🎧 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”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 15: Fiddlin' Around with Catherine Robertson
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💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Catherine Robertson, a fiddle player, violinist, and luthier who’s been immersed in music since she was three years old. Catherine breaks down the real difference between “violin” and “fiddle” (hint: it’s not the instrument), how she moved from classical training into traditional music, and why chasing perfection can drain the joy from playing if you’re not careful.

They dig into her path from early gigs and music store life into full-time work with artists, touring, and instrument repair, including how being a luthier has saved the day on the road more than once. There’s lots of love for Alberta’s music community, her long-running connection with Ryan Lindsay, and what it’s like to move in and out of projects while keeping relationships intact.

And because it’s S'MAC Talk, the conversation takes a hard left into small-town road stops, A&W coffee club culture, and the internet-famous apple reviews, including the great Red Delicious debate. Plus, a perfectly chaotic tour story involving two identical SUVs, the Premier’s security team, and one very unlucky band member opening the wrong door.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Jade Elephant – “Listen to the Beatles”
Jessie Dans - "Summer 2016"
Ryan Lindsay – “Three Long Hauls” (unreleased)

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 14: Taking The Plunge
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💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation
♻️ Segment Sponsor: Chop Value YYC

Seth and Mackenzie are back in the studio for Episode 14 with Calgary musician, producer, and Plunge Audio partner Justin Kudding. After a laid-back (and slightly forced) holiday reset, the crew dives into Justin’s journey from junior high bass assignment to touring professionally, winning JUNO and CCMA recognition, and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship through custom in-ear monitors.

Justin breaks down how Plunge Audio grew from a tinkering side-hustle into a thriving company, why he’d rather be a Chief In-Ear Officer than a CEO, and what it’s like balancing a life in music with building a scalable business. They also talk bass inspirations from Flea to John Paul Jones, the realities of chasing a unique “lane” in the industry, and one of the most stressful live performance moments imaginable: learning a brand-new Bebe Rexha arrangement hours before going on national live TV.

The conversation wraps with a look ahead to 2026 goals, giving back to the music community through flexible creative-friendly work, and Plunge Audio’s support of the YYC Songwriter Showdown — including gifting in-ear monitors to the Elite 8 and Justin joining the judging panel.

🎶 Songs of the Week (Chop Value YYC):
Justine Vandergrift – “Stay”
Veronica Raine – “August”
Kaia Gamble – “Photographs”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 13: King of Monday Nights With DuddyPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: F1 Realty – Family First Realty with Dave Rogers💛 Episode Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation

This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Jeff “Duddy” Dudder, host of The Deets With Duddy and self-proclaimed king of Monday nights. From late-night TV inspirations to building a full talk-show style set in his house, Duddy walks through how a simple idea to vlog with his son turned into one of Calgary’s most eclectic interview shows.

They dig into his journey from the bar and restaurant world into home sales and podcasting, what he’s learned from talking with artists, actors, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and how a Calgary Arts Development grant is helping him take the show live on stage.

The trio also dive into Calgary’s exploding music scene, the power of highlighting local charities and mental health work, and the realities of editing until 2 a.m. There’s plenty of side quests too: being recognized with and without the signature glasses, Christmas movies and alarm tones, Dave Chappelle at the ‘Dome, sports vs. theatre, and why everyone seems to know everyone in this city’s arts community.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
Kate Reed – “Christmas Stay With Us”
Carter Felker – “Nothing But Net”
Shy Friend – “Freaky Nightmare”

👕 Merch Partner: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 12: The World of Micah Sage
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🏡 Title Sponsor: F1 Realty – Family First Realty (Dave Rogers)
👕 Music Support: Chop Value YYC + Rapid Artist Merch

This week, Seth & Mac sit down with rising Calgary pop artist Micah Sage for a conversation filled with creativity, honesty, and heart. Fresh off her EP release show and gearing up for the arrival of GIRLFRIEND, Micah dives into her artistic evolution, why this project feels like a fully imagined world, and how she blends pop, ballads, storytelling, and pure emotion into one cohesive artistic identity.

Micah opens up about her writing process (including spontaneous 48-hour songwriting trips to Edmonton), the joy of embracing pop unapologetically, and the importance of trusting your path as an emerging artist. They explore personal growth, navigating uncertainty, and why leaning into silliness, satire, and character is shaping her new sound.

The trio also revisit Micah’s journey from open mics to festival stages, the first time she met Seth and did a podcast in a field under a tent, and the magic of Calgary’s fast-rising pop scene. Plus: a heart-melting moment where Mac shares how much Micah’s music means to her daughter.

🎶 Songs of the Week:
• Jennie Harluk – Georgia
• Kailee Duggan – Lola
• Robert Adam – Moonlight Magic, Bailing Twine, Diane
• The Marias – Nobody Knows / Sienna (bonus picks)

A warm, inspiring, joy-filled episode with one of Calgary’s brightest young artists.

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 11: Not So Silent Calgary with Lyle Peterman

This week, Seth and Mac sit down with Lyle Peterman – in-arena voice of the Calgary Wranglers, longtime Calgary Canucks game ops lead, realtor, and co-founder of A Not So Silent Night / A Not So Silent Summer – to explore where sports, community, and live music collide.

Lyle shares his path from junior hockey rinks to the Saddledome, what makes the AHL experience so special, and how Calgary can truly claim “music city” status. The crew dives into his work with Not In My City and the fight against human trafficking, the impact of intentional live-music fundraising, and why simply choosing venues with live music can change a scene.

They also chat about supporting local artists, Sundays with Blue Willow at Canucks games, and wrap with Songs of the Week featuring Amy Nelson, Justine Vandergrift, Micah Sage & Dempsey Bolton, Bon Iver, and Mariah Stokes.