In an engaging edition of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Tori Roze, the lead vocalist, and Mike Mulqueen, the guitarist of the Bay Area's renowned funk and soul band, The Humidors. The conversation starts with the host's warm welcome, quickly transitioning into discussing the band's formation and evolution over the years. The Humidors, originally named the San Pablo Project, have been creating their unique brand of party music since 2013. Tori Rose and Mike Mulqueen share insights about the band's journey, dynamic musical influences, and the strong camaraderie among their eig ..read more

In this enlightening interview, host Steve Roby speaks with Adam Theis, the trombonist, bassist, composer, and co-founder of Jazz Mafia. Throughout their conversation, Adam shares the origin story of Jazz Mafia, which began in the late 1990s in San Francisco’s North Beach at a venue called Black Cat. Adam describes how the venue's manager encouraged musicians to break boundaries and experiment with new sounds, leading to the creation of the Jazz Mafia collective, which now incorporates a variety of musical genres, including electro, hip-hop, world, classical, and jazz. Steve and Adam delve int ..read more

In this interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby chats with the Atlanta-born blues guitarist Eddie 9V. At just 26, Eddie has already achieved significant acclaim, including a #1 Billboard Blues album with Capricorn. Eddie shares insights about his musical journey, which began at 15, and his roots in classic blues and soul. He discusses his influences, including Freddie King, Mike Bloomfield, and Sean Costello.  As the conversation progresses, Eddie talks about his band's dynamics and upcoming performances, including a highly anticipated show at Mill Valley's Sweetwater Music Hall. H ..read more

In this captivating interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy Award-winning artist Colbie Caillat to discuss her illustrious career and latest musical endeavors. They delve into Colbie’s early influences and upbringing in Southern California, crediting her parents and family friends for nurturing her musical talents. Colbie shares personal anecdotes about her first vocal coach and reflects on the music industry's evolution, from MySpace discoveries to the impact of modern social media platforms like TikTok. The conversation highlights some of Colbie's significant col ..read more

This interview with show host Steve Roby and Matt Lowell, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Lo Moon's frontman, offers an insightful look into the band's journey, creative processes, and latest album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck. Matt discusses the band's origins, detailing how his move to Los Angeles led to the formation of Lo Moon with members Samuel Stewart and Crisanta Baker. The conversation delves into the album's inspiration, drawn from Matt's formative years in rural Connecticut, highlighting key influences such as David Foster Wallace's literature and the emotional nostalg ..read more

In this interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby chats with Americana singer-songwriter Noah Guthrie about his music career and upcoming show in Napa, California. The discussion begins with Guthrie's early influences, particularly his father's musical background, and how he transitioned from casually strumming a guitar at 14 to becoming a professional musician. Guthrie shares insights into his unique blend of soulful voice and Southern influences and his experiences opening for renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Willie Nelson. The conversation also delves into Guthrie's appearances on ..read more

In this engaging interview, Grammy Award-nominated singer and songwriter Leslie Mendelson discusses her musical journey, influences, and her latest album, "After the Party." Leslie shares anecdotes about her musical upbringing, including how her father's record collection and musical household inspired her early passion for music. She talks about her love for artists like The Beatles, Radiohead, and Joni Mitchell, which shaped her sound over the years. Leslie dives into the creative process behind "After the Party," revealing how a 1979 Andy Warhol picture influenced the album's title and them ..read more

In this engaging interview, the California-based quartet Color Green sits down with host Steve Roby to discuss their latest album 'Fool’s Parade,' musical influences, and the creative process behind their unique sound. The members share personal anecdotes about their journey in the music industry, their experiences performing live, and how living in California has shaped their artistry. Through lively conversation and insightful questions, Steve Roby delves deep into the band's stories and aspirations, providing listeners with an intimate look at the band Color Green ..read more

In this insightful interview on Backstage Sonoma, musician Rachel Garlin joins host Steve Roby to discuss her musical journey and latest project, "The Ballad of Madeline and Therese." Rachel shares her experiences growing up with a passion for storytelling and music, leading to her current role as a singer-songwriter based in San Francisco. She delves into her latest album's inspiration and creation process, explaining how it began as a song cycle and evolved into a historical fiction narrative about forbidden love in 1940s America. Rachel also discusses the challenges and rewards of transform ..read more

The interview features ukulele virtuoso Vince Esquire and bassist Uncle Don Lopez from the band Kanekoa. Known for their unique blend of ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam rock, Kanekoa has been praised as the "Hawaiian Grateful Dead." With nearly 20 albums over their 25-plus-year career, the band continues to captivate audiences. During the interview, Vince and Don discuss the band's origins, from a humble coffee shop open mic to becoming a staple in Hawaiian music culture. The conversation touches on their various influences, particularly the blues and the Grateful Dead. It highlights significant ..read more