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Artwork for Songs & Stories

Songs & Stories

Backstage Bay Area
Tom Rigney
Achilles Wheel
Sundogs
Flambeau
Sweetwater Music Hall
Cajun Music
European Tour
After the Party
Rebirth Of Slick, Cool Like Dat
Diggable Planets
Kanekoa
Queen Ida and Her Bon Temps Zydeco Band
The Ballad Of Madelyne & Therese
Color Green
Lo Moon
Hawaii
Poetry
Soul
Spike Sikes
Blues

Backstage Bay Area is an exclusive podcast that explores the local music scene in depth. It features intimate interviews with emerging and established artists in various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, pop, folk, classical, urban, and world music. The program also offers a unique glimpse into the artists' creative processes, inspirations, and upcoming projects.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes277Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music InterviewsMusic

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Artwork for Songs & Stories

Latest Episodes

Backstage Bay Area – Episode with Amaro Freitas

Guest: Amaro Freitas, acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist and composer

Host: Steve Roby

Episode Highlights:

* Introduction to Amaro Freitas, his Afro-Brazilian roots, and his unique approach to jazz p... more

In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with saxophonist and composer Nicole McCabe, co-leader of the genre-blending project Dolphin Hyperspace. Nicole shares her journey from growing up in Marin County, where she was inspired by both jazz and ele... more

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk for a deep dive into the band’s New Orleans roots, their message of unity, and the making of their latest music. Ivan shares stories about the band’s evolvi... more

Episode Summary

On this Backstage Bay Area episode, host Steven Roby sits down with Afro‑Indigenous singer and composer Martha Redbone to talk about her Harlan County roots, Brooklyn upbringing, and the call‑and‑response spirit she brings to the sta... more

Summary

Trumpeter Anthony Hervey and pianist Sean Mason unpack the soul-and-blues core behind their duo chemistry—why a Monk program belongs in an intimate room, how Hervey’s “Du-Rag” reframes ragtime language for now, and why Mason’s “Open Your Hea... more

Episode summary

GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Becca Stevens joins us to explore the craft of writing and arranging for intimate settings, how open tunings and guitar shapes influence her harmony, and the emotional ... more

Episode Summary

Saxophonist, composer, and theater-maker Idris Ackamoor joins us to talk about Afrofuturism, ensemble storytelling, and why his performances are designed as communal happenings—part ritual, part dance-floor communion. We get into the... more

Episode summary

Violinist–vocalist Yilian Cañizares joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about the musical DNA that powers her work—classical discipline, Afro-Cuban tradition, and the open-ended spirit of jazz. She reflects on the new single “Ore,” the c... more

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Nicole McCabe
Saxophonist and co-leader of Dolphin Hyperspace
Dolphin Hyperspace
Episode: Lines in Motion: Nicole McCabe’s Groove-Driven Improvisation
Martha Redbone
Celebrated vocalist, songwriter, composer, and educator.
Episode: Martha Redbone Brings Congregational Soul to Miner Auditorium
Anthony Hervey
Trumpeter and composer from New York City, focusing on blending blues and soul in his music.
Independent musician
Episode: Two Voices, One Room: Hervey & Mason Reframe Monk at SFJAZZ
Sean Mason
Pianist and composer known for his engaging performances that lift the spirits of the audience.
Independent musician
Episode: Two Voices, One Room: Hervey & Mason Reframe Monk at SFJAZZ
Becca Stevens
Grammy-nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer
Episode: Threading Folk and Jazz: Becca Stevens’ Quiet Fire
Yilian Cañizares
Vocalist and violinist known for an alchemy of jazz, classical, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Episode: Yilian Cañizares on Roots, Ritual, and the Road to Vitamina Y
Sarah Hanahan
Emerging saxophonist and bandleader
Among Giants
Episode: Lineage, Lift-Off: Sarah Hanahan’s Alto Speaks in the Present Tense
Arturo O'Farrill
Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and band leader
Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble
Episode: Arturo O’Farrill: “The Arts Belong to the People”
Elizabeth Rodriguez
One half of the Afro-Cuban duo OKAN, musician, composer
OKAN
Episode: OKAN: Joy as Resistance, Rhythm as Home

Host

Steve Roby
Host of Backstage Bay Area, known for his deep knowledge of music and engaging interviewing style.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 12 ratings
  • Great Interviews. Wide Range of Music.

    No matter where he lands—Hawaii, Denver, San Francisco—Steve Roby brings his deep knowledge of music and in-depth interview skills to the music scene. Always a delight to listen to this podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    logelson
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good yet lacking

    This podcast is excellent for info on the music scene on Big Island… Unfortunately the host absolutely needs to go and bring in someone with energy and character… Listening to the host reminds me of listening to my phone talk to me…

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    THCbuddy
    United States4 years ago
  • A great 30-minute show that features talented entertainers from the "Big" island of Hawaii.

    Podchaser
    5
    BigIslandMusicMagazine
    5 years ago
  • Queen of the Universe

    Steve is a great interviewer. I love hearing the diverse talent on The Big Island. The interviews aer engrossing and give a rare look into the artists.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    laurenbroido
    United States5 years ago
  • Great show!

    The best place to find out about everything happening in music on the Big Island of Hawaii and beyond. Steve Roby is a great host with a real passion for music, he has a great array of artists on the show from various genres, and his radio voice is easy to listen to. Highly recommend Songs and Stories!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    erikkarma
    United States5 years ago
  • Great way to discover new music

    Every Thursday a new episode comes out and I get a chance to hear new music from the talented musicians on Hawaii Island. Who knew they had so many different genres to offer.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lost Archives
    United States5 years ago
  • Excellent Podcast for Big Island (

    Songs

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kia's Mom
    United States5 years ago
  • Insightful Interviews. Great Music

    Steve Roby is such a good interviewer. The musicians he talks with speak from the heart and really reveal themselves. Love the music selections.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    logelson
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews mention a desire for increased energy from the host during episodes.
The host is praised for his in-depth interview skills and knowledge of the music scene.
Listeners appreciate the range of music genres and artists featured.
Overall, the podcast is seen as a valuable resource for discovering new music and understanding artist stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Top Music Interviews Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Martha Redbone Brings Congregational Soul to Miner Auditorium
Q: What drew you to William Blake's text?
The imagery and words matched my experiences, leading to a tribute that honors both Black Mountain and Blake.
Martha Redbone Brings Congregational Soul to Miner Auditorium
Q: How did Kentucky and Brooklyn shape your ear and your voice in your music?
They shaped my music profoundly; the sounds and experiences of both places blend, forming the essence of my music.
Lines in Motion: Nicole McCabe’s Groove-Driven Improvisation
Q: What new music are you shaping now?
McCabe is working on an acoustic record titled 'Color Theory' set for release in February 2026, and has just completed another record with Dolphin Hyperspace titled 'Echo Location'.
Lines in Motion: Nicole McCabe’s Groove-Driven Improvisation
Q: How did the project come about?
The project began when McCabe and bassist Logan Kane started collaborating during the pandemic by sharing and building on tracks together, leading to the formation of Dolphin Hyperspace.
Lines in Motion: Nicole McCabe’s Groove-Driven Improvisation
Q: What early experiences or artists shaped your approach to the horn and to jazz?
McCabe cites her exposure to a diverse range of music in the Bay Area and influential teachers from a high school music program as key factors in shaping her saxophone style and approach to jazz.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Songs & Stories

What is Songs & Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the rich tapestry of the local music scene, this podcast focuses on intimate interviews with both emerging and established artists across diverse genres such as jazz, blues, rock, pop, folk, classical, urban, and world music. Each episode provides a unique insight into the artistic journeys, creative processes, and inspirations of the musicians, fostering a deeper understanding of their work and upcoming projects. With a commitment to highlighting local talent, listeners can expect engaging conversations that not only celebrate music but also the stories behind it, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the arts and cultural narratives.

Where can I find podcast stats for Songs & Stories?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Songs & Stories. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Songs & Stories and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Songs & Stories get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Songs & Stories, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Songs & Stories?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Songs & Stories, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Songs & Stories have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Songs & Stories has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Songs & Stories are there?

Songs & Stories launched 5 years ago and published 277 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Songs & Stories?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Songs & Stories?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Songs & Stories from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Songs & Stories?

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What guests have appeared on Songs & Stories?

Recent guests on Songs & Stories include:

1. Nicole McCabe
2. Martha Redbone
3. Anthony Hervey
4. Sean Mason
5. Becca Stevens
6. Yilian Cañizares
7. Sarah Hanahan
8. Arturo O'Farrill

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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