5 Songs with Friends | Chicago's Music Discovery Podcast

DJ Podgorny

We tell the stories behind amazing music.

  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Jeffrey James Franca of ETHNO & Thievery Corporation - DJP160
    0:00 -- Introduction 3:20 -- Music updates + announcements from me 5:00 -- Why Jeffrey decided to go solo with the ETHNO project 8:20 -- Jeffrey's approach to production and instrument selection 11:10 -- How new Barefoot studio monitors have helped him get a fuller sound 13:10 -- How Jeff turns ideas into masterpieces 17:35 -- Jeff's first single: Leaf Water 22:45 -- The background and vision for Musicology Vol.1 25:15 -- How Jeffrey views music as a cultural sneak attack 31:45 -- The ETHNO live experience and setup 37:00 -- Jeff's introduction to music production 40:00 -- Why drummers make great producers 42:45 -- Awake Again feat. Celestine Manno, a song by ETHNO 46:50 -- The story behind Thievery Corporation 50:00 -- The evolution of the Thievery Corporation live sound 55:30 -- Jeffrey's perspective on the Denver music scene 1:02:55 -- Jeffrey's advice for aspiring musicians 1:06:30 -- Jeffrey's upcoming gigs 1:08:47 -- Long Look @ Lost Friend by D.J. POD About Jeffrey & ETHNO: ETHNO is the latest in sonic explorations from Denver based drummer/producer, Jeffrey James Franca. Heavily influenced by his love for global rhythm, ETHNO embodies the spirit and soul of Jeffrey's musical diversity. Widely known as the drummer for electronic music pioneers Thievery Corporation, Jeff brings new life, and a modern sound to the timeless experience of terrestrial vibration. You will find a vast array of influence from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and South America in the rhythms and melodies, along with lush textures and thumping bass to massage all your chakras, head to toe. Listeners will feel the time that he has spent traveling the globe with Thievery Corporation, within the ethereal worldly approach that leaps forth decades to create a genuine future world music sound. ETHNO shows feature a driving mix of danceable global-electro sounds, blended with live percussion to create a unique sonic exploration that has moved crowds across the country. ETHNO on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0w4PhbSpCICF2NbXn8lOKv?si=rK2Y_r8BQBWFiVBaK7cASQ Website: https://ethno-global.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethnoglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnoglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethnoglobal Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ethnoglobal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnECbu5G5slgpQElJ-ZhMiw ------------------- Music by D.J. POD on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2zgT7VAzbiKDLZ9zrgsHAU?si=L3uFqn9dTJWw6MsLohPQpA D.J. POD Cast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6piVvRIVqMREfus5vCOy4H?si=c7f4a037f027484b D.J. POD Cast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dj-pod-cast/id1450083526
    27 September 2023, 8:00 am
  • 22 minutes 43 seconds
    149 - Blockhead [Hip Hop Beats]
    The internationally renowned NYC producer Tony Simon, aka BLOCKHEAD, has released 10 albums over the past 15 years, including four acclaimed records for Ninja Tune and numerous production jobs including notable works with Aesop Rock. He is regarded as one of the modern masters of instrumental hip-hop, and the forthcoming new album sees him return to record-label-released music with the bold and exciting roster at Future Archive Recordings (co-founded by artists Arms and Sleepers, Sun Glitters, Little People and CNJR, and also co-run by Mark McGlinchey).
    4 September 2019, 9:00 am
  • 24 minutes 7 seconds
    148 - The Dopamines [Punk]
    The Dopamines are a punk band from Cincinnati Ohio that have been playing for 10 years and counting. They will fight you
    28 August 2019, 7:24 pm
  • 22 minutes 45 seconds
    147 - Bumpin' Uglies [Reggae/Ska/Punk]
    Bumpin Uglies spawned from an Annapolis, MD scene awash in musical history over a decade ago. They are rooted in East Coast ska, punk, and reggae, making their mark up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In the past ten years, Bumpin Uglies have worked to carve out their path by relentlessly touring, and releasing one album after another. With each release came more focus, more creativity and more desire to always experiment and try new things with their music. The band is psyched for their latest EP, Buzz, which released on March 22 via Ineffable Music Group based in Oakland, CA. Ineffable is a name synonymous with the likes of Collie Buddz, Stick Figure, The Movement, and many other prominent artists. Their last album, Beast From The East, is proof positive that Brandon, Wolfie, Chad and T.J. have meshed into a dynamic quartet as the album topped reggae charts, drawing interest from Billboard’s editorial team for their debut in the pole position. With fellow Maryland rocker Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! working on the production, the alchemy was right for their breakthrough release, so naturally they are keeping that intact with their current album, Buzz, while continuing the trend of evolving their sound, always experimenting in bold ways that keeps everything fresh from beginning to end. Their climb hasn’t always been easy and as Bumpin Uglies have grinded their way to their current place in the music scene, they’ve shown that hard work pays off and by putting your heart and soul into it and by taking risks, you can achieve great things. It’s why they’ve springboarded from The Whiskey in Annapolis (RIP) to slots at major festivals like Firefly, Peachfest, and Reggae Rise Up, and are selling out several markets around the nation. Bumpin Uglies are also proud to have announced their own Headlining Festival, Weekend at Wolfie’s, set for June 13-15, 2019 in Bedford, PA. As a band they are clearly intent on doing things their own way, it’s how it’s always been done. This philosophy has grown Bumpin Uglies into a prolific music-making beast, has devoted fans tattooing Brandon Hardesty’s poignant lyrics on their bodies and has them growing into a nationally recognized touring headliner. Bumpin Uglies is on fire with no end in site. Who is Bumpin Uglies? Brandon Hardesty – Vocals, Guitar Dave Wolf – Vocals, Bass TJ Haslett – Drums Chad Wright – Vocals, Keys, Guitar
    21 August 2019, 9:00 am
  • 20 minutes 57 seconds
    146 - Ripe [Dance/Pop-Funk/Party Rock]
    Ripe is seven musical soulmates who refuse to believe in a single definition of dance music. They are an unstoppable groove, an extended moment of ecstatic release, the catalyst for taking “just another night” and elevating it into something else entirely. They are the swagger of funk filtered through a rock anthem, a musical journey that somehow gets as stuck in your head as your favorite pop banger. They are the anchors of a rapidly growing community, a series of new friends becoming good friends becoming part of the extended family as their sound spreads and their world deepens. They are here to look at joy with the same depth as most people look at sadness, to find a happiness that is heavier and more meaningful than simply a distraction from the negative. Born all over, formed in Boston, Ripe is ready to bring the whole world to its feet.
    14 August 2019, 9:00 am
  • 13 minutes 12 seconds
    146 - James Burke [Indie]
    James Burke is a Boston based solo artist and producer that has released 4 albums and 3 EPs over the past five years. His latest album, “Future Eye” is his most ambitious effort to date, marking James’ newfound commitment to bringing something new to the table with his music and taking his production and songwriting more seriously than ever before. The album aims to bring fresh sounds and new ideas to the indie genre via a smooth and cohesive listening journey that feels united, rather than a mere compilation of songs. Featured Song Name: 2u
    9 August 2019, 10:00 am
  • 25 minutes 59 seconds
    145 - Waker [Rock}: October 1st at Schubas
    "These guys can make music and elevate a scene." - Music City Roots Waker was founded by childhood friends and songwriting duo Chase Bader (Vocals, Acoustic) and Conor Kelly (Electric Guitar). The group hails from Nashville, mashing soul, rock & roll, and jam into an eclectic, danceable sound, focusing on songs that aim for the heart, head... and feet. From the East Coast to the West Coast, each member moved to Nashville to join Bader and Kelly one by one. The band originally began under the name Koa with bassist Ryan Ladd and saxophonist Alex Matthews. Percussionist Ryan McClanahan quickly joined adding a unique sound to the music. Finally, the band found drummer Dave Czuba to fuse Koa into Waker. Two years later, Waker welcomed Bobby Steinfeld to join to the band on keyboards as the 7th member of Waker. The intention has always been clear, to “wake people” with their music. In a short amount of time, the band has already conquered festival stages at Bonnaroo, ACL, Hangout, SXSW, Firefly, and Wakarusa. They’ve toured with Blues Traveler, JJ Grey & Mofro, Moon Taxi, Galactic, the Wailers, recorded a session for Audiotree Live, and headlined shows across the country. Since the release of their 2015 EP, the band has continued their nonstop regiment of touring & writing. Before the summer of 2017, Waker released two singles, "Wake Me Up" & "Pike", both of which will be featured on their debut album due early in 2019. Waker is an experience meant to be shared with others.
    6 August 2019, 9:00 am
  • 18 minutes 47 seconds
    144 - Wildcat [Indie Rock]
    What do you get when you take 90s indie rock and temper it through Chicago’s harsh winters? Wildcat, that’s what. Tom Reeder, Alex Kisiel, Steve Watson, Conor Hibler, Mike Musto, and Stevan Vasich make up the Chicago-based sextet, delivering their powerful brand of 90s-influenced indie rock with reckless abandon. Formed in 2016, Wildcat has steadily grown from a two-man outfit playing one-off shows to a six-piece staple of the Chicago scene performing regularly. Known for their energetic and exciting live performances, their horn section sets them apart from the pack, creating rich harmonies that soar over the rest of the band. Wildcat is currently recording their debut EP Western, and will be releasing it in 2019. You can listen to their first single “Avalon” now. Featured Song Name: Avalon
    1 August 2019, 10:49 am
  • 26 minutes 10 seconds
    143 - Mike Pinto [Reggae]: August 3rd at Beat Kitchen
    Mike Pinto has crafted an exceptional style of songwriting, with a truly unique take on Roots, Vintage Rock, Reggae, Ska and Classic Surf, but it’s his distinct voice and seamless storytelling that has brought him success both in the United States and overseas. With the release of his debut album (Little District, 2005), Pinto began his attack on the Philadelphia music scene as a solo artist. By 2006, underground success and a fervent, exploding fan base empowered him to expand westward with two nationwide solo acoustic tours. After the second tour Pinto relocated to San Diego, where he immersed himself in the thriving Southern California music scene and quickly gained notoriety. His infectious sound garnered so much attention that Insomnia Radio included his single "One More Time" on a hard hitting compilation of the SoCal sound’s brightest groups, including DI and Slightly Stoopid. In very short order, Mike Pinto transitioned from a kid from Philly playing acoustic in coffee houses and tiny bars to a prominent fixture on the SoCal music scene. It was precisely the sardonic, Philly-bred mentality, which distinguished Mike Pinto amongst his musical peers in sun-drenched Southern California indie music scene. Philadelphia is known as a tough city which churns out tough-minded, skeptical people; this influence is clear in Pinto’s lyrics. Pinto doesn’t just write about the bliss of new love or tired clichés found littered throughout the songs of many of his musical peers. His lyrics can spin dark tales populated with characters who have sold their souls (“Tricky Nicky”), or been left flailing and stripped by the terrible toll exacted by addiction (“Bad Luck”). Though he writes and performs mainly reggae and ska, the words “Babylon” and “Rastafari” are not invoked on a routine basis, nor does Mike employ an adopted Jamaican accent or sing in patois. Mike Pinto writes music that is true to his experience, never making room on his tracks for pretense or posturing. Pinto’s music quickly caught the tradewinds from the mainland to Hawaii, getting regular airplay by top radio personality Shaggy Jenkins. Pinto also consistently tops the charts in Guam, where his music is an island favorite, and has placed songs on several Japanese compilations. and Japan. Following suit, Pinto has sold out shows in Guam, Big Island, Maui and Oahu, which left countless, frenzied new fans sprouted by the thousands in his wake. In late 2007, Pinto teamed up with professional skateboarder and legendary Drummer/Producer Chuck Treece (Pearl Jam, G Love, Bad Brains, McRad) and released his most accomplished album to that point. With Treece lending his knack for producing and playing a number of the instruments on the album, Pinto's self-titled album has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The album gained so much attention that Pinto was urged to follow it up with an entirely acoustic version of it, which was released in 2008. Pinto’s live shows draw fans from a diverse cross section of genres, thanks to his ability to play anything from horn-infused ska to punk-tinged rock and beyond, or his own unique brand of reggae classic covers delivered with near perfection. In 2011, Pinto released The West is Still Wild, a six track EP that served to satiate his now-global following until Pinto felt a full-length effort was feasible. Pinto toured in support of The West is Still Wild, and was received by noticeably larger crowds as those on previous tours. His music and name started spreading noticeably via word-of-mouth and social networking as well, the public started taking notice of who Mike Pinto is and why his music is worth discovering. Pinto’s new album, Truthful Lies, has received high praise in early reviews. It features a deep lineup of special guests, including: Chuck Treece, George Laks , Max O’Leary, Eric Hirschhorn , John Browne, Todd Elrod, Lew Richards, Jesse Wagner , Roger Rivas, Junior Marvin, Don Carter and Jon Cestero.
    26 July 2019, 2:52 pm
  • 15 minutes 56 seconds
    142 - Mourning [A] BLKstar [Alternative Hip-Hop/Soul]
    Mourning [A] BLKstar is a multi-generational, gender and genre non-conforming amalgam of Black Culture dedicated to servicing the stories and songs of the apocalyptic diaspora. Featured Song Name: Hold me
    24 July 2019, 9:00 am
  • 14 minutes 53 seconds
    141 - Burly Herd [Alternative Pop]
    Burly Herd is a London four piece inspired by Tame Impala, Japanese Disco and William Morris. After establishing themselves on the London live circuit in 2018, the last fee months have been spent writing, refining and gramming. Big things coming up in 2019. Featured Song Name: One Kiss
    22 July 2019, 9:00 am
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