Shows
TurnOntheACSeason 3, Episode 5: Maral – Mixtape Love Language, Samples of Home, and Meaningful ExchangesOver 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 collaborations with the trailblazing artists of today.
Maral hosts a monthly show on Dublab, has an exciting tour schedule lined up for the rest of 2023 (including opening for legends Panda...
2023-07-1239 min
TurnOntheACSeason 3, Episode 4: REHMA – Glam Pop, Cultural Fusion, and Brown Girl MagicREHMA 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 "booty" qualities in contemporary sounds and the brilliant makers behind the music who have influenced REHMA over the years. She discusses what it was like navigating the creative process with other artists remo...
2023-06-0235 min
TurnOntheACSeason 3, Episode 3: Synead – Expansion, Abundance, and The Spice of LifeAlex 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 tells us all about her most recent EP titled The Pum Pum Room, which was inspired by her experience working a variety of service i...
2023-05-1235 min
TurnOntheACSeason 3 Episode 2: Harve – Silver Linings, Sounds of South London, and Finding a Voice Through Times of TransitionIn 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 their name and origin in music, to their partner who inspired their last single, “She’s So Kind”).
Harve reveals how finding their place in a community of creators, particularly non-binary creators...
2023-04-2137 min
TurnOntheACSeason 3 Episode 1: Junior Mesa – DIY Lord, Living without Fear, and Finding Goofballs with Good HeartsWe 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 humble beginnings in YouTube Dubstep) and the emotional complexity of navigating life and relationships in the 21st century.
Junior discusses the support systems that...
2023-04-0730 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 6: Maddee - Season of Love, Döner Kebab & Soulful Seventies PopOn 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 lows, love and loss. She shares her experience gaining inspiration from her queer peers and how coming out changed the course of her music, resulting in more honest lyrics and just saying what she means...
2022-07-1532 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 5: Lily Rayne - Rhode Girl, Missy meets Mean Girls, and Sleeping on a GemOn 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, she’s been recognized for her striking visualizers that accompany her projects. She talks to us about the balance between being a badass and showing a softer side, admiring the paths trail-blazed by the likes of Mi...
2022-06-1029 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 4: Mei - Lunar Luck, Cosmic Birthdays, and Rebranding BrandtOn 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 Asian representation, over his formative years Mei was inducted into the world of music through Youtube, where he absorbed the talents of his heroes through watching covers on repeat and grew...
2022-03-2428 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 3: Jordan Hawkins - Fitted Fluidity, Stage Presence, and the Magic of the Nor-So-Cal Music CommunityOn 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 prove his musical growth in his recent release “Honey” with up and coming hip hop duo, EarthGang. Hailing originally from Greensborough, North Carolina, Jordan calls Los Angeles home, where he fin...
2022-03-0330 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 2: V.C.R. - Minnie Riperton, Memphis Roots, and the Angel JourneyOn 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 has fiddled in accompaniment with acts like Fiona Apple, Burna Boy, Yaya Bey, Pink Siifu, Tolliver, and Kid Cudi. As a self-identified extroverted introvert, V oscillates between quietly soaking up the wisdom and power...
2022-02-0931 min
TurnOntheACSeason 2 Episode 1: Miso Extra - Bilingual Flair, Bending it like Beckham, and Building TasteOn 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 her Asian identity through her ability to communicate in both English and Japanese.
She tells us, “If you use humor, or if you can disguise things in a way tha...
2022-01-2634 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 7: Anjimile - Spirituality, Seizing Joy, and Being the Lion King BoyOn 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 people feel seen and accepted. You can find him everywhere @anjimile
2021-07-1440 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 6: Eileen Sho Ji - Recalibration, long term relations, and the Renaissance to comeOn 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 Kill My Vibe with Kendrick Lamar. She was slated to appear on the track but it was scrapped. Her version titled “LG Mix” was later released.
2021-05-2745 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 5: Unusual Demont - Angsty Dads, Hues, and Views of the FutureIn 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 slow burn of Alex’s bedside incense and Anna’s bathtub candles. But don’t underestimate him based off his easygoing energy, because at the precarious age of 21 he’s already checked off most of his life...
2021-04-2938 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 4: Running on Everything - Jazz Business Caj, Being Objectified, and the Flavors we SaveOn 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 pop bangers they’e currently making, and the erasure of Asian women in the music industry. You’ll hear clips from two of their songs, one at the beginning of the episode and one at t...
2021-04-1439 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 3: King Isis - Scarification, gentrification, and all the sparkly moments along the journey towards self love + growthOn 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 searching @ItsKingIsis !
2021-03-1837 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 2: Dos Leches - Marching band, milk, and the genre of being genrelessOn 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 !
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2021-03-0153 min
TurnOntheACEpisode 1: Alex & Anna - How many times can we use the adjective "amazing" in one sitting!?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: www.turnontheac.com
Follow on Instagram: @turnontheac
2021-02-1245 min
TurnOntheACIntroducing TurnOntheAC!Monthly podcast elevating and amplifying the voices of underrepresented artists making powerful music. Hosted by Alex Coustar and Anna Chang. www.turnontheac.com
2021-01-2200 min