TurnOntheAC

Over the past several years, Maral has been building a broad discography of club music that blends raw digital samples and sounds with textures of Iranian folk music. In this episode, Anna & Alex talk to Maral about her childhood in the States and in Iran, how she began DJing at college house parties in Virginia, and how she uses her positionality as an artist to build meaningful collaboration...

REHMA is a fierce and introspective LA-based artist blending lush arching vocals, R&B beats, and lyrics that communicate her experience as a Pakistani-American woman in music. She first collaborated with Anna and Alex last summer as a performer at TurnOnTheAC’s event, Summer Sauce, and now she’s back for more. In this episode, the three muse over the balance of "moody" and "boot...

Alex first saw Synead doing a cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” at a Paramount artist showcase for rising Black musicians, and it was love at first listen. In this episode, Alex and Anna interview Synead about what it means to be a musician in New York today, how she infuses her music with her life experiences and Trini heritage, and some of the many ways she’s found outlets for expression.  Synead also...

In this episode, Anna and Alex interview Harve, the “soultronic” artist and producer leading a new wave of queer music in South London. Harve discusses the artists that have influenced their sound (which carries intangible acoustic qualities of Joni Mitchell and Bon Iver in a lush electronic environment) and the people who have left a mark on their discography (from their mother who gave them thei...

We are so excited to welcome you back to another season of TurnOnTheAC!! It’s been a busy new year for many budding, multi-talented artists, and we’re thrilled to be your guide through the scene. In this episode, Anna and Alex speak with Junior Mesa, the rising LA indie star blending psych-rock and pop with a pinch of everything else. His nuanced sound reflects his many years of making music (with...

On this episode, Alex and Anna interview Maddee, a queer vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist out of Toronto. At the young age of 24, she drips honey sweet confidence while delivering authentic soul bearing grooves with an indie electronic twist. She discusses the self-produced album that is on its way to being born as a product of pandemic life, encapsulating a year of extreme highs and...

On this episode, Alex and Anna interview Lily Rayne, an artist with an authentic sense of self which emanates through her musical style and presence. Hailing from the creative capitol of Providence, Rhode Island, she fuses traditional R&B/Hip Hop roots with ATL trap and adds her own personalized twist. Already gaining traction through taste making publications Billboard and Sleeping on Gems, s...

On this episode, Alex and Anna interview Mei, an artist who has been embarking on a rebrand journey filled with emotion and excitement. Formally known as Brandt Orange, this transformation was sparked by the desire to be as authentic as possible by writing songs about his own personal experiences under his real name. Being born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago where he experienced a lack of As...

On this episode, Alex and Anna interview the R&B rockstar Jordan Hawkins, who can not only shred the guitar but croons with a voice like honey. Raised on YouTube and church choir, he draws inspiration from the string Gods themselves - Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and John Mayer. You can hear the cultivation of the amalgamation of sounds through his EP called Heart Don’t Stop while he continues to pro...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview the multi-instrumentalist and originator of “Cinematic Soul”, V.C.R. Also nicknamed V the Martian, her music takes you through an out of body experience with a blend of eclectic musical influences: from gospel, to soul, funk, and classical. Brought up with symphony and bbq, this Tennessee native’s skill is recognized throughout the music community as she...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview English, Japanese rapper, singer and producer, Miso Extra. Just like umami, the addictive fifth flavor that we all love so dearly, so is her music. As she so perfectly put it herself, it’s that flavor / sound that you can’t get enough of but also can’t quite put your finger on. With decadent n delicious production, Miso Extra is regaining and reclaiming h...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview Boston-based artist Anjimile! We discuss dancing through moments of beauty and pain, and attempt to define both religion and Zazu from the Lion King all in one sitting. On top of it all, Anjimile talks to us about his intention of being the example he never saw growing up: “a queer black guitar-toting singer who’s chillin in the indie sphere” while making...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview fellow hapa and radiant songstress Eileen Sho Ji. We discuss the balancing act of early adulthood, some privileges and perils of being mixed race, and an aspirational power-couple Christmas album between Eileen and her partner Elujay one day. You can find her everywhere at @Eileen Sho Ji  **Episode fact check: Lady Gaga did not co-write Bitch Don’t K...

In this episode we chat with alternative R&B artist Unusual Demont. He paints emotion in expressive hues (literally when dabbling in visual arts and figuratively through his music); his favorite color falls somewhere between lavender and lilac which is possibly why he went with the overarching color “Purple” for the title of his latest single; and his essence is soothing and sweet like the slo...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview Laila and Gabe of Running on Everything, the best friend dynamic duo, trained as jazz musicians who are currently putting out “high fi indie pop about honesty and making your dark feelings danceable.” We talk about the gender norms and expectations they felt growing up: for Laila fronting big bands and for Gabe through his time in ROTC, the anti-misogyny...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview King Isis, the tri-coastal (but truly Bay) based musical shapeshifter and "punk rock fairy death grrl." We talk mermaid scarifications, Bay Area gentrification, and self expression in its many forms. At the end of the episode, you'll hear a special preview of their new single "Sparkly", officially dropping April 16th. Find their music everywhere by s...

On this episode, Alex & Anna interview Salvador and Alvaro from the El Paso originating musical duo Dos Leches. We talk marching band, milks + alternative milks, breakup binge eating, and the genre of being genreless (or as Alvaro puts it: "bicker pop"). At the end of the episode, you'll hear a preview of their new single "Loco." Find their music everywhere by searching @Dos Leches !  Ins...

Banchan, stinky feet, and Queen Gupta... all that and more in this episode introducing your co-hosts of TurnOntheAC! Alex & Anna discuss both personal and musical influences and talk intentions for this podcast + what is to come! Listen to corresponding playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/dfvztijebnpvvx0cchvbtj7ms/playlist/6pKwBAbXENDJUxOrwgb3Id?si=UjF-EAx5QYSUoSwQTYFNOA Check us out at: w...

Monthly podcast elevating and amplifying the voices of underrepresented artists making powerful music. Hosted by Alex Coustar and Anna Chang. www.turnontheac.com