Best KingÖ Podcasts (2025)

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Yearning with Dende 26:47

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3M ago26:47

26:47

We caught up with Def Jam's newest signee on the eve of releasing his latest project "I Am, Because You Are." Dende talks coming up in small town Texas playing in Church choir with his family and learning how the perform from studying Baptist preachers. We discuss the emotion tax of making R&B and the essence of his music that comes from a deep yea…

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Eem Triplin: On his debut album, studying songwriters, evolving his sound, & more. 31:32

4M ago31:32

31:32

We caught up with Johnstown, PA's own Eem Triplin to talk through his major label debut "Melody Of A Memory," working with the legendary DJ Dahi who executive produced the record, and how studying the art of songwriting has evolved his sound, amongst more. Thank you to our friends at Damballa. © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by…

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Kingo Halla: Coming up in a musical family, Toronto's community, exploring new sounds, and the latest "Alchemy" 27:06

5M ago27:06

27:06

We’re starting off the year joined by Toronto’s Kingo Halla. We talk the development of his sound and navigating new collaborations on his upcoming project Alchemy. He talks coming up as the youngest in a musical family, and watching his brothers pave their own paths in the industry. Going through the conservatory system and studying at Berklee, le…

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BADBADNOTGOOD: the secret to longevity, the art of collaboration, touring the world, Toronto, & more 40:15

6M ago40:15

40:15

For the last episode of the year we catch up with the boys from the prolific jazz outfit BadBadNotGood during their marathon residency at the Blue Note. We talk through their process of writing and collaborating — most recently with Baby Rose on Slow Burn. We discuss their hometown of Toronto and the influential scene they came up in alongside Dani…

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Jordan Hawkins: Coming up in the church, finding his sound, and living out his rock star dreams. 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

We caught up with Jordan Hawkins to talk through his rise from coming up in North Carolina and his early days in the church, to beginning his professional journey out in LA, making waves across the country, and living out his rock star dreams next year releasing a new project & touring his music around the world. Check out Jordan's latest single "L…

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Mavi: “Shadowbox,” the ups and downs of independence, evolving as a songwriter, giving back to the city of Charlotte, & more. 30:26

7M ago30:26

30:26

Charlotte’s own Mavi joined us on the day before releasing his latest body of work “Shadowbox,” a record that he says represents a wholly artistic pursuit, created freely without inhibition or external pressures. Mavi discusses his journey as an independent artists and the challenges, as well as the honor that goes along with that, we talk through …

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Nana: Artist development, the influence of the West Coast, visual storytelling, and more. 25:26

7M ago25:26

25:26

We sat down with LA’s Nana a few months back after the release of his 3 EP, the lead up to his latest “Are U Still There?” We talk through the West Coast’s banner year this year, the importance of visual storytelling, coming up in family of Ghanaian immigrants and the influence his parents have had on his artistry, and more. Plus a performance, liv…

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Isaia Huron: “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later,” finding comfort in chaos, embracing human error, and putting the art first. 41:22

7M ago41:22

41:22

Isaiah Huron takes his time but doesn’t over think it. On the heels of releasing his latest “I’ll Finish The Lyrics Later” we have a conversation about growing up in the church and what those early experiences taught him about performing, finding comfort in chaos, putting the art first, and embracing human error, amongst much more. *Not 97 is power…

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Tariq Al-Sabir: being unbound by expectations, wearing many creative hats, working with Dev Hynes, & more 34:28

8M ago34:28

34:28

Tariq Al-Sabir is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, musical director, the list goes on. We caught up with Tariq to talk through his latest “Unlike Yesterday Today I’m Ready,” the foundation his hometown of Baltimore set for him creatively, his work as a producer and music director most notably with Dev Hynes, and more. Plus a…

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Peach Tree Rascals: Navigating the industry, their viral “Mariposa” moment, keeping each other humble, and more. 31:14

8M ago31:14

31:14

The crew from San Jose collective Peach Tree Rascals join us today on the heels of releasing their latest “LOVE, THE RASCALS.” We talk through what it takes to stay friends and collaborators navigating the ups and downs of the industry. What the viral “Mariposa” moment meant to them, at 378 million plays and counting, and the power in rebuilding fr…

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ESTA: his debut album FRANCIS, coming up in Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts. 20:04

8M ago20:04

20:04

Prolific producer and DJ ESTA stops by to talk through his latest record FRANCIS, his early days running around with Soulection, finding his confidence, & trusting his instincts. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twit…

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Baby Money: Coming up in Detroit, the message in the music, hitting the road, and being a father 16:15

8M ago16:15

16:15

Detroit’s Baby Money stopped by sit down with RaShaad and talk through the intention behind his music, representing the city of Detroit, and the talent that’s rising from that city right now. We discuss hitting the road for the first time and being a father, amongst more. Plus an acapella performance of "Shinin." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard &…

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LUCI: Being a multifaceted creative, pushing boundaries while staying true to her foundation, and what’s next 31:34

8M ago31:34

31:34

LUCI is a North Carolina-raised, Brooklyn-based artist known for boundary pushing sounds that span punk, hip-hop, electronic, experimental and everything in between. We talk subverting genre and pushing beyond labels while maintaining a connection to your sonic roots. Luci speaks on art school and her many creative pursuits from visual art to dance…

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Tempest: Channeling rage into fun, being a multi-creative, ego death, & her latest release The Ranch 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

Tempest joins us today on the heels of releasing her latest "The Ranch." Multi-talented and ever pursuing new creative endeavors we talk to Tempest about DJing, cooking, songwriting, producing, performing and more. We talk making fun music that stems from rage, the power of an ego death, and more plus a live performance of the title track The Ranch…

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Xenia Manasseh: Songwriting as a form of confession, raising the ceiling for African artists, & creating space for people to feel. 21:51

8M ago21:51

21:51

Xenia Manasseh joins us today discussing her journey from Nairobi to Berklee college of music to LA. We discuss her relationship to place as a part of her creative process, the ever rising ceiling of opportunity for artists coming out of Africa, writing as a form of confession and self reflection amongst much more plus an in-studio performance of “…

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Radamiz: On intention, purpose, finding peace in the process, spreading love, and so much more. 51:32

8M ago51:32

51:32

Radamiz is one of one. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist and filmmaker stopped by NOT 97 to have an expansive, thoughtful conversation about intention, purpose, how and where we seek validation, worth, and so much more. Radamiz is known as a deep thinker, a community leader, and a visionary artist, amongst more. He talks use through his journey, h…

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Yellow Days: On "Hotel Heaven," storytelling, reconnecting with himself, and exploring a new sound. 31:45

8M ago31:45

31:45

A few months we linked up with Yellow Days before his sold out show at Elsewhere to talk through this “Hotel Heaven” era of his — what this warped world represents and the thrill of pulling people out of their comfort zone. Yellow Days talks through the twists of his career from signing to a major, getting lost in LA, to holding up in a flat in Lon…

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Duckwrth: His most vulnerable album, world-building, defying preconceptions, & more. 23:02

9M ago23:02

23:02

We sat down with the boundary bending Duckwrth as he gears up to release his highly anticipated new album — he breaks down the process to creating his most vulnerable, expansive body of work to date and building a world for his art to live in. We discuss his foundation as a graphic designer his hands-on approach to his career, and what led to this …

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Chenayder: Her life-changing year, cosigns from Tyler, The Creator to Clairo, balancing music & high school, and her debut "Maybe In Another Life." 24:30

9M ago24:30

24:30

Today’s guest Chenayder may be still be in high school but she’s already gotten co-signs from Tyler The Creator, SZA, Clairo, Smino, Mavi, and more. We talk through her nascent career and building her sound in real time, juggling high school and music, hitting the road with Mavi, and releasing her debut EP “Maybe In Another Life.” *Not 97 is powere…

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Swavay: Staying true to himself, lessons from Metro Boomin & James Blake, building community, and his latest BILLY. 35:39

9M ago35:39

35:39

Atlanta’s own SWAVAY joins us today to talk through his latest “BILLY,” what he’s learned from his decade + career in this industry, lessons from Metro Boomin to James Blake, and the importance of community in the rap game, amongst more. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT…

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Justin Nozuka: Growing up surrounded by music, Toronto, his process, & latest “CHLORINE." 30:41

9M ago30:41

30:41

We’re sat down with Justin Nozuka on the heels of releasing his latest body of work "CHLORINE" to dive into Justin’s illustrious career since dropping his debut album at 16 years old and coming up in a family surrounded by music & ambition. Justin reflects on his experiences and lessons learned over the years navigating this creative pursuit & intr…

1
Benji.: Coming out of Pittsburgh, his time with Spillage Village, developing his sound, and crafting the Love Gun Trilogy. 33:45

9M ago33:45

33:45

We’re tapping in with Pittsburgh-born artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist BENJI, coming into his own after years working with Atlanta supergroup Spillage Village and Earthgang. We talk through coming up out of Pittsburg and how that city has shaped who his is as an artist, finding his sound, and his Love Gun Trilogy as he gears up to releas…

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Kenji: On his debut project "between heaven & earth," finding his voice, and building community. 25:07

9M ago25:07

25:07

Today we’re joined by Brooklyn newcomer Kenji. We discuss his process & the journey to finding his voice, his sound, and his community. Kenji offers an intimate live performance of his track "SALMA," the lead single to his debut EP "between heaven & earth" that will be available on all platforms on September 27th. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard …

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Lekan: On intentional songwriting, surrendering to the creative process, and touring with Tems 27:27

10M ago27:27

27:27

A few months ago we sat down with Lekan and discussed his approach to songwriting and surrendering to the creative process. And we talked through what this current moment means to him, as Lekan supports Tems on her "Born In The Wild" tour. Plus Lekan givs an intimate in-studio performance of "Familiar," the stand out track from his latest “So You K…

1
Buddy: On finding himself, going independent, & his latest release "Don't Forget To Breath." 16:49

10M ago16:49

16:49

Buddy joins us on the heels of dropping his latest record “Don’t forget to breathe.” Buddy discusses his journey from signing with Pharrell at 15 and working within the major label system for over a decade, to today, releasing his music as a fully independent artists. Buddy talks through his own perspective shifts over the last couple of years, goi…

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TeaMarrr: On having fun in her cat woman era, songwriting as therapy, misogynoir, and more 20:09

10M ago20:09

20:09

TeaMarrr is not one to sleep on. The LA-by way of Boston artist has been making waves in the industry for years with a pointed pen and a contagious energy she’s ready to step back into the light after laying low since 2023’s “You Should Prolly Sit Down For This.” We talk through her latest single “CATMAN” and what this new era represents for her bo…

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Low.bō: On Baltimore, honest songwriting, family, & embracing his own creative path 37:31

10M ago37:31

37:31

Rising Baltimore-born singer / songwriter Low.bō talks through his relationship with his hometown, what it means to develop your own sound in real time, the importance of family, and how his experience in visual art mediums has impacted and influenced his music. Plus, a live performance of his track "Silverhaze." *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard &…

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Andre Lawrence: On Dustrial Denim, growing up in NYC, exploring new sounds, & more. 23:09

10M ago23:09

23:09

New York’s own Andre Lawrence join us on the heels of dropping his debut record “Dustrial Denim.” We talk through his aspirations in music and pushing beyond hip-hop, how this city has shaped who he is and the artist he is becoming, what it means to pay homage to those before you while staying true to yourself, and more. Plus a live performance of …

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Real Ones: Chicago's music platform on their rise, community, & who they're listening to 55:49

11M ago55:49

55:49

This episode is a special delivery — highlighting not a rising artists, but a rising collective of music journalists, videographers, photographers and more. REAL ONES is a Chicago force — covering the sound of the city and beyond for the better part of the last 3 years. We had the pleasure of working with Real Ones to present Frank Leone’s debut al…

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Frank Leone: On his debut album FISH, finding his voice, coming up in Chicago, world building, & more. 27:37

11M ago27:37

27:37

Back in May we linked with Chicago artists and producer Frank Leone to celebrate the release of his long-awaited Fools’ Gold debut “FISH” with two shows in New York and Chicago. While in New York we had Frank stop by the studio to talk through his illustrious career spanning over a decade of making music, his interest in visual storytelling, and wh…

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Seafood Sam: On redefining the sound of Long Beach, embracing the process, the importance of family, & more. 25:55

11M ago25:55

25:55

Today we talk to Long Beach’s own Seafood Sam on the heels of releasing his latest Standing on Giant Shoulders . Sam discusses his legendary hometown and what it means to transcend the sound of the city. Over 8 albums in 5 years, we talk through Sam's prolific output and his evolution as a produce and songwriter. In addition, Sam gives a live in-st…

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Tunji Ige: On Philly, blurring genre, songwriting, and what's next 32:06

11M ago32:06

32:06

We’re sitting down with Tunji Ige to talk through his career from the blog days to today, coming up in Philly and how that creative community has shaped him as an artist, finding his sound and not being afraid to defy genre, what it has meant as a Nigerian American to see African artists be accepted worldwide, and his experience as a Grammy-nominat…

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Rae Khalil: On her debut CRYBABY, working with Anderson .Paak, Rhythm & Flow, intentional songwriting, and more 22:49

12M ago22:49

22:49

Rae Khalil joins the show as she gears up to release her debut album CRYBABY with Anderson .Paak's Ape.Shit. We talk to Rae about her introduction into music and how her career and creative process has evolved since we featured the track “Girlfriend” off her debut back in 2018. We discuss Rae’s experience on Netflix’s rap competition show Rhythm & …

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Chris Patrick: On Jersey, work ethic, artist development, and building his own community. 26:04

12M ago26:04

26:04

Chris Patrick joins us today to talk through his rapidly rising career from Jersey to Atlanta to LA. We talk through work ethic as Chris is one of the most hard working artists out now, we discuss his experience releasing music on EVEN and the value of sharing music directly with his fans, and what it has meant to have a community of like-minded ar…

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MoRuf: on Jersey, coming up around legends, redefining his worth, the Tiny Mic era, & being a father 40:39

1y ago40:39

40:39

Peace Peace — our friend and former guest MoRuf joins the show as he rolls out his “Tiny Mic Raps Vol 1” and looks ahead to the next wave of his career. We talk through MoRuf’s long journey through the mixtape era, what Jersey means to him, coming up around legends like SZA, Jesse Boykins the 3rd, and Joshua Kissi, being a father, and what we can e…

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Erick The Architect: On embracing his full potential as an artist, the impact of the Flatbush Zombies, collaborating with legends, & his passion for design 30:40

1y ago30:40

30:40

Erick The Architect joins us on the heels of releasing his latest “I’ve Never Been Here Before," his most honest, his most experimental, and his most free — featuring collaborations from Baby Rose, George Clinton, James Blake, Joey Badass, and more. We discuss Erick coming into his own as a producer and artist, how formative his family has been in …

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Daisy World: On capturing the moment, the power of community, being vulnerable, & finding confidence in the process on her debut album “Toothpick” 29:03

1y ago29:03

29:03

Fresh off releasing their debut solo project "Toothpick," we talk through Daisy World's rise in LA with the band DAISY and what this new era means to her going off on her own without the band. We discuss Daisy’s breakout feature on Tyler, The Creator’s "Call Me If You Get Lost" and how that moment fueled her confidence, building a whole world aroun…

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Kenny Mason: On building a community, being vulnerable, subverting genre, & pushing forward 31:19

1y ago31:19

31:19

Over 5 years in the making, we finally sit with rising Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason. We introduced Kenny on NOT 97 back in 2018 and had him write a story for the first edition of NOT A Zine that same year. Kenny came to town on the heels of his latest project 9 and the Route 9 tour. We talk through Kenny’s growth since we first played his music on th…

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Joony: On Maryland, crafting a sound of his own, staying consistent, & being about his business. 26:12

1y ago26:12

26:12

Rapidly rising artist Joony joins the show to talk through his multi-dimensional sound and his prolific output dropping 5 albums in 2 years. We discuss the influence of Maryland and getting cosigns from artists like Brent Faiyaz and BLXST. Amongst more. Plus a live in-studio performance of “Cheap.” *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sourc…

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Sadboi: On Toronto, making music for the girls, Drake's advice, & her debut debut project BARE CHAT. 30:39

1y ago30:39

30:39

Today's guest is making moves across the world for their breakout song "Slide" and the latest "Baddies" — Toronto’s own Sadboi. We discuss Sadboi’s career from releasing covers on YouTube and entering singing competitions as a young teen to being cosigned by Drake. We discuss her relationship with her mom who has helped manage and develop her caree…

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Brandon Woody: On creating his own sound, Baltimore, releasing music on his own time, and more. 48:01

1y ago48:01

48:01

Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw…

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Neemz: On identity, intention, discipline, & world-building 48:56

1y ago48:56

48:56

Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of…

1
SiR: On the his record "Heavy," family, growth, vulnerability, and more. 18:30

1y ago18:30

18:30

Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date. …

1
Amal Zenab: On being a first generation New Yorker, thoughtful songwriting, collaboration, and more. 23:16

1y ago23:16

23:16

Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Hu…

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Shaé Universe: On family, self-love, virality, & “Love’s Letter" 24:28

1y ago24:28

24:28

On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how …

1
Una Mia: On her debut, training as an opera singer, learning to be vulnerable on record, and more 16:39

1y ago16:39

16:39

Today’s we're introducing the young, Toronto-born RNB upstart UNA MIA. Una is fresh off the heels of releasing her debut single "Lose You," with a breakout Colors performance. We talk through what it means to introduce yourself and your music to the world, Una’s journey as a classically trained Opera singer, finding her footing as a live performer,…

1
Asha Imuno Interview: On Pins & Needles, Moreno Valley, & staying true to himself 17:38

1+ y ago17:38

17:38

Today’s episode features California newcomer Asha Imuno, on the heels of releasing his latest project, the debut “PINS & NEEDLES.” We talk through Asha’s journey in music since his days as a band kid, finding his voice, and balancing his place as a multi-faceted creative. As well, Asha gives an exclusive performance of “Watch My Step.” *Not 97 is p…

1
Amindi Interview: Manifestation, the DIY mindset, creating her own version of success, & more 19:55

1+ y ago19:55

19:55

Welcome back to NOT 97 on Today’s episode we link up with LA’s own Amindi to talk through her musical journey from her debut “nice” to 2023’s “Take What You Need.” Amindi talks through her vision for success, creative directing her own projects, and how to balance being true to yourself as a DIY artists and still knowing when to ask for help. Plus …

1
FELIX! Interview: On Van Buren, Brent Faiyaz, graphic design, and more. 25:32

1+ y ago25:32

25:32

Welcome back to NOT 97 — this is Season 10! Today's episode featuring FELIX! Coming off the heels of being featured on the standout track "Upset" from Brent Faiyaz's latest album, FELIX! is the newest upstart from Brockton-based collective Van Buren Records. A creative Swiss Army knife, FELIX!'s music is a culmination of his past in design, fashion…

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April + VISTA Interview: Collaborating with Little Dragon, DIY Mentality, & Appreciating The Moment 39:35

1+ y ago39:35

39:35

Today’s episode has been a longtime coming, welcoming a dynamic duo we first introduced to our listeners back in 2018 with their song “How To Get By” — April + VISTA. The DC-natives recently released their collaborative EP with the legendary Swedish band Little Dragon. We talk about how that partnership came about, producing the record in Sweden, a…