Height Zone World 71. My guest this week is Brzowski. He’s been a staple of the New England hip-hop scene for many years, and he’s made fans/friends across the world through his relentless touring. We first crossed paths in 2004, and I was happy to learn more about his mission.

We talk about his two official full-length albums, as well as his Blood Drive compilations. We discuss the logistics of the DIY touring system, and the pros and cons of being your own booking agent. He breaks down his new project called Vinyl Cape, and explains where he wants to take that project in the near future.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to UGK’s Super Tight. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

http://www.splicetoday.com/music/splice-presents-height-zone-world-ep-71-brzowski

My guest this week is Jeff Blinder. Jeff is one of the most consistent promoters on the US DIY circuit. He’s been the primary force behind many show spaces, including the Spazzatorium in Greenville, NC, and Danger Danger Gallery in Philadelphia. I’ve been playing his shows since 2003, and I was excited to learn more about how and why he does what he does.

He talks about his first encounters with the world of DIY shows, by way of the vibrant house show scene in New Brunswick, NJ. I ask him about the first shows he set up in Greenville, NC, and we reflect on what made shows in that small college town unique. He talks about restarting his operation in Philadelphia, and makes an announcement about his next move.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to Da Bush Babees’ Ambushed. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

http://www.splicetoday.com/music/splice-presents-height-zone-world-ep-70-jeff-blinder

Height Zone World 69. This is part two of my interview with Lord Grunge. We recorded this on his front porch in Pittsburgh, on Black Friday.

We start the conversation by talking about Grand Buffet’s B-sides record Dicer, and how it later played a hand in them going on tour with Third Eye Blind. We talk about some of Grand Buffet’s later releases, and some of the frustrations they faced upon putting those records out. We discussed making music as an older guy and his new day job as an EMT.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to Black Sheep’s Non-Fiction. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

http://www.splicetoday.com/music/splice-presents-height-zone-world-ep-69-the-return-of-lord-grunge

My guest this week is James Nasty. He’s a DJ and a Baltimore club producer. He’s a mainstay in Baltimore, and his music has made noise all over the world.

He talks about learning to record at UMBC studios, and turning his college dorm room into a night club every weekend. We talk about his early days working in studios and producing for rappers, and why he made the transition to DJing and making club music. We talk about his recent EPs, and the full-length album he wants to complete in the future.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to Black Moon’s Enta Da Stage. This episode is hosted by splicetoday.com.

http://www.splicetoday.com/music/splice-presents-height-zone-world-ep-68-james-nasty

Height Zone World 67. My guest this week is Seth on Gray Street. Seth is a solo MC and also one half of the group Human Speakers. We first met when I saw his group open for Ghostface in Manchester, NH, and we’ve played many shows together over the years.

He talks about growing up in Farmington, NH and getting his hip-hop education by listening to WUNH’s hip-hop show. He tells me about cutting his teeth by tagging along with NH’s Def Rock, and forming Human Speakers with Eyenine. I spin a few of my favorite Seth of Gray Street tunes.

Mike Riley’s art this week is an homage to ED O.G and Da Bulldog’s Life of a Kid in the Ghetto.

http://www.splicetoday.com/music/splice-presents-height-zone-world-ep-67-seth-on-gray-street