INDUSTRY TACTICS with FRIENDLY RICH

A talk with a true creative polymath, Keram Malicki Sanchez. We talk about his unique musical path, working with such artists as Alex Lifeson (Rush), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie) and much more. This episode certainly celebrates longevity in the creative arts. From his early days acting on the hit television series Catwalk, through to running a record label and curating his own a virtual reality conference, Keram squeezes the most out of life. Get ready to learn a bunch!

A great chat with Jay Pennington (aka Rusty Lazer), a New Orleans-based musician and organizer. He’s best known as the live DJ and creative partner of Sissy Bounce rapper Nicky Da B, and as the onetime manager of Big Freedia. In 2006 he co-founded the artist-driven nonprofit organization New Orleans Airlift. He helped create the Music Box Village, where every house can be used as in instrument. We get into the music industry from Jay's unique perspective -- prepare to be dazzled!

A lovely late-night chat with multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand from New Orleans. We unpack Nealand's 2017 masterpiece, "The Monocle" and much more. Whether you're a searcher or a believer, believe this: Aurora is a heavy-hitter who will leave you smiling. Get into it!

From Rhino Party HQ we catch up with their fierce leader, Sébastien CoRhino. We not only talk about some inside party tactics, we also unpack his career in music with the collective LE GGRIL out of Rimouski, Quebec. Sébastien does a COVID test during the episode, and pure chaos oozes from nostril from there: including an historic appointment, a thickening of the caucus, if you will (and you won't). Get into the politics of music and madness with none other than the chef pachyderm himself, the legendary Sébastien CoRhino!

We get to talk with an accordion legend, Michael Ward-Bergeman a passionate performer, songwriter and composer. In 2011 he launched his GIG 365 project, which saw him performing at least one gig for every day of 2011. Performances took place at an incredibly diverse range of venues in over thirty-five states and nine countries. Highlights included performances at Gainesville Correctional Facility, Danish Radio Concert Hall, and on the streets of New Orleans. Ward-Bergeman’s electro-acoustic compositions have won international awards and he has premiered new works at Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he was commissioned to compose for Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project. This episode is chalk full of wisdom, hope you dig it!

Friendly Rich catches up with the great experimental artist Vicky Mettler, aka Kee Avil from her hometown of Montreal. They discuss her process and what led to her upcoming release "Crease" which comes out next Friday March 11, 2022. You get a sneak peak today into the wacky world of producer, guitarist and artist extraordinaire -- Kee Avil. Enjoy!

From his bunker in San Francisco, we catch up with the godfather of weird, the elder statesperson of experimental music, the reason for the season -- none other than Homer Flynn. Homer Flynn is an American artist, graphic designer and businessman who is a founding member, co-owner and President of The Cryptic Corporation; the management firm who have represented the legendary cult band The Residents since 1976. We talk about family, friendship, Vonnegut, the music industry, the new book on The Residents by Melodic Virtue and even get a sneak peak into the creative process of The Residents. Enjoy!

We go cross-continental on today's episode from Berlin to Brampton, with the great John Kameel Farah. We talk about his unique path to music, his one-of-a-kind compositions, with a side order of barbershop magazines, Bramalea bullies, and more!

In this episode, we talk with jazz legend Richard Underhill of his early days coming up in Toronto, co-leading The Shuffle Demons, touring, promotion, even running for mayor!! Get on the right path with sax great, Richard Underhill. Enjoy the ride!

The ever-evolving Aiyun Huang enjoys a musical life as soloist, chamber musician, researcher, teacher, and producer. In this episode we talk about her amazing career to date, and how she found her voice as an artist/educator. Bon appetit!