Artists Loving Artists

Welcome Back!   Episode 36 is one of my fav's! Adi and I recorded this on St. Patricks Day, had a couple of Brews, and decided to talk about the Artists and Tunes we are jamming on so far in 2021.    We came to the realization that the Artists on deck this week that are on our radar, were so, because: Every single one of these musicians are creating their own way, and in that way, shine a whole lot of Truth back to the audience. As creators, we strive to find balance in the work we do and our love for the Creative, and it's not always easy. The lesson is: When you see past the music, you are seeing a piece of yourself in it, and you are capable of anything. There is no real duality with one artist to another. We are all Creators, and it's our job to present our Art in the most Authentic way possible, much like our picks this week. Artists on deck include: Pearl Charles, Tristan Prettyman, Alabama Deathwalk, Zakoor, Hiss Gold Messenger, and Phoebe Bridgers!   We also have a ton of fun (per usual) and t

Welcome Back!   Episode 35 of "Artists Loving Artists" is now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.!   This week, Adi and I are back with a jam-packed Pod filled with a ton of our favorite Live Versions, Recordings and Performances!   Some of the Artists on Deck this week include: David Byrne, Van "the Man" Morrison, John Mayer, The Boss: Bruce, and more!   The theme of this week turned out to be much deeper than we anticipated, and we relished in the fact that music does indeed gets us through times like these ("And times like those" - Jack Johnson).   We talk deeply about the art of Live Shows, (whata thrill, to not only witness a moment in time when an Artist is perhaps at their most authentic and in the flesh, but also, to capture the magic of what they do so well in a recorded version), discuss why we love performing live vs. studio time, talk about the Texas Polar Vortex, Joe Rogan and Dave Chapelle, admit to times we cried during a performance and the utter importance that live music is to the s

A Special BONUS Valentine's Episode has landed!   And Episode 34 of "Artists Loving Artists" is an awesome one!   Adi and I have lovingly forced our significant others to hop on the Pod and discuss some tunes that are at the epicenter of our relationships! From Matchbox 20 to Prince, tune is as we share the tales on how each couple met, which picks we chose that we hold close to our hearts and why!   You'll also hear stories about Adi tearing his pants at his wedding, hear Bryan deny using dating apps, Kate's secret to Marriage, and me, wonder if Rob Thomas and I will ever make it.   Joking aside, I think music defines so many moments for people, and I love to hear the stories that accompany those greatest of tales and take form in the people you decide to share your life with! Love is an infinity symbol and will always find its way back around.   Thank you to Kate and Bryan for showing up and playing along and Happy Valentine's Day Everybody!

Episode 33 of “Artists Loving Artists” is now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.!   This week, I’m joined by an old friend and ultimate music lover: Marina Monsisvais! I know Marina from my years of living in El Paso, Texas! Her constant support, love and appreciation for local (and all) music, I believe, was an important pillar for the foundation of how the El Paso Music Scene grew. Her authentic spirit and love for the Arts shines through her magical self as much today as it did then and it was a JOY to reconnect with her!   This week, we picked a couple of groups that feel close to the theme of “Girl Power”, but, from a very grounded and personal sense. Both picks left us more inspired and reminiscent of why we love them and what they mean to us, more so, than when we entered our convo!   The Artists on deck this week include: Sleater-Kinney, and The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks)! Tune in as Marina and I listen to some of our favorite tracks, discuss and dissect what the women’s perspec

Episode 32 of “Artists Loving Artists” is now Available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.!   This week, I’m joined by a new-found friend: Natalie Price! Natalie is a Singer-Songwriter who blends a unique dose of Americana, Indie, and Pop into her music -She’s also the host of her own Virtual Talk show, “20@10” - where she interviews an array of musicians and artists and gives space for song swapping in the process.   I notice most of ALA episodes carry a theme that isn’t known until my guests and I get towards the end of our conversations. This week definitely came around to: “It’s a Vibe”   We picked some artists that hold an energy that feel deep, and sorta mysterious..enough to dissect their lyrics and give a second spin for stories sake, but also, done well enough to simply enjoy the energy of.   Artists on deck this week are: David Bazan of Pedro the Lion, Tyler Childers, David Ramirez, and Curtis Roush   This was an awesome episode to talk with Natalie so deep on the songwriting aspect of people we tur

Episode 31 of “Artists Loving Artists” is now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.!   This week, Adi and I are talking all about Super Groups ’n Side-Projects!  This was not an easy assignment: to pick some our favorite Musicians and find what other worlds they created, or entered into for one or multiple albums. It did however, challenge us in the best way, expanded our horizons, and made us think!   This week, some of the Artists on deck include: Monsters of Folk, The Baseball Project, The Wreckers, Glorietta and more!   Tune in as Adi and I dissect and discuss some of our favorites from our favorites, talk about the difference between a Supergroup & Side Project, revisit some embarrassing musical hero interactions, talk puppies, crockpot chicken, and more!   Thanks so much for the continued listening and support for "Artists Loving Artists", and to Adi for coming back on! - I love doing this Pod, and inspires me to remind to continue doing the things you love, it's only going to come back to you,

Welcome Back & Happy Holidays Everyone!   This week, Adi is back in the co-hosting chair with me for a very special episode! This Very Merry Edition of Artists Loving Artists is JAM PACKED with some amazing Artists, lots of LOL's, and Christmas Memories!   Adi and I are taking it song by song, take by take on some of our Holiday Favorites + Artists about why we love 'em! Some Artists on Deck include: Nick Lowe, Stevie Wonder, Bahamas,The Kinks, and many more! We also discuss our Christmas Traditions, our perspectives on gift giving, Palm Springs, Christmas during COVID, Home Alone, and Christmas Magic...   Spoiler Alert: Adi may or may not have felt the Spirit of Christmas by the end of the episode, and you don't wanna miss it!   I hope this brings you a little Joy this season and let us know on Instagram (@_minasoto_) what your Top Christmas Tunes are!    Merry Christmas Everybody!

Episode 26 of “Artists Loving Artists” is now available on iTunes, Soundcloud, etc! This week…*drumroll* Adi is back! And this time, we’ve jam packed some awesome tunes, and a fantastic discussion on two of our favs: Ruston Kelly & Kacey Musgraves! The idea sprung up on us last week, when Adi first premiered on the Pod, and soon it was settled: it was to be a battle of the former Lovebirds! Take a listen as we tune into tracks from multiple Ruston albums, discuss his growth into a now, more flushed out version of himself through writing, hear stories, quotes, and talk about his journey with Sobriety (as well as Artists + Sobriety on a larger scale). Onward, we hear from Kacey’s debut album “Same Trailer Different Park” and analyze on many levels about the MANY layers in what is arguably one of the most well-produced albums we’ve ever heard: “Golden Hour” So, who wins: Ruston or Kacey? You’ll have to enjoy your Friday and listen to the end to find out! Thanks again to Adi for coming back on! AND

Welcome Back! This week is a little different and a lot more awesome - I’m joined by my pal Adi Kanlic of The Lusitania to talk about and listen to some tunes from the re-release of their album: “Rain and Rivers” in celebration of its 10-year anniversary! I knew the Lusitania from the music scene when living in El Paso, and Adi and I agree: some special things came out of this quirky place at this specific time. I have such fond memories of opening for them, going to mutual shows, and the support that bands showed for each other during this era- it’s nice to see guys like this keep the love alive in what they do and hold the essence of family in their relationships with each other. Take a listen as Adi and I talk about some of the band's history, how he was inspired to gather not only the original tunes, but some never released B-Sides, and how he has gathered some of El Paso’s most influential bands music of the time as a keepsake,(or possibly for something more in the future..) We get into perspectives

Welcome Back! Episode 25 is a New Segment! Entitled the "Soto Shuffle", I decided to make a new game on discussing my favorite artists, and it was so fun! In this Episode, you'll here me talk all about Moana, Taylor Swift's albums (love 'em or hate 'em?), do my best to refrain from going into a deep dive on one of my favorites, Matchbox 20, and here some stories attached to my hero: Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. I hope you all enjoy - I think this will be a monthly segment. Let me know if you love it, hate it, or even want to be a guest! Have a great weekend!

Welcome Back! This week, I'm joined by my pal Bo Tyler: guitarist, banjo player, and striking harmonizer! Bo is part of the Cosmic Campfire quartet led by Curtis Roush of the "Bright Light Social Hour", as well as Bo & Chris: his duo with his pal and fellow guitarist, and... works Solo too! Is there anything he CAN'T do?! You can find my quirky and dope friend at @god_fearing_synth_man on Instagram and all over the local scene when life normalizes again! This week, we are going into Bo's pick of "Wilco" and mine of "Leon Bridges" Both picks sharing the EXCEPTIONAL EMBODIMENT of what Artistry is, who they are, and what they do and SO DAMN WELL! We dissect and discuss Wilco's "Hell is Chrome" & "That's Not the Issue" from their very first Album - as well as Leon Bridges "Beyond" & his latest collab. hit with band, Khruangbin called, "Texas Sun"- 10/10 on the Artistry level of tunes this week. Thanks so much to Bo for coming over to hang out in the studio and talk shop during this crazy time! I h

Welcome Back Everyone! This week, I'm joined by my awesome pal Art Shimko - we met at one of my acoustic gigs a couple of years ago and have kept in touch via the Social Media! Art is a former radio host, and taste for music is extremely broad and unique - in turn -extremely interesting! He's a fountain of information on the things he loves - you can hear for yourself on his Podcast called the "ArtCast" or check out what he's up to during the week on his Facebook Live Vlogs! We talk this week about some English Dudes from both the late 70's and 80's - Art's pick being Marillion and mine being the Faces w/Rod Stewart. We dissect and discuss Marillion's Hits "Kayleigh" & "Warm Wet Circles" as well as Rod's "Gasoline Alley" & end with the Faces classic "Ooh La La" -A good compliment to each other, being the Niche artists they are. This was such a fun episode! I hope this helps to get you out of any routine you might feel stuck in, and dive deep into some good music for an hour and some change to brigh

Welcome Back, Everybody! This week I'm joined by my Magical friend Marie! Marie & I met at the Hawai'i Songwriters Festival a few years back on the Island of Kaua'i. We became fast friends, and connected on Music on a such Soul level. She was just the right fit for the Artists on Deck this week: Michael Franti & Jack Johnson - both the epitome of love in songs, and just the right messages to pick in today's current state of the world We discuss and dissect Michael Franti's Tunes "Sound of Sunshine" & "Have a Little Faith" as well as Jack Johnson's more Political "Sleep Through the Static" & "Washing Dishes" I hope you all enjoy this week's episode! The world feels so heavy with dark coming to light, and I don't think it is an accident that these artists came to Marie and I to bring more Sunshine to the anyone who needs it, this week. Stay safe, and follow the Love!

Here's a bonus cover track of Island Style to accompany this weeks episode and Tribute to John Cruz! -Mina

Welcome Back to Artists Loving Artists! This week I have the original guest of the Pod: My Dad! This we're talking all about Hawaiian Musician John Cruz. Or, Hawaii's Musician, rather - The Cruz Family is a staple for music on the Islands, and John holds a certain place in my ear and heart whenever I listen to his albums. My Dad and I delve into his history, and go through tunes from his latest Album "One of These Days". We talk about the essence of family that flows through John's songs, how it relates to ours, his guitar technique with songwriting, share stories of meeting him, and listen to a few Live tracks from Kokua Festival 2005 w/Jack Johnson & Jackson Browne. Hope you all Enjoy!

Welcome Back! This Episode is a real heart-felt and jam packed look back with my dear friend and former bandmate, Art - all about one of my ultimate influences: Augustana. We comb through their collection of albums, hear a few tunes, tell tales of growing up with their catalog and how it really bonded us as friends. We pinpoint certain memories tied to certain songs, as well as discuss Dan Layus' formula for Songwriting with Melody, and how & why it's so influential to both of us as Songwriters. This was such a great one to record, I hope you all enjoy! Please Rate, Review, & Subscribe! :) Much Love!

Welcome Back to Episode 19 of Artists Loving Artists! This week, I'm joined by my friend Dylan Reeves. His love of Screamo and my love of Melody led us to a mutual discussion on a middle ground of: Emo (no rhyme intended)..We discuss Dylan's picks from Julien Baker: "Sour Breath" & "Appointments" as well as my picks from The Format: "She Doesn't Get It" & "Tie the Rope" - both Heavy & Nostalgic - Both Pretty & Pretty Dark - In addition, Dylan & I lightly touch on our Mental Health during Quarantine and discuss how delving into Emo(tional) Tunes can help with the worlds current state. I hope you all are doing well in your situations and are using it to make way for doing Whatever You Truly Want – ALA is a part of that for me and I hope this vibration extends a little break from any Quarantine Boredom or Anxiety you may be feeling. Have a Great Week! - Mina

Welcome Back! This week is a short review on the musical documentary: "Echo in the Canyon". This impressive doc follows Jakob Dylan through Los Angeles (NY and London) to interview the boomers of 1960's Laurel Canyon music scene. From interviewees like Roger McGuinn, to Ringo Starr, Stephen Stills to Jackson Browne, and the late/great Tom Petty, to Jakob and pals like Fiona Apple and Beck portraying their own versions of these foundational songs to a night at the Orpheum Theater in LA is a true gem. Segments of different groups that coincide with the evolution of the folk to pop/rock integration is laced together perfectly, and editing with the revised versions from Jakob Dylan and co. help to add significance. I give my brief summary of the film and all the things I loved! There's a small spoiler at the end so be warned, but all in all, I highly recommend this documentary to anyone with ears for music.

Welcome Back! This week is all about Matchbox 20's frontman: Rob Thomas. Rob holds a special place in my heart with his songwriting and lyrics through Matchbox, however, after seeing him Live my respect for him as a Solo artist has skyrocketed. What a talent to hold your own, write and release several records, and have such an energy presented to channel those songs on stage to a crowd of people that come to hear YOU. This episode, I delve into my top 3 tunes off of his new album "Chip Tooth Smile" - while it's admittedly not my favorite album, I believe the songs I chose are full representations of what Rob Thomas is all about: incredible songwriting with full transparency and pure authenticity. He is what he does and what he does is absolutely him. Hope you enjoy and thanks for checking out this Episode!

Welcome Back! This week turned into an unintentional emotional Solo-Sode for me. Van Morrison has always been an essence and reminder in music to stick to You even when you can't see yourself. Even though my knowledge of his catalog is not like the back of my hand, his songs have touched me in ways that I can only describe as a "brings me to tears" feeling, and bring me to tears during the recording he did. I start with a breakdown "Saint Dominic's Preview" from 1972 with my perception of the epic tone it carries, and take a trip down some difficult memories that turned to hope when hearing & when discussing "Brand New Day" from the well-known "Moondance" album. More than dissecting the lyrics, I discuss what Van the Man can make someone feel, and for myself, how he conveyed hope in a very simple song when one can't seem to locate it. His ability to paint a picture and sprinkle incredible melodies like no one else can will be talked about for ages, and I'm grateful for the outlet of ALA to open up on this