🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 18: Weightless With ØSTELLA
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🏡 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation

Up early for this one. Seth and Mac sit down with ØSTELLA an Edmonton based alt rock Irish fusion artist who rolled into Calgary fresh off a killer show at the Rec Room.

They get into life in Canada after growing up in Dublin, how a school concert lit the fire to perform, and the winding road from band life to going solo when a “someday” mindset finally ran out. ØSTELLA shares how a car accident pushed her into the jazz program at MacEwan, why learning guitar became non negotiable, and what it’s like building momentum as an artist in a post pandemic live music world.

The conversation also dives into music culture in Ireland, why Canada struggles to get crowds out, and how programs like youth music camps and all ages shows can change everything. Then it gets wild in the best way: cycle touring across Canada, collecting stories for a new record, and why the “Ø” isn’t just branding it’s a whole philosophy.

The episode wraps with a live performance of “Weightless” and a big reminder that community is still the secret weapon.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Ross Fizzard – “I Don’t Know”
K The Chosen – “Always Fresh”
Imelda May – “Johnny Got a Boom Boom”

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🏡 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

In Episode 17, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Andy Fennell — founder of Gravity — to talk about what it really takes to build a community-first venue and keep live music alive in Calgary.

Andy shares the story behind opening Gravity (despite never drinking coffee at the time), the personal turning points that pushed him to take the leap, and what he’s learned after hosting 3,500+ shows over nearly 14 years. They dig into why supporting artists matters, how Gravity’s model has evolved (cover, tips, and coffee sales that help fund performers), and what he’s seeing change in Calgary’s music scene — from fewer bands to more solo acts.

The conversation also hits big picture dreams: growing Gravity’s roastery to fuel more musician support, becoming “the coffee for musicians,” and the goal of putting an A-list artist’s name on a Gravity coffee bag someday. Plus: memorable concerts, listening-room etiquette, and why intimate rooms can beat massive crowds.

🎶 Songs of the Week (Chop Value YYC):
• Kid Kali – “Third Eye”• Devin Foster – “Insomnia”• Ocie Elliott – “Feeling Fine”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 16: No One, No One (With Jubs / Shy Friend)
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💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

Episode 16 is a full-on hang with Jubs from SHY FRiEND - fresh off the release of their brand-new single “No One, No One.” Seth and Mackenzie get into the real behind-the-scenes of putting music out: sitting on songs for years, fighting perfectionism, and learning to let the rough edges live.

Jubs breaks down how “No One, No One” came to life through a one-time studio opportunity with jazz session players (hello city pop / funk energy), and how Shy Friend is translating that sound into an even messier, more chaotic, more fun live show- complete with themes, possible brass section appearances, and a bassist who might literally juggle mid-set.

They also preview what’s coming next: a Snaggletooth deluxe edition, Shy Friend’s first tour (BC and back), fundraising chaos (Rockin’ for Dollars, bake sales, maybe a parka bikini car wash), and a SAIT documentary following the band. Plus: YYC Songwriter Showdown updates, live music accessibility, earplugs, and a few truly unhinged grounding techniques.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Jolene Marie – “Honey”
Miarlequin – “Perpetual Notion”
Astrocaster – “Picture”