NOTE: Between minute 13:10 and 15:30 in this broadcast we had some technical difficulties
Billy Larkin joined me in the studio this week to discuss the power of music. He chose these songs to talk about, and we played snippets from most:
- 'Imagine' (John Lennon) Possibly one of the most important songs ever written. Full stop.
- 'Adagio for Strings' (Samuel Barber) Humanity's guidebook to empathy.
- Beethoven's 7th Symphony [2nd movement] See above and add hope and perseverance.
- 'That's the Way of the World' (Earth, Wind & Fire) When I realized I was happy to be alive.
- 'Music for 18 Musicians' (Steve Reich) Wonder at the possibility of creation.
- 'Blackbird' (Lennon/McCartney) Love=Beauty=Sadness=Joy=Art
From his website: "Billy Larkin is an award-winning pianist/composer who has been bringing his individual brand of musical artistry to audiences for over 40 years. He is a composer and arranger who defies easy categorization and helps define true expression through the collaborative process."
"Music gives the soul to the universe" -- Plato
"Music is the food of love, play on" -- William Shakespeare
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................LISTEN UP...................
Listen Up! It's the KDRT volunteer newsletter that is produced monthly. In it is always a wonderful list of music selections. Below is this month's list of albums: I have selected one song from each. Enjoy the show. The goal is to broaden our ears to what's out there regardless of genre.
New releases keep our air sound fresh and engaging! A little sumpin’ for everyone…
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Ryan Williams, Chris O'Keefe and Dani Judith are three members of Rainbow City Park. Their love of music and exuberance of life shine in their musical output. It truly was a pleasure to get to know them.
Here's the band's story from its website: "Rainbow City Park is an indie alt-rock/dream pop band from Northern California. The band draws inspiration from 90’s alt-rock acts such as Third Eye Blind and The Smashing Pumpkins, infusing their music with a modern twist akin to the sounds of Boygenius and Snail Mail. Band members reside in both San Francisco and the Central Valley, converging in Sacramento for rehearsals. |
This week Casey Groat and James Murphy spend some time free-form bantering with me, creating one sweet hour of radio.
Inner Nature (FKA Fashionista Boyfriend) is the work of Casey Groat from Sacramento. Having started as just a kid with an interest in making noises with the computer, the project has matured into themes such as love and loss, as well as experimenting with sampling and songs with meaning and purpose. Artists such as Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, Small Black and Neon Indian are a big influence on the sound. The live act is a three-piece featuring Casey, James Murphy (Ancient Astronaut, Saint Solitaire, Ihabial) and Austin Mooney. |
Nat Lefkoff is 29 and has a cat named Sweetie who is just the best. Nat likes going on long walks and listening to books about history. He also likes bugs, birds, and especially roller blading. The Central Valley that dominates the interior of California is his home. Big open skies and fields with swampy spots and woods scattered throughout. Family and friends are super important, but so is the music he makes.
In his own words, "I'm so grateful to be able to call this my life. Best job I ever had. I'm a happy person but I get real down sometimes and these songs are the product of that. The pearls of my pain, the rainbows of my rain, the Ernie to my Bert, the worm in my dirt."
Natt will appear for his latest album release event at the Davis Odd Fellows on Sept. 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Check out ticket availability here
This show is streamed at KDRT.ORG and available on most podcast apps under Listening Lyrics.
Weekly Playlist These are selected songs from Listening Lyrics, songs talked about but not necessarily played. Enjoy. Updated weekly.
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After the Deluge is a music podcast about songwriting, albums, and whatnot hosted by Justin Cox, a KDRT friend. I replay most of this podcast in this week's Listening Lyrics. Seasons about Bright Eyes, Jackson Browne, and Against Me! are in this feed, plus other interviews.
We talk about my failed attempt to interview poets in the “late 1900s,” open mic nights, recording live and not overthinking it, interviewing locals > interviewing pros, KDRT, Rita Hosking, don’t be lame just make stuff, biking across Holland, Jackson Browne (ding ding), The Lovin’ Spoonful, Bright Eyes’ “We are Nowhere and it’s Now,” Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” Pieter reads a poem, Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan’s “Tempest,” Herb Alpert, The Avett Brothers, and: what was the best five-year stretch of your life?
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This week Listening Lyrics shares music from host Pieter Pastoor's Shazam list with music he has never heard before, music he had forgotten, or songs he just loves.
The musicians include Rita Hosking, The Pogues, Patti Smith, The J.B.'s, Billy Swan, Smog, Nat Lefkoff, Mohama Saz, The Gold Souls, and Tracy Bonham.
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Rumi Shimada is a perfect description of a singer-songwriter. He plays his songs primarily on a guitar and keyboard, with a vocal delivery that creates a perfect package of an up-and-coming musician. He can focus on his craft and block out both the outside world and internal distractions -- a skill apparent today in today's broadcast, when technical difficulties didn't alter his delivery. Rumi's enthusiam for creating music, for helping and promoting others in their musical journey, and for life in general, is contagious.
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As a full-time musician, producer Rowan McGuire offers very observant comments about music and the business of music on today's Listening Lyrics. He also sings three new songs live in the studio.
From his website: "McGuire is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter whose music deals predominantly with his experiences living in Northern California. Throughout his music, he paves his own road— a road full of grit and innovation. His songs orbit themes of love, loss, acceptance, loneliness, and transition. Every word conveys depth, resonance, and relatability, securing his songs a spot in each individual listener’s complex life."
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