The Upful LIFE Podcast – Ep.085 : ALANA ROCKLIN v.2 [bass- STS9], ASHER FULERO [keys/producer – Threedom, Emancipator Ensemble, Halo Refuser]

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 B.Getz alana rocklin, asher fulero, emancipator ensemble, everyone orchestra, jam cruise, jam cruise 21, music podcast, musician interview, sector 9, soundtribe sector 9, sts9

Episode 085 delivers dialogs with two insightful artists, kicking off with the return of STS9’s ALANA ROCKLIN. The beloved bassist delivered one of this program’s most popular conversations [#66, Spring 2023]; Rocklin was kind enough to come back for another round, a shorter interview recorded mid-Feb.2025 aboard Jam Cruise 21. We linked up on my cabin balcony for a discussion that covered the band’s long-awaited return to The Boat (and Alana’s maiden voyage!), new Sector 9 compositions and their forthcoming LP, curating intentional setlists and introducing material in the live element, the post-pandemic current touring model, live music bringing people together in tough times, and more!

0:00 – ep.085 preview
3:30 – sponsor – OM Festival
5:30 – The Upful Update
10:30 – introducing ALANA ROCKLIN
14:30 – interview w/Alana [33 min]
47:30 – afterglow > CORNFLOWER spot
52:10 – introducing ASHER FULERO
56:10 – interview w/ Asher [62 min]
1:57:45 – sign-off, ViBE Junkie Jamz

Alana’s chat is chased with a lengthier convo featuring Portland, OR’s virtuosic keyboardist/producer/composer ASHER FULERO. We unpack his phenomenal 2024 solo LP ‘Worlds‘, a hybrid organic-electronic affair that remains among my faves last calendar year. Fulero details a journey through the creative process and industry opportunities, how this particular project was wrought with false starts and new lessons/understandings; plus recording/releasing original music in the ever-confounding streaming/social media era of sound-art and consumerism. In addition to Asher Fuler Band and experimental trio Threedom, the artist transparently reflects on experiences working with Emancipator Ensemble, Everyone Orchestra, Liberation Movement, Yonder Mountain String Band, Jon Fishman, and more.