The Upful LIFE Podcast

In the tailwind of D'Angelo's October 14th passing after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, your humble narrator was shell-shocked in a melancholic malaise. Over a week of confounding parasocial grief eventually gave way to a torrent of inspired creativity & righteous purpose. I found catharsis in embarking on a couple of legacy projects in tribute to the dearly departed.   This very lengthy, meticulously-crafted, deeply-intentional memorial episode welcomes a diverse smattering of vibrant voices across geography & generation. Musicians/artists, journalists, poets, archivists, superfans navigating the seismic loss, mining inspiration & mourning this monumental spirit in our own loving words & ways.   with very special guests: 16:30 - jay smooth 53:30 - dan charnas 1:01:25 - ursula rucker  1:29:55 - nikki glaspie 1:47:50 - eric krasno 2:28:00 - funk it blog shoutout  2:31:35 - d.j. williams  2:37:05 - otis mcdonald  2:43:50 - mista vee 2:52:40 - viveca hawkins <3 2:59:10 - fede pecoraro [ECHT!] 3:04:30 - jonny g [lespecial] 3:08:10 - adam spangler  3:17:00 - bombastic  3:23:25 - sari jordan  3:32:35 - derrick 'smoker' freeman 3:39:40 - jon hammer An afghan of reverential storytelling. FOUR heart-filling hours brimming with memories, love letters, & gratitude reflections from a blessed & benevolent collection of souls who've touched my life across the years & miles. We all share a profound reverence for the man born Michael Eugene Archer. Large UP each crucial contributor for their sacred offerings to this show. This passion purge in podcast form is my deepest bow. Give Thanks 4 D'Angelo. May the four winds blow you safely home. We'll be loving you always. -bg   D'Angelo In Memoriam: Thank You For Talking To Me Michael. B.Getz via Live For Live Music:   ViBE Junkie Jamz "Lady" - Chris Rock Show 1997   D' Angelo w/ Raphael Saadiq, Questlove, Spanky, Ali Shaheed Muhammed      "Cosmic Slop" [Funkadelic] D'Angelo & Questlove are Brothers in Arms 3/4/13 Brooklyn Bowl NYC     D'Angelo "Africa" [Demo] date unknown     Confessions of a Curly Mind - D'Angelo [6hr rarities mix]   Jesus Saves by Robert Christgau - Village Voice 3/28/00   B.Getz D'Angelo Voodoo Tour Feature on JamBase [2020]   MY REDEEMER - Voodoo Anniversary Deep Dive [B.Getz, 2020]       CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE      

Episode 093 welcomes back POLYRHYTHMICS, the fantastically-funky septet primarily based in Seattle, but these days steadily spreading their net further and wider than ever before. BEN BLOOM (along w/ bassist Jason Gray) appeared on Ep.059 in 2022, now the guitarist/co-founder returns to chop it up once again, this time with drummer/co-founder GRANT SCHROFF (aka Champagne Bubblebath) also in the mix. 0:00 - ep.093 preview 03:25 - Sponsor- AARON SCHWARTZ ART 06:55 - Sponsor - LAZYMOON DESIGN 08:50- The Upful Update & B.G's BIG NEWS! 19:45 - introducing Ben and Grant from POLYRHYTHMICS 24:00 - INTERVIEW - Polyrhythmics [71 min] 1:34:45 - afterglow & ViBE Junkie Jamz Late 2025 brings busy, fertile, exciting times for the erstwhile groove merchants as they mark 15 years in the game, and we celebrate the release of their fiery new LP 'Life From Below'. They're hitting the road just as the pod goes to press, the boys ready to bless up some long dormant markets in the Northeast, Southeast, and beyond. We get the scoop on the blazin' new joints, before delving into some personal developents like how Bloom recently relocated back East with his family. The guys discuss the new geographical band dynamics, and how it affects the hang, writing, rehearsal, travel, and overall Polyrhythmics' modus operandi. We go inside the lab and look into studio sessions for the latest record, hear some philosophies on improvising, unpack band interpersonal communications, reflections on collaborating with vocalist Adryon de Leon, the forthcoming Champagne Bubblebath mixtape with Gray and searing Seattle axeslinger Jimmy James, plus a whole lot more!  -bg Bio: Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 15 years of sonic exploration with the release of their highly anticipated new album, Life from Below. Since forming in 2010, this seven-piece powerhouse has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene. This year’s Life from Below marks an exciting new chapter for Polyrhythmics, delivering a fresh collection of grooves infused with the bold creativity and signature tight-knit musicianship that fans have come to expect. As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, the band reflects on a decade-and-a-half of musical evolution, countless miles on the road, and a loyal community of listeners that continues to grow. Polyrhythmics website, BandCamp, Instagram ViBE Junkie Jamz "Mayo Con Yayo" - Polyrhythmics "Humpin' Around" -- The Nth Power GAP Band Tribute ft. Eric Gales and Nicholas Payton [9/21/25 Tipitina's in New Orleans for DJ Soul Sister's 50th] "New Life" - Blind Melon - demo 1995   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 092 is all about the underground, from sea to mighty sea; welcome MORiLLO and AIN'T SISTERS! Among my preferred dancefloor generals on the decks across the past decade, it’s high time to tap in with The Dub Cartographer, global bass sorcerer MORiLLO down in L.A. Gov’t name Zach Morillo, the Groundation drummer pulls double-duty as a dynamite producer-dj and modern-day dub maestro. My man was kind enough to share some stoke, perspective, co-conspirators, and crucial creative processes surrounding his intoxicating latest full-length release, and this exciting new collaborative chapter in an ever-evolving electronic dance music career.  Listen to MORiLLO - The Dub Cartographer Get the 411 on Atlanta-based, SOSMP faves AIN’T SISTERS. Frontpersons Barb Carbon and Arrie Bozeman join the pod from the deep Southeast, an insightful, humorous, nostalgic chat to discuss their unique connection, band origin/journey, their music & message, and the incomparable energy native to the Spirit of Suwannee. Across the past few years, it's been recommended I check out this white-hot band of badasses in ATL, by way of numerous folks in the know. As such, it was hella cool to finally hear their colorful story, karmic chemistry, and punky alt-folk rock musical adventuring; reflections and recollections heard straight from the Ain’t Sisters’ mouths.  0:00 - ep.092 preview 3:00 - SPONSOR - Aaron Schwartz Art 6:20 - The Upful Update 10:10 - introducing MORiLLO 13:20 - INTERVIEW w/ MORiLLO [40min] 53:40 - introducing AIN'T SISTERS 56:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Barb and Arrie [46min] 1:42:30 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jamz MORiLLO bio- With a desire to expand his opportunities across the music world, Zach moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He quickly found work as a touring drummer for internationally acclaimed artists RHYE, Childish Gambino, and Groundation and has traveled the world performing at the biggest and best festivals and venues like Coachella, Red Rocks, and The Hollywood Bowl. In addition, he has been creating and developing his own unique sound and identity through music production and djing. As ‘MORiLLO’, Zach has released a multitude of projects on established labels such as Gravitas Recordings, Muti Music, High Vibe Records, Tribal Trap, Hybrid Trap, Simplify, and Play Me Records. As he continues to build his project, Zach’s music has been celebrated by music lovers and DJ's on stages and at festivals around the world. MORiLLO released his latest LP The Dub Cartographer in summer 2025. MORiLLO on Bandcamp MORiLLO on IG Ain’t Sisters bio - Fun, eclectic folk rock. Fronted by the deliciously androgynous duo Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon, the Aints deliver high-energy performances of their wildly diverse original music. Joined by the hardest working men in rock n Roll, Richie Jones on the Boom Chick thwackita whackita, and Justin Boudreau, aka BooDreamy, masterfully holding down the rhythm section and making everybody swoon with their gorgeous licks. Think Indigo Girls meets Dream Theater but with a little Birdcloud in the mix. AIN'T SISTERS YouTube AIN'T SISTERS IG   ViBE Junkie Jamz MORiLLO x Peace Sine "Tribal Dub" Ain't Sisters 11/11/22 Tree House   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO Bee a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

It's not every day a decorated Grateful Dead historian/Jerry Garcia biographer slides thru the crib for a nearly 3-hour interview spread across 2 separate sessions. Such was the case over a few days in July when BLAIR JACKSON visited with your humble narrator right here in the ViBE Junkie Studios in Oakland, Ca! Author of 1999's extraordinary, bar-setting bio GARCIA: An American Life; publisher of pioneering GD fan-zine The Golden Road; journalist with BAM Magazine; author of The Music Never Stopped; co-author of This Is All A Dream We Dreamed (with David Gans), blogger at Dead.net; among many other endeavors. This here OG is nothing short of a pillar in chronicling all things GD culture, a deeply-researched and articulate authority on that lovable fat man and how the music played the band. All that said, this episode is bound to cover just a little more ground! 0:00 - episode 091 preview 3:00- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:30 - introducing BLAIR JACKSON 18:20 - INTERVIEW - Blair Jackson [133 min] 2:31:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ Eternal thanks to the grate Blair Jackson for his precious time, energy, integrity, thoughtful recollections & personal reflections.   ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ “Welcome to the Basement” - RECONSTRUCTION 3/7/79 Rancho Nicasio, CA “Crazy Fingers” - GRATEFUL DEAD 8/15/75 - Great American Music Hall, SF   B.Getz profile of RECONSTRUCTION from 2020   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 090 taps in with renowned hip-hop culture journalist SHAWN SETARO who recently spent 2 WILD Manhattan months courtside at the Sean "DIDDY" Combs trial reporting daily for COMPLEX. Definitely some different topical topography juxtaposed to the norm for this program. Please rest assured, this is a serious conversation; an insightful, illuminating, sobering look into the lengthy legal proceedings & celebrity circus surrounding this salacious sordid saga, and a sad, scary, depraved drug-addled cuck at the center of the chaos he created. 0:00 - episode 090 preview 3:15- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART- LETT US PLAY 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:00 - introducing SHAWN SETARO 15:15 - Trigger Warning - SA/DV 16:45 - INTERVIEW - Shawn Talks DIDDY Trial [85 min] 1:42:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ Sean "Diddy" Combs fka "Puff Daddy" - founder of Bad Boy Records, Sean John clothing, and resident pop-culture megalomaniac - was involved in a high-profile federal criminal case where he faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His former partner Cassie Ventura, once an artist on his label, was the star witness for the prosecution. After a seven-week trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.    BIO: Currently a freelance journalist after many years on staff with Complex, Shawn Setaro has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, GQ, and Forbes, and is the writer and reporter on the Spotify/Complex podcasts 'Infamous' and 'Complex Subject.' Prior to Complex, Setaro worked for Genius.com and hosted The Cipher, a podcast featuring interviews with 250 legendary figures in hip-hop. Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods was his first book. Shawn first appeared on The Upful LIFE Podcast episode 052, in Dec. 2021.   Shawn Setaro - author page COMPLEX German article Shawn references/gets quoted THE CIPHER SHOW pod archives! Complex Subject: Pop Smoke [Shawn Setaro hosted pod series] Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods by Shawn Setaro [Complex Presents] Shawn Setaro on Grammy.com Shawn Setaro IG   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "24 Hrs. to Live" Mase ft. The Lox, Black Rob & DMX “The Last Huzzah (Remix)”  Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, EL-P    VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE