Inside the Music with StereoRuss

Aysanabee is a two-time Juno award winning artist who will be playing at Bridgeworks in Hamilton, Ontario this Sunday December 7 in support of his third and latest album “Edge of the Earth”. In this interview, we dive into the making of "Edge of the Earth", the story behind its album cover, and Aysanabee’s journey through 180+ shows across the world. We also get into his soul and folk influences, the Indigenous openers on this tour, his band, and the songs he recommends new listeners start with.   Listen to Aysanabee https://www.youtube.com/c/Aysanabee https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jbEBKJhX4rRmHD6xW6ve5 https://www.instagram.com/_aysanabee_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@aysanabee     Connect with StereoRuss https://www.youtube.com/@StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/StereoRuss https://www.TikTok.com/@StereoRuss   Become an Inside the Music Insider https://www.stereoruss.com

Mark Furukawa (aka DJ Mark) is the owner of Dr. Disc Records, legendary Hamilton DJ, community builder, and one of the city’s most enduring champions of local music.   Mark has been running Dr. Disc since 1991, outlasting corporate giants like HMV, surviving the Napster era, and navigating the chaos of COVID. We also talk DJ philosophy, the emotional power of physical music, and the joy of creating space for local musicians to thrive.   Whether you’re a Hamilton lifer, a vinyl collector, or a musician carving your path, this conversation is a love letter to music and community.   Credits Recorded at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Ontario Produced by StereoRuss and StereoRuss Media Production Assistant: Michelle Palau   Connect with DJ Mark and Dr. Disc https://www.instagram.com/heresdjmark/ https://www.instagram.com/drdischamilton/ https://www.facebook.com/drdisc.ca   Connect with StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/StereoRuss https://www.TikTok.com/@StereoRuss   Become an Inside the Music Insider https://www.stereoruss.com

Danny Miles is the drummer for July Talk, producer, DJ, photographer, and all around creative force. We dig deep into his journey: from touring the world with July Talk, to his solo projects, producing hip-hop inspired instrumentals, and even releasing a photography and poetry book, The Beauty of Vultures.   Credits: Recorded at Catherine North Studios (Hamilton, Ontario) Produced by StereoRuss and StereoRuss Media Production Assistant: Michelle Palau   Connect with Danny Miles https://www.instagram.com/dannyptmiles/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dannyptmiles The Beauty of Vultures – available via NeWest Press https://bookshop.newestpress.com/products/the-beauty-of-vultures   Connect with StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/StereoRuss https://www.TikTok.com/@StereoRuss https://www.YouTube.com/@StereoRuss   Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dive conversations with artists, producers, and creatives.   Become an Inside the Music Insider https://www.stereoruss.com   #InsideTheMusic #StereoRuss #DannyMiles #JulyTalk #CanadianMusic #MusicPodcast #HamiltonMusic #MusicProduction #Drummers #CreativeJourney

Ariana Fig is back on Inside the Music! She is a singer, songwriter, and producer, this time with even more stories, songs, and laughs. Two years after her first interview, Ariana talks with StereoRuss about how her sound and mindset have evolved while creating her soon to be released debut album, So Long Sinner State.   Credits Recorded at Catherine North Studios (Hamilton, Ontario) Produced by StereoRuss and StereoRuss Media Production Assistant: Michelle Palau   Listen to Ariana Fig Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7t96BctZBDQcfKnDfREzDg Watch Deep End: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnheSh5Q9gU&list=RDgnheSh5Q9gU&start_radio=1   Connect with Ariana Fig https://www.instagram.com/arianafig_ https://www.tiktok.com/@arianafig_ https://www.youtube.com/@arianafig_   Connect with StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/StereoRuss https://www.TikTok.com/@StereoRuss https://www.YouTube.com/@StereoRuss   Like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dive conversations with artists, producers, and creatives   Become an Inside the Music Insider https://www.stereoruss.com #InsideTheMusic #StereoRuss #ArianaFig #CanadianMusic #MusicPodcast #HamiltonMusic #MusicProduction #DeepEnd #CreativeJourney

StereoRuss goes on location at Into the Abyss Records with Public Health, Hamilton’s latest noise rock quartet. They talk about building community through DIY spaces, pushing sonic boundaries with harsh tones and feedback, and the inspirations that shaped their sound. Topics in this interview: What makes a DIY venue different from a bar How Public Health evolved from psych rock to noise rock The recording process of their debut album (including vocals tracked in a bathroom!) Hamilton’s thriving underground scene and must hear local bands Why they want to be as LOUD as possible Recorded on location at Into the Abyss Records, Hamilton, Ontario   Follow and Listen to Public Health: https://www.instagram.com/thatbandpublichealth/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MCefTY9OCT6sMXXs6TMbQ   Follow Inside the Music: https://instagram.com/stereoruss https://tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://youtube.com/@stereoruss Become an Inside the Music Insider: https://stereoruss.com

Buddha Abusah is a hip hop artist, producer, engineer, who brings his raw and honest energy for an uplifting conversation about music, fatherhood, and staying true to your path. Buddha opens up about the meaning behind his name, the philosophy of be, do, have, and why he believes creativity should never be compromised by ego, money, or outside expectations. The two talk about the balance between family and art, how to maintain your creative fire through life’s ups and downs, and the story behind Buddha’s new Just About Love EP, a heartfelt dedication to his wife and family. They also dive into beat making and production philosophy: kicks vs. snares, why the shaker is the secret sauce, and how emotional resonance guides Buddha’s entire creative process. Plus, he shares the origin story of his group Greenhouse Collective, and why he believes conversation and collaboration are at the heart of everything. This episode is packed with insight for musicians, producers, dreamers, and anyone trying to live a life of purpose and passion.   Follow Buddha Abusah: https://www.instagram.com/itsbuddahabusah/ https://www.instagram.com/buddahvibes/ https://buddahvibes.com/   Follow and Listen to The Greenhouse Collective: https://www.instagram.com/itsgreenhousecollective/ https://www.youtube.com/@itsgreenhousecollective   Follow Inside the Music: https://instagram.com/stereoruss https://tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://youtube.com/@stereoruss Become an Inside the Music Insider: https://stereoruss.com

StereoRuss visits the eclectic Tape Studio for conversation with Adam Bentley: musician, producer, and founder of the music marketing company Auteur Research (since recording the company has changed it's name to Echo Myron). Adam opens up about his early days in the Hamilton indie scene, how a fictional label and a MySpace hustle turned into a 15+ year career helping artists reach new audiences, and why the title “Dreamcrusher” isn’t as harsh as it sounds. The two discuss the evolution of music marketing, from blog hype to today’s playlist economy and short form video strategies. Adam also talks about his experimental electronic project Allegories, the creative process behind their new song “Dreamcrusher,” and how ukuleles are a useful instrument to write music with. This episode is packed with insight for emerging artists, longtime gearheads, and anyone interested in what it takes to stay creative and survive in a shifting music industry landscape. Follow Adam Bentley and Auteur Research: https://instagram.com/echo.myron https://echomyron.com/ echo@echomyron.com   Listen to Allegories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=490GK1T1gzY&ab_channel=AlA.Gore-Reese https://www.instagram.com/allegoriestype/   Follow Inside the Music: https://instagram.com/stereoruss https://TikTok.com/@stereoruss https://youtube.com/@stereoruss   Become an Inside the Music Insider: https://stereoruss.com

Danny Smart is a producer, musician, and podcast host working out of the vibrant Halo Studio in Hamilton, Ontario. Originally from a small town in England, Danny shares his journey from cruise ship performer to becoming a key player in Hamilton’s music scene. He reflects on his love for country music, his early musical influences (shoutout Johnny Cash), and what ultimately drew him to Canada, and to Hamilton. The two dive into Danny’s work at Halo Studio, his passion for community, and his efforts to build something bigger through his podcast "Tones of the Hammer" and a new micro label focused on artist development and collaboration. Danny talks openly about the importance of trying, failing, and trying again, and why creating content and sharing stories is vital to a thriving music scene. This episode is for anyone building something from scratch, chasing curiosity, or just curious about what makes Hamilton such a hidden musical gem.   Follow Danny Smart: https://www.youtube.com/@dannysmartmusic https://www.instagram.com/dannysmartmusic https://www.tiktok.com/@dannnysmartmusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/23Id1ibGLRHwEd9zgd0KJ0   Follow Tones of the Hammer Records: https://www.youtube.com/@TonesOfTheHammerRecords https://www.instagram.com/tonesofthehammerrecords https://www.tiktok.com/@tonesofthehammerrecords   Follow Halo Studio: https://www.halomusic.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/halomusichamilton   Follow StereoRuss and Inside the Music: https://www.youtube.com/@StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss   Become an Inside the Music Insider: https://stereoruss.com  

Tom Meikle (aka Mappe Of) is a genre bending vocalist, guitarist, and electronic musician. We explore the layered, emotional worlds behind his music and discuss his upcoming album Afterglades which will be released September 19. Recorded at Catherine North Studios, Tom’s creative second home, Tom opens up about his creative process, from guitar-forward songwriting to glitchy modular synth experimentation, and even building glitch textures by importing .exe software files into Audacity (yes, really!). Whether you're a fan of ambient guitar, high-concept sound design, or just want to hear two Radiohead nerds discuss Kid A, this episode is a headphone worthy ride through some of the most inventive and heartfelt music being made today. Songs Featured: “A Scourge Laid Upon the Earth” – Mappe Of “Honey Haze” – Mappe Of “Happiness in the Singularity” – Mappe Of Listen to Mappe Of: https://open.spotify.com/artist/02Zxif3WoHx6ujXBSfBKOr Follow Mappe Of: Instagram: @mappeof Website: https://www.mappeof.com Follow Inside the Music: Instagram: @stereoruss TikTok: @stereoruss YouTube: @StereoRuss 📬 Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List: https://stereoruss.com

Will Crann is a producer and co-owner of the the legendary Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Ontario. Will shares his journey to becoming co-owner of one of Hamilton’s most beloved recording spaces. He opens up about his early days playing bass in House Art, how a broken piece of gear led to an internship that turned into studio ownership, and why he's grateful for the people he works with. The conversation dives into the realities of running a commercial studio, everything from cleaning mixes to cleaning bathrooms. Will also reflects on what makes a great collaboration between artist and producer and the emotional depth of a good mix. Whether you’re a gearhead, a budding artist, or just a fan of stories from behind the scenes, this episode is a down to earth look at what it really means to live a life in music, and build a space where others can do the same.   Follow Will Crann and Catherine North Studios: Instagram: @willcrann Email: https://www.catherinenorth.com Follow Inside the Music: Instagram: @stereoruss TikTok: @stereoruss YouTube: @StereoRuss 🎧 Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List: https://stereoruss.com

Robb Cappelletto is back! Robb is a world renowned jazz guitarist who just released his latest album Float with his instrumental jazz-fusion group Re.verse. Robb shares the band’s journey from weekly bar residencies to headlining the Toronto Jazz Festival, and how years of live performance and experimentation shaped the tight, genre-blending sound on Float. He breaks down the balance between composition and improvisation, the subtle science of groove, and how a spontaneous jam turned into the band’s standout single “Trails.” The episode dives deep into the nuances of modern instrumental music, the legacy of J Dilla’s drumming, and how a single Instagram clip sparked debate across the internet. Robb also opens up about finding the perfect studio match in engineer Alex Gamble, tracking without a click, and building music that hits with both precision and feel. Whether you're a producer, a guitarist, or just a music fan, this episode is a masterclass in musicianship, authenticity, and the grind behind great instrumental records. Featuring live spins of:  Smoke Signals” – Re.verse “1030” – Re.verse “Trails” – Re.verse Listen to Re.verse’s new album Float: https://open.spotify.com/album/7fpBFUEHMTVq6AJVC9h6Le https://www.instagram.com/rvrs416/ Follow Robb Cappelletto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbcappelletto Website: https://robbcappelletto.com Follow Inside the Music: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List! https://stereoruss.com/

Inside the Music is on location at an elementary school in Dundas, Ontario, part rehearsal space, part recording studio, and emotional headquarters for Hamilton’s rising indie rock band, Superstar Crush. StereoRuss sits down with Marzieh, Sam, Chloe, and Truaxe to talk about their new album Way Too Much, chatting producer Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky, balancing DIY roots with lush arrangements, and how the glockenspiel truly is the life of the party.  Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, chaotic harmony, or just love joyful, tight-knit bands doing big things, this is a fun episode you won't want to miss! Featuring first plays of: Fire Escape - Superstar Crush They Keep Calling - Superstar Crush Do What You Want (New & Improved) - Superstar Crush Follow and Listen to Superstar Crush: https://www.instagram.com/superstarcrushband https://linktr.ee/superstarcrush Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Join the Inside the Music Crew: https://stereoruss.com/

Aidan Robson is a producer and tour manager who works out of Hamilton’s legendary Catherine North Studios. Aidan opens up about his musical roots in punk and country, his evolution as a producer, and his recent work with artist Dean James on the road and in the studio. Together, they explore the creative process behind Dean's latest single “Burned It Down,” from remote recording sessions in Omemee, Ontario to spontaneous breakthroughs in production. Aidan also shares wild stories from the recent crosscountry tour, including a last minute show in Wawa that turned into a packed party thanks to one Facebook message. Whether you’re a producer, an artist, or just love music, this episode offers a rare and honest glimpse into the chaos, hustle, and joy of life behind the scenes. Featuring live spins of: Burned It Down – Dean James Over You - Minor Gold Danger - AHI Listen to and follow Dean James: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nrjJu4T2iZXOUgA3WyGR7 https://www.instagram.com/deanjamesmusic/ Connect with Aidan Robson: Email: https://www.instagram.com/crashaiden Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List! https://stereoruss.com/

StereoRuss welcomes back beloved Hamilton singer songwriter Bernadette Connors for her fourth appearance on the show! Together, they dive deep into Bernadette’s journey from Georgina to Hamilton, the emotional evolution behind her songwriting, and the release of her powerful new single “White Magnolia.” With stories of vulnerability, growth, and the importance of community, this candid conversation highlights what makes Bernadette one of Hamilton’s most compelling voices. Plus, listeners get a special treat with live spins of “White Magnolia,” “History,” and more. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the kind of musical connection that only Inside the Music can deliver.   White Magnolia - Bernadette Connors History - Bernadette Connors Blame Me - Bernadette Connors Listen to and Follow Bernadette Connors: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0amdwmduZDnkuGlGb9bQIp https://www.youtube.com/@bernadetteconnors https://www.instagram.com/bernadetteconnors   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List! https://stereoruss.com/

Jesse Adams is a pop singer and songwriter whose energy is as infectious as her hooks. We chat cats, Fabio, and the ever important question: how many dancers is the correct number of dancers for a live musical performance? It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... it was a great time! Recorded at the legendary Catherine North Studio, this episode is full of fun, flair, and a whole lot of personality.     Songs from the Episode: Love You Like I Do - Jesse Adams Gravity - Jesse Adams Victory - Jesse Adams Grieving - Jesse Adams   Listen to and Follow Jesse Adams: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1knZLmZB5hXpLG5mfujbiz https://www.instagram.com/jesse_francesca/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jesseadamss   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List! https://stereoruss.com/  

Orchidae is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Gatineau, Quebec, and joins StereoRuss along with the very funky bassist Greggory Clark. We dive into the highs and lows of tour life, the many faces of artistic expression, and the joy of making friends along the way. Not only does this episode feature a live performance, but we also take a call live on air for an unexpected twist in our chat. This one is simply jammed full of great moments to enjoy!   Songs from the Episode: "Sun and the Stars" - Orchidae "Mouth Breathing Fire" - Orchidae "Sometimes" - Orchidae "Birth Day I" - Orchidae Follow and Listen to Orchidae: https://www.instagram.com/orchidae/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OBfOSJPueAM6pXxabfFwe   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List! https://stereoruss.com/

Michael Keire (aka King Ludd) is a musician and producer/owner of Threshold Recording Studios, a mainstay recording destination in downtown Hamilton, Ontario. His latest musical project includes a crew of musicians assembled to create, King Ludd with his debut single “Trouble.”   Songs from the Episode: "Trouble" - King Ludd "Fake Out" - Munroe Listen to King Ludd & Threshold Studios https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jE3xsMyCOVCjNzMVUBDB5 https://www.instagram.com/kingluddmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/thresholdrecordingstudio/   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List: https://stereoruss.com/  

Dean James is a Canadian country music singer who is embarking on an upcoming 20 stop Canadian tour. We talked about his love for country legends like Merle Haggard and Chris Stapleton, and his favourite fried chicken spots. If you’re into country music, great stories, or just want to meet an artist on the rise, you’ll love this one.   Listen to Dean James: https://open.spotify.com/album/6yLIDZ6LjU9X0S7gSY5W2G https://www.instagram.com/deanjamesmusic/ Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss

Jesse Cannon is a record producer, music marketing expert, author, podcast producer who breaks down how to promote your music project, how to write songs you're happier with, how the music business actually works and how to make progress with building your fanbase.   Follow Jesse Cannon & Musformation: Music Marketing Trends Newsletter https://musicmarketingtrends.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Musformation Mix/Mastering http://foundsoundation.com/ Book On Building A Fanbase https://amzn.to/3LYnbHV Book On Making Great Music: https://amzn.to/3BmJSRu Free Tools https://ko-fi.com/jessecannon Instagram, Twitter, TikTok @JesseCannon Consulting http://www.jessecannon.com/consulting   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss

James Favron is an award winning rapper and singer, fashion designer & founder of The Better Days Club.   Songs from Episode: Holding My Breath - James Favron Better Days - James Favron I'll Be Alright - James Favron Steady - James Favron John Wick - James Favron   Follow and Listen to James Favron: Music and Videos Instagram   Follow Inside the Music: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss