Melanie Charles & Yunie Mojica

Shows

The Sit-Down Podcast with James HurtThe Sit-Down Podcast with James Hurt-Yunie Mojica-Multifaceted Dreams PersonifiedSaxophonist, composer, singer, and events tastemaker Yunie Mojica stopped The Sit-Down Podcast to share her origin story in her own words. While coming from a family immersed in both educational athletic endeavors Yunie was exposed to the many flavors of music through her home listening culture that she credits her dad with. Growing up the city of Hartford, Connecticut Yunie shares how she made peace with identity politics via the Transatlantic Slave Trade route by self-identifying as Black, Dominican, Puerto Rican, and a New York cultured individual. This reconing has taken Yunie on several twists and turns on the...2025-06-061h 20

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 7 | Live at Skidmore College (feat. Terri Lyne Carrington)In this live episode, Melanie and Yunie sit down with the iconic drummer, composer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington for a deeply inspiring conversation. Terri Lyne takes us all the way back to her beginnings and the early exposure that sparked a lifelong journey of creative exploration. She offers gems on how her perspectives, approach and activism has evolved through out the years. Tap in to hear about legacy, liberation, and where we go from here. This one’s for the heads, the healers, and the future builders. 💥 We need your feedback! Please let u...2025-03-311h 28

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 6 | Attitude of GratitudeIn this episode, Melanie (Dflower) and Yunie (YunieMo) dive into having an "attitude of gratitude" year-round, not just during the holidays. They talk about the struggles of balancing work and life in the music biz, where constant travel and long hours can lead to burnout. The key? Taking time to rest and recharge — even if it’s just a day or two — to keep the creative energy flowing. They also chat about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly support your vision. In the same breath, they reflect on the recent losses of some of our mu...2024-11-2546 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 5 | Live with Satar'ra TroutmanIn this special live episode of the Make Jazz Trill Again podcast, host Melanie Charles and co-host Yunie Mojica (a.k.a. YunieMo) are joined by the incredibly talented Satar'ra Troutman at Cafe Erzulie in Brooklyn. With DJ Oochild on the decks, the vibes are set for an unforgettable conversation. Satar'ra, a multifaceted musician, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and healer, opens up about her journey from fresh-out-of-college days to the powerhouse artist she is today. The episode delves into her latest single, her deep connection to New York, a city that holds special memories for her, and discusses...2024-11-1110h 18

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 4 | Tuning In: Must Reads, Music, Film PicksJoin Melanie and Yunie as they reunite for another lively episode, diving into their must-reads, the latest music, and beloved classics that have shaped their tastes. They’ll also share their must-see movies and highlight exciting upcoming gigs and projects. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or some fresh music, this episode has something for everyone. Tap back into the pod for a fun-filled catch-up you won’t want to miss! 2024-11-044h 16

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 3 | One on One with Corinne Bailey RaeIn this episode, MJTA Host Melanie Charles aka DFlower has an intimate conversation with Grammy Award-winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae—a multi-talented guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and beloved sister, mother, daughter, and friend. Melanie has shared the stage with Corinne on multiple tours, first as an opening act and then again after the release of her 2023 album, Black Rainbows. Following an extraordinary performance at SummerStage on June 17, 2024, the two delve into a heartfelt discussion about a wide range of topics, from music and production to love and sobriety. Don’t miss this engaging exchange—tune in and enjoy! 🖤🤎 We need yo...2024-10-141h 03

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 2 | Zacchea'us Paul's JAZZ MONEY Album Release Live Podcast✌🏾 & ❤️ Ya'll! This episode is a live podcast that celebrates the release of Zacchae'us Paul’s debut album, JAZZ MONEY. Who is also part of team MJTA. It was a wonderful day in Brooklyn in July, where Melanie and Yunie were able to talk about Zach’s process and album, along with a few laughs and Trill Trivia. So sit back, grab your tea, coffee or wine, whatever your flavor is… and enjoy the listening party and live podcast hosted by Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica. Purchase the Album: JAZZ MONEY Don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe & commen...2024-09-3054 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 3 Episode 1 | Third Season's the Charm...Yunie Mo and Melanie are back after a whirlwind summer! In this episode, the ladies catch up on all the new music they've been vibing to, must-read books that have left a lasting impression, and the importance of “returning to the shed” to refine their craft. They also share stories about hanging with the legendary Gary Bartz, discuss the importance of unionizing for artists, and keep the conversation lively with plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in for an insightful and fun-filled episode that blends passion, purpose, and a lot of heart. Don’t forget to follow...2024-09-1752 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 8 | They Not like us… with DJ OOOChild, Melanie Charles & YunieMoPeace and love, beautiful people! MJTA Podcast is back with reflections on the recent rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. DJ OOOChild joins the conversation while they review Kendrick Lamar’s historic “Pop Out” concert, discuss who could possibly do the same on the east coast, relevance in today’s Jazz scene and the fine line of Jazz interpretations Vs. karaoke jazz covers and more! This is a fun one ya’ll! So tap in and don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe & comment. ✌🏾 We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear...2024-06-289h 53

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 7 | Art Can Melt Walls Not Build Them: A Spotlight on Meredith Monk with artist L'RainL'rain and Melanie speak about Meredith Monk's influence on their artistic journey as well as their personal role in preserving and supporting the work of the artists who have paved the way for them. In our current climate what is the role of the artist? For more information on Meredith's body of work and information on how to support the House Foundation visit www.meredithmonk.org. To see L'Rain in a city near you, visit https://www.lrain.info/tours Interview with Meredith Monk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R36Vh37-OQ4&t=274s We need your feedback! Please...2024-05-038h 22

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 6 | With Special Guest Orange Coffee A.K.A. Kat RodriguezOrange Coffee aka Kat Rodriguez is a beautiful multitalented, grammy nominated complete musician in all of its many splendors. She is an incredible singer, saxophonist, songwriter, vocalist, and educator who has been touring, performing with everyone from Boyncé to Jay-Z, to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu to name a few. Her dedication and passion for music, movement, and education has inspired both Melanie and Yunie for years, so to sit down with Kat on this episode was joyful, inspirational and nostalgic all at the same time. Tap in to this conversation with Katty and PLEASE go do yourself a f...2024-04-151h 05

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 5 | Jazz Education & The Root of the Problem with Special Guest Jerome JenningsMelanie, Yunie and Special Guest Jerome Jennings get into the flaws of the Jazz Education system. They cover other topics, catch up and even get to some Trill Trivia, but this one right here is what you came for... Get into it, cause it's a problem that needs to change. Let's discuss. And you know we need a part 2! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM/Follow: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com Follow: @melaniecharlesisdflower / @Yuniemo / @iamjeromejennings 2024-03-291h 26

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 4 | The Constellation of Art with Special Guest Lady MoonLady Moon, the front woman of The Eclipse is a composer, vocalist, designer, healer, hair artist and all around creative being. She is invested in reminding us of our resilience and magic through her cosmic music and style. Join us in conversation with Lady Moon and at her live performance with her group Lady Moon and the Eclipse at the Sultan Room, NYC on Thursday, March 21st! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical Email: makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com Foll...2024-03-201h 06

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 3 | The Duality of Pop Culture & Jazz CultureMel and Yunie chat about everything from Pop culture, sports, good reads, jam session culture, new music and even Beyonce. Why? Because Jazz girls [and Jazz folks] are not a monolith, and neither is this podcast. So get into it! Trill Reads: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron Trill Tracks: "If We Praise, We Are Beautiful" Sean Mason "Trigger" Stout We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts and what you'd like to hear on the podcast! ❤️ DM: @makejazztrillagainoffical E...2024-03-155h 10

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 2 | Michela Lerman: Roots of a HooferMelanie and Yunie sit down with the one of a kind Tap dancer, Jazz Hoofer, musician and band leader Michela Lerman. They cover her story from mentorship to her direction of artistry and sound. Many people think of tap dancers from the broadway and dance company perspective, but Michela comes from the school of hoofers. Interacting and creating collectively with musicians, incorporating dance, polyrhythms, percussion and rhythm. This is such a great episode, so get into it!! We need your feedback! Please let us know your thoughts, likes, and what you'd like to hear on the po...2024-02-021h 07

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastSZN 2 Episode 1 | New Year, Same PodcastSup y'all? You missed us?! Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back and here for season 2! Melanie and Yunie catch up on life and share their takes on topics from Jonathan Majors, Andre 3000's new album to the color purple and Taraji P. Henson's outpour on Black women being paid fairly. Also, they share their trill tracks, Yunie's trill sports minute, and what we've been listening to and reading lately. Tap in and get into it! Trill Tracks: “Solid Plan” Larry June, Action Bronson, The Alchemist “Is It a Crime” Sade Must read...2024-01-199h 32

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 13 | Is Every Cis A Sista?... With Special Guest Jack FullerMelanie and Yunie sit down with artist, musician and songwriter, Jack Fuller. They discuss the many facets of gender and gender identity. As many of us have seen in the ethers, blogs, YouTube and internets, the cultural war between our transgendered sisters and cis gendered sisters. In this special episode with Jack Fuller, recorded during pride month, Melanie and Yunie sought out to create a safe space where they can air out misunderstandings, confusions and even our traumas. At the end of the day we all want to me seen, heard, understood, and we all just want love and safe...2023-08-021h 18

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 12 | Back like we never left! Melanie & Yunie Chop it up!It's been a little while, but we're back! Mel and Yunie chop it up, catch up, talk about everything from music, movies, tv, basketball and what's happening this summer -- SummerStage, Tour, gigs, all that that good stuff. Stay tuned new episodes with some amazing guests!! Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo Questions / comments? Email us at makejazztrillagainpodcast@gmail.com 2023-06-094h 30

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 11 | Aligning Diversity Values with Artistic Programming with Special Guest Raynel FrazierIn this Episode your hosts Melanie and Yunie catch up with their long time friend, colleague and fellow musician, Raynel Frazier. Raynel shares her experiences as an arts administrator, and musician, all while studying for her doctorate in Organizational Development and Change. She’s a Trill superwoman to say the least!! The ladies also get into some interesting conversations about the “trendy” corporate topic – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in relation to belonging. We learned A LOT but also had some laughs along the way, so get into this episode with us! About Raynel Frazier Raynel Fra...2023-02-171h 02

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 10 | I Don’t Break, I Bend and Snap Back! - Special Guest Endea OwensIf you don’t know who Endea Owens is, you are about to find out! Trill hosts, Melanie Charles and Yunie Mojica sit down with Detroit native, NYC Bassist, Endea Owens and chat about her humble beginnings, journey to New York, the support received and the challenges she endures as a black woman. Endea Shares her faith in God, successes, challenges, inspirations, new music, fashion and her initiative to feed communities in need throughout the New York, the “Community Cookout”. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do! Presented with Support for Winter Jazz Fest (Jan...2023-01-091h 02

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 9 | Give the Drummer Some! - Special Guest Savannah HarrisIn this episode, Melanie and Yunie catch up with their friend who happens to be one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene, Savannah Harris! These ladies get into so many key topics around being a musician in today’s ever changing times. From the importance of mentorship, touring as a drummer, fashion, femininity as a musician and even dating. Savannah shares the impactful mentorship she’s had with the late great Geri Allen, the process of being in Christian McBride’s band, and of course… a round of Trill Trivia! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest...2022-10-211h 13

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 8 | The Real Side of Christian McBrideWe got a very special guest in the house ya’ll!! The legendary Philly bassist, band leader, festival curator and Grammy award winning recording artist, THEE Christian McBride aka DJ Brother Mister!!! Your hosts, Melanie and Yunie kick it with McBride in the realest most trillest way, chatting about the legendary album Parker’s Mood, how he became a DJ, what it’s been like being the Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, stories about the late great Roy Hargrove and so much more. They even get Christian to spill some tea and indulge in the infamous Trill Trivia...2022-09-231h 20

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 7 | Summer Recap: Jazz Festivals Part IIMel and Yunie catch up and continue the conversation around Festival Season! The ups and downs, the history, a behind the scenes look at touring, booking, programming, and even budgets and pay💰!! I mean, where does all this money come from anyway?! Come chill with the Trill girls and get into this podcast! Remember, whatever you do… remember to Make Jazz Trill Again!! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Follow Melanie Charles: @melaniecharlesisdflower | melaniecharles.com Follow Yunie Mojica: @Yuniemo Links mentioned: AceMo Album Release “Wanna Play House”: https://acem...2022-09-096h 49

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 6 | Summer Recap: Jazz Festivals and Jazz PoliceMake Jazz Trill Again Podcast is back! Instead of comin to you live at a Trill event, Mel and Yunie are bringing you the podcast in true podcast form, remote from the east and west coasts. Tap in and get a chance to catch up with the Trill girls about Summer Festivals reemerging, their hot takes on the “Jazz Police”, industry topics around music, Jazz, deals and contracts and so much more. Get into it here with Yunie and Mel, and remember, whatever you do… remember to Make Jazz Trill Again!! Presented with support from Winter J...2022-08-2647 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 3 | Live at Nublu with Special Guest China MosesIn this episode, Melanie and Yunie get a chance to sit down with the multi-talented vocalist, musician, composer, VJ and radio personality, China Moses! They get deep into China’s childhood stories, lessons, music, the everyday life of being an artist, and some Trill Trivia! If you missed out on this live experience, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: Nublu | 151 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009 Follow and Find China Moses here: http://chinamoses.com/ (IG: @chinamoses) 2022-08-251h 01

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 5 | Live in LA at 2220 Arts + Archives with Special Guest Harmony HolidayIn this episode, MJTA hosts Melanie and Yunie are live in LA!!!! Recorded at the new performing arts venue, 2220 Arts + Archives with a special guest Author, Poet and Activist and Resident Programmer of 2220 Arts + Archives, Harmony Holiday. They celebrate Holiday’s most recent release of her book Maafa, and get deep into multiple topics about Harmony’s research and book on Abbey Lincoln, storytelling, censorship, sampling, and other masters such as Max Roach, Amiri Baraka, and Charles Mingus. If you missed out on this live experience back in April 2022, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here! Presen...2022-07-2145 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 4 | Live at Nublu with Special Guest Keanna Faircloth & Jeanette BerryIn this episode, Melanie and Yunie sit down with not one but two special guests! DC native, Radio personality, writer for New Music NPR and fellow podcaster, Keannna Faircloth and Jazz, R&B, Funk, Neo-Soul vocalist and activist, Jeanette Berry. They get deep into multiple topics on music selection, influences, mentorship, being an underdog, and of course.. Trill Trivia! If you missed out on this live experience back in February, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: Nublu | 151 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009 2022-04-2055 min

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 2 | Live at Nublu with Special Guest Kendra FosterMelanie and Yunie kick off the Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast live at Nublu with special guest Grammy-Award winning songwriter and vocalist, Kendra Foster! This episode is filled with gems, stories, advice, trill trivia and a straight up good time. If you missed out on this live experience, now’s a chance to catch the vibe here! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: Nublu | 151 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009 Kendra Foster website: www.kendrafoster.net (IG: @mzkendrafoster / @kfcreativecritiques) 2022-03-241h 06

Make Jazz Trill Again PodcastEpisode 1 | Winter Jazz Fest 2022 with Special Guest Nikara WarrenWelcome to the first episode of the “Make Jazz Trill Again Podcast” Hosted by Melanie Charles & Yunie Mojica! In this first episode, both Melanie and Yunie introduce themselves and highlight special guest Vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader, Nikara Warren. They get into Nikara’s inspiration behind her band and debut album NIKARA presents Black Wall Street, and much more! Presented with support from Winter Jazz Fest Recorded Live at: HighBreedMusic Lounge in Brooklyn, NY Where to find Nikara Warren: IG: @Nikaramusic http://www.nikarawarren.com/ Purchase Nikara’s Debut Album: h...2022-03-2333 min