
Listening Party with Chicocurlyhead
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Chico Curly Head
Listener Supported Dinner.
Kusha Navadar
This is all of it. I'm Kusha Navadar in for Alison Stewart. I'm here today and tomorrow and Alison is back on Monday. And hey, thanks for spending part of your day with us. I'm so grateful that you're here. Before we get to today's show, I want to remind you that we've launched the all of It Summer Reading Challenge. You have between now and Labor Day weekend to read four books. You can do it. I believe in you. But the deadline to sign up to receive a prize for participating ends this Friday at midnight, as in tomorrow midnight. So head to wnyc.org summerreading for more information on the categories and how to sign up again. For more information and to sign up, just go to wnyc.org/summer reading of course you can still participate at any time, but if you want a prize, the deadline is tomorrow and that's in the future. So now let's get today's show started with some music from Chico Curly Head. Let's start today's show with a listening party.
Music Segment / Song Vocals
Don't you stop, just keep on riding.
Kusha Navadar
That's Modelo from Atlanta raised Panamanian singer songwriter Chico Curly Head, who has become known for his signature sound that incorporates R and B, pop, hip hop and Latin influences. Last month he released a brand new ep. It's titled Never Ending Road Trip. It's a follow up to his 2022 EP diadreamer where he showcased his Ability to effortlessly glide over fresh beats and soulful melodies in both English and Spanish. A profile of the art in Remezcla says, quote, his music and live shows have connected with thousands of fans and Chico continues to grow while keeping it real. Never Ending Road Trip is available to stream now. And Chico Curly Head joins me in studio today to discuss the project and his career ahead of his performance at the Latin Alternative Music Conference indie showcase at DRAM in the East Village. That's tonight at 8pm right now. Chico sitting across from me. Hey, Chico. Welcome to all of it.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Hey.
Chico Curly Head
Hey. Thank you guys for having me today.
Kusha Navadar
Totally. Thanks for being here. So you were born in Panama, but you moved to the US when you were around nine years old, right?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah, like, right on the 10 mark, honestly. And yeah, I moved from Panama to Atlanta, Georgia.
Kusha Navadar
What brought your family there?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, it was a mix of everything. Like, my mom's dream was always to live in America, first of all. And then the second thing was she always wanted a better lifestyle for me and my brother. So when it came to that, she kind of was just like, you know what, we're going to leave. And she convinced me that it was only going to be like three months. And then, yeah, three months turned into five years and then six years and on and on. Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
Do you remember what your very first impressions were of Atlanta?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah, I was like, this place is cold. I was like, this place is cold because in Panama is a very tropical humidity place. So it was like, we have no cold. There's no winter in Panama. So I was like, yeah, this place is cold. And then the first mistake I made was losing my jacket at the airport before getting out.
Kusha Navadar
So, yeah, lesson quickly learned.
Chico Curly Head
Yeah, very quickly learned.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
You know, in previous interviews, you've mentioned that you initially had dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, which is something you and I have in common, because I had that same dream. I'm sure many people did. What position did you want to play or what position did you play?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, okay, so I played varsity since a freshman in high school, and I originally started off in the midfield as a winger, but then in high school, for some reason, I really liked defending, and I ended up playing left back. And then slowly the coach transitioned me into a center back, and I just ended up getting really good at defending. But I would say I can play really well the midfield and defense wise.
Kusha Navadar
What side of the midfield were you?
Chico Curly Head
I was in. Well, I was back and forth. I was on the winger, as a winger, and then I was Playing, like, Centro, a defensive midfielder. Okay, got it.
Kusha Navadar
And how often do you still find time to play today?
Chico Curly Head
Oh, I play every two to three days.
Kusha Navadar
Oh, really?
Chico Curly Head
Every two to three days? For me, it's like a routine, and it's like a sign of discipline. Obviously, whoever knows about sports, like, you need a lot of discipline in sports. So for me, it's more of a discipline. It's a habit, honestly.
Kusha Navadar
And you know that discipline translates pretty well to a music career. It does definitely need discipline there. When did you. When did you pivot to the music industry? How did your upbringing influence your musical style as an artist?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, it was an accident, I'll be honest, because I had nothing to do with music none of my life, honestly. I've always, obviously enjoyed music from a fan point of view, but I never, ever thought about doing music until a friend of mine named Joshua invited me to his house, and he was like, hey, some guys from our school are coming to my house to record music. I don't know if you want to come through and hang out. Boom. I was like, sure, why not? I mean, I don't have nothing to do. It's a Sunday. Sure. Next thing you know, I'm over there, an hour passes by, and they're like, hey, do you want to, like, try to make a song? And I'm like, sure, why not? I don't know why I say yes, though. Like, I still don't know why. Something was telling me, like, sure, why not? Let's do it. So I made that song, and on the spot, I made a SoundCloud, and I was like, okay, made a SoundCloud, did the step by steps, uploaded the song on SoundCloud. By the next day, that song had a thousand streams. By the second day, 2,000 streams and then 3,000 streams. And at that time, obviously, SoundCloud was known for, like, kind of like an explore page.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Chico Curly Head
Overall, there's no, like, it's not, like, Spotify and Apple music. So people were just, like, listening to. And it was like, yeah, this is pretty cool. And I was like, yeah, this is really cool. So that whole summer, I just ended up with being with those friends, experimenting in music and just learning. And that's how I got into music.
Kusha Navadar
Okay, so, like, let's take a few steps back from there, you go to your. Your friend Josh's house, right? And there's a mic in front of you, and Josh is like, okay, do you want to try to sing?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
Was it singing? Was that what had you sung before that?
Chico Curly Head
Or was That I had never sung before.
Kusha Navadar
Really?
Chico Curly Head
Maybe in the shower.
Kusha Navadar
And so did you just make up a melody on the side? What was that?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah, I legit just made up a melody on the spot. Like I remember, I was like, so like what do I do? And then I remember I didn't even have the headphones in to record. I just had like holding them and I could hear it. And I was just like, just came up with the melody and then filled in the lyrics as I was going. And then we didn't even mix the song. Wow. No mixing, no master. I literally created the soundcloud and uploaded the song.
Kusha Navadar
And so the next day, you open up your laptop, you turn on your phone, whatever, and you see a thousand streams. I guess. How did, how did that feel to see that so many people, strangers were streaming your music?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, I was like, this is pretty cool. I was like, is this how artists feel or is this what happens when you upload music? I had no idea. I had zero idea. And then I just started experimenting And I remember during those months I would watch videos on like, okay, how to like properly upload your music and distribute your music and just learn. I remember just watching so many videos for hours about learning because I was like, this is pretty cool. And I didn't know that like anything.
Kusha Navadar
Let me ask you this then. And this, this might be a penetrating question, but let's say that you had opened up your laptop and that you had seen that it was not a thousand people that saw it, but like one or nobody saw it. Do you think you still would have wanted to keep going in music?
Chico Curly Head
Oh, I mean, I don't, I don't know. That's a tough question, but probably not because like I had a scholarships for soccer and I played soccer my whole life. So it's very hard to leave something that you've done your whole life just for something that you're experimenting in and just trying for fun. But probably not. I don't know, cuz I. Even when I was doing music and everything, like was going good, I was still playing soccer because that's, that was my plan and I didn't plan on changing my plan. So. Yeah, and then at the end, I just, I remember I waited till the last day to tell my coach, like the decision because I had multiple offers and I was like, I'm gonna do music because something is telling me that I should do music.
Kusha Navadar
Yeah, you were following the signs, I guess.
Chico Curly Head
He asked me, he's like, are you positive? Are you sure? And I was like, I'm not 100% sure, but this is what my mind, my heart is telling me right now. So that's what I'm gonna do.
Kusha Navadar
Yeah, it was a real leap of faith there. I mean there was definitely data to say at least a thousand people. Two thousand by two days in listeners. If you're just joining us, we're talking to Chico Curly Head, the singer, the musical artist, the new project Never Ending Road. TR out. Now we're talking to Chico Curly Head, Atlanta based Panamanian singer. The EP again is Never Ending Road Trip. I want to hear some more of it. So we're going to listen to a single from the ep. This song is titled Many Nights. Before we get into it, what inspired the title for your new ep and can you tell us a little bit about the origin story of the song?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah, like the title of the ep, honestly, it sums up the whole project on these are things, these are situations, these are moments, people that inspire this project. These are things that I'll never forget and they'll never like. It'll never leave me, it'll always be with me. That's why it's called a Never Ending Road Trip because it kind of feels like a cycle that just kind of repeats itself over and over and over. And I think many people have been in that position in different ways where it just feels like it'll never really end. So that's why it's called Never Ending Road Trip.
Kusha Navadar
And what's the origin story of Many Nights?
Chico Curly Head
Many Nights? So this is about a person that I really, really care about and I hadn't seen this person in a very long time. And before making this song, I didn't know. I struggled to express myself and I suck at expressing my feelings. So like this was like the song that I was like, yeah, you still have some work to do and personality wise about how to express yourself properly. So this song was basically that. It was like a recognition of that.
Kusha Navadar
Let's listen to a little bit. But here's. Here's Many Nights. That was Many Nights from Chico Curly Head. And in the song we just heard and in a lot of your music, you seamlessly switch between Spanish and English. What's the secret to you for performing in both those languages?
Chico Curly Head
I'm still trying to figure that out myself. But honestly it's just like the lifestyle I've had. Spanish being my first language and then English being my second language. It's something that I never thought I could even do because I mean, I remember first time I arrived I was like Yeah, I don't know how I'm gonna learn this language.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Chico Curly Head
Oh, I struggled pretty hard that first year, for sure, in many ways. But I remember after that first year I was like, I really want to learn English. And I tried my hardest to learn really good. And I will focus in my classes really well. And people are, like, shocked about that. And I'm like, yeah, that's the crazy thing. I am shocked about that. I still don't know how I'm able to do it, but, like, it just kind of happened on its own. And I always give the example. Like, I remember when I would think in Spanish, and now I don't think in Spanish. Like, I could only think in Spanish.
Kusha Navadar
Do you dream in English now too?
Chico Curly Head
I do, Yeah, I do. And then the Spanish thing, like, every Latina mom at home has one rule, and that's Spanish at home. So there's no way I was gonna forget Spanish in any way. And yeah, I mean, when it came to my music, I was like, yeah, this is who I am. My mom is Panamanian, my dad's American. And I was like, this is who I am. I'm both. And I always said, I was like, I want to be that voice for that teenager, that. That person who. Who doesn't just feel connected to just one culture, but to another culture. And that's what I represent with my music, honestly.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
You know, a lot of your songs are about love and relationships. How's the idea of romance fascinating for you as a singer, songwriter?
Chico Curly Head
Oh, I mean, I think. I think for all of us, right? I mean, love can be like such a complicated thing or it can be a beautiful thing too, and a bad thing for. For others. But I just speak from the heart. I speak from my experiences, and I speak in a way that I feel like it can connect with anybody without necessarily being specific about, like a specific thing in the relationship. I speak, like, in a general way with people are like, yeah, I know what he's talking about. I felt that before, or I'm going through that now.
Kusha Navadar
You know, you're also a father to a four year old. What effect has being a parent had on the music you make? Do you share your music with your son?
Chico Curly Head
Of course. I mean, he actually picked a song out for this EP that came. Came out. Never Ending Road Trip, which is Keep it pushing. And he's the reason why I put that song on the project because he loved it so much. He would ask me to play it all the time. And I was like, I mean, kids tend to react to lullabies and very catchy rhythms in music. So I was like, I mean, the way he's reacting to it, it's really catchy. And that turned out to be one of my favorite songs from the project, honestly.
Kusha Navadar
Really?
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
Well, that's good because we're not gonna hear it now, but maybe there's gonna be a surprise at the end of this segment. But for now, I'd love to listen to another one, the song Copa Divino. Can you tell us about the lyrical inspiration behind this song?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah. So this song was definitely inspired by Panama. The rhythm in Panama is very Afro y, very reggae. And this song, I wrote this song while being in Los Angeles with a good friend of mine named Rafa. I call him Rafa. And I remember following up the message behind Many Nights, which was, I need to figure out how to properly express myself when I need to. And Copa Avino was the follow up for Many Nights in a way that, again, expressing myself to that person the proper way that I need to express myself.
Kusha Navadar
Well, let's listen to a little bit of it. Here's. Here's Chico Curly Head's Copa Divino.
Music Segment / Song Vocals
You let me know you know what I'm on. We've been r die for so long I don't mind you keep me up late at night.
Kusha Navadar
You mentioned Rafa, and collaboration in your music is really, really important. For this ep, you worked with your producer and engineer, Rafa Alvarez, who has worked with artists like Kaytranada and Kalani. What was something unique that he added to this project that you really liked?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, Rafa always has this touch of, like, giving an opinion, an idea, and just to try it out. And Rafa has picked up my voice and my sound really well over the last few years that we've worked together. And I think what was key to this whole project was the genuine conversations that we were having in the studio, which helped with the whole topic of me expressing myself. I think he made it very easy for me to express myself in the studio. That made it very easy and comfortable to make these songs.
Kusha Navadar
Honestly, what kind of preparation did that look like before you even entered the studio? I mean, were you journaling? Were you doing collaborations with him over Zoom? What would it look like?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, we. We spent, like, two weeks in LA together, just, like, talking and working together and just doing, like, regular things, going out to eat and stuff like that, and. And those things don't happen very often, honestly, with a lot of artists and producers. So, like, me and Rafa have developed this relationship where we always like experimenting and always trying, but we make it so genuine that it don't. It doesn't ever feel like we're working.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Chico Curly Head
It just feels like we're two friends making music. And again, he's a big reason on why I was able to express myself the way I was in this whole project is honestly thanks to him.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Wow.
Kusha Navadar
And for you, what does your approach look like? I mean, when you talked about going to your friend Josh's house, you said, just started humming a melody. But is that how it is now? Do you start with lyrics ever first?
Chico Curly Head
Yeah. I mean, yes, I have. Honestly, I have started with lyrics a couple times, I believe many nights I started with lyrics, so that was like, one of the rare times where I started with lyrics, but everything else. Yeah, I start with melodies and hummings and kind of try to get a feel, a vibe of, like, the beat, what we're working on, and then from there. Yeah, I piece it together. Honestly.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Kusha Navadar
I'm looking at the clock. We ought to wrap up here. But I'm wondering, what's the most significant lesson you've learned in your music career so far? And what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Chico Curly Head
Definitely what I would tell anybody, even if you're not a musician, honestly, it's the only thing that really, really matters is how good of a person you are to people. That's what really matters at the end. Forget fame, forget the attention. It's not worth it if you're not a great person because people will look at you disgustingly. So if you're a great person and you have great things going on for yourself, that's even better. So the only thing that really matters is how great of a person you are in general. Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
Is that something you would say you learned from the start or through the collaborations that you've done along the way? Has it just solidified in your mind?
Chico Curly Head
That was just. I think that's always been in me, even while playing soccer. Is just a great person. Just how great of a person you are to people.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Chico Curly Head
That's what I've learned in this young life of mine.
Kusha Navadar
Why it's beyond your years. You know, I'd love to go out on a song from the EP Neverending Road Trip. This song is titled Keep Pushing. Saved it for the end. Seems like it's the best song to save for the end. How does this song describe this moment in your career?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, this is everything. This song was to remind myself to always keep going, no matter what. So for you out there that need some inspiration and motivation, this song is for you. Honestly?
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
What do you think was about it that resonated with your son?
Chico Curly Head
I think the energy behind it too. And he just. He just like. I remember seeing his eyes lit up every time he would hear it and he was just jumping in and acting like if he was performing the song. So I think he's probably gonna love music as he gets older, honestly.
Interviewer Assistant / Support
Yeah.
Kusha Navadar
Would you love it if he became a musician?
Chico Curly Head
I mean, I would support him in anything he does, but if he makes music, then amazing. I can help him even more.
Kusha Navadar
Yeah, exactly. Or soccer. Or soccer.
Chico Curly Head
Or soccer.
Music Segment / Song Vocals
Ye.
Kusha Navadar
We've been talking to Chico Curly Head. His new EP is titled Never Ending Road Trip. We're gonna listen to it, but before we do that, we're gonna say thank you. He is currently in town for the Latin Alternative Music Conference's indie showcase that's tonight at 8:00pm at Dram in the East Village. Chico, thank you so much for joining us.
Chico Curly Head
Thank you guys for having me here. Honestly, I'm just grateful. I'm just grateful.
Kusha Navadar
It goes both ways. Let's listen to keep it pushing. Here it is.
Music Segment / Song Vocals
Working, working, working. Cause I'm trying to keep my dreams up Trying to keep myself from falling down and losing faith in life Why I gotta keep on dealing with these demons? Pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing Working, working, working Got no time to kick had to lift myself up I'm just trying to keep the dream alive Why I gotta keep on dealing with these demons? Working, working, working. Cause I'm trying to keep my dreams But I'm trying to keep myself on falling down and losing.
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Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Episode Date: July 11, 2024
Host: Kusha Navadar (in for Alison Stewart)
Guest: Chico Curly Head
The episode spotlights Atlanta-based, Panamanian singer-songwriter Chico Curly Head. Through a lively in-studio interview and curated listening party, host Kusha Navadar explores Chico’s musical evolution—from his Panamanian roots and early soccer aspirations to his new EP Never Ending Road Trip. The conversation delves into bilingual artistry, personal storytelling, musical process, collaboration, and the artist's perspective as both a creator and a father.
Panamanian Upbringing & U.S. Move:
Chico was born in Panama and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, at age 10, fulfilling his mother’s dream for a better life in the U.S.
“My mom’s dream was always to live in America, first of all. And then the second thing was she always wanted a better lifestyle for me and my brother. So… she convinced me that it was only going to be like three months. And then, yeah, three months turned into five years and then six years and on and on.” (Chico Curly Head, 04:42)
First Impressions of Atlanta:
Struck by the cold weather; lost his jacket at the airport immediately.
“I was like, this place is cold… that was the first mistake, losing my jacket at the airport.” (Chico, 05:10–05:27)
Soccer Identity:
Chico played varsity soccer in high school, primarily as a defender and midfielder, and maintained this discipline even as he transitioned to music.
“For me, it’s like a routine, and it’s like a sign of discipline… it’s a habit, honestly.” (Chico, 06:25)
How Music Happened “By Accident”:
First exposure to music creation through a friend’s invite sparked a new passion.
“A friend of mine named Joshua invited me to his house... Next thing you know, I’m over there, an hour passes by, and they’re like, 'Hey, do you want to try to make a song?'... On the spot, I made a SoundCloud… By the next day, that song had a thousand streams.” (Chico, 06:54–07:58)
Initial Success Sparked Commitment:
Early popularity on SoundCloud encouraged him to continue, but he admits he may not have persisted without the immediate response.
“Let’s say… you had seen… one or nobody saw it. Do you think you still would have wanted to keep going in music?”
“Probably not… it’s very hard to leave something that you’ve done your whole life just for something that you’re experimenting in…” (Kusha & Chico, 09:38–09:51)
Choosing Music Over Soccer:
Chico waited until the last possible day before telling his coach he would pursue music over existing athletic scholarships.
“He asked me, he’s like, 'Are you positive? Are you sure?' And I was like, 'I’m not 100% sure, but this is what my mind, my heart is telling me right now. So that’s what I’m gonna do.'” (Chico, 10:35)
EP Inspiration:
The new EP Never Ending Road Trip draws upon a cycle of indelible experiences and memories.
“These are things that I’ll never forget and… it’ll always be with me. That’s why it’s called a Never Ending Road Trip, because it kind of feels like a cycle that just repeats itself…” (Chico, 11:18)
Songwriting as Emotional Expression:
Struggles with emotional openness led to songs like “Many Nights.”
“I suck at expressing my feelings. So… this was like the song that I was like, yeah, you still have some work to do… so this song was basically that. It was like a recognition of that.” (Chico, 11:54)
On Switching Seamlessly Between Spanish and English:
Chico credits his lifestyle and upbringing, with Spanish at home and English at school, for his dual-language artistry.
“Spanish being my first language and then English being my second language. It’s something that I never thought I could even do… I always give the example. Like, I remember when I would think in Spanish, and now I don’t think in Spanish.” (Chico, 13:13–14:13)
Representation and Bicultural Identity:
“I want to be that voice for that teenager… who doesn’t just feel connected to just one culture, but to another culture. And that’s what I represent with my music, honestly.” (Chico, 14:53)
Themes of Love and Relationships:
His songs often cover universal themes of romance and heartbreak in ways listeners can relate to.
“I just speak from the heart. I speak from my experiences, and I speak in a way that I feel like it can connect with anybody…” (Chico, 15:01)
Parenthood and Artistic Choices:
Chico’s four-year-old son played an active role in shaping the EP, particularly in the inclusion of “Keep It Pushing.”
“He actually picked a song out for this EP… he loved it so much. He would ask me to play it all the time… And that turned out to be one of my favorite songs…” (Chico, 15:42)
Song Inspiration and Storytelling:
Songs like “Copa Divino” were inspired by Panamanian rhythms and continued his journey toward self-expression.
“The rhythm in Panama is very Afro… very reggae. And this song… was, again, expressing myself to that person the proper way that I need to express myself.” (Chico, 16:22)
Producer Collaboration:
Working with producer/engineer Rafa Alvarez provided not only technical expertise but safe, expressive space to create.
“What was key to this whole project was the genuine conversations that we were having in the studio… He made it very easy for me to express myself in the studio.” (Chico, 18:03)
Process Habits:
Usually starts with melodies/humming, sometimes with lyrics. Environments that feel genuine and comfortable are most productive.
“Everything else… I start with melodies and hummings and kind of try to get a feel, a vibe of, like, the beat… then from there… I piece it together.” (Chico, 19:31)
On What Matters Most:
Chico emphasizes the importance of character over fame.
“The only thing that really, really matters is how good of a person you are to people. That’s what really matters at the end. Forget fame, forget the attention… If you’re a great person and you have great things going on for yourself, that’s even better.” (Chico, 20:03)
Roots in Humility and Relationships:
Lessons in kindness and character he credits to both sports and musical journeys.
On the Inspirational, Upbeat Track “Keep It Pushing”:
Dedicated to anyone needing encouragement; became a favorite through his son's enthusiasm.
“This song was to remind myself to always keep going, no matter what. So for you out there that need some inspiration and motivation, this song is for you.” (Chico, 21:10)
On Supporting His Son’s Future:
“I would support him in anything he does, but if he makes music, then amazing. I can help him even more. Or soccer.” (Chico, 21:40–21:49)
On making music by accident:
“I never, ever thought about doing music until a friend… invited me to his house… Next thing you know… I made a SoundCloud… By the next day, that song had a thousand streams.” (Chico, 06:54–07:58)
On bilingual artistry:
“I want to be that voice for that teenager… who doesn’t just feel connected to just one culture, but to another culture. And that’s what I represent with my music, honestly.” (Chico, 14:53)
On enduring motivation:
“This song was to remind myself to always keep going, no matter what. So for you out there that need some inspiration and motivation, this song is for you.” (Chico, 21:10)
Advice for others:
“The only thing that really, really matters is how good of a person you are to people. That’s what really matters at the end.” (Chico, 20:03)
This episode provides an engaging, down-to-earth exploration of Chico Curly Head’s multifaceted identity—Panamanian roots, Atlanta life, family, discipline from soccer, and serendipitous leap into music. Through candid storytelling, key tracks from his new EP, and reflections on creativity and character, Chico offers listeners a sense of both his artistry and his humanity.
Recommended for:
Fans of Latin-influenced pop/R&B, immigrant and multicultural stories, up-and-coming artistry, and anyone interested in the realities behind music careers.