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On this episode guest co-host Adam Kirby joins Skunk Manhattan to chat with writer, comedian, and fervent bagpiper, Madeleine Hamilton. Madeline, a native Texan originally from Houston, lived in Los Angeles and studied abroad in Scotland (where she took up and became obsessed with bagpipes) before relocating to Austin, TX.

Her bagpipes-centric "Piping Hot", was performed at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and she received four star reviews from The Scotsman and Broadway World. The one woman show is essentially a first timer’s bagpipes lesson, but Madeleine teaches about the bagpipes through true stories of her sexual escapades. American made, with and a pile of kilts purchased on Amazon, she has incorporates her country’s trademark lack of propriety and chronic horniness into the show. Each part of the bagpipes unfortunately reminds her of a man from her past, and Madeleine weaves a narrative of her search for love and coping with heartbreak against the backdrop of her true love: the loudest instrument ever.

Madeleine has been doing stand-up comedy for over 6 years, ran a show for a year and a half, and performed at The Comedy Store and Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. To date, she has written four pilots and two features, and has twice placed in the Second Round of the Austin Film Festival.

Madeleine is currently working on a degree in accounting at the University of Texas, while performing solo or with the Austin-based pipes and drums group, Silver Thistle. She is also working on the third draft of a novel which has caused a stunning amount of family drama.

Madeleine: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Linkedin

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ | Madeleine's Playlist

On this episode, Ruthie Craft, a talented musician and singer-songwriter, joins us to discuss her journey in music, from her early influences and experiences on American Idol to her recent EP, Sound of Blue.

Ruthie shares her struggles with Tourette's syndrome and how singing initially became a source of comfort and expression. Her passion led her to pursue a career in music, and after a turbulent marriage at a young age Ruthie relocated to Austin, TX to realize her dream. She talks about her move from Washington to the live music capital of the world, the dynamics between her bandmates, and her unexpected success in acting and commercials.

Ruthie discusses the cultural insights gained from her travels, the impact of online comments on artists, and her future plans in music, including further collaborations with artists and producers who have inspired her. This conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a genuine passion for music and connection.

Ruthie Craft: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Music⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ I ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | TikTok

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠| ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

ESP Playlist | Ruthie's Playlist

This episode features Omar Jahwar II, drummer of the EDM meets jam band 2Lot. We discuss the band's formation during a time of personal loss and social change, their unique sound that blends electronic music with improvisational elements, and their mission to inspire and activate change via music. The conversation delves into the challenges of addiction, the importance of community support, and the hard work required to succeed in the music industry as Omar shares personal stories that highlight the power of music as a unifying force and the band's commitment to social advocacy. Omar discusses the freshly released debut album entitled Entropy and upcoming tour plans for the band.

The band's name, '2Lot', symbolizes overcoming life's challenges and the emotional journey conveyed through their music, particularly in the title track 'Entropy'. The connection between jam music and EDM is explored, emphasizing the significance of live performances in creating memorable experiences for audiences. Omar also talks about what resonated musically during his teenage years and the musical influences that shaped his career in conjunction with the profound impact of music on personal empowerment and the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.

Omar, Vic & Skunk also curate a playlist that reflects Omar's personal musical journey as they discuss influential albums and artists, share memorable performances, and delve into the impact of 90s hip-hop and grunge.

In this engaging conversation, Vic and Skunk Manhattan sit down with Kevin Keller, a renowned composer in the ambient and neoclassical music scene. They explore the essence of ambient music, its atmospheric qualities, and how it can transport listeners to new places.

Kevin shares his musical journey, from his early influences in rock and classical music to his experiences in film scoring and contemporary dance. The discussion delves into the role of technology in music production, the importance of live musicians, and Kevin's upcoming projects, including a ballet inspired by his latest album, 'Evensong.'

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the impact of influential composers and the evolving landscape of music composition. In this engaging conversation, Kevin Keller discusses the profound influence of ambient music, particularly the works of Harold Budd, and how it shapes his own compositions. He delves into the creative process behind his latest album, 'Evensong,' which incorporates ancient melodies from Hildegard of Bingen, and reflects on the evolution of musical modes throughout history. Keller shares his eclectic musical tastes, highlighting modern influences and the impact of music in film, particularly in the context of Hans Zimmer's work on 'Dune.'

The discussion culminates in Keller's insights on creating meaningful music through collaboration and experimentation.