In this 40th episode of The Upbeat Hang, Duke and K Bo welcome Modern Drummer writer, Russian native, and, phenom drummer Ilya Stemkovsky.  Ilya has played for a number of nationally-touring groups including a long stint with the San Francisco-based electric jazz group The OM Trio who were winners of the SF Bay Guardian’s 2001 Reader’s Poll for best local jazz band. OM has also been featured in The Washington Post, The Village Voice, and, Jazz Times Magazine. Ilya has also performed with the Philadelphia-based electro-pop group Brothers Past which has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer and URB Magazine. Currently, fans can catch Ilya performing with Jersey Shore staple Eddie Testa.  In this episode, we talk with Ilya about a new baby and his observations on the music industry. 

The music at the beginning and end of the podcast is from Ilya's original band OM.  Learn more about OM at omtrio.com
Catch Ilya during his live dates at facebook.com/eddietestaband

The Upbeat Hang Episode 40

Modern Drummer's Ilya Stemkovsky - The Upbeat Hang Ep. 40

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame—is it reality? ...an illusion? ...or worse, a politically motivated decision? In this 41st episode of The Upbeat Hang Duke, K Bo and Amy examine the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ahead of this year’s class of potential inductees. In particular, the trio discusses whether any of the potential inductees should be inducted, whether there are current members who do not belong, and, whether there are certain artists who have not been admitted but should be. We also examine whether the scope of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has been enlarged to encompass acts that are not considered “rock n’ roll” and how this concern can be resolved. Check out their picks and please share yours in the comments section!
Music by Joystock. www.Joystock.org

Who Truly Deserves to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - The Upbeat Hang Ep. 41

Drummer, songwriter, vocalist, and model Jotan Afanador does it all and in Episode 42 of The Upbeat Hang, K Bo, Duke, and Amy find out more about this Bronx, New York, native. Best known as the drummer for international sensation Romeo Santos as well as the Latin megaband Aventura, Afanador has traveled and played around the world to huge crowds spanning various continents. Additionally, as an originator of adding drums to the “Bachata” rhythms, Afanador has made a name for himself and the artists that he performs with. Viewers/listeners will be sure to be entertained by the energetic and effervescent Jotan Afanador. Disfrutar!

Romeo Santos' Jotan Afanador - The Upbeat Hang Ep. 42

What starts out as a discussion on the topic of sugar and its effect on health, gradually unravels as you get an honest glimpse of what happens behind every production somewhere along the line: the inevitable train-wreck. Some are visible and others are not; some are intentionally released and others just slip out; some are funny and some are cringeworthy. In this 43rd episode of The Upbeat Hang Duke, Amy, and K Bo come to you unfiltered and they bring with them various, and increasing technical “train-wrecks” that just led the cast to say, “post it…why not?” The cast of The Upbeat Hang believes that one cannot take him or herself too seriously and in this episode, they practice what they preach and simply just take a moment to chalk this one to just good old laughter—at themselves. Enjoy.
For the video version, visit:
https://youtu.be/qZf9bAABVGc

Sugar vs Health / When a Podcast Goes Wrong - The Upbeat Hang Ep. 43

“Playing” with technology....have we crossed the line where technology is no longer just an aid to enhance our performance to where it is now a necessary component of our musical arsenal? In this 44th episode of The Upbeat Hang Duke, K Bo and Amy explore the ever-changing role that technology has played vis-a-vis many musical performers.  The trio debates the pivotal question of when is too much simply too much? Just as importantly, they ask if the audience really cares if musicians autocorrect their own personal touch and idiosyncrasies out of the equation entirely? Check out the podcast on the Upbeat Hang YouTube channel!

Technology in Live Music- Pro or Con? -The Upbeat Hang Ep. 44

Drummers are a special breed for sure and in this 45th Episode of The Upbeat Hang Duke and K Bo (Amy is off this week) explore that unique bond that timekeepers share with one another. Part of that bond is supporting one another and sharing insights on performing, technique, equipment, and, generally coping as a musician. When done in a group setting some call it a "drummer's hang." Listeners will be interested to hear about what drummers talk about and why some think these performers and their kinship is so unique. Check it out.

Exploring A Real Drummer's Hang - The Upbeat Hang Ep.45

In this show, K-Bo and Duke (both professional drummers) hang with a Amy (a professional singer) along with big-name musicians, entertainment industry pros, celebrities, athletes and more. K-Bo, Duke and Amy share laughs with their guests as they dig deep, uncovering the true stories of the human being behind the high-profile name.

The Upbeat Hang

Popular tracks