Music Explored Podcast

Thank you to our sponsor:

Instagram Facebook YouTube

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Bangerz Brass: Toronto's Hip-Hop Brass Band Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

For today's episode, we are joined by two members of Toronto's Hip-Hop Brass band, Bangerz Brass: Max Forster and Emily Ferrell. Bangerz Brass is an incredible Toronto-based group featuring three MCs backed by a dynamic collection of horn and percussion players. They have quickly gone from busking in Toronto's Kensington Market to selling out some of the city's most popular venues in a few years. In this podcast episode, we speak to Max and Emily about how this band came into existence, hip-hop, and what it's like working on music with 12 different people!

Want More Bangerz Brass?

Thanks for subscribing

[Don't forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code "PODCAST" for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our sponsor:

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Practice, Preparation & Success with Andrae Ennis Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Andrae Ennis joins us in the studio in this episode of the podcast. Andrea is a dynamic vocalist and entrepreneur from the city of Toronto who created Soul Sessions, a signature event that delivers an incredible musical experience with talented Canadian artists. Andrea was also a top 20 contestant on the Canadian hit show "Canadian Idol" in 2004!

In this episode, Andrae chats with the guys about how covid forced him to slow down, the power of live music, and practice (yes, we talking 'bout practice!) Great chat with one of the coolest vocalists in our city. Enjoy responsibly!

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Want More?

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Small Milestones, oh and it's Episode #75 Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

In this week's episode, the guys get together, in the studio, to talk about getting old while briefly celebrating their 75th episode. They also get into the various roles in bands, the many faces of anxiety, and much more!

We appreciate your support

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Want More?

Instagram

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Music & Persistence with Jeff Lurie Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

Jeff Lurie dropped by the studio for this week's episode. Jeff is an Audio Director and Composer with TA2 studio here in Toronto. As a composer for over 15 years, he's worked with some incredible brands and companies such as Lincoln, CIBC, Ford, and Freedom Mobile. In addition to composing, Jeff also is a singer, voice-over actor, and creator/author of the children's book Jamie Jangles, which he created with his daughter during the pandemic. In this episode, Jeff talks with the guys about the life of an audio director, his early days in music, and much more!

Thanks for your support!

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Want More Jeff?

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Desarae Dee: Telling her Story Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

Multi-instrumentalist Desarae Dee came into the studio to chat with the fellas on this week's episode of the podcast. Debuting as an artist in 2014, Desarae is a powerhouse pianist/keyboardist who has been making major waves in the Toronto music scene. Dubbed “Toronto’s Fusion Pianist” by BUZZMUSICLA, she has an undeniable playing style that is uniquely her. Her latest, "Late Arrival (Remix)", is truly a song for the hopelessly soulful, the “start your day” workaholic coffee drinkers and those who appreciate true musicianship. Desarae talks about her unconventional musical style, and how she's been able to blaze a trail in the name of instrumental music for current and future Black Women Musicians in Canada. Please enjoy responsibly!

Thanks for the support!!

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Wanna connect with Desarae?

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Amaal's Inspirational Journey: From Somali Refugee to Juno-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

Somali-Canadian singer-songwriter Amaal joins us for today's podcast episode. Amaal began her remarkable journey in war-torn Mogadishu, where she and her family lived until they were forced to flee as refugees in the early 1990s. Starting fresh in Toronto, she embraced the poetic nature of her cultural heritage. Still, she bristled at the conservative structures and customs that came with it, particularly the repressive expectations placed upon women. By the time she hit 20, Amaal had grown bold enough to begin making her music. However, she still felt limited as to what she could sing about, so she focused her creative energy on politically and socially conscious material inspired by the civil unrest in Somalia and the struggles her people faced. In 2019, Amaal finally worked up the courage to step outside her comfort zone with the release of Black Dove, a critical smash, garnering a Juno nomination for Soul/R&B Recording of the Year! Amaal's sophomore EP, Milly, is available wherever you stream your music or podcast. Amaal connects with the hosts today to discuss her journey to Toronto, her connection to her culture, and how she eventually became comfortable expressing her true story.

Want more Amaal?

Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Twitter Website

Thanks for subscribing :)

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our sponsors:

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Our Humble Opinion(s) Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

In this week's episode, the three men get into a discussion about hearing loss, manufactured motivation, and the vast pool of courses available online. Please enjoy responsibly!

We appreciate your support!

Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch!

Use code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Beware, the internet comments! Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

No guest on today's podcast so the hosts get into a discussion about social media and Youtube comments, overall internet behaviour, our love of food, and of course MUSIC! Please enjoy responsibly :)

Thank you for your support!

[Don’t forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!]

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project

Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer

Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman

Touring Guitarist TJ Whitelaw on Inspiration and the Coolest Member of a Band Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Guitarist TJ Whitelaw joins the guys in the studio for today's episode. TJ is a touring and session musician based out of Toronto. He has performed on 3 of the most extensive network TV stations in Canada, CBC, CTV, and Global, as well as performing on Mahogany Sessions (2019 w/ Amaal), The Directors Guild of Canada Awards (2019), the Indspire Awards (national aboriginal awards), in the house band for Canada's Walk of Fame, etc. as well as multiple IHeart radio stations nation-wide. Tj's on-stage experience is extensive (touring in North America, Europe, and Asia) and all-encompassing, spanning from pop to jazz to gospel. He's performed with MYA, Jessie Reyez, Madison Beer, Kardinal Offishall, Allan Rayman, Ruben Studdard, Johnny Reid, and many more. In this episode, TJ shares with us the inspiration behind putting out a solo album, the group debates who is the coolest member in a band, and of course, guitars!

Want More TJ Whitelaw?

Website Instagram

Thank you for subscribing

Thank you to our sponsor: