Episodes
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Episode 151 - Lauren Spencer Smith
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
On July 14, Lauren Spencer Smith will release her debut album, Mirror. It's the culmination of three years of hard work and growing as a songwriter and performer.
Appearing on American Idol in 2020, the 19-year-old used the momentum from the show to create a career that's earned her hit songs, a huge social media following, and an appearance on The Tonight Show. Many know the Vancouver native for "Fingers Crossed," but she's built a surprisingly deep catalog with tracks like "Flowers" and "Fantasy," a collaboration with friends GAYLE and Em Beihold.
The day the album drops, Spencer Smith will kick off a headlining tour. The North American leg starts in Chicago, and she'll head to Europe in early September. Several dates are already sold out.
Watch Spencer Smith talk to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about her experience on Idol, developing her voice, and how she's handling all the success.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Episode 150 - Emily Kinney
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Earlier this month, Emily Kinney released "Walkin' Round Your Dreams," a warm, retro pop song that recalls '60s girl groups and Rilo Kiley. The track is off of her upcoming album Swim Team, due out in September.
Fans of Kinney may know her from roles like Beth Greene on the The Walking Dead and Anna in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening. For more than a decade, she's been writing and performing original music. In fact, she was working on an EP when she landed the role on The Walking Dead.
In this episode of It's Real, Kinney talks to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about the musical side of her career and what it was like to join one of the most popular shows on television.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Episode 149 - GAYLE Returns
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
The last time we talked to GAYLE, her megahit "abcdefu" was just entering the top 10.
Since then, she's carved out a place as one of pop music's most distinctive and versatile young stars. In addition to a GRAMMY nomination for "abcdefu," she's continued to pump out catchy singles like "ur just horny" and "everybody hates me."
And yes, Taylor Swift is a fan. After meeting at an awards show, Swift asked GAYLE to open for her on several dates of the Eras Tour.
Jordan Edwards talk to GAYLE about her career and what it's like to befriend one of the biggest artists in the world.
Monday May 01, 2023
Episode 148 - Laura Marano
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Laura Marano has a lot going on. She released her latest single "Boundaries" on April 14, and she's been busy filming movies for Netflix. Last year, she starred in The Royal Treatment, and soon fans can see her in Choose Love, the streaming service's first interactive romantic comedy.
Known for her role as Ally on Disney Channel's Austin & Ally, she's released solo music for several years. Recently, she reformed her sound, pushing it into different, more mature directions. Eight years removed from Disney, she's moved comfortably into the adult phase of her career.
Listen to Jordan Edwards interview Marano about balancing both sides and her plans for the future.
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Episode 147 - Milky Chance
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
On June 9, Milky Chance will drop their new album Living In A Haze. They've released a couple tracks from it, including the latest single "Golden." The album strikes a nice balance between the alt rock of their debut Sadnecessary and the more experimental Trip Tapes project.
Known for their epic live shows, Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch broke out with the global hit "Stolen Dance" in 2012. Since then, the German band has built a deep catalog and expanded their sound.
Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos talk to Rehbein and Dausch about their early days, making the new album, and how their recording process has evolved.
Friday Apr 14, 2023
Episode 146 - Mark Arm of Mudhoney
Friday Apr 14, 2023
Friday Apr 14, 2023
Last week, Mudhoney released their 11th studio album Plastic Eternity. Fans of the legendary Seattle rock band get what they've come to expect: messy and melodic guitars, booming drums, and Mark Arm's passionate vocals. As the title suggests, the album is a warning about the climate crisis and the impact of ignoring it. It's been a few years since their last release, and the band sounds fresh.
Although not as well known as other Seattle groups like Soundgarden and Nirvana, Mudhoney's place in rock history is cemented. Kurt Cobain cited them as an influence, and their snarling punk/grunge sound has echoed through generations of alternative bands.
Jordan and Demi talk to Arm about the band's influence, his interactions with Nirvana and Sonic Youth, and the recording of Plastic Eternity.
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Episode 145 - Andrew McMahon
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Andrew McMahon's new album Tilt At The Wind No More is his first since 2018.
The Southern California native has been a fixture of alternative radio for more than 20 years. From his early hits with Something Corporate, to Jack's Mannequin to in the Wilderness, his music has always found an audience. He's one of the rare musicians who found solo success to rival the band that made him famous.
The common thread that runs through all his projects is the songwriting. The lyrics are always clever, and the hooks are always catchy.
Watch him discuss recent projects and tell the stories behind some of his biggest songs including "Cecilia And The Satellite," "Punk Rock Princess," and "If You C Jordan."
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Episode 144 - Charlotte Sands
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
In late January, Charlotte Sands released the single "Alright." It's a moving ballad about trying to find hope in dark times. With its vulnerable lyrics and slow-building crescendo, it will surely become a centerpiece of her live show.
The song is a departure from the rock and dance floor anthems she's best known for. However, she's consistently shown the ability to change direction. Sands' biggest song to date is "Dress" a pulsing dance pop track. During festival season, however, she's known to jump on stage with one of the rock bands she's collaborated with.
From her home in Nashville, Sands talks to Jordan Edwards about her love of performing and working with acts like Sleeping with Sirens and Taking Back Sunday.
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Episode 143 - Peach Pit
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
With their warm guitars and intimate storytelling, Peach Pit feels like a band that you're friends with. Their music is drenched in nostalgia, reminding the listener of cool fall sunsets and BYOB house parties. Songs like "Alrighty Aphrodite" and "Shampoo Bottles" have earned the Canadian band a devout following and hundreds of millions of streams.
They've also become a favorite on the festival circuit. This season, they're getting an early start with an appearance at the nonprofit M3F Festival in Phoenix on March 3 and 4. As frontman Neil Smith explains, festivals can be a blast, but it's hard to know what to expect.
Smith and guitarist Chris Vanderkooy talk to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about their live show, the origins of some of their biggest songs, and their plans for new music.
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Episode 142 - Bankrol Hayden
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Bankrol Hayden has continuously released memorable music since debuting in 2018. His quick, melodic flow is unique, and his hooks stay with you. Fans have taken notice. "Costa Rica," "Brothers," and "Come Through," have more than 400 million combined Spotify streams. He's versatile too. His latest single with charlieonnafriday and labelmate Arden Jones, "Can't Change for You," is an acoustic pop song that's ready for alternative radio.
Despite the early success, he remains grounded. He's grateful for the opportunity to share his music and experience the life of a rap star.
From the Atlantic Records offices in Los Angeles, the 20-year-old talks about his career so far, biggest influences, and plans for the future.