11. It’s a blessing that you don’t know where to put me with Shira

I am so grateful for my friendship with Shira and this opportunity for a sit-down chat! Shira is an American-Israeli singer, writer, actor, and heart-centered artist based in New York City. We met playing on a Sofar show in Brooklyn and hit it off instantly. Whenever we hang out we always have these amazingly long conversations about music, love, and purpose. Shira is always a beacon of hope and light to me since our friendship began. You can really hear that infused in all of her song lyrics. She recently released a song called “Beautiful Release” with fellow songwriter, Mendeleyev (The Voice). I think you’re definitely going to fall in love with Shira by the end of this conversation!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Shira’s big “Why”.

• Shira asks me about my big “Why”.

• You have to be open to seeing all the opportunities in New York.

• Shira’s husband is a chef which means they can live wherever they want!

• The misconception that we should only focus on one artistic endeavor at a time.

• Being in the energy of receiving and radically accepting what is happening in the present.

• The difference between being an artist and choosing an artistic path.

• The story and the lyrics behind her song “Am I Beautiful?”.

• You are not your thoughts - quoting “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer.

• “Happy, thank you, more please!” - using this mantra to hold onto good moments and good feelings throughout the day.

Shira played on the March 14th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Shira:

• “Usually”

• “Am I Beautiful?”

• “Can I Borrow Your Hope?”

Listen to more music from Shira: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Shira: @shiramusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

10. What was up with y2k?! with Peter Baldwin

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast! As a reminder, we are a live music show AND a podcast. Shay & The Good People is a singer-songwriter showcase hosted by me, Shayna Blass, and features 3 different artists every show. After the shows, I interview the guests, The Good People, to ask about their music, lifestyle, and spiritual practices that help them survive New York City!

Today you are going to hear an interview with one of my favorite songwriters and humans of all time, Peter Baldwin. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Peter is now a Brooklyn-based songwriter who I knew from a former band, Bedstudy. We got connected through the interwebs when Peter asked me to play a double bill at 68 Jay St Bar and I’ve been obsessed with his music ever since. I’ve had him perform on a few of my shows, including playing drums for my full band, Shay Fever. You know when you like something so much, it’s hard to really explain the specifics of why you like a thing? That’s how I feel about Peter’s songs. The guitar lines are incredibly dynamic but sadly you can’t listen to them anywhere, so you’ll have to go see him play live! I think you’re really going to love getting to know Peter more through this interview. Get out and support local musicians!!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Peter’s entrances and exits into NYC over the years.

• Things you want in New York require a change in quality of life, AKA money.

• From Alaska to Florida and back to Alaska.

• Peter’s formative music influence growing up in the church, playing drums, and singing.

• Y2K - what even was that?!?!

• Peter’s biblical references in his song lyrics that went straight over my head.

• We both agree that morning practices are so important.

• Quitting cigarettes!!

• I speak a little bit about my own sober journey.

• 44:08 - I ask Peter about his song “Free Form Bird”, one of his favorites.

• Peter’s inspiration for his original music: Louie Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald and John Mayer.

• How and why it’s really hard to do a lot of shows in New York.

• An artist’s individual investment if you want to play and grow an audience.

• Honoring your energy and stamina!

Peter Baldwin played on the September 5th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Peter Baldwin:

• “Closterphobic”

• “Sick Pleasure”

• “Free Born Bird”

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Peter Baldwin: @stayencouraged

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

09. This is my star is born, Lady Gaga moment with Emily Jeanne Brown

Emily Jeanne Brown is on Shay & The Good People podcast today! The first time I met Emily was when she performed on S&TGP and I was really excited to get to know her more. Since this interview, we have become great friends. She really does it all, folks. She writes beautiful songs, has a voice that can charm the masses, has an MFA in acting, AND runs a consulting leadership business called OnVoice Coaching. As busy as she is, she made time to come into the studio with an aura of grace and groundedness that I wish I had! I highly recommend listening to her music after this episode.

In this ep, we talked about:

• Emily’s background as a performer and how she got a guitar in her hand.

• Emily and I don’t know anything about gear!

• Psychology and identity as a singer.

• Fearlessness and confidence at 14 years old vs. 30 years old.

• Rick Rubin and The Creative Act - required reading for every human, but especially artists.

• Self-forgiveness, self-compassion, inner child work, Oh my!!

• How to stay in a creative flow.

• Doing a lot of drugs and trying to be an artist seems like it would be really expensive.

• Emily’s yearning to deepen her spiritual practice.

• 46:00 - I asked Emily about the songs from her S&TGP set.

• I asked Emily to tell me her love story with her husband - it’s so beautiful!

• How to create an energetic container to write more songs.

Emily Jeanne Brown played on the June 6th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Emily Jeanne Brown:

• “Late Bloomer”

• “Mina”

• “Proud”

Stream more music from Emily Jeanne Brown: Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Emily Jeanne Brown: @emilyjeannebrown

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

08. I do not want to fear the things I do not want anymore with Miranda Joan

Miranda Joan is one of my favorite singers and the first Canadian we’ve had on Shay & The Good People! Miranda is very well-known and respected in the music scene here in New York City. She is currently on tour singing backup with The Killers! Before she left I got to sit down with her to ask about her songwriting process and her herculean sweet tooth. Miranda has such a grounding presence and her commitment to music is really inspiring. I think you’re going to get a lot out of this conversation! Miranda is currently releasing new music, linked below.

In this ep, we talk about:

• Being a Metro-North Queen!

• How the day is not done without sweets or chocolate.

• Growing up in Vancouver.

• Salmon fishing.

• We both talked about how we are being in full acceptance and serenity of our singing career. We’re in it for the long haul!

• “Music lives beyond us once you put it out into the world. You don’t know what dots those are going to connect and in what ways.” - Miranda

• Miranda’s connection to spirituality.

• Dating as a female songwriter and really telling your truth through songs.

• Freedom to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. Unbothered and unrushed, honey!

• We ‘LOL’ when people say “Oh, I was so busy I forgot to eat”.

• I talk a little astrology (yay!). We talk about Miranda’s big three!

• I met Mirand’s mom las year at a show and she was an absolute delight. I asked her to share a little bit more about their connection!

• Miranda’s love song to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Miranda Joan played on the October 4th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Miranda Joan:

• “Cake For Dinner”

• “She Knows”

• “I Love You, Dwayne”

Stream all music by Miranda Joan: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Miranda Joan: @mirandajoanmusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

—————————

P.S. I’ve been starting these pods a little differently. I’m putting a clip of their S&TGP show performance instead of jumping right into the intro. Let me know if you like that or would rather jump straight into the interview! You can send me a message on our Instagram page, @shayandthegoodpeople. Thank you!

07. Happy to be just a ghost haunting my comfort zone with Small Chucks

Small Chucks joins me in the studio for an amazing convo! Small Chucks is the moniker for Sarah Trabue’s banjo folk music. This was also the first banjo we had on the show! Sarah and I originally met at a Brooklyn open mic earlier in the year. Once I heard her honest lyrics and gentle voice, I knew I wanted to have her on Shay & The Good People! I loved getting to know Sarah in this interview and am so grateful that she shared her heart with us.

TW: suicide

In this ep, we talk about:

• Taking the Greyhound bus to NYC to play shows while in high school (she’s braver than me!!).

• Sip n’ Sea! Working at National Geographic was her first job in the Big Apple!

• How whales and dolphins are related to music and songwriting.

• Sarah’s experience building her community in Brooklyn. The music scene’s sense of care may not always be obvious, but it is there if you’re looking for it.

• Gratitude practices.

• Sarah’s rough year and how she’s been navigating life since.

• What does New Year’s Day even mean!?!?!?!

• How to expand your capacity for joy.

• The origin story of the stage name “Small Chucks”.

Small Chucks played on the February 14th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Small Chucks:

• “Who Owns My Time”

• “Whodunit Complex”

• “Glad”

Listen to more music by Small Chucks: Bandcamp | YouTube

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Small Chucks: @smallchucks

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

06. You can literally die at any minute with Adelide

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast! In this episode, I’m chatting with Adelide, aka Kayla Schwartz. Kayla is a jazz-trained singer and Adelide is her singer-songwriter project. You can stream her latest album, Adelide, which features a full band with incredible production. Now don’t get me wrong, I love going to see live bands play. I love new music and to see someone play their recorded music live for the first time. When Adelide performed on S&TGP, she played all the tunes solo and it was so beautiful. Something about the isolated songs interpreted with just vocals and guitar really allowed me to go into her world. Kayla also vulnerably shares her story about her near-death experience and how that changed her life.

In this ep we get into so many things including:

• Kayla’s drum dreams.

• Learning guitar left-handed and the chic inspiration of Alanis Morissette.

• I explained the secret to how I avoided being bullied in high school.

• We both went to Stage Door, but not at the same time.

• Teaching music lessons to kids from rich families versus poor families.

• How Kayla’s spiritual practice deepened after a near-death car accident.

• The meaning behind the moniker Adelide.

• We both went to Birthright and we talked about it.

• “A lot about what’s really hard about being an artist is that you are expected to be out in the world all the time.” - Kayla

• How to use your spiritual toolbox to cope with anxiety and depression.

Adelide played on the September 5th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Adelide:

• Eleanor

• Is Anybody Else Alright?

• Dance With Me

Listen to more music by Adelide: Spotify | Apple Music

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Adelide: @its.adelide

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

05. This song is so petty and angry at no one with Laura Galindo

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People. We have Laura Galindo on today!! She was one of the first 2 guests I ever had on Shay & The Good People back in 2022. She played a set along with Morninglory (who is on episode 02, go back and listen!). Laura is a Brooklyn-based folk-rock, multi-hyphenated musician and theater artist born in Cali, Columbia. Throughout our interview, you will hear actual recordings of her songs as opposed to her S&TGP set. We had some technical difficulties during our very first show and couldn’t record anything. I clip in her produced music and you can stream the real thing after you listen to the pod.

Laura and I have known each other for a few years now, but we’ve never actually gotten a chance to have a real sit-down chit-chat. Laura is one of the most self-aware humans/artists that I know and you can hear it in her frickin’ brilliant lyrics. I really think you are going to enjoy this heart-centered conversation!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Using the craziness and drama in our heads to write really good songs.

• How Laura is really focusing on what the universe is aligning for her.

• Laura explains her triangle approach when saying ‘Yes’ to projects: Is it with friends or people you will have a good time with? Does it pay well? Does it have artistic merit that aligns with me?

• Anxiety always has a reason. Doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong, but it’s trying to tell ya something!

• The Latin word for an amateur is ‘amātor’, meaning lover. Seeing ourselves as amateurs and to be an amateur is to be a lover.

• Being a very chill music teacher!

• “What is the point of all of this?”. Asking and living that question!!

• Winter Desert in New York is real.

• Life, death, life cycle. That’s truly all there is.

Laura played on the March 7th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Laura Galindo:

• Last Place

• Hangover

Listen to more music by Laura Galindo: Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Laura Galindo: @thelauragalindo

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

04. My twenties were terrible with Jasmine Jang

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast! Jasmine Jang was born and raised in New York-based songwriter. We had a delightful conversation about growing up sheltered, finding your community in college, no drugs, and not writing love songs. Jasmine has such a grounding presence that you can feel in person and hear in her lyrics. Jasmine has such a strong mission as a musician. I am really inspired by Jasmine’s approach to her process. Jasmine is also the Co-Founder and Show Director at Keepsake House, a home for independent artists to share the stage and make memories out of live performances. I know you’re going to enjoy this conversation!

In this ep, we talk about:

• An artist’s complicated relationship with social media.

• Jasmine’s core values of making music.

• Jasmine’s Patreon and how the platform feels like an exchange of stories. It can be a really nice antidote to social media.

• Jasmine’s 2 main tools of songwriting: Voice memos and notebooks.

• We both write very few love songs. What’s up with that?

• How we think everyone should be in therapy.

• Realities of what a pandemic did to musicians.

• How I’m obsessed with her song ‘Morning Joe’

• Keepsake House!

Jasmine played on the August 8th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Jasmine:

• Flowers Bloom Upsidedown

• Crow’s Feet

• Morning Joe

Listen to more music by Jasmine Jang: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Jasmine Jang: @jasminejang

Keepsake House: @keepsakehouse

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

03. I’m such A hands pen type of gal with Morninglory

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast. Livvy Marcus, who performs under the moniker, Morninglory, was one of the FIRST guests on Shay & The Good People. Livvy is an unbelievable songwriter. I have been a fan of her tunes since 2018 when I cried listening to her play songs on a living floor in the Berkshires. Her songs make me feel nostalgic for a long drive across the Midwest that I’ve never even taken before. I’m super grateful for Livvy’s friendship over the years and am always inspired by her commitment to good music. You should stream her album, Livvy Marcus Eats Her Shoe, immediately after this interview.

In this ep, we discuss:

• Being from Massachusettes

• Is memorizing scripts hard…or are the scripts just bad?

• Using tarot cards and drawing as a morning spiritual practice.

• The balancing act of theater and music careers.

• Babysitting. Always babysitting.

• How obsessed I am with her album, Livvy Marcus Eats Her Shoe.

• Livvy shares with us a really tricky and traumatizing experience with a music manager. What happens when you’re so close to getting what you want? How do you navigate the fallout of it not working out the way you thought?

• When writing lyrics keep your Notes app open. All the time.

• “Feeling rushed and feeling old is the number one reason why I don’t get sh*t done on time.” - Mornglory

Morninglory played on the March 7th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Morninglory:

• I’m Tired

• Don’t Forget Me

• Lenny

Listen to more music by Morninglory: Spotify | Apple Music | Livvy Marcus Eats Her Shoe.

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Morninglory: @morninglory.music

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

02. We're not romanticizing the New York Grind with Noah Lexi | Shay & The Good People

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast. Brooklyn-based, Noah, Lexi is an incredible guitar player and has really good tattoos. I’m so excited for you to get to know Noah! I first saw him at a jam in Brooklyn, wearing sunglasses on stage and absolutely ripping on guitar. After seeing each other at gigs, we quickly became great friends. He plays guitar for my full band now. He’s an incredible talent and always brings amazing energy into every room. If you get to play with a musician like Noah, you’re super lucky. If you get to have a friend like Noah, you’re even luckier. Enjoy our conversation!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Moving to New York from Ohio after school and hitting the ground running.

• Going to Brooklyn jams not knowing anyone in the room and the importance of putting yourself out there.

• Going to college for English, but then remembering you’re a badass guitar player.

• Do you have to have a “big kid” job after school even if you want to be playing music all the time?

• Expectations of living in New York. Noah’s Mom had some pretty good advice.

• Shay is scared when people in their 60’s say they are “still trying to figure out what they want to do with their life.”

• Self-trust as an artist. There is truly only one of us in the world. How Noah keeps his sparkle!!

• Noah’s many animals and how he wrote a love song to his pet snake. There’s a zoo at Noah’s apartment. Also how dogs have no shame about asking for love.

Noah played on the October 4th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Noah Lexi:

1. “My Religion” - Noah Lexi

2. “Waiting” - Noah Lexi

3. “Call Tyrone” - original song by Erykah Badu

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Noah Lexi: @noahleximusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

01. Queerness is so normal, actually. with Sophie Hearn

Welcome to the first episode of Shay & The Good People! Shay & The Good People is a singer-songwriter showcase hosted by me, singer Shayna Blass, in Brooklyn, NY. All the guests I feature on the show are so good and I wanted to know more about them. So I started this podcast! After they perform on the show, I have them in the studio to interview them about their lives.

Sophie Hearn is an amazing singer-songwriter and actor based in New York City. We sat down for a heartwarming conversation about being a female guitar player, queerness, and keeping your music off social media. I learned so much about Sophie and her songwriting style. I think you’re really going to love this episode!

In this ep, we chat about:

• Not telling people that you’re scared to do something. Just show up and do it!

• How and why does Sophie get asked to show her calluses (by other guitar players)?

• How Sophie’s voice makes me feel really safe.

• Sophie talks about seeing Brandi Carlile live in high school and how that changed a lot for her.

• Wanting to hear sad songs at the end of the summer. What’s wrong with that?!?!

• “There are so many things about myself that were so obviously queer in such a beautiful way. I knew it, but I didn’t have words. I didn’t know all the shades of queer that there were.” - Sophie [30:31]

• “Queerness is so so normal, actually. It’s everywhere, it’s all the time.” - Sophie [ 40:37]

• Being drawn to beautiful expression. Saying the sad thing so you can feel the happier thing.

• What does it mean to be a bad bisexual?

Sohpie Hear played on the June 6th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Sophie Hearn:

• “Anymore”

• “Massachusettes”

• “Come to Jesus”

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Sophie Hearn: @_sophiehearn_

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

Shay & The Good People Trailer!

HI! WE HAVE A PODCAST!!!

Shay & The Good People podcast is coming to your ears, folks!

I am so frickin’ happy you’re here. Hi, I’m Shayna Blass and I’m the host of Shay & The Good People. We’re already off to a great start.

 This is the trailer/intro episode for Shay & The Good People which is the name of this podcast AND a live, monthly music show that happens in Brooklyn, NY. 

The Shay & The Good People live show is a singer-songwriter showcase, where I’ll sing original music and feature 3 different singer-songwriters in each show. I then bring each guests featured on the show (The Good People) into the studio for one-on-one interviews. We talk about pretty much everything! From creativity to battling hardships, to near-death experiences, to bad melodies, and their unrelenting resiliency. If you want to know what it’s truly like to be a New York musician navigating the uncharted waters of a post-pandemic era this pod is for you, sweetie!!

 Whether you're an aspiring musician, an avid lover of music, or simply seeking a dose of motivation, Shay & The Good People podcast promises to give you a greater appreciation for the unwavering spirit of an artist.

Also, don’t forget to come out to see the show!! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia