Podcast INDUSTRY TACTICS With FRIENDLY RICH

A stellar chat with Cone McCaslin of Sum41. This chat unpacks those early days making "All Killer, No Filler" at Metalworks Studios with producer Jerry Finn, where Friendly Rich acted as a runner. Through to an illustrious career in music, Cone shares openly what he has learned along the way. Prepare to be dazzled!…

Such a lovely talk with Nobu Adilman. The self-proclaimed professional amateur has lived many artistic lives, from hosting ZED on CBC to founding Choir! Choir! Choir! we talk about how he fell in love with creativity, and the influence of his family. We discuss the importance of rejection and ridicule in any career. Buckle up, this one's full of wi…

It's release day! Friendly Rich's MAN OUT OF TIME is now available on all streaming services and vinyl (ships internationally from https://friendlyrich.bandcamp.com/album/man-out-of-time)Go behind the scenes with Rich in this special episode to listen to each track, and some bonus material! Check out live dates at https://friendlyrich.com/tour/…

Rob Higgins is a polymath with a heart of gold. We talk about his band Dearly Beloved, the early days coming up in Change of Heart, a new pandemic record "Walker Park" (Sonic Unyon) and much more. We even talk about Rick Vaive. Enjoy!!!Oleh Friendly Rich

A supercut edition of Industry Tactics, dedicated to the memory of Mendelson Joe. This episode features appearances by Selina Martin, Maylee Todd, Trevor Dunn, Dave Clark, The Nihilist Spasm Band, Allison Cameron, R. Murray Schafer, Kid Koala, Bob Wiseman, Annelise Noronha, Nicole Rampersaud, Hawksley Workman, Renaldo & The Loaf, Homer Flynn, Robin…

Described by some as a “Renaissance Woman”, multi-talented Terra Hazelton is a Canadian singer, Genie Nominated actress, and radio personality. Originally from B.C., Terra became involved in professional theatre and comedy at the ripe age of 14, studying with the Internationally acclaimed Loose Moose Theatre Company. It was at that time she made fr…

A lovely little conversation with painter extraordinaire, Gregory Jacobsen. We discuss that beautiful line between visual art and experimental music, which Gregory has explored in such projects as Lovely Little Girls and Ritualistic School of Errors. From gregoryjacobsen.com "The work is absurd, grotesque, and a bit brutal, but I try to bring the v…

What a dynamic discussion with composer, performer, bandleader and lovely human - Sam Shalabi. Sam Shalabi is an Egyptian-Canadian composer, improviser and guitarist living between Montreal and Cairo. Starting out during the late 70s punk era, his work has evolved into an experimental synthesis of modern Arabic Music that incorporates free improvis…

An incredible discussion with composer and musician, Melody McKiver. Melody’s musical work integrates electronics with Western classical music to shape a new genre of Anishinaabe compositions. A proud member of Obishikokaang Lac Seul First Nation, Melody is currently Assistant Professor of Indigenous Music (tenure-track) with the Desaultels Faculty…

Friendly Rich sits with Mr. Let's Paint TV himself, John Kilduff from his studio in LA to talk about independent art and culture. John ran his own live public access show which continues to this day on YouTube and other platforms. He's painted alongside special guests such as Eric André, Zach Galifianakis and more, usually while on a treadmill or s…

A rare live taping of Industry Tactics! From Sept 16th 2022, co-presented by Guelph Jazz Festival and IICSI (International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation), this incredible episode expands upon our first chat (Ep. 62) with talented creative force - Nicole Rampersaud. We talk whale music, adjusting to East Coast living, perfect pitch…

From Brooklyn, New York we catch up with composer, guitarist and bandleader Simon Hanes. We talk about pep talks, his chamber ensemble Tredici Bacci, his music education, the mentorship of folks like JG Thirlwell and much more. Get into the wild universe of Simon Hanes!Oleh Friendly Rich

An inspiring chat with Italian composer, performer and scholar, Luciano Chessa. We discuss his music education, his professional career and of course, the Italian Futurists. Chessa wrote the renowned book "Luigi Russolo, Futurist: Noise, Visual Arts, and the Occult", we discuss Russolo and the Futurists at length. Let's get noisy with the mastic tr…

We sit down with jazz legend Brodie West to unpack some of his early jobs, his music education and even a phone call from his father. What a career in music, from studying noise (and jazz) at the Amsterdam Music Conservatory with Misha Mengelberg, to musical encounters with percussionist Han Bennink as well as The Ex -- Brodie has led such a rich m…

A talk with a true creative polymath, Keram Malicki Sanchez. We talk about his unique musical path, working with such artists as Alex Lifeson (Rush), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie) and much more. This episode certainly celebrates longevity in the creative arts. From his early days acting on the hit television series Catwalk, through to running a recor…

A great chat with Jay Pennington (aka Rusty Lazer), a New Orleans-based musician and organizer. He’s best known as the live DJ and creative partner of Sissy Bounce rapper Nicky Da B, and as the onetime manager of Big Freedia. In 2006 he co-founded the artist-driven nonprofit organization New Orleans Airlift. He helped create the Music Box Village, …

A lovely late-night chat with multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand from New Orleans. We unpack Nealand's 2017 masterpiece, "The Monocle" and much more. Whether you're a searcher or a believer, believe this: Aurora is a heavy-hitter who will leave you smiling. Get into it!Oleh Friendly Rich

From Rhino Party HQ we catch up with their fierce leader, Sébastien CoRhino. We not only talk about some inside party tactics, we also unpack his career in music with the collective LE GGRIL out of Rimouski, Quebec. Sébastien does a COVID test during the episode, and pure chaos oozes from nostril from there: including an historic appointment, a thi…

We get to talk with an accordion legend, Michael Ward-Bergeman a passionate performer, songwriter and composer. In 2011 he launched his GIG 365 project, which saw him performing at least one gig for every day of 2011. Performances took place at an incredibly diverse range of venues in over thirty-five states and nine countries. Highlights included …

Friendly Rich catches up with the great experimental artist Vicky Mettler, aka Kee Avil from her hometown of Montreal. They discuss her process and what led to her upcoming release "Crease" which comes out next Friday March 11, 2022. You get a sneak peak today into the wacky world of producer, guitarist and artist extraordinaire -- Kee Avil. Enjoy!…

From his bunker in San Francisco, we catch up with the godfather of weird, the elder statesperson of experimental music, the reason for the season -- none other than Homer Flynn.Homer Flynn is an American artist, graphic designer and businessman who is a founding member, co-owner and President of The Cryptic Corporation; the management firm who hav…

We go cross-continental on today's episode from Berlin to Brampton, with the great John Kameel Farah. We talk about his unique path to music, his one-of-a-kind compositions, with a side order of barbershop magazines, Bramalea bullies, and more!Oleh Friendly Rich

In this episode, we talk with jazz legend Richard Underhill of his early days coming up in Toronto, co-leading The Shuffle Demons, touring, promotion, even running for mayor!! Get on the right path with sax great, Richard Underhill. Enjoy the ride!Oleh Friendly Rich

The ever-evolving Aiyun Huang enjoys a musical life as soloist, chamber musician, researcher, teacher, and producer. In this episode we talk about her amazing career to date, and how she found her voice as an artist/educator. Bon appetit!Oleh Friendly Rich

This talk with Hugh Marsh goes all over the place, from his work on the Armageddon score to 3am phone calls from Robert Palmer. Hugh Marsh has had some incredible adventures in music, playing with everybody from Loreena McKennitt, The Rheostatics, Bruce Cockburn and more. Hugh shares some very important tactics in this episode, as he prepares to re…

Suzie Vinnick unlocks the secret level of Industry Tactics, where we talk Hyundai Touring, Ellen McIlwaine, growing up in Saskatoon, with a side order of Tim Hortons jingle work. Dig in to a DIY feast, served fresh from just yesterday with the great Suzie Vinnick!Oleh Friendly Rich

An uplifting chat with the Professor Emeritus, Casey Sokol. We talk about piano performance, music education, improvisation, early days in Toronto and a hell of a lot more! This episode pairs nicely with episodes 129 (Lisa Conway), 19 (Bob Wiseman) and 71 (D Alex Meeks). Let's connect the dots!Oleh Friendly Rich

Shanika Maria is a queer Black singer-songwriter, producer and creator currently based in Toronto. Her lyrics are contemplative and introspective. She is influenced by music across genres, borrowing sounds and ideas from country, folk, jazz, classical, latin and electronic music. She is interested in integrating new styles and ways of creating musi…

On his way to Nova Scotia to start afresh, we catch up with trombonist, composer and producer, Tom Richards about his incredible musical career to date. We go from Moosejaw, to Boston, to Toronto, to Nova Scotia! His "Unfolding River" a ten-year ongoing series of 81 compositions based on the Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu is a work of true beauty that we …

What a special talk with Canadian trumpeter, improviser, prolific composer, and bandleader Lina Allemano. From her flat in Berlin, we discussed how she has shaped her life as a creative musician. With an active international career, performing and recording cutting-edge contemporary music primarily in experimental, conceptual, improvised and jazz s…

He's a tour guide, he's punk, he's jazz, and everything in between - Jaymz Bee shows us all how to live a creative life to its fullest. Learn how he does it, his tactics, his philosophy, he is a very generous artist and he does not skimp today on sharing how to keep it weird! An deep dive that barely scratches the surface on the many lives of Jaymz…

Colin Fisher listens to himself, and shares the deep wisdom in this episode. We talk Alexander Technique, Stratford, Bieber, music festivals and much more. The audio quality may be a little dicey, but don't turn that shit down like those wankers from NXNE -- crank it!Oleh Friendly Rich

Legendary songwriter Ron Sexsmith shares much of his learning to date, from a rich career in music that spans over three decades. We talk about his early days, working with various producers like Mitchell Froom, Tchad Blake and many others. A generous artist and national treasure, hope you enjoy this very special episode with Ron Sexsmith!…

From his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, we catch up with drummer, writer, poet, percussionist Dr. Rob Wallace. We discuss his dedication essay "On Neil Peart", his time in Guelph, Nonessential Records and his beautiful career in music to date. Get into it!Oleh Friendly Rich

The final of our partnership with the Guelph Jazz Festival, this an insightful chat with festival founder, Dr. Ajay Heble. From his chalet in the Gaspé, Dr. Heble unravels his early career, what led him to the City of Guelph, and the rest is history.Ajay Heble is Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation and Prof…

Co-presented by the Guelph Jazz Festival, this week's episode features a deep discussion with Toronto drummer Nick Fraser. Nick is a pensive, dedicated musician, who talks at great length about what got him into jazz, his educators, his collaborators, and the journey to "early retirement". We even stew a little on our mutual distaste for Randy's Vi…

This episode is co-presented by the Guelph Jazz Festival, where our guest, Lisa Conway is launching a sound installation "Sound Mill" from Sept 14-16. We explore Conway's incredible career, as musician, producer, composer, sound artist, and more...Enjoy!Oleh Friendly Rich

This episode is co-presented by The Guelph Jazz Festival (Sept. 14-19, 2021) and features an indepth look into the career of Matt Brubeck. Brubeck is a composer/performer specializing in improvisation on the cello. Classically trained, with a Master's in cello performance from Yale, Matt is at ease in multiple genres and has taken his cello improvi…

Friendly Rich gets into it with Juno-award winning composer, sax wizard and bandleader, Allison Au in this episode co-presented by the Markham Jazz Festival. They talk jazz, loyalty, education, the pandemic and a side order of golf! Enjoy, and tune in to the Markham Jazz Festival this weekend (Aug. 20-22).…

This special episode, co-presented by the Markham Jazz Festival features an engaging talk with the talented bass player Brandi Disterheft. We learn about her rich musical lineage, her exciting journey making music in New York City, and much more. Let's get into it with Brandi Disterheft!Oleh Friendly Rich

This episode is co-presented by the TD Markham Jazz Festival, a chat with their Artistic Director, Sarah Kim Turnbull. We talk about artistic growth and leadership in a pandemic. A deep conversation with a great artistic mind, Sarah Kim unpacks her creative career. We talk about the importance of windows and doors, keeping them wide open. Prepare t…

From his studio in California, we catch up with percussionist and composer Gino Robair. Robair has performed and recorded with Tom Waits, Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Nina Hagen, Terry Riley and more. He is one of the "25 innovative percussionists" included in the book Percussion Profiles (SoundWorld, 2001), as well as a founding member of the Splat…

A sit down with a legendary Toronto music and visual arts mogul, Kurt Swinghammer. He's worked with everybody from Ani DiFranco, Ron Sexsmith, The Rheostatics and many more. Kurt shares his story and some beautiful tunes from his rich body of work, 15 solo albums deep! Dig in!Oleh Friendly Rich

Guitarist extraordinaire Mike T Kerr talks about his musical family, his music education, what it was like to go to Berklee School of Music, his Album of the Month Club and more. A gentle soul, Mike is a powerhouse musician with lots to share!Oleh Friendly Rich

Nick DenBoer (aka Smearballs) is an award winning director, animator and video artist based in Toronto. Nick honed his skills working as a writer and bit creator for Conan O’Brien producing and remixing popular culture segments for the show. His groundbreaking short film “The Chickening” (a poultry-infused remix of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”) …

A thrill to speak with legendary artist Frank Pahl from his studio in Wyandotte, Michigan. Pahl discusses the influence of Eugene Chadbourne, Trimpin and many more. A prolific tinkerer, sound artists, recording artist, educator and much more. Hope you find great inspiration in this talk!Oleh Friendly Rich

We take a beautiful stroll through the life and career of outsider artist Fred Spek, cause as he puts it "who the hell wants to be mainstream?" We talk about growing up all over North America, and staying true to his mantra of never growing up. Weirdo to weirdo, this is Friendly Rich and Fred Spek getting better-acquainted!…

Elena and Rich lay it down on this 118th episode of the podcast. From that week long jazz party at the Royal York Hotel to the Juhas Jazz House. This talk even gets into the speed of walking and a fateful sip of cognac with Abbey Lincoln. Walk slowly...Oleh Friendly Rich

Friendly Rich sits with long time producer and now bandmate, Greg Dawson to walk down memory lane and unpack nuggets from their new release "How to Slaughter a Lamb", the debut offering from their metal project, HEAD OF JEDDORE. Buy the new album at https://headofjeddore.bandcamp.com/Oleh Friendly Rich

A thoughtful reflection on an incredible career in music, Carlie Howell shares some golden tactics in this episode! We talk about the importance of showing up, her organic path to music education, composition and love for collaboration. Enjoy this inspiring chat with a truly unique composer, Carlie Howell from her studio in Prince Edward Island!…