On today’s episode we sit down with Lolo Zouaï in the midst of her Playgirl World Tour. We talk through her experiences performing her new album all around the world, as well as what it was like opening sold out arenas for Dua Lipa. We discuss Lolo’s new energy now that she’s officially independent after two major label albums. And what it means as an artist to touch everything from creative direction, to production, to video editing. Lolo introduces her own song “Room” as well as puts us to a young artist named Amelia Moore who has been opening for her on tour. In addition we discuss offerings from English Teacher, Samrecks, and Carbike. Plus — an exclusive snippet of our upcoming conversation with RnB’s breakout star Alex Vaughn, who stopped by in the middle of opening for Ari Lennox on the Age / Sex / Location tour. 01 "ROOM" by Lolo Zouaï 02 "Song About Love" by English Teacher 03 "Press Me" by Carbike 04 "Back Pack" by SamRecks 05 "FUMD" by Amelia Moore ft. jxdn  06 "Tamagotchi" by Lolo Zouaï Art: Ché Nembhard  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode we sit down with rising R&B artist Fana Hues as she visits New York, fresh from London, in the midst of her first ever international headlining tour. We talk through her childhood, performing music with her siblings in their family band and how she still keeps her family close & connected to her music, Fana speaks on exploring different forms of creativity from learning guitar, to dance, to musical theater, PLUS how her career & confidence has changed since getting cosigned by Tyler, The Creator and featured on “I Thought You Wanted To Dance” from “Call Me If You Get Lost,” amongst more.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the second episode of our new Community Check-In series, where we bring back past guests — influential voices, industry insiders, essentially people who inspire us and many others. Today's guest is Sidney Madden, a writer & reporter at NPR Music and the host of the excellent podcast Louder Than A Riot: a show that puts a magnifying glass to Hip-Hop, examining and questioning the culture and industry from all angels — from mass incarceration in season one to misogynoir in their current season two. We talk through the genesis of the show, as well as the unfortunate news that NPR is cancelling Louder after this season and what that means for the future of telling these essential stories. We discuss the state of music journalism today, and new music discovery, plus get a taste of what Sidney's been listening to lately. *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode features Kari Faux, a singer/songwriter, rapper, and producer who we first introduced in 2017 on the 2nd episode of NOT 97 ever. Kari joins us as she gears up to release her upcoming album "Real Bitches Don't Die," out everywhere May 26th. She introduces two standout singles — "Me First" and "Turning Heads." We talk working with legends like Big K.R.I.T. and the late Gansta Boo, plus puts us on to an explosive breakout single from Rodney Chrome, another artists repping her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition, we introduce Nigerian newcomer Winny and Chi-Town's own Tri Nohbi. Plus an exclusive interview with Fana Hues fresh off her first international headling tour.  01 "Me First" by Kari Faux 02 "Don't Leave" by Winny 03 "Fallen" by Tri Nohbi 04 "Break The Internet" by Rodney Chrome 05 "Turning Heads" by Kari Faux ft. Big K.R.I.T. Art: Drew Joseph *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode we catch up with DC's own dreamcastmoe on the day he opened for the legendary Roy Ayers in Brooklyn. We talk through his perspective shift that came last year after turning 30 and releasing his most recent project "Sound Is Like Water," what the city of DC represents to him,  the influence Go Go music had on his come up and still has on his sound today, as well as what it means to open for the visionary Roy Ayers.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're starting a new series today called Community Check-In where we tap in with guests who have been on NOT 97 in the past — cultural shifters, tastemakers, influential voices, ultimately people who inspire us and many others. The first guest is Jamz Supernova, known for her work on BBC Radio as a DJ, previously 1Xtra now BBC 6 Music as well as Selector Radio. Jamz is also the owner of the Future Bounce record label. We talk through Jamz's current post at BBC 6, how she discovers music these days, and who she's listening to right now.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode features visionary New York-based artist Araya. If you've been tapped in with us for some time you might remember when we played Araya's breakout single "Color Palette" two years and two seasons ago. Or when he stopped by The Flower Shop for a live session in 2021. Today, we catch up with Araya as he gears up to release his latest project Arena, dropping May 16th. He introduces both singles: "Cameo" & "Forget" — as well as puts us on to his friend Sticktype. In addition we enter the worlds of boundary pushing artists from Godly, The Ruler, to Low Leaf, and Ray Lozano.  01 "Cameo" by Araya 02 "Dog Days" by Godly The Ruler 03 "SVG LVR" by Low Leaf  04 "Better Off" by Ray Lozano  05 HAND ME DOWN by Sticktype 06 "Forget" by Araya Art: Thor Kimmell *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sit down with St. Louis's own Jordan Ward on the release day of his debut album "Forward." We talk through the many meanings behind the title of his album, and what this record represents for him and his career. What it means to come from St. Louis and the importance of giving back to his hometown. And what life has been like on tour opening sold out dates for JID and Smino.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the roundtable today is Armon Sadler, a reporter currently covering hip-hop at Vibe Magazine with a byline that has graced the pages of Billboard, Pitchfork, Uproxx, and more. Sadler also hosts his own podcast "Stay Busy with Armon Sadler." Armon introduces the timeless sounds of Ashlee White and an explosive Flex bomb-worthy delivery from Jacques Laine. We spin a nostalgic, angsty anthem from Oakland's King Isis, a statement on the state of London's new sound from Rushy, and a cinematic soundscape from Hagan, amongst more. Plus a sneak peak of our exclusive interview with Jordan Ward, recorded while Jordan was in town opening for Smino & JID on the day his debut album "Forward" was released. 01 "In My Way" by King Isis 02 "The Deal" by Ashlee White  03 "Imposter Syndrome" by Carla The Poet  04 "Maybach" by Rushy 05 "night dreams" by oogie  06 "Say Dat" by Jacques Laine ft. NCognita 07 "Textures" by Hagan  08 "Wake & Return" by OLAN Art: Julian Alexander *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with Kayla Steen to talk through her creative process, the meaning behind her new song "Pussy," and how she juggles music, working towards a career in sync licensing / music supervision, and being a content creator. Kayla also offers an intimate live in-studio performance of her latest single.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode features a contagious joint from Berlin-based Cody Currie, a UK-football ready anthem by Finn Foxell, an explosive debut from Vanessa Tha Finessa, & more. Plus a sit down with Kayla Steen discussing everything from her latest single "Pussy" to her newfound passion fro music supervision.  01 "HUNTER SCHAFER" by Ray Laurél 02 "Money" by Cody Currie 03 "WHAT'S YOUR POISON?" by Finn Foxell  04 "Run It' By Vanessa Tha Finessa 05 "YOURS" by Nyota Parker  06 "Mongkong Madness" by Jianbo ft. Henry Wu Art: Ellen Voorheis  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97: Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with rising hip-hop artist Ben Reilly to discuss the genesis of his name and what it represents, his commitment to creating deep conceptual worlds with his music, and what's next for his body of work. Tap in with Ben & listen to his debut "Freelance" and last year's follow up "Freelance: Charlie."  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Follow Not 97:  Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season Nine of The Only Music Discovery Podcast starts now. Today's episode features our new co-host Athena Yasaman, who introduces a dynamic young creative collective from Ghana called Superjazzclub, as well as Σtella, a rising artist pushing the sounds of her hometown of Athens, Greece forward. We highlight Indian-Australian artist Ashwarya with an explosive new single, and get lost in offerings from Bliss Samsa and Arima Ederra, amongst more. Plus a snippet of our sit down interview with rising hip-hop artist Ben Reilly. We dive into what it means to be yourself within a persona, building an intentional world for your art, the value of manifesting what you want, and more. 01 "Can't Relate" by Ashwarya 02 "Cold Shoulder" by Bliss Samsa 03 "Mad" by SuperJazzClub 04 "Girls" by The Dare 05 "Portals" by Arima Ederra 06 "Up and Away" by Σtella Design: Jesiah Atkinson *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Only Music Discovery Podcast™ is back. Season Nine of NOT 97 drops this Thursday, March 23rd. Featuring new music, interviews, roundtables, and live sessions from some of the most promising young talents in the industry — from Ben Reilly to Kayla Steen, Jordan Ward to Fana Hues, Dreamcastmoe and more. March 23, 2023. Subscribe now!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Question — What do Baby Keem, King Princess, Giveon, Arlo Parks, Tierra Whack, Mach-Hommy, Yebba, and Fousheé all have in common? They were discovered on NOT 97. The only Music Discovery Podcast is back. Season Nine starts March 23rd, 2023 on all platforms. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode we sit down with genre blending LA trio Your Grandparents, known for pushing nostalgic sounds far into the future. We discuss their home city and how its shaped their journey, the drive to make music unlike anything else out, and we hear who their grandparents put them on to growing up. Plus a snippet of their upcoming single "Livin In Hell."  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. F511j6QUGUUATderAUEz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Season Eight finale we're joined by budding Toronto RnB legend Dylan Sinclair. Dylan discusses his home city and the supportive community that he comes from, his early days singing in church, and why RnB will never die. He introduces “Open,” a standout from his latest record No Longer In The Suburbs, as well as puts us on to another young Toronto sensation Rowena Fysx. We discuss an explosive offering from Detroit newcomer Chase Plato, get moving with London’s Bebeluna, & discuss a fresh new sound coming out of Brooklyn from 16 year old Kelz, amongst more. 01 "Open" by Dylan Sinclair  02 "Ice Cream Man" by Chase Plato 03 "Dirty Chai" by Rahul 04 "Drunk" by BEBELUNA 05 "Some Other Time" by Chanel Loren ft. Arz 06 "Apologies" by Rowena Fysx  07 "Sinner" by Kelz 08 "Heavy Handed" by Kaleah Lee Design: Michael Brennan *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we're sitting down with singer/songwriter and producer Madison McFerrin — Madison introduces us to two artists who she’s performed with in the past — Chicago’s own multi-instrumentalist and producer Brooklyn Skye as well as captivating Brooklyn-based artist Zenizen. We dive into the dynamic world of UK by way of Zimbabwe artist Downtown Kayoto, discuss a masterful delivery from prolific songwriter & producer Lil Silva, rock with an unapologetic summer anthem by Zyah Belle, and tap into an explosive offering from LUCI.  01 "NAVIG8" by Downtown Kayoto 02 "Be Here" by Brooklynn Skye 03 "Not The One" by Zyah Belle ft. Tempest  04 "Another Sketch" by Lil Silva 05 "Ash & Dust" by Luci 06 "Break" by Zenizen ft. Blvck Spvde 07 "Hindsight" by Madison McFerrin Design: Yetunde Sapp *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with LA-based trio grouptherapy. on the tail end of their three city tour to discuss their journey as a pandemic baby into a full fledged collective, what it means to work together while staying true to themselves as individual artsits, and how their respective backgrounds in the industry inform the way they move now. Plus we hear an exclusive snippet of their new song "Big Steppa" featuring grouptherapy.'s own Coy Stewart aka Superhero Swim.  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sit down with Beloved Sun, the new collaborative project between Sol Galeano and Artist Named You to discuss their debut record "Crying Around and In Color" — we talk through how the pair met, their experimental sound, and airdropping strangers their project, amongst more. Check out the record if you haven't already!  *Not 97 is powered by The Orchard & Human Re Sources © NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices