The Working Artist Project

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid cross over with the guys from Blind Duet. Take a listen to this and check out more at the Blind Duet Podcast.

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas talks to up and coming artist Gina D'Soto about her career trajectory thus far. Always comfortable and very real, Gina D’Soto graces every stage with her energetic, soulful, and powerful vocals; being widely recognized as a very charming, playful, and passionate human being, unafraid of showing who she is, and fiercely open to connecting with her audience and those around her. Since moving to North America at a young age,...

In this weeks episode of the Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid speak to clarinetist virtuoso, Evan Christopher Evan Christopher combines virtuosity, immaculate taste, and enthusiasm with a commitment to exploring the full range of possibilities in the New Orleans clarinet tradition. His highly personal brand of “contemporary, early jazz” strives to extend the legacies of early Creole clarinet heroes such as Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard and Omer Simeon. Critics...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to up and coming artist Dani Douglas about her sophomore album "Dani's Here." If you like R&B, Neo Soul, or good music, then you are going to love the artist we have on the show today! Her music speaks to the adventure that we call love. As we move through the highlight reels of life we often forget the importance of vulnerability. In this album, Dani leans into the struggles that many women have on the...

At 23-years old, fast-rising star Kevin Gullage leads his band of veteran players, The Blues Groovers, with the poise of a seasoned performer. His impressive blend of soulful singing and dazzling blues piano infused with the experience of his bandmates is leaving audiences in awe. The Blues Groovers consist of bassist Tony Gullage (Henry Butler, Dr. John), Hammond B3 Player Brandon Adams (Kenny Neal), Guitarist Carlton Ross (Glenn David Andrews), Saxophonist Roderick Jackson (Kenny Neal),...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to artist-cum-activist Gerald Watkins Candice Hoyes about new music and her unique career path. Candice Hoyes is poised to “shape the artist-cum-activist role." (NPR) In 2020, she released “Zora’s Moon,” the first single of her mostly self-penned upcoming EP. This jaunty retro-soul escapade is her response to this moment: an ode to Black girlhood. Candice brings otherworldly vocalism to her new single,...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to rapper Dear Silas about his career and hip hop. Dear Silas is a singer, rapper, and trumpeter from Jackson, Mississippi. He has been co-signed by the likes of Missy Elliott, T-Pain, and many more. An unorthodox delivery has helped Dear Silas to birth viral records one after another. He recently charted on billboard alongside Cookiee Kawaii on new single "Violin". #Podcast #hiphop #theworkingartistproject...

Gerald T. Watkins Jr is a drummer/percussionist originally from Norfolk, Va and is now residing in New Orleans, LA. He has degrees in music from both Norfolk State University (B.S) and Florida State University (M.M). He performs locally with many of the areas finest musicians and also tours abroad. He has performed with members of Marsalis family (Ellis, Delfeayo, and Jason), The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eric Benét, Ledisi and many others. Aside from performing,...

Russell Kranes is the consummate professional musician. Born in Queens and raised in Connecticut, Russell studied jazz piano under the late, great master, Geri Allen. Upon graduating college, Russell worked in pastry arts for two years before ultimately deciding to tenaciously pursue music. He moved to NYC in June of 2013 and began performing immediately. Nine years later, Russell currently works seven days per week as a ballet accompanist, a church musical director and a freelance jazz...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian and Greg chat with fellow podcaster Tanner Guss.

Meet Juan Tigre, the bilingual alt-rock alter-ego of guitarist/vocalist John Maestas. Inspired by the iconic high desert imagery of New Mexico and imbued with the expansive folklore of the southwest. Psychedelic distorted guitars float over a video game sound palette with rhythms & melodies that draw upon influences from J Dilla, Jimi Hendrix, Pixies and Thundercat. Based in New Orleans, Maestas has become well known locally for his guitar and production talents through his work with...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to master percussionist Kofi Hunter about working with folks like Robert Glasper and creating Righteous Rebel Education. Art can transform lives. As an in-demand multi-percussionist Kofi has been given the opportunity to support some of the biggest names in music, from The Robert Glasper Experiment Saxophonist Casey Benjamin to Hip Hop Superstar GolDLink. Kofi along with his brother established an...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to Amina Scott. Amina Scott, born and raised in Oakland, CA, is an upright and electric bassist, composer, and arranger. Her interest in music began at an early age when her grandmother began giving her piano lessons. From then, her love and passion for music has yet to cease, playing electric bass at the age of twelve and was soon playing gigs with local bands in Oakland. In 2012, Amina relocated to New...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to Ricio Fruge Ricio is a fiercely soulful and versatile musician from Jacksonville, FL based in New Orleans. Currently performing with Karl Denson and the Tiny Universe, John Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and Soul Brass Band. A graduate of Michigan State University(M.M.), Florida State University(BA) and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Ricio wears many hats....

Svetlana is a New York-based acclaimed chart-topping vocalist, composer, band leader, educator, and a Manhattan School of Music MA and Columbia PhD graduate. She is on a mission to uplift, connect, and spread the joy of music. Svetlana is a recipient of a grant from Jazz Road/South Arts and Chamber Music America Digital Residency Grant funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Andrew Mellon Foundation. She is a Finalist of the Paul Carr's 2019 Discovery Act Competition and a...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to Jocelyn Gould about her career, and touring in a post covid world. Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul, CEO of Benedetto Guitars. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is infectious. She has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to Curtis Nowosad about his career, "jazz fame" and immigration. 100 years after the Harlem Renaissance shook the world, there’s a whole new cultural and spiritual awakening in that corner of the jazz world. A key player in galvanizing this fresh and dynamic sense of cultural awareness, drummer/composer Curtis Nowosad has been a major force in The Harlem Sessions, organized by renowned pianist Marc...

Hailed by the New York Times as “a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and harddriving style,” JD Allen is a bright light on today’s international jazz scene. His unique and compelling voice on the instrument – the result of a patient and painstaking confrontation with the fundamentals of the art – has earned Allen years of critical attention signaling his ascension to the upper ranks of the contemporary jazz world. Originally from Detroit, Allen’s apprenticeship, anchored by his...

Courtney Bryan, a native of New Orleans, La, is “a pianist and composer of panoramic interests” (New York Times). Her music is in conversation with various musical genres, including jazz and other types of experimental music, as well as traditional gospel, spirituals, and hymns. Focusing on bridging the sacred and the secular, Bryan's compositions explore human emotions through sound, confronting the challenge of notating the feeling of improvisation. Bryan has academic degrees from Oberlin...

In this episode of The Working Artist Project, Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid talk to Joshua Gouzy about his booking agency Magnolia Music and growing as a musician, producer, and writer. A New Orleans native, Joshua Gouzy was raised in a family with four generations of musical heritage. He has played a variety of instruments throughout his life and cultivated his early musical skills while playing "by ear" in his church band. Joshua is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with a...