Ukulele Underground Podcast

Latest Episodes:

As One Scale Closes, Another One Opens | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #45 Feb 19, 2022

Show notes

Video Podcast, Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2022/02/as-one-scale-closes-another-one-opens-tuup45/

We are back this week talking about "Opening" Ukuleles and whether it's more important to learn scales or chord families? Aldrine starts the podcast by explaining what it means when an Ukulele opens up, and demonstrating with two ukuleles in the office. The discussion turns to speeding up the opening process with a tool, and if it's worth it. A UU Member asks if they should prioritize learning Scales or Chord Families. The guys share their thoughts and describe how they would suggest learning a scale. They also give an example of their Favorite local musician who doesn't know Music Theory, and why you can get by from only knowing the basics. The UU Team offers suggestions for sheet music apps, and tips for memorizing songs before topping off the podcast with a demonstration of "fixing" wrong chords.

Kanile`a + UU (ft. Kaimana Souza) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #44 Feb 05, 2022

Show notes

Video Podcast, Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2022/02/kanilea-uu-tuup44/

FUSION HA! Last Saturday, it was announced that UU has officially been acquired by Kanile`a. Kaimana from Kanile`a joined us to answer what the acquisition means for Ukulele Underground. Before we get to the big topic, we also talk about some of the other announcements made during Kanile`a's 2022 Showcase. In particular we discuss the new Builder's Experience and the 2022 Platinum model. After that, Kaimana reassures some of the audience's worries by explaining that UU is not going to drastically change, and that UU and Kanile`a have already been working together for months. Aldrine explains why the merge happened in the first place, and Aaron uses Disney, Marvel, and Pixar as an analogy for how the new partnership works. The guys also talk about how the public forum won't change, and how any changes is for functional reasons. Now that the elephant in the room has been addressed, UU members ask Kaimana more specific ukulele questions: how much is the platinum, what about the AGXAQ strings, are GOTOH Stealth Tuners discontinued, and what is Master Grade Koa? Sprinkled along the way, the gang also discusses Ukulele's roots in Portugal, Kanile`a's innovations, a Souza family performance, and the purpose of the Platinum models. We top off the podcast with some teasers for future plans and what can be expected now that Kanile`a and UU are one big happy family.

Mail Time Scales | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #43 Jan 15, 2022

Show notes

Video Podcast, Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2022/01/mail-time-scales-tuup43/

Here's the mail, it never fails, it makes me wanna wag my tail. When it comes I wanna wail mail! If you couldn't guess, we get mail on this week's podcast. Before we open letters and even some presents, we answer a few questions. We can't give our opinion on The Beatles' Get Back documentary because we haven't seen it, but Aldrine does demonstrate pentatonic scales when he shows how you can improvise over "Have you Ever Seen the Rain?" After opening some touching letters and personalized gifts, we answer what is the best strum sequence, and explain why we don't use strumming patterns anymore. Aldrine gives some thin string recommendations, and the guys discuss electric (amplified and solid body) ukuleles. The podcast is topped off with Aldrine asking the Audience if they would like to see more Online Concerts from UU?

Santa's UU Work SHOP | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #42 Dec 18, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/12/santas-uu-work-shop-tuup42/

This week, the guys are pulling out their red coats and growing their beards as they announce the opening of the UU Shop, and reveal who gets their secret Santa Songs. But before the reveals and announcements, the team answers questions about skin difficulties with fretwires, 5/4 time, and convincing your significant other that you should get a new ukulele. UU also tackles giving advice for learning new songs and how to approach getting sponsored by an ukulele company. We've been alluding to it and giving hints here and there, but the new UU Shop is finally open for business. Aldrine explains what is in the shop, and what is planned to come to the shop in the future. The podcast is topped off with the team showing their songs for the secret Santa Songwriting challenge. This is the last UU Live Stream of the year, so we hope everyone has a great Holidays, and we'll see you on January 7th, 2022!

Looping Back to Pickups | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #41 Dec 04, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/12/looping-back-to-pickups-tuup41/

This week, we're Looping back to pickup recommendations. At the start of the podcast, Aldrine has a very important request for our global audience. Next, the guys give their best tips for figuring out your vocal range. Someone asks who wrote the latest Uke Lesson song, and another viewer asks where they can find looping or backing tracks? Aldrine gives his pickup recommendations and the team tries to help someone who wants to try Authentic Hawaiian Ukuleles, but cannot easily access them. The audience ask if Aaron will ever be on camera, and why Kahai wears an apron in the intro? The podcast is topped off with the guys picking their Secret Santa Songwriting Challengers, Reminding Everyone of the New Christmas Songs, and giving an update to the last livestream of the year.

Lo-fi Beats to Groove/Jam to | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #40 Nov 20, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/11/lo-fi-beats-to-groove-jam-to-tuup40/

Do, or Do Not Groove, there is no try. A famous, small, green man once said these words, but this week, we are diving in to Groove. For the first Friday Podcast, the UU gang discusses what Genres are suited for ukulele, and what genres are overlooked on ukulele. When someone asks if they will get used to calluses on their fingers, the team argues the benefits of calluses, and gives some suggestions if you want to avoid them. Aldrine and Aaron demonstrate finding and following the Groove. The boys give tips for learning the notes on your fretboard, and how you can apply it to your playing. Aldrine shows off his nails and discloses his strict nail regiment. The podcast is topped off with tips for jamming to Lo-fi.

Mics Vs Pickups | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #39 Nov 05, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/11/mics-vs-pickups-tuup39/

Before we tackle the classic debate of Mics Vs Pickups, we have a big announcement for Ukulele Underground Streams. This is the last Ukulele Underground Podcast to be streamed on Thursday. The podcast will now alternate with the Aloha Friday Jams on Fridays. The guys explain why the change, and what that means for UU as a whole. The discussion of Mics vs Pickups is started when OG Member, Jim, ask what effects does Aldrine love or hate? Aldrine lists his go to effects and pedals, and what effects he uses for studio recording. We get into the main topic of the podcast by describing one of the major downsides of pickups: the dreaded thump. The team then explains the pros and cons of performing with a microphone. Aldrine recounts his early experiences with pickups, and how he does soundchecks now. It's ironic that as we give the tip to not overcomplicate your set ups, we experience Audio problems. We won't be here next week, but we will be back on the following Friday. Send in your questions during the week off, so we can jam-pack the next podcast.

No Mistakes, Just Happy Accidents | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #38 Oct 29, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/10/no-mistakes-just-happy-accidents-tuup38/

In the words of Bob Ross, "We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents." This week UU is giving tips on performing and nerves. We start of the podcast with Aaron recounting his time off, and a little shout-out to UU original member, Russbuss. A UU member talks about stage fright, so Aldrine shares his own performance anxieties and pre-show routine. We also hear about Aldrine honing his performance abilities at Open Mics. The guys give some examples of how the audience won't remember your mistakes, and how mistakes can even become fun memories. With all the talk of performing, the team reminds everyone of the next UU Open Mic, the Spooky Aloha Friday Jam, a Secret Santa Songwriting Challenge, and an Upcoming Song lesson.

No Right or Wrong, Just Possibilities | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #37 Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/10/no-right-or-wrong-just-possibilities-tuup37/

Are there Right and Wrong ways to hold chords? It's a pretty common question that we've been asked before, but on this podcast we try to solidify where UU stands, and what we mean when we teach you the "Right" way to hold a chord. Before that, we give a quick student review, and some suggestions on Bass Tone. A member is taught an Alternative way to hold G, and asks if it's right or wrong? Aldrine tries to show the pros and cons for holding G either way. Kahai brings up that there is usually a reason why certain ways to hold chords become the standard for most players. We use the toolbelt analogy again, and remind everyone to use the right tool for the job. When another member asks if it's ok to play Em with your pinky, we go into a deeper discussion of enjoying your time learning the ukulele, and not trying to find the Secret to Instant Improvement. The topic of Instant Improvement leads the guys to examine Music Trends, Ukulele Clickbait, and Social Media as a whole. The podcast ends with an announcement that there is no Jam tomorrow, but Live Coaching is still happening. The team will be back next week with something spooky.

Ukulele Buying Tips (ft. Magic Mike) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #36 Oct 15, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links: https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/10/ukulele-buying-tips-ft-magic-mike-tuup36/

Magic Mike is back this week to share his top tier tips for buying an ukulele. Before that, we pick Mike's brain by asking whether tonewood or construction affects an ukulele's sound more. After taking a slight detour to 90's wrestling, we get back on topic when Mike throws out a question about Kanile`a's bracing. Aldrine inquires Mike on what ukuleles tourist gravitate towards? Mike give his recommendations for common uke requirements from tourist. UU Strolls down Memory lane when the topic of old pressboard hard cases is brought up. Kahai ask Mike for his picks of starter ukuleles, and how much should people save before buying an ukulele? A member asks if how an ukulele ages should be considered before buying it? Aldrine tries to stump Mike with a word association game on the most notable ukulele brands. We get one final ukulele accessory recommendation from Mike before closing out the podcast.

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