Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Camper: God in the Groove, Victoria Monét & The Frequency of Love Oct 25, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful, spirit-filled episode, Ian Von sits down with producer, artist, and self-described servant of the music Camper to unpack the making of Victoria Monét’s album Frequency of Love, his 20-year journey in the industry, and why intention, God, and real musicianship still matter.

Camper talks about growing up playing in church, learning under Rodney Jerkins, being inspired by J Dilla and Kanye, and how those roots shaped a production style that feels like music, not just beats. He walks us through the creative chemistry with Victoria Monét, the story behind the instant classic “That’s Why I Love You” featuring Bruno Mars, executive-producing a cohesive album in a noisy era, and carrying the mantle of R&B with humility and purpose.

This episode is equal parts testimony, masterclass, and love letter to real songwriting and production.

🧧 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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I Fear We Ate: SZN4’s Debut, From TV Stage to R&B Trailblazers Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising mixed-gender R&B group SZN4 to unpack their journey from the TV competition Building the Band to touring, festivals, and releasing their debut album I Fear.

They talk about how four singers from Utah, Boston, Arkansas, and Chicago became one cohesive vocal unit, what it really took to get their signature blend, and why being runner-up on the show might have been the best thing that happened to them.

The conversation dives into vocal arranging, songwriting with top creatives, the difference between “great singers” and true “artists,” and what it’s like to build a brand-new kind of R&B group in a solo-artist-dominated era. The group also shares the heart behind I Fear, the vulnerability in the booth, tour life lessons, and their vision for where they want SZN4 to sit in the culture five years from now.

Stay to the end for a fun game where everyone reveals their go-to breakup songs, driving anthems, and personal theme songs.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Set-Up
0:32 Who Is SZN4 & How Long They’ve Been Together
1:30 Building Group Chemistry & Vocal Blend
3:03 From TV Show to Real-World Music Career
4:04 Forming the Band on the Show & Finding Chemistry
5:04 Unique Dynamic: Two Women, Two Men in One Group
6:02 No Power Struggles, Just Serving the Music
6:34 Writing & Studio Process: Melodies, Lyrics, and Teamwork
8:27 Favorite Parts of Creating in the Studio
9:10 Aaliyah & Donzel’s Early Connection on the Show
10:16 How Cameron & Katie Joined & The “Gumbo” Analogy
12:12 Four Cities, Four Backgrounds: Utah, Boston, Arkansas, Chicago
13:19 Being Runner-Up & Turning That Into Fuel
14:24 What Viewers Didn’t See: Behind-the-Scenes on the Show
17:52 Deep Dive Into Their Vocal Blend & Studio Growth
20:01 Difference Between Great Singers & True Artists
21:21 Handling Creative Disagreements & Group Rules
23:23 Are Groups Back? Pressure in a Solo-Artist Era
24:35 First Full Album: Emotional Impact of “We Really Did This”
26:48 Still Fans of Their Own Album & What They Want Listeners to Feel
28:32 Why the Album Is Titled I Fear & What It Means
29:38 Vulnerability in the Booth & Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones
31:00 Genre-Blending: R&B, Pop, Soul & More
32:02 Musical Inspirations: From Beyoncé to Stevie Wonder
35:02 Rapid-Fire R&B Game: Breakup & Makeup Songs
37:11 Best Driving / Ride-Out Songs
39:14 Personal Theme Songs
41:15 Essence Festival Performance (New Orleans)
42:19 Touring Lessons: Vocals, Mental Health, and Living on a Bus
45:00 Looking Ahead: Next Tours, Europe, and Big Dreams
46:20 Upcoming Milestones: More Touring, Grammys & Merch
47:20 Five-Year Vision & Legacy in This Era of R&B
50:23 Closing Thoughts & Farewell

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Bobby Ross Avila: From Studio C to the Super Bowl, The Making of a Modern R&B Jedi Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with two-time Grammy Award–winning producer, songwriter, artist, and music director Bobby Ross Avila for a masterclass in musicianship, longevity, and R&B history.

Bobby shares how he went from a three-year-old on the piano to being signed at age 12, opening for New Kids on the Block, and later becoming part of iconic production duo The Avila Brothers. He dives into his life-changing mentorship with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, his work with legends like Usher, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, and The Isley Brothers, and how a producer customizes records for each artist without losing their identity.

They break down the craft of making timeless music, the importance of real musicianship in the age of technology and AI, and what it takes to serve as music director for Usher’s Las Vegas residency, Super Bowl halftime show, and the blockbuster Past Present Future “R&B” Tour with Chris Brown. Bobby also shares a rare story about receiving a USB of unreleased Prince vault material from Paisley Park.

This is a deep, thoughtful conversation about artistry, humility, discipline, and why, for Bobby, the biggest superstar in the room is always the music.

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JHart: The Full Fantasy: JHart on Vocals, Vulnerability & Vision Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter and powerhouse vocalist JHart to trace his journey from London to Atlanta to Los Angeles — and from shy, church-singing kid to in-demand hitmaker and fully realized solo artist.

They dive into how the Black church, Atlanta’s R&B legacy, and the pain and beauty of the queer experience shaped his voice and pen. JHart opens up about self-sabotaging early opportunities, rebuilding his life and career in LA as a songwriter first, and finally stepping into the spotlight with his new EP The Full Fantasy.

The conversation spans everything from vocal “source-channeling,” the return of real singers, honoring Black musical traditions as a white queer artist, the power of live musicianship, and what it really means to be an artist vs. just a great vocalist. Along the way, they nerd out on Brandy, Mariah, Bieber, yacht rock, and the unsung centrality of R&B to the entire music ecosystem.

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Kuzi Cee: From Zimbabwe to Canada, Gen Z’s Lover Boy Is Reshaping R&B and Modern Soul Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Kuzi Cee – a self-described Gen Z lover boy and R&B purist – to talk about love songs, the African diaspora, and the evolving state of modern R&B.

From growing up between Zimbabwe, London, New York, Pennsylvania, Toronto, and Calgary to signing with Universal Music Canada, Kuzi breaks down how his international upbringing, his love for 90s and 2000s R&B, and his Zimbabwean roots shape his sound. They dive into his breakout record “Rather Be”, his vulnerable single “Rain”, and his confident new joint “Ember”, while also unpacking the balance between vulnerability and strength as a male R&B artist.

The conversation stretches from Usher’s Confessions to the UK R&B wave, from TikTok virality to FIFA stages, from toxic R&B eras to love-centered storytelling. They close by centering the craft of songwriting and why R&B pens are some of the sharpest in music.

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Still Outstanding: The Life and Legacy of Raymond Calhoun Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Ian Von sits down with songwriter, drummer, and producer Raymond Calhoun – the man who wrote one of the most enduring R&B records of all time, “Outstanding” by The Gap Band.

Raymond breaks down:

- How he hustled from DC churches to The Manhattans, Peaches & Herb, and eventually to The Gap Band.

- The exact story of how “Outstanding” was written in his living room, inspired by his young daughter… and finished in the bathroom.- How he played nearly every instrument on the original recording.

- The battles over credit, publishing, and money that followed – including mis-spelled credits, blocked royalties, and decades of unpaid publishing.

- How he eventually reclaimed his U.S. copyright and why “God is real” in his journey.

Along the way, he shares road stories, production history, friendships with legends (Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Tito Jackson, M’tume & Reggie Lucas, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, SWV’s Brian Morgan, and more), and the emotional cost and reward of having your very first song become a certified R&B classic.This is essential listening for musicians, songwriters, music historians, and anyone who loves the stories behind the records.

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Day26: The Real Story Behind Their 20-Year Journey Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von chops it up with the legendary R&B supergroup Day26. Nearly 20 years after they first hit our screens on Making the Band, the guys break down their journey from reality TV to chart-topping success, group breakups and reunions, going independent, and stepping into a new era with fresh music.They talk about what made their chemistry feel ordained, why there were no real “peers” when they debuted, how it feels to hit 20 years in the game, and what it really takes to put out quality music without the machine of a major label. They also share what it was like moving back into one house as grown men to recapture that early magic, and give fans a live taste of their signature multi-part harmonies.Along the way, they preview their new project, reveal some of the heavy-hitting collaborators involved (including Brian Michael Cox and Johntá Austin), and express deep gratitude for the fans who have been rocking with them since 2007.🧧 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 iHeartChapters:00:00 Cold Open & Hype Intro00:21 Welcoming Day26 & Fan Love00:52 20 Years & “Legend” Status01:20 The R&B Group Landscape in 200702:05 Why Day26 Shot Up So Fast02:23 Forming Day26: Competition to Chemistry03:10 “Ordained” Chemistry & God’s Hand03:34 All Frontmen in One Super Group04:11 Real 4–5 Part Harmony04:35 Were They Really “Green” Before Making the Band?05:34 The 2007–2011 Run, Split & Reunion06:11 The Power Move That Brought Day26 Back06:59 Q’s Return & No Bad Blood07:39 Veterans of the Game, Not Novices08:08 Dream Tour: Jagged Edge, New Edition & More08:36 Who Would Day26 Do a Verzuz With?09:11 Day26 vs. Danity Kane?10:03 Respect & Keeping It Clean10:31 The Day26 Music Journey10:54 Debut Album & “Co-Star”11:03 Going From Major Label to Independent11:27 Losing the Major Label Machine12:04 The “Day Ones” Project & Indie Grind12:26 Moving Past the “TV Group” Label12:57 Catalog Streams & Rediscovering Day2613:24 Recreating the Making the Band House13:55 A Project Dedicated to the Fans14:24 Touring, Sold-Out Shows & 20 Years14:50 Gratitude for the Day26 Family15:16 Watching Their Fans Grow Up15:38 Why People Thought Day26 Disappeared16:11 Day26 Never Stopped Dropping Music16:36 Who Day26 Is Working With Now17:03 Taking the Next Album to Another Level17:24 Bringing Back the First-Album Day26 Vibe17:45 New Orleans Show Expectations18:00 What to Expect: Love & Vocals18:21 Day26’s Group Chemistry18:39 Can Day26 Still Harmonize Live?18:46 LIVE: “Are We In This Together” A Cappella19:30 “Stop Playing With Day26!”19:50 Closing Thanks & Sign-Off - 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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3Quency: How three powerhouse vocalists are reviving 90s R&B sisterhood for a new generation. Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B/pop girl group 3Quency to talk about the modern resurgence of groups, building real sisterhood in the music industry, and carving out their own lane after their breakout on Netflix’s Building the Band.

They share how they formed “Love Is Blind–style” in pods without seeing each other, the pressure and beauty of carrying the legacy of 90s and 2000s girl groups, and how they navigate vocal health, touring, social media narratives, and independence as young artists.

From stories of performing with lost voices and sprained ankles, to late-night “girls talk” that turned into a whole project, this conversation is a deep dive into authenticity, unity, and what it really takes to be a group in 2026. The ladies also perform a live a cappella snippet (Brandy’s “Have You Ever”), talk through their creative process as songwriters, and reveal the powerful meaning behind their name, 3Quency.

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Dondria: Independent, In Love, and In Control Jun 28, 2026

Show notes

Ian Von sits down with R&B singer-songwriter Dondria for an honest conversation about her journey from YouTube discovery and early chart success to healing, independence, and rediscovering her love for music. She opens up about stepping away from the spotlight, overcoming depression, embracing solitude, building a career on her own terms, and why self-love became the foundation for her marriage, her creativity, and her new era, Back To Love. This is a conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to choose yourself.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro
00:42 Catching Up with Dondria
01:17 Finding Her New Sound
01:41 The Power of Solitude
03:04 Isolation, Faith & Growth
04:28 Falling Back in Love with Music
06:25 The Meaning Behind "Solitude"
07:29 Dondria's Songwriting Process
08:37 AI & the Future of Music
10:10 Mental Health & Back to Love
11:41 YouTube Discovery & Going Viral
13:11 Jermaine Dupri & Early Success
15:10 Michael Jackson Biopic Review
18:11 The True Cost of Success
19:21 Depression, Healing & Growth
20:46 Learning to Trust Herself
22:59 A New Era of Self-Love
24:37 Advice for New Artists
25:35 Breaking Down the New Music
27:26 Independent vs. Major Labels
28:52 Wedding, Tour & New EP
30:50 Ownership & Standing Up for Herself
32:31 Marriage & Creative Partnership
34:21 Does R&B Make Room for Healing?
36:07 A Message to Day-One Fans
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions
40:07 Becoming "The One" for Yourself
41:04 What's Next for Dondria

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Ama: Love, Friends & Late-Night Calls; What R&B Feels Like Now Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Can We Talk R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with London-raised, Guyanese-rooted R&B artist Ama (Ama Lou) to unpack her new era — a “fearless reset” that strips away cryptic storytelling in favor of direct, deeply personal songwriting.

Ama opens up about moving from hiding behind aesthetics to writing from her real life, the vulnerability behind her viral duet “Needed U Bad” with Brent Faiyaz, and how Caribbean culture, London upbringing, and long-time friendships with artists like Brent and Tyler, The Creator inform her sound.

They also dig into intimacy, desire, and modern relationships, the ebb and flow of honesty in R&B, the importance of creative control across music, visuals, and fashion, plus what fans can expect from her upcoming tour with Ella Mai. The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and a reflection on what love sounds like to Ama right now.

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