Episodes

  • Ep. 12: Bay Area Beats - Tribute to Elvis de Souza & Exclusive Baz Francis Performance

    Ep. 12: Bay Area Beats - Tribute to Elvis de Souza & Exclusive Baz Francis Performance
    Jun 2 2025
    For the latest episode of the Music City San Francisco Podcast, we switch things up a little as our producer Albert Lopez takes the chair to interview two friends of the show. First, we sit down with Nilo Ayele, of the band Namorados Da Lua, to pay tribute to their recently departed forever bass player, Elvis de Souza who left us a few weeks ago. The band plays at Music City San Francisco as a tribute to their dear friend and the legacy he's left behind. Then Albert is joined with his old friend Baz Francis, the international singer/songwriter, who lives in the UK but is in the Bay touring and spends some time with us sharing his unique take on the world along side his unique sound. Baz plays an original song for us in the podcast studio as he and Albert discuss everything from music to the current state of the political world. You can find both Baz and Nilo's music on YouTube as well as Spotify. Guests:Nilo AyeleBaz Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Ep. 11: NBA All-Star Weekend: Goldie Gold, Paletas Cannabis & Beats

    Ep. 11: NBA All-Star Weekend: Goldie Gold, Paletas Cannabis & Beats
    May 16 2025
    You can't talk about Hip-Hop in the Bay Area without mentioning the Hyphy movement; and in this episode, we welcome none other than the grandfather of hyphy Goldie Gold of The Federation. He is holding his birthday party at Music City for NBA Allstar Weekend with sponsorship by Paletas Cannabis. It's a party you won't want to miss! We are also joined by Chuck T, the founder of Rich City Studios and friend of Hyde Street Studios, who is here to shed some light on several new hip-hop artists that are coming up in the Bay Area and showcase some samples of the works he does in his Richmond based studio. The hip-hop movement in the Bay is special in its own way, which sets it apart from the movements of New York, Los Angeles, Memphis, Atlanta and beyond. It reaches much further than the Hyphy movement and continues to evolve with the landscape of the music industry. Correspondent - Chuck T Guest - Goldie Gold of The Federation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Ep. 10: Beats, Brushes, and Broken Rules - Oakland’s DIY Electronic Underground Unplugged

    Ep. 10: Beats, Brushes, and Broken Rules - Oakland’s DIY Electronic Underground Unplugged
    May 5 2025
    This week's episode takes us into the world of electronic music. Does instrumentation make that much of a difference? Is it still music or just noise? We explore the eclectic side of Bay Area music with our correspondent Escher T as they take us to an exclusive DIY show at the Storefront Gallery in Oakland for an exploration of "the noise scene", with a concert that is part electronic live show and part interactive art installation. We welcome industry legend Shango B'Kongo-Rayo into the podcast studio to recall his time staying, rehearsing and performing at Music City while he shares his vast history of music, his experience at the crossroad of instrumentation and electronic sound and his life-long relationship with Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun. Shango's live performance at Music City also featured Pablo Callejero and Jaron Lanier and is available for viewing on YouTube under the title "Cuban Trance". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3pRpSS10dc Correspondent - Escher TGuest - Shango B'Kongo-Rayo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Ep. 9: The Sly Stone Story You Haven't Heard & How Podcasting Revived Music Journalism with Ben Fong-Torres

    Ep. 9: The Sly Stone Story You Haven't Heard & How Podcasting Revived Music Journalism with Ben Fong-Torres
    Apr 25 2025
    The theme for this week's episode is all about music journalism, or more specifically, music discovery. How are your favorite songs discovered? From the radio programming of the dust-bowl era, to the disc jockey decades of the payola scandal, the 20th century had an impressive variety when it came to music discovery. From Dick Clark and "American Bandstand", to Don Cornelius and the debut of "Soul Train", to the emergence of "Mtv: Music Television" and of course who can forget, "Napster"? Music discovery has taken on many different forms throughout the history of the industry and beyond. For almost six decades, Ben Fong-Torres has been a trusted voice for music in not only the print space of Rolling Stone Magazine, but also as a Disc Jockey on the "Jive 95" -era of KSAN, not to mention his time as a host on "Fog City Radio" for KQED. You can find more info about Ben Fong-Torres @fongtorres on Instagram! Ben joins us in the studio for the first of many segments entitled, "Music City Views", in which he will feature as the Music City San Francisco Podcast lead correspondent! We are also joined in the studio this week by the Rock n Roll Archeologist himself, Christian Swain; who is also an executive producer for this podcast. You can find more about the work Christian Swain does at pantheonpodcast.com - he produces shows for The Metallica Report, The Struts Life, Rock N Roll Archeology and much much more! Follow the revolution! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep. 8: Shaunna Hall on Four Non-Blondes, George Clinton & Female Trailblazers in Music

    Ep. 8: Shaunna Hall on Four Non-Blondes, George Clinton & Female Trailblazers in Music
    Apr 6 2025
    March was Women's History Month and in this episode of the Music City San Francisco podcast, we recognize the uncountable contributions that women have made to the music industry and acknowledge the cultural biases they have had to overcome in order to bring more inclusion and more talent into the world of music. We take time to highlight some of the amazing women who have performed at Music City in March, including Pamela Parker, Michelle Lambert, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums and many more. Penelope Houston of local punk legends, The Avengers, recommends we check out a special exhibit happening at the San Francisco Public Library, in the Spring of 2025, and we send our very own producer Albert Lopez to tell us more about it. Joining Brad in the studio this week is non other than the amazingly talented, multi-dimensional musician and engineer, Shaunna Hall; one of the founding members of Four Non-Blondes who still jams and occasionally tours with George Clinton. You can hear more of Shaunna's music at electrofunkadelica.bandcamp.com/track/en-dust she is also on Instagram @Electrofunkadelica Correspondent - Albert Lopez Guest - Shaunna Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep. 7: Inside Noise Pop: SF Music Week, Live Sounds & Fantastic Negrito

    Ep. 7: Inside Noise Pop: SF Music Week, Live Sounds & Fantastic Negrito
    Mar 28 2025
    This episode of the Music City San Francisco Podcast dives deep into coverage of the Noise Pop Festival, celebrating its crucial role in championing independent artists and culture within the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for over three decades. Host Brad, joined by correspondents EV P and Esha T, discusses the festival's impact, shares highlights from various live music performances (including Mount Eerie, Lankum, Simande, Dive, and a David Lynch tribute), and underscores Music City San Francisco's support, including hosting the Artist Development Day during the Noise Pop-presented San Francisco Music Week. Featuring an exclusive interview with Fantastic Negrito, the episode explores the resurgence of the local music community and the vibrant energy driving the city's ongoing cultural re-revolution. Featuring correspondents Evie P and Escher T Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Ep. 6: Beyond the Grateful Dead - Exploring the Bay Area's Jam Band Legacy

    Ep. 6: Beyond the Grateful Dead - Exploring the Bay Area's Jam Band Legacy
    Mar 20 2025
    Get ready to get your jam on! In this episode of the Music City San Francisco podcast, we're diving deep into the heart and soul of jamming, jam sessions, jam bands, and the entire jam culture that's got its deepest roots right here in the Bay Area. We're talking Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and many more. We’re not just looking back, though; we're looking at the here and now, exploring how this spontaneous form of musical expression is alive and kicking in San Francisco, with places like Music City and local legends like Anthony Arya leading the charge. We even feature special guest Michael Ruy. Ever wonder how bands are born? Sometimes, it's just two musicians, a stage, and the magic of the moment. From the roots of jazz to the heart of blues, we're unpacking it all. And to keep you on your toes, you get a special treat: an exclusive interview and musical performance by the incredible Anthony Arya, fresh off his record release party and a whirlwind tour of jam-friendly venues. So, tune in, turn it up, and let's get this jam started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Ep. 5: Mentorship in Music City - Your Guide to the SF Sound Scene

    Ep. 5: Mentorship in Music City - Your Guide to the SF Sound Scene
    Mar 13 2025
    Alright music lovers, tune into the Music City San Francisco Podcast this week as we dive deep into the crucial topic of mentorship in the music industry! We kick things off with some fun news about Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Jack White's awesome guitar swap, then get serious about why finding a mentor is vital for any musician. We hear from Brad Cunningham, a mentor close to home, and get the inside scoop on the recent Music Expo 2024 at Music City SF from Mo Madden. But the real treat? An exclusive chat with Jameson Durr from the legendary Hyde Street Studios, plus a sneak peek at his conversation with his own mentor, the incredible John Cuniberti! If you're passionate about the San Francisco music scene and want to navigate your own musical journey, this episode is your guide to inspiration, networking, and understanding the power of guidance in Music City!power of guidance in Music City! Background music provided by Seal Party, featuring Damon Wood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
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