Ukulele Underground Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Be Kind, Rewind | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #15 May 21, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/05/be-kind-rewind-tuup15/

Be kind, and Rewind. This week, the UU Team is taking a deep dive into Audio Engineering Techniques and Effects. Before that, let's rewind to the beginning of the podcast, and hear Aldrine explain why he strums with his fingers extended. Next, the guys demonstrate several options for a diminished chord switch, and give a quick Student Review. Of course UU needs to make a food related tangent before getting to the main topic. Aldrine and Kahai give their EQ and Reverb Tips while the guys come together to explain what compression is, and why you would use it. Aldrine gives examples of compression and EQ in his own stories of recording. The gang tries to define Mastering before offering recommendations for practicing Flamenco. There is one final Rabbit hole when Aldrine reminds everyone to Rewind their Tapes and VHS.

Sweep the Strings Johnny! | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #14 May 14, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/05/sweep-the-strings-johnny-tuup14/

There's no Wax On, Wax Off in this Dojo. This week, Aldrine is teaching the forbidden technique of Sweeping the Strings. We get to Aldrine's reveal after a member asks, "How can they practice ascending runs?" Aldrine also demonstrates Arpeggios and how to combine both Arpeggios and Sweep Picking. The guys talk about how your ukulele size does/does not not affect this technique, and how you can build up to playing it fast. This leads to Aldrine explaining how he got caught for not practicing what he teaches, and a behind the scenes look of his recording process. UU goes back to the original question: how to incorporate Crescendos and Diminuendos, and what songs are good for practicing fast ascending runs? A winner is selected for the last Songwriting Challenge, and a new Mad Libs Challenge is set. The podcast is topped off with the boys opening a box of treasures from Australia.

Who's that Jakémon? (ft. Jake Shimabukuro) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #13 May 07, 2021

Show notes

Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/05/whos-that-jakemon-ft-jake-shimabukuro-tuup13/

After talking about, referencing, and idolizing him, we finally have the "Jake Shimabukuro" on the podcast. The podcast starts off with some reflections on the last collab UU did with Jake, and when he went from Aldrine's Idol to Aldrine's Hero. A question about disaster gigs leads Jake to explain how he learned and grew from those experiences. When we ask the legend what his uke size preferences are, we also get a history of his personal ukuleles, and an origin of the Flattop Kamaka Headstock. Aldrine asks for an explanation of Slash Chords before we ask what is it like performing with your brother? A short break from questions: we challenge Jake to a mini game of Who's that Jakémon (Jake or Young Kid). Aldrine shares his story of, "When Jake asks, you don't say no." The podcast wraps up with Jake listing uke players that inspire him.

My Dog Has Low G | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #12 Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/04/my-dog-has-low-g-uup12/

This Week is all about Low G. The boys spend most of the podcast answering questions about translating tabs from High G to Low G. They also discuss Aaron's personal Low G ukulele, and playing Slash Chords (using a Low G). Next, a member has asks about adapting Piano Music to Ukulele. This leads nicely to Aldrine talking about Jake's song, Piano Forte, and his story about playing with Jake. We can officially announce that Jake will be on the podcast in two weeks (May 6th), so if you have any question for him, send them in to questions@ukuleleunderground.com. The team also reminds everyone about the next UU Open Mic, and the Allegheny Ukulele Soiree. Before revealing their Mad Libs songs, the guys give feedback on a U-Bass Student Review.

Collaboration Sauce | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #11 Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/04/collaboration-sauce-uup11/

This week, the team explores the Secret Sauce in a good Online Collaboration. Aldrine walks through UU's Collaboration process, Aaron gives insight into the video side of things, and Kahai recalls videos where the guys added more after, or needed to prepare in advance. They also talk about some of their favorite collaborations, and share some behind the scenes details of their favorite videos. A member asks about the pros and cons of fingerpicking with 3 vs 4 fingers. At the end of the podcast, UU tries more hot sauce, and Aldrine shares his own Sauce recipe.

WALK Before You RUN | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #10 Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/04/walk-before-you-run-uup10/

You gotta WALK before you can RUN. Even though this seems logical, sometimes we all need a reminder to take things easy at first. It's a two question podcast this week. First, the guys give advice for how to respond when your ukulele has a problem. The meat and potatoes of this week's episode is answering the question, "How do you know the key of a song based off of just the chords?" The team explains how you can find the key by using chord families and the circle of fifths. They discuss why you want to learn the basics and play your ukulele (Walk) before you learn music theory (Run). The podcast ends with an unboxing of a new hot sauce, and taking a look at some of the mementos on the UU set.

Finding the FUN Element | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #9 Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/04/finding-the-fun-element-uup9/

This Week, the Team is on the search for the "Fun" Element, and Hawaiian Style. Before they embark on this journey, they start off the podcast with Song Submission reviews. It's part two of defining Hawaiian Music when the guys attempt to explain characteristics of Hawaiian Style. This proves to be just as difficult, and Aldrine goes slightly off track explaining his Ukulele Heroe's Styles. Speaking of heroes, Aldrine makes a special announcement for a future guest, and discusses the new Uke Lending program for Hawaii State Libraries. When a member asks how to get out of a rut, Aldrine and Kahai suggest trying new things, and Aaron suggests being happy with how far you've already improved. UU ties up their advice with recommending looking for the Fun in whatever you do. A "Mad" new songwriting challenge is issued, and the podcast ends with another cliffhanger question.

"Truss" in Me | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #8 Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/03/truss-in-me-uup8/

Do you "Truss" us? This week, the Team answers what benefits Truss Rods add to ukuleles, and if they really need them? The guys also help a couple members with their humidity inquiries. Someone throws UU a fast one with, "How do you define Hawaiian Music?" Aldrine gives some of his favorite Jazz chord progressions, Aaron explains how you can find and learn Jazz standards, and the whole team discuss what scales someone should practice for Jazz. The guys answer a final question on how to find a minor key in the Circle of Fifths before closing out with some announcements and a Special Guest Teaser.

Taking OFF the Training Wheels | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #7 Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/03/taking-off-the-training-wheels-uup7/

This week, UU Challenges players to take off their "Training Wheels". The podcast kicks off with a question about switching ukuleles during practice sessions. Aldrine restates some advice from his mentor, Jake, and the guys explain the pros and cons of switching ukes. When a listener asks how they can add different strumming patterns to songs, Aldrine challenges them to play without strumming patterns at all. The team clarifies why Strumming Patterns are "Training Wheels" and why they stopped using them to teach. Another member asks how 6 string ukuleles are traditionally configured? Then it's take two for Songwriting Challenge #26. The podcast ends with the guys asking for some help for fellow ukulele players and friends.

What is Your Vision? (ft. Andrew Molina) | The Ukulele Underground Podcast #6 Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

Podcast Show Notes and Links:

https://ukuleleunderground.com/2021/03/what-is-your-vision-ft-andrew-molina-uup6/

"What is Your Vision?" This week, we're excited to have Andrew Molina on the podcast. Andrew is a Pro Uke player from Maui. During the podcast, Andrew shares insight to how he stays motivated and focused on his Vision. The podcast starts off with UU asking Andrew about his uke, what strings he's using, and how he arranges songs. When Andrew mentions he's currently listening to John Mayer, the guys fanboy a little, and reveal a fun tidbit about Victoria Vox. Aldrine asks Andrew how Martial Arts ties in to his ukulele playing. This leads him to suggest beginners ask themselves, "What is my Vision?" Aaron asks Andrew about his Electric Ukulele, and Kahai asks what techniques work well with it. Andrew tops off the podcast by playing an original song.

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