Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of The Citrus Podcast Show! Hosted by Ky Richy, we’re back to bring you your fresh squeeze of music, art, and culture. This season, we’ve leveled up the sound and moved to our new studio in Sacramento, and as always, we’re closing out every episode with an exclusive live session on our soundstage.

Episode Highlights:

To kick off the new season, we sit down with the incredibly talented Oakland-based lyricist, J.Lately (@J.Lately). Fresh off his tour runs with Wax, J.Lately dives into the creative process behind their collaboration "Extra Time" and the importance of finding a "natural fit" when touring.

We explore J.Lately’s unique roots in Sebastopol, CA, and how being a biracial artist (Korean and White) helped him find his own musical identity outside of established scenes. J.Lately also gets real about the "basement studio grind," balancing his career with being a father to a newborn, and using music as a therapeutic tool to navigate mental health and personal growth.

Following our conversation, don't miss J.Lately's powerful live performance of his song "Time".

Timestamps:

00:00:20 - Welcome to Season 3!

00:01:00 - Guest Introduction: J.Lately

00:01:55 - Touring with Wax & Reworking "Extra Time"

00:04:20 - Growing up in Sebastopol: Nature & Small Town Roots

00:05:30 - Finding a Musical Identity Without a Local Scene

00:06:20 - The Art of Co-Production (Bands at 8 Years Old!)

00:07:15 - Chemistry with Producers Space Cadet & West Coast Trey

00:08:15 - Fatherhood & The Basement Studio Grind

00:11:00 - Music as Therapy: Dealing with Darkness & Growth

00:11:45 - New Album 'Good Morning Hello' & The Singles Rollout

00:13:05 - Track Highlights: "Going Up" & "Vacation Mode" (feat. Through The Roots)

00:14:40 - Working with Legends: The Grouch & Living Legends Influence

00:16:40 - Touring with Locksmith & The Art of Complimenting Styles

00:18:21 - Stage Presence & Adrenaline: The One Time I Enjoy Attention

00:20:45 - Exploring Identity: Biracial Heritage & Korean Roots

00:24:50 - Tour Food Chronicles: Solo City Exploring & Local Bites

00:28:40 - The Story Behind "Time": Reassuring Yourself

00:30:15 - Dad Life: Elmo vs. Smooth Operator

00:32:15 - Advice for Artists: Being the Best Version of You

00:33:35 - Live Performance: J.Lately - "Time"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this season premiere? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

Today's Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by BERO. Non-alcoholic beer for a balanced lifestyle. Check them out at berobrewing.com and tell them Citrus Podcast sent you!

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

J.Lately (Guest): @J.Lately

Dustin Welk (Boards/Sound): @dustin_woelk

Recorded at Atrium Creative Spaces: @AtriumCreativeSpaces

CITRUS Podcast S2 EP20: BLVSH talks new music & Performs 'Next 2 Me' LIVE!

Episode Highlights

For the grand finale of Season 2, executive producer Chris Hamel steps in as guest host for a conversation with Sacramento-based pop singer BLVSH. 🎵 He shares his unique and hilarious origin story, explaining how getting grounded at age seven led him to secretly write poetry and music instead of punishment sentences, culminating in his first-ever song: a diss track about his mom called "Psychopath".

BLVSH discusses his move from the Portland, Oregon area to Sacramento for a job with Dutch Bros. Coffee and how he's navigated the new music scene. He dives into his wide range of musical influences, from "dad rock" bands like Nirvana and Weezer to modern indie artists like Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike, and Steve Lacy. He also explains the deeper metaphor behind his name—the blend of uplifting, happy-sounding music with deep, introspective lyrics—and why he stylizes it with a "V".

Finally, BLVSH looks to the future, sharing his goals of performing at major festivals like Coachella and releasing a new project later this year. After the interview, he takes the stage for an incredible live performance of his song, "Next 2 Me".

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

This episode is proudly sponsored by Bero. Bero is a premium non-alcoholic beverage for those who want to live a more balanced lifestyle without compromising the taste and enjoyment of a beer. Check them out at BeroBrewing.com to order, and be sure to tell them the Citrus Podcast sent you!

Timestamps:

00:02:05 Intro / Season 2 Finale with Guest Host Chris Hamel

00:02:24 Why BLVSH Moved from Portland to Sacramento

00:03:50 The Unique Origin Story: Getting Grounded & Writing a Diss Track

00:05:36 Musical Influences: From Nirvana to Aminé

00:07:50 The Songwriting Process: Melody Before Lyrics

00:09:18 Finding His Singing Voice After Starting as a Rapper

00:12:04 The Importance of Having a Solid Team

00:14:18 The Meaning Behind the Name "BLVSH"

00:15:24 Future Goals: Coachella & Working with Pharrell

00:19:55 Upcoming Music & New Singles

00:22:13 Live Performance: "Next 2 Me"

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Chris Hamel (Guest Host): @chrisbyname

BLVSH (Guest): @whoisblvsh

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Dustin Woelk (Audio): @Dustin_Woelk

#BLVSH #CitrusPodcast #Next2Me #SacramentoMusic #PopMusic #LivePerformance #MusicInterview #Songwriting #ArtistInterview #IndiePop #SeasonFinale

Sacramento's own J Kent—an R&B singer, songwriter, and artist development coach—joins Ky Richy on the podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. J Kent shares his musical journey, from being a freestyling rap battler in middle school to performing at the Golden One Center and making the difficult decision to launch his solo career. He discusses the viral success of his records, including his first solo hit "Woosah" and the 32-million-view TikTok sensation "No Way" with Leshon.

The conversation takes an intimate turn as J Kent opens up about his trials and tribulations, using his platform to promote mental health awareness. He bravely shares his story of navigating immense grief after losing his mother to a 15-year cancer battle and his younger brother to suicide within the same year. He explains how music has become his therapy and a way to heal, leading to his upcoming "Behind a Smile" mental health campaign.

J Kent also gives an exclusive look into his new "Woosah" campaign, which combines the release of his new single on August 29th with a charity effort to raise funds for a rare spinal disease. After the interview, J Kent delivers a memorable live performance of his hit record, "Woosah."

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

This episode is proudly sponsored by BERO. BERO is a premium non-alcoholic beverage for those who want to live a more balanced lifestyle without compromising the taste and enjoyment of a beer. For those who are sober, it's the go-to drink in social settings. Check them out at www.berobrewing.com and follow them @berobrewing

Timestamps:

00:02:25 Meeting Leshon on the Basketball Court

00:05:13 J Kent's Musical Beginnings & Early Influences

00:08:03 Performing at the Golden One Center & Deciding to Go Solo

00:12:16 The 32 Million-View Viral Hit "No Way"

00:14:52 Performing at Concerts in the Park: A Full Circle Moment

00:18:18 A Candid Discussion on Mental Health, Grief, and Sobriety

00:18:47 Losing His Mother and Brother

00:25:55 Using Music as Therapy and the "Behind a Smile" Campaign

00:31:30 The "Woosah" Single & Charity Campaign

00:37:32 Advice for Aspiring Artists

00:38:46 Live Performance: "Woosah"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/@citruspodcast/podcasts

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

J Kent (Guest): @jkentofficial

Dustin Woelk (Audio): @Dustin_Woelk

#JKent #CitrusPodcast #Woosah #SacramentoMusic #MentalHealthAwareness #RnB #LivePerformance #Grief #ArtistInterview #MusicPodcast #BERO #BeroBrewing

In this episode, Ky Richy sits down with Sacramento-based hip-hop artist KEYBO. Keybo details his musical journey, from his early days being "forced" into church choirs to finding his passion in an after-school program with a mobile studio. He shares his unique writing process, which often involves sitting in his car and drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists, from Outkast to Panic! At The Disco.

KEYBO opens up about his biggest influence, Rod Wave, and explains why many fans call him the "Sacramento Rod Wave." He gives an inside look at the Sacramento music scene, discussing the challenge of establishing his melodic sound in a city known for gangster rap and his belief that the city's artists could dominate the industry if they came together. He also speaks candidly about his personal struggles with mental health and how he channels his life's chapters into his music, including his debut album, "Book of Keybo."

Finally, Keybo gives us an exclusive look at his upcoming second album, "Keybo World," his new distribution deal with Empire, and what's next for his brand. Following the interview, KEYBO delivers a powerful live performance of his hit song, "On My Mind."

Timestamps:

00:00:18 Intro

00:02:36 How KEYBO Got Into Making Music

00:05:20 The Writing Process & Recipe for a Perfect Hook

00:07:38 Biggest Musical Influences (Rod Wave, Panic! At The Disco)

00:08:24 Being an Artist in the Sacramento Music Scene

00:12:11 What KEYBO Would Change About the Sacramento Music Scene

00:13:47 Using Music as an Outlet for Mental Health

00:15:00 The Story Behind His First Album, "Book of Keybo"

00:20:09 Upcoming Album: "Keybo World"

00:24:41 Signing a Distribution Deal with Empire

00:25:43 What's Next: Shows, Merch & Branding

00:27:51 Live Performance: "On My Mind"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/@citruspodcast/podcasts

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Dustin Woelk (Audio): @Dustin_Woelk

KEYBO (Guest): @keybosworld

#KEYBO #OnMyMind #LivePerformance #CitrusPodcast #SacramentoMusic #MelodicRap #HipHop #livemusicsessions #Sacramento

Welcome back to The Citrus Podcast Show Season 2! Hosted by Ky Richy (@KyRichy) and special co-host Chris Hamel (@Chrisbyname), this season brings you all-new exclusive interviews with inspiring guests followed by incredible live music performances, recorded right here in the Citrus Podcast studio.

In this episode, we sit down with country singer-songwriter Donovan Bryant (@DBLive) from Lodi, California. We trace his unique path in music, from his beginnings as a progressive metal drummer to studying pop music in LA. Donovan shares the pivotal moment the Elvis movie inspired him to switch to country music, leading him to record his debut singles in Nashville with members of Luke Combs' session band.

Discover Donovan's songwriting process, his take on the modern blend of country and pop, and the story behind his custom-made guitar. We also discuss his biggest musical inspirations, dream collaborations (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen), and his incredibly busy schedule of nearly 100 shows this year.

To close out the show, don't miss a special live performance of Donovan Bryant's original song, "Counterfeit Cowgirl," live on the Citrus Podcast stage.

Timestamps:

00:00:57 - Intro with Ky Richy & Chris Hamel

00:02:40 - Guest Introduction: Donovan Bryant

00:03:04 - From Progressive Metal Drummer to Singer

00:03:52 - Moving to LA & Writing Pop Music

00:04:43 - How the Elvis Movie Inspired a Switch to Country

00:05:44 - Recording in Tennessee with Luke Combs' Session Band

00:08:05 - Donovan's Songwriting Process

00:09:43 - Building His Band & Finding a Drummer

00:11:37 - Touring Life & Favorite Venues

00:14:24 - Musical Inspirations (Papa Roach, Post Malone)

00:16:43 - The Modern Pop/Country Crossover Genre

00:17:09 - The Story Behind "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

00:18:11 - His Custom Baylor Guitar

00:21:25 - Upcoming Headlining Shows

00:23:38 - Dream Collaborations

00:25:42 - Advice for New Artists

00:26:27 - Outro & Connect with Us

00:26:59 - Live Performance: Donovan Bryant - "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/@citruspodcast/podcasts

🎧 Listen to the audio version:

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Chris Hamel (Co-Host): @chrisbyname

Donovan Bryant (Guest): @DBLive

#CitrusPodcast #DonovanBryant #CountryMusic #CounterfeitCowgirl #LiveMusic #Podcast #Interview #Lodi #CaliforniaCountry #SingerSongwriter #NewMusic #KyRichy #Season2 #MusicPodcast #IndependentMusic #CountryPop

The legendary NUMP—the man behind the Bay Area anthem "I Got Grapes" and E-40's sound engineer —joins the podcast for an incredible conversation about his journey through the music industry. Nump details his path from running street teams for Def Jam to manifesting his dream of working with E-40.

He shares unbelievable stories about how he started as an unpaid intern for the rock band Green Day , working double shifts for free just to get his foot in the door. Nump recounts his first session with producer Rick Rock, watching him create Bay Area slaps , and how Messy Marv became his first official client.

Eventually, his hard work led to him becoming an engineer for E-40, contributing to the Gold and Platinum-certified album "My Ghetto Report Card". Nump also talks about working with legends like Mac Dre , his new music with artists like Russell , the importance of Filipino Independence Month , and giving back to the community through his Flap Your Wings Foundation.

After the interview, Nump performs his new single "Only Blues" - Featuring KeJa live on the Atrium Soundstage!

Timestamps:

00:00:24 Intro

00:02:27 Nump brings the grapes

00:03:25 Manifesting a Career as E-40's Engineer

00:04:06 Audio School in Arizona & Living Next to a Sorority

00:08:02 From Street Teams to an Unpaid Internship with Green Day

00:10:48 Working for Free: Cleaning, Getting Coffee & Learning the Ropes

00:12:45 Working with Blackalicious & Messy Marv

00:14:04 Seeing Rick Rock Create Hits in the Studio

00:16:48 The Journey to Working Directly with E-40

00:22:46 Earning Gold & Platinum Records for "My Ghetto Report Card"

00:23:36 Stories from the Hyphy Movement

00:29:00 Connecting with Russell & Previewing Their New Song "No Fufu"

00:38:29 Filipino Independence Month & Giving Back

00:44:28 The "Flap Your Wings Foundation"

00:46:34 Performance Intro

00:50:24 Live Performance: "Only Blues" ft. KEJA

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Creator/Host): @KyRichy

Nump (Guest): @nump__got__necks

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreative

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#Nump #E40 #Hyphy #BayArea #CitrusPodcast #AudioEngineer #GreenDay #MacDre #RickRock #MessyMarv #IGotGrapes #MusicInterview #LivePerformance #Podcast #KyRichy

The legendary NUMP—the man behind the Bay Area anthem "I Got Grapes" and E-40's sound engineer —joins the podcast for an incredible conversation about his journey through the music industry. Nump details his path from running street teams for Def Jam to manifesting his dream of working with E-40.

He shares unbelievable stories about how he started as an unpaid intern for the rock band Green Day , working double shifts for free just to get his foot in the door. Nump recounts his first session with producer Rick Rock, watching him create Bay Area slaps , and how Messy Marv became his first official client.

Eventually, his hard work led to him becoming an engineer for E-40, contributing to the Gold and Platinum-certified album "My Ghetto Report Card". Nump also talks about working with legends like Mac Dre , his new music with artists like Russell , the importance of Filipino Independence Month , and giving back to the community through his Flap Your Wings Foundation.

After the interview, Nump performs his new single "Only Blues" - Featuring KeJa live on the Atrium Soundstage!

Timestamps:

00:00:24 Intro

00:02:27 Nump brings the grapes

00:03:25 Manifesting a Career as E-40's Engineer

00:04:06 Audio School in Arizona & Living Next to a Sorority

00:08:02 From Street Teams to an Unpaid Internship with Green Day

00:10:48 Working for Free: Cleaning, Getting Coffee & Learning the Ropes

00:12:45 Working with Blackalicious & Messy Marv

00:14:04 Seeing Rick Rock Create Hits in the Studio

00:16:48 The Journey to Working Directly with E-40

00:22:46 Earning Gold & Platinum Records for "My Ghetto Report Card"

00:23:36 Stories from the Hyphy Movement

00:29:00 Connecting with Russell & Previewing Their New Song "No Fufu"

00:38:29 Filipino Independence Month & Giving Back

00:44:28 The "Flap Your Wings Foundation"

00:46:34 Performance Intro

00:50:24 Live Performance: "Only Blues" ft. KEJA

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Nump (Guest): @nump__got__necks

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreative

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#Nump #E40 #Hyphy #BayArea #CitrusPodcast #AudioEngineer #GreenDay #MacDre #RickRock #MessyMarv #IGotGrapes #MusicInterview #LivePerformance

In this episode, Ky Richy sits down with singer-songwriter Brooke Alexx! Currently on her North American headline tour, Brooke talks about life on the road, including her unique pre-show food rituals involving lots of Asian food and her dislike for water. She dives deep into the making of her debut album, "Big Mouth," explaining her unconventional strategy of releasing singles first as an independent artist and how the album tells the story of her life in chronological order.

Brooke shares the hilarious and relatable stories behind her viral hit "All My Ex's Moms" (inspired by a real-life DM) and the empowering anthem "Younger Guys." She also recounts her incredible experience competing on NBC's "American Song Contest," meeting hosts Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, and the "full circle moment" when Kelly complimented her songwriting. Brooke offers invaluable advice to aspiring artists and gives us a sneak peek into her next project, which was written during a creative retreat in a cabin.

Following the chat, Brooke performs her songs "Hot Like You" live on our sound Stage!

Thank you to this episodes sponsor:

• Security and Firearms Training Academy https://safta-inc.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS to receive 10% off your classes!

00:00:19 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:56 Guest Introduction: Brooke Alexx

00:02:41 Tour Life & Pre-Show Food Rituals

00:05:45 Musical Influences (Taylor Swift & Sheryl Crow)

00:06:22 The Songwriting Process & Recipe for a Perfect Hook

00:07:17 The Story Behind "All My Ex's Moms"

00:09:10 Making the Debut Album, "Big Mouth"

00:12:05 The Story Behind "Younger Guys"

00:14:45 Experience on NBC's "American Song Contest"

00:16:27 Meeting Kelly Clarkson & Snoop Dogg

00:18:38 What's Next: The "Bigger Mouth" Deluxe Album & New Music

00:21:03 Advice for Up-and-Coming Artists

00:21:36 Performance Intro

00:22:49 Live Performance: "Hot Like You"

00:22:32 Outro & Connect With Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Brooke Alexx (Guest): @BrookeAlexx

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreative

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#CitrusPodcast #BrookeAlexx #BigMouth #HotLikeYou #PopMusic #SingerSongwriter #Nashville #AmericanSongContest #KellyClarkson #LivePerformance #MusicInterview #IndependentArtist