I don’t like country music, it’s not my thing. The sound of the guitars (shout out to my former boss, and friend Joe Goldmark, he’s an artist). But, the sound of the singing, the vocals, the twang, the vibe. It’s not my thing.

But, I’ll tell you what I do like about it, the one thing I love the cast of characters. The blue collar characters (much like my beloved classic blues). Men and women navigating working class existence, blue collar heartache, pondering love and love loss as some sort of respite. Pondering if crime pays, anti authority, with spiritual crisis as a north star.

The characters, the characters, all managing a turbulent life yet with different bio. Universal troubles, a tale of the tape between performer and existence. They all face these universal struggles from a different place.

My next guest a colorful character, an ambitious soul, hungry for spiritual salvation, and a greek country pop singer songwriter.

I Want You To Know Demetri Thomas

This week on I Want You To Know we talk with artist, musician, performer, formative friend, and one of those people good at everything. She’s also a deep Prince “fam” (fan), so we explore a little Prince fandom post Michael Bland show, and now with ten years after Prince’s passing.

I Want You To Know Samar Nassar

This week, to commemorate the passing of Prince (ten years ago) we have a special show. I talk to New Power Generation drummer Michael Bland. He is one Prince's longest tenured collaborators, a creative partner, and a drummer who weathered Prince's most restless creative period,

Mr. Bland offers insight to his process, Prince's process, and he shares some insight and stories. He also offers what it's like being a drummer to one of the most iconoclastic musicians of the 20th century, and he celebrates his beloved home of Minneapolis and the community that keeps him loved and challenged.

I Want You To Know Michael Bland