Backstage Chats with Women In Music
Backstage Chats with Women In Music connects music fans with female artists and industry insiders who remind us to be dreamers, to be rule breakers, and to unleash your inner rock stars! We're on a mission to promote gender equity in the music industry by amplifying the voices and careers of women in music. Hosted by Thea Wood, the show is produced by Backstage Chats Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering scholarship grants to the next gen of female music makers. Women are underrepresented on stage, on air, and behind the scenes in the music biz, so it’s our mission to create gender parity one episode and scholarship at a time!
Maggie Szabo is a Canadian immigrant who's tackling feminine stereotypes, social injustice, and cellulite with lipstick in hand. Her pop music sensibilities poke fun at pop culture while redefining it for the next generation. We think she’s spot on… and 100% “worth the weight!”
In this episode, Maggie Szabo covers:
Making the music video “I Don’t Need You” during COVID (and who is the hot guy who wants his lipstick back?)
Landing a promo song for BET series Tyler Perry’s Sistas and Jennifer Hudson choosing her song “Love Is Free” for The Voice contestant Kennedy Holmes.
Her path to championing transgender youth
Body shaming and facing the loaded question: “Is pop music ready for STRONG to be the new SEXY?”
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Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.
Ava Paige is country music’s 16-year-old rising star who is wise beyond her years. A cancer diagnosis opened her young eyes to hardship, the importance of family (including those you choose), and the power of hope. In this episode, Ava covers:
— How her single “Hope Comes In” took on a surprise meaning
— The influence cancer has had on her relationship with music and songwriting
— Appearing on “The Talk” with Marie Osmond and what they have in common
— Her favorite cosmic obsession
— The one life goal she’d like to achieve — and it’s a winner!
Help us keep Backstage Chats with Women in Music alive by supporting our nonprofit Herizon Music Foundation. Click here to learn more.
Lauren LoGrasso is a self-proclaimed multi-passionate creative. Her two new songs “Road to Glory” and “RISE” are anthemic and optimistic at a time when society needs it most. Lauren is a musician, singer/songwriter, actor, podcast producer, and creativity coach who shares her views on creativity's role in overcoming fear, suffering, and the future of society.
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In this episode, Lauren covers:
-- Embracing "angsty optimism"
-- Her father's biggest fear for his daughter (sound familiar?)
-- The scary side effects of repressed creativity
-- The most common trait that highly creative people share
And, of course, her answers to The Shakedown!
See additional music videos and social media links at https://backstagechats.com/lauren-lograsso
Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.
Denise Parent is the drummer and vocalist for the first all-female Grateful Dead tribute band. And we say “It’s about time!” Thanks to an introduction through David Ganz of The Grateful Dead Hour, host Thea Wood caught up with Parent for this remote interview. Parent covers a lot of ground, so pop in your earbuds and let’s get started with The Shakedown!
(watch videos and more at the extended Show Notes page)
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In this episode Parent chats about:
- The historic night of her first all-female Dead cover band show
- How maturity has changed her approach toward drumming
- The joke she played on an unwitting fan (he was a good sport about it!)
- The “4 Agreements” - and why they’ve always stuck with her
- Different styles of how men and women communicate
Thank you to our friends at Strait Music in Austin, TX for supporting Herizon Music Foundation.
This is a production of Herizon Music Foundation
Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.
Today, we’re Zooming to you from Austin, Texas as we are all practicing a social distancing lifestyle during the coronavirus pandemic. If you're feeling the covid blues, this is your episode!
Meet Andra Liemandt, the co-founder of The Mrs, a pop band formed by a group of moms who have been on a mission since 2013. That mission and a powerful music video featuring a magic mirror earned national recognition on Good Morning America and the Queen Latifah Show. All in spite of record labels saying "no" to their music based on ageism rather than merit.
Andra Liemandt is the drummer, singer, songwriter and philanthropist who will build you up, buttercup! Extended show notes, videos, and more at BackstageChats.com.
Special thanks to Kendra Scott, Cobi Collins of Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Lover Girl Cosmetics.
In this episode, Andra Liemandt covers:
-- Facing vulnerability during the global pandemic
-- How Liemandt faced blatant ageism in the music industry, and worked around it
-- How her dance background contributed to her musical talents
-- Why she founded Kindness Campaign, focusing on youth's mental health
Today, we’re coming at you from Strait Music, Austin’s 3rd generation, family-owned music store that has won the Austin Music Awards Best Instrument Repair award for three out of the last four years.
The secret sauce includes not one but *two* female guitar techs (and multi-instrumentalists) who work side by side, which is like finding a 5-leaf clover in the desert.
Meet the women who are upstairs, behind the bench, and close to every guitar’s heart: Lauren Ellis and Jessica Baker.
Our podcast is a production of the nonprofit Herizon Music Foundation. Please support the next generation of women in music through education, experience, and role modeling programs. Click here to donate today.
IN THIS EPISODE
Jessica and Lauren cover:
-- The difference between a guitar tech, a backline tech, and a luthier.
-- Lauren’s experience of touring with The Eagles vs. The Monkees.
-- Jessica’s hardest gig EVER, and why she’d do it all over again.
-- How to play with the boys and be taken seriously.
-- Are United Auto Workers union members natural musicians? Lauren knows best :-)
And, of course, The Shakedown!
Thanks to Caroline Crawford Consulting for supporting Herizon Music Foundation and the next generation of women in music. More information about her nonprofit consulting services is at CarolineCrawfordConsulting.com.
Having moved ~28 times by age 21, nomadic singer/songwriter Shelley King found her heart and her home in Austin, Texas. Shelley is a singer-songwriter, band leader, and the first woman to be appointed Official State Musician of Texas by the state legislature in 2008. She’s the boot scootin’, whisky shootin’, darling of Texas music royalty. Get ready for a high-energy chat with
In this episode, you'll get the inside story on:
-- Why Shelley moved so often growing up and its influence on her music
-- Collaborating with her "Texas Trifecta" friends Marcia Ball and Caroline Wonderland (how she met Wonderland is music history gold)
-- The divine intervention that shaped her song "Levon's Drum," in tribute to the late Levon Helm, for her album Kick Up Your Heels.
-- The moment she realized she'd rather play on stage than sit in a law office.
And, of course, Shelley answers "The Shakedown" questions with royal flare!
See videos, music links, and extended Show Notes on BackstageChats.com/shelley-king
If you like what we're doing, please donate to Herizon Music Foundation, which produces our podcast.
Thanks to our friends at Green Rush Austin for choosing Herizon Music Foundation as their preferred charity.
Don’t let the sweet smile and upbeat outlook fool you. Throw Kendal Conrad to the wolves, and she’ll come back the leader of the pack. Kendal is country pop’s rising star who isn’t afraid to create her own opportunity in an industry full of closed doors and scary stories. In fact, she’s up for the challenge with her “I dare you” attitude and a killer cowboy boot collection.
Love what we're doing? Please click the "donate" button at https://backstagechats.com.
In this episode, Kendal Conrad reveals:
Why she hesitated to release her single “Leader of the Pack”
How she wound up singing on stage with Keith Urban
The trick to landing stadium gigs
Her obsession with horror movies, including a lullaby for Norman Bates
The tough road for women in country music
Thanks to Labyrinth, Inc. for supporting Herizon Music Foundation. More information is at labyrinth.com.
Thanks to the international Wellness Shoppers Club for partnering with Herizon Music Foundation. More information is at info.greenrushaustin.com
Credits:
“Leader of The Pack” song by Kendal Conrad, Sharen Conrad, Anthony Gallagher
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Podcast Engineers
Voiceover: Cathryn Wood
Feature photo: Jim Trocchio
Recorded at the end of 2019, this chat with guitarist/singer/songwriter Jackie Venson foreshadows events that would unfold in Summer 2020. Just a few weeks before launching this episode, Jackie took a stand. She publicly turned down an invitation to play the perennial event “Blues on The Green” which is hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. Listen to the episode to find out why she turned it down and what history-changing result came of it.
Thanks to the international Wellness Shoppers Club for partnering with Herizon Music Foundation. More information is at info.greenrushaustin.com
In this episode, Jackie Venson covers:
-- The “zen” aspects of not hyper-focusing on career goals
-- Why cities like Austin struggle with musical and racial diversity
-- Standing up for yourself in business and creative decisions
-- Technology’s role in her live performances
-- Who would be in her “dream band”
Denise Kaufman (a.k.a. Mary Microgram) is an original Merry Prankster and co-founder of 1960’s psychedelic rock band Ace of Cups.
Cups was one of the first all female rock bands who wrote and performed their own music in the United States. They earned great success in the 1960’s San Francisco music scene, playing with The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quick Silver Messenger, and Janis Joplin & The Holding Company to name a few.
Jimi Hendrix praised Ace of Cups in the media. Yet, they never signed a record deal, and after five years together, the players went their separate ways on good terms.
After almost 50 years, the band reformed to record an astounding 24 music tracks for their first studio album titled Ace of Cups. Denise Kaufman’s bandmates include: Mary Gannon (bass), Marla Hunt (organ, piano), Mary Ellen Simpson (lead guitar), and Diane Vitalich (drums).
Denise Kaufman proves that not all who wander are lost— they may just be taking an unconventional path! She’s Ace of Cups harmonica-playing singer-songwriter, guitarist/bassist, true life Merry Prankster, and the yogi whom the stars call. Let’s take a feel-good trip with Denise Kaufman!
If you love what we’re doing, please support our show and the next generation of women by donating just $10 today. Click here to give the gift of music to a teen girl in need. Thank you!
The healing power of music is real, and leading researcher/music therapist Hope Young is on the cutting edge of breakthroughs in treating chronic disease, autism, ADHD, and mental illness. Young discusses the science behind music therapy and the successes she has witnessed.
Hope Young has treated patients with various ailments for over 30 years and shares her stories of hope for those who previously had none. Trigger warning: chronic disease, mental illness, and suicide are all discussed in this episode. If you are experiencing any health issues or suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In this episode, you'll hear:
-- How music affects the brain differently than other forms of stimulation
-- An example of music that helps Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's patients walk with ease
-- Treating ADHD and Autistic kids with music
-- Combining artificial intelligence with music for anytime-anywhere relief
Plus Hope's answers to The Shakedown!
From music teacher to innovative looping artist/vocalist/songwriter/producer, Angela Sheik stuns audiences as a live looper whose bare feet create songs before your very ears. Winner of the 2011-2012 Boss U.S. National Loop Champion, her 2019 Tiny Desk Contest submission "chiN uP giRL" received an honorable mention and well-deserved praise from NPR's "All Songs Considered."
If you like what you hear, support the cause by visiting backstagechats.com and clicking the DONATE button.
In this episode, Angela talks about
- What defines a looping artist
- Three key factors to her looping success (it ain't easy!)
- Opening for Meshell N'degeocello
- Lesson learned with her Tiny Desk submission
And, of course, you'll love her answers to The Shakedown!
Follow Angela on Instagram and Facebook and Twitter and Spotify
Ali Dineen is a singer-songwriter and musician based in New York City. She’s performed her original music from the American folk tradition at the Savannah Music Festival, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Folk Festival, just to name a few. Ali’s lyrics have been described as poetic and deeply personal. When talking about her new EP, Hold On, she said, “This album grew out of personal heartbreak, and the feeling of a collective heartbreak as we’ve watched the world descend farther into fascism and irreversible climate catastrophe… It took moving through heartbreak and disillusionment and grief, to arrive not at ecstasy or a belief that everything will be okay, but at the realization that life continues somehow and is resilient… no matter how long we’ve got, we need to love, and fight relentlessly for one another.” Ali was recently awarded a Helene Wurlitzer Foundation residency in Taos, New Mexico, where she’s spending the winter working on her next creative endeavor. Credits: Hosted and produced by Eleanor Bennett. Executive Producer is Thea Wood. "Hold On" and "Prayer" by Ali Dineen. Voiceover by Cathryn Wood. Photo by by Alexis Lim, styling by Athena Zammit. Album art by Ali Dineen.
In this episode, Ali Dineen covers:
- How leaving a hand-written note on a stranger’s door led her to a lifelong friend and mentor
- Intersections between her own music and the larger histories of the American folk tradition
- Why her personal encounters with pain and grief have allowed her to know joy
- Paying homage to folk traditions and spirituals from the US, the oldest of which were created by black people suffering under slavery and terrible oppression
Credits:
Host: Eleanor Bennett
Production: Eleanor Bennett
Executive Producer: Thea Wood
Voiceover: Cathryn Wood
Photos by Alexis Lim, styling by Athena Zammit
Album art by Ali Dineen
Donate to BCF TODAY and help us amplify the voices and careers of women in music!
Guest Links
Web site: alidineen.com
Instagram: @ali_dineen https://www.instagram.com/ali_dineen/?hl=en
Facebook: Ali Dineen https://www.facebook.com/Alidineenmusic/
Bandcamp: https://alisondineen.bandcamp.com/album/hold-on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lEYF8UlOlwPq2WLzgqioQ?si=xsjUj8FFQkqH2Q7AVK9eSw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hold-on-ep/1495314384
As a practitioner of the Blues, Karma Mayet describes her sound as “equal parts funk and glitter, cornbread and molasses.” Born in Chicago, the composer and performer has traveled the globe, collaborating with the likes of Meshell Ndegeocello, Lizz Wright, Vernon Reid, and The Roots. Karma has developed her own unique practice called Rootsong, which combines yogic healing with the power of voice. Credits: Hosted and produced by Eleanor Bennett. Executive Producer is Thea Wood. "You Ain't Changed," "September Song" and "Woman" by Karma Mayet. Voiceover by Cathryn Wood. Photograph by Karl Ferguson Jr.
If you love what we’re doing, please support our show and the next generation of women by donating $10 today. Thank you!
In this episode, Karma Mayet covers:
- Why she wept the first time she went to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival
- Building a career as a strong, independent artist and paying the bills
- The historic role black women like blues artist Bessie Smith played in founding the music industry
- How the voice can be used as a medicine and tonic for inner healing
- The power of forgiveness and accountability when collaborating with fellow artists
Guest Links
Web sites: karmamayet.com // rootsong.net
Facebook: Karma Mayet https://www.facebook.com/karmamayet/
Instagram: @karmamayet https://www.instagram.com/karmamayet/
Twitter: @KarmaMayet https://twitter.com/KarmaMayet
Video
Karma Mayet “September Song”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQjM7ifYIvs
Donate to BCF TODAY and help us amplify the voices and careers of women in music!
Susan Rogers' chat was so informative that we split it into two episodes. This is Part 2, where Susan talks about
* Her teachings/research at Berklee College of Music.
* The differences in working with men and women
* What happens to your career when your "eggs" are about to expire
* How women and men are physically and psychologically impacted differently (and sometimes the same!) by music, and the conscious decisions artists/engineers/producers make as a result.
* She also answers audience questions!
This episode was recorded remotely using Zoom.
We'd like to thank our friends at Via313 Pizzeria for supporting this podcast.
If you like what we're doing and want to help us amplify the voices and careers of women in music, please donate today. Your gift helps our programs, including scholarship grants for teen girls in need who want to attend music and sound camps. Learn more about Backstage Chats Foundation.
Photo credits:
- Sign o’ the Times tour, 1987 — Ruud Schouten
- Odds, Vancouver, 1991 — Doug Elliott
- In New Zealand
- Red Bull Music Academy, 2016
- Headshot — Jandro Cisneros
Susan Rogers is a professor at Berklee College of Music who broke gender norms by becoming one of the few female audio engineers in the 1980s. Her life took a sudden turn when she joined Prince's team and went on to engineer Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, and Sign 'O' The Times. This episode focuses on her work with Prince. Part 2 focuses on her work at Berklee and why women face different challenges than men do in their careers.
Thanks to our friends at The Inn At Newport Ranch for making this episode possible.
Backstage Chats Foundation is a nonprofit that depends on your support to produce the podcast and provide scholarship grants for teen girls in need. Uplift the next generation of female music makers and donate today.
In this episode, one of a two-part series, Susan reveals:
- Her awkward first run-in with his Royal Badness
- Why Prince loved and preferred to work with women
- How she and The Revolution got through Prince's death
And don't forget about The Shakedown, a standard set of questions we ask all of our special guests!
Find links, videos, and more information on our web site's expanded Show Notes page.
In this episode, Leslie Nuss covers:
-- Why she took a 10+ year hiatus from songwriting/recording
-- How an innocent trip to the movies turned into a traumatic, life-changing turning point
-- An unexpected cover of "Eye of The Tiger" by Survivor
-- Making her own clothing and applying for the hit TV show Project Runway
Thank you to the Ritz-Carlton Chicago for hosting this episode at their architecturally captivating Water Tower Place location.
Visit the complete Show Notes with links to Leslie's music, videos, and social media.
In this episode, Jan Bozarth chats about:
- Why "selling out" is no longer relevant
- Key success factors to controlling your career
- How surviving Stage 3 breast cancer affected her creativity and priorities
- The story behind "True Love Train"
The BCWIM podcast and scholarship grants are made possible because of music lovers like you. Help us amplify the voices and careers of women in music and donate to the cause.
Guest links:
Credits:
Host: Thea Wood
Production: Allyson Holley
Voiceover: Cathryn Wood
In this episode, Jamie Bahr chats about:
- The unexpected finale of her first European tour.
- The emotional impact of music camps for teen girls and their families.
- How she became a comic book super hero.
- Her mom's shocking words that shut up a belligerent concert attendee.
And don't forget about The Shakedown, a standard set of questions we ask all of our special guests!
Donate to BCF TODAY and us amplify the voices and careers of women in music!
Our friends at The Inn at Newport Ranch are supporters of Backstage Chats Foundation. Located on the scenic ocean front of Mendocino County, California, the Inn at Newport Ranch was voted one of the 20 Best Hotels in the world by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. As a guest, you’ll enjoy hiking and guided ATV tours through 2000 acres of Redwoods, horseback riding along 20 miles of world class trails, trips to local wineries, and even whale watching.
It’s a nature lover’s paradise for everything from executive retreats to small weddings. Learn more by visiting TheInnAtNewportRanch.com
In this episode, Boyfriend chats about:
- Reconciling her rap cabaret art with her conservative christian upbringing
- Experiencing Imposter Syndrome
- Hairy armpits & beauty pains
- The problem with social media
And don't forget about The Shakedown, a standard set of questions we ask all of our special guests!
Who was your first concert?
What was the first album you bought with your own money?
Which artist or band is in heavy rotation on your playlist right now?
Which woman has had the most influence on your career?
If you could have dinner with any woman dead or alive, who would it be?
What is one life goal you’d like to accomplish before climbing that golden Stairway To Heaven?
In this episode you’ll hear:
— The unconventional approach Ghostlight took to recording the album Best Kept Secrets
— What it was like playing with two of her musical idols
— Late night musical meditations (her best kept musical secret)
— The most influential woman in her musical career
In this chat with Misty Boyce in Denver, CO, you’ll hear:
— Misty’s fun answers to “The Shakedown” questionnaire.
— Why her album Get Lost gets pretty heavy lyrically– and who is Marie?!?
— Her take on women’s treatment and progress in the music business.
—Answers to your fan questions, including what it was like to accompany Ashley C. Ford’s live performance on the Animal Meditation’s Podcast.
Credits: Hosted and produced by Eleanor Bennett. Voiceover by Cathy Wood. Everything else by Thea Wood
JOIN US! We are a donation-driven nonprofit on a mission to amplify the voices and careers of women in music. You can help end gender disparity in the music business! Click here to donate or contact us about volunteer opportunities.
You’ll also hear:
— Which skill set helps Juno in relating to multicultural acts and cities.
— Willa’s experience working SXSW for the first time and how it took her out of her comfort zone.
— What the ladies are seeing in shifting music trends, including looping.
— A serendipitous story involving the Scottish band Lucia.
— Tips for women who may want to become sound engineers.
Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Allyson Holley.
Guest Links:
SoundGirls.Org
Juno's Facebook
Juno's Instagram
Juno's Website
Willa's Facebook
Willa's Instagram
Willa's Website
You’ll hear:
— Why this young performer already feels so comfortable onstage.
— How Naïa hopes listeners feel when they hear her music.
— Why Naïa considers herself different than most adults.
— The first album Naïa purchased with her own money... it will surprise you!
Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Allyson Holley. Photo by @jpieroaz
Sponsored by The Bee Happy Subscription Box
Guest Links:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Streaming
Youtube
Tour dates
You’ll hear:
— Karina’s favorite bass player and why.
— What it was like doing a sound check with Phish.
— A day in the life of Karina when she’s not touring (it’s pretty packed).
— What she wants to achieve before climbing the golden stairway to heaven.
Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Eleanor Bennett. Photo by Ace Cool.
Sponsored by The Bee Happy Subscription Box
Special thanks to Tito’s Handmade Vodka for hosting this backstage chat on the Tito’s Tour Bus at the Hogs for the Cause festival in New Orleans.
Guest Links:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Streaming
Youtube
Tour dates
You’ll hear:
— Which two country music icons can type and sell you a pair of cowboy boots.
— The craziest online chat Thea can remember hosting (it involves beer and karate kicks).
— The sad but true state of gender disparity in the music industry, supported by startling statistics.
— Why Joan Jett and her band The Black Hearts induction into the Rock n Roll hall of fame in 2015 was a long time coming. Check out Joan Jett’s acceptance speech.
— How sharing the stories of women in music and investing in the next generation of female music makers can empower each of us to make meaningful and lasting change.
Credits: Hosted by Thea Wood. Produced by Eleanor Bennett. Photo by: RL Wood.
Sponsored by: The Bee Happy Subscription Box
