Pop

Jesse Ruben: We Can!

Richard Gordon

Jesse RubenPrior to playing an Aug. 13 show at Wilmington’s World Cafe Live at the Queen, Jesse Ruben joined us on WVUD’s The Music Room on Aug. 9, 2016.

Jesse’s energy and positive attitude came through loud and clear in his conversation with Mandorichard. He shared two tracks from his upcoming EP that will be titled A Reply to Violence. The title to that EP is taken from Leonard Bernstein’s statement in response to President Kennedy’s assassination: “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” Listen to Jesse Ruben’s music and you’ll hear an artist who uses his music to react to all that the world brings us–the good and the difficult.

Jesse also told us how his 2012 song “We Can” has helped people achieve things they thought they couldn’t, been the centerpiece of his We Can project with school children all across North America, and even inspired him as he recovered from Lyme Disease.

Check out our interview with the upbeat and energetic Jesse Ruben at the link below! Learn how he uses music to connect with people and inspire them, too.

The Interview

Jesse Ruben, hosted by Mandorichard, Aug. 9, 2016.
29:25
56.5 MB

The Music

Artist Song Album Year
Jesse Ruben First Day of Summer Single from A Reply to Violence
(Forthcoming)

2016
Jesse Ruben We Can
(Official Video)		 Thoughts I’ve Never Had Before, Part 1 (EP)

2012
Jesse Ruben This is Why I Need You Single from A Reply to Violence
(Forthcoming)

2016

Photo courtesy jesseruben.com.

Today, Tomorrow, Someday: Marielle Kraft

Liz Webb

From rocking the Bob Carpenter Center at UDance 2016 to opening for indie pop artist Betty Who, UD’s own singer-songwriter Marielle Kraft is making a name for herself both on and off campus. On this episode of The Music Room, Mandorichard and Liz Webb chat with the local celebrity about her music, her experiences, and her future goals.

In July of 2014, Marielle released her first EP, “Today Tomorrow Someday,” after recording at Midnight Muse Studios in Newark. Influenced by artists like Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Sara Bareilles, Marielle creates melodic and relatable songs using her guitar and her perfect, natural vibrato. Along with writing original music, Marielle performs covers and collaborates with other musicians for more than 1,000 subscribers on her YouTube page.

liz, richard, and marielle

Marielle Kraft with hosts Mandorichard and Liz Webb.

In addition to writing and performing music, Marielle studies elementary education at the University of Delaware. As an elementary school teacher, she plans on incorporating music into her lessons to create a comprehensive and enriching classroom experience for students.

Check out the interview below to discover more about Marielle Kraft and to hear her play four original songs live in the WVUD studio.

The Interview

Marielle Kraft, Hosts: Mandorichard and Liz Webb, Recorded live on WVUD April 12, 2016.
31:35
60.6MB

The Music

Marielle Kraft How much I’d miss you WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft (I’m) Sure of you WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft See you in the morning WVUD Session, April 12, 2016
Marielle Kraft What have I done WVUD Session, April 12, 2016

 

Some Feelings: Julia Nunes

Liz Webb

In September of 2015, guitarist, ukuleleist, and baby pianist Julia Nunes released her fifth studio album, Some Feelings, on her independent record label Rude Butler Records. Before her April 12, 2016, show at The World Cafe live at The Queen in Wilmington, Julia spoke with Mandorichard and Liz Webb about her songwriting, her inspirations, and her newest album.

Julia started her career by making YouTube covers in her college dorm room, in which she harmonizes with herself and plays various instruments such as ukulele, piano, and melodica. With videos featuring unexpected mash-ups and unconventional musical instruments, Julia has created an online presence for herself with her unique and creative approach to music. Over the years, she has toured across the globe in concert venues and living rooms, made appearances at Bonnaroo, VidCon, SXSW, and on Conan, anJulia Nunesd performed alongside artists like Ben Folds, Weezer, and The Mowgli’s. The release of Some Feelings in 2015 marked a pivotal point not only in her musical career, but in her personal life as well.

Check out the interview below to hear selections from Some Feelings and to learn more about Julia Nunes’ musical originality (and to discover her surprising yet hilarious source of songwriting inspiration).

The Interview

Julia Nunes, Hosts: Mandorichard and Liz Webb, Recorded live on WVUD April 5, 2016.
28:34
27.4MB

The Music

Artist Song Album Year
Julia Nunes Then OK Some Feelings 2015
Julia Nunes Stay Awake Settle Down 2012
Julia Nunes Make Out Some Feelings 2015
Julia Nunes Something Bad Some Feelings 2015

Additional Picks

For a good time, check out these YouTube videos from Julia Nunes, too!