Episode 3: Jennifer Hall-Burris (aka Crown Vox)

Jennifer is an extremely talented vocalist and song writer. She is the creator of Crown Vox, and in this conversation we get into what is takes to create such a multifaceted project. We get into music, fashion, making videos, and we drop some names. It was a hot Memphis summer day up in Nate’s bar at Ernestine and Hazel’s…with a broken air conditioner. Big thanks to Jennifer for hanging out with us.

5:45  Very first time on stage…Jennifer gets paid. Playing jazz off and running.

7:49  Making art and the beginning of Crown Vox. Carl walks where angels fear to tread.

11:20  Being a mom, making a career, chasing dreams, and setting an example

14:45  Robert Fortner

16:08  taking a deeper look at Crown Vox.

21:25  working with make-up artists Matt Goodlet and  Billy B

27:17  common misunderstandings about Crown Vox…”is she a witch?”

29:44  learning on the job. New skills video production, costumes, make up, audio, set design…and landing the plane.

33:43  how is Crown Vox going live?

36:00  fashion connection?

41:45  What are your hopes for Memphis?

links

 http://thecrownvox.com/

Herstory with Paulette link on Crown Vox page: https://www.facebook.com/thecrownvox/

http://robertfortnerart.com/the-paintings/

Matt Goodlett http://mattgoodlettmakeup.com/

Episode 2: James Dukes (aka IMAKEMADBEATS)

In this conversation we speak with James Dukes the founder of Unapologetic. Dukes is a producer/engineer headquartered in Memphis. Unapologetic is a juggernaut of creativity made up of musicians, journalists, and various artists working to spread the ethos of Unapologetic. We have "unapologetically" published the entire two hour interview for your enjoyment.

5:00    Dukes’ brother gets him in the direction of music.

8:30    The move to Manhattan (“Jon…you…uh got some notes there?”)

12:10  Quad Studios story

19:50. Mentors, memorable engineers, and the “Hey, ‘I’m not dumb’ moment”

27:50  Hierarchy of a studio (Quad Studios)

33:27. IMAKEMADBEATS is “born”

39:09. Carl ruminates on being a musician and learning how to be a “valuable assett”

40.38. Why didn’t you stay in New York? 

45:00. Low points and reemerging

53:52. A very…very driven person. The new scene in Memphis and first glimpses of Unapologetic.

1:00:00. First team/movement…the ups and downs. The trials of running a business.

1:04:55. The new beginning of Unapologetic, new confidence and in general learning to value and trust yourself…and other heavy shtuff.

1:13:49. Building the Unapologetic crew. “Bragging” on Memphis…and MacGyver!!!

1:17:15  It sounds like Jonathan makes disparaging about Louisiana…eek! Let it be known that this is not the case. I love Louisiana. I was merely pointing out that the rest of Louisiana will usually point out that New Orleans is not representative of all Louisiana and vice versa.

1:17:35  IMAKEMADBEATS  album Better Left Unsaid.

1:28:55. Next level people, artistry, technique isn’t everything…the balance between making a living and creating art and others realities of the industry (past and present)

1:36:15. Being fearless. Mono Neon. Focus

1:41:10. Carl’s story of the Welshman’s search for healing in Memphis.

1:46:50. Nerding out and more Memphis perceptions

1:50:50. The fantastic vocalist Cameron Bethany and “Mod-Fusion”…CAMERON BETHANY!!!

2:03:08. Where is Unapologetic today? The App, the Exposition, the expansion of the team, and the future.

links

https://www.weareunapologetic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imakemadbeats/

Episode 1: Richard Cushing

In our inaugural episode we speak with Richard Cushing. Richard is the founder of the band FreeWorld, which is possibly the longest running band in Memphis. We get into Memphis history, the Beale Street revival, musicianship, work ethic, and band management. Richard is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to talk to. Enjoy.

4:42  University of Tennessee Martin, first pro gigs, beginning of a career in biology

6:20  Ernestine and Hazel’s story, first FreeWorld gig, Ms. Evelyn Young, the Brass Note

7:30  The legendary Herman Green, Jimmy Ellis, Blues Revue

9:30  Vet aspirations and jobs

9:45  EMT and being a “shard of white light” (1985)

11:33  Remembering Beale street’s reemergence, Alabama, and trying to hang with Uncle Ben (just listen)

12:15  Don McMinn and Rum Boogie…also Chris Lea, David Skypeck, Nokie Taylor, MORE Herman Green (because he’s the man) and Willie Waldman

14:49  Tuesday Night with FreeWorld at the South End

15:24  Ed Finney (fabulous Memphis jazz guitarist)

15:36  “Somebody’s gotta play bass…”, musicality, and more FreeWorld history

19:11  Mosaic, FreeWorld hiatus. Richard wants to write  more, first record (1994), and flyer wars.

21:00  Not yet a Tribute act to ourselves.

22:16  Blues City Café (every Sunday night!), George Paul Eldridge

24:30  Dr. Herman Green (yup…another mention)

27:50  “Sit Ins” list

29:50  “Cornering the Market”…No really?

33:15  Brass Note on Beale Street, book by Robert Gordon

36:45  Reality of playing clubs, work ethic, music business. We dig in here.

56:05  New album “What It Is” plus Jim, Luther, and Cody Dickinson

1:01:18  Recording at Ardent. More name droppin’ HA! Jody Stephens, John Fry, John Hampton, Kevin Houston, Adam Hill

1:06:08  Andy Tate and the origin of “What It Is” also current FreeWorld personnel.

1:11:45  Dave Aron

1:14:35  Brad Blackwood (Euphonic Masters) artist David Lynch (cover art)

1:17:00  Financing the/an album and more band business strategies.

1:22:00  Carl tells his favorite FreeWorld story.

1:24:35  Hopes for Memphis

1:27:50  Levon Helm story and other notable sit ins

Links

 http://freeworldmemphis.com/

"What It Is”

https://open.spotify.com/album/2SfgQBzjk8Z6h4AkM366CD?si=3Xb7MSUFQc6tvzNUpRgmuw

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