Music And We

The ’Giving Flowers’ series (episode 2): Stevie Wonder

(RECORDED ON MAY 13, 2023) This is an interesting episode, as tables have somewhat turned...  jamilah is usually the fanboi (of various things) out of the two hosts; however, given that he was massively beloved by her in the past, it was discovered that jesse is far more of one when it comes to Stevie Wonder.  There are attempts to explore this emerging discovery. 
jesse and jamilah discuss Stevie Wonder's discography, the songs and albums they connect to, what the best songs are to introduce others to his music... as well as (of course) the contradictions.  Even with all of these things, they feel his contributions to the arts and music are definitely deserving of flowers. 
For questions, comments, your favorite Stevie songs, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com

A conversation With Old Head (aka Steven)

(RECORDED ON APRIL 30, 2023) One of the objectives of this podcast is to engage with the ways we all connect with and to music.  Of course, that would be boring if it were just jesse and jamilah every episode, so we always love when others get to share their experiences. 
jamilah was very glad to have been able to share some time with fellow podcaster and creator (and lover of St. Anger) Old Head, whom she first became familiar with through his YouTube videos.  Steven/Old Head is also a radio host (which jamilah was for 11 years); another thing she learned through this conversation was the similarity in which they both play guitar (which he is much better at).  Throughout the episode they also discuss the erosion of cultural musical delineations, social awareness and responsibility of artists, and the healing power of music. 
Old Head Podcast: https://oldheadpodcast.podbean.com/
Old Head's YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@OldHead
Supporting Actor:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NwEPvnhvzF7OesykYdQBM
Radio show: https://live.onamp.com/oldhead.tx
 
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com

A Conversation On Disability & Metal (feat. Nick (aka MetalLawyer))

(RECORDED ON APRIL 23, 2023) jamilah has been fairly open on this podcast about her experience as an amputee, and the ways music is now experienced due to it.  We want to take time in various episodes to explore the various experiences had, under the spectrum of disabilities that exist.
On this episode we have Nick, who was born with cerebral palsy.  jamilah and Nick met via a community of listeners and appreciators of Metal Up Your Podcast (MUYP), a... podcast (!!!) developed out of a love for Metallica.  There's a bit of conversation about MUYP; as well as discussions on how our disabilities shape our experiences, our love for the band beginning with the letter M, as well as what can be done in order for metal to be more welcoming.  And of course, Nick discusses his profession as a lawyer (and the way metal inspires him- hence the name, MetalLawyer).
For more information or queries for Nick, go to https://www.nrollerlaw.com/
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
 
 
 

A discussion of 72 Seasons, Metallica’s new album

(RECORDED ON APRIL 17, 2023) 72 Seasons must be a special album, because jesse stayed up past his bedtime to discuss it!  This is his first experience with a new Metallica album release cycle, so jamilah was extremely excited to hear his perspective.  Needless to say, she was very pleasantly surprised. 
As they go into detail about perspectives and what significance the album and individual songs hold,  the two longtime friends also emotionally exposed themselves (to each other, and perhaps the world) in ways they hadn't before.  Again, this must be a special album. 
(Also ...Hardwired To Self Destruct is #6 on the albums list. jamilah sadly left it out.  BOOOOOOO to her.)
Thanks so much for listening!
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
In addition, if you struggling are in need of a voice to talk to, please call 988 (for the u.s. national number), or go to https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/

The ’Giving Flowers’ series (episode 1): Mudhoney (feat. Abby Denson)

(RECORDED ON APRIL 8, 2023) We aren't getting any younger, and neither are some of the artists we love.  We wanted to present a way to appreciate folks while they are still here (even if they're not currently producing music in that iteration), hence the 'Giving Flowers' series. 
Our first episode is dedicated to Mudhoney, one of the last living 'anti-establishment' bands (that aren't Anarcho punk, or traditionally 'anti-establishment' in the way we're conditioned to think about what that means).  Our special guest is Abby Denson; not only is she one of the biggest Mudhoney fans we know, but she also, many moons ago started two bands with co-host jamilah (who was inspired by the band to pick up a guitar).  Similar to with E.T. Russian, jamilah became reunited with Abby (as well as the drummer in our first band, Mayumi), post accident. 
Mudhoney just released a new album, Plastic Eternity, and we discuss how the band still cleverly holds disdain not only for the music industry, but capitalism, consumerism, fascism and environmental destruction due to human carelessness.  In a time where people advocate for 'politics to not be in music'; we love them for rejecting this sort of idealism, eschewing the stereotype of 'Boomers' or 'Generation X' becoming less confrontational and/or more conservative when it comes to these things.  
Thanks for everyone involved in Mudhoney, past and present (Dan Peters, Matt Lukin, Steve Turner, Guy Maddison, Mark Arm, Ed Frotheringham, etc.) for keeping the spirit of rebellion alive in music.
For information and updates about Abby, go to:  https://www.abbydenson.com/
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
 
 

Going To Concerts With A Disability (or two), with E.T. Russian

(RECORDED ON MARCH 10, 2023) Many music lovers enjoy going out to see their favorite artists live.  Some of us music lovers have disabilities, making it not as easy to navigate this world.  In conversation with jamilah (who is a below-knee amputee (BKA)) is E.T. Russian (a double amputee for much, much longer); an old friend who reunited, 20 years later. 
E.T. and jamilah discuss positive (and not-so-positive) experiences with consent, awareness and acknowledgement; there's also a discussion about the structural improvements made over the years in regards to venues, and the spaces for improvement. 
Thanks for listening!  For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
 
 

What And Who Is Stan (Culture)?

(RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 27, 2023)  This episode is finally up!  A lot of things have happened since then (in relation to some of the things we discussed here), but the primary subject (sadly in some ways) is perhaps timeless. 
jesse and jamilah discuss the formation of what (a couple of days later after this recording) became 'If Darkness Had A Son' (to be released on Metallica's 12th album, 72 Seasons).  Also discussed was paris Jackson's interview with Steve-O. 
The main subject of this episode was the culture of stanning; the etymology of it as well as the difference between stanning and regular 'ol fandom.  Are you a stan of something/someone?  Let us know!
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com

Talking About Our Favorite Records... And Colorism

(RECORDED JANUARY 29, 2023) Music continues to simultaneously fascinate and confound us.  jamilah is (positively) surprised at a few of jesse's favorite selections; There is also a discussion about an issue not addressed in mainstream discussions of music- colorism.  People see these things as myths, but there are real-world examples (and real-world harm).For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
We also have a Discord page!  https://discord.gg/Ke3XyU8W

Metallica’s new songs, and Sananda Maitreya’s proud boys shirt

(RECORDED JANUARY 22, 2023) jesse and jamilah are back- and we no longer have to record episodes in different states, which of course makes things much easier.  We spend our first (non remote) episode exploring the first two singles from the upcoming Metallica album, '72 Seasons'; jamilah also attempts to make sense of jesse's love of Sananda Maitreya, as jesse critiques Maitreya's various contradictions.  We also discuss the subject of wearing t-shirts of bands you don't know, as well as an upcoming Michael Jackson documentary.  For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: musicandwejj@gmail.com
If you struggling are in need of a voice to talk to, please call 988 (for the national number), or go to https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/

Post MTF Thoughts...

(RECORDED DECEMBER 21, 2021) Jesse and jamilah are very, very jetlagged in this episode, but we wanted to get our thoughts out about MTF (Metallica Turns Forty) before everything left our brains.  After never having seen the band live (and just getting into them), Jesse can now say he has seen them twice, while jamilah has officially now seen them three times- the first being December 3, 1991.  Jesse got to capture a bit of the essence of the 'Metallica Family' as well. 
There was so much happening that weekend, we couldn't possibly cover it all.  And being in the moment at the Chase Center, we couldn't possibly catch every detail.  There might even be things we get mixed up or wrong here.  We hope to watch any replays, so as to catch whatever nuances missed.  Either way, it's all love here. 
For a deeper explanation about the songs, albums and members, please listen to our previous episode. 
For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here:  https://twitter.com/musicandwejj
and here: musicandwejj@gmail.com