Episodes

  • Ep. 9: Music Journalism Isn't Dead, It's Podcasting with Rolling Stone Legend Ben Fong-Torres

    Ep. 9: Music Journalism Isn't Dead, It's Podcasting with Rolling Stone Legend 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
  • Ep. 4: Latin Fire - Bay Area Beats & Mural House Magic

    Ep. 4: Latin Fire - Bay Area Beats & Mural House Magic
    Mar 6 2025
    This week, we're diving deep into the vibrant world of Latin music, a genre we celebrate every Sunday right here at Music City San Francisco. We are exploring the rich history of Latin Rock in the Bay Area and Mexico. From legends like Carlos Santana to exciting new acts, this episode is packed with great sounds. We have an exclusive interview with Walter Atkins. He shares insights into the legendary Mural House in the Mission, and the inspiring work of Richard Segovia. Plus, we're bringing you a beautiful story, an interveiw, and a stunning track from Axel Tosca and his mom, the renowned Cuban recording artist Xiomara Laugart. Get ready to discover the heart and soul of Latin music on this week's Music City San Francisco Podcast, brought to you by Pantheon Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Ep. 3: Hyde Street Studios - The Sound of San Francisco's Soul

    Ep. 3: Hyde Street Studios - The Sound of San Francisco's Soul
    Feb 27 2025
    Get ready to dive deep into the heart and soul of the San Francisco music scene! We're exploring the legendary sounds that have shaped the Bay Area, from the Summer of Love to today's thriving musical revolution. We're talking iconic bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, and Green Day, all of whom recorded at the historic Hyde Street Studios (formerly Wally Heider Recording). Join us as we chat with David Calabrese, producer of the documentary "When the Sound Hits the Walls," about the studio's impact and the current state of music in the city. Plus, we'll be featuring the phenomenal Pamela Parker, a powerhouse vocalist, producer, and sound engineer who's a driving force in the local scene. It's a jam-packed episode you won't want to miss, so tune in and let us bring you the sound! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Ep. 2: Can Live Music Survive? Ticket Prices, Tour Troubles & The Healing Power of Sound

    Ep. 2: Can Live Music Survive? Ticket Prices, Tour Troubles & The Healing Power of Sound
    Feb 20 2025
    Alright, music lovers, welcome back! You're tuned in to the Music City San Francisco Podcast, where we always have our ear to the ground, bringing you the sound! This week, we're diving deep into the world of live music – the good, the bad, and the expensive. We're asking the tough questions: Why are festivals and tours getting cancelled, and why are ticket prices soaring so high? It's a global problem impacting our local Bay Area scene, and we're tackling it head-on, while championing the importance of supporting local venues and live shows, along with a Music City History talk with owner Rudy Colombini. We're also celebrating resilience with the fantastic Miist the Singer (Miist with two I's!), who shares her inspiring journey overcoming adversity through music, family, personal life, and medical challenges. Plus, we'll journey to Grace Cathedral's Sound Symphony with correspondent Elise Jacobson, for a taste of musical healing. Get ready for an episode packed with powerful stories, insightful conversations, and incredible music, all brought to you by Pantheon Media! This is the Music City San Francisco Podcast – let's get to it! We've got local music hero, the bulding of music city, and musical healing, covering all the music scene from Amber Wave, to overcoming tour cancellations. We'll make sure to cover everythign from a sound bath, to a sold out crowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
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