x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Songs & Stories

Backstage Bay Area

Backstage Bay Area is an exclusive podcast that explores San Francisco’s jazz music scene in depth. It features intimate interviews with emerging and established artists. The program also offers a unique glimpse into the artists" creative processes, inspirations, and upcoming projects.

music music interviews

All Episodes

00:24:43

Songs of Solitude and Harmony: The Wildwoods Bring...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/07/30

Show Notes:In this special episode of Backstage Bay Area, we head to Lincoln, Nebraska—home of the heartfelt folk-Americana trio The Wildwoods. Host Steve Roby sits down with Noah and Chloe Gose to discuss their upcoming album Dear Meadowlark, a project steeped in imagery of open roads, hometown nostalgia, and the poetic quietude of rural life.The conversation explores how the couple met through music in their school days, their evolution from young musicians into seasoned touring artists, and the

en

00:12:36

San Francisco Jazz Festival Coming June 13-15

Songs & Stories ·

2025/06/07

This year’s revamped San Francisco Jazz Festival, curated by SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, takes place on June 13-15, 2025. It features 35 concerts over 3 days in various venues in San Francisco's Hayes Valley art district. Performances include Stanley Clarke, Charles Lloyd, Patrice Rushen, Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Lakecia Benjamin, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dave Holland, Lisa Fischer, Theo Croker, Brandon Woody's Upendo, Tyreek McDole, Idris Ackamoor, and many more. This

en

00:27:23

From Houston Roots to Global Stages: Kat Edmonson...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/18

Episode Summary:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews award-winning singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson. Known for her enchanting blend of jazz, pop, and vintage charm, Kat shares the deeply personal stories behind her music, including her latest single, “Keep Movin’,” inspired by her late mother. From her Houston roots to standout performances at Carnegie Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival, Kat’s career is a fascinating journey of artistic exploration and heartfelt

en

00:28:49

Lakecia Benjamin: The Jazz Trailblazer Redefining the...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/17

Show Notes: In this captivating episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with five-time Grammy nominee Lakecia Benjamin, a saxophonist, composer, and trailblazer redefining modern jazz. Lakecia shares insights into her latest album, Phoenix Reimagined (Live), a vibrant celebration of resilience featuring collaborations with legends like John Scofield and Randy Brecker. Recorded live at Brooklyn's The Bunker, this Grammy-nominated album brings her electric stage energy to life,

en

00:45:30

Jamie Baum: Redefining Jazz with Poetry and Global...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/16

Show Notes:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, Steven Roby sits down with the extraordinary flutist, composer, and educator Jamie Baum. Known for her trailblazing work blending jazz with classical, South Asian, and spoken-word influences, Jamie discusses her latest album, What Times Are These. She reflects on her inspirations, her creative process of setting modern poetry to music, and her enduring passion for musical exploration. The conversation also highlights Jamie’s upcoming West Coast

en

00:35:10

Sam Lucid of Dogs in a Pile Talks New Music, Touring...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/12

Episode Overview:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Sam Lucid, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for the genre-defying band Dogs in a Pile. Based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the band has built a passionate fanbase with their eclectic blend of funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia. Sam talks about the band’s creative process, upcoming album, and what fans can expect from their highly anticipated show at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. He also shares stories from

en

00:28:03

Karen y Los Remedios: Redefining Cumbia with a Modern...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/11

Show Notes:In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Karen Barajas of Karen y Los Remedios, the trailblazing trio redefining the boundaries of cumbia. Karen shares the group's origin story, from early collaborations with Jonathan Muriel (Jiony) and the addition of guitarist Guillermo Berbeyer (Z.A.M.P.A.) to their evolution into one of the most innovative acts in Latin music today. The discussion delves into the group’s creative process, blending traditional Latin

en

00:38:36

Inside the Sonic Apocalypse: Lana Del Rabies Takes Us...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/09

Show Notes:In this episode, we sat down with Sam An, the artist behind Lana Del Rabies, to explore the intersection of myth, music, and survival. Known for her genre-defying sound that blends industrial, gothic noise, and experimental metal, An discusses the creative process behind her critically acclaimed album STREGA BEATA, from the apocalyptic themes of “Apocalypse Fatigue” to the empowering mythology of “Queen of the Black Muses,” Sam shares how grief, humanity’s destructive impulses, and her

en

00:27:56

Mads Tolling: Jazz Collaborations and Classics...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/08

Show NotesIn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby chats with two-time Grammy-winning violinist and composer Mads Tolling to explore the art of collaboration and musical reinvention. Mads shares the stories behind his groundbreaking work with celebrated jazz pianist John R. Burr and acclaimed vocalist Kenny Washington, including their reinterpretations of classics like "Blackbird" and "What a Wonderful World." He also teases their upcoming January 26 show at the Piedmont Center for

en

00:36:25

Derek Gripper and Ballaké Sissoko: Strings in Perfect...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/07

Episode Overview:In this captivating episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with South African guitarist and composer Derek Gripper to discuss his groundbreaking collaboration with Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko. Known for his ability to translate the kora’s 21 strings onto a six-string guitar, Derek shares the stories behind their self-titled album, recorded in just three hours, and the unique synergy that defines their performances. From his journey of blending classical

en

00:27:02

Richard Bona: Exploring Roots, Freedom, and Global...

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/06

Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Grammy-winning bassist and global music ambassador Richard Bona. Known for his dynamic blend of jazz, Afropop, and the vibrant traditions of his Cameroonian heritage, Bona shares insights on his creative process, the challenges and triumphs of being an independent artist, and his latest projects. Listeners will hear about his upcoming single, Piel Canela, a soulful collaboration with Alfredo Rodríguez, and his January

en

00:26:14

Nyte Skye: Dream-Pop Roots and Family Harmony

Songs & Stories ·

2025/01/03

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, we’re thrilled to feature Nyles Lannon, the visionary behind Nyte Skye, a band that blends atmospheric dream-pop with shimmering shoegaze textures. Formed during the pandemic, Nyte Skye is a family-driven project founded by Nyles and his son Skye. It showcases a beautiful collaboration of talent and creativity. Their debut album, Vanishing, is a 10-track exploration of intricate melodies that has captivated audiences since its release in 2023. We dive deep

en

00:27:28

Emilio Castillo on Tower of Power’s Timeless...

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/18

Show Notes: In this festive episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Emilio Castillo, founder and tenor saxophonist of the legendary East Bay soul band Tower of Power. Emilio shares the story behind the band’s very first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, a soulful and funky collection that brings new life to beloved holiday classics. From “This Christmas” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Emilio talks about their creative process, working with producer Joe Vannelli, and how

en

00:35:02

Vienna Teng: Crafting Musical Mashups and Inspiring...

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/12

Show NotesIn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby dives into a fascinating conversation with singer-songwriter Vienna Teng. Known for her boundary-pushing approach to chamber folk and indie pop, Vienna discusses her latest album, We’ve Got You, an ambitious project featuring mashups that reflect the dualities of modern life. From the conceptual depth of "Two Truths" to the poignant tribute of "Comfort," Vienna shares the intricate creative process behind her songs and how her

en

00:29:34

Sean Hayes on his latest album, ‘Be Like Water’

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/11

Show NotesIn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Sean Hayes, whose music bridges folk, soul, and introspective grooves. They delve into the creative journey behind Sean's latest album, Be Like Water, exploring its thematic inspirations drawn from the I Ching and the funky influence of James Brown. Sean also shares the whimsical backstory of the song "Gold Tooth" and offers insight into the powerful, meditative single "That Bomb You

en

01:01:07

The Third Mind: Improvised Freedom and Psychedelic...

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/10

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby dives into the mind-bending world of The Third Mind with bassist and co-founder Victor Krummenacher. Known for his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Monks of Doom, Victor shares the story behind the band’s formation, their freeform creative process, and the making of their upcoming live concert album, Live Mind. From their haunting rendition of “Morning Dew” to the experimental brilliance of “East West,” the conversation explores how The

en

00:30:01

Free Creatures: Genre-Blending Beats and Holiday Cheer

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/10

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby chats with Emily Turner, bassist and vocalist of the genre-bending trio Free Creatures. Hailing from Southern Oregon, Free Creatures fuses alt-hip-hop, indie, psych-rock, and EDM to create what they call "the umami of music." Emily shares the band’s journey from its unique beginnings on a farm during wildfire season to becoming a powerhouse trio with a sound that defies boundaries. From the upright bass to the MPC beats and left-handed guitar

en

00:23:08

Crying Uncle: Revolutionizing the Bluegrass Scene

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/06

Show NotesIn this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews Miles and Teo Quale, the talented brothers behind the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band. Known for their electrifying fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and modern acoustic styles, Crying Uncle has become a rising force in the acoustic music scene. They recently signed with Engelhardt Music Group, solidifying their place as emerging stars in the genre. Miles and Teo share their journey, from starting the band in 2016 to performing with

en

00:24:11

Jennifer Greer on her latest album, ‘Speaking with...

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/05

Show Notes: In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews singer-songwriter Jennifer Greer to discuss the deeply personal journey behind her new album, Speaking with Ghosts. From her transition from poetry to songwriting to navigating grief and loss, Jennifer talks about how life’s “tidal waves” shaped her music. We also hear about the unique imagery and emotional landscapes that inspired songs like "Broken Glass," "Tidal Wave," and "Sea and Shell." Jennifer shares her creative

en

00:25:34

Noah Sierota on Echosmith’s Musical Evolution

Songs & Stories ·

2024/12/03

Show Notes: In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Noah Sierota, bassist and producer of the multi-platinum alt-pop trio Echosmith. Celebrating ten years of music, Echosmith embarks on their Cool Kids Decades Tour and releases their latest project, Echosmith: The Live Album. Noah reflects on the band’s evolution since their breakout hit "Cool Kids," sharing insights on creating music as a family and reconnecting with their indie roots. The episode also spotlights

en

314 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold