Accolades: Recent Episodes
Tom De Geeter
In Accolades, a wide range of musicians, composers, and songwriters praise and present their treasured gems. Contributors from Steve Albini to “Weird Al” Yankovic, from Julien Baker to Margo Price, present accolades to cherished colleagues, to amazing actors and authors, to admired activists and athletes, to precious poets and esteemed engineers.
Belgian-based illustrator Tom De Geeter thoughtfully curated this lineup of contributors. He interviewed close to two hundred artists and asked them just these two questions: who do you want to honor and why? De Geeter’s vivid, bold yet delicate line drawings accompany their answers in style and make Accolades a more than exceptional project for you to dive right into.
In episode 83 I talk to Tom from The Cool Greenhouse about Ben Wallers, also known as The Rebel. He is the frontman, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the band Country Teasers. His lyrics often deal with taboo subjects such as racism, sexism and xenophobia from first-person standpoints.
In episode 82 I talk to John Robinson (Scienz of Life) about his brother Invizible Handz. Making it a point to fight negativity and hatred through their uplifting rhymes, Scienz of Life is one of the lesser-known jazz/hip-hop fusion acts in the rap genre. Formed by MCs Invizible Handz, Inspector Wilabee, and Lil Scienz, the crew first started to get a buzz in New York City, where their laid-back grooves and positive message were warmly received by the local underground hip-hop scene. Hooking up with Bobbito the Barber's Fondle 'Em Records, the "Powers of the Nine Ether" single dropped in the late '90s to an enthusiastic reception.
In episode 81 I talk to Singer-songwriter Thao Nguyen about Diep Tran, a Vietnamese-American chef best known for running the award-winning Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, Los Angeles. She co-authored The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook, chosen as NPR’s 2021 Books We Love. In addition to Food & Wine, she has been featured The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Lucky Peach, Saveur, and others.
In episode 80 I talk to Doug "Dj Douggpound" Lussenhop about Kleenex Girl Wonder (or Kleenexgirlwonder or Kleen Ex-Girl Wonder in Japan), an indie rock band, originally from the suburbs of Chicago but now based in New York City. The band's central and sole consistent member since its inception is Graham Smith. The original backing band consisted of neighborhood friends from his hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois.
In episode 79 I talk to Khujo (Goodie Mob) about Krush Groove, a 1985 American musical comedy-drama. Pictures that was written by Ralph Farquhar and directed by Michael Schultz (who also produced the movie, along with George Jackson and Doug McHenry). This film is loosely based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings and up-and-coming record producer Russell Simmons (renamed Russell Walker in the film), portrayed by Blair Underwood in his feature film debut. Simmons was the film's co-producer and story consultant; he also had a cameo in the film as a club owner named Crocket.
In episode 78 I talk to Jay "J-Zone" Mumford about Kool and The Gang, an American R&B/soul/funk band formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, with Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. They have undergone numerous changes in personnel and have explored many musical styles throughout their history, including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, rock, and pop music. Their most successful albums of this period include Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! (1980), and Emergency (1984), their highest selling album with two million copies sold in the US.
In episode 77 I talk to Lydia Gammill from Gustaf about Mildred Bailey, a Native American jazz singer during the 1930s, known as "The Queen of Swing", "The Rockin' Chair Lady" and "Mrs. Swing". She recorded the songs "For Sentimental Reasons", "It's So Peaceful in the Country", "Doin' The Uptown Lowdown", "Trust in Me", "Where Are You?", "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart", "Small Fry", "Please Be Kind", "Darn That Dream", "Rockin' Chair", "Blame It on My Last Affair", and "Says My Heart". She had three records that reached number one on the popular charts.
In episode 76 I talk to Brett Davis about Steve Whalen, an actor and writer, known for Township (2005), The Chris Gethard Show: Public Access (2011) and The Perfect Week (2014).
In episode 75 I talk to Four Times World Champ DJ Prime Cuts (Scratch Perverts) about the music of Gerald Donald, a Detroit techno producer and artist. With James Stinson he formed the afrofuturist techno duo Drexciya, and he is the main member of Dopplereffekt.
In episode 74 I talk to KRS-One about the importance of teachers in todays society. It was an interesting conversation, a bit different from our normal program, recorded live at De Kreun in Kortrijk after I did a warm-up dj set for him early december 2022.
In episode 73 I talk to Duke Fakir from The Four Tops about The Temptations, an American vocal group from Detroit, Michigan, who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. The group's work with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning with the Top 10 hit single "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, pioneered psychedelic soul, and was significant in the evolution of R&B and soul music. The band members are known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and dress style. Having sold tens of millions of albums, the Temptations are among the most successful groups in popular music.
In episode 72 I talk to Leron Thomas aka Pan Amsterdam about Roy Hargrove, an American jazz pianist and composer who worked primarily as the leader of his trio. His use of impressionist harmony, interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, block chords, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines continues to influence jazz pianists today.
In episode 71 I talk to Marissa Paternoster about Nina Nastasia, an American folk singer-songwriter. A native of Los Angeles, she first came to prominence in New York City in 2000 after Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel began giving her debut album, Dogs, airplay. The album earned Nastasia a cult following, and was re-released in 2004. Her fifth studio album release, You Follow Me (2007), was a collaboration with Australian drummer Jim White of Dirty Three. As of 2022, Nastasia has released a total of seven studio albums, each recorded by Steve Albini. Her musical style has been described as folk and country-influenced with neo-Gothic overtones, often featuring sparse acoustic guitar accompanied by string arrangements.
In episode 70 I talk to Bobby Simmons (Stetsasonic) about The Bomb Squad, an American hip hop production team known for its work with hip hop group Public Enemy. The Bomb Squad is noted for its dense, distinct, innovative production style, often utilizing dozens of samples on just one track. They are also known for incorporating harsh, atonal sounds and samples into their productions.
In episode 69 I talk to Will Hines about Teen Wolf, a 1985 American coming-of-age romantic fantasy comedy film directed by Rod Daniel and written by Jeph Loeb and Matthew Weisman. Michael J. Fox stars as the title character, a high school student whose ordinary life is changed when he discovers that he is a werewolf. James Hampton, Scott Paulin, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Matt Adler, and Jay Tarses appear in supporting roles. Filming took place from November to December 1984.
In episode 68 I talk to D-Styles about Bill Evans, an American jazz pianist and composer who worked primarily as the leader of his trio. His use of impressionist harmony, interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, block chords, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines continues to influence jazz pianists today.
In episode 67 I talk to DJ Cash Money about Russell Peters, a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. He began performing in Toronto in 1989 and won a Gemini Award in 2008. In 2013, he was number three on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid comedians, and became the first comedian to get a Netflix stand-up special. He also won the Peabody Award and the International Emmy Award for Best Arts Programming for producing Hip-Hop Evolution (2016). He lives in Los Angeles.
In episode 66 I talk to Paul Barman about Iceberg Slim, a former American pimp who later became a writer. Beck's novels were adapted into films.
RELATED EPISODES
Matt Besser on Del Close - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VauklZC3ECw
Seth Morris on Brody Stevens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkAb4wsBp1s
Al Jackson on Hannibal Buress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdsoQaI6mAQ
ACCOLADES #1
An illustration book by Tom De Geeter
Find out more here: https://www.craterecords.be/accolades/
icebergslim #pimp #mcpaulbarman
In episode 65 I talk to Jake Fogelnest about John Waters, an American filmmaker, writer, actor, and artist. He rose to fame in the early 1970s for his transgressive cult films, including Multiple Maniacs (1970), Pink Flamingos (1972) and Female Trouble (1974). He wrote and directed the comedy film Hairspray (1988), which was an international success and was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical. He has written and directed other films, including Polyester (1981), Cry-Baby (1990), Serial Mom (1994), Pecker (1998), and Cecil B. Demented (2000). His films contain elements of post-modern comedy and surrealism.
In episode 64 I talk to Seth Morris about Brody Stevens, an American stand-up comedian and actor. He starred in the Comedy Central reality series Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!, and was known for appearances on Chelsea Lately and other comedy shows as well as roles in films such as The Hangover (2009) and Due Date (2010). His scenes were cut out of Funny People.
In episode 63 I talk to Skyzoo about Eugene McDaniels, an American rapper from Yonkers, New York. He began his career in the 1990s as a member of the rap trio The Lox, managed by Ruff Ryders and signed with Bad Boy. After leaving the label in 1999, they signed a joint venture deal between Interscope and Ruff Ryders. He is currently signed to Def Jam and D-Block. Jadakiss' debut solo album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, was released in 2001. He has released three more solo studio albums, another album with the Lox, and an album with fellow rapper Fabolous. In 2007, Jadakiss signed with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam, which, with Ruff Ryders, co-released his 2009 album The Last Kiss. Altogether, he has released five studio albums, most recently Ignatius in 2020.
In episode 63 I talk to Skyzoo about Eugene McDaniels, an American rapper from Yonkers, New York. He began his career in the 1990s as a member of the rap trio The Lox, managed by Ruff Ryders and signed with Bad Boy. After leaving the label in 1999, they signed a joint venture deal between Interscope and Ruff Ryders. He is currently signed to Def Jam and D-Block. Jadakiss' debut solo album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, was released in 2001. He has released three more solo studio albums, another album with the Lox, and an album with fellow rapper Fabolous. In 2007, Jadakiss signed with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam, which, with Ruff Ryders, co-released his 2009 album The Last Kiss. Altogether, he has released five studio albums, most recently Ignatius in 2020.
In episode 62 I talk to Natalie McGhee (Comfort) about Audre Lorde, an African-American writer, womanist, radical feminist, professor, and civil rights activist. She was a self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," who "dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia."
As a poet, she is well known for technical mastery and emotional expression, as well as her poems that express anger and outrage at civil and social injustices she observed throughout her life. As a spoken word artist, her delivery has been called powerful, melodic, and intense by the Poetry Foundation. Her poems and prose largely deal with issues related to civil rights, feminism, lesbianism, illness and disability, and the exploration of black female identity.
In episode 61 I talk to Takiaya Reed (Divide And Dissolve) about Osa Atoe, an artist, teacher, and ceramicist operating Pottery by Osa, producing small-batch handmade ceramics. Currently residing in Sarasota, Florida, Osa previously lived in Portland, OR and New Orleans, where she primarily made Shotgun Seamstress.
In episode 60 I talk to Rachid Fakhre (Spang Sisters) about Eugene McDaniels, an indelible stamp on the face of modern music. His career as an artist, songwriter, and producer not only spanned decades and genres, but entire generations, weaving its way through the work of fellow artists, often marking their successes as well as taking its own trailblazing path.
Eugene McDaniels always arrived in the first wave - seeking then finding new, and sometimes strange, territories. He will always be known as one of the pioneers, wherever his work and words take him. Even from its inception, his career was destined to rattle the establishment. His first Billboard hits as Gene McDaniels, “A Hundred Pounds of Clay,” and “Tower of Strength,” shot to the Billboard Top 10 on the mainstream pop charts in an era where music by black artists was relegated to “race music.”
A decade after his initial successes, Eugene planted a flag for the emerging black consciousness movement, reclaiming his name, his identity as an artist, and declaring a new purpose for the socially explosive Outlaw and Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse albums.
In episode 59 I talk to Francesca Brierley aka heka about Philip Glass, an American composer and pianist. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the late 20th century. Glass's work has been associated with minimalism, being built up from repetitive phrases and shifting layers. Glass describes himself as a composer of "music with repetitive structures", which he has helped evolve stylistically.
Glass founded the Philip Glass Ensemble, with which he still performs on keyboards. He has written fifteen operas, numerous chamber operas and musical theatre works, fourteen symphonies, twelve concertos, nine string quartets and various other chamber music, and several film scores. Three of his film scores have been nominated for an Academy Award.
In episode 58 I talk to James Cox (Crows) about Patsy Cline, an American singer. She is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and was one of the first country music artists to cross over into pop music. Cline had several major hits during her eight-year recording career, including two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart.
In episode 57 I talk to Courtney Marie Andrews about Lucinda Williams, an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She recorded her first two albums: Ramblin' on My Mind (1979) and Happy Woman Blues (1980), in a traditional country and blues style that received critical praise but little public or radio attention. In 1988, she released her third album, Lucinda Williams, to widespread critical acclaim. Widely regarded as "an Americana classic", the album also features "Passionate Kisses", a song later recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter for her 1992 album Come On Come On, which garnered Williams her first Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1994. Known for working slowly, Williams' fourth album; Sweet Old World, appeared four years later in 1992. Sweet Old World was met with further critical acclaim, and was voted the 11th best album of 1992 in The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop, an annual poll of prominent music critics. Robert Christgau, the poll's creator, ranked it 6th on his own year-end list, later writing that the album, as well as Lucinda Williams, were "gorgeous, flawless, brilliant".
In episode 54 I talk to Zach Choy from Crack Cloud about Gene Clark, an American singer-songwriter and founding member of the folk rock band the Byrds.He was the Byrds' principal songwriter between 1964 and early 1966, writing most of the band's best-known originals from this period, including "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better", "She Don't Care About Time", "Eight Miles High" and "Set You Free This Time". Although he did not achieve commercial success as a solo artist, Clark was in the vanguard of popular music during much of his career, prefiguring developments in such disparate subgenres as psychedelic rock, baroque pop, newgrass, country rock, and alternative country. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of the Byrds.
In episode 55 I talk to Shad about k-os, a Canadian alternative rapper, singer, songwriter and producer. His given name may also be cited as Kheaven, a spelling he later adopted.
In episode 54 I talk to Billy Nomates about BC Camplight, an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His 2005 album Hide, Run Away was released by One Little Indian and featured Cynthia G. Mason on vocals. Camplight's follow up, Blink of a Nihilist, was released in 2007. The third album came out in January 2015 on Bella Union. Christinzio's later lyrics regularly explore his personal life and self-destructive tendencies, including struggles with depression and alcohol.
In episode 53 I talk to Daniel Fox (Gilla Band) about Joe Meek, an English record producer, musician, sound engineer and songwriter who pioneered space age and experimental pop music. He also assisted in the development of recording practices like overdubbing, sampling and reverberation. Meek is considered one of the most influential sound engineers of all time, being one of the first to develop ideas such as the recording studio as an instrument, and becoming one of the first producers to be recognised for his individual identity as an artist.
In episode 52 my two buddies Marcus Graap (Zucchini Drive) and Bleubird are giving out accolades to Sole, Shuggie Otis & Radical Face. Enjoy.
In episode 51 my two buddies Marcus Graap (Zucchini Drive) and Bleubird are giving out accolades to Adam Resnick & the movie Blood In, Blood Out. Enjoy.
In episode 50 I talk to my two buddies Marcus Graap (Zucchini Drive) and Bleubird about more personal accolades. Enjoy.
In episode 49 I talk to Louis Logic about Three O'Clock High, a 1987 American teen comedy film directed by Phil Joanou. The script, about a meek high schooler who is forced into a fight with a volatile new transfer student, is based on the high school experiences of screenwriters Richard Christian Matheson and Thomas Szollosi. It was shot in Ogden, Utah.
In episode 48 I talk to Boom Bip about Andrew Weatherall, an English musician, DJ, songwriter, producer and remixer. His career took him from being one of the key DJs in the acid house movement of the late 1980s to being a remixer of tracks by the likes of Happy Mondays, New Order, Björk, The Orb, The Future Sound of London and My Bloody Valentine. His production work on Primal Scream's album Screamadelica, adding samples, loops and creating an influential mix of hard rock, house and rave, helped the record win the first ever Mercury Music Prize in 1992 and become one of the most celebrated albums of the 1990s.
In episode 47 I talk to Blade about Diego Maradona, an Argentine professional football player and manager. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Maradona's vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling skills were combined with his small stature, which gave him a low centre of gravity allowing him to manoeuvre better than most other players. His presence and leadership on the field had a great effect on his team's general performance, while he would often be singled out by the opposition. In addition to his creative abilities, he possessed an eye for goal and was known to be a free kick specialist. A precocious talent, Maradona was given the nickname "El Pibe de Oro" ("The Golden Boy"), a name that stuck with him throughout his career. He also had a troubled off-field life and was banned in both 1991 and 1994 for abusing drugs.
In episode 46 I talk to Muriel Grossmann about Wayne Shorter, an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Shorter came to prominence in the late 1950s as a member of, and eventually primary composer for, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. In the 1960s, he joined Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet, and then co-founded the jazz fusion band Weather Report. He has recorded over 20 albums as a bandleader.
This episode is in collaboration with Sonic City Festival, a three-day curated festival in Kortrijk, Belgium from the 11th til 13th of november 2022 organised by Wilde Westen. More info on https://www.soniccity.be
In episode 45 I talk to Tajai (Souls of Mischief, Hieroglyphics) about Devin the Dude, an American rapper from Houston, Texas. He is known for his unique rapping style and his 2002 songs "Lacville '79" and "Doobie Ashtray". Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved mainstream success. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow." In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper".
In episode 44 I talk to Fat Tony about Devin the Dude, an American rapper from Houston, Texas. He is known for his unique rapping style and his 2002 songs "Lacville '79" and "Doobie Ashtray". Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved mainstream success. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow." In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper".
In episode 43 I talk to Kiran Leonard about English art critic, novelist, painter and poet John Berger. His novel G. won the 1972 Booker Prize, and his essay on art criticism Ways of Seeing, written as an accompaniment to the BBC series of the same name, was influential. He lived in France for over fifty years.
This episode is in collaboration with Sonic City Festival, a three-day curated festival in Kortrijk, Belgium from the 11th til 13th of november 2022 organised by Wilde Westen. More info on https://www.soniccity.be
In episode 42 I talk to multi-instrumentalist Emil Amos from Holy Sons & Om about the forgotten loner music of Jimmy Campbell, an English musician and songwriter from Liverpool, England. He was a member of Merseybeat groups The Kirkbys, The 23rd Turnoff, and Rockin' Horse, as well as releasing three solo albums.
In episode 41 I talk to Brother Ali about his love for hip hop duo Atmosphere, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Slug (Sean Daley) and DJ/producer Ant (Anthony Davis). Since its formation in 1996, Atmosphere has released twelve studio albums and ten extended plays.
In episode 40 I talk to actor, comedian, director, producer, and writer Matt Besser about one of his mentors, the late great Del Close, an American actor, writer, and teacher who coached many of the best-known comedians and comic actors of the late twentieth century. In addition to an acting career in television and film, he was one of the influences on modern improvisational theater. Close is co-founder of the iO, or iO Chicago, (formerly known as "ImprovOlympic").
In episode 39 I talk to comedian Brian Babylon about his love for the Hieroglyphics crew and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, an American rapper. He began his career writing lyrics for Ice Cube's group Da Lench Mob. In 1991, with the help of Ice Cube, Del released his first solo album, I Wish My Brother George Was Here, at the age of 18. The album was a commercial success largely due to the popularity of the hit single "Mistadobalina". Ultimately Del, who was not pleased with the limited musical range of the album, severed his production-artist relationship with Ice Cube for his next album, No Need for Alarm.
No Need for Alarm saw the introduction of the Oakland clique Hieroglyphics, whose original members included Souls of Mischief (Opio, A-Plus, Phesto and Tajai), Casual, Pep Love, Del, and producer Domino. No Need for Alarm helped to expose both the regional Oakland sound of hip hop, as well as the freestyle based, "golden era 90s" style of hip hop being expanded at the time.
In episode 38 I talk to singer-songwriter Molly Burch about actress Lynn Carlin. She is best known for her debut role in the film Faces, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award..
In episode 37 I talk to Philly rapper lojii about his love for Gil Scott-Heron, an American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His collaborative efforts with musician Brian Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues, and soul, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. His own term for himself was "bluesologist", which he defined as "a scientist who is concerned with the origin of the blues". His poem "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", delivered over a jazz-soul beat, is considered a major influence on hip hop music.
In episode 36 I talk to DiViNCi (Solillaquists of Sound) about IMAKEMADBEATS, a Memphis native, having grown up immersed in the city’s unmistakable sonic identity. But despite the definitive identity of the region, he often felt disconnected from what creative paths were supported there. After leaving his home to find infrastructure and creative synergy, he would eventually end up in Manhattan’s legendary Quad Studios, where he became a go-to ghost producer and found a new niche in scoring for film and television. He went on to provide music many companies, including NBC, ABC, HBO, DC Shoes, Oxygen, and more. Inspired by the idea that music could speak without words – a theme that he would uphold years later with debut instrumental EP Better Left Unsaid – he further developed the IMAKEMADBEATS persona and mask, and worked with a who’s-who of the indie underground scene in the ‘00s on wax, in the studio, and on stage, including Black Milk, Oh No, Talib Kweli, Solange Knowles, Ludacris, and more.
In episode 35 I talk to Birdapres about Roxanne Shanté. Born and raised in the Queensbridge Projects of Queens, New York City, Shante first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and was part of the Juice Crew. The 2017 film, Roxanne Roxanne, is a dramatization of Shante's life.
In episode 34 I talk to Pip Skid about Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated due to cancer, he embarked on an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
In episode 33 I talk to Demone Carter and Nate LeBlanc from Dad Bod Rap Pod about Traxamillion, an American hip hop producer from San Jose, California.He produced records such as Keak da Sneak's "Super Hyphy" and Dem Hoodstarz "Grown Man Remix". His first album, The Slapp Addict, was a compilation of Bay Area hyphy artists and was released August 22, 2006.
In episode 32 I talk to Tash (Tha Alkaholiks) about King Tee, an American West Coast Hip hop rapper from Compton, California. Emerging as one of Compton's earliest hip hop artists, he was signed to Capitol records, where he released his debut album Act a Fool in 1988 with the hit singles "Act a Fool," "Payback's A Mutha," "The Coolest," and "Bass” [Remix], all of which were considered hip-hop classics. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he worked primarily with producer DJ Pooh, and was responsible for the rise of Tha Alkaholiks, whom he helped guide into the rap game. King T is also the CEO of his own record label, King T Inc.
In episode 31 I talk to Ras Kass about Stan Lee, an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Publications which would later become Marvel Comics. He was the primary creative leader for two decades, leading its expansion from a small division of a publishing house to a multimedia corporation that dominated the comics and film industries.
In episode 30 I talk to Guillermo E. Brown (Pegasus Warning, The Late Late Show with James Corden) about Pete "La Roca" Sims, an American jazz drummer.
In episode 29 I talk to Al Jackson (Daily Blast Live) about his friend Hannibal Buress, an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He started performing comedy in 2002 while attending Southern Illinois University. He starred on Adult Swim's The Eric Andre Show from 2012 to 2020, and was featured on Comedy Central's Broad City from 2014 to 2019.
In episode 28 of Accolades Series I talk to Juice Aleem about Divine Styler, an alternative hip hop artist from Brooklyn, New York. He first emerged as part of Ice-T's Rhyme Syndicate.
In episode 27 I talk to Slug (Atmosphere) about Prodigy. With Havoc, he was one half of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep.
In episode 26 I talk to Mike Ladd about Emma Harris, an American-born Russian actress, singer, dancer, cabaret artist, and writer.
In episode 25 I talk to Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox) about Funky Four Plus One, an American hip hop group from The Bronx, New York, composed of Jazzy Jeff, Sharon Green, D.J. Breakout, Guy Williams, Keith Keith, The Voice of K.K. and Rodney Stone. The latter two members also performed together as the duo Double Trouble, notably in the film Wild Style. They were the first hip hop group to receive a record deal, as well as the first to perform live on national television. The group was also notable for being the first to have a woman MC, Sha-Rock.
In episode 24 I talk to Blockhead and Open Mike Eagle about Prince Paul, an American record producer, disc jockey and recording artist from Amityville, New York. Paul began his career as a DJ for Stetsasonic. Since then he has worked on albums by Boogie Down Productions, Gravediggaz, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and 3rd Bass, among others. Major recognition for Prince Paul came when he produced De La Soul's debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, in which he pioneered new approaches to hip hop production, mixing and sampling, notably by including comedy sketches.
In episode 23 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices) about Tony McPhee, a blues guitarist from Humberston, United Kingdom. He is the founder of The Groundhogs. An early version of this band backed Champion Jack Dupree and John Lee Hooker on UK concerts in the mid-1960s. He is often credited as Tony (T.S.) McPhee. He was given this name by the producer Mike Vernon who suggested adding ‘T.S.’ to his name.
In episode 22 of Accolades Video Series I talk to singer-songwriter, trombone player & actress Alanna Vicente about Peggy Lee, a jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress from Jamestown, North Dakota, United States. Her career spans over seven decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman’s big band, Lee created a sophisticated persona, writing music for films, acting, and recording conceptual record albums.
In episode 21 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Jeffrey Lewis (The Bundles) about Diane Cluck, a singer-songwriter from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. She describes her music as intuitive folk. She began taking piano lessons at the age of seven and was classically trained on scholarship at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music. Although known as a solo performer, she has often collaborated with others, including CocoRosie, Toby Goodshank and Herman Düne.
In episode 20 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Geoff Farina (Karate) about David Plotz, a journalist from Washington, D.C., United States and podcast host of the Slate Political Gabfest, with Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson.
In episode 19 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Page Hamilton (Helmet) about John Stowell, a jazz guitarist, composer, author, and lecturer from New York City, New York, United States. He holds his guitar in a diagonal position, which facilitates playing close, piano-like voicings more comfortably. He has been a contributing columnist for several magazines, including Down Beat, Guitar Player, and Canadian Musician and has been an artist-in-residence at schools worldwide.
In episode 18 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Oliver Ackermann (A Place To Bury Strangers) about LaTosha Brown, a community organizer, political strategist and consultant from Selma, Alabama, United States. She is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, a voting rights group first noted for its work on the 2017 U.S. Senate special election. Brown focuses on issues related to political empowerment, social justice, economic development, leadership development, wealth creation and civil rights.
In episode 17 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Kim Coletta (Jawbox) about Nellie Bly, a journalist, industrialist, inventor and charity worker from Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania, United States. She was widely known for her record breaking trip around the world in 72 days, in emulation of Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg. She was a pioneer in her field and launched a new kind of investigative journalism.
In episode 16 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) about Will Johnson, a musician, singer-songwriter, author, and painter from Kennett, Missouri, United States. He is the lead singer of the bands Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel. Called one of the most prolific artists in American indie rock, Johnson has also released solo records, and is a member of the bands Monsters of Folk, New Multitudes, and Overseas, and has also performed as part of the Undertow Orchestra.
In episode 15 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Wouter van Asslbergh (Shht) about Andrej Tarkovsky, a filmmaker, theatre director, writer, and film theorist from Zavrazhye, Soviet Union. He is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential directors in thehistory of Russian and world cinema. His films explored spiritual and metaphysical themes, and are noted for their slow pacing and long takes, dreamlike visual imagery, and preoccupation with nature and memory.
In episode 14 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Blaise Garza (Violent Femmes) about Steve Mackay, a tenor saxophonist from Daly City, California, United States. After sitting in with the Stooges on several occasions, he formally joined the group two days before they left Detroit for Los Angeles to record Fun House in May 1970. In 2003, Mackay rejoined the Stooges when they played their first show in twenty-nine years, and he remained with the group until he died in 2015.
In episode 13 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Jehnny Beth (Savages) about British Sea Power, an alternative rock band from Reading, Berkshire, England. The wide-ranging nature of the band’s material has led critics to liken their sound to a variety of groups, from The Cure and Joy Division to the Pixies and Arcade Fire. The band are famed for their live performances, the unusual lyrical content of their songs and the adventurous choice of locations for some of their shows.
In episode 12 of Accolades Video Series I talk to H.C. McEntire about Pauli Murray, a civil rights activist from Baltimore, Maryland, United States. She became a lawyer, women’s rights activist, Episcopal priest, and author. Drawn to the ministry in1977, Murray was the first African-American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest, in the first year that any women were ordained by that church.
In episode 11 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Skyler Skjelset (Fleet Foxes) about Merzbow, a Japanese noise project started in 1979 by Masami Akita. Merzbow is best known for a style of harsh, aggressive noise. Since 1980, Akita has released over 400 recordings and has collaborated with various artists. As well as being a prolific musician, he has been a writer and editor for several books and magazines in Japan and has written several books of his own.
In episode 10 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Steve Albini about Alan Dower Blumlein, an electronics engineer from Hampstead, London, United Kingdom. Blumlein is known for his many inventions in telecommunications, sound recording, stereophonic sound, television and radar. He received 128 patents and is considered one of the most significant engineers and inventors of his time.
In episode 9 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Mattias De Craene (Nordmann) about John Lurie, a musician, painter, actor, director, and producer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. He co-founded the Lounge Lizards jazz ensemble, acted in 19 films, including Stranger than Paradise and Down by Law, composed and performed music for 20 television and film works, and produced, directed, and starred in the Fishing with John television series.
In episode 8 of Accolades Video Series I talk to Mike Watt (Stooges, Minutemen) about Richard Meltzer, a rock critic, performer, and writer from New York City, New York, United States. He is considered by some rock historians to be the first to write an accurate analysis of rock and roll and is credited with inventing rock criticism. Meltzer’s first book, The Aesthetics of Rock, evolved out of his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Stony Brook University and graduate studies at Yale University..
In episode 7 of Accolades we talk to Dwid Hellion about Félicien Rops, a painter, illustrator, caricaturist and a prolific and innovative print maker from Namur, Belgium. He was associated with Symbolism and the Parisian Fin-de Siècle. He provided frontispieces and illustrations for Charles Baudelaire, Théophile Gautier, Stéphane Mallarmé, Joséphin Péladan, Paul Verlaine, Voltaire, and many others. Rops is recognized as a pioneer of Belgian comics.
In episode 6 of Accolades we talk to Shannon Lay about Arthur Russell, a cellist, composer, producer, singer, and musician from Oskaloosa, Iowa, United States. His work spanned a disparate range of styles. Trained in contemporary experimental composition and Indian classical music, Russell relocated to New York in the mid-1970s, where he became associated with Lower Manhattan’s avant-garde community and the city’s disco scene.
In episode 5 of Accolades we talk to Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) about Jerzy Kukuczka, an alpine and high-altitude climber from Katowice, Poland. On 18 September 1987, he became the second man (after Reinhold Messner) to climb all fourteen eight-thousanders globally, a feat that took him less than eight years to accomplish. He is the only person in the world who has climbed two eight-thousanders in one winter.
In episode 4 of Accolades we talk to Mauro about Gloria Coates, a composer from Wausau, Wisconsin, United States, who has lived in Munich since 1969.
In episode 3 of Accolades we talk to Don Letts about Jeannette Lee, a British music record executive, music manager, filmmaker, and former musician. A retail worker at the Acme Attractions store that, along with the SEX boutique run by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, was instrumental in spawning punk in the UK. She went on to become a member of the post-punk band Public Image Ltd (PiL). Lee is currently co-owner of the independent record label Rough Trade Records.
ACCOLADES #1 An illustration book by Tom De Geeter Find out more here: https://www.craterecords.be/accolades/
In episode 2 of Accolades we talk to Heather Woods Broderick about Judee Sill, a singer and songwriter from California, United States.
Have you ever wondered who your favorite artists admire and who they want to shine a spotlight on? Wonder no longer. In episode 1 of Accolades we talk to Steve Gunn about Sun Ra, a jazz composer, piano and synthesizer player, and poet from Birmingham, Alabama, United States. He is known for his experimental music, “cosmic” philosophy, prolific output, theatrical performances, and the Sun Ra Arkestra’s bandleader. His widely eclectic and avant-garde music echoed the entire history of jazz.