Series: Musical Showcase

Jackson Whalan is a lyricist and producer who creates eclectic hip-hop with a modern flair to invoke positive social change. He started rapping and making beats at age 11 when he discovered that the power of hip-hop gave him unstoppable purpose. In 2008, at age 17, he performed at United Nations Headquarters and again in 2013 to support the International Day of Peace. In addition to consistently releasing his own music and videos, Jackson also produces and engineers in recording studios for other artists. His music has been featured in film and television and he has toured throughout the United States, most recently as direct support for Moon Hooch. Whalan has an extensive catalog of original and collaborative albums, EPs and singles, and he has worked and performed alongside a diverse spectrum of artists, including Talib Kweli, The Arcitype, Mr. Lif, Dave Eggar, Myka 9, Esseks, Space Jesus, Jade Cicada, Honeycomb and countless others. Jackson is known for his freestyle rapping at shows and is widely recognized for his comical side, expressed in his S.N.A.G. (Sensitive New Age Guy) music video. A graduate of The New School in New York City, Jackson now resides in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. He is currently focusing on his live band project in order to transform his live performance into an unforgettable experience for listeners near and far. More info at https://www.jacksonwhalan.com/

Producer

Jack Criddle

Series

Musical Showcase

Category

Studio Shows & Interviews

Jackson Whalan is a lyricist and producer who creates eclectic hip-hop with a modern flair to invoke positive social change. He started rapping and making beats at age 11 when he discovered that the power of hip-hop gave him unstoppable purpose. In 2008, at age 17, he performed at United Nations Headquarters and again in 2013 to support the International Day of Peace. In addition to consistently releasing his own music and videos, Jackson also produces and engineers in recording studios for other artists. His music has been featured in film and television and he has toured throughout the United States, most recently as direct support for Moon Hooch. Whalan has an extensive catalog of original and collaborative albums, EPs and singles, and he has worked and performed alongside a diverse spectrum of artists, including Talib Kweli, The Arcitype, Mr. Lif, Dave Eggar, Myka 9, Esseks, Space Jesus, Jade Cicada, Honeycomb and countless others. Jackson is known for his freestyle rapping at shows and is widely recognized for his comical side, expressed in his S.N.A.G. (Sensitive New Age Guy) music video. A graduate of The New School in New York City, Jackson now resides in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. He is currently focusing on his live band project in order to transform his live performance into an unforgettable experience for listeners near and far. More info at https://www.jacksonwhalan.com/

Producer

Jack Criddle

Series

Musical Showcase

Category

Studio Shows & Interviews

Praised by NPR for their “upbeat, poppy vibe; energetic, driving rhythms" and "virtuosic solos,” Twisted Pine has quickly become one of the most acclaimed young string bands in the Northeast. Audiences across the US and UK have been drawn to their forthright songwriting, lush harmonies, musical daring, and charismatic appeal. Steeped in traditional music, these musicians are also fearless, tuneful improvisers and passionate lovers of pop. Fiddler Kathleen Parks' command of the vocal mic is as charming as it is gutsy. On her instrument, Parks is an insatiable risk-taker, seeking out exciting new musical territories. Mandolinist Dan Bui is a master of melody and drive, celebrated widely for his dexterous, tasteful picking. And bassist Chris Sartori holds down the low end and a lot more, introducing creative, funk-inflected cadences that never overwhelm the beat. But while it’s easy to celebrate each of the band members individually, Twisted Pine is more than a collection of talented musicians - it’s a unit that grooves together. Their intricate arrangements of swelling, syncopated rhythm and precise instrumental interplay bring the enveloping sound and hooks of indie pop to an acoustic instrumental setting. You’ll find Twisted Pine on stages large and small, entertaining festivals of thousands and intimate rooms alike. Winners of the 2018 Boston Music Award's Americana Artist of the Year and selected as one of Improper Bostonian's 2018 "Top 10 Local Acts on the Rise," Twisted Pine has played major events from Grey Fox to DelFest to Glasgow’s Celtic Connections and beyond. “They absolutely rule their musical world with humor and relish,” says legendary fiddler Darol Anger. Twisted Pine released its debut, self-titled album of original music in 2017, followed in 2018 by Dreams, an EP of “wildly innovative covers… full of spark, light, and irresistible force” according to PopMatters. Check out Twisted Pine on tour and see why the Boston Globe calls them “a wider version of stringband, boundary jumpers akin to outfits like Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek, and Crooked Still.”

Producer

Jack Criddle

Series

Musical Showcase

Category

Studio Shows & Interviews

Darling Valley is a quartet of two married couples making music from the comfort of their homes in Upstate NY. Sometimes the songs are folky, sometimes they're louder. They released their full-length album CROOKED ORCHARDS in 2016, then half the band had a baby. A new collection of songs called WATCH THE WORLD GO BY is coming on June 23, 2017, then the other half of the band is having a baby. Carrying on their elegant, powerful, folky sound, the new five-song EP was recorded in band member TJ Foster’s home studio. (“Yes, there are probably baby noises in the background of at least one of the tracks,” quips guitarist Jordan Stewart.) DV’s beautiful harmonies, driving beat and poignant lyrics touch on love being both difficult and amazing, and trying to appreciate the good things: “Is there light among the dark? / Is there a fire in your heart? / 'Cus I can't refrain from the chase even though it's harder every day / I'm not as young as I once was / And I struggle to accept I need to change,” the band sings on the EP's title track. “I like that this EP has a lot of contrasts in it,” says Stewart. “It has some of our quietest songs (“Love Is Kind”) and some of our loudest (“I Want To Live…”) - some of our happiest moments (“Journey”) to some of the darkest (“Holy Water”). The title track acts as the middle ground between all of that, a commentary on feeling disconnected from the world, but still trying to appreciate that there is always time for change.” WATCH THE WORLD GO BY is available now on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music and all other digital distributors via Sounds & Tones Records. You can also find their debut full-length CROOKED ORCHARDS on those same outlets. For more information and booking, visit www.darlingvalleyband.com.

Producer

Jack Criddle

Series

Musical Showcase

Category

Studio Shows & Interviews