I first heard of Kiana on Gimlet Media’s podcast, Sampler, and have been following her work since. From the deep southern cuts in her mixes on Soundcloud to her writing pieces and music reviews on NPR, music writer and DJ, Kiana Fitzgerald, at the age of twenty-six is doing a little of it all.Still very much in life’s transitional phase, as am I, listen as Kiana and I talk about new beginnings, the absurdity of this week and both the beauty and fear that’s intertwined with embracing the process.
This week I have Ryan Easter, Director and Composer of Trap Music Orchestra, on the podcast. Trap Music Orchestra, as the name indicates, is a Boston-based orchestra that actually performs trap music. Listen as we talk about how the orchestra was formed, the challenges that come along with being a 21 member group and some of the dope projects the orchestra has in the works for us.
Social justice educator, advocate, FYP community member and all-around dope individual, Nnaemeka Ekwelum is not only a close friend of over 10 years, but he’s also one of the most intelligent and self-aware people I know. Check out our conversation below about his first-year experience teaching, applying to PhD programs and the magic behind walking in your own truth.
Activist, civic organizer and all-around innovator, Malia Lazu is the Founder and President of Epicenter Community. Previously, Malia started MassVOTE at 19 years old, has worked on national political campaigns, was a Community Innovators Fellow at MIT and the co-founder and executive director of Future Boston Alliance.
On today’s episode we’re talking about the nonprofit sector, neighborhoods, and the first-year experience seeing your very own community change before your eyes.
This week we have Cory Townes on First Year Project, talking about his first-year experience as a music writer, his ever-evolving relationship with his father DJ Jazzy Jeff, moments of vulnerability living in New York City, and the lessons he’s learned on his journey.
Noted by Russell Simmons as one of the reasons he entered the music business, the unsung legend Eddie Cheeba is one of the pioneers of hip hop. Cheeba sat down with us and shared his experiences within his novice years as one of the most internationally sought out DJs, his experience bringing hip hop overseas, and how the game has changed today.
Producer, artist and overall musician, Haasan Barclay has one of the most unique sounds, ever. His production credits include work with Boston-based artists like Original Kadeem, Michael Christmas and OG Swaggerdick. But this project that he dropped, entitled Heaven is Your Last Dream, is what initially caught our attention.
Stay tuned as we talk about his first-year experience as an artist and badass musician.
Hilarious comedienne, writer and actress, Yvonne Orji is here with me today talking about the story behind her first-year experience getting into the entertainment industry. Just to give you a bit of background, Yvonne does everything from stand-up comedy to writing and starring in her self-created series called First-gen.
She’s now starring in HBO’s forthcoming series, created by Issa Rae, titled Insecure. She has an amazing story, so listen here to catch some gems!
Creator of all things cool, Modi is the co-founder of DC to BC and Trillectro, a dope electronic, hip-hop festival based in DC. Listen as Alexis and Modi talk about his first-year experience co-creating these brands, the special sauce to producing such authentically dope experiences, and what the group has cooking up for us.
Because you all have been so supportive of the First Year Project movement, I'm sharing my very first, fully recorded interview. It features a conversation I had in January 2015 with the a group consisting of DJs, music producers and artists, called Bad Decisions Collective. We talk about how the group got its start, changes Boston has gone through in the last 5-10 years and what's up next for the group.
Prayer pose guru and lover of the culture, Malcolm is one of the members of the Boston-based music and cultural collective, CLLCTV BOSTON. The collective houses good vibes for the city with its monthly day-party titled, The Wave.
Student, social justice advocate and twitter humorist, Jonathan talks here on First Year Project about his first-year experiences being comfortable in his identity as a Black man, in spaces that don’t necessarily encourage doing so. From his upbringing and experiences at Morehouse and Harvard, to his love for Future, we will be talking about it all on today’s episode.
As a unique artist, hailing from Dorchester, The Samo D is one of the most down to earth, genuine souls I’ve met in a while. With only a couple songs put out, he’s been featured in Pigeons & Planes Best of 5 On It and by MTV as someone who’s definitely pushing the boundaries sonically. In today’s episode we talk about his first-year experiences as an artist & creative, and the eclectic movement that’s happening in Boston and spreading nationwide.
Producer of smooth and soulful beats, coupled with creative and funky visuals, Saedi is a producer and visual designer hailing from Boston. On today’s episode we’re talking about first-years and everything BOSTON—from the influx of creatives finally getting national recognition for their work, to our favorite things about the city.
From creating experiences like Brunch & Burn to very recently winning Epicenter Community’sAccelerate Boston Pitch Contest, Heather has hit the ground running with the development of the Boston-based, boutique fitness startup, perfectly named Trillfit. Catch our conversation with the founder here on the podcast.
On today's episode Donald and Patrick from 1Percent Gallery and I talk about how they started the company selling $100 apparel pieces. From their first project to establishing 1Percent Gallery Sounds, the founders have played an important role in the new paradigm for Boston's creative culture.
On today's episode, I talk to Ian Powell from Loud Minds about how the Boston-based, multimedia platform got its start. We cover Ian's first year showcasing artists such as, Cousin Stizz, Michael Christmas and Jefe Replay, along with navigating through the challenges and the progression of the Loud Minds brand up until now.
As this is my first year podcasting, it may have taken me 2 full days just to figure out how to post this episode (rss feeds are no joke). That said, please take a listen, and share with everyone you know in the world. No pressure.
xo,
Host & Founder, First Year Project.
Thanks for visiting.
Our First Year Project podcast will launch the end of March 2016. Here's more information:
First Year Project
A podcast that highlights the good, the bad, and the integral parts of the first-year experience.
Hosted by Alexis, Founder of First Year Project.