Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

Latest Episodes:

PHABO: From Juke Joints to Blue Note May 17, 2026

Show notes

Ian Von catches up with Phabo backstage in New Orleans during his tour run with Ari Lennox for an honest conversation about life on the road, performing for Ari’s loyal R&B audience, and how every city brings a different energy to the show. Phabo also breaks down his new project Ratchet & Blues, the creative freedom behind it, paying homage to classic R&B, and how touring has helped him grow as an artist and performer. They also talk fan-building, the business side of touring, Ari Lennox’s impact on modern R&B, and what’s next — including Blue Note performances and a full Ratchet & Blues tour. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:24 On Tour in New Orleans 0:42 Life on the Road & Venue Energy 1:11 First Hometown Performance 1:51 The Making of Ratchet & Blues 2:31 Full Creative Control & DIY Vision 3:01 Defining the Ratchet & Blues Sound 3:28 Classic R&B References & Juke Joint Energy 3:45 Favorite Album Moments 4:03 Tour Lineup Breakdown 4:33 Learning From Ari Lennox 4:49 Ari Lennox’s Originality & Influence 5:25 Balancing Male & Female Energy on Tour 6:03 Three Different R&B Styles on One Stage 6:33 Ari’s Stage Production & Hotel Concept 7:03 Watching the Headliner Every Night 7:23 Standing vs. Seated Crowd Energy 7:32 Ari Lennox’s R&B Fanbase 8:11 Love, Vulnerability & Ari’s Music 8:41 Matching Energies Across the Show 9:18 Best Intro Songs for New Fans 9:48 Nostalgia vs. Originality in Production 10:12 Favorite Lyrics & Standout Tracks 10:23 Touring, Ticket Sales & Music Business Talk 10:58 Sold-Out Tours & Building a Fanbase 11:29 Real Impact Beyond Social Media Numbers 12:02 Real-Life Support vs. Digital Metrics 12:18 Why New Orleans Crowds Matter 12:39 What’s Next After the Tour 13:04 Blue Note Shows Announcement 13:20 Touring Ratchet & Blues Properly 13:39 Balancing Music & Podcasting 14:03 Tour Status Check 14:13 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude 14:24 Outro & Sign-Off

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Sam Pounds Live From New Orleans: Death Row & The Return of Real Soul May 10, 2026

Show notes

In this special live episode, Ian Von sits down backstage at Tipitina’s with powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Pounds, along with his musical collaborators Family Company. Fresh off soundcheck and just minutes before showtime, they break down Sam’s journey from North Carolina church roots to producing for Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, crafting the Day Shift theme song, and ultimately landing on the legendary Death Row Records.

They dive into why real instruments, live arrangements, and human feel still matter in an AI-driven era, how they channel the spirit of the late 60s/early 70s soul greats, and why this New Orleans show is one of the most important of Sam’s career. The crew also touches on the new single “Queen”, the sound and philosophy of Family Company, and what it means to build a tribe that’s committed to real R&B and soul.

🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes

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Marie Dahlstrøm : Soul, Motherhood & Modern R&B May 03, 2026

Show notes

Ian Von sits down with Denmark-born, London-based artist Marie Dahlstrøm to explore her journey from a small town with no R&B scene to becoming a standout voice in UK modern soul. They discuss her independent approach, move to London, and how motherhood has reshaped her creativity and vulnerability.

Marie breaks down her albums Like Sand and Good Life, plus her latest single “Frostbite.” The conversation also touches on gospel’s influence on R&B, the value of real musicianship, and making honest, emotionally grounded music while balancing art, family, and mental health.

Chapters
0:00 Intro & Welcome
0:55 Moving from Denmark to London
3:08 Discovering R&B & Gospel
4:29 Going Pro & Staying Independent
6:27 Defining Her Sound
7:48 Influences & “American” Sound
9:20 Musiq Soulchild Influence
10:20 Writing from Real Life
11:19 Music as Therapy
12:40 Like Sand Creation Story
14:06 “Home With You” Breakdown
15:01 Good Life & Motherhood
16:21 Balancing Family & Music
17:26 Touring with Kids
18:18 Album Growth & Process
19:26 Staying True in the Studio
21:03 Motherhood & Focus
22:09 New Vulnerability
22:35 Songwriting Process
23:25 Feeling Exposed in Music
24:20 Authenticity in R&B
26:21 Collaboration Style
27:00 Health, Routine & Balance
28:03 Working with Daniel
29:01 R&B Around the World
30:21 Gospel Roots of R&B
32:00 Musicianship vs Programming
33:24 Artists She Loves
34:47 Quick Fire Questions
36:32 Meaning Behind Good Life
37:28 “Frostbite” Story
39:00 Closing & Outro

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rjtheweirdo: Vulnerability, Accountability & New Age R&B Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist RJ The Weirdo to unpack his unique sound, his bold honesty in songwriting, and his mission to bring accountability and emotion back to R&B.

RJ opens up about the story behind his name, the influence of his father and Dallas’ diverse music scene, and how genre-bending, vulnerability, and raw truth shape his music. He and Ian dig into the culture of “toxic” relationships, why honest male perspectives matter, and how R&B can once again be a space where men and women truly hear each other.

They also walk through RJ’s debut project At Least She’s Beautiful—from the headspace he was in while creating it, to standout tracks like “Perfect One” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) and “Tricks Are For Kids.” RJ shares how fatherhood softened and deepened his love for women, the guilt and grind of pursuing music while parenting, and how being homeless in L.A. and ghostwriting led him to being signed to Ty Dolla $ign & Leon Thomas’ EZMNY.

This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about artistry, manhood, love, and the beauty of just telling the truth.

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Marc Lo: From Ghostwriter to Frontman Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Marc Lo) a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist making serious waves.

From his roots in church and musical theater to working with artists like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Teddy Swims, Mark shares his journey and why he’s now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.

We dive into his upcoming album 11 Days, the stories behind “Marvel,” “Interest,” and “Money, I Used to Love You,” and how he blends R&B, soul, pop, and global influences into a fresh, timeless sound.

Plus, a deeper conversation on the meaning of R&B, his influences, and why gratitude is at the center of his life right now.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening & Mission of the Show
1:16 Introducing Marc Lo & His Artistic Roots
3:44 South Florida Influence
5:01 What is R&B? Genre, World Music & Feeling
8:10 Songcraft & Musicality
9:57 From South Florida to Hit Records
12:29 Musicianship & The Stolen Clarinet Story
15:26 Moving to L.A. – Fear vs. Readiness
17:02 Harmony Language & Gospel Influences
19:13 The Story Behind “Interest”
22:28 The Story Behind “Marvel”
25:11 Concept Writing & “Money, I Used To Love You”
28:02 Neo-Soul Lineage & Marc’s Sound
30:33 The Need for More R&B Voices
32:35 Teddy Swims, Justin Bieber & Holiday Jam Session
34:26 Songs He Wishes He Kept?
35:28 State of R&B & “Best Vocalist” Debate
39:03 Goals: Touring, Albums & Film Music
42:03 Album Themes: Love, Resilience & Gratitude
44:00 Vulnerability, Process & Defining Success
47:17 Using AI as a Creative Tool
48:22 Ian’s Inspiration from Marc’s Music
49:52 What’s Next: Singles, Album & Where to Follow
50:30 Closing & Outro

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Von Waters: Idea a Day: Freestyling melodies in the booth to landing placements with today’s biggest R&B names Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time.

He shares how a DM to legendary producer Troy Taylor changed the trajectory of his career, how the pandemic dissolved his group but unlocked his songwriting bag, and why he’s intentionally taking his time before stepping forward as a solo artist. They also get into the realities of publishing deals, the grind of writing “an idea a day,” and the difference between powerhouse vocalists and what Von jokingly calls “medium singers.”

This is a candid, grounded look at what it means to come from a small town, dream big, and actually put in the work behind the scenes of today’s R&B.

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Aaron Page: Finding Purpose, Pressure, and Peace in R&B Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Aaron Page to explore his journey from Connecticut to Houston and his rise as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices, including opening for Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor. Aaron shares how his early influences, family, and artists like Ryan Leslie and Ne-Yo shaped his sound, and breaks down the inspiration behind his project Before I Go, a raw, conversation-driven take on love and growth. They also discuss creating R&B in the modern era, Houston’s impact on his music, dream collaborations, and why love remains at the core of the genre.

0:00 Opening + Show Intro
0:37 Introducing Guest: Aaron Page
1:11 Mutual Respect & R&B Craft Talk
1:45 Aaron’s Origin Story: Falling in Love with R&B
4:30 R&B as Identity & Foundation
4:43 Choosing Music as a Life Path
6:50 Love for the Process vs. Today’s Convenience
7:44 Influences & Inspiration for Aaron’s Sound
9:56 Creativity as a God-Given Gift
10:14 Concept & Heart of Before I Go
12:08 “Pretty Girls Love R&B” Breakdown
13:03 “Lord Knows” & the Creative ‘Click’
13:53 Pushing the Sound While Staying True
14:44 Opening for Bryson Tiller & PARTYNEXTDOOR
16:06 Their Impact on Modern R&B
17:15 Where to Start with Aaron’s Music
18:21 What’s Next: New Music, Collabs & Shows
18:55 Spreading Love as R&B’s Core Mission
20:08 Dream Collaboration: Chris Brown
21:12 Live Show Inspiration & Tour Talk
22:23 Houston’s Influence on Aaron’s Sound
23:26 Host’s Personal Houston Connection
24:11 Closing Thoughts & Mutual Respect
25:09 Sign-Off: “Can We Talk R&B?”

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Ye Ali: Indie By Choice: Ownership, Peace, and Saying No to Bad Deals Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with artist, songwriter, and producer Ye Ali – widely known as the self‑proclaimed Trap House Jodeci – for a deep dive into modern R&B, collaboration, independence, and the business behind the music.

They break down Ye’s journey from Chicago and Indiana to Los Angeles, how he accidentally slid from rapping into R&B, and the moves that led to placements with Chris Brown, Jack Harlow, Kehlani, 6LACK, PartyNextDoor, and more. Ye talks about finding inspiration in Toronto’s sound, shaping his own atmospheric, sensual R&B lane, and why his music has become “get-ready-to” and pre-game music for so many fans.

The conversation also covers his upcoming collaborative EP “You & Your Homegirls”, his five‑city tour, and his growing role as a behind‑the‑scenes power player – including the story of how he helped Duran Bernard land a distro deal with Create Music Group. They get honest about credit splits, publishing pitfalls, why Ye has stayed independent, and what it really takes to keep your peace and your freedom as an artist.

If you love R&B that feels pure, vibey, and unforced – and you want game on the industry side – this episode is loaded with gems.

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ANN NESBY : The Voice, The Village & The Vision Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary vocalist Ann Nesby for an inspiring conversation on faith, legacy, artistry, and love. From her roots in church to global success with Sounds of Blackness and a thriving solo career, Ann shares the story behind “Optimistic,” her journey as an artist, and the heart behind her new R&B project Anniversary.

Packed with wisdom on music, relationships, and true success, this episode is a must-watch for fans of gospel, R&B, and message-driven music.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Welcome
1:22 Early Life & Church Roots
4:40 Finding Her Path in Music
6:23 Chicago Gospel Beginnings
8:56 Theater & Sounds of Blackness Journey
11:24 Joining Sounds of Blackness
13:33 Group Origins & Growth
15:22 Making “Optimistic”
17:22 Meaning Behind “Optimistic”
19:26 Choir Culture & Nostalgia
22:12 Gospel Legends & Evolution
23:33 Solo Career & Writing Journey
28:02 Label Changes & Career Moves
29:11 ‘Anniversary’ Album Story
32:03 Full Circle with RL (Next)
33:21 Love Theme of the Album
36:03 Duet with Calvin Richardson
37:46 Love, Roles & Relationships
40:42 Message Behind the Music
42:14 Redefining Success
44:00 Advice for Young Artists
45:45 Music Business Game
47:11 Lessons from Legends
48:24 Attitude & Professionalism
49:19 Protect Your Work
50:07 Closing Thoughts & Blessings

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Vella: From bedroom covers to Universal Sweden, manifesting a music destiny in real time. Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, Ian sits down with rising powerhouse vocalist Vella, a Cuban-American artist out of Tampa whose raw, soul-drenched voice has been turning heads worldwide.

Vella shares how a simple TikTok cover recorded out of boredom during the pandemic turned into a viral moment that led to label attention, a deal with an indie LA label, and ultimately signing with Universal Sweden. She breaks down the years of vocal training and hard work behind her “overnight” success, her deep love for live instrumentation and classic soul/blues/rock, and the emotional process of crafting her debut project All My Love.

From crying in the studio while recording the aching ballad “Dead Roses” to feeling the rush of performing for European crowds for the first time, Vella opens up about heartbreak, resilience, and the power of vulnerability in music—while also revealing her inner Zelda-loving, Nintendo-obsessed nerd.

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