Music And We

A Family Affair: A conversation with MAAFA's Flora Lucini

(RECORDED ON JANUARY 22, 2026/OFF THE DOME INTRO ON JANUARY 24, 2026) This episode has been a long time coming- it has been planned for a while, but we just got to it.
Having been involved in the punk and hardcore scenes in NYC in the 90s, jamilah ended up moving to the west coast- absolutely missing Flora Lucini, who moved there around that time.  Over 20 years later the two met (by way of mutual sibling Ryan Bland (Bushmon/Home 33/ACHE)), and instantly became chosen family to each other. 
Coming up in the 90s and 2000s hardcore scene; Flora is an incredibly inspiring figure in the community.  Known as a 'scene mama', she books and coordinates shows, as well as being a community activist.  Well known in the hardcore scene (obviously), her multi-instrumentalism has led her to varying genres, such as jazz and Tropicália.  
jamilah was absolutely excited to sit back and take in the wonderfulness that is Flora: She definitely does not mince words; however, there is no malice behind the directness, and that is definitely a breath of fresh air. We hope you enjoy this conversation between a couple of siblings, who came up in different generations of the hardcore (and punk) scene.
They discussed everything from:
Forgiveness and redemption
Turnstile (and Knocked Loose)'s success
Gatekeeping v. preservation
The 'othering' of non-European hardcore bands
Music and art being a reflection of society/culture
The centering of whiteness in art and music (and society)
The inability/refusal of people in the scene to detect and challenge microagressions
The importance of/connection to the bass
The next generation of hardcore kids and their impact on the future
And of course...
Bad Brains
Songs on the episode (all by MAAFA):
Libation
Blindspot
Welfare
For The Culture 
Not Your Exotic
Thanks so much for listening!
We'd love to hear from you!  Contact us at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com
   

Who Are The Counterculture Bands?

(RECORDED ON JANUARY 5, 2026) There's always the saying that when things get egregiously bad, there's going to be a plentiful return of protest music.  There's a bit of a disagreement over here in the world of Music And We, as there's never been a shortage of political or protest music, regardless of period in time.  Material conditions haven't necessarily been altered for the better for countless people, so art and music will always reflect sociopolitical inequities.  
The more interesting question wouldn't be regarding whether or not people are going to produce more political music and art; it's whether or not people will create more abrasive, confrontational and incendiary music and art, as a response or challenge to said inequities.  
Will there be a return to a counterculture movement?

Our Favorite Records Of 2025

(RECORDED ON DECEMBER 17, 2025) There's so much music out there in the world, and no one could possibly listen to, or know everything that's been released.  However, jesse and jamilah did find some gems among the vastness, in 2025.  Their choices couldn't be more disparate...  except for one album.  
(jamilah neglected to mention Imperial Triumphant's album, Goldstar, among her favorites of this year; they did get a quick mention toward the end of the episode though.  She also mispronounced Terre Thaemlitz' Soulnessless.  Also, after the episode was recorded, she remembered some shows that were not listed- so it was DEFINITELY more than 50 shows!!!!  The key to being able to see a lot of shows is to see the ones that don't cost much money.)
Let us know what your favorite albums have been this year!  Let us know at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

jesse And jamilah Discuss The 'Michael' Trailer

(RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2025) Apparently, 'Michael', the Michael Jackson biopic, has been in the works for a few years.  Out of the two of them, jesse tends to follow the posthumous happenings of the MJ (and Prince) world, when jamilah doesn't at all.  jesse (of course) is excited to see this movie upon its release, when jamilah is still working to forget the travesties of This Is It, that Thriller documentary, and all other posthumous projects.  While she consistently hopes for an Errol Morris-type deep dive documentary, she knows that the reality is always going to always lean towards the vein of an Antoine Fuqua blockbuster.  
While she also understands (as usual) that her views and predictions could absolutely incorrect; her initial reactions are definitely in the minority, as the majority are giving this trailer glowing reviews, and are excited to see the movie in the Spring.  
What are your thoughts on the trailer?  Let us know!  Contact us at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

'Metallica Saved My Life': Conversations With Lars Ulrich, Jonas Åkerlund And Many Other Wonderful People, At The Mill Valley Film Festival

(RECORDED ON OCTOBER 9 & 10, 2025) jamilah traveled to California to attend the Mill Valley Film Festival premiere of 'Metallica Saved My Life' (among other things). The intent always was to capture the voices of people who attended the premiere; however, what she experienced was far more than she could have asked for.  
Present friends and community were reunited, new friends were made...  and she had the opportunity to converse with the film's director, Jonas Åkerlund.  She also sat down with her biggest musical inspiration (and a person who's music had a hand in saving her life), Lars Ulrich.  These are experiences she will forever cherish, and will never take for granted.  
Has Metallica's music saved your life?  Let us know!  Contact us at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

The 'Giving Flowers' Series (episode 5): DEVO (feat. Abby Denson (And A Melodica))

(RECORDED ON AUGUST 30, 2025) Longtime friends Abby and jamilah have been into DEVO for many, many years; however, jamilah has never seen them live.  Given that they are still touring, they decided to do a 'Flowers' episode on the Spuds born in Akron, Ohio.  
jamilah wanted to do an episode as well, particularly due to the misconceptions the band always receives.  While Abby and jamilah's song interpretations may not always be correct (and while some of the things produced have not been side eye inducing), one thing they do know is that the collective was founded as a response to right wing culture and ideologies; so seeing their songs interpreted as 'incel anthems', or seeing statements such as, "This music is what you end up with when you don't allow girls in the band," have always been a curious thing.
While not all-inclusive (obviously), they name some of their favorite songs in the catalog (with some renditions on the melodica, tambourine and cardboard box by jamilah).  While DEVO has been often imitated but never duplicated (except infamously by 'Weird' Al Yankovic (another person who should get a 'Flowers' episode)); there's a reason why their music is celebrated by many.  Interestingly, while they are celebrated (and while they had a brief moment of pop stardom), they are still relatively 'small' in comparison to some of their peers.  Because of this, they were able to maintain artistic freedom (in their various artistic projects/endeavors- which we didn't even get into...  That would be a 10 hour episode).
RIP Robert Mothersbaugh Sr. (aka General Boy), Bob (2) Casale and Alan Myers.
Thanks for listening!!!
Abby's website is https://www.abbydenson.com/
If you want to say hello (or to tell us your favorite DEVO songs), you can contact us at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

The 'Giving Flowers' Series (episode 4): Metallica (feat. Dave Ferraro)

(RECORDED ON AUGUST 8, 2025) Anyone who's a regular/semi-regular listener to the podcast most likely is aware that (drummer) Lars Ulrich is jamilah's biggest musical inspiration; and that his band, Metallica, is her second favorite (after Earth, Wind & Fire).  Despite discussing the band quite a bit, there has never been a 'Flowers' episode.
With this episode- airing just as the band's self-titled album (aka 'The Black Album' celebrated its 34th year of existence), jamilah shares the mic with friend (and fellow Metallica appreciator) Dave Ferraro, where they discuss how they came to love the band, meaningful moments from the music (and at shows), and of course, the concept of the 'Metallica family'.  
In addition, there's plenty of laughter, a bunch of hot takes (which actually may not be hot takes), 'St. Anger' theories and conspiracies, some crew love, and much more!
Song Highlights:
-Of Wolf And Man (Mexico City, 27 September 2024)-Vuelo de la Cacahuate/A.D.O. (El Tri cover) (Mexico City, 27 September 2024)-Frayed Ends Of Sanity (And Justice For All, 1988)-Blackened (And Justice For All, 1988)-Dyers Eve (And Justice For All, 1988)-Battery (Master Of Puppets, 1986)-Battery (Detroit, Michigan, 3 November 1991)-Leper Messiah (Castle Donington/Download Festival (UK), 10 June 2023)-Fade To Black (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 14 August 2022)-Fade To Black (40th Anniversary) (San Francisco, California, 19 December 2021)-Dirty Window (40th Anniversary) (San Francisco, California, 19 December 2021)-Dirty Window (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 14 August 2022)-FIXXXER (40th Anniversary) (San Francisco, California, 17 December 2021)-Battery (East Rutherford, New Jersey, 4 August 2023)-Inamorata (72 Seasons, 2023)-Sleepwalk My Life Away (Castle Donington/Download Festival (UK), 8 June 2023)-Shadows Follow (East Rutherford, New Jersey, 4 August 2023)-Too Far Gone (East Rutherford, New Jersey, 6 August 2023)-Metal Militia (Zuzula Celebration) (Hollywood, Florida, 6 November 2022)-Phantom Lord (Zuzula Celebration) (Hollywood, Florida, 6 November 2022)-Room Of Mirrors (72 Seasons, 2023)-Creeping Death (Castle Donington/Download Festival (UK), 8 June 2023)-Orion (Through The Never, 2013)Thank you for listening!!!If you want to tell us about your favorite Metallica songs or moments, you can contact us at: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

Podcasts Unite (pt. 3): A Conversation With Sam Thompson (Witchpolice Radio)

(RECORDED ON JULY 27, 2025) Music And We has been going for some time now (with a bit of a hiatus); however, the podcast was started later in the game, unlike the 2012 premiere of Witchpolice Radio.  Hosted by Sam Thompson, Witchpolice Radio focuses on the local scene in Manitoba, a province in central Canada.  
Sam and jamilah met among the circle of Propagandhi appreciators; over some time they began having conversations about various other types of music- surprising her with his vast knowledge of music coming out of Jamaica specifically.  
She isn't one who 'invites someone to the cookout' just because they're respectful of  someone's music.  However, she is one to invite someone on a podcast to discuss it.  Sam and jamilah discuss the distinctions between appreciation and appropriation, apologies and corrective action, the life of being a music nerd, love for Bad Brains and Fishbone, and more!
To listen to Witchpolice radio, go to:  https://witchpolice.com/
If you have any questions or comments for us, contact: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com
 

Clowns Love (the) Ramones Too: A Conversation With Jonas Woolverton

(RECORDED ON JULY 26, 2025) When jamilah was floating about in the middle of the Punk Rock Bowling festival (in Las Vegas), she ended up meeting Jonas Woolverton in a small tent selling skateboards and horror-themed items.  They talked briefly about punk; he handed her a flyer, regarding a play he was directing- Four Chords And A Gun, based on the story of Phil Spector's time with (the) Ramones, and their recording of the album End Of The Century.  While she greatly enjoyed the play, she ended up finding out about his other jaunts into theater, physical comedy/clowning, and the circus.  Starring and acting in The MacEnfro Show; he's also performed for many years with Cirque du Soleil for 'Zumanity', as well as 'RAIN', with Cirque Eloize. 
Jonas and jamilah discuss Ramones (of course), the various types of clowning that exist, and more!
Thanks for listening!
To learn more about Jonas, go to: https://jonaswoolverton.com/
To get a hold of us, contact: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com

Jesse sees Metallica For The First Time On The Floor!!!

(RECORDED ON APRIL 20, 2025) On April 19, 2025 jamilah and jesse took a road trip to Syracuse, NY to see Metallica- it was jesse's 6th time seeing them, and jamilah's 19th.  At one-something in the morning they decided to discuss their immediate feelings- particularly jesse, who saw them for the first time on the floor.  Were there any differences for him (besides the obvious proximity to the stage) in his experiences?
If you went to the Syracuse show- or if you've gone to any of the shows on the M72 tour, you can tell us your experiences by contacting: musicandwepodcast@gmail.com