NOT 97

Latest Episodes:

Rodney Chrome Interview: Little Rock, queer representation in rap, & manifesting stardom Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode features an artist who we introduced earlier in the season during our episode with Kari Faux – a very special fellow Little Rock, Arkansas native by the name Rodney Chrome. We spoke with Rodney about how the south has shaped him and his music, his foundation as a dancer, queer representation in rap, and his undeniable belief in himself and his dreams. Plus an explosive in-studio performance of two unreleased songs: BBL & Serial Killer

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Femdot. Interview: On Free Samples Vol. 2, songwriting, & Chicago Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Today we’re joined by Chicago’s own Femdot on the heels of dropping his latest mixtape "Free Samples Vol. 2" & kicking off his Free Samples headlining tour. We talk through the mixtape series and building towards his forthcoming album. We discuss the evolution of his writing style over the years as he’s sharpened his pen and become more comfortable telling intricate stories. And we talk through what it means to be a Chicago artist and following in the the legacy of those who have come before. Plus Femdot lays down a live performances his own “Cowboy Bebop."

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Cisco Swank Interview: On being raised around music, finding his sound, & the debut album "More Better" Nov 02, 2023

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On today’s episode we talk to New York’s own singer/songwriter, producer, & multi-instrumentalist Cisco Swank. Cisco discusses his early years being raised in a house filled with music & knowing he would pursue this life from an early age. We talk through his recent debut “MORE BETTER” as an introduction to Cisco as a fully formed artist blending genres and stepping into his own sound. Plus Cisco puts on an intimate performance of his track “Still Trying.”

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They Hate Change Interview: Life on the Road, Inspiration, New Music, and more Oct 26, 2023

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On today’s episode we welcome back the Gulf Coast’s own They Hate Change, coming off of a marathon year of tour — playing shows all over the world every since dropping their latest “Finally, New.” We talk through their mindset as they’ve opened for a range of artists from indie, to punk, to hip-hop, and more. How they prepare for their dynamic, highly coordinated live show and the many hip-hop duos they pull inspiration from, and discuss their most recent single “Stunt (When I See You).” Plus, Dre and Vonne treat us to a special in studio performance of the explosive new single.

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Live from Digilogue Day ft. Kerry Blu, Cedric Brazle, Prez Harris [Part Two] Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to NOT 97 live from Digilogue Day, this is part two of our marathon live interviews as a part of Digilogue Day’s Music Discovery Media Hub. Part one includes conversations with budding artists from Nyla XO, to Tymain Robbins, DZH, and Lea The Leo. Here we have sit downs with Kerry Blu talking about organizing his own music festival, Cedric Brazle on how real RNB is here to stay, and Prez Harris on the art of the posse cut.

Special thank you to the whole crew at Digilogue for inviting us to be a part of the Music Discovery Media Hub at Digilogue Day 2023.

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Live from Digilogue Day ft. Nyla XO, Tymain Robbins, DZH, & Léa The Leox [Part One] Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is a special one — featuring seven interviews conducted live during the recent Digilogue Day music and tech festival hosted by Digilogue. We talked to NYLO XO about coming up in Chicago and producer her own music, Tymain Robbins on his latest project”Fashionably Late,” DZH putting New Jersey rap on the map, Lea The Leo about songwriting, Kerry Blu about starting his own grassoots festival, Florida’s Cedric Brazle on bringing real RNB back, and Prez Harris on opening for legends like Jay Electronica.

Special thank you to the whole crew at Digilogue for inviting us to be a part of the Music Discovery Media Hub at Digilogue Day 2023.

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Elmiene Interview: "Accepting the death of the life I thought I was going to have, for the birth of the one that I’m living.” Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to NOT 97 — on today’s episode we sit down with UK newcomer Elmiene. Two years since going viral for covering D’Angelo, we talk through the journey from then till now, embracing the new life he’s living, getting cosigns & working with legends like Sampha, and his new project “Marking My Time” — out everywhere Friday, October 20th.

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C.S. Armstrong Interview Oct 12, 2023

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Quick story time — back in December 2017 we played a song called “Alright With You” on NOT 97, featuring a raw, striking, unforgettable vocal performance. That voice was CS Armstrong — a Houston-born bluesman. Brought up in a deep tradition of gospel and soul, over the last few years Armstrong has made his mark on the music industry — cosigned by the likes of Dr. Dre, Lena Waith, Black Thought with placements in major motion pictures from Judas and The Black Messiah to Proud Mary. It’s been a long time coming for us to sit down with CS — on the heels of his latest Come As You Are, we talk through his relationship with music from an early age, finding his voice as CS Armstrong, trusting the journey to bring you to the right people at the right time, and what the Blues means to him. Plus a live in studio performance of “Never Leave God Behind.”

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King Isis Interview Oct 05, 2023

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On today’s episode we catch up with Oakland’s King Isis, in town to perform at Afropunk. Isis talks through their budding career, carrying a musical family legacy that began with learning to play on her great grandmother’s piano at an early age. We talk through Isis’s debut EP scales released in March, and how their approach to songwriting has evolved as they look ahead to their sophomore project, Shed. Plus, King Isis gives a live in studio performance of “taste of you.”

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Pote Baby Interview: Hometown Hero Sep 28, 2023

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On today’s episode we sit down with Savannah, Georgia’s own Pote Baby. We introduced Pote to our audience on our Season Nine finale with his standout track “Do It 4 Pappy.” We talk through growing up in Savannah and what his hometown means to him, plus the importance of giving back and his own Pote Day — a city-certified, community-focused celebration for the city of Savannah. We discuss Pote’s consistency, his latest Yard Work Vol. 1 mixtape and what’s next. Plus Pote puts on a live in studio performance of “Do It 4 Pappy.”

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