When two friends start a studio, that's big. When that studio lasts 10 years, that's bigger. And when they start a charity-based record label, that's even bigger. Matt and Mike have been friends since they were kids, have run a business together for a decade, and are now launching The Giving Groove, their new Philly based record label. Dan talks with them about their own Sine Studio, their roles in the Philly music scene, the secret to staying friends while also owning a business together, early "advice" from acclaimed producer Obie O'Brien, their time at boarding school together, and they announce the first crop of artists on their label (spoiler: all three are a big deal).
Jonas is a regular Philly music man about town. He hosts Fergie's open mic, drums for Purples, tours with Work Drugs, DJs, runs sound, and on and on. Dan and Jonas talk many of Jonas' projects, their time in the restaurant industry, and the joys of doing a lot of different things to not only keep busy, but to keep interested.
Josh and Dan go through the list of their favorite Philly venues, talk about how to make a live show fun for everyone, nerd out about Beck's 'Odelay', and highlight some of the projects Josh is engineering and producing at Hi5 Studios. They also talk about his upcoming tour as drummer for Philly mainstays The Lawsuits, and how they never do a record the same way twice.
Back on Episode 25, Scott was Dan's first live guest on his first live show. It was only fitting that he come back for a full episode. Scott talks about his unique approach to songwriting, which includes writing songs fully improvised from the top down. Dan and Scott talk inspiration, improvisations, Guided By Voices, Ween, those people at open mics who aren't performing (and why they're there), and their love of the Philly music community.
Jake Lewis lives in Brooklyn, but came from a very religious family growing up in Central PA. Dan and Jake have a very frank and honest talk about Jake's full on rebellion in his teen years, his need to settle down by the time he was 20, and how it's all influenced his music from it's beginnings to now. Jake has a new record out called 'Honey Moon', and it's an amazing blend of singer-songwriter folk and ambient, almost psychedelic tones and arrangements.