Episode 7: April Showers – From April Showers to Unicorn Powers

Act 9: From Arts High gospel choir to Grammy-nominated jazz sensation 🎙️✨

From Arts High gospel choir to Grammy-nominated jazz sensation 🎙️✨ This week on Drama School Diaries, we sit down with the incredible Gretchen Parlato for an honest and inspiring conversation about artistry, curiosity, resilience, and finding your voice. Growing up in a musical family in the Valley, Gretchen shares how her journey through LACHSA, UCLA, and the Thelonious Monk Institute shaped not only her musicianship, but her entire artistic identity. From gospel and Brazilian Bossa Nova to jazz improvisation and ethnomusicology, we explore the many influences that helped create her unmistakable sound. We also dive into: • How arts education became a lifelong community and support system • The teachers and mentors who recognized her potential early on • Collaborating with legends like Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock • The realities of sustaining a music career in today’s streaming and social media landscape • Mental health, rejection, aging, and staying creatively authentic in an evolving industry With more than 80 recordings and collaborations spanning jazz, pop, and world music, Gretchen’s story is a masterclass in intentional growth, artistic integrity, and dedication to craft. Plus, we celebrate her brand-new album, “Capricorn,” out now 🎧 Whether you’re an aspiring artist, arts student, educator, or simply someone passionate about creativity and storytelling, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, honesty, and inspiration. And if you’re in LA, don’t miss Gretchen performing live at LACHSApalooza at the Greek Theatre on May 30th! LACHSApalooza Tickets [https://lachsafoundation.org/lachsapalooza/] Gretchen Parlatos NEW ALBUM on Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gretchen-parlato/43556297] #DramaSchoolDiaries #GretchenParlato #LACHSA #Jazz #Capricorn #Podcast #ArtsEducation #UCLA #WayneShorter #HerbieHancock

Act 8: From First Chair to First Coachella: Sitting Down with Ozomatli’s Ulises Bella

In this episode of Drama School Diaries, we sit down with the incomparable Ulises Bella — multi‑instrumentalist, culture‑shaper, and founding member of the Grammy‑winning band Ozomatli. Ulises takes us on a journey through the soundtrack of his life: 🎵 Growing up surrounded by music 🎵 His early days at LACHSA 🎵 The wild, unpredictable path of the music industry 🎵 The cultural impact of Ozomatli’s sound 🎵 The highs, lows, and life lessons only a musician can teach. We talk about everything from saving your money on the road, to the “wild west” vibe of the industry, to the moments that remind you why passion matters more than profit. And yes — we dive into Ozomatli’s role as the official LACHSApalooza house band, and what it means to come home and uplift the next generation of artists. Sound bites you’ll love: 💬 “The music is the proof of life.” 💬 “Music kept us afloat.” 💬 “If it’s about the money, don’t do it.” 💬 “You have to save your money.” If you’re a musician, a dreamer, or someone who believes in the power of art to shape culture, this episode will hit you right in the heart. Watch, subscribe, and join the DSD family as we celebrate the artists who shaped us. 💛 New episodes every other week. #DramaSchoolDiaries #UlisesBella #Ozomatli #LACHSA #LACHSApalooza #MusicJourney #ArtsEducation #Podcast #CreativeLife #Coachella #SupportTheArts 🎙️ Special Shout‑OutA huge thank‑you to Emmanuel Munda and the entire team at D1 Productions in Mt. Washington for always bringing the magic. From engineering to creative support, Emmanuel’s studio is a true home base for artists, podcasters, and anyone who needs a space that understands the craft. If you’re looking for studio time, recording, mixing, or production support, hit him up — you’ll be in excellent hands. 👉 https://d1-productions.com/

Episode 7: April Showers – From April Showers to Unicorn Powers

Episode 7: April Showers – From April Showers to Unicorn Powers In this episode, we sit down with the incredible April Showers, the powerhouse behind Afro Unicorn® and the first Black woman to own a major licensed character brand featured in major retailers nationwide. But this conversation goes far beyond her business success. April opens up about her time at LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts), how her arts education shaped her confidence and creativity, and why that foundation was essential to building the global brand she leads today. We also talk about her return to the LACHSA community through LACHSApalooza at The Greek Theatre, where she’ll be partnering with the school once again to uplift the next generation of young artists. It’s inspiring, funny, heartfelt — and full of unicorn magic. Follow April: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrounicorn_official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfroUnicornOfficial Shop Afro Unicorn: https://afrounicorn.com [https://afrounicorn.com/?utm_source=copilot.com]

Act 6 - From Practice Rooms to Packed Dance Floors: John Constantine (The Hound)

What does it really take to find your voice as an artist? 🎭✨ In this episode, John Constantine from The Hound joins Drama School Diaries to talk about the evolution of his creative identity—from training to real-world artistry. We listen to his track “Can’t Let You Go” 🎧 and get into the story behind it—from the bold, provocative visual choices in the music video 🔥 to the deeper artistic instincts driving the work. John opens up about where the song has taken him—festival stages 🎪, recognition from outlets like Billboard and HuffPost 📰, and how it’s helped carve out his place in LA’s nightlife scene as a DJ and performer 🌃🎶. We dive into the discipline behind the craft, the tension between structure and freedom, and the moments that shape who you become as a performer and storyteller. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your process, or your place in the arts—this one’s for you. 🎙️ The Hound Music [https://thehoundmusic.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR3J1tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLVjA2WXY3MFB1eW9nWlh2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp3_u-A_fMV23US3Zut8QhIvtXgUJ1Jp-9u06e50JrqwF0c9Sav6aAhsNa3g_aem_bz5xyT9urVUg9UEHTNwWFg] #DramaSchoolDiaries #JohnConstantine #TheHound #CantLetYouGo #IndieArtist #MusicPodcast #ArtistJourney #CreativeProcess #ArtsEducation #FindingYourVoice #MusicInterview #IndieMusic #LAArtists #EmergingArtists #PodcastLife #Storyteller #PerformerLife #BehindTheMusic #MusicIndustry #CreativeLife 🎙️ Special Shout‑Out A huge thank‑you to Emmanuel Munda and the entire team at D1 Productions in Mt. Washington for always bringing the magic. From engineering to creative support, Emmanuel’s studio is a true home base for artists, podcasters, and anyone who needs a space that understands the craft. If you’re looking for studio time, recording, mixing, or production support, hit him up — you’ll be in excellent hands. 👉 https://d1-productions.com/ [ https://d1-productions.com/]

Act 5 - From Platform Shoes to the Bright Lights of Broadway - Mic Check with Michael Longoria

In this inspiring episode of Drama School Diaries, Michael Longoria shares his journey from arts education at LACHSA to success on Broadway—and how that foundation shaped both his career and identity as an artist.Michael opens up about overcoming challenges, the power of mentorship, and how arts training builds empathy, discipline, and resilience. He also dives into diversity in theater, creating your own opportunities, and evolving as a true triple threat.We also highlight his latest album, Catch a Wave—a vibrant, feel-good project that showcases his artistry beyond the stage.🎧 Listen to “Catch a Wave” here:https://music.apple.com/us/album/catch-a-wave/1880108707🎭 Follow Michael Longoria on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/michaellongoriasings🎨 Americans for the Arts Fund:https://www.americansforthearts.org/Keywords:arts education, Broadway, mentorship, resilience, LACHSA, acting, singing, arts advocacy, diversity in theater, musical theater, Broadway careers, creative process, music albums, Catch a Wave, Michael LongoriaKey Topics:Arts education impact on careerMentorship in performing artsDiscipline and resilience in theaterSelf-identity and expression in artsOvercoming industry rejectionJourney from arts high school to BroadwayDiversity and representation in theaterCreating music and personal artistic projects00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE] Introduction to Drama School Diaries01:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=104s] Artistic Backgrounds and Journeys04:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=253s] Welcoming Michael Longoria05:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=335s] Michael's Early Musical Influences08:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=525s] Transitioning to Arts Education at LACHSA10:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=646s] Navigating Identity and Expression17:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1042s] The Impact of Arts Education22:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1338s] Empathy Through Performance24:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1482s] The Discipline of Performing Arts29:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1743s] Mentorship and Opportunities30:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1822s] Navigating the Challenges of Performing Arts Education32:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=1952s] The Hustle: Balancing Work and Rehearsals36:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=2173s] Reframing Rejection in the Industry41:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=2483s] From NYU to Broadway: The Journey Begins45:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=2749s] The Evolution of Roles: From College to Professional49:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=2961s] The Changing Landscape of Diversity in Theatre52:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=3160s] Creating Your Own Opportunities in the Arts59:27 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=3567s] The Journey of a Triple Threat01:01:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=3668s] Rapid Fire Insights01:05:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=3925s] Legacy and Artistic Expression01:07:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=4072s] Reflections on the Future and Heaven01:09:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=4159s] The Impact of Arts Education01:14:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md4sttq0-sE&t=4476s] Outro