theFIVE10 Podcast

Tom Shimura, aka Lyrics Born, has been making music for more than three decades. And while that may be enough for most artists, the east bay native is not content to rest on his laurels in his pursuit of making incredible music. With his fourteenth album, Vision Board getting ready to be released via his own indie label, Quannum Projects, the MC and part-time actor is feeling the pressure to stay in the conversation.  JC got a chance to sit with Lyrics Born to talk about the east bay music scene, how hip-hop has changed what it means to be an entrepreneur in the music industry, and how he's used technology to stay connected with fans. All of this and much more on theFIVE10 Podcast!

Jim Ward is no stranger to the challenges in the music industry. Having seen virtually every part of it, he has strong opinions about how upcoming bands should focus on their own well-being rather than being career leverage for people who have little concern for the artists they're supposed to support. It's why the frontman for the Texas-based band Sparta spends a lot of his time mentoring bands and giving back to a community that has given him so much. Jim spent time chatting with JC about his long storied career, how he has used technology from the very beginning to get the word out, and what he would like his tours to look like in the future. All of this and much more on the latest episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

At just 16 years old, Lucid Kidd  is showcasing a mixed bag of his own carefully crafted, production-minded beats, striking melodicism, and an impressive rap flow, making music that is at once exhilarating and emotional. It is an unguarded reflection of the chaotic whirlwind that is coming of age during a pandemic, and of having to watch the turmoil in Ukraine unfold from a close distance in his native country of Lithuania. Of his new song and video, Lucid Kidd says, “’Nothing Back’ is a song about the escape from betrayal. It depicts the vampires as these fake people that are always draining your energy and using you. The song expresses leaving all these vampires behind and finding your own path, because walking alone is better than being surrounded by fake people. The music video contains lots of colours which represent the escape from the greyness of fake people and becoming your own colourful individual.”* JC got a chance to sit down with Lucid Kidd to talk about traveling, his process, and where he sees his music career headed. All this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!  *bio from Mundane Magazine

Born in Italy to a family of Moroccan heritage, Imen's dreams of becoming a singer were at odds with her Muslim family, especially her father, an Imam at their local mosque. But Imen stayed true to herself, her family, and her religion by exploring topics and presenting an image which didn’t compromise those inner beliefs. Her breakthrough moment came serendipitously while working as a waitress at the London restaurant Nando’s, when she posted a candid video of herself on Instagram, singing into a mop she was using to clean. The video quickly went viral, leading to music deals and her debut appearance on the Arabic remix of David Guetta’s "Family" alongside Ty Dolla $ign and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. "As a child, I was heavily bullied, and I made the decision at a young age to try to put a positive spin on the negative moments in my life," Imen explains." I want my lyrics to empower listeners to be able to do the same, without fear.” She then released her debut single "Lonely People," which earned tastemaker acclaim first in London, and now around the world. But despite her success, Imen takes nothing for granted and continues to work full time at Nando’s as a waitress, hustling to make her music dreams a reality during breaks and off-days.  Imen took time out of her busy schedule to talk about her debut album, what she has learned along the way, and how TikTok has been key to testing the waters on new music. All this and much more on the latest episode of theFIVE10 podcast!

With over 125 million streams on Spotify, and a series of high-profile syncs in the US and abroad, Susie has quietly and organically grown her audience and reach. After being signed to Sony Epic Records for her self-titled debut album, Susie created her own label, Collective Records. Susie’s instinct to produce and own all of her own music and content, with total control of all her creative choices—has allowed for a pure transmission of her artistry. The single “Here With Me” became an internet phenomenon after being featured on the first season of The Blacklist.  And virtually every song on her second album, The Bakman Tapes, was licensed to film and television shows such as Parenthood, Awkward, Containment, and more. In 2021 alone she was added to more than 130,000 Spotify playlists with no touring, marketing, and no big “corporate machine” behind her. JC sat down with the singer/songwriter to talk about her label, how she's developed over the years and the future of the music industry. All of this and more on the latest episode of theFIVE10 podcast!

Every so often a new band hits the scene and immediately makes it onto your favorites list. Meet Danceland, a Toronto-based outfit that might just be your new favorite jam band. Originally conceived as the Cherry Garcia Band, the band’s debut album ‘Pink Lem’ is the culmination of a long, strange trip for Danceland. The band’s founding guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joe Ferland, came up as a musician in the 1990s NYC music scene, playing in a variety of rock and pop-punk contexts, and earning a few record deals along the way. Eventually, the music biz hustle burned him out, but music came back into his life during the passing of his mother when he and his wife—his co-writer and co-vocalist Jale—found their way to Danceland. The five-piece band is rooted in a timeless psychedelic Americana tradition, replete with fine, storyteller songcraft; sunny harmonies; lonesome pedal steel; stratospheric lead guitar passages; and a touch of Eastern mysticism. First out the gate is the album’s lead single “Don’t Act Surprised,” a driving acoustic number that evokes ‘American Beauty’ era Dead or contemporary artists like Railroad Earth or String Cheese Incident. 'Don’t Act Surprised' is the story of my mother’s first marriage that brought my sister and brother into the world,” Ferland comments. “After listening to the stories from my mother and sister over the years, I came to the conclusion that my mother left her first husband partly due to postpartum depression and that is why I think there was never really a “this is what happened” scenario. I finally put into words and music a story that has haunted me for many years.” * JC got a chance to catch up with Joe to talk about his lengthy career in music, what has changed over the years, and much more. *bio pulled from gratefulweb.com

For over 30 years Justin Warfield of She Wants Revenge has been in the music industry in one form or another. Whether a singer, producer, or rapper, the 49-year-old LA native has always been exposed to the industry through his father who handled promotion for some of the biggest names in music. While a lot of people could point to that as being the reason behind Warfield’s seemingly easy access to making music of his own, it’s his work ethic, drive, and motivation that has led him to the success that he’s had over the years. 2022 is a big year for Warfield and She Wants Revenge. While the band recently announced they were reuniting and going on tour, their most notable single “Tear You Apart” was recently certified Gold and Platinum by RIAA, and Warfield says new music is coming from both the band and his single project. JC got a chance to sit down with Warfield to break down his journey from hip-hop artist to finding success in the dark wave alternative genre. All of that and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 podcast!

The creative vision of songwriter Alex Skora, the music of Love Crushed Velvet is inspired by post-pandemic Manhattan and the "untapped chaos of urban life" - taut, visceral songs that retain the spark of late-night jams. Blending alternative, glam, and classic rock into a contemporary sound, the band has been called “future superstars” by Black Velvet Magazine - “pure, throaty, blood-pumping stuff to get the masses moving” - and their live show is reminiscent of the glory days of rock and roll. With their debut album getting ready to be released in July, look for Love Crushed Velvet to take the show on the road.  JC got a chance to chat with ALX about his journey, what he's learned along the way, and using VR for their video conveniently called, "The Future." All of this and much more on the latest theFIVE10 Podcast!

A few years ago, Carré Kwong Callaway—aka Queen Kwong—was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and told she may only have a decade left to live. As a result of the condition, she’s prone to episodes where her lungs fill up with blood and she’s literally drowning. If that wasn’t bad enough, two months after her diagnosis, her musician husband jumped ship—to put it nicely. Within the year, everything else—her security and stability, her home and home studio, her cats—had also gone. This gave Carré no option but to leave Detroit, where she and her ex-husband had bought a house, with nothing but one suitcase and two guitars. “I was homeless for nearly a year, just living on friends’ sofas, and I’m still in the process of rebuilding my life," she says, “but it’s reassuring that we can survive things that feel unsurvivable.” JC sat down with Callaway to talk about her musical journey, what she's learned along the way, and what she hopes will be a bright future for the music industry. All this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

Lizzie & The Makers' sophomore studio album, Dear Onda Wahl, embroiders their potent Southern-tinged rock with art-rock, dream-pop, and ethereal elements to spawn something all their own. Released November 5th, it's one of those rare records that combine single-minded artistry with broad commercial appeal. Created around the dusky yet soaring timbre of force-of-nature frontwoman Lizzie Edwards, Dear Onda Wahl was produced by Grammy winner Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince) and Cure guitarist Reeves Gabrels (Tin Machine, Bowie). Their influence, alongside the textured six-string and pedal-steel expressions of Edwards' writing partner (and Gabrels protégé) Greg McMullen, ensure an intriguingly adventurous, hugely dynamic – and occasionally otherworldly – take on the traditional. "We're definitely rock 'n roll...[But] it's almost like when we wrote these songs they went through a David Lynch portal, and came out a little bizarre," mulled Edwards. "So I think we've been on this kind of ethereal tear, but our group is really rooted in Southern rock, and some English rock." Atop granite foundations of AC/DC and Black Sabbath, NYC's Makers layer the grooving rock of the Allman Brothers and Pink Floyd's melodic psychedelia. But then there are lurking hints of blues/country rootsiness, and McMullen's accomplished love of the avant-garde. Defying her constant comparisons to Janis Joplin, the classically-trained Edwards summons a heartfelt, nuanced mezzo-soprano shaped by Memphis soul legend Ann Peebles, Heart's Wilson sisters, and jazz icon Billie Holiday. She's assertive, yet vulnerable; defiant, yet proudly flawed. JC got a chance to chat with Lizzie Edwards who spoke about their sound, their process, how it has evolved over time and getting back on the road. 

VRSTY (pronounced Varsity) is a 4 piece R&B /post-hardcore infused band from NYC. Since its inception, VRSTY has always been about standing out & setting themselves apart from the “norms & cliches” of the Post-Hardcore scene while also bringing something fresh and inspirational to the listener. Blending heavy and melodic instruments with R&B singing VRSTY has already made waves playing sold-out shows with acts such as The Plot In You, Dayseeker, Like Moths To Flames, Ice Nine Kills & Slaves while also touring the country numerous times. With a new record on the way, the band shows no signs of stopping. JC got a chance to sit down with lead singer Joey Varela to talk about how the band got its start, how they think of genres in general, growing up in Harlem, and how COVID impacted their ability to connect with their fans. All this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

New York's January Jane have taken a pretty unorthodox path to stardome. The trio met at a loft party in New York, started writing songs, and within a few minutes figured out that they were onto something. With their new EP "Your Drug" having been recently released by iconic label BMG the band are set to get back on the road in 2022 with plans to put out a full length.  JC got a chance to sit down with the band to talk about the role Matt Pinfield is playing, how they've stayed connected to their fans during the pandemic, and why they believe this band is on a rocketship. All of this and much more on the latest episode of theFIVE10 podcast!

Their music carries the torch from the Swedish melodic death metal scene, mixing it with modern sounds and new influences inspired from metalcore. Catchy melodies, heavy drumming, pumping rhythm and versatile vocals are merging into an own style that excites fans around the globe. The lyrics are handling topics of inner and outer conflicts such as the search for personal dreams and the confrontation with fears and demons. JC got a chance to sit down with lead singer, Erik Engstrand about what makes Sweden such a great place for heavy metal, how the band stayed connected with their fans during the pandemic, and where he believes the music industry is headed in the future. All this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

If you dig Glassjaw, Every Time I Die, Refused, and early Maylene & The Sons of the Disaster, then The Undertaking! will be your new favorite band, thanks to the noisy, push and pull of their sound. The Undertaking!'s founding members — Brent Jasperse (drums), Keith Butsko (guitar), and Austin Visser (vocals) — were in the band before they even knew they'd created it, having spent their youths playing songs in each other's childhood homes. It wasn't until a revelation in early 2018 that the trio realized they'd been crafting something for decades: legitimate music. They invited James Moyer (bass) and Johnny Mercuri (guitars, vocals) to the party and formally established The Undertaking!. In 2019, they released an EP, became a staple in the San Diego music scene, and immediately caught the eye of Solid State Records. After signing with the label in 2020, they began recording their debut full-length, Funeral Psalms. The album is all grit and all punch, with lyrics that dig deep and music that swings for the fences. Themes of anxiety and depression are wrapped in a record laced with pop and '90s punk, capitalizing on the freedom to vocalize lament while having a good time. The Undertaking! aim to tell the truth with all fun, no frills, and a bunch of cordless guitars. JC got a chance to sit down with Austin to talk about being locked down, how they've stayed connected with their fans, and their new album.

DED has only been together a little more than four years since the release of their debut album, Mis-An-Thrope, but it is clear that their take-no-prisoners approach has already turned a lot of heads. Originating from Phoenix, AZ, the foursome embodies elements of rock, alternative, and metal, with pop melodies, hooks and choruses, cloaked in some of the densest, most histrionic, headbanging music on the planet. But when you dig beneath the aggressive surface, DED’s unexpectedly soulful music is about bringing hope, relief and self-awareness, often speaking to and about the young generations that are contending with many deeply embedded issues in today’s society. Rather than the nihilistic, anarchical hellraisers DED might seem to be upon first glance, they’re actually mythical heroes desperately trying to save society, not take it down. Joe Cotela (vocals), David Ludlow (guitar), Kyle Koelsch (bass), and Matt Reinhard (drums) are building a community by offering comfort in times of despair. JC sat down with lead singer Joe Cotela to talk about the formation of DED, what it was like to work with producer John Feldmann of Goldfinger, and their upcoming tour with Black Veil Brides. 

THECITYISOURS is a five-piece metal band from London who quickly garnered attention and growing support for peers, industry, and fans alike, thanks to a high-octane live show and the success of their debut album. Low smashed into the Top 5 of the iTunes metal charts with several singles appearing in editorial playlists of Amazon, Deezer and Spotify — including covers on New Core and Metal UK. Following the departure of long-standing vocalist Sam Stolliday, THECITYISOURS unexpectedly found themselves in unknown territory. Twelve months on, they are back with the introduction of new vocalist Oli Duncanson and ready to welcome a brand new era of TCIO. JC got a chance to sit down with guitarist and founding member, Mikey Page to chat about how the band was formed, the addition of Oli at lead singer, and their hopes of getting back in front of fans as soon as possible!

Fresh off the success of "For the Glory" which was a featured track during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, LA based All Good Things are getting ready to hit the road with P.O.D. which will give their fans the first time to see the band live and in person.....ever. Sure they have played a couple of shows, but for the most part fans from all over the world have yet to see a band they've played through streaming platforms or heard on the radio millions of times. Now with a Billboard #1 hit to add to their resume the band is ready to hit the road with their hard hitting sound to support their new album, A Hope In Hell. JC got a chance to speak with lead singer Dan Murphy about their unorthodox rise to notoriety, how they plan to take in the opportunity to tour, and more.  

Comprised of Roland "Roly" Velazquez (vocals), Jonathan Rivera (bass), Dimitri Anchipolovsky (guitar), Kevin Stewart (guitar), and Romulo Bernal (drums) AVAT formed in 2015 and have continued to dole out charging riffs, bewilderingly catchy leads, and soaring vocals. The band was described by Revolver as “hard-hitting,” and fans of Killswitch Engage, Trivium, and Protest the Hero will find themselves magnetically drawn to the band’s hooks, their incorporation of their Miami roots into their music, and their blend of progressive and metalcore styles. JC got a chance to sit with Roly about the formation of the band, how they've been able to stay connected with their fans, and what he's learned along the way. All of this and more on the latest episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

Started as the solo project of Los Angeles based Drew Straus, (also a member of Twin Cabins) Onsen has grown into a collaboration spanning both coasts. Using a lot of his own personal experiences, Straus' sound can be best described as indie electro. His latest release, "Keeper" (out now) is a snapshot of some of his past relationships which means tracks can span a wide spectrum from mellow chill to happy dance. JC got a chance to talk with Straus about his process, how it's different from his other projects, and the part technology has played over the years in the music industry. All this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 Podcast!

A reformed wild child, in recent years Kate Vargas has traded the party for meditation, yoga, clean eating and a renewed focus on what she values most—her music. The half-Mexican, New Mexico-raised, NYC-based artist is building ever more mindfully on her sound, and the music press is taking notice. Vargas has received accolades from a variety of respected outlets including NPR, Billboard, No Depression, and the Huffington Post, the latter assessing, “There is an unlimited amount of potential in this superstar on the rise.” JC got a chance to speak to Vargas during a recent trip to Maui and spoke a lot about her early music career, playing the flute, and connecting with fans during covid. All of this and much more on this episode of theFIVE10 podcast!