Grooves of Influence

Raegan Leilani joins Grooves of Influence to talk about The Party by Andy Shauf and why its layered storytelling, shifting perspectives, and subtle character connections make it her most influential album. We discuss honest songwriting, writing from emotion instead of perfection, and how songs can stay personal while still leaving room for listeners to find their own meaning. Raegan also shares how her band helped shape songs in the studio, how she writes through voice memos and instinct, and why jazz, pop, and vulnerability all meet in her music. A thoughtful conversation about storytelling, production, interpretation, and learning to trust what comes naturally.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeganleilani/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5odMVdV5SmuJJzWbgDuBsX?si=i1zGLF2wSfa7XbBYE8z1_AApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/raegan-leilani/1730148094Upcoming Concert Tickets: https://raeganleilani.com/show-dates00:00 Podcast Intro | Grooves of Influence Music Podcast00:19 Raegan Leilani Interview | Jazz Pop Sound and Musical Style01:06 Most Influential Album: The Party by Andy Shauf02:33 Andy Shauf’s The Party | Hidden Storylines and Album Concept03:20 Songwriting from Different Perspectives04:15 Favorite Storyline from The Party Album06:44 Interpreting Characters in Andy Shauf’s The Party07:40 Songwriting Tips | How Specific Should Lyrics Be?08:49 Raegan Leilani Songwriting Process09:33 How Raegan Leilani’s Songs Come Together10:26 Studio Recording Process with Her Band11:32 Writing “Keep It Boring Girl” | Songwriting Story12:12 Writing Introspective Songs and Simple Emotions13:36 The Magician | Mystery in Andy Shauf’s The Party14:58 Discovering Andy Shauf Through Clarinet15:55 How Raegan Leilani Met Her Band17:13 Growing Up with Jazz and Playing Clarinet18:20 Jazz Influence in Raegan Leilani’s Music19:13 Michael Bublé and Early Music Influences20:26 Funny Story About Only Watching Movie Sequels21:44 Listening to Your Own Music After Releasing It22:25 Sharing Personal Songs with Family23:36 How Raegan Hopes Listeners Connect with Her Music24:45 Favorite Songs from The Party by Andy Shauf25:57 “Alexander All Alone” | The Ending of The Party27:07 The Party Album Artwork and Character Connections28:03 Production Style and Waltz Rhythm in The Party28:59 Where to Find Raegan Leilani | Tour and Music Links

Jacob of Sugar Bomb joins Grooves of Influence to talk about improvisation, musical freedom, and choosing I Love the Blues She Heard Me Cry by George Duke as his most influential album. We discuss what jazz means today, why listenability and experimentation are always in tension, and how a great performance can make a whole room feel present together. Jacob shares how Sugar Bomb’s songs evolve on the road before they hit the studio, why live recordings can reveal a song’s real identity, and what it looks like to build a sound without getting boxed into one genre. A thoughtful conversation about groove, arranging, deep listening, and staying curious as a musician.Instagram: @SugarbombjazzWebsite: https://www.sugarbomb.bandYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sugarbombjazz00:18 Meeting Jacob of Sugar Bomb00:48 How Sugar Bomb Describes Their Sound01:28 What Jazz Means Now03:17 Choosing George Duke as His Most Influential Album03:31 Why I Love the Blues She Heard Me Cry Matters07:01 What Sugar Bomb Wants the Audience to Feel Live10:08 Soft Moments vs Festival Energy10:28 Recording the Second Record and Touring Songs First12:42 Rubber Studio vs Live Version and Why It Changes14:41 Improvisation, Head Charts, and Keeping It Fresh16:49 George Duke Songs Sugar Bomb Wants to Play18:10 Freedom in Music and Why It Matters25:33 Balancing Experimentation and Listenability31:39 Why Everyone Should Check Out George Duke35:47 There Is Always More Music to Discover35:57 Where to Find Sugar Bomb and How to Support Them37:25 Upcoming Releases and Timeline for the Next Album38:15 The Sugar Bomb Video Game and What’s NextPhoto Credits: Tyler Franz

Fiona of Whisper Doll joins Grooves of Influence to talk about finding community, building a band in Brooklyn, and choosing Pink Moon by Nick Drake as her most influential album. We discuss honest songwriting, vulnerability over perfection, and how discovering Nick Drake during COVID shaped her approach to music and lyricism. Fiona shares stories about writing late at night, recording voice memos, and using instrumentation to help tell emotional stories. A warm conversation about creativity, nature, spiritual curiosity, and learning to trust your instincts as an artist.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/whisperdollInstagram: @whisperd0llWebsite: https://whisperdoll.neocities.org/00:00 Meeting Fiona of Whisperdoll – Brooklyn Shoegaze Dream Pop Band Introduction00:52 Forming Whisperdoll & Finding the Brooklyn Indie Music Scene02:32 Choosing Nick Drake – Pink Moon | Most Influential Album Discussion03:52 Vulnerability Over Perfection in Honest Songwriting06:22 Nature, Spirituality & Meaning in Lyrics | Creative Process in Music08:02 Favorite Tracks on Pink Moon (Nick Drake Album Breakdown)09:57 Writing Late at Night, Voice Memos & Music Inspiration12:27 Trusting Instincts & Writing Honest Songs14:12 Building Community Through Music16:42 Using Instruments to Tell Emotional Stories19:12 Band Collaboration & Expanding a Shoegaze Dream Pop Sound22:42 Advice for Independent Artists Seeking Community25:32 Where to Find Whisperdoll + Upcoming Album

0:38 – Meet Koan of Penelope Road2:44 – Why Penelope Road Can’t Be Boxed Into One Genre3:56 – The Album That Changed Everything: The Beatles’ Revolver6:20 – Tomorrow Never Knows and the Power of Experimentation10:55 – Indian Classical Music and the Roots of Psychedelic Rock14:55 – Philosophy, Creativity, and Writing Honest Songs19:08 – Koan’s Guitar Pedalboard and Vintage Tone Hunt24:55 – Other Albums That Shaped Koan (Radiohead, Bowie, Arcade Fire)29:12 – The Balance Between Experimentation and ListenabilityKoan of Penelope Road joins us on the Grooves of Influence music podcast to reflect on Revolver by The Beatles and the search for creative freedom in songwriting. We talk about developing a signature sound as an indie band, using experimental guitar tones, and writing with intention across genres like alternative rock, shoegaze, and film scores. Koan shares stories about growing up in a musical family, building pedalboards, and composing for theater and screen. A thoughtful artist interview exploring sound design, emotion in music, and how bands evolve their identity.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peneloperoadSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2BxNY82SWxJkGveOWm2oxH?si=JUH-BFDMQLG6CIib5erNZw

00:00 Introduction to Wide Orbit and Influences 02:56 The Impact of The Beatles' Revolver 05:49 Musical Journey and Early Experiences 08:50 The Mixing Process and Production Techniques 11:58 Balancing Influences and Originality 14:46 Exploring Genres and Songwriting Process 17:39 The Evolution of Musical Identity 20:39 Production Inspirations and Techniques 23:45 The Future of Wide Orbit and Upcoming Projects Ryan Tuohy of Wide Orbit joins us to talk about Revolver by The Beatles, the record that shaped the sonic vision behind Wide Orbit’s debut album. We explore Ryan’s journey from cello to guitar, his production philosophy rooted in warmth and saturation, and how analog-inspired techniques brought modern songs to life. He shares stories of learning to let go, trusting the process, and embracing both influence and experimentation with honesty. A deep dive into DIY recording, playful grooves, and the beauty of making music that feels free. Wide Orbit's Music: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCaV7p5qECQ6bMCVJ_gS38SA YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC708c4Zoom4FGQSnBRJ-RyQ Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wide-orbit/1790129450 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/76wnntKKXAHupWwI7tD94X?si=BV-p4V2gTKSOZrF0XpuHfQ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wide.orbit TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wideorbit

William Garrett joins us to reflect on Zapped, a strange and genre-bending sampler curated by Frank Zappa that opened his ears to the wildest corners of music. We talk about discovering Captain Beefheart, Willie the Pimp, and why this record became a turning point in his curiosity as both a listener and producer. William shares stories from decades behind the board — from cleaning studios and watching Aerosmith record, to running Spotify’s flagship recording program and working with artists like John Legend, Ed Sheeran, and Brandi Carlile. A deep conversation about creative instinct, experimentation, and staying open to sound in all its forms.Album of Influence: Zapped by Various ArtistsWilliam Garrett's InstagramSongs Produced/Recorded/Mixed by William Garrett

Anthony Yeh joins us to talk about five seconds flat by Lizzy McAlpine, the album that helped him fall in love with songwriting and understand how to tell a story across a full project. We talk about acapella, vocal layering, and how Lizzy’s use of doubling and space shaped the way Anthony produces his own music. He shares the story behind his debut album Late Night Thoughts, his love for bossa nova and jazz textures, and what it means to “show, not tell” through lyrics. A thoughtful conversation about emotional detail, self-expression, and building something real from a blank page.Album of Influence: five seconds flat by Lizzy McAlpineAnthony Yeh's Music:SpotifyApple MusicYouTube MusicInstagramTikTokYouTube

Alvin Cobb Jr. shares how Stretch Music by Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) shaped his artistic vision, blending southern hip hop, jazz, and experimental rhythm into something entirely his own. We talk about Alvin’s move from gigging drummer to intentional bandleader, and how writing music for his trio became a personal form of reflection and healing. He opens up about building community through livestreams, developing a sound during a year-long residency, and the stories behind his debut album You’ll Need This Later. A conversation about vulnerability, groove, and letting the drums speak.Album of Influence: ⁠Stretch Music by Chief AdjuahWant to explore Alvin Cobb Jr.'s music? ⁠Check it out here!

Jacob on the Moon joins us to talk about Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino by Arctic Monkeys, a cinematic concept album that shaped the ideas behind his latest EP The Gemini Club. We explore Alex Turner’s dense lyricism, visual world-building, and the creative risks that inspired Jacob’s own moonlit funk grooves. He shares how his seven-piece band evolved, why he loves auxiliary percussion, and how scoring films influenced his approach to songwriting and sound. A conversation about cohesion, concept, and finding the surreal in the groove.Album of Influence: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic MoneysWant to explore Jacob on the Moon's music? Check it out here!

ROSiE CQ joins us to talk about the album that made music feel real and reachable for her, The Story by Brandi Carlile. We talk about growing up in a children’s choir in Montana, sharing a track with Brandi herself, and how that early experience shaped Rosie’s path as a performer and songwriter. She shares insights on learning to balance emotion and technique, writing for vibraphone and voice, and embracing contrast in both art and identity. A thoughtful and personal conversation about authenticity, sound, and giving yourself permission to evolve.Album of Influence: ⁠The Story by Brandi CarlileWant to explore ROSiE CQ's music? Check it out here: ROSiE CQ

ANDIE (ANDIE and the Bandits) joins us to talk about the record that first made her believe she could be a songwriter, Corinne Bailey Rae’s 2006 self-titled album. We talk about growing up with the CD on a pink Walkman, the impact of vocal harmonies, and how songs like “Till It Happens to You” still hit just as hard today. ANDIE reflects on her journey as a queer and polyamorous artist navigating heartbreak, live performance, and the reality of recording with a DIY team. A nostalgic and honest conversation about influence, emotion, and turning personal stories into something beautiful.Album of Influence: Corinne Bailey Rae by Corinne Bailey RaeWant to explore ANDIE's music? Check it out here.Photo Credit: David Miller @madlabphoto

Jimmy James (The True Loves, The Parlor Greens) joins us to reflect on a lifetime shaped by family, feeling, and sound. We talk about hearing Smash Hits for the first time, how it scared him a bit, and how he later came to see Jimi Hendrix as a symbol of freedom. Jimmy shares stories of growing up in a house filled with records, learning guitar by ear, and watching his mom reunite with her old singing group. A soulful and sincere conversation about legacy, instinct, and playing what you feel.Album of Influence: Smash Hits by Jimi HendrixWant to explore James' music? Check it out here: True Loves and Parlor Greens*Photo courtesy of Chris Bowden

Steve Borth II (Link 80, RX Bandits, Satori) joins us to reflect on a lifetime in music — from ska-punk roots to dub-infused, improvisational jazz in Copenhagen. We talk about Talking Book by Stevie Wonder, the role of instinct in the creative process, and how trust in the studio leads to timeless recordings. Steve shares stories from Guiding Star Orchestra, I Am An Instrument, and his newest project, The Mighty Tiny & The Many Few. A global, grounded conversation on collaboration, creativity, and the evolution of sound.Album of Influence: Talking Book by Stevie WonderWant to explore Steve's music? ⁠Find it here: I Am An Instrument, Guiding Star Orchestra, The Mighty Tiny & The Many Few, and CHLLNGR.

J.I. Gassen of Time Worm joins to break down Revolver by The Beatles — the album that flipped the switch for his love of experimentation, groove, and sonic weirdness. We talk about using the studio as an instrument, playing drums and singing live, and how Time Worm’s upcoming debut album is embracing risk, vibe, and raw energy. If you love genre-bending music and fearless artistry, this one’s for you.Album of Influence: "Revolver" by The BeatlesWant to explore J.I. Gassen's (Timeworm) music? Find it here!

Producer and artist William Wild (Garrett Sale) joins us to dive deep into Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush — a record that taught him the beauty of imperfection and raw emotion. We talk about capturing feeling over perfection, the evolution of Garrett’s own sound, and the hidden magic of lo-fi moments. From first picking up a guitar to crafting his upcoming album Touchy, Garrett shares the realness behind his artistry. It’s a conversation about capturing real moments, not chasing perfection, and staying true to the feeling behind the sound.Want to explore William Wild’s music? Check it out here!

Chicago-based musician Zac, also known as Smooth Rogers, explores the influence of Broadcast’s Haha Sound and how its experimental yet nostalgic sound shaped his artistic journey. He reflects on how the album’s unique textures and boundary-pushing production opened the door for him to explore new creative avenues, from electronic music to live instrumentation. Along the way, he discusses the impact of skateboarding culture, collaboration, and his evolving approach to making music.Album of Influence: Haha Sound by BroadcastWant to explore Smooth Roger's music?

Musician Jason Perry joins Grooves of Influence to discuss The Doors’ debut album and its lasting impact on his musical journey. From the album’s blues and jazz influences to its raw, live energy, Jason breaks down what makes it a masterpiece. He shares insights on Light My Fire, Jim Morrison’s poetic vision, and how the album’s unique composition has influenced his own approach to songwriting and performance.Album of Influence:The Doors by The Doors (1967)Jason Perry's Music

Album of Influence:"Born to Die" by Lana Del ReySummary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier speaks with independent artist Nev, who shares her musical journey and the profound impact of Lana Del Rey's album 'Born to Die' on her artistry. They discuss themes of emotional vulnerability, the evolution of music production, and the challenges faced by independent artists. Nev reflects on her songwriting process, the influence of her musical education, and her excitement for upcoming projects.Nev's Music: ⁠"Hurt You" by Nev

Album of Influence:"Voodoo" by D'AngeloSummary:In this episode of 'Grooves of Influence', host Xavier speaks with musician Nico Ducarme about his journey in music, the profound impact of D'Angelo's album 'Voodoo', and the vibrant soul music scene in Brussels. Nico shares insights into his songwriting process, the importance of groove in music, and the lyrical depth found in D'Angelo's work. The conversation also touches on Nico's personal influences, his approach to creating music, and his upcoming projects.Nico's Music:"Familiar" by Nico Ducarme"Les Fragments" by Nico DucarmeNico's Instagram:@nicoducarme

Album of Influence: "Rage!" by LettuceSummary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier interviews multi-instrumentalist Austin Long, who shares his musical journey and the profound impact of the funk band Lettuce on his career. They discuss the album 'Rage' by Lettuce, exploring its standout tracks, the essence of live performances, and the transition from jazz to funk. Austin also delves into his songwriting process and upcoming projects, highlighting the importance of feel and groove in music.Austin's Music: Funky Unkle

Album of Influence:"Love? Songs" by Jordy SearcySummary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier interviews Eli Winde, a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer. They discuss Eli's journey in the music industry, the influence of specific albums on his life, and the themes of jealousy and competition in music. Eli shares insights into his production techniques, the importance of storytelling in music, and his current projects. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in music, as well as the significance of personal connections to the art.Eli's Music:Irish Whiskey by itsjustrandIn Good Hands by Andrew RippGet Used to Music by In ParadiseCan She Have This Dance by Drew BaldridgeBackup Plan by Jessie MorganEli's Website:https://www.goodnaturemusicco.com/

Album of Influence: "The Real Thing" by Faith No MoreSummary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier interviews Bryan Dilling, the lead singer of the metal band Five Foot Thick. They discuss Bryan's musical journey, the influence of Faith No More's album 'The Real Thing', and the importance of creativity in music. Bryan shares insights into his songwriting process, vocal influences, and the evolution of his musical tastes. The conversation also touches on the risks of covering classic songs and the significance of finding one's unique voice in music. Bryan highlights the excitement of new projects and the joy of making music for the sake of creativity.Bryan's Music:Five Foot Thick

Album of Influence: "A Night in San Francisco" by Van MorrisonSummary: In this episode of Grooves of Influence, host Xavier interviews guitarist and educator Mellad Abeid about the influence of Van Morrison's live album 'A Night in San Francisco' on his musical journey. They discuss the power of live music, the role of AI in music production, the intricacies of improvisation, and the art of arranging music across various genres. Mellad shares insights on balancing authenticity with production quality and highlights his upcoming projects, including a flamenco show.Music Recommendations Featuring Mellad:Kaitlyn WiensKylie HillAn DochesJustin JamesFunky Unkle

Welcome to Grooves of Influence, the official podcast of Nostalgic Groove! In this intro episode, host Xavier shares what the podcast is all about—unscripted conversations with guest artists about the albums that shaped their lives and sparked their creative journeys. If you’ve ever wondered what makes certain records unforgettable or just love geeking out about music, this is the podcast for you. Tune in and join us as we explore the sounds, stories, and emotions that connect us all!