NOT 97

We caught up with Def Jam's newest signee on the eve of releasing his latest project "I Am, Because You Are." Dende talks coming up in small town Texas playing in Church choir with his family and learning how the perform from studying Baptist preachers. We discuss the emotion tax of making R&B and the essence of his music that comes from a deep yearning. Dende names his Mt. Rushmore of iconic "running" singers, and performs his standout track "Never."   © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We caught up with Johnstown, PA's own Eem Triplin to talk through his major label debut "Melody Of A Memory," working with the legendary DJ Dahi who executive produced the record, and how studying the art of songwriting has evolved his sound, amongst more.  Thank you to our friends at Damballa. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re starting off the year joined by Toronto’s Kingo Halla. We talk the development of his sound and navigating new collaborations on his upcoming project Alchemy. He talks coming up as the youngest in a musical family, and watching his brothers pave their own paths in the industry. Going through the conservatory system and studying at Berklee, leaning into community in Toronto and more. Plus a live performance of the title track to his new album, Alchemy. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the last episode of the year we catch up with the boys from the prolific jazz outfit BadBadNotGood during their marathon residency at the Blue Note. We talk through their process of writing and collaborating — most recently with Baby Rose on Slow Burn. We discuss their hometown of Toronto and the influential scene they came up in alongside Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and more, the secrets to longevity as a band, and what's next for them. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We caught up with Jordan Hawkins to talk through his rise from coming up in North Carolina and his early days in the church, to beginning his professional journey out in LA, making waves across the country, and living out his rock star dreams next year releasing a new project & touring his music around the world. Check out Jordan's latest single "Love So Good" out now on all platforms.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices