Scene2IQ

In this episode Deren sits down with Ethan and Ryan from the Get Real band and Stoned and Rolling: Two tribute/cover bands with an infectious energy on stage. Ethan and Ryan talk about growing up in Barrie, then finding their voices in music together, as well as share some hilarious stories from gigs they have performed in and their take on the current scene in the tri-cities. 

In this episode, Deren chats with local Session Musician, Cabel Khuu. Around KW, Caleb is known for his amazing guitar playing in multiple styles, his skillful improve, slick lines and ability to rip a solo. He also teaches at the University of Guelph in the Jazz guitar program. During our conversation, Cabel talks about his early career, inspiration and upcoming projects.

In this episode Deren sits down with local musician Alyssa DVM where Alyssa shares pieces from her storytelling process and the background to her musical journey. We discuss song lyrics, collaboration and insights into her tattoos. 

In this episode, host Deren Atkins sits down with Shannon Knelsen, a local podcaster, college Professor and all-around creative to talk about her non-profit organization; Olive Branch Mentorship. Shannon also talks about her rise in podcasting, things she's learned and the interesting people she's met along the way.

In this episode of the Scene2IQ podcast, host Deren Atkins interviews with indigenous musician and artist Gladwyn Badger discussing his musical journey, cultural identity, and EP 'Renegade'

In this episode I talk with the founders of Sapling and Sky Studio - Joshua Pascua and Doran Leung.  Joshua has been a local musician/teacher/artist for a decade in the Kitchener/Waterloo region and has performed dozens of shows, from main stage at the multi-cultural festival, to on tour in the USA. His infectious energy and voice always gets the crowd moving. Doran is a accomplished violinist and...

In this episode, Kylira joins me to talk about her passion projects including her singing, harp-playing, getting into the music industry, working with SGI (stonebridge guitar international) and her new studio project in Queubec.

In this episode, Sara Geidlinger joins me to chat about her creative pursuits in film, music and community building. Her podcasts and documentaries have reached thousands of people within the tricities and beyond. Notably, "Hip-hop Hope" and "The Ref Didn't See It" speak to the impact that music and wrestling have on young people, bringing joy to their lives and fostering a sense of belonging with...

Sam Nabi is a local hip-hop artist, poet and community activist. If you are in the KW scene, he needs no introduction. In this episode, Sam talks about his latest and one of his older tracks, both with heartfelt lyrics and an unmistakable message.  We also talk about what it means to be mixed-race, and the current world climate and the impact art has on all these things.

Ayesha Ahad is an accomplished musician in her own rite, which is amazing considering she's only been performing for a couple of years in KW. On this episode, Ayesha shares her journey and how she ended up working with Rufus John and the Legacy Showcase through Freedom Marching Project. She also discusses a couple of her songs and the stories behind them.

In this episode, we rebroadcast the live-off-the-floor recording of Chudear's new poetry book release (through survival) and open mic. Chu reads a selection of her poems, as well as other performances of poetry and music from some talented guest audience members. 

Pauline Tolentino is taking the Kitchener/Waterloo music scene by storm. Originally from the Philippines and starting her journey as an international student, she has successfully navigated the music scene here and has already had key performances at events such as the first Asian Night Market (put on by the BIA and City of Kitchener, in partnership with Good Co. Production) and many other open mi...

Miss Chu (Chudear @madebychu.o) is a Sudanese artist whose poetry and visual art captivate audiences. Her art helps people connect with their ancestors and her poetry speak to your soul. She is also the founder of some amazing community projects that helped to showcase local artists and venues from the Bipoc community and beyond. I was so grateful for the opportunity to share this conversation wit...

The inspirational J-ONE joins me on this episode to talk all things music therapy. J also shares her journey in the community, moving to KW and some amazing shows she's put on, collaborating with some of KW's greatest talents in the BIPOC community. 

Anat Hector joins me to talk about her amazing journey of musical inspiration and healing while in the Dominican Republic for 8 years. She also shares her new and unreleased (at the time of publishing this podcast) single, "Butterfly" a beautiful dedication to her spiritual mentor. 

Marshall Veroni stops by and we chat about 3 of his songs, as well as his experiences in the backcountry. Marshall talks about his first experience in rapids/moving water on a river trip and we muse over the creative process as it connects with being in nature.

Juneyt is a Turkish-born guitar player of many styles. He landed in the Waterloo region over 10 years ago and has taken the scene by storm with his flamenco style, wowing audiences wherever he plays. Behind the talent is a deep soul, and Juenty sits down with Deren to talk about their shared heritage (Deren has Turkish ancestry), his life in Turkey and passion for music, and the hard work he put i...

Rachel Hickey, an up-and-coming Indy-Folk songwriter sits down with Deren to discuss her song lyrics, background in music, family dynamics and passion for the outdoors.