Shellcast with The Overton Park Shell

On today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with the talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anand Wilder. They spoke about his musical experiences as a kid growing up in Baltimore, his debut solo album, and some brand new musical endeavors. Anand was a ton of fun to talk to; we think you're going to love this one!

In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Mike McCarthy, Memphis based film maker, sculptor, and all around creative. They spoke about Mike's upcoming psychedelic documentary film, working with John McIntire, and his unabashed love of Memphis! Mike's story is a fascinating one, and you wont want to miss it!

In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Cyrena Wages, Memphis based singer/songwriter. They spoke about Cyrena's upcoming record, working with grammy winning producer Matt Ross-Spang, and the thing that brought her back home after years working in the hectic music world of Nashville. Cyrena drops a lot of truth bombs in this one and you won't want to miss it!

In today's episode our host McKenzii spoke with Jackie Venson, Austin, TX based singer/songwriter/guitar virtuoso/producer/dj. They spoke about Jackie's journey with streaming and how it kept her afloat throughout 2020, how to make it in the music biz, and so much more! Jackie is hilarious and this interview is a ton of fun. You won't wanna miss this one!

In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Jeff Hulett, of the Memphis based band Snowglobe. They spoke about Jeff's latest releases (of which there are many), the status of Snowglobe, and his career in the PR world. Jeff is an amazing person all around, and a dear friend of The Shell and we couldn't be more excited to get to share his story with you!

In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with Daniel Weickenand, CEO of Orion Federal Credit Union. They spoke about his love of music, Orion's prioritization of community, his passion for music based community organizations, and more. It was such an inspiring conversation that you wont want to miss.

In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with singer-songwriter and perpetual side-man, Mark Edgar Stuart. They spoke about his beginnings as a classically trained upright bass player, his transition from Memphis' most in-demand bass player to becoming one of Memphis' favorite songwriters, his newest record "Until We Meet Again," and his newest venture into the world of producing. Mark is such a talent, and it was a delight chatting with him. You're going to love this episode!

In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with afro-latin rock band Making Movies. They spoke about how they got back to the core of being a band during the pandemic, their forthcoming new album “XOPA,” their love for Memphis and more. This is a super fun, thoughtful and hilarious episode; and you definitely won't want to miss it.

In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Dr Kevin Sanders, Director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. Dr Sanders has put together quite a resume. Besides holding multiple degrees in music from incredibly impressive institutions, he's performed with some of the finest orchestras in the world on five different continents, and of course has often been recorded. Fortunately for Memphis, and the world, his passion for music carries over into providing a solid, contemporary, and well rounded education in music to those who want it. His energy and vision have helped turn Memphis into a very desirable destination for talented students from near and far.

In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Al Gamble, currently best known as the keyboard player for St Paul & the Broken Bones, but he keeps a lot of irons in the fire. He still occasionally works with longtime Memphis favorites The City Champs, and is always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to share his musical talents with the world. They take a deep dive into Al's musical influences and look back at his impressive career; a career that begin with an epic performance at an assembly while he was in the first grade! He's a great musician, a true gentleman, and a lot of fun to talk to!

In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with the DJ collective Bodywerk - which includes Rmzi, DJ Chandler Blingg, Qemist, and ROSS. They spoke about the Memphis dance scene, how they found community during the pandemic, and how they are working to keep building community. This is a super fun and hilarious episode, and you won't want to miss it.

In today's episode, our host, Silver, spoke with Pastor, VP of Community Lending at Renasant Bank, AND as of January 1st, The Shell's new Board President, Evan Collins. They spoke about both the challenges and the opportunities for Evan and The Shell moving forward. This is a great conversation and you won't want to miss it!

In today's episode, our host, McKenzii, spoke with author, food scientist, and influencer, Ali Manning. They spoke about what sparked her interest in food science, her new children's book, and more.

In today's episode we're airing the second half of a special 2 part interview with Emmy and Grammy winning author, historian, and filmmaker Robert Gordon. Robert and Memphis musician Steve Selvidge sat down for a conversation about Robert's incredible book "It Came From Memphis," a book about the weirdos and winos who forged the Rock and Roll spirit, unwittingly changing the fabric of America. Music is what liberated the Memphis audience, and the world followed. Here's part two of our interview with Robert Gordon.

In today's episode we're airing the first half of a special 2 part interview with Emmy and Grammy winning author, historian, and filmmaker Robert Gordon. Robert and Memphis musician Steve Selvidge sat down for a conversation about Robert's incredible book "It Came From Memphis," a book about the weirdos and winos who forged the Rock and Roll spirit, unwittingly changing the fabric of America. Music is what liberated the Memphis audience, and the world followed. Here's part one of our interview with Robert Gordon.

In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Rev Neil Down, long-time member of the duo Deering & Down. Besides being a fantastic songwriter and musician, Rev Neil Down is a wanderer, traveler, and a collector of great stories. This is a super fun episode, so kick back and enjoy!

In today's episode our host, Mckenzii, spoke with Bartholomew Jones - founder of Cxffee Black, artist, and community organizer. They spoke about the growth of Cxffee Black, how he maintains a consistent output of music, his upcoming trip to Africa, and more.

In today's episode our host, McKenzii spoke with James Macon (AKA - Jaeti) the Occupy The Shell co-founder, artist, and community organizer. They spoke about how Occupy The Shell was started, community building, and how he navigates the ever changing landscape of Hip-Hop. This was a great conversation that you don't want to miss.

In today's episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Joe Restivo, the uber talented guitarist and member of the Bo-Keys, Detective Bureau, and The City Champs. They spoke about his time at the New School, the magic of Memphis music, and more. Joe is a staple of the music scene in Memphis, and you'll definitely want to hear what he has to say.

In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Reba Russell. If you're making a list of the very best singers in Memphis, Reba Russell is always going to be at the top of that list! She has over 40 years of experience as a Memphis musician. Silver and Reba discuss her own work, her stories of working with some of the absolute legends of music history, and what her new musical dreams are! This is an episode you may need to listen to twice, because it is just that good!

In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Robby Grant, founding member of the beloved Memphis based band Big Ass Truck, and current Executive Director of WYXR. They talked about the early days of making music with his friend Steve, his most recent solo album, and what it's like starting a terrestrial radio station in the middle of a global pandemic. This is a conversation you don't want to miss.

In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Austin TX based Americana artist Rob Baird. They spoke about staying creative AND working during such a hard period in our history.

In today's episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Sanjay Seran, the Vancouver based creative. They spoke about his band Delhi 2 Dublin, his solo endeavors, the power of meditation, and more.

Freeworld is pretty much a legendary Memphis band, so good they've got a brass note on Beale St. The band was founded over 30 years ago by Richard Cushing and Dr. Herman Green. Our host, Silver, spoke with Richard recently, and he shared some memories of Dr. Green, who we lost recently. They also talked about how you keep a band interesting and fun for over 30 years.

In today's episode, our host, Silver speaks with Madisen Ward. Madisen and his folk duo, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, have played two fantastic shows at the Levitt Shell over the years. Madisen and Silver talked about how some tough love from Mama Bear made him a better songwriter, and ultimately a better person, and about what it's like touring in a band with your mom.

Today's episode features Talibah Safiya, the talented, Memphis, multi-disciplined creative! She and our host, McKenzii spoke about Talibah's Deep Water Tour, her steady flow of musical releases throughout the pandemic, and how she's building community outside of just her music.

In today's Episode our host Silver chats with Tracy Lauritzen-Wright, Chief Operating Officer of Arts Memphis. They talk about how communities are healthier and more cohesive when they have a strong foundation in the arts, and what it's like supporting arts organizations AND individuals in and out of a global pandemic.

In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Rico Tha Akronym, creative-extraordinaire. They talk about his solo work, the impact of Negro Terror, and what it's been like as a creative during Covid.

In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Lar’Juanette Williams - Executive Director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. They spoke about the organization’s deep history, how their programming has been able to reach a wider audience, paying it forward, and more.

In today's episode, our host Silver Michaels speaks with Nick Black. Nick released his first album about a decade ago, and in those 10 years, he's become Memphis music royalty. Nick spoke about his time with the Victor Wainwright Band, and talked a lot about how a musician creates AND promotes himself in the midst of a global pandemic.

In today's episode our host, McKenzii, speaks with Marcella Simien - the Louisiana bred, Memphis based creative. They talk about how Marcella has continued to harness her creativity during the Pandemic, what she's learned over the last year, what she's looking forward to post-Covid, and more.

In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Brian Owens - the multi-hyphenate singer, songwriter, musician, activist and so much more. She spoke about his Homegrown Soul series, how he’s continued to build and maintain community during the pandemic, and more.

Welcome to the Shellcast! In today's episode, our host McKenzii Webster spoke with Elizabeth Cawein - founder of Music Export Memphis. They chat about the organization's virtual pivot, COVID's impact on the Memphis music community (and the music industry at large), her radio show on WYXR, and more! Check out our conversation with Elizabeth!