Episode 4 - Emily Slaughter

Emily Slaughter is one half of the (recently retired) group, AK Slaughter. She’s also one of the main people I’ve worked with in Height With Friends over the years. We’re good pals, and I was amped to get her perspective on things.

We talked about growing up in California, and her early music ventures out there. She told me what it was like to enter the Baltimore music world and to form AK Slaughter. We talk about tour blues and getting fed up with maintaining art hustles while holding down adult responsibilities.

Artwork by Mike Riley. Recorded at The Lineup Room.

Episode 2 - PT Burnem

PT Burnem is a rapper and beat-maker currently residing in Richmond, VA. He’s one of my oldest and closest friends. He’s been a big part of my albums, particularlyBaltimore Highlands and Bed of Seeds. I’ve been a part of his catalog as well, particularly his Paper Cranes album.

We reminisce about our travels, from our early mini-tours to our European tour in 2011. He talks aboutthe cast of rap characters around the country that helped show him the way. He talks about his new band Drones, with Isaac Ramsey and Erik Akers, as well as his forthcoming Spruce Goose album.

Artwork by Mike Riley. Recorded at The Lineup Room.

Episode 3 - King Rhythm

King Rhythm is one of my favorite musicians and a good friend. He’s had a hand in almost all of my releases since 2007, either as a rapper, a beat-maker or an engineer.

He’s been making beats for ages, and I was fascinated by hearing him describe the process of learning to make beats on a Commodore Amiga. He tells me about his early group, The Downslide, and how he ended up being a solo artist. He talks about being drained by the experience of putting out solo albums on his own label, and how he was rejuvenated by his long-distance collaboration with French producer Colin Johnco.

Artwork by Mike Riley. Recorded at The Lineup Room.

Episode 1 - Eze Jackson

Eze Jackson is a rapper, actor and writer from Baltimore. We’ve worked together a lot over the past couple years, and he was the perfect guest to kick off this series.

We talked about growing up in a brutally honest family of artists. He breaks down going from an arts high school to the navy to the church and back to the arts world. He explains how he expanded his musical palette while working with Soul Cannon, and how he’s approaching his current solo work.

Artwork by Mike Riley. Recorded at The Lineup Room.