interviews

missing my dad and writing a lot of rhymes about it. here’s the latest one 💜

a poem for my dad

On the eve of my dad’s much anticipated (and lovingly planned) Celebration of Life, I decided to have a little radio show with him. Here’s a song I wrote about my dad, Dave Graham, followed by a song he wrote about me. Peace and love, baby.

daddy daughter songs

wrote and recorded this one outside in june, while feeling particularly nostalgic for summer camp. the camp i went to was a complicated place because they sort of rammed a religious agenda down our throats, in between the mouthfuls of s’mores and chocolate chip pancakes. but they couldn’t get the liberal out of me, even as a young lass, and i thank “god” for that.

poem: remember god?

the mythical “coffee” that we’re never going to actually have…this is about that.

poem: coffee?

some rhymes i strung together about walking my snoopy around the neighborhood, trying not too feel too much like charlie brown.

poem: home for christmas

nostalgic travelogue: winter 2016

Episode 1: where I, your genial host, take you warmly by the hand for a little walk through what you can expect from the show. Think of it as an audible mission statement. Enjoy :)

Music by @amyaxegale and @palettes

Lise.FM - Welcome

Episode 2: where I am joined by Ben Montalbano from Matthäus to talk about his songwriting influences: from Bach & Paul Simon to Blake Mills & poet Philip Levine. At the end of the episode we get to hear a the band's brand new single "To the Years."

thank you so much to @sanmatthaus :)

Lise.FM - Matthäus

Episode 3 - My dear, old friend Dan Durley joins me to talk about finding his solo sound with help from Wilco, Neil Young, SPILL & Ratboys. Then, he shares the title track from his upcoming album, "Stone Feet."

Lise.FM - Dan Durley

Episode 4: I sit down with Emily Blue and try to guess her influences. I fail miserably, so she takes over, talking about what she has gleaned from Regina Spektor, Maroon 5, Solange and the Champaign scene. We also talk about our iPhone Notes, favorite Beyonce music videos, the new almost-concept-album by Tara Terra and she shares a single from her solo project, Bubble Gum Acid Pop.

Lise.FM - Emily Blue

Amy Guth, a true renaissance woman, joined me on the podcast this week to talk about the music, movies & poetry she draws from in her own her writing, reporting, feminism & film-making. She talks about her childhood, her favorite film director David Lynch, her part in the riot girl movement, her love for The Smiths and her fascination with language, and then she shares a couple excerpts of her own work.

Music from @HopBoxMusic and @Palettes <3

Lise.FM - Amy Guth

For the Father's Day edition of the podcast, I interview none other than my dear Pappy, better known as Dave "Catfish" Graham. We listen to the music he's heard throughout his life, and he talks about where he draws influence from -- from folk to Frank Zappa. We might even sing a couple self-fulfilling covers along the way... but you'll have to listen for yourself to find out. Happy Pappy Day!

Lise.FM - Dad

This week I'm joined by Elliot and Collin from The Bank Notes, an up-and-coming reggae/blues band from sweet home Chicago. Elliot is the band's songwriter, so he revealed his biggest influences - from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eminem to his Dad's band, Salt Creek Boys. Collin and Elliot also share a couple stripped down original tunes from The Bank Notes.

Lise.FM - Bank Notes

This week I'm joined by the lovely Lorna Bennett Samatas, a life coach, meditation guide & yoga/barre instructor. We talk about her journey toward mindful living and then she tells me about the four practices she teaches to help ignite positive change, growth & transformation.  Along the way, she dispels some common misconceptions surrounding mindfulness & at the end, she treats us to a guided meditation.

Find out more about Lorna's Week of Zen at https://weekofzen.com/.

Music by @amyaxegale & @palettes

Lise.FM - Lorna

Damn, is it already episode 10?! What better way to celebrate than to feature my first ever start-up! Kimberly Jackson is the brain behind  "Stand-In," an app that connects new friends through events. She joined me to talk about the app and to give credit to the forces that have inspired her to follow through on her vision: from her Mom to Shark Tank.

Find out more about the app here: http://getastandin.com/

Lise.FM - Kimberly from Stand-in

Nadia Torrence, also known as "_nadixo_"  on Instagram, joins me on this week's episode to catch up, since we haven't seen each other since high school. Then, she tells me the story behind her instafame and indulges me with some of her magical influences, which include her Mom, Michelle Obama and Issa Rae. Along the way, Nadia doles out some damn good advice on how to stay graceful in times of turmoil and what it means to "water yourself" in life.

Music by @palettes and @oylo <3

Lise.FM - Nadia

The great White Mystery band joined me for episode 12 of the podcast to talk about their influences - from GG Allin to Andy Warhol! Sister and brother Alex and Francis also told me about the candy wrapper that inspired their band name, talked about why they love the Chicago music scene so much and discussed their insanely cool telepathic connection.

Lise.FM - White Mystery

Tom Hush from No Coast Cinema Podcast on WGN Plus fills-in for Lise on this edition of Lise.FM.

Alex DePompei is a musician and radio host based out of Chicago. He talks about his initial introduction to music and how he became an avid fan and champion of country music.

You can check out his band Junker Bliss at https://junkerbliss.bandcamp.com/ and listen to his show Country Breakfast every Saturday morning from 8-9am on wluw.org.

You can also listen to Tom's podcast No Coast Cinema at http://wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/no-coast-cinema/

Lise.FM - Alex DePompei, Junker Bliss

Painter & muralist Langston Allston joins me to talk about his installation "When People Could Fly" at Humbolt Park's Slate Gallery. He describes the exhibition's visual narrative, tells me why he wanted to make a "room-sized comic" and shares the stories, artists and music that guided him to the end result.

Visit Langston's website to find out more: www.langstonallston.com.
Music by @thisiszackbruce and @palettes

Lise.FM - Langston Allston

Actor, comedian and fellow Cubs fan Chris Witaske joined me on the show this week to talk to me all about his influences: from The Simpsons and Bill Murray to Bob Odenkirk and David Letterman. We also chat about his years at Second City, his move from Chicago to LA, his appearance on New Girl and how he went from auditioning for 3 different parts on Love to landing a spot on the show as a character based on him...whose name is also Chris! 

Music this week by @crapface @hopboxmusic and @palettes

Lise.FM - Chris Witaske

This week I'm joined by a literal renaissance man, Arne Parrott, or, as he is known at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, Dylan Robertson. Arne tells me all about his musical and comedic influences - from the Barenaked Ladies and Eminem to Monty Python and Shakespeare. He also plays some of his hilarious songs and talks about why he loves to write music.

Lise.FM - Arne Parrott

On episode 25 of the show, stylist, author and motivational speaker Sam Sparks, joins me in the studio alongside the lovely Nadia Torrence. Sam tells me about how he became Steve Harvey's assistant personal stylist and in what amazing ways his life has changed since then. He also shares his main style and philosophical influencers, and tells me the beautiful story of his little sister, whose spirit guides him through his journey.

music by @palettes and @statues <3

Lise FM - Sam Sparks

This week, the amazing Lauren Engel joins me to talk about her YouTube series Sidewalk Talk, where she has interviewed artists like Ryan Hemsworth, Gnash, Y2K & Skylar Spence while walking around sunny LA. She tells me about growing up in Hong Kong in her own little musical bubble and we talk about how her background in photography, loving music and her natural introversion influenced her to take up vlogging. Lauren also cites some of her favorite photographers and interviewers that have inspired her style and committment. 

Music by @aobeats <3

Lise.FM - Lauren Engel

EPISODE 32: Tom Hush, co-host of much-loved No Coast Cinema podcast on WGN Plus, graces me with his presence on the show this week and we take a stroll through memory lane in compiling his eclectic list of film influences. We start where we, 1993-babies, should start: The Lion King, and Tom talks about just how obsessed he was with that special movie. We move on to talk about Tarantino, Roger Ebert, Breathless and the Chicago film community which he has fallen deeper and deeper in love with as he records each episode of NCC. 

Music by the wonderful @officialimotep on @palettes <3 <3 <3

Lise.FM - Tom Hush

According to Steven Galanis, founder and CEO of Cameo, the selfie is the new signature. Based on this unique, but highly accurate mantra, it's his company's mission to provide the world of fans with selfie shoutout videos -  while giving influencers, Youtubers, and athletes a brand-positive means to an end (you know, instead of all the #ads). Steven sits down with me this week to talk about how he got from aspirations to be a hockey player to trading to working for LinkedIn and, finally, to starting-up the amazingly popular Cameo. He tells me about his entrepreneurial spirit and the people and experiences that helped him to get where he is today.

Lise.FM - Steven Galanis from Book Cameo

After seeing his amazing one-man show, "Do You Love Me?" about race and identity last week at Collaboraction, I invited rapper, performer & entrepreneur Makia to join me on a bonus Martin Luther King Day inspired episode of the show. He tells me about the first time he ever wrapped, as a nervous 19 year old, and how listening to Kanye in the shower helped him develop his cadence and confidence. He also talked about how entrepreneurs like P. Diddy & Garry Vaynerchuk inspire his hustle, how Will Smith inspires him to work across all different platforms & how his Dad  has served as a role model for him as a black man and a musician throughout the years.

Catch Makia's show, which is a part of the Encounters series through the 20th of January at Collaboraction, or his show on the 18th at Flat Iron. Also, follow him on Soundcloud, @therealmakia!

Lise.FM - Makia

Jimmie Swagger, founder of the amazing Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret joins me to talk about his journey from cheerleading to burlesque, he tells me about where he gets his fiery confidence from and he sites some other performers and choreographers who he gets inspiration from. Oh, and he also teaches me how to remove a sleeve ;) 

Music this week by the amazing @arne-parrott - find out more on his website aptunes.com

Lise.FM - Jimmie Swagger, Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret

Episode 42: I spend an hour with Paul Rust, creator, executive producer and starring actor of LOVE on Netflix! He tells me about pitching the concept as a movie with his wife and co-creator Lesley Arfin to Judd Apatow, and why they decided to turn it into a show instead. He also tells me about his influences, which range from Pee-Wee, to Paul Thomas-Anderson, to Prince (a fellow midwestern boy, like Paul himself). He also tells me why he loves to create joyous, light-hearted comedies and gives me a peek into what’s to come on the final season of (what happens to be my favorite show) LOVE!

Photocred: Never Not Notes

Lise.FM - Paul Rust

Episode 43 - Homegrown Chicago band Forest Home joins me in studio to talk about the makings of their unique indie math-rock sound. Members Kevin, Andy, Alayne & Eric take turns talking about the influences they bring to the table - from Weezer & Radiohead to Sleater Kinney, Forth Wanderers and This Town Needs Guns - and how they work together to synthesize all of these into one cohesive and unique, “Forest Homey” sound. At the end of our chat, they debut “Above Me,” a track off their forthcoming album, Wastement.

Lise.FM - Forest Home

They play Weezer. They play Elton John. They play Stacy's Mom. They're The Hitmen of Chicago, also known as your new favorite night out! 

The band is composed of: composer and pianoman Ben Montalbano from indie folk band Matthaus (my first ever guest on Lise.FM), singer/songwriter Dan Durley  (my second ever guest on Lise.FM), Erik Opland from Fay Ray (FKA Church Booty), Danny Masterson (voice of an angel, guitar playing skills of the devil) and Justin Peters (a singing drummer who loves Bowie, need I say more?.

They tell me about how it feels to start a super group in their 20s, how they managed to compile a set list containing both "Tiny Dancer" AND "Stacy's Mom," and where they see this group going (like your sister's wedding, if she's still looking for a band!)

Lise.FM - The Hitmen of Chicago (your new favorite cover band)

Melvin Knight joins me at the Illinois College of Media's audio suite to tell me about the influences behind his soulful sound. From his mother, an accomplished opera singer, to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Melvin brings me on a journey through his amazingly rich musical past. Then, we put it all together and hear  his new single with his fabulous band The Amber Sky,  "Ice Cream," and he tells me about his upcoming album, Shades oF Us.

Lise.FM - Melvin Knight

Welcome to Lise.FM, a podcast that delves deep into the influences behind bands, artists, poets, filmmakers and writers.

Lise.FM

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