The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

Video games have the ability to transport players to other worlds, which is exactly what I explore on today’s bonus episode with British musician Shura. 2020 saw Shura making a name for herself as a game streamer on Twitch. Together, we chat about how she’s provided laughter and warmth to fans during the never-ending lockdowns, as well as how video games are truly pieces of art and more. Be sure t...

Is it possible to feed our dogs food without artificial ingredients and preservatives? PetPlate says yes! On today’s episode, I’m joined by PetPlate founder Renaldo Webb, who delves into creating food for dogs with real ingredients and within human-grade kitchens. We also discuss the realities of running a business on the betterment of animals and the challenges of being an entrepreneur during a p...

Originally hailing from Scotland, Eve Barlow is an entertainment journalist based in LA, who has written for The Guardian, Billboard, GQ, LA Times, etc. Within this episode, I chat with Eve about both her career and her Jewish faith. Together, we touch upon how Jewish people have been marginalized throughout history and how that sadly still exists today.

How do you keep a passion fresh, especially when it involves 5 people? Belgian band Balthazar makes it seem effortless, especially within their fifth album Sand (out February 26th through PIAS). On this bonus episode, I catch up with frontmen Maarten Devoldere and Jinte Deprez about how they crafted Sand during the pandemic lockdown, the challenges that came with delving into more personal waters...

French musician Victor Solf shares how he’s felt inspired during the most hectic year of his life. 2020 saw Victor releasing music under his name for the first time (with the Aftermath EP and the 12 Monkeys Mixtape). Together we chat about finding inspiration in troubled times, raising a child in an uncertain world & the importance of subverting your own expectations. Be sure to check out Vict...

Welcome to season 2 of The New Exchange! We’re joined by Arlo Parks, a musician from London who reminds us that music can touch people. Her debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams (out now) is already a firm standout in 2021. On today’s episode, Arlo shares the work behind making her stunning album into a reality.

One more bonus episode before we kick off season 2! I’m also happy to share that season 2 of The New Exchange will begin on February 16th! Last Train are a rock band from France who’re beautifully ambitious. The proof is in their stellar sophomore album, The Big Picture, a body of work that blends brash aggression with somber moments of reflection. On today’s episode, I’m joined by bassist Timothé...

Happy Holidays! This is a special bonus episode before we enter season 2 in February. Today’s guests are Gracie and Rachel, two friends from Berkeley, California who’re based in New York. Their sophomore album, Hello Weakness, You Make Me Stronger, is one of the best albums I heard in 2020. The songs are cinematic, lush & invigorating all throughout. Lyrically, the album explores how coming to...

On the season 1 finale of the podcast, I’m joined by the incomparable James Vincent McMorrow. Since 2010, James has made a name for himself by touring the world and releasing music that’s authentic to his curiosity. James chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about the past, present and future of his career. (Season 2 of The New Exchange will premiere February 2021).

Another surprise episode before season 1 ends! Today I’m joined by my old friend Gary Jarman, bassist/vocalist of The Cribs (aka one of the most vital bands from Britain). On this episode, we chat about their new album Night Network (out November 20th via Sonic Blew and PIAS), getting through the pandemic while living abroad & how he fell back in love with being in a band.

The penultimate episode of season 1! Today’s guest is Camrus Johnson, a gifted actor, writer, producer and musician who only knows how to live his truth. You’ve seen him on Luke Cage, The Sun Is Also A Star, Billions and currently on CW’s Batwoman as Luke Fox. On today’s episode, Camrus chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about growing as an actor, being part of the DC universe and his animated short; Gra...

My favourite episodes are the ones where I get to catch up with friends and this one is a prime example. Sulene is an example of one of my absurdly talented friends. She’s a composer from South Africa that now calls Brooklyn her home. Along with being a talented songwriter, she’s also an incredible performer who’s played with Nate Ruess, Betty Who and LPX. On this episode we chat about working as...

Surprise! I’m joined today by Jed Shepherd, producer & co-writer of HOST, the surprise smash hit horror film; available now via Shudder. On this episode we chat about why the COVID-19 pandemic was a perfect time to make a film with your friends, overcoming the challenges of making a film via Zoom & so much more. Happy Halloween!

How do you leave your mark within a genre that feels set in stone? You defy any and all expectations of course. That is what July Talk has achieved with their third album, Pray For It. On today’s episode, I’m joined by vocalists Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis to explore how the album came to be. We also delve into the two historic drive-in shows they played at the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Sharon...

Creativity should evoke a sense of freedom and no one proves that better than ALA NI. Her sophomore album, ACCA, is what happens when an artist sheds all forms of expectation from the outside world. On this episode, we discuss the realities of being a black artist, going to school with Amy Winehouse, collaborating with Lakeith Stanfield, and delve deeply into her rendition of Claudia Jones Lament...

The ways that art can enrich our lives is indescribable, which is the central theme of today’s episode. I’m joined today by Kaitlin Chow, an accomplished artist based in Philadelphia who creates astonishing murals; among many things. We chat about the actual work that goes behind creating art, the realities of being a small business and what it’s been like existing as a creative in 2020.

There’s no better way to put this: Abraham Alexander is as cool as they come. Originally hailing from Athens, Greece, he now calls Fort Worth, Texas his home. In many ways his career has just begun and yet he’s achieved so much. On this episode we talk about his career, recording with Leon Bridges, the grant he’s working on called Sounds of Resilience and his own podcast called Find The Light.

I fucking love this band and they’re about to win your heart. Pillow Queens are an infectious punk band from Ireland who’s members are part of the LGBTQ community. Along with honestly conveying their experiences, their strong sense of friendship is also both unique and beautiful. On this episode, we go into the work behind their debut album, In Waiting, which drops on September 25th.

Director Patrick Willems joins me today to discuss one of my favorite things: movies. Over the last few years, Patrick's made a name for himself on YouTube with his thought-provoking video essays which have garnered thousands of views. On today’s episode we breakdown the creative “talk-show” he created during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If music is a journey, then no one has conveyed that better than Charlene Kaye; aka KAYE. Within this episode, she chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about navigating the world as an Asian American artist and the singles she’s released leading up to her album, Conscious Control (which is out now!)

Phil Taggart is a broadcaster on the BBC who isn’t shy about spreading joy to the world. His enthusiasm towards music touches everything that he does; including book writing and podcasts. Within this episode, he chats to Ken Grand-Pierre about his endeavors and why music is everything.

Aysia Marotta is a photographer that has toured with The 1975, Pale Waves, Lewis Capaldi and more. Within this episode, she chats to Ken Grand-Pierre about how her photo-project, Come To My Window, has made the COVID pandemic more bearable for her friends and family.

Overcoats are two best friends that are here to remind you why there’s power in owning your emotions. In this episode we discuss the making of their latest album, The Fight; an album that highlights the various fights womxn have been combating within Trump’s America.

Today’s guests are Rory Friers and Niall Kennedy of Northern Irish band, And So I Watch You From Afar. Together they chat with Ken Grand-Pierre about why being in a band takes intense hard-work and dedication. This episode is dedicated to Andrew Dunbar, we love you and miss you.

Haviah Mighty is an inspiring musician, producer, and badass businesswoman who hails from Brampton, Canada. On this episode, she chats with Ken Grand-Pierre about the story behind her award-winning debut album, 13th Floor.