Speaking of Music

Julian Velard is a singer/songwriter and an entertainer through and through. We met up to talk all about his new record “In The Middle Of Something.” We also chatted about midlife crises, signing a major label deal from MySpace, Billy Joel, recording with Weird Al, identifying and following what brings you happiness, family, failure, and success.

Hayley Reardon is a singer/songwriter from Massachusetts. She stopped by to talk about her new EP "Changes" which she recorded in Spain. We talk about what led to the new EP, Hayley's travels overseas, early days of starting out in the Boston folk scene, and more!

Jim Olsen is the president of the record label Signature Sounds. We talk about Jim’s start in radio, founding the record label, starting Green River Festival, signing Lake Street Dive, whether you need a record label, what labels do, and more.

Harry Becker is a luthier, songwriter, and guitar repair extraordinaire. He’s a master of his craft and believes in the power of music as a force for change in the world. Harry talks about Motown, the social movements of the 60’s, getting drafted to the Vietnam war, his experience with self awareness practices, driving a cab in NYC, what to look for when buying a used guitar, how to properly care for your guitar, among other topics. I really enjoyed this talk!

Ryan Hommel is an in-demand guitarist for hire, producer, and songwriter. He has toured extensively as a member of Amos Lee’s band and was most recently the musical director for the hit television series Daisy Jones & the Six. We had a lovely chat about his new record, early touring days, music production, playing with Amos Lee, becoming a Dad, working on Daisy Jones, and much more.

Kimaya Diggs is a refreshing singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader. Her stellar new project, ‘Quincy,’ came out last year and was nominated for the New England Music Awards album of the year. We talked all about the record and more!

Mikey Sweet is a singer/songwriter from Western Massachusetts. He stops by the show to talk about his years hitchhiking, making records, and an upcoming tribute show to his late friend Brian McCullough.

Frank Padellaro is a songwriter, engineer, and producer. He is the driving force behind the Northampton, MA based band King Radio. In 2004, King Radio released their extraordinary record “Are You The Sick Passenger.” The album is ambitious, joyful, glimmering chamber pop that was made in a living room in Hadley, MA. He tells the saga of the making of the record. Frank calls the album his masterpiece and I agree.