In this festive episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Emilio Castillo, founder and tenor saxophonist of the legendary East Bay soul band Tower of Power. Emilio shares the story behind the band’s very first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, a soulful and funky collection that brings new life to beloved holiday classics.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby dives into a fascinating conversation with singer-songwriter Vienna Teng. Known for her boundary-pushing approach to chamber folk and indie pop, Vienna discusses her latest album, We’ve Got You, an ambitious project featuring mashups that reflect the dualities of modern life.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Sean Hayes, whose music bridges folk, soul, and introspective grooves. They delve into the creative journey behind Sean's latest album, Be Like Water, exploring its thematic inspirations drawn from the I Ching and the funky influence of James Brown.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby dives into the mind-bending world of The Third Mind with bassist and co-founder Victor Krummenacher. Known for his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Monks of Doom, Victor shares the story behind the band’s formation, their freeform creative process, and the making of their upcoming live concert album, Live Mind.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby chats with Emily Turner, bassist and vocalist of the genre-bending trio Free Creatures. Hailing from Southern Oregon, Free Creatures fuses alt-hip-hop, indie, psych-rock, and EDM to create what they call "the umami of music."

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews Miles and Teo Quale, the talented brothers behind the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band. Known for their electrifying fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and modern acoustic styles, Crying Uncle has become a rising force in the acoustic music scene. They recently signed with Engelhardt Music Group, solidifying their place as emerging stars in the genre.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews singer-songwriter Jennifer Greer about the deeply personal journey behind her new album, Speaking with Ghosts. From her transition from poetry to songwriting to navigating grief and loss, Jennifer talks about how life’s “tidal waves” shaped her music.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews Noah Sierota, bassist and producer of the multi-platinum alt-pop trio Echosmith.  Noah also offers a glimpse into the band’s creative process and what fans can expect from their upcoming West Coast tour, including an intimate performance at San Francisco's Brick-and-Mortar Music Hall.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby interviews six-time Grammy-nominated jazz fusion guitarist Mike Stern. Known for his legendary collaborations with icons like Miles Davis and the Brecker Brothers, Mike shares insights into his creative process for his latest album, Echoes and Other Songs.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Carolyn Kendrick, a Stockton-born singer-songwriter, fiddler, and producer, to discuss her highly anticipated album, Each Machine, which will be released on December 6th.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby engages in an insightful conversation with Njioma Chinyere Grevious of the Abeo Quartet, a dynamic group of musicians redefining chamber music with passion and precision.

On this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, fiddler, and a bluegrass icon Laurie Lewis for an intimate conversation about her latest album, Trees. Laurie shares insights into creating music without her longtime collaborator, Tom Rozum, and how her songs' themes of loss and hope are interwoven.