Oct 01, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

While the world hit pause, Aluna has been busy Zooming up a storm to make the dance music world a more inclusive space for both artists and audiences. We got to chat about the nature of ongoing social change, and how she manages her activism with her creative musical life. Aluna reminded us that it’s vital to create a space where others can share their voice and to stay curious about their experiences in order to gain empathy and create better art. She asks that you check out Black Women’s Blueprint while listening to her interview.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including Sudan Archives, Mxmtoon, and Ioanna Gika, boogie over to our host of streaming options.

To keep up with Aluna, hit up her Instagram and Twitter. Her solo debut Renaissance is out now. Got a few minutes? Take in the splendor of the video for album single “Envious.”

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Sep 24, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

We caught up with Nichole Perkins and Bim Adewunmi of Thirst Aid Kit right at the end of their epic run as the best podcast about female desire and cultural narratives. As producers, writers, and storytellers, both women had so much to share about the vulnerability of sharing ourselves creatively with others and the magic of a good friendship cry. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next and in the meantime, we highly recommend you laugh along with our interview then head straight over to Thirst Aid Kit’s podcast page to binge every episode.

While you’re listening, Nichole requests that you click and learn more about Black Girls Code. Bim requests that you learn more and donate to the trans community in Nigeria.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including Welcome to Night Vale’s Joseph Fink, Mara Wilson, and Lane Moore, direct yourself to our multitude of listening options.

To keep up with Nicole and Bim’s post-Thirst Aid Kit projects, visit them on their respective Twitter accounts.

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.

Sep 17, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

Balancing his work as a TV composer, drummer, and podcaster is no easy feat but Joe Wong nails it. We loved getting to chat with him about how his creative process thrives within the framework of films and in the studio, where he created his first solo project with the production help of his good friend Mary Timony. Joe reminded us that though we can learn by listening to others, comparison is the thief of joy so we should all embrace our singular creative visions. While you listen Joe requests that you research and donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including Rob Graves, Kathleen Hanna, and Jehnny Beth, shimmy over to our listening options.

For more on Joe, swing by his Twitter and Instagram. His new album Nite Creatures is out on Sept 18. In the meanwhile, catch up on weekly episodes of his podcast, The Trap Set.

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.

Sep 12, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

For this special double episode, we got to chat with Sad13 aka Sadie Dupuis and Lustra, aka Helena Marzec-Gołąb, about the magic of language and how it transforms our perception. When she’s not making music, Sadie spends her time crafting poetry and writing artist bios, both of which play with the power of words to shape our identity and emotions. Meanwhile, Helena studies the nuances of translating songs from English to Polish and back again, all while examining the ways our native languages affect the images and metaphors we use. Both women are passionate about helping others. Helena requests that you check out the Ef Kropka Foundation which helps support Polish mental health services. Sadie asks that you learn more and donate to Prevention Point in Philadelphia, where she’s donating a portion of the proceeds from her album sales.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including Kathleen Hanna, Soko, and Jehnny Beth, climb our linktree of listening options.

For more from Sad13, stop by her Instagram and Twitter. Preorder her new album Haunted Painting, or her equally haunted tea on Bandcamp. While you wait, revisit her single “Hysterical.”

To keep up with Lustra, say hello on Instagram. Fans of Ladytron or Purity Ring take note: you can buy her industrial/pop EP on Bandcamp, and enjoy the spooky video for her single “Wczoraj.”

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.

Sep 03, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

At the beginning of Los Angeles lockdown, we virtually sat down for a chat with Nite Jewel, aka Ramona Gonzalez, to talk about all things musical, educational, societal, and revolutionary. As a musician and music production instructor pursuing her PhD in ethnomusicology, Ramona commented on how our desire for the mythology of artists is crumbling in the face of the reality of our multifaceted and often oppressive experiences within Western culture. More than ever, artists need support and stability as well as acknowledgement of their vibrant humanity to keep creating the works we love.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including HANA, White Sea, and Ioanna Gika, hit up our plethora of listening options.

For more from Ramona, be sure to swing by the Nite Jewel Instagram and Twitter. She’s got a deep bench of music, and is widely considered to be the originator of chillwave—so scoop up her back catalogue at Bandcamp.

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.

Aug 27, 2020

Welcome to Why Not Both Wednesdays. Every week, in partnership with the Why Not Both podcast, we’ll be presenting new podcast episodes that explore how multiple passions inform the inspiring lives of musicians, writers, actors, and creatives.

When she’s not fundraising for families in Columbia or crafting visual art, Lido Pimienta is creating songs that transcend all cultural and linguistic barriers. Living a “hyphenated existence” as she puts it has given Lido a unique and beautiful perspective, one that shines through her kaleidoscopic songs and videos. We loved getting to chat with her about how she’s staying busy in her space during the lockdown and how we can all tap into our own star energy and communities to create time traveling art.

While you listen, Lido requests that you donate to the GoFundMe for Solidarity Fund for Vulnerable Families: Colombia.

For updates, be sure to follow Why Not Both on Instagram and Twitter. For previous episodes, including Juana Molina, Soko, and Kathleen Hanna, shimmy over to our listening options.

For more on Lido, visit her on Instagram and Twitter. You can also buy her Polaris Prize-nominated album Miss Columbia at Bandcamp.

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.

Aug 20, 2020

On March 6 Caroline Rose dropped her third album Superstar. It was a concept-album of sorts, centering around a fame-obsessed “anti-hero” that holds the ego of Kanye West (“Remain humble not like all these fakers/Always get bleachers seats sitting at the LA Lakers”) and the glamour of Paris Hilton. But while the protagonist of the LP succumbs the stereotypical downfalls of fame—delusion, unfettered ambition—the real superstar, Caroline Rose, had to face her own challenges: a cancelled sold-out tour two days after her album was released.

This is episode three of the Under the Radar Podcast. Rose walks us through her ever-changing discography of sounds, trying (but failing) to do anything but music, and the dynamic between pop music with more sinister, and sometimes comic, undertones. Plus, you’ll never guess what song she sang for her high school talent show.

The episode is available now on major podcasting platforms and can also be streamed here.

Each monthly episode of Under the Radar features an interview with a different musician conducted by host and producer Celine Teo-Blockey. Episode one featured an in-depth story on Black Belt Eagle Scout (aka Katherine Paul), and episode two featured gender non-conforming artist Ezra Furman.

As well as writing features and reviews for Under the Radar, Teo-Blockey is an independent radio producer and Transom Traveling Workshop alumni. She has previously produced radio stories for Sound & Vision, a podcast from the Seattle public radio station KEXP, and a sonic postcard for Sounds LA, from the Los Angeles public radio station KCRW.

As well as our new Under the Radar podcast, we have also been co-presenting the second and third seasons of the Why Not Both podcast.

Find the Under the Radar podcast on Apple here and Spotify here.

Support Under the Radar on Patreon.