Welcome back to The Citrus Podcast Show Season 2! Hosted by Ky Richy (@KyRichy) and special co-host Chris Hamel (@Chrisbyname), this season brings you all-new exclusive interviews with inspiring guests followed by incredible live music performances, recorded right here in the Citrus Podcast studio.

In this episode, we sit down with country singer-songwriter Donovan Bryant (@DBLive) from Lodi, California. We trace his unique path in music, from his beginnings as a progressive metal drummer to studying pop music in LA. Donovan shares the pivotal moment the Elvis movie inspired him to switch to country music, leading him to record his debut singles in Nashville with members of Luke Combs' session band.

Discover Donovan's songwriting process, his take on the modern blend of country and pop, and the story behind his custom-made guitar. We also discuss his biggest musical inspirations, dream collaborations (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen), and his incredibly busy schedule of nearly 100 shows this year.

To close out the show, don't miss a special live performance of Donovan Bryant's original song, "Counterfeit Cowgirl," live on the Citrus Podcast stage.

Timestamps:

00:00:57 - Intro with Ky Richy & Chris Hamel

00:02:40 - Guest Introduction: Donovan Bryant

00:03:04 - From Progressive Metal Drummer to Singer

00:03:52 - Moving to LA & Writing Pop Music

00:04:43 - How the Elvis Movie Inspired a Switch to Country

00:05:44 - Recording in Tennessee with Luke Combs' Session Band

00:08:05 - Donovan's Songwriting Process

00:09:43 - Building His Band & Finding a Drummer

00:11:37 - Touring Life & Favorite Venues

00:14:24 - Musical Inspirations (Papa Roach, Post Malone)

00:16:43 - The Modern Pop/Country Crossover Genre

00:17:09 - The Story Behind "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

00:18:11 - His Custom Baylor Guitar

00:21:25 - Upcoming Headlining Shows

00:23:38 - Dream Collaborations

00:25:42 - Advice for New Artists

00:26:27 - Outro & Connect with Us

00:26:59 - Live Performance: Donovan Bryant - "Counterfeit Cowgirl"

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/@citruspodcast/podcasts

🎧 Listen to the audio version:

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Chris Hamel (Co-Host): @chrisbyname

Donovan Bryant (Guest): @DBLive

#CitrusPodcast #DonovanBryant #CountryMusic #CounterfeitCowgirl #LiveMusic #Podcast #Interview #Lodi #CaliforniaCountry #SingerSongwriter #NewMusic #KyRichy #Season2 #MusicPodcast #IndependentMusic #CountryPop

The legendary NUMP—the man behind the Bay Area anthem "I Got Grapes" and E-40's sound engineer —joins the podcast for an incredible conversation about his journey through the music industry. Nump details his path from running street teams for Def Jam to manifesting his dream of working with E-40.

He shares unbelievable stories about how he started as an unpaid intern for the rock band Green Day , working double shifts for free just to get his foot in the door. Nump recounts his first session with producer Rick Rock, watching him create Bay Area slaps , and how Messy Marv became his first official client.

Eventually, his hard work led to him becoming an engineer for E-40, contributing to the Gold and Platinum-certified album "My Ghetto Report Card". Nump also talks about working with legends like Mac Dre , his new music with artists like Russell , the importance of Filipino Independence Month , and giving back to the community through his Flap Your Wings Foundation.

After the interview, Nump performs his new single "Only Blues" - Featuring KeJa live on the Atrium Soundstage!

Timestamps:

00:00:24 Intro

00:02:27 Nump brings the grapes

00:03:25 Manifesting a Career as E-40's Engineer

00:04:06 Audio School in Arizona & Living Next to a Sorority

00:08:02 From Street Teams to an Unpaid Internship with Green Day

00:10:48 Working for Free: Cleaning, Getting Coffee & Learning the Ropes

00:12:45 Working with Blackalicious & Messy Marv

00:14:04 Seeing Rick Rock Create Hits in the Studio

00:16:48 The Journey to Working Directly with E-40

00:22:46 Earning Gold & Platinum Records for "My Ghetto Report Card"

00:23:36 Stories from the Hyphy Movement

00:29:00 Connecting with Russell & Previewing Their New Song "No Fufu"

00:38:29 Filipino Independence Month & Giving Back

00:44:28 The "Flap Your Wings Foundation"

00:46:34 Performance Intro

00:50:24 Live Performance: "Only Blues" ft. KEJA

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Nump (Guest): @nump__got__necks

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreative

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#Nump #E40 #Hyphy #BayArea #CitrusPodcast #AudioEngineer #GreenDay #MacDre #RickRock #MessyMarv #IGotGrapes #MusicInterview #LivePerformance

In this episode, Ky Richy sits down with singer-songwriter Brooke Alexx! Currently on her North American headline tour, Brooke talks about life on the road, including her unique pre-show food rituals involving lots of Asian food and her dislike for water. She dives deep into the making of her debut album, "Big Mouth," explaining her unconventional strategy of releasing singles first as an independent artist and how the album tells the story of her life in chronological order.

Brooke shares the hilarious and relatable stories behind her viral hit "All My Ex's Moms" (inspired by a real-life DM) and the empowering anthem "Younger Guys." She also recounts her incredible experience competing on NBC's "American Song Contest," meeting hosts Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, and the "full circle moment" when Kelly complimented her songwriting. Brooke offers invaluable advice to aspiring artists and gives us a sneak peek into her next project, which was written during a creative retreat in a cabin.

Following the chat, Brooke performs her songs "Hot Like You" live on our sound Stage!

Thank you to this episodes sponsor:

• Security and Firearms Training Academy https://safta-inc.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS to receive 10% off your classes!

00:00:19 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:56 Guest Introduction: Brooke Alexx

00:02:41 Tour Life & Pre-Show Food Rituals

00:05:45 Musical Influences (Taylor Swift & Sheryl Crow)

00:06:22 The Songwriting Process & Recipe for a Perfect Hook

00:07:17 The Story Behind "All My Ex's Moms"

00:09:10 Making the Debut Album, "Big Mouth"

00:12:05 The Story Behind "Younger Guys"

00:14:45 Experience on NBC's "American Song Contest"

00:16:27 Meeting Kelly Clarkson & Snoop Dogg

00:18:38 What's Next: The "Bigger Mouth" Deluxe Album & New Music

00:21:03 Advice for Up-and-Coming Artists

00:21:36 Performance Intro

00:22:49 Live Performance: "Hot Like You"

00:22:32 Outro & Connect With Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Brooke Alexx (Guest): @BrookeAlexx

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreative

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#CitrusPodcast #BrookeAlexx #BigMouth #HotLikeYou #PopMusic #SingerSongwriter #Nashville #AmericanSongContest #KellyClarkson #LivePerformance #MusicInterview #IndependentArtist

This episode, Ky Richy welcomes Southern California hip-hop and R&B artists DCMBR (@DCMBROfficial) and Pofsky (@Pofsky3) to the Citrus Podcast, fresh off the road from "The Heartbreak Kid Tour" with Stephen G! The duo discusses the origins of their artist names, with Pofsky sharing his rebranding story and DCMBR explaining the wintery vibe behind his name. They talk about their Southern California roots, how the areas they grew up in influenced their music, and how they met through a mutual friend. Pofsky also dives into his work with Underground Magazine, their studio, and print issues. Both artists share insights into their recent music releases – DCMBR's "Cold Hearted" EP and Pofsky's new single "Tonight" (which dropped the day of recording!) and his EP "West Side Love Letters" with Donny Solo. They also discuss common misconceptions about being an artist, their individual songwriting processes, and finding their unique sounds.

Following their conversation, DCMBR and Pofsky deliver a smooth live performance of their collaborative track, "Tonight".

• Wavy Dad Club https://www.wavydadclub.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS10 for 10% off your order!

• Security and Firearms Training Academy https://safta-inc.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS to receive 10% off your classes!

00:00:19 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:34 Guest Introduction: DCMBR & Pofsky

00:01:50 On "The Heartbreak Kid Tour"

00:03:29 Origin of Their Artist Names (DCMBR & Pofsky's Rebrand)

00:05:16 Growing Up in Southern California & Musical Influences

00:07:25 How DCMBR & Pofsky Met

00:07:55 Pofsky's Underground Magazine

00:10:03 DCMBR's Recent Music (EP "Cold Hearted," "Fireworks")

00:11:22 Pofsky's New Single "Tonight" & EP "West Side Love Letters"

00:11:55 Common Misconceptions About Being an Artist

00:13:40 Finding Their Sound & Artistic Progression

00:14:40 Songwriting Styles & Creative Process

00:22:11 What's Next for DCMBR & Pofsky (New Music, Albums)

00:23:23 Performance Intro

00:23:50 Live Performance: DCMBR & Pofsky - "Tonight"

00:25:30 Outro & Connect with Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreativeSpaces

DCMBR (Guest): @DCMBROfficial

Pofsky (Guest): @Pofsky3

Audio Production: @DustinWoelk

Executive Producer: @Chrisbyname

#CitrusPodcast #Podcast #Interview #LivePerformance #DCMBR #Pofsky #Tonight #HipHop #RnB #SouthernCaliforniaMusic #HeartbreakKidTour #UndergroundMagazine #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #KyRichy #Season2 #IndependentMusic

Episode Highlights:

This episode, Ky Richy welcomes Long Beach hip-hop artist Elijah Banx (@ElijahBanx) to the Citrus Podcast! Signed to Big Boy's camp, Elijah shares the story of how he connected with the radio legend through Tay K and what it was like meeting Big Boy for the first time. He discusses his artistic evolution, including the decision to rebrand from his previous moniker "E Nasty" after impactful advice from a mentor. Elijah also talks about his latest single "Bad Bad," his songwriting process (often crafting hooks first), his views on the current state of the music industry versus the mixtape era, growing up in Long Beach, his early influences like Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne, his unique hobbies like bowling, his upcoming 33-city tour with King Lil G, and a slate of new projects including a country/mental health awareness album and an R&B project titled "RNBanx."

Following the conversation, Elijah Banx performs his newest record, "Bad Bad," live in the studio!

00:00:18 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:43 Guest Introduction: Elijah Banx

00:02:24 How Elijah Banx Got Signed to Big Boy

00:03:08 First Time Meeting Big Boy

00:04:00 Rebranding from "E Nasty" to Elijah Banx

00:05:56 Discussing the New Record "Bad Bad" & Indie Pop Shoot

00:08:16 Connection with Chuck Dizzle & Homegrown Radio

00:11:06 Songwriting Process

00:14:00 Views on Current Music Industry vs. Mixtape Era

00:18:48 Growing Up in Long Beach

00:21:07 Early Musical Influences (Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne)

00:22:46 Hobbies: Bowling & Video Games

00:26:06 Upcoming Tour with King Lil G

00:28:43 Upcoming Music Projects & Albums (Who Would Have Thought, RN Banx)

00:32:09 Performance Intro

00:32:23 Live Performance: Elijah Banx - "Bad Bad"

00:33:48 Outro & Connect with Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreativeSpaces

Elijah Banx (Guest): @ElijahBanx

#CitrusPodcast #Podcast #Interview #LivePerformance #ElijahBanx #BadBad #HipHop #LongBeachMusic #BigBoy #TayK #KingLilG #ChuckDizzle #NewMusic #MusicPodcast #KyRichy #Season2 #IndependentMusic

In this episode, Ky Richy is joined by his dear friend, the incredibly talented drummer Travis Maresca (@travthedrummer)! Travis shares his lifelong journey with drums, starting with a kit in his living room thanks to his drummer dad, and how a 2nd-grade teacher first noticed his rhythm. Hear about his early influences (Blink182 & Green Day) and how he progressed to more complex playing. Travis recounts pivotal moments, including moving to Newport Beach and being inspired by Blink-182, meeting his mentor Justin Mira, a chance encounter and performance for Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, and an inspiring conversation with his idol, Travis Barker. He also talks about his experiences with various bands like Twitch Angry, Old Soles, and Stay Out, past studio adventures, his current gear (including his signature Orange County kit and Yamaha EAD10), and his plans for future musical projects.

Following the engaging conversation, Travis Maresca showcases his incredible skills with a dynamic drum solo!

00:00:18 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:39 Guest Introduction: Travis Maresca

00:02:10 How Travis Got Into Drums (Dad was a drummer)

00:03:38 Early School Influence (Mr. Murphy)

00:04:22 First Songs Learned & Musical Progression

00:05:50 Moving to Newport Beach & Blink-182 Influence

00:08:08 Meeting Mentor Justin Mira

00:12:11 The Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) Story

00:13:57 Meeting Travis Barker & The Fast Life Store

00:17:30 Bands & Studio Experiences (Twitch Angry, Old Soles, Stay Out)

00:30:23 Current Drum Gear (Yamaha EAD10, Orange County Kit)

00:35:42 What's Next for Travis (New Music Projects)

00:39:07 Live Performance Intro (Drum Solo)

00:39:22 Live Performance: Travis Maresca - Drum Solo

00:43:00 Approx. Outro & Connect with Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreativeSpaces

Audio Production @Dustin_Woelk

Travis Maresca (Guest): @travthedrummer

#CitrusPodcast #Podcast #Interview #LivePerformance #TravisMaresca #Drummer #DrumSolo #TravisBarker #BillieJoeArmstrong #GreenDay #Blink182 #MusicPodcast #KyRichy #Season2 #MusicianInterview #OrangeCountyDrums #yamahaead10

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Wavy Dad Club https://www.wavydadclub.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS10 for 10% off your order!

• Security and Firearms Training Academy https://safta-inc.com/

Use Promo Code: CITRUS to receive 10% off your classes!

This episode, we are joined by Oakland hip-hop artist C5 (@OfficialC5) and StunnaMan02 (@StunnaMan02)! C5 dives into his latest project, "God Been Good To Me," sharing how challenging times and gratitude shaped the album and how his faith is central to his music. StunnaMan02 discusses his feature on their powerful track "Keep Me In Your Prayers." The artists also touch on growing up in the Bay Area, their musical influences (including Lil Wayne), the importance of their creative circle, C5's unique songwriting process (composing in his head), and their journeys with addiction and recovery. They also give advice to upcoming artists and talk about their next collaborative project, "Make God Cool Again."

Following their insightful conversation, C5 and StunnaMan02 deliver a heartfelt live performance of their song "Keep Me In Your Prayers".

00:00:17 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors

00:01:54 Opening Prayer

00:03:30 C5 on his album "God Been Good To Me"

00:05:26 C5 Discusses Faith in His Music

00:06:35 The Making of "Keep Me In Your Prayers"

00:07:47 StunnaMan02 on His Feature

00:12:54 Growing Up in the Bay Area

00:15:10 Musical Beginnings & Influences

00:21:12 C5's Songwriting Process

00:25:51 Discussing Addiction & Recovery

00:35:08 Advice for Upcoming Artists

00:47:10 Future Project: "Make God Cool Again"

00:50:40 Live Performance Intro

00:51:00 Live Performance: C5 & StunnaMan02 - "Keep Me In Your Prayers"

00:53:40 Outro & Connect with Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance!

🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions!

🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧

🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast

Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy

Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreativeSpaces

Audio Production @Dustin_Woelk

C5 (Guest): @OfficialC5

StunnaMan02 (Guest): @StunnaMan02

#CitrusPodcast #Podcast #Interview #LivePerformance #C5 #StunnaMan02 #GodBeenGoodToMe #KeepMeInYourPrayers #HipHop #OaklandMusic #BayAreaMusic #FaithBasedMusic #IndependentMusic #MakeGodCoolAgain #KyRichy #Season2 #MusicPodcast #AddictionRecovery

This episode welcomes singer, songwriter, and creative, Leshon (@Leshon115) to the Citrus Podcast stage! Leshon shares his unique path into music, transitioning from a promising athletic career after a serious injury led him to discover his voice in choir. He talks about meeting his key collaborator Jay Kent, working with legendary producer D.O.A., and breaking into the world of sync licensing with upcoming movie placements, including the film "Golden". Leshon discusses his alternative R&B influences like Frank Ocean and Lucky Daye, his songwriting process, winning a ROC Nation-affiliated songwriting camp, and gearing up for his debut album "Emotional Stoic" coming in 2025.

Following the conversation, Leshon delivers a smooth and heartfelt live performance of his latest single, "Jack It".

00:00 Intro with Ky Richy & Sponsors 01:35 Leshon Interview: Background & Getting Into Music 04:50 Leshon Interview: Working with D.O.A. & Sync Licensing 08:35 Leshon Interview: Musical Inspirations & Sound 13:20 Leshon Interview: Songwriting & Creating "Jack It" 15:00 Leshon Interview: Winning the Songwriting Camp & "Ego" 21:20 Leshon Interview: Upcoming Music & Debut Album 25:05 Live Performance: Leshon - "Jack It" 28:45 Outro & Connect with Us

Connect & Support:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know your favorite part in the comments below! 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the conversation or the live performance! 🔔 Subscribe to The Citrus Podcast Show for more exclusive interviews and live music sessions! 🔗 Watch more episodes from Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxopipKnZS0TYGe9r1TIckEu1fUo-z7y4🎧 🎧 Listen to the audio version on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/citrus-podcast-show-season-2/PC:1001101306

Follow the Journey:

Citrus Podcast: @CitrusPodcast Ky Richy (Host): @KyRichy Atrium Creative Spaces (Studio): @AtriumCreativeSpaces Audio Production: @Dustin_Woelk Leshon (Guest): @Leshon115 #CitrusPodcast #Podcast #Interview #LivePerformance #Leshon #JackIt #RnB #AlternativeRnB #SingerSongwriter #SacramentoMusic #FrankOcean #DOA #JayKent #SyncLicensing #GoldenMovie #EmotionalStoic #KyRichy #Season2 #IndependentMusic #CreativeInterview

Thank you to our Sponsors: • Wavy Dad Club https://www.wavydadclub.com/ Use Promo Code: CITRUS10 for 10% off your order! • Security and Firearms Training Academy https://safta-inc.com/ Use Promo Code: CITRUS to receive 10% off your classes!