loves music

Ep.40: Some artists entertain. Others reveal. In this episode of loves music, I sit down with Louissa, an artist whose voice, story, and presence feel lived-in, earned, and unapologetically real. From nearly losing her ability to sing to reclaiming her voice through sheer grit and intention, Louissa opens up about healing, rebellion, artistry, and what it really takes to stay in the game when the path gets brutal. This conversation moves through grief, perseverance, creative rebirth, and the unseen work behind an artist who looks effortless on stage but has fought hard for every inch of ground. If you’ve...

Ep.39: Every now and then, a guest takes the conversation somewhere unexpected. In this episode, I sit down with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Bright Kelly for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about art, trauma, faith, fatherhood, and the responsibility that comes with telling the truth through music. Bright’s work resists easy categorization, and so does his story. We talk about his path through touring, his transition into releasing music under his own name, and the emotional excavation behind Funeral Tickets. Along the way, we unpack how personal history, belief systems, and lived experience shape the way he writes, and wh...

Ep.38: Some conversations remind me exactly WHY you love talking to artists, and this one with Dean Ashton is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Dean Ashton of The High Nines, a band carving out a timeless, big-hearted indie rock sound straight out of the North West. We get into debut albums that take a decade to write, the strange arc of maturity in bands, the art of letting go of ego, and what it means to create music that people can own for themselves. Dean opens up about the band’s writing process, the influences th...

Ep.37: Some bands write songs; Stella Ruze builds whole worlds. In this conversation with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Katie O’Donnell, we get into how a “folky funk” seven-piece from Philly ends up blending New Orleans brass, Americana storytelling, and R&B-leaning ballads into one ridiculously cohesive sound. Katie shares the decade-long evolution of the band, why they let songs breathe instead of chasing three-minute “hits,” and how their latest record Origin finally captures the live energy that blew the roof off Johnny Brenda’s. We also talk about the story behind “Blue,” the documentary that accidentally documented one of the hardest seas...

Ep.36: Taylor Brooke is the kind of host who can have you cackling over a rant about Staples one minute and tearing up over purpose and creative calling the next. In this episode, I sit down with the voice behind Taylor, Taylor, Taylor to talk about what really goes into building a show that’s unhinged in the best way, fiercely women-centered without being exclusionary, and grounded in a sense of purpose bigger than the algorithm. We get into the pressure of staying “on brand” as a blonde media girl, the anxiety of letting other people touch your work, and ho...

Ep.35: There’s a certain kind of artist who makes you lean in before you even realize it, and Joe Bachman has that effect from the second he starts talking. From Key West songwriter rounds to Nashville radio tours, from managing breakout looping phenom Carl Wockner to writing military anthems that have literally saved lives, Joe’s career is the definition of heart, hustle, and purpose. In this conversation, we dig into the stories behind his biggest songs, the moment his performance intersected with global history, why Sex, Drugs & Country Music is the album he needed to write before anyt...

Ep.34: There’s something magnetic about artists who refuse to be boxed in. The ones who follow their instincts even when the music industry begs for simplicity. Valentina Sounds is one of those artists, and the result is a catalog that swings from playful sarcasm to soul-heavy honesty without ever losing its identity. In this episode, I sit down with Italian-born, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Valentina Sounds to talk about the winding path behind her genre-blurring sound. We dig into her classical training, her theater background, the stories behind her standout tracks, and the personal resilience baked into her latest work. Va...

Ep.33: Before I even hit record on this one, I knew it was going to be special. There’s something about a band built on attitude, grit, and genuine love for their community that hits different, and Black Sonic Revolver embodies that energy completely. In this episode, I sit down with Leon Kenny from Manchester’s underground powerhouse Black Sonic Revolver. We get into the band’s 10+ year evolution, their refusal to chase gimmicks, the chaos and beauty of their live shows, why they embrace staying “under the radar,” and the kind of music-driven friendship and community most artists dream of b...

Ep.32: Sometimes the best stories in music aren’t about fame. They’re about family, resilience, and learning how to create from joy instead of pain. In this episode, I sit down with Canadian musician, songwriter, and podcaster Sean McGinity: host of his show, SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast, and former frontman of the concept-driven rock band Dome. We talk about growing up in a musical household, navigating sibling rivalry and creative camaraderie, and how loss shaped the way he now approaches art. From writing concept albums to keeping his late father’s promise, Sean shares the heart behind his music...

Ep.31: There’s a difference between playing heavy music and feeling it. And few bands capture that balance like Arlo Wells. In this episode, I sit down with Vancouver-based musician and producer William Langlais, co-founder of Arlo Wells, a post-hardcore band that’s as melodic as it is heavy. We get into the band’s evolution, their approach to writing songs that actually feel good to play, and the discipline it takes to stay creative while juggling real life. Will shares how he became the “band dad,” why delegating can make or break a project, and what it really means to s...

Ep.30: From Madrid to the world, Vickyta Rya is crafting pop music that feels both global and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk about how heartbreak turns into rhythm, and therapy comes with a beat. We discuss her songs, which move between dancehall, reggaeton, and funk-pop, blending emotional honesty with an undeniable groove. In our conversation, we dig into the experiences that shaped her upcoming two-part project, how she found the courage to start over creatively, and the story behind her breakout single “Raway.” Vickyta shares how Michael Jackson first sparked her obsession with music, what it’s like n...

Ep.029: In this episode, I sit down with Austin-based creator, entrepreneur, and all-around powerhouse David M. Wilkerson to unpack his “Feast or Famine” philosophy and why most musicians are chasing the wrong metrics. From his 50-Fan Model to his hard-earned lessons as both a performer and consultant, David breaks down how artists can build sustainable, profitable careers without chasing virality, or burning out. We dive into the mindset shifts musicians need to escape the “famine” cycle, the spiritual and practical meaning behind the feast mentality, and the balance between creativity, family, and self-worth. This one’s part business class, part thera...

Ep.028: If there’s one thing Emily Drinker knows how to do, it’s show up: on stage, in the studio, and for the Philly music scene at large.  In this episode, we finally sit down to talk about her latest project, To Feel Alive, and how she’s balancing artistry, caretaking, and community leadership all at once. From her roots in vocal looping and cruise ship gigs to a standout slot at XPN Fest and opening for legends like Pat Benatar, Emily shares what it really means to grow into yourself as an artist. This conversation goes deep on grie...

Ep.027: What happens when the music gets personal… like really personal? In this episode, I sit down again with returning guest Jorge Vallentine, the force behind Milwaukee-based indie rock project VLNTYN, to talk about art that comes from the rawest places. From recording stripped-down heartbreak songs in a church to building a consistent online presence after divorce, Jorge opens up about navigating grief, personal growth, and the liberating power of creating from pain. We get into his new era of music, what it means to write from discipline instead of survival, and why connection, human to human, is the go...

Ep.026: Marc Ramos didn’t wait for permission; he built Morning Wars from the ground up, chasing the kind of indie rock that hits like a memory and sticks like a bruise. In this conversation, I sit down with the mind behind Marc Ramos of Morning Wars, the NYC-based indie rock project making waves with its cinematic production and emotionally rich songwriting. Marc opens up about the five-year journey behind his new album Prospect Gallery, what it means to be a perfectionist in the studio, and the joy of letting go on stage. We talk about growing up in a...

Ep.025: Some artists build their sound around what’s trendy. Others build it around what’s true. Matt Fell falls into the latter. A Philly-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Matt blends raw vulnerability with polished production, pulling from classic rock, indie pop, R&B, and everything in between. In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight behind his debut solo album Flashbulb Memories, how his degenerative hearing loss has become an unexpected creative advantage, and why he initially struggled to share his work with the world. It’s a conversation about perfectionism, ego, identity, and the kind of growth that only h...

Ep.024: In this episode, I chop it up with Maryland-based rapper and genre-blending artist mcgwn: someone who, at just 18, has already crafted a sound and visual identity that feels polished, intentional, and full of promise. We talk about his debut EP I’ll Be Here All Summer, the beachside nostalgia that inspired it, and why he’s not interested in chasing clout. Instead, mcgwn is building something with depth, consistency, and long-term vision. He opens up about the pressures of being a young artist in a content-driven world, the irrational fears that come with creativity, and the power of havi...

Ep.023: Kevin McClure isn’t interested in chasing trends; he’s here to build something real. In this conversation, we get into the tension between commercial appeal and creative integrity, and how Kevin navigates that tightrope without losing sight of the why. He opens up about the scrappy hustle behind his early national tours, his songwriting process that prioritizes both resonance and risk, and why he thinks pop music deserves more respect when done right. We talk metaphor, mental health, and the quiet discipline of making timeless music in a culture that wants fast and forgettable. Whether you’re in a c...

Ep.022: From the moment I met Brookelyn Rose, I knew her voice had weight. It wasn’t just pretty, it meant something. In this episode, I reconnect with the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter whose voice first landed on one of my records over a decade ago. Since then, Brookelyn has carved out her lane as a genre-bending force, mixing country grit, soulful edge, and pop-rock power into songs that hit as hard as they heal. We talk about the business of staying creative, the trap of perfectionism, and how her music lives at the intersection of soft strength and fe...

Ep.021: There’s no one like IMVNI. Born on “Planet X” and raised in Louisiana, her music folds jazz, R&B, rock, and soul into a sonic experience that’s both otherworldly and deeply rooted. In this conversation, we break down her incredible debut album The 11th Hour, a genre-defiant project woven with love, grief, prayer, and psychedelic grooves. She opens up about how addiction shaped her storytelling, how recording her grandmother’s voice gave the album its soul, and why she nearly walked away from music altogether. But it’s her belief in art as medicine that carries this convers...

Ep.020: What happens when a film composer decides to stop playing it cool and finally puts his own name, and heart, into the music? In this episode, I talk with RIMENY, the alt-pop project of Zak Engel, who’s flipping the script on what it means to “arrive late” as an artist. We get into the personal stories behind his debut singles, the decade-long detour that led him back to performing, and the surprising beauty in releasing music that feels earnest, not engineered. If you’ve ever wrestled with timing, self-doubt, or finding your creative lane later than expected… this one w...

Quia Morgan-Hill knows how to make a brand stand out in a crowded media space, and she’s been doing it for over a decade. From her start in radio to building a full-service multimedia company, Quia has mastered the art of blending authenticity, strategy, and connection. In this episode, we talk about her journey, her unique approach to booking celebrity guests, and the mindset shifts that keep her work rooted in passion and purpose. She also opens up about resilience, navigating male-dominated industries, and why nostalgia plays such a big role in her storytelling.

We Chat Ab...

This one’s bigger than bars. In this episode, I reconnect with Philly artist, writer, and producer Scholito, a true force in the independent music world. We talk about everything from publishing deals to post-traumatic growth, and how he’s turned his pain into luxury-level art. Whether it’s his Everything Plush fashion line, upcoming TV series, or high-energy live shows, Scholito’s building an empire: brick by brick, beat by beat. This convo touches on faith, fatherhood, Philly, and the fire it takes to keep showing up for your dream.

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Wilhelm Duke has bars, bounce, and a catalog deeper than you might expect. In this episode, I catch up with the Swedish American rapper who’s been carving his sound from the streets of Chicago to viral moments on Facebook. We talk about his infectious single “Butterick’s,” what it was like being Twista’s assistant, and how becoming a husband and father shifted his perspective on success. Wilhelm’s catalog is layered: fast flows, real introspection, club knockers, and experimental risks, and we dig into all of it. This one’s for the real heads, the lyric lovers, and anyone who...

Adrienne Swiatocha didn’t grow up playing in bands or chasing music dreams from the jump. She built a career, had a family, and then picked up a guitar… and thank God she did. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to discover your creative voice later in life, how her band Plans to Sand came together almost by accident, and why she believes playing live music is one of the purest joys there is. We also get into her political punk side project, Octopus Knife Fight, and the real emotional weight behind writing songs that matter...

From the first time I heard Lina Cooper, I knew she wasn’t just writing songs; she was writing scenes. The kind that feel like your life, but funnier, messier, louder, and somehow still tender as hell. In this episode, I catch up with Ukrainian-born, LA-based artist Lina Cooper: a powerhouse songwriter, producer, and performer who blends wit, vulnerability, and pure talent into everything she touches. From viral pop-punk anthems to deeply personal concept records, Lina is building a brand that’s as bold as it is brutally honest. We talk about the emotional engine behind her new single “Like...

There are some artists who just keep getting better, and Rob Tait is one of them. In this episode, we dive into the making of At the End of the World, his gorgeously raw solo album, and his collaborative journey with the soul-rock band Cordelia Blue. We swap stories about songwriting, being a drummer who sings, the Philly music grind, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in music today. If you’ve ever wrestled with balancing honesty and ambition, or wondered how to create something timeless, this one’s for you.

We Chat Abou...

In this episode, I catch up with Philly artist and internet swiss-army knife Mike Nappi: someone who’s equal parts musician, comedian, and marketing mind. From writing soul-sample bangers to rapping with Logan Paul and dropping viral Delco dad skits, Mike’s story is a masterclass in doing it your own way, even if it takes 8 years for the world to catch up. We get into the grit of building a full-time career from content and session work, how to ride the wave of a moment without selling out, and why staying fun doesn’t mean losing your footing. There’...

Kirsten Izer isn’t trying to find her sound; she’s already living in it. Her debut EP The Perfect Hire is a genre-blurring, emotionally precise collection that pulls just as much from ambient indie pop as it does from confessional folk and sludgy alt-rock. In this conversation, we unpack how Kirsten built this body of work from the ground up: writing, co-producing, self-directing her visuals, and filtering every choice through her exacting taste. She opens up about moving through heartbreak, making space for imperfection, and the long game of building a real career while holding a full-time job. Thro...

Some artists write music. Rebecca McCartney channels it. Her voice is warm, her lyrics cut deep, and her songs feel like pages from the journal you’ve been afraid to open. In this episode, we dive into how she turned a childhood surrounded by classical music into a genre-fluid sound all her own. From processing grief and joy through melody to working with top-tier musicians in New York’s indie scene, Rebecca opens up about what it really takes to build a sustainable creative life, and why she writes, even on the days when it’s hard to keep going...

In this special Father’s Day edition of “loves music,” I sit down with my dad—James Jones, drummer of the legendary Philly funk band Breakwater—for a conversation that’s part history lesson, part love letter to music, and part family moment. We dig into his upbringing in Germantown during the golden era of soul and jazz, how neighborhood bands shaped his ear, and what it was like coming up in one of the funkiest bands of the late ’70s. From backing singers in church basements to opening for Earth, Wind & Fire, he breaks down the journey with honesty, humil...

This conversation opens the door to a side of music we don’t often talk about: the business beneath the art. Lauren Tafoya, also known as Laquela, has created a powerful framework for helping artists turn their message into something sustainable. She’s not chasing trends or teaching you how to game the algorithm. Instead, she’s focused on real structure, long-term strategy, and helping musicians build businesses that reflect who they are. If you’re tired of relying on streams, gigs, and wishful thinking, this episode might be the blueprint you’ve been looking for.

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In this episode, I get into it with Brooklyn-based artist Tony Oso; someone who’s built his music career from the ground up without chasing trends or compromising his sound. From working in music tech by day to playing late-night shows, Tony’s journey is a testament to trusting your instincts and letting the art lead. We talk about the path that led him to full-time musicianship, the values that keep him grounded, and why he believes music should feel like a good meal. Whether you’re growing your audience or just trying to create something honest, Tony’s story wi...

Shameika Rhymes wears many hats, but every one of them comes with heart. In this episode, I sit down with the award-winning journalist, producer, and creator behind Check the Rhymes TV, Solebration, and the Ladies Edition podcast. We talk about how her storytelling roots began in television news, how she built lasting relationships with icons like Ananda Lewis and Will Downing, and what it really takes to run multiple media platforms as a team of one. From going viral to growing tired, Shameika shares what keeps her grounded in the work—and in her love of music.

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In this episode, I sit down with Theo Smith, the creative force behind the viral street interview series Please Don’t Irk Me. We talk about everything from growing up in a musical family and finding his voice in church, to building an online brand that blends humor, heart, and healing. Theo opens up about the mission behind his content, the realities of monetizing social media, and how he stays grounded on the tough days. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay yourself in a world that wants you to package your personality, this one’s for you.

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In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Valentine, an indie alt-rock artist who’s reshaping his sound—and his story—through emotional honesty and creative evolution. We talk about his move from Mexico to Milwaukee, how music helped him process a painful divorce, and why building systems has given him more freedom as an artist. From his early days navigating social anxiety to his current project VLNTYN, Jorge is proving that authenticity and strategy don’t have to be at odds. Whether you’re struggling to share your story or just trying to find your people, this one’s for anyone...

In this episode, I sit down with Katlyn Cook, a creator whose journey through music, mental health, and entrepreneurship reveals the power of starting over. We talk about how losing—and reclaiming—her voice shaped her adult life, why stepping away from comfort was the first step toward healing, and how she built a podcast, a business, and a creative life from the ground up. Whether you’re rediscovering your passions or figuring out how to turn a hard season into a hopeful new chapter, Kat’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.

In this episode, I sit down with Raquel Liane, a powerhouse R&B singer-songwriter whose journey from musical theater to soulful self-expression is as compelling as her voice. We talk about how growing up in a military family shaped her resilience, why she left college to reclaim her narrative, and the emotional freedom she’s found in writing her own music. From the dance floor energy of her breakout hit “Circles” to the layered introspection of her newest single “Golden,” Raquel’s catalog is a testament to evolving artistry. Whether you’re stepping into your own voice or learning to trust your...

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Dareen, an emerging R&B and pop artist known for her moody, ethereal sound and deeply emotional songwriting. Born in Gambia with Polish and Lebanese roots, and currently based in Greece, Dareen brings a multicultural lens to everything she creates. We talk about the tension between making art for yourself versus making it for the algorithm, what it feels like to have a song stuck inside you, and why she’s not rushing to define her sound. If you’ve ever felt like a late bloomer, or like your creativity keeps call...

In the very first episode of the “loves music” podcast, I sat down with Philadelphia-based artist M11SON – singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Sacred artist collective — for a raw, thoughtful, and at times hilarious conversation about the realities of being a modern-day creative. We talk about what it’s like to carry songs in your chest, why making “bad” art is necessary, and how he’s managed to write thousands of songs while also crafting books, scripts, and full-length albums. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or someone trying to reconnect with your creative self, this one’s for you.

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Launching April 24th: loves music is a show, hosted by me, Julian Jones, that celebrates music and the moments that made us us fall in love with it. It’s for music-lovers who, despite the demands of life, remain passionate about their beloved albums and artists and still seek to discover new talent, whether online, internationally, or within the sweaty crowded bars of your hometown. It’s in us! We don't know why we do it; we just do… and we refuse to grow out of it. Every Thursday, I interview artists past and present about making music, their inspir...