Root Notes

Jordan Lee - Music Industry Woes & Underground Frog-well Shows

This week I continue my journey through NYC with Indie-folk artist Jordan Lee (Mutual Benefit). In the episode we discuss his career in the industry, the musical community of New York City and gigs in some unusual spaces.

Ted Riederer - Never Records

This episode, I'm in NYC chatting to the artist and founder of the community art installation - Never Records. We chat about some of the recordings he's done over the world with this, immortalizing moments in time - recording anything from skate parks, to orchestras to eulogies - giving an honest representation in sound of the life that fills the space at the time of the recording.    True to that philosophy, Ted was kind enough to invite me to his home to record this episode, where I met his two beautiful kids, who are also a part of this episode! So you might hear them featured throughout. Pls enjoy <3

Mario Perez - String Quartets, Metal Bands & Dulcimer Players

In this episode, Rachel chats to sound engineer Mario Perez about the wide range of scenes in NYC, including the indie sleaze revival, hip-hop and inclusive queer country. We chat about his time playing with Trophy Wife, the role NYC plays as a hub for people all over the country as a place for community, opportunity and acceptance, and some great recommendations for some class venues all across the city. We also chat about Stone Circle Theatre - a non-profit, alcohol free 'pure music space' held in a functioning church. Who host everything from string quartets, to plays to metal bands... including some hammered dulcimer and harps in there too!

Larry Jaffee - Eastenders and Biodegradable Vinyl

Another US epi - this time I'm in Manhattan chatting to music journalist and vinyl expert Larry Jaffee! We have a chat about living in and being involved with the NYC music scene from the 1970's to now, meeting Paul McCartney, chatting about his book 'Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century', his new project 'Thermal Beets' - a biodegradable vinyl production company, and getting banned from the Eastenders set!

Ronnie Lanzilotta - Banjo Shredding

It's 2025 and on to pastures new! In this episode I've landed in New York and starting off this leg of the American invasion is musician supreme Ronnie Lanzilotta. We talk about his journey in to music and the scene in Brooklyn.