Seattle-born artist Oblé Reed joins Kelly to talk about growing up in Seattle’s North End, building his first recording studio in a treehouse with his dad, and the journey from making music independently to becoming one of the city’s rising stars. Following the success of his 2023 debut project LINDENAVE!, Oblé has amassed tens of millions of streams, performed at major festivals, and continues to build momentum with his latest project, “Line Leaders.”

In this episode, Oblé shares the story behind his DIY beginnings, his creative process, lessons learned from opening for major artists, signing with Wasserman Music, and what it means to represent Seattle’s rich musical legacy. He also gives listeners a preview of what to expect when he takes the stage at Bumbershoot over Labor Day weekend. He also has new music dropping soon, so if you aren’t already, make sure to follow Oblé Reed:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oblereed TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oblereed

Website: https://www.oblereed.com

Watch Oblé Reed’s Tiny Desk Contest Performance: https://youtu.be/FHcC4xJ2OsE?si=eXLpSpqKm-QuAyt1

Get Your Bumbershoot Tickets: https://www.bumbershoot.com

This is a fun episode! Kelly interviews Jeffrey Thomas — multi-instrumentalist, educator, and pioneer in remote music education — about his musical roots, years performing in Los Angeles, and his transition to teaching students around the world.

They discuss practical teaching tips, including learning by ear vs. reading music and slowing down tracks, as well as studio and business insights such as registering with BMI and working as a session musician.

Learn more about Jeffrey’s lessons at https://jeffrey-thomas.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jeffreythomas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtlessons007

Kelly breaks down Bumbershoot 2026 at Seattle Center, happening Labor Day weekend (Sept 5-6). She covers the festival's 50-year history, the massive and eclectic lineup from Death Cab for Cutie and Turnstile to wrestling, a cat circus, a mermaid performance, fashion runways, comedy, short films, and art installation. She also highlights local Pacific Northwest talent and unique programming that make the event a full-spectrum arts celebration. Get your ticket here:

https://bumbershoot.com

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Guinnevere and Chris of Aftyn, a Nashville-based folk-pop duo blending Laurel Canyon 70’s influences with modern alternative pop.

They discuss their musical journey, songwriting, creative inspirations, and the story behind their upcoming single, “Watch You.”

”Watch You” began as the couple’s engagement song and was performed at their wedding. Aftyn invited fans to submit wedding and engagement photos for the song’s music video. They also share plans for a fall EP, upcoming shows, and where to stream and follow their music.

https://linktr.ee/aftynband

Follow them on Instagram @aftynduo

Subscribe to their YouTube channel

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4kYrtpJRkDvYAywn471rFixuIRL9Jciy&si=sma2Uz4gTzDsoufC

This episode is a tribute to the amazing, beyond creative Oliver Tree, exploring his life, art, and the inventive personas he created as a musician, director, producer, designer, stuntman…the list goes on and on and on and on and on.

Kelly revisits Oliver’s most vivid interviews, his creative achievements (including the world’s largest scooter), unreleased music, and the plans for a public live-streamed celebration of life, while sharing his quotes and the impact he leaves on fans and fellow artists.

Visit his foundation here:

https://www.drolivertreesextremelyepicartgrantforbabygeniuses.com

Oliver is so incredibly loved! Here are the interviews mentioned during this episode so you can watch and listen to them too

The Choe Show — “An Honest Conversation with Bobby Lee & Oliver Tree”

https://youtu.be/_UXD0KqyBko

The Danny Brown Show — “Why We Make Music w/ Oliver Tree”

https://youtu.be/IZQ2v_BkdLE

Howie Mandel Does Stuff — “Oliver Tree is NEVER Coming Back...(Howie's Fault)”

https://youtu.be/nljaUPG8K5M

Wild Ride! with Steve-O — “Oliver Tree Breaks Character”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oOgJ6ILZVXcU0S8753Yg3

Zach Sang Show — “Oliver Tree Talks Shrek, New Album ‘Love You Madly Hate You Badly,’ Antarctica and ‘Life Goes On’”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gqgI9G5dUrIHIBIK1ESZT

(Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-_U92uKq54o)

“Oliver Tree Talks Robert Downey Jr. At His Show, Ethan Klein...”

https://youtu.be/p4dfgVfGZOE

Ethan Klein / H3 Podcast — Original livestream honoring Oliver Tree (June 15, 2026)

https://www.youtube.com/live/aRdz5NEwZ5A

Anthony Padilla — “I Spent a Day with Oliver Tree”

https://youtu.be/CbvZYbLXXR0

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to follow the podcast and share it with another Oliver Tree fan.

Kelly explores key music moments from May 31: the Beatles working on the White Album, Strawberry Field’s change, Taylor Swift’s re-recording victory, David Bowie’s Glass Spider tour, and birthdays for John Bonham, Peter Yarrow, Normani, and Corey Hart.

The episode also shares Kelly’s current song picks and celebrates listeners from countries around the globe, inviting discovery and support for artists everywhere.

Kelly breaks down the 52nd American Music Awards: Queen Latifah’s hosting, BTS’s big wins and return, Billy Idol’s Lifetime Achievement performance, and standout reunions and surprises across the night.

This episode captures the night’s blend of legacy and new talent, international highlights, emotional speeches, and the most memorable performances and fashion moments.

In this episode of On the Record with Kelly, listen to Kelly read a San Francisco Chronicle piece on Bob Weir, reflecting on his role in the Grateful Dead, his influence on San Francisco music, and her own memories of seeing him live at Chase Center, the Sphere and his final Golden Gate Park performance.

This is part 1 of 3 episodes about Bob Weir, and it blends music history, personal reflection, and honors his legacy and the city that shaped him.