park, Vinyl's journey through his career - through his amazing music background with family members playing for Toto and Air Supply, being a founding member of Non Plus Ultra,  more amazing venues around Los Angeles - from all the way through from satanic to vagina themes(!!), and last but not least, the top three shows that have defined his experience in music. Loved this chat with Lionel - hope you enjoy :)

In our latest episode, Rach catches up with Eden who Programs and Manages Junior High in Los Angeles. Junior High is an incredible community arts space which hosts a variety of activities such as songwriting groups, sewing workshops & figure drawing. Eden shared how they got involved with junior High and how they've built such a strong community in Glendale.

LA strikes again :) on this episode of Root Notes. I sit down with the incredible drummer, engineer and MD, Chris Geller. We dive into his journey in music—from how he got started to what inspired his moves to New York and LA, and the yin and yang of the two cities. Chris has worked with everyone from indie artists like pronoun, to legends like Black Flag, to the Wonder Years to Cavetown and even a Taylor Swift tribute band. We talk about life on the road, the beauty of independent venues, and basically just have a big old chat about the music industry.

The Root Notes road trip continues! In this episode, I speak with music industry legend David Bason as he reflects on his time with RCA, Roadrunner and the value of community in the industry. David discusses his work with several iconic artists, a valuable life lesson he learned in Abu Dhabi and rad shows in back yard venues.