Episode 73 - Uncommon Nasa

My guest this week is Uncommon Nasa. He’s an MC, a producer, an engineer, a radio host and the guy behind Uncommon Records. We first met when he took part in the NYC Rap Round Robin.

He talks about getting his start interning at NYC’s Ozone Studios, and later mixing many key projects for Def Jux artists. He tells me about his love for 90s NYC hip-hop radio, and how that influenced his Uncommon Radio show. We discuss his new projects, and his recent drive to tour and to grow as a live performer.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to 3rd Bass’s The Cactus Album. This episode is hosted by Splice Today.

Episode 72 - Holiday Special

Mike Riley and I spin some of our favorite songs from HZW guests, including Grand Buffet, Nuclear Power Pants, ShaRock, Lisa Lee, James Nasty, AK Slaughter. Disturbed Individuals, David Jacober and more..
Mike’s art this week is an homage to Run-DMC’s Christmas in Hollis. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

Episode 71 - Brzowski

Height Zone World 71. My guest this week is Brzowski. He’s been a staple of the New England hip-hop scene for many years, and he’s made fans/friends across the world through his relentless touring. We first crossed paths in 2004, and I was happy to learn more about his mission.

We talk about his two official full-length albums, as well as his Blood Drive compilations. We discuss the logistics of the DIY touring system, and the pros and cons of being your own booking agent. He breaks down his new project called Vinyl Cape, and explains where he wants to take that project in the near future.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to UGK’s Super Tight. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

Episode 70 - Jeff Blinder

My guest this week is Jeff Blinder. Jeff is one of the most consistent promoters on the US DIY circuit. He’s been the primary force behind many show spaces, including the Spazzatorium in Greenville, NC, and Danger Danger Gallery in Philadelphia. I’ve been playing his shows since 2003, and I was excited to learn more about how and why he does what he does.

He talks about his first encounters with the world of DIY shows, by way of the vibrant house show scene in New Brunswick, NJ. I ask him about the first shows he set up in Greenville, NC, and we reflect on what made shows in that small college town unique. He talks about restarting his operation in Philadelphia, and makes an announcement about his next move.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to Da Bush Babees’ Ambushed. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

Episode 69 - The Return Of Lord Grunge

Height Zone World 69. This is part two of my interview with Lord Grunge. We recorded this on his front porch in Pittsburgh, on Black Friday.

We start the conversation by talking about Grand Buffet’s B-sides record Dicer, and how it later played a hand in them going on tour with Third Eye Blind. We talk about some of Grand Buffet’s later releases, and some of the frustrations they faced upon putting those records out. We discussed making music as an older guy and his new day job as an EMT.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to Black Sheep’s Non-Fiction. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.