The Turntable Teachers

On Episode 99 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with budding afrobeats star Ugoboy. He explains his transition from being a hip-hop artist to afrobeats, and how his Nigeria heritage and dual citizenship played a pivotal role in the decision. The guys discuss how afrobeats has grown in popularity in the US over the years, along with a plethora of other topics including Ugoboy’s latest EP ‘Raw Eleganza’, his role in the Marvel movie ‘Madame Web’, and what it’s like to perform in front of 16,000 people. Ugoboy also shares the tragedy of losing all of his music on his hard drive, what it’s like to play against professional basketball players, what he learned at SXSW, recollecting an epic night at the club, and so much more. Follow Ugoboy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theugoboy/ Stream 'Raw Eleganza' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0vfg6RugBnHN4swydOvc0C?si=5wD1fqAYSCOYnQEah-G0Ig Stream 'Raw Eleganza' on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/raw-eleganza-ep/1717447326 Che

On Episode 98 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with artist, producer, engineer, and DJ Rilla Force! Rilla Force is a staple within the MA music scene and is most known for his experimental, unique, and noteworthy beats. Basically, if you’re familiar with his music, you know a Rilla beat when you hear it! Rilla is also a rostered act for our upcoming show “Bloom Fest” at Diaspora in Cambridge on April 13th, tickets on sale now! Mike and Rilla discuss a variety of topics, including how krump played a role in his earlier musical development, coining the genre “RNBDM”, how having synesthesia impacts him as a creative, joining the JMC collective, as well as his upcoming project ‘Kawaii Giant’ slated to drop later this year. The guys also discuss a variety of topics including his experience touring in Japan, why Crab Rangoons are the most essential element to a Chinese pupu platter,’ Vultures’ being mid, why T-Pain is the GOAT, which video games are must-haves in your collection, and so much more. Fol

On Episode 97 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with co-founder and CEO of Junto Music Club, Deric Wagner. Deric is the epitome of someone who is a true team player and makes things happen behind the scenes. Through Junto Music Club, a collective out of Massachusetts, he manages artists such as Timi O, l.ucas, Jiida, and Rilla Force. They have their biggest show yet, "Proof of Concept" coming to the Crystal Ballroom in Somerville on May 11th. Mike and Deric discuss a variety of topics, including how Deric became so deeply involved in JMC, and how he's been able to not only find his role as a manager, but also grow into other roles such as executive production and creative direction. Deric also unveils the curtain behind some of JMC's biggest projects to date, such as l.ucas's most recent album and short film 'How Am I Supposed to Feel?', as well as Timi O's groundbreaking music videos for singles "Noir Fatale" and "Sundayservice". The guys also discuss Deric's football playing career, his deep lo

On Episode 96 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with singer and dancer Jared Vasquez for an enlightening conversation. They discuss his latest album ‘Effects of the Grey’ and the vulnerability Jared shows throughout the project, owning up to his mistakes in the fallout of a relationship, and ultimately dealing with the consequences of his actions. This sparked an open conversation about relationships, toxicity, and overall trying to better yourself as a person. Mike & Jared also talk about a variety of other topics including Jared’s position on being an LGBTQ+ artist and the responsibility it holds, his latest milestone of dancing for the Celtics, which dog breeds are his favorites, and so much more! Follow Jared Vasquez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawness_jv/ Listen to 'Effects of the Grey' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7KD9AhvYAvyCaxVavkFXRV?si=_naRlHAfS0OQ33wU5gHN-A Listen to 'Effects of the Grey' on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/effects-of-the-grey/171

On Episode 95 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with Van Buren member and Brockton native Jiles and hip-hop producer Vinyl Villain who recently came together to release an album titled ‘Mookie Blaylock’ which has received critically acclaim from many media outlets in Massachusetts. Jiles and Villain discuss the process of creating ‘Mookie Blaylock’, and how their synergy aided in what they consider one of 2023’s best albums to come out of MA. The guys also discuss a variety of other topics, including Vinyl Villain’s unforgettable hang out with Method Man, Jiles missing his big moment in Pop Warner football, the legend behind a mysterious tweet about Mookie Blaylock from EA Sports, which Van Burn member has the best sense of humor, and so much more. Follow Jiles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbjiles/ Follow Vinyl Villain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealvinylvillain/ Listen to 'Mookie Blaylock' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5tpMQlZNPZSl3XFjHPFze6?si=c69849152be

On one of our most wildly entertaining episodes of all-time, Episode 94 of the Guest Speaker Series features Berklee College students Bencils & Maz. They sit down with Mike for an unforgettable conversation, including both of their unique music journeys that landed them at Berklee College here in Boston, and how living together has aided in both of their creative endeavors. For Ben, he’s originally a musical theater kid with roots in Chicago and London, and Maz, the son of a DJ and originally from Brazil, as he just recently received his citizenship in the US. They also discuss a variety of topics, such as the necessity to be a versatile creative in today’s day and age, what constitutes as “bum behavior”, why bullying is bad, why Diddy is not invited to the BBQ, and of course, Ben’s crazy pit stains. They also perform an original song made on the spot, a first in Turntable Teachers history. Just sit back, get ready to laugh at this one, and enjoy! Follow Bencils on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ma

On Episode 93 of the Guest Speaker Series, we welcome the self-proclaimed Crunk Lord, WHYTRI, to the show! WHYTRI joins Mike to discuss his upcoming show, Shield 3, this Saturday February 10th at Rockwood Music Hall in Boston, along with his new single “REAL BADMON” with Nox Beatz dropping this Wednesday February 8th! Mike & WHYTRI also discuss a variety of topics, including WHYTRI’s early years as a dancer before transitioning to music after a serious injury, the art of marketing events, the state of alternative music amongst pop culture, and his most recent full-length album ‘MOMMA i MAKE ART: SEE YOUR BOY IS NOT A LOSER’ with Jon Glass. WHYTRI also shares his love for WWE, why the pants make the fit, the best Lego set of all-time, how Charmander would be Ash’s #1 without Pikachu, why Xbox is better than PlayStation, and so much more! Get Your Shield 3 Tickets Here: https://thefenway.com/events/whytri-rockwood Follow WHYTRI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whytri_/ Listen to WHYTRI on Spotify: h

On Episode 92 of the Night School Series, Mike sits down with two of Merrimack Valley’s best, producer Melks and artist Bleave! Melks & Bleave have a new album ‘Overwhelmed & Ambitious’ out now on all platforms. They join the show to discuss the makings of the project, as well as how they got acquainted with each other through Community Tuesdays at Knowhere Studios. The guys talk about a variety of other topics including taking advantage of opportunities, growth within music and managing self-doubt, and being new fathers. Melks also shares his love of pizza, redbull, and creating beats in the trunk of a car, while Bleave shares his favorite moments as a basketball player, the most slept on thing people aren’t doing in the gym, the impact he’s trying to create within the Haverhill community, and so much more. Follow Melks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melksproducer/ Follow Bleave on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleavetheimpact/ Listen to 'Overwhelmed & Ambitious' on Spotify: https://open.s

On Episode 91 of the Night School Series, Mike sits down with hip-hop artist Dom Dior for an insightful conversation on a variety of topics, including his upbringing growing up in Texas and California before moving to Massachusetts, where he's resided ever since. Dom also discusses the importance of respecting women, Chicano culture, and his involvement in Kobe and Enjoy the Thrill, and how each of these elements tie into his music. Mike & Dom also discuss the similar mindsets between playing sports and making music, Dom’s worst customer service interactions, his love of coffee and reading, his bias against Tom Brady, the best Nike shoes to own, optimism for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, and so much more. Follow Dom Dior on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dior.dom/ Listen to 'Nu Wav Pt. 2' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/30vAnz62ohT7FrQOXsCNyw?si=PySGBRWNRrysvYI_uv-_8g Listen to 'Nu Wav Pt. 2' on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/cl/album/nu-wav-pt-2-single/1706624197?l=en-GB Check

On our first Guest Speaker episode of 2024, Mike sits down with artist, videographer, and multimedia creative Peirc3 for an in-depth conversation about a variety of topics centered on the arts, including video, music, fashion, and even video games. Peirc3 goes in depth about his most recent musical experience, EP ‘tripping’ and the uniqueness of it intending to be one long listen with songs seamlessly transitioning into the next. He also discusses the video game he created alongside the EP which is of the same name. Peirc3 also shares the story how he got into videography, and how he’s been able to grow as a director and editor. Peirc3 and Mike also discuss losing his hard drive, his love for Napoleon Dynamite and Childish Gambino, which muppet is the most underrated, why Pablo Sanchez of Backyard Baseball is the

Our Top 23 Songs of 2023 episode with special guest Frankie of Frequency Studios! Check out our playlist with both Mike & Frankie's Top 23 selections!: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rJP1YPYvXaZZ0PDrBxtof?si=932727ad5ca845c8 Follow Frequency Studios on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frequencystudios Follow Frequency Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frequencystudios_/ Check out our studio, AOA Studios, and book a session or service with us: https://www.aoastudios.org/inquiriesbooking Follow our social media and blogs Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/turntableteachers/?hl=en Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@turntableteachers Blog - https://www.turntableteachers.com/blog Shop - https://www.turntableteachers.com/shop Subscribe to our streaming services Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-turntable-teachers/id1448694925 Google Play - https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.

On this special edition episode, we take a brief detour from the Night School Series as we welcome legendary MA producer, engineer, and owner of Ugly Duck Studios, Dephrase, for a Christmas Special and our final episode of 2023! Dephrase recently released his debut full length LP, “Dephrost vol. 1” a collection of 13 songs all of which are holiday themed. Mike & Dephrase discuss how this body of work came to be, including his desire to take back some of his creative freedom while consistently working on other artists’ music as a full-time studio engineer. He also shares his unique perspective on Christmas and the holiday season. Mike also takes him through the wringer on brand new segments, including a Christmas edition of Pop Quiz, holiday-themed Pass or Fail, and even Christmas trivia, which is our first ever graded segment. Tune in to find out if Dephrase passed (hint: he totally failed). This episode is absolute blast, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end 2023. Happy holidays to you and

On Episode 89 of the Guest Speaker series, we welcome Shrewsbury, MA electronic pop artist/producer and BMA Pop Artist of the Year nominee, CHYLD! Mike & CHYLD discuss a variety of topics, including CHYLD’s film background and his unexpected journey into the electronic pop world, his new album ‘Moments’ and the impact of its sentimental writing, and his experiences performing with high-level talent such as Jake Miller, Tourist, Future Islands, and more! CHYLD also shares his favorite Christopher Nolan films, why the anatomy of Freddie Mercury’s mouth makes him the greatest singer ever, his buffalo chicken obsession, the virality of his single “Antidote”, and so much more! Follow CHYLD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chyldmusic/?hl=en Listen to 'Moments on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4wpbPrAGsRFaYr7h87IczI?si=tM7B0U0zQoCs58FDf5eE2Q Listen to 'Moments' on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/moments/1692353681 Check out our studio, AOA Studios, and book a session or service wit

On Episode 88 of the Guest Speaker Series, we welcome a MA hip-hop legend to the show, STL GLD lead vocalist Moe Pope! Moe and Mike discuss a variety of topics, including Moe’s love for painting, drawing, and music as a young kid growing up in Roxbury, how a beatboxer on the side of the road changed his life, and his viewpoint on being a more reserved and shy person while also being a notable emcee and figure in the MA music scene. Moe also does a deep dive into the STL GLD band’s latest album ‘Rock Boyega’, and their wildly successful GLD FESTIVAL this past summer, as well as sharing his love for MA music scene and the growth he’s seen it have over the past 20 years of his career. Moe also boasts his pancake-making abilities, his deep disdain for pumpkins and gross mouths, why DC is superior to Marvel when it comes to comics, and so much more. HUGE shoutout to Moe for an incredible episode! This is one you certainly won’t want to miss. Episode drops today at noon on all podcast platforms! Follow Moe Pope

On Episode 87 of the Guest Speaker series, one of the most budding artists in MA, Boston’s reigning Best New Artist of the Year, kei, joins Mike for an incredibly insightful conversation! Mike and kei discuss a variety of topics, including the idea of channeling the inner child when creating music, her dad’s creative influence on her at an early age, her recent experience at Harvard University and IDK’s No Label Academy, as well as exclusive details about her upcoming full-length album ‘Growing Pains’ set to drop in 2024. They also share their mutual love for horror movies, kei’s ideal meal at Sweet Piglet, her best cooked breakfast spread, dealing with imposter syndrome, the importance of connection and relationships, and so much more. Big thank you to kei for coming through to the show! Follow kei on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiweifruit/ Listen to kei on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zCj68j0fYRCrgBaDqknoP?si=Fw4MQOq4Q1aB268pROhBFw Listen to kei on Apple Music: https://music.apple

On Episode 86 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with the multi-talented musician, vocalist, and journalist, Julian Mendoza, for one of our most entertaining and insightful episodes of the year. The two discuss a variety of topics, including the early influence Michael Jackson had on Julian's love for dancing, music, and all-around entertainment, as well as his parents' background in the creative arts. They also take a deep dive into Julian's latest LP 'Beneath My Wings', a spectacular body of work covering a plethora of genres and featuring over 40 contributors. What really sets Julian apart is his unconditional support and love of the Boston and MA music scene, and his ability to celebrate others. Julian also talks about his love for performing, as well as his role within the ASYNC collective, which is a discord server with hundreds of musicians, vocalists, and producers. Pop Quiz is really where things get interesting: Julian shares how a weed strip club might be coming to Western, MA, how his

On Episode 85 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with the reigning Latin Artist of the Year in Boston, the one and only Yelena Rodriguez! Yelena joins Mike for an amazing episode where they discuss a variety of topics, including her unique upbringing growing up in both Florida and Massachusetts, as well as how the music scene in Massachusetts has helped her growth as an artist in short order. Yelena discusses how she blends English and Spanish music, and how Latin music has grown in the mainstream over the years, as well as how her modeling career intertwines with her music career. She also talks philosophically with concepts of being still, letting go of control, faith, and even explains karmic relationships, a major theme in her upcoming work. In addition, she shares her love for mobsters and Selena, which workout is the most painful, how she overcame stage fright, and her biggest first date pet peeves. Special thank you to Yelena for an incredible episode! Follow Yelena Rodriguez on Instagram: h

On Episode 84 of the Guest Speaker Series, Mike sits down with Brockton-native and Van Buren Records member, Meech BOLD, for one of the most entertaining and insightful conversations we've had on the platform all year. Mike and Meech cover it all: from his recent collab with Sir Michael Rocks, to what makes Brockton such an artistically gifted community, to how far Van Buren has grown over the last few years, and even the dichotomy between approaching solo music vs. full group music. Meech also discusses how the reigning Boston Music Awards Producer of the Year, Jon Glass, "saved his creativity" and opened up a new world for him, and shares exclusive insights into their joint project that is coming in 2024. Mike & Meech also dive deep, discussing topics like creative blocks, growth mindset, marriage and divorce, the responsibility creatives have, trusting processes, and the importance of inspiring future generations. In Pop Quiz, Mike coaxes Meech to do his best Chris Rock impression, the difference between

Episode 83 of the Guest Speaker Series features okaykirby, a hip-hop artist and rapper originally from North Adams, MA, and now resides in the Greater Boston area. Mike sits down with okaykirby for an in-depth discussion on a variety of hip-hop topics, including why Eminem is NOT a Top 5 Rapper of All-Time, what makes Mac Miller and Tyler, the Creator so special, and what separates a good rapper from a rapper who makes good music. okaykirby also shares his thoughts on hip-hop culture and his place in it as a white rapper. He also shares how his new EP 'outside' with producer Sir Rollie came to be, along with his first music video for single "twobreaths", which was directed and edited by Mike. In addition, okaykirby also takes a stance on why Barbie is better than Oppenheimer, which barbershop topics should be put to rest, how he nearly crashed his car upon hearing the beat for "ferris wheel", and so much more. Big shoutout to okaykirby for an incredible episode! Follow okaykirby on Instagram: https://i

On Episode 82 of the Guest Speaker Series features Solmaria, who is an artist and vocalist from Salem, MA. She joins Mike for a riveting discussion on a variety of topics, including her upbringing in a household of Puerto Rican descent, her come-up in the music scene in Lynn, Salem, and surrounding communities of the North Shore, her growing friendship with MA legend Termanology and the impact of his mentorship, and her love of being a mom of 3 daughters. In addition, Solmaria also discusses her educational journey, including the influence North Shore Community College has had on her and vice versa. They also discuss her beef with Teslas, whether or not Threads will last, the negative impact of gentrification in Salem, and so much more! Follow Solmaria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgitzsol/ Listen to Solmaria on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o27hveQ6uwxsQn9zxwP59?si=3up7hlvsQtu3WO4dCMGoHA Follow our social media and blogs Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/turntableteachers/?hl=