Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast (ESP)

ESP pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness, inviting friends to to reflect on Ozzy Osbourne [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozzy_Osbourne]'s life and discuss the impact his music has had over the past six decades. Skunk Manhattan [https://www.skunkmanhattan.com/] is joined by A Good Rogering [https://www.agoodrogering.com/] bandmates Tim Driscoll (Runescarred [https://runescarred.com/]) and Blaine Matte (Astasis [https://astasis.bandcamp.com/album/astasis]), as well as long time friend and music connoisseur, Dave Tucker (5 Iron Woodworks [https://www.5ironwoodworks.com/]) . Austin-based musician Tony Park (Three33 [https://www.three33music.com/]) also joins and shares stories and insights of what it was like touring with the Ozzman himself, when Tony's band Pushmonkey [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushmonkey] toured with Ozzfest in 1999. Thanks for listening. God Bless You All! Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticsoundtraxpodcast2812/videos]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticsoundtrax] |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/eclecticsoundtrax/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47rs9G9mw5QQ939SWZ1oUu?si=5523673c8f514bad] | ⁠⁠⁠Sukunya Personal Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4LlnwAwqwuBdFC9Y83LuaF?si=27b180a471d740e0]

Emerging pop artist Terra Renae [https://www.terrarenae.com] joins us on the podcast fresh on the heels of a European tour opening for Macy Gray [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macy_Gray]. Terra's debut album, All I Have [https://open.spotify.com/album/0oi6GQDw1Hr4K7kkjvsiBc?si=pRth4gEHRjWPB8xRG5FSNg], was released earlier this year under the guidance of the R&B icon. Raised in Louisville, KY by her Filipino mother after the tragic loss of her father at age seven, Terra’s path has been one of reinvention and perseverance. She was encouraged from an early age to pursue her musical dreams, and time spent in choirs, school plays, and competitive auditions laid the foundation for what later would become a music career. More adversity stuck when a vocal injury forced her to step away from music, and Renea decided to pursue modeling and academic studies. This ultimately led to a doctoral degree, but little did she know her dream of becoming an artist would be reignited in a dramatic way. As fate would have it, a short trip to Los Angeles led to a lifetime opportunity when a chance meeting with Macy Gray changed everything. Recognizing her raw talent and unique energy, Macy offered mentorship and executive produced Terra’s debut album. 'All I Have' quickly amassed over half a million streams earning Terra spotlights with Live Nation’s Ones to Watch and Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists. Collaborating with top-tier producers like Grammy-winner Mikal Blue, Terra’s sound came to life. The music, grounded in raw emotion and soulful pop melodies, is now a reflection of Terra's journey and personal empowerment. Terra's latest single, Best Revenge [https://open.spotify.com/track/0WqxeMYkmXjg8GQlumwxxC?si=be0971fc05ac4be5], is a confident, emotionally charged track that reframes heartbreak as an opportunity for joy, growth, and living well. The single gives fans a taste of what to expect from her upcoming U.S. performances and solidifies her voice as one rooted in self-empowerment and emotional resilience. “Best Revenge” adds to Renae’s growing catalog of self-affirming anthems. Manifest I [https://open.spotify.com/track/2B3xqueBRYDQ7aAIJ45JZ0?si=cc4b004ca1994268] and Ignite Me [https://open.spotify.com/track/4BdjtZFGlaOpYhXCL7bOAI?si=6658505e9ed945a1] are songs that explore transformation, self-worth, and emotional clarity. Terra is currently working on her sophomore album with collaborators Epic Mazur, Lauren Christy, and Sam Short. A U.S. tour  supporting Macy Gray launches July 25th in St. Louis, and Terra will be performing August 4th at the Mercury Ballroom in hometown of Louisville. Terra Renae: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.terrarenae.com] ⁠⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_(band)]| ⁠⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@terrarenae]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VJQ0GwXkdI1fbwCBAzwOD?si=VSghM_RIT_CxIZCBRN-2Eg]| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/terra-renae/1746312036]| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/terra.renae]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/terrarenaemusic]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1600898/]TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@terrarenae] Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticsoundtraxpodcast2812/videos] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticsoundtrax]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/eclecticsoundtrax/]| ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47rs9G9mw5QQ939SWZ1oUu?si=5523673c8f514bad]

We had a blast chatting with David Kochberg and Vanessa Vakharia of the Canadian alt-rock band, Goodnight Sunrise [https://www.goodnightsunrise.com/]. Formed in Toronto, Canada, the band is characterized by their energetic live show, dual male-female lead vocals, eclectic musical influences, and don't forget the keytar! Their latest release GET A LIFE [https://open.spotify.com/album/7AxTDnMD16zPE8WG0i9DNZ?si=0FMWoiVLQcW0HZiIIQGawg], is a master class in pop-punk rock. It marries honest, to the point lyrics with well-written catchy hooks and no fluff music. Formed in 2011 by David and Vanessa after the two had played together in The Big Deal, Goodnight Sunrise recorded their debut EP, Fragments with bassist Andrew Charters. Drummer Paul Weaver joined in February 2012 and the now four member group began playing live including performances at Canadian Music Week [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Music_Week] and North by Northeast [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_by_Northeast]. Create/Destroy/Create [https://open.spotify.com/album/0YBfcfVffuMgKBk8KTK8us?si=tysgqtP4QaqTiJNhANdxwA] was released in March 2013. Co-produced by Kochberg and engineer Chris Sampson, the 9 song pseudo-concept album demonstrated the band's eclectic influences and drew upon cyclical themes of introspection, self-destruction, and redemption. In December 2013 the first in a series of split-singles was released. Deaf Ears was recorded in at Swamp Songs Studios and mastered by Noah Mintz [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Mintz]. This was followed by Bridgeburner in July 2014, recorded with new bassist Thor Thunders after the amicable departure of Charters. In September 2015 the band completed a 20-date tour of  Canada and the following September the Falling Awake [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falling_Awake_(album)] album release was supported by a 17-date tour across Ontario, the UK, and a final show in Amsterdam. In May 2018, Goodnight, Sunrise was selected by Q107 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CILQ-FM] to be the opening act for Bon Jovi at the Air Canada Centre [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Canada_Centre] on May 12. Weaver rejoined for this momentous final show together. From this point forward the band was led by Vakharia and Kochberg and supported by a rotating cast of touring members, starting with a cross-Canada summer tour supporting their new single "Runaways" with performances at Evolve Festival [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolve_Festival], Riverfest Elora, and Dawson City Music Festival in Dawson City [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson_City], Yukon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon]. 2019 brought their first show in the US, performing at The NAMM Show [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAMM_Show] in Anaheim, CA [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaheim,_California], as well as a 30-date Western Canada summer tour behind the singles "WVV" and "Don't Want It To End". The band spent 2020-2021 writing and recording a new album with producer Brian Moncarz and featuring bassist Duncan Coutts [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Coutts] and drummer Jason Pierce [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Pierce_(drummer)] of Our Lady Peace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_Peace], releasing the Against All Odds [https://open.spotify.com/album/56JkAdq9JjYFfQUEUPHufs?si=-W4DsJZmQVuMSW8kzGnWNA] album in 2022. Goodnight Sunrise: Website [https://www.goodnightsunrise.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/goodnightsunriseband/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/gnsrband] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZx-QZpkkRUwpEOL8u4_veA] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@goodnightsunrise] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CzSDigTxbLBQU4DdvhkxY?si=PORVqLPkQ-esiR2jQFwb5A] | Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/goodnight-sunrise/625411561] | Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodnight_Sunrise] Thanks for listening. Be sure to follow and subscribe for more great guests! Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticsoundtraxpodcast2812/videos]⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticsoundtrax] |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/eclecticsoundtrax/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47rs9G9mw5QQ939SWZ1oUu?si=5523673c8f514bad] |

On this episode we welcome back our very first guest, Yuri Diogenes [https://www.instagram.com/ydiogenes]! Yuri has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and has written over 30 books on this and released subjects. He met ESP co-host Victor Ramos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-ramos-atx]while working at Dell, but has been with Microsoft since 2006. A personification of the American Dream, Yuri migrated to the United States from Brazil with very little. Through hard work and perseverance he has become highly respected as an author and consultant in his field of expertise as well as a competitive athlete. In his thirties, after years of sitting in an office and falling into the dietary pitfalls of a fast-paced corporate world, he decided to make a life change and began working out and eating healthy. This led to competitive body building. Additionally, in his free time, Yuri plays drums and practices martial arts with members of his family.  Shorty after appearing on our podcast in 2020, Yuri suffered a severe ankle injury while competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament. This left him far less mobile, often in severe pain, and unable to maintain certain routines. As depression set in, Yuri decided to find other outlets to put his energy. He started his own podcast entitled ‘Overcome [https://open.spotify.com/show/5ItHmS8wp55VQ0XPmZ6Ksh?si=f677fc90eeea40c8]’ and began writing about his experience and whirlwind of emotions. This led to lyrics for a proposed song to Skunk Manhattan [https://www.skunkmanhattan.com/] (ESP co-host). A demo was produced but remained unfinished until now. This year the song was finished along with co-writer Tim Driscoll [https://www.instagram.com/tjdriscoll82/] and recorded at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, TX. The song is currently only available on A Good Rogering [https://www.agoodrogering.com/]'s Bandcamp site, but will be available for digital streaming later this month. A video is in the works as well.  It was great catching up with Yuri, talking about the origins of the song, and about the discipline he maintains to balance, work, fitness, and family. Yuri currently resides in the DFW area with his wife and two daughters.  Yuri Diogenes: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ydiogenes] | X [https://x.com/yuridiogenes] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuridiogenes] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorYuriDiogenes/videos] | Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/5ItHmS8wp55VQ0XPmZ6Ksh?si=466d5aef90054c3b] |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@sukunyamusic/videos]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.taliakeys.com/index.html]Amazon Books [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00420B5UI?ccs_id=afdc70f8-ff0c-4490-9bfe-40e92c423ef1] Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticsoundtraxpodcast2812/videos]⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticsoundtrax] |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/eclecticsoundtrax/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47rs9G9mw5QQ939SWZ1oUu?si=5523673c8f514bad] |

On this episode we chat with veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist, Talia Keys [https://www.taliakeys.com/index.html]. Based in Salt Lake City, Talia is known for her powerful vocals & captivating performances. With over 16 years of experience in the music industry Talia continues to be passionate about using her platform to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. From The Ashes , [https://talia-keys.square.site/] is the first release under Buy Before You Stream [https://buybeforeyoustream.com/products/matchstick-glowin-golden-tk], an initiative designed by Midtopia [https://midtopia.com/] to support independent artists by offering a sustainable revenue model outside the streaming economy. Here fans can purchase exclusive vinyl editions of albums before they hit streaming platforms, with 100% of the profits going directly to the artist! The initiative aims to foster direct artist-to-fan relationships, support local record stores, and build a more equitable music ecosystem for independent musicians. “When fans buy vinyl, they’re holding onto something real, something that ties them to the music and to me as an artist. It’s a way to share a moment, to create lasting memories, and to give fans a piece of my journey. And at the same time it’s a way for us, as independent artists, to keep doing what we love, without having to rely on the systems that often leave us behind.” Talia concludes, “We’ve reached a point where artists need to come together and demand better from the industry. This is about taking back our worth and rebuilding our careers. Buy Before You Stream is a lifeline for independent musicians, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” From The Ashes is a record that was a year in the making, self-funded by Talia herself, and features collaborations with a string section and longtime collaborators. The album’s title reflects her personal evolution—from anger and protest to gratitude and resilience—and its lead single, “⁠Matchstick⁠ [https://prospectpr.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4db326eb827da848618daefd9&id=05de629fdd&e=394d8c45c6],” is a deeply emotional tribute to her late friend and disability rights advocate Psarah Johnson. Talia has gained a loyal following playing Salt Lake City clubs for over fifteen years, and has furthered her fanbase performing on national tours and festivals. In 2024, Keys released an emotional standalone single “Need You To Care [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM08MyBdZI8]”, which followed a series of covers including “Seven Nation Army [https://open.spotify.com/track/0iLrCsmKweNzDnkSHryLLm?si=1af2061b618a45cc]” (The White Stripes), “I Put A Spell On You [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_wf_vl0g4E]” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), and “Sweet Dreams [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDdSJOUkvMw]” (The Eurythmics). In 2023, Talia was direct tour support for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, a fortuitous opportunity and budding professional relationship that would facilitate her performing to enthusiastic new audiences all over the U.S. She has also opened for the Indigo Girls, Danielle Ponder, Thievery Corporation, Joanne Shaw Taylor, George Clinton & P-Funk, Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, ALO and many more. Resonant and raw, 2022’s LP Lessons [https://open.spotify.com/album/1XpmnwnkPMC53fCHhxt7Lb?si=Untv4_afQvKL2oy6o_6mlw] saw Keys emerge from the pandemic chaos recharged and reborn, leaning into strength and resilience with more clarity and focus in her compositions. With typically-provocative lyrics dotting the kaleidoscopic album, the biting barbs addressed her own space and place as a queer woman in today’s divided America. 2015’s Fool’s Gold [https://open.spotify.com/album/3MH2gzf54xYjR0ACL6fx7I?si=nrc_8Q5LQwyNi_tyMPSB-Q] EP, the live-looping adventures of Gemini Mind [https://open.spotify.com/album/3DWc3NN7wWwM0oGHKLjJKZ?si=6rsJDXgjT7uURrYuDaIPYA](2014), and debut Soak Your Meat In This (2012). Before breaking out on her own musical trip, Keys assumed numerous roles in the seminal funk-jam syndicate Marinade, with whom she logged six years of shenanigans from 2009-2015. Talia Keys: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@sukunyamusic/videos]⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.taliakeys.com/index.html] ⁠⁠⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_(band)]| ⁠⁠⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TaliaKeys]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iHUosZ808WyllYm9bMaqX?si=0q-52SNGSNmCE-if4Me_-g] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/talia-keys/890552] ⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taliakeys/] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TaliaKeysMusic] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1600898/]Midtopia [https://midtopia.com/] | Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticsoundtraxpodcast2812/videos]⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticsoundtrax] |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/eclecticsoundtrax/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47rs9G9mw5QQ939SWZ1oUu?si=5523673c8f514bad] | ⁠Talia's Playlist⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1HuazzbKBKEOE9a5jXGGj7?si=b9a7d7b0f1d14cdf]