Ep.028: If there’s one thing Emily Drinker knows how to do, it’s show up: on stage, in the studio, and for the Philly music scene at large. In this episode, we finally sit down to talk about her latest project, To Feel Alive, and how she’s balancing artistry, caretaking, and community leadership all at once. From her roots in vocal looping and cruise ship gigs to a standout slot at XPN Fest and opening for legends like Pat Benatar, Emily shares what it really means to grow into yourself as an artist. This conversation goes deep on grief, ambition, burnout, and the beauty of just getting a little weirder on stage.

We Chat About:

• How To Feel Alive became her most personal, heart-centered record to date
• The evolution from break-up songs to full-on self-exploration and healing
• Why looping vocals live still feels like a magic trick
• Hosting monthly meetups for women in music and backyard festivals with her band
• What it was like getting added to WXPN’s rotation while she was performing on a cruise ship in Europe
• Her thoughts on being political without being preachy
• Navigating life as a full-time artist while supporting aging parents
• The power of music as a processing tool—both personal and collective

About Emily Drinker:

Emily Drinker is an independent, award-winning singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. Her soulful brand of folk, pop, and rock goes down smooth, whether she’s performing with her powerhouse band, the Funky T, or in a more intimate format, incorporating live looping. Emily is an artist who has found a way to do what she does using every weapon in her considerable arsenal. Emily has been featured by NPR Music, Philadelphia’s WXPN, and played at many regional festivals including Firefly, Musikfest, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. In the last few years, Emily has opened for Pat Benatar, Rufus Wainwright, JD Souther (Linda Ronstadt, Eagles, James Taylor), Switchfoot, Joey Dosik (Vulfpeck) and Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon’s Graceland). In addition to a busy performance schedule in Philly and its surrounding areas, Emily enjoys working as a session vocalist doing sync work for national TV shows, performing in half a dozen local bands, and hosting a festival in her backyard with her band/housemates.

Connect with Emily:

Website: emilydrinker.com

Instagram: @emilydrinker

YouTube: Emily Drinker

Facebook: Emily Drinker Music

Twitter: @emilydrinker

Spotify: Emily Drinker on Spotify

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website:

Ep.027: What happens when the music gets personal… like really personal? In this episode, I sit down again with returning guest Jorge Vallentine, the force behind Milwaukee-based indie rock project VLNTYN, to talk about art that comes from the rawest places. From recording stripped-down heartbreak songs in a church to building a consistent online presence after divorce, Jorge opens up about navigating grief, personal growth, and the liberating power of creating from pain. We get into his new era of music, what it means to write from discipline instead of survival, and why connection, human to human, is the goal. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep making art when life hits hard, or how to share your truth without letting it consume you, this one’s for you.

We Chat About:

• The story behind The Devil You Know and why VLNTYN leans into darker themes
• How divorce and rock bottom transformed his songwriting process
• Recording “Your Talking Dog” in one take, and why it still hits years later
• Writing from discipline vs. inspiration
• Creating a cohesive artist persona that still feels human
• What he’s learned posting content 3-6 times a day for 8 months straight
• Why collaboration is his next big frontier, and how it ties into the male loneliness epidemic
• Balancing emotional openness with artistic consistency
• His best show of the year, and why unplugging made it unforgettable
• The number one way to support indie musicians today

About VLNTYN:

VLNTYN is the moniker and indie rock project of Milwaukee’s Jorge Vallentine. Taking inspiration from the emotional lyricism of Bright Eyes, Elliott Smith, and the Mountain Goats and combining it with the raw energy of 2000s garage rock, VLNTYN builds a world of contrasts – light and dark, hope and despair, quiet and chaos, love and loss.

Connect with VLNTYN:

Website: http://www.vlntyn.com/streaming

Instagram: @vlntyntheband

TikTok: @vlntyntheband

YouTube: @vlntyntheband

Threads: @vlntyntheband

Facebook: VLNTYN

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads:

Ep.026: Marc Ramos didn’t wait for permission; he built Morning Wars from the ground up, chasing the kind of indie rock that hits like a memory and sticks like a bruise. In this conversation, I sit down with the mind behind Marc Ramos of Morning Wars, the NYC-based indie rock project making waves with its cinematic production and emotionally rich songwriting. Marc opens up about the five-year journey behind his new album Prospect Gallery, what it means to be a perfectionist in the studio, and the joy of letting go on stage. We talk about growing up in a Puerto Rican family in Connecticut, navigating creative block in a post-pandemic world, and how collaboration has started to change the way he creates. If you’ve ever found yourself caught between ambition and burnout, or trying to make art that outlives the algorithm, Marc’s story will stay with you.

We Chat About:

• The DIY origins and evolution of Morning Wars
• Creating Prospect Gallery after a five-year hiatus
• How live performance shapes his relationship to music
• The role of perfectionism in his creative blocks
• Why he’s finally open to collaborating with outside producers
• What a flute solo taught him about trusting the song
• Advice for other artists navigating self-doubt and slow growth
• Why resilience, not luck, is the real key to success in music

About Marc Ramos of Morning Wars:

Morning Wars is the indie rock project of NYC-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Marc Ramos. Blending widescreen arrangements with slice-of-life lyrics, Ramos writes like a documentarian of modern twenty-something life— capturing the emotional volatility of coming of age in a hyper-connected world. Since emerging in NYC’s indie scene in 2022, Morning Wars has built momentum through word-of-mouth and authentic fan connection. The project has crossed the 100,000 lifetime streams mark on Spotify, with over 7,000 combined playlist adds and saves. Ramos has earned editorial recognition with features on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists and a standout performance at TikTok’s New York Headquarters on the platform’s official livestream.

With a growing reputation for explosive and emotionally immersive live shows, Morning Wars has taken the stage at respected NYC venues including Knitting Factory Brooklyn, Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene’s Grocery and others. Ramos’ DIY discipline is baked into the songwriting itself. Raised in a Puerto Rican family grounded in the spirit of the American dream, he writes songs that— no matter the subject— move toward resilience. The result is undeniable, arena-ready indie rock with heart, bite, and lift. Songs like “Breathing Underwater” have become fan favorites, praised for their soaring scope and lyrical honesty. Following a 2018 debut LP release and string of singles between 2019 and 2020 that helped the project cultivate its core audience, Morning Wars now approaches its self-released sophomore album poised for a defining leap— expanding its team, sharpening its vision, and building on a foundation of true organic growth. A deeply human, high-potential indie act with the voice and drive to go the distance.

Connect with Marc:

Instagram: @morningwars

Spotify: Morning Wars on Spotify

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify:

Ep.025: Some artists build their sound around what’s trendy. Others build it around what’s true. Matt Fell falls into the latter. A Philly-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Matt blends raw vulnerability with polished production, pulling from classic rock, indie pop, R&B, and everything in between. In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight behind his debut solo album Flashbulb Memories, how his degenerative hearing loss has become an unexpected creative advantage, and why he initially struggled to share his work with the world. It’s a conversation about perfectionism, ego, identity, and the kind of growth that only happens when you stop hiding and start telling the truth.

We Chat About:

• Why he didn’t promote Flashbulb Memories after release—and what changed
• Degenerative hearing loss and how it shaped his attention to production
• The inspiration behind songs like “Living a Lie,” “Coffee,” and “Breakfast”
• Rewriting identity without substances, and how coffee became a metaphor
• The moment music went from chore to calling (shoutout to Mr. Gonsi)
• Making music that’s both deeply personal and weirdly universal
• Rejecting genre rules and still writing bangers
• Navigating vulnerability, rejection, and being “enough” without performing
• How songwriting often starts with… ice cream cake debates
• The myth of the starving artist vs. creating from a place of wellness
• Why the next wave of pop might sound like it was made in a bedroom

About Matt Fell:

Born outside Philadelphia in 1993, Matt has been involved with music since he was young. Through grade school he picked up piano, trumpet, drums, guitar and bass. In high school, Matt discovered his love for recorded music and has been writing and producing since and has appeared in various bands and acts through the years. In 2022, Matt released his debut solo album Flashbulb Memories, which he co-produced with close friend Matt Weber. In 2023 Matt released a song called Keep Going alongside Luke O’Brien that has been featured on WHYY. Also in 2023 Matt composed the film score for the movie I Think I’m Sick with co-writer John Wiater, which has gone on to win many awards at The Rhode Island Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and Philadelphia Film Festival to name a few. In 2024 Matt released a new single called Living A Lie and opened for singer/songwriter Marielle Kraft on tour. Matt Fell is currently busy working on album two, and multiple other collaborations to come!

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @mattfellandcantgetup

Spotify: Matt Fell

Apple Music: Matt Fell

TikTok: @mattfellandcantgetup

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website:

Ep.024: In this episode, I chop it up with Maryland-based rapper and genre-blending artist mcgwn: someone who, at just 18, has already crafted a sound and visual identity that feels polished, intentional, and full of promise. We talk about his debut EP I’ll Be Here All Summer, the beachside nostalgia that inspired it, and why he’s not interested in chasing clout. Instead, mcgwn is building something with depth, consistency, and long-term vision. He opens up about the pressures of being a young artist in a content-driven world, the irrational fears that come with creativity, and the power of having a team that truly believes in your growth.

We Chat About:

• How in my range came together and why visual storytelling matters
• Making a cohesive project vs. dropping random singles
• Why his EP i’ll be here all summer feels like a full album
• The fear of “losing the sauce” and how he works through it
• Recording vs. performing—and why he loves the studio most
• Building an authentic brand and why visual identity matters
• Advice for artists struggling with self-doubt or creative burnout
• Why his ultimate dream is to develop other artists under his own label
• The balance between confidence and humility in an artist’s journey

About mcgwn:

Hailing from Maryland, 18-year-old mcgwn is a genre-blending artist and writer, creating a sound that is as youthful as it is uniquely his. With roots in rap and a flair for experimentation, his style seamlessly pairs with diverse instrumentation, ushering a refreshing depth to modern hip hop and R&B.

Connect with mcgwn:

Instagram: @mcgwn_

Spotify: mcgwn on Spotify

Apple Music: mcgwn on Apple Music

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

Music Mentioned in this Episode:

Songs:

• In My Range (ft. Grange)
• Nothing at All
• Goodbyes – Post Malone ft. Young Thug
• Havana (Remix) – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug

Albums & Projects:

• I’ll Be Here All Summer – mcgwn

Artists & Bands:

• Young...

Ep.023: Kevin McClure isn’t interested in chasing trends; he’s here to build something real. In this conversation, we get into the tension between commercial appeal and creative integrity, and how Kevin navigates that tightrope without losing sight of the why. He opens up about the scrappy hustle behind his early national tours, his songwriting process that prioritizes both resonance and risk, and why he thinks pop music deserves more respect when done right. We talk metaphor, mental health, and the quiet discipline of making timeless music in a culture that wants fast and forgettable. Whether you’re in a creative rut or trying to figure out how to stay true to your sound, this one will speak to you.

We Chat About:

• The songwriting philosophy behind his EP Cheating Death
• How his song “Dancing Bears” uses metaphor to explore fear, control, and human nature
• Why he believes music should be boiled down, not watered down
• Touring the country before building a local fanbase—and how that worked
• His DIY approach to booking shows, building an audience, and staying in the black
• Balancing authenticity and accessibility as a pop songwriter
• The power of relatability in short-form video (and how he accidentally went viral)
• What keeps him centered as an artist, dad, and creator
• His side project podcast This One’s a Doozy, made with his wife
• The mission of Good Life Records and how to support independent musicians

About Kevin McClure:

Kevin McClure has two criteria for his music: the lyrics must be written earnestly and the instrumentation must be ambitious- utilizing a broad scope of music theory, timbre, and genre. Whether it’s music written for a quiet night at home or for blasting loud while driving down the highway, his songs are for people who want profound lyrics and eclectic musicality. This Omaha-based artist brings an exciting, high-energy live show that invites the crowd to something deeper than passive observers: he builds community. For fans of The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Switchfoot, Bright Eyes, and Ben Rector.

Connect with Kevin:

Music + Links: https://Linktr.ee/KevinTMcClure

Podcast: https://pod.link/1628724505

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

Music Mentioned...

Ep.022: From the moment I met Brookelyn Rose, I knew her voice had weight. It wasn’t just pretty, it meant something. In this episode, I reconnect with the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter whose voice first landed on one of my records over a decade ago. Since then, Brookelyn has carved out her lane as a genre-bending force, mixing country grit, soulful edge, and pop-rock power into songs that hit as hard as they heal. We talk about the business of staying creative, the trap of perfectionism, and how her music lives at the intersection of soft strength and fearless storytelling. If you’re someone who’s building while feeling deeply, trying to make art that actually says something, lean in to this one.

We Chat About:

• Why she’s not trying to be a “starving artist” and how business fuels her passion
• The power of warm, booming vocals and emotionally honest lyrics
• Her ever-evolving creative process (and why your trash songs matter)
• Staying grounded during high highs and low lows
• How live performance makes her feel most like herself
• Why she wants her music to empower the “girls, gays, and theys”
• Making music for people who feel everything
• Her goals for 2025: a new project, festival stages, and an East Coast tour

About Brookelyn Rose:

Brookelyn Rose is a singer/songwriter and a force in the music industry. Pulling from her own experiences, Brookelyn’s music breaks genre boundaries by mixing pop/rock sounds with country influence to create music that is powerful and honest. She writes hard hitting melodies with deep, meaningful lyrics that her fans can relate to. Brookelyn and her band rock the stage with heavy guitar solos, high energy and commanding vocals. She makes a sincere connection with everyone in the audience and leaves them wanting more. Brookelyn is a true performer and seeing a Brookelyn Rose show is an unforgettable experience.

Connect with Brookelyn Rose:

Instagram: @brookelynrosemusic

Spotify: Brookelyn Rose

YouTube: Brookelyn Rose Music

Facebook: Brookelyn Rose

TikTok: @brookelynrosemusic

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads:

Ep.021: There’s no one like IMVNI. Born on “Planet X” and raised in Louisiana, her music folds jazz, R&B, rock, and soul into a sonic experience that’s both otherworldly and deeply rooted. In this conversation, we break down her incredible debut album The 11th Hour, a genre-defiant project woven with love, grief, prayer, and psychedelic grooves. She opens up about how addiction shaped her storytelling, how recording her grandmother’s voice gave the album its soul, and why she nearly walked away from music altogether. But it’s her belief in art as medicine that carries this conversation, and her music, straight to the heart.

We Chat About:

• The story behind her debut album The 11th Hour
• How soulful, genre-fluid music is making a quiet resurgence
• Why she records everything, from jam sessions to her grandma’s voice
• The healing power of vulnerability in songwriting
• Crafting emotionally complex songs in Audacity and sending them into the world
• Navigating suicidal thoughts, grief, and creative block through sound
• What she learned from SZA, Tyler the Creator, and Travis Scott
• The importance of intimacy in live performance, and how she brings the whole room into her set
• Her message to anyone feeling overwhelmed, alone, or creatively stuck
• Why she believes music (and life) should leave you with one clear truth: you’re gonna be okay

About IMVNI:

IMVNI (IMANI) means FAITH. IMVNI (IMANI) is a genre bending artist born on an unknown Planet, Planet X. Her style is a fusion of experimental R&B, Soul, Jazz , and Rock with a sad edge. Her family left planet X in the 90s and moved to Louisiana. Her love for southern Hip Hop influences her sound with heavy bass and robust drums. IMVNI’s hypnotizing vocal style ranges from soft and angelic to gritty and diabolical. She credits her lively stage presence, which includes vignettes of inspiration, to being brought up in a small southern church. On her debut album, The 11th Hour, IMVNI talks to her Grandmother (Grammy) as they explore love, loss, and heartbreak.

Connect with IMVNI:

Instagram: @imvni.music

Spotify: IMVNI on Spotify

Apple Music: IMVNI on Apple Music

YouTube: IMVNI on YouTube

Tidal: IMVNI on Tidal

Website: imvni.com

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Julian on...