All hail the King.........King Dari that is. Danielle welcomes him to the purple chairs for the eleventh episode of season 5. From church boy to student to writing a song that is going to change the  Kansas City landscape, Danielle and King Dari get into some deep industry conversations that will bring some awareness of things to consider in this independent artist community. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/loaIN38h0cg      

Episode 10 features a group of childhood friends who've found commonality and creativity playing together in their band, The Blast Monkeys. Check out this interview to find out some of the tricks of the music business trade.  Having issues with collaborating, keeping up with social media content or just figuring out how to communicate to each other .  This episode will surely give some insight into those answers and more. You can check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yzZd5_Vtzx8?si=WHdFIOX-n-1SZbDV       

Our next guest is yet another creative who studied sound engineering in college (noticing a theme?) and is an exceptional musician! Alex Thomas has blessed us with his presence in the purple chairs. Alex and Danielle get into his beginnings in music, his inspiration to change a major in jazz to sound engineering and his world wide exposure to different experiences that have shaped who he's becoming as a well rounded, humble talent. You can also check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/zaNymd-keUs   

Starting out as an actor at a very young age he gravitated to live performance like a moth to a flame, let me introduce you to Cam Burns. Cam calls into the show from St. Louis, Mo to get in it with Danielle as they talk the beginnings of a dream that morphed into a reality. Now writing and producing his own music while going to Webster University to study songwriting and sound engineering, Cam is a phenomenal creative with a unique viewpoint of his artistry. You can also check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: hhttps://youtu.be/NykAKxuueqo    

Well this isn't the first time you've seen this guest in the purple chairs, he also hosted our Season 4 Retro Show. Let's welcome host of SprinkleSumSalt Podcast, Mr. Bump Jonas. Giving us insight into the motivation that fuels his desire to provide a platform for the hiphop community, he and Danielle get into the depths of his origin story, which provides the foundation for everything else he does. I f you've ever been on his podcast or performed at The Mecca, then you will not want to miss this episode. It is sure to let you have a better understanding of your host. You can also check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/J3tKi29duG0?si=Zdpwke2sgnq_VBGr   

We've had a lot of artist with alot of experiences as they are running the race to obtain their dreams. In this episode we have Sweet Caroline Skye who has been in the game for a minute, and the experiences she shares with us is a darker side of the industry than we've heard thus far. Going now by the name of Bae, she and Danielle talk a lot about her early years with dreams of becoming a star and how the traumatic circumstance she was faced with tried to crush her spirit. The one thing about Bae is nothing is going to stop her. Armed with her drum, you will be sure to see her in a city near you.  You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/2D94ewJaba4     

Content creator, fashion designer, entrepreneur and the Morehouse College Official Host Isaiah Evans also know by his YouTube page ‪@zaisteppa‬ Being only 19, this young man has been places others are trying to get. Starting his content creating at the early age of 11, he has produced videos of his match making talents (make sure you check out his Game Time, you'll understand what we're talking about) to his displays of college shenanigans, all combined with his faith based lifestyle. Danielle has such a great time with Isaiah as she interviews him all the way from Hotlanta! Make sure you check out this inspiring interview! You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/DqQe4K55Jr0?si=DBEBYLL48hsRcsmd   

Bedazzled, Repurposed, Customized and in Honor Of describe the DIY fashions from Trunks Up Apparel. Designer Terrae Porter sits down with Host Danielle Cox to give us a glimpse into the inspiration that lead to his aspirations into the fashion industry. In partnership with his brother Trin, the two have managed to let memories so dear live on through their philanthropy. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/lUMoNQ1ktRs    

Imagine waking up one morning and realizing your aspirations of a perfect life has been overcome with dreams of runways and recording booths. Our guest for episode 3 is singer, songwriter and fashion designer Noye'. Danielle and Noye' get close up and personal as they discuss childhood trauma giving way to melodic storytelling written not only for her own projects but the desire to lend her stoke of the pen to others. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/R0Kvi7VZObg     

If you've ever talked to Danielle you know that she has an affinity with two specific creatives...............authors and artists. Welcome to episode 2 of season 5 which introduces us to Kitty, a well known artist here in the Kansas City area, known for collaborative live art sessions at concerts and open mics around town. She introduces us to some of her own unique creations and gives some insight into the inspirations that become her art. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/PFg5Yk_KYrw?si=TOHsavAkgOlXG_8P    

Season 5, Season 5, Season 5, Season 5, Season 5, Season 5, Season 5 Can you believe we started this talk show 2 years ago, trying to find guest amongst people we know?  Now we have a whole community of creatives that we can call upon to tell their unique stories and display their unique gifts.    Our first guest of Season 5 is a well known artist in the community and someone who has become a member of the GCU! family.  Please welcome Joshua James Warren of Joshua James and The First Aid Kit. Don't miss this episode!  Danielle and Joshua James really Get Close UP! diving into his creative process, working with talented musicians, and gives a taste of what's to come in the coming months.  It's a great look into the mind of a "folk singer" You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/UJeYBNruCFk    

We've reached the end of season 4, ending with a creative who's walk through life led down the black and white path of Kansas straight to the yellow brick road to Dream Street. Betting on himself, Lucas Carpenter uprooted his comfy, cozy, safe surroundings to follow his dream to be come a film producer; leaving Kansas for the bright lights of NY. Lucas and Danielle touch on his inspiring journey. From miraculously overcoming from birth, to maintaining that same strength and determination to fulfill his life's ambitions. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel at:  https://youtu.be/WRHyuqsrswM?si=_8Ebsow6Buj82TcC  

There is such a negative connotation when referring to someone a two faced, but what about when someone is referred to as the man with one thousand and one faces? Well let's meet him...............welcome to the purple chairs Michael McQuary. Host Danielle Cox and Mr. Michael McQuary go back in time to the days of old Hollywood, the New York Club Kid scene and the years of impersonation that have defined Michael as the great talent he is. You'll be enthralled with his stories of his journey, make sure you check out this interview! You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/cCuViqTjb-g    

Bugzy Beast, Gnotezz, King Kihei and Antonio J are the special guest who makeup the S4E9 Panel Show. You can only image what it’s like bringing 4 different rappers with different experiences at different places in their career to talk on all the different topics that define who an artist is. Host Danielle Cox and our 4 guest present to you………theRapper Panel. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8OkEoF35cKU?si=7o73oKMc4Y_d0yr_    

If you remember the Band Leader panel show from Season 3 (episode 11) then you will surely remember our S4E8 guest, songstress Frankie Lynn Shorez. Host Danielle Cox and Frankie getting into new conversations regarding building a fan base, being an artist and manager, new singles and being the odd woman out in a family of athletes; culminating in the ability to take all her experiences and wrap them up in deep, thought provoking, healing lyrics. You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eNLXPY7m1wo?si=RyD6jedhfBRGq_Hf    

How do you come up with a name like Delilah Sugarwood, well it involves a bird, a condominium and some great advice from a friend. Tune into this episode and find the answer to the riddle as Host Danielle Cox and Delilah Sugarwood embark on an exciting transformation that helps us understand the magical, colorful world of Delilah Sugarwood! You can also see the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel:  https://youtu.be/ndc8LBvnatY  

Batman has his gadgets, Tony Stark has his technology. Who do you get when you combine both with music,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jansen Wooten. In the wake of Danielle's summer illness guest host Antonio J steps in to introduce us to the newest superhero of sonic compositions, exploring the different instruments (some purchased and some home made) and the training and techniques acquired to master each. This is a different take on exploring the world of an independent artist. You can also check out the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/RtT9GDShQo8  

Season 4, episode 5 brings a new ingredient to the GCU! recipe. Meet Chef Christina Clark. Her egg rolls, her, dumplings, and oh to taste her fried rice (she made it in the studio during this episode); it's no wonder she is the at the top of the food chain when someone is looking for a personal chef. Danielle and Christina talk about the decisions to pursue a career in the creative design of food and her aspirations of taking control of her own destiny. You can also check out the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/HWbrkU9txVM    

Have you ever met someone who can do it all? Well let Danielle introduce you to Markus Raines. He's a rapper, he's a singer, he's an actor, he's a producer, he's a writer (shall I go on?). Having all of these talents under his belt, you can only image where this interview goes. Danielle and Markus get deep down into each and every one of these EGOT defining gifts with a very deep insight into an artist mind, body and soul. You can also check out the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/3zMri0fUjrU    

Zach, Aaron and Duncan are our special guest.  Together their individual musical gifts create an eclectic sound that will take you through a time warp of musical vision.  Welcome Cat Voltron! Danielle and the boys explore the origin of how their name was chosen  and how it defines their sound  and style.  They dive into the music and the business behind it.  You also may get some news about a new EP that should drop right around when this episode is airs. Make sure you check it out when it comes out!! You can also check out the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/B6RdbayNYeE