Ukulele Underground Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Origin of Manny | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #25 Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/07/the-origin-of-manny-tuup25/

Learn the origins of THE MANNY THE ROOSTER. This may not happen again, so take this opportunity to hear the backstory of UU's infamous celeb. The podcast starts off more light heartedly with Aldrine showing a present he received from Mike. Next, the guys give their individual picks for best tonewoods. They also discuss why tonewoods shouldn't be your only deciding factor, and sustainable wood alternatives. The team gives some tempo and panning advice to a member before talking about the one (and not so only), Manny the Rooster. The podcast ends with reliving old videos, an announcement for the next guest, and the "Final" due date for the songwriting challenge.

Favorite Duet (ft. Craig and Sarah) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #24 Jul 23, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/07/favorite-duet-ft-craig-and-sarah-tuup24/

This week we are joined by our favorite Ukulele Duet, Craig and Sarah. Craig and Sarah are some of the best players, teachers, and organizers in the Uke Community, and we are lucky to have known them for a long time. The team looks back to when they met Craig and Sarah, and we hear their side of the stories. Next, Aldrine and Craig recount their first time working and touring together. We get the backstory of how Craig and Sarah met, and who they have helped in the Uke Community. When UU members ask questions, the duet gives advice on Jazz comping, memorizing lyrics, and relaxing before a performance. They also answer what is their favorite duet arrangement to play? The podcast ends with some advice for people wanting to perform professionally. Besides being fantastic ambassadors of the ukulele, we're proud to call Craig and Sarah our friends.

Artificial Harmonic Math | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #23 Jul 16, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/07/artificial-harmonic-math-tuup23/

Learn the Math behind Artificial Harmonics. Before Aldrine reveals the secret, we talk about Spicy Chicken Sandwiches and Byron Yasui's book. A question of how to handle song request leads to a discussion on hecklers, banter, and stand up comedy. When a member asks for an explanation, Aldrine shows the technique and Math used to play Artificial Harmonics. The podcast is topped off with some Student Reviews, and a promise to get Craig and Sarah on next week.

Cement Your Songs | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #22 Jul 10, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/07/cement-your-songs-tuup22/

Should you play different songs, or should you play the same song request again? These are the conundrums, the UU Team is tackling this week. It starts off with a questions from last week, "How often do you change your Set List?" Aldrine and Aaron share some examples of when they changed their Set List. Aldrine also explains why it's good to set audience expectation by cementing your songs. Another member asks what makes good opening songs? This leads a discussion on songs that are overly requested, and why they won't do them. After all this talk, the guys give the suggestion to play what you like and be true to yourself. Some tangents are taken on the way to a question about using Guitar Strings on an Ukulele. UU gives some cautionary advice on why you want to stick with ukulele strings. The podcast ends with an announcement on next week's guest, and what guest might be invited in the future.

Join the Club! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #21 Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/07/join-the-club-tuup21/

Join an Ukulele Club! This week, UU is singing the praises for Uke Clubs, and the Uke Community as a whole. A member gets the podcast rolling by asking for tips for their first in person Jam. The guys try to relieve this person's anxieties by explaining how welcoming 99% of Uke Players are. Aldrine suggest they get ready to talk about the specs of their uke, and gives his own experience of going to a Uke club incognito. The team also share their one "Weird" experience with a club, and how it still turned out great. After spending most of the podcast promoting Uke Groups, a member asks how to minimize squeak with wound strings. Aldrine gives his best advice, and the crew suggest some string alternatives to consider. With the open mic coming up, Kahai asks if Aldrine can explain his process behind making a Set List. While Aldrine demonstrates a good Set List with his own "Ice Breaker" songs, and "Leave them wanting more" songs, Aaron argues that an open mic is a great place for experimentation. At the end of the day, the team reminds everyone to have a good time regardless of group or open mic setting. If you aren't a part of a Uke Club yet, feel free to Join ours!

Balanced, as all things should be | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #20 Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/06/balanced-as-all-things-should-be-tuup20/

Perfectly Balanced as all things should be. Aldrine has gathered the Infinity Stones and made the Snap to get Perfectly Balanced strings on his ukulele. Before opening that can of worms, we have some exciting news from Jake, and we pick a winner for the last Songwriting Challenge. The guys get a little side tracked with food and food related songs, but tie it back in with a new Songwriting Challenge. Someone asks what the inlay is on Aldrine's new uke, and it reminds the boys of when they would mock up their fantasy custom instruments. The rest of the podcast is spent on String Balance: what it is, how you can fix it, is it worth fixing, and can you ignore it after you know? This week's show is finished with stories of "How Dare You" moments, and reminders for the upcoming song lesson and open mic.

Open Up, It's Your New Uke! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #19 Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/06/open-up-its-your-new-uke-tuup19/

How long does it take for your uke to Open up and be honest with you? It depends on how much time and emotional support you're offering your ukulele. Continuing from last week, Aldrine explains the different sonic qualities between his new uke and The Office Uke. The team also discusses how an instrument needs time and attention to really develop it's sound. This leads to Aldrine recounting some of his Favorite Sounding Ukuleles, and one ukulele in particular called "The Hammer". Next, A member asks where they should go after finishing Ukulele 102. While giving suggestions, the guys get a little sidetracked talking about the first UU Live Streams. In a Student Review, Aldrine reminds everyone about the importance of proper form. Finally, the boys reveal their songs for the Mad Libs Challenge. Aldrine plays his love song for a certain Hub Maiden, Kahai does a disco tune, and Aaron pays tribute to everyone's favorite Garbage Can Dwelling "Grouch". The end of the podcast is spent mentioning the new solo, and plans for next month's open mic.

Ukulele Ronin (ft. Mark and Danyo) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #18 Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/06/ukulele-ronin-mark-danyo-tuup18/

Ronin (浪人), a Samurai without a lord or master. Like 7 Samurai, this week's guest were Ronin before they joined forces with Aldrine and started their band, One-Time. Besides being Aldrine's old bandmates, Mark and Danyo are our good friends, and experienced songwriters. With such talented musicians as guest, the majority of this week's podcast is spent on songwriting advice: how to get started, equipment/software for recording, and what artist inspire their songwriting. Aldrine, Mark and Danyo also take a look back on their early days of recording and performing music. Everybody needs to start somewhere, so hopefully hearing what the guys had to go through will inspire you to start making music.

Notice: Sorry for the Echo. It stops in the second half.

Be in the Moment (Mike Returns) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #17 Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/06/be-in-the-moment-mike-returns-tuup17/

"Be in the Moment," Magic Mike delivers these words of wisdom and more on this week's podcast. We start off the podcast by catching up with Mike, finding out where he works now, and who are some people he's played with. A UU member asks for help figuring out the key of her original song. The answer isn't quite that simple, but Mike gives his best guest, and makes suggestions for how she can solo during it. The Team discuss other examples of songs without straightforward keys, and Aldrine demonstrates the suggestions Mike gave for soloing. Another member asks Mike if you should let your bass player know beforehand when you are going to use chord substitutions? Mike recounts his own experience of playing with "Wacky" musicians, and why you want to be in the moment in case of surprise chord changes. One of musicology's greatest questions is inquired, "Are you culturally conditioned to feel certain emotions when you hear certain music, or is there something in the sound itself?" Mike gives examples of music from around the world that isn't so easily defined by emotions. Aldrine tries to stump Mike by asking about one of Jake's chordal choices. The guys prolongs Kahai's day by listing musicians Mike has played or worked with before.

"Wrong" Notes, but it Feels so Right | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #16 May 28, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/05/wrong-notes-but-it-feels-so-right-tuup16/

How do you play the "Wrong" Note, but still make it feel right? Before that, UU discusses if a Low G String on your uke can cause damage, and why Low G Strings might break repeatedly. This leads to a look back at uke players using classical guitar strings, and the hype around new string sets. When a member asks what scales to play during a blues improv, Aldrine demonstrates starting simple with pentatonic scales, then he shows how you can go to another level by playing the "Wrong" Notes intentionally. Another member asks how to keep your fingers closer to the fretboard? Aldrine shows exercises to practice this, and the guys talk about removing barriers that would keep you from playing (even going as far as keeping a "Bathroom Uke"). The podcast ends with mentions of future guest, and upcoming events.

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