Your Trip is Short Radio

One year post-Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis and my new relationship with alcohol, six months of a job that I really love, and everyone needing someone to talk to.  Listen to Your Trip Is Short on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/0lMt6G58pPF3ycHlFWUbr5Listen to the No Thought Required episode where I discuss my drinking more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TJx1kWOJx1s4b1BGuf5Le?si=a0c051ad471c4eed

I've always had a beef with Spotify's algorithm when it comes to the "Radio" feature. Why play me what I'm always listening to? Oh yeah, it's just like commercial radio! So, I've had more success listening to a single, and then letting it continue to play. Then you get music based on that song, and not just on that band. That's how I discovered today's Musical Advent band, Radio Moscow. They're a power-trio, psych-rock, stoner rock band from Iowa. IOWA? Yup, Iowa. Enjoy. 

Get this episode and all 10 songs on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjfJph8rDdFdaowsM3XZFAnI 

On the web at http://radiomoscow.net/

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiomoscowband

THE show I was most bummed about missing in 2022 was Neal Francis. And I had tickets, too! A Chicago-based blues/soul/funk quartet fronted by Neal on vocals and keys came to Backside 405, and I unfortunately couldn't get out of my work shift at The Spanked Puppy. You might have heard of Neal as he's been blowing up on the scene as of late, but just in case you have not, here is my latest artist in my 2022 Musical Advent

His official website: https://www.nealfrancis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealfrancismusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealfrancismusic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhPMSEcvddeNcjTSs7TFjg 

I have access to Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and the internet in general, yet I find it harder than ever to find that new music that catches my ear. When I do, you can be sure you'll hear about it. Was definitely taken aback by the live performance of Town Meeting earlier this year at Foam Brewers in Burlington, VT. I had never heard them before that week, but boy am I glad I saw them. One of the most energetic, uplifting, fun, and emotional sets I've seen in a long, long time. Do not miss this great new Americana-type act.

Check out this full podcast episode and ten-song set on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjcBgmSu-KT2nyy89EMihbDy

On the web at https://www.townmeetingmusic.com/

On the Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TownMeeting/

On the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/townmeetingband/

I've been on the Dogs in a Pile train since January of 2020, when the infamous Cajun Jim asked me down to Orlando's to check out this band he'd caught live the previous Summer. Well, one show and I was hooked. MANY are now hearing about DIAP, hailing from Asbury Park, and with each show, more and more "Pile" on the bandwagon.   A phenomenal young quintet led by the dueling guitars of Brian Murray and Jimmy Law, each player is a superb talent on their own. Together, they are MAGICSAUCE.  DO NOT MISS. 

My YouTube playlist has some special LIVE tracks that the Spotify episode does not have:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjdiL4RqP5Cdi1q91zUMJjZn

Their official website is https://www.dogsinapileofficial.com/

Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/dogsinapileband/

Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/dogsinapileNJ/

YouTube, where release many HQ videos is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1c4Bs4RuVMQULhEfJw3PQ

The Ballroom Thieves - (now) husband and wife duo of guitarist/vocalist Martin Earley and bassist/cello/vocalist Callie Peters are both breathtaking live by themselves and on record. But when they are augmented by a fantastic jazz-based drummer (who also plays keyboards, and another guitarist (who also plays keyboards)? EVEN BETTER. A fantastic live set last night at Higher Ground made me realize, they must be shared as part of my Musical Advent. So, here you go. 

Listen to this entire episode AND the ten-song set on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjeOKyamqIBT3DJFgnl9N4qk

The official website: https://www.ballroomthieves.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballroomthieves/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballroomthieves

They tweet! https://twitter.com/BallroomThieves

And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBallroomthieves

It's been a bit since an opening act has blown me away, but catching Moxie on stage at Higher Ground one evening in 2022 did just that. I wish I had shown up earlier! From Brattleboro, Vermont, this female-led quartet has some great jazzy-soul-funk sounds and I'm definitely awaiting their next full release. I hope you enjoy them.

Check out this intro, along with the entire playlist (including official videos) on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjcLeUQX1aQJhDq6uUNsq80B 

Their official website is https://www.moxie-band.com/

Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/moxiethebandvt/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/moxietheband/

Haven't heard of hip hop duo Joey Valence & Brae? No surprise there. Made up of two 22-year-olds from Centre County, Pennsylvania, they met at Penn State and haven't been on the scene for long. With their latest release, "Tanaka 2" featuring the one and only Logic, they'll be well known soon. They certainly do sound like early Beastie Boys, but since when is that a bad thing? I saw them at Higher Ground and they bring the energy. Keep your ears open for more of these guys soon.

You can check out this podcast, and all of the associated official Joey Valence & Brae videos here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjcnPcBlLz2hHvnupFOAf69N 

Their official website is https://www.jvbtour.com/

Their YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCby-lf41M60E1YjSFhZlYlQ

Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jvbsucks/ 

Described on Reddit as indietronic pop-folk-funk dance, embellished with sincere, emotional vocals and irresistible jams, I really couldn't agree more. Fronted by Mandy Lee, MisterWives "Decide to Be Happy" has been a mantra, of sorts, for me as of late. I hope you enjoy these selections.

You can check this episode out on YouTube, along with all of the official Videos for the songs shared here at: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCuL-mArBcY&list=PL7HFMXtVFBjesrsuB26RmI6WW6diUkUrx

Check out the aforementioned No Thought Required Podcast: https://www.ntrshow.com

MisterWives official website https://www.misterwives.com/

MisterWives Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MisterWives

MisterWives Instagram https://www.instagram.com/misterwives/

MisterWives on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@misterwives

Running a bit behind on my Musical Advent and catching up Day 3 and Day 4 late on Day 4.  Thanks for bearing with me. Today's gift to you is Abhi the Nomad, an Indian-born rapper that now lives in Austin, TX.  Not certain how I discovered Abhi the Nomad, but I'm glad I did. His Abhi vs the Universe release is a must listen. 

You can check out my intro and all the official videos for this playlist on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjeBQ_RWsHXqaRW3srui8MzB

Check him out on his website at https://www.abhithenomad.com/

Abhi is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/abhithenomad/?hl=en

His Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/abhithenomad

And on the second day of my Musical Advent, my gift to you is Bella White. 

"The twenty-two year-old singer/songwriter and instrumentalist shys away from modern and fussy arrangements, and instead brings a traditional style of music into the contemporary moment by personalizing it to her own experiences.  “I want people my age to hear my music, and think, actually Bluegrass is kind of cool”, she says."

Check out my YouTube playlist, including official videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7HFMXtVFBjf7Db7iy7VvyuUT_7fovm9_ 

https://bellawhitemusic.com/ on the web

https://www.facebook.com/thebellawhitemusic on Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/bellawhitemusic/ on Instagram

https://twitter.com/bellawhitemusic/ on Twitter

What I've missed most about being behind the microphone is what comes when I'm done talking: sharing music.  With it being December 1, 2022, I thought I would reintroduce my Musical Advent. 24 gifts to you leading up to Christmas. My hopes this year is I bring 24 new artists to you that you've never heard. 

On Day 1, I bring you Drayton Farley: 

https://draytonfarley.com/ on the web 

https://www.facebook.com/DraytonFarleyOfficial on Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/draytonfarleymusic/ on Instagram

https://www.tiktok.com/@draytonfarleymusic on TikTok

I had a few chances to do "that thing" that brings me joy over the past few days - see live music. I hope you have that thing in your life. Or you're searching for it. Whether it's recording podcasts, seeing music or visiting with friends, it's the thing that you always want more of, no matter how often you do it. 

Today marks day 60 since I've had to give up drinking due to my diagnosis and prescribed medication. Having a hard time adapting to the situations where I used alcohol as a social lubricant...

With that, I guested on 'No Thought Required' once again with Troy Millette: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-48

And BIG congratulations to my friend, Mel Allen, and bringing his "Highway to Mel" show on 106.7 WIZN to the MORNINGS! https://www.wizn.com/mel-allen/ 

With yet another musician - Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters - being taken from us much too soon, it's hard not to mention him here. Nine other bands or musicians whose lives were taken from us abruptly are also featured on this episode. 

And Episode 47 from No Thought Required is out now, featuring yours truly and Troy Millette on the guest mics. If you need a laugh or just a new pod to check out, please do so: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-47. 

Ever since my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis on 2/2/22, and I've had my medication, I've done my best to not let it limit me. Why let my thinking be limited as well? The brain is one powerful being. Don't let yours limit you. 

It's the first full day or Spring! Thankfully, another Vermont winter seems to be behind us. This one, though not typically bad - temperature or snow-wise - it was horribly long due to how I spent a few months - stuck on my rear. 

Starting your week off with a musical Monday. 10 new artists to you perhaps? Hopefully at least 10 new songs. Had a great weekend, as I hope you did. They've been recharging as of late.

Reminder that Troy Millette is still raising funds for his SXSW trip (he's going!) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/get-troy-millette-to-sxsw-in-austin-texas#/

And the Brunch Bunch got back together for a No Thought Required podcast yesterday: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-46 

My friend Troy Milette has an opportunity of a lifetime, but he needs help. South by Southwest, or SXSW, is one of the biggest music "festivals" on the scene. It's the OG. And Troy has the opportunity to fill in two singer/songwriter slots in 10 days, but could use a hand raising some funds to make the trip. Have a dollar to spare? Or $20? Or more? He has started an Indiegogo to get there and if you're able, PLEASE lend a hand:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/get-troy-millette-to-sxsw-in-austin-texas#/

There are some great perks, including custom merchandise, house parties and more as thank yous for the funding.

I've guested with Troy a few times on the No Thought Required Podcast, and they're helping out by promoting this as well on an episode you can grab here: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-45 

Thank you very much for listening and for helping one of the good guys out. 

https://troymillettemusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/troy_millette

After a very enjoyable visit with my eldest daughter, who is travelling back home to Long Beach, California, back behind the mic for a quick episode. It's Town Meeting Day in Vermont, and it shouldn't take a Presidential Election for you to vote. Do it! And if you have children under 18, bring them along and tell them the importance.

Also, be sure to check out Pauly V. and Rev on The No Thought Required Podcast.  https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes

Peace.

We're in the start of nine consecutive palindromic days - they are the same backwards and forwards. Think of these dates like you can live your life. You can live in backwards - in thoughts, in memories or days past - or you can live it forwards. With new thoughts, new experiences, new habits, new beliefs. I'm choosing the latter.

A hump day episode of Your Trip is Short. Four in one week! Shaking up the normal schedule as of late and celebrating the small wins. The end of winter is right around the corner, so celebrate accordingly. 

Why must love be celebrated on Valentine's Day annually? If you know love or have love or emit love, why not show it daily? Weekly? Monthly? Why must one wait for a Hallmark Holiday? Enjoy these 10 songs. 

For some levity in lieu of love, check out the latest No Thought Required podcast that I guest on: 

https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-43

Two days in a row? It's a 2022 miracle! I talk about my voice, my want to do this more and my friends Troy Milette and Andrew James and their brand new Warped Record Podcast.  Listen to that hear on Spotify Premium https://open.spotify.com/show/6QDqPD6vpAcJS5NDj1dYz2?si=a56a05b5caa14623

or Anchor here:

https://anchor.fm/warpedrecordpodcast?fbclid=IwAR0rBP3ZAMV1VSSzrDKWP630O92gQRoxBts2dTMyqfHdtb_nIBTSIfwsnPU 

September 8, 2021 and it's Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day for Derek Jeter, Larry Walker and Ted Simmons.  After sitting in on the No Thought Required Podcast over the weekend (https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-26) with Paulie V. and Rev Scoop, I was inspired to release another podcast.  Also been re-focusing on my walks and my health since September arrived and continuing to hope for some motivation to release more episodes here. Thanks for listening. 

Back and recharged a bit after two great weekends, including one Atlantic City seeing Phish with friends, and then another with a going away gathering of old friends and a great beer festival. Feeling a bit more like myself and trying to get out of this rut that I've found myself in for a few months.  Enjoy twenty songs that Phish has covered over the years. 

Jim Kwik said today: "Most of the time we feel burnt out and tired not because we've done too much, but because we've done to little of what makes us come alive" and I heard that. After seeing some live music and baseball games of late, it's returning me to normal, but not fast enough. 

Been hard to find solid footing and create a good groove for the podcast since I stopped around Christmas after the Musical Advent.  Going to do my best to put out at least a few a week. It's all about finding some music to share. Have a suggestion? Drop me a line at yourtripisshortradio@gmail.com

Apologies on the audio of my intro from Monday's podcast and the lack of back selling.  It's been an interesting five days to say the least. Thank you to my friends for being there, as well as for music. Music is always there. It's great for a mental reset. And it only takes a song. A brief moment. Be music. Music is love. 

Monday, March 15, 2021.  What a year it has been. We're ALL dealing with it. We're all in this together. The light IS at the end of the tunnel. Turn to the support you need. Is it music? Is it friends? Is it therapy? You do you. Whatever that is. 

A piece of music news shared on Twitter caught my eye today and it struck me that I could start developing themes of the music playlist, as well as know more of what I'm going to say when I open my mouth if I do my part to share a bit of news. So, when I read that Billy Strings will play The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY for "The Déjà Vu Experiment" a 6 show residency to mark the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's six-night run there in February 1971, it got me thinking..... 

While these shows are all going to be live-streamed, with the first and last on Twitch for free, how long until we start seeing limited capacity shows where the venue also produces a live stream and the venue makes that available for "admission"?  With no immediate 100% capacity shows in sight, I think that any venue that can flex to this model is going to reap the benefits of our desire to see any live music played out live and produced to a high level of audio and video quality.  That's just my opinion, but I believe it has potential as a legit musical outlet in 2021 and maybe even beyond.

Enjoy ten songs from the aforementioned Billy Strings, interspersed with 10 different bluegrass legends in this episode 51 of Your Trip Is Short. 

I've hit the mid-century mark in podcast episodes since November 9th and would probably have a good dozen more if I hadn't taken three weeks off! Maybe it's just me, but turns out the Anchor / Spotify interface on the desktop just got easier, so perhaps the song selections may be easier in the future.  Dropping 20 funk-infused tracks as we celebrate the BIG 50 here on Your Trip Is Short. I hope you enjoy this long twenty song set. 

I so did not mean to take a three week bread after wrapping the Musical Advent on December 24, 2020. But, sh*t happens, right? Unfortunately, 2020 didn't seem to magically go away on January 1st, but what can we do? Counting down the days until 46 is inaugurated and 45 (hopefully) goes away forever, I promise I will do my best to get back on the airwaves more consistently. Enjoy this ten song set that sees the YTIS debut of Fantastic Negrito, Lauryn Hill and Upstate. 

The Musical Advent wraps on Christmas Eve, with this episode barely going up before midnight EST. Santa comes in just minutes to our house, hence the delay in getting things posted. It's been a fun 23 days trying to decide what artists to share with you. While I had thoughts on Zeppelin or The Doors,  and had a few others that I wanted to get to throughout the month, the 24 day wraps with the one and only Grateful Dead. 13 studio albums to the credit, starting in 1967 and going through 1989 and I hope you enjoy one track of each. Wishing you a very Jerry Christmas! I hope you enjoy the Grateful Dead.