S'MAC Talk with Seth & Mackenzie

SMAC’ TALK: Championing Local Music with Mackenzie Meyer (Episode 25)Sponsored by Happy Ending DivorcePowered by Blue Willow EntertainmentThis week on SMAC’ TALK, we sit down with CBC Calgary Eyeopener producer and local music champion Mackenzie Meyer.From spotlighting over 200 Alberta artists through CBC’s Local Music Project to judging major music awards across Canada, Mackenzie has become one of the biggest advocates for emerging artists in the province.We dive into:How the CBC Local Music Project started during COVIDDiscovering and supporting Calgary’s growing music sceneThe power of storytelling in songwritingBehind-the-scenes insights into music journalism and radioHer experience judging the JUNOs, Polaris Music Prize, CCMAs, and moreFavorite local artists, venues, concerts, and unforgettable music momentsPlus, we talk secret shows, Guns N’ Roses, Nickelback, Shawn Mendes, and why Calgary’s music community continues to thrive.Songs of the Week:Jessie Dans – DaisiesMarina Joyce – Let Me GoDempsey Bolton – Orange Mist🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

SMAC’ TALK: Supporting the Scene with Matthew KramerSponsored by Happy Ending Divorce and SeparationPowered by Blue Willow EntertainmentThis week on SMAC’ TALK, we sit down with Matthew Kramer, owner of Horizon Heating and title sponsor of the YYC Songwriter Showdown.Matthew shares the story behind taking over a second-generation business, how the HVAC industry has evolved over the years, and how his connection to music—through CKUA and community support—led him to become a passionate advocate for Calgary’s live music scene.We also talk about:The evolution of Horizon Heating and running a family businessSupporting local music through CKUA and live eventsThe impact of COVID on live music and audiencesThe realities of venues, ticket pricing, and artist sustainabilityWhy initiatives like the YYC Songwriter Showdown matterPlus, a deeper look at Calgary’s music ecosystem—what’s working, what’s missing, and where things can grow.Songs of the Week:The Mocking Shadows – Try MeKate Reid – Walked into a BarSammy Volkov – Strangest Thing🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and iHeartRadio.

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 21: Yes Until It’s NoPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation👕 Segment Sponsor: Rapid Artist MerchThis week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Alberta singer-songwriter Carter Felker for a conversation that covers everything from saying yes to gigs, writing heartbreak songs, and surviving the chaos of making records, to the fine art of karaoke, funeral shows, and why sometimes the best creative advice is just to keep showing up.Carter shares the origin story behind his music journey, from hearing a friend play original songs around a fire in Valleyview to hauling a guitar to parties, open mics, and eventually building a career on his own terms. He opens up about the very rough process behind his first record, the long break from recording that followed, and how finding the right collaborators finally made later records feel like home instead of a battle.The trio also talk about Carter’s latest chapter as an independent artist, the making of Loser, grant panic, touring highs, writing story songs versus personal songs, and how TV, Reddit, and life can sometimes get in the way of songwriting. Along the way, they detour into David Wilcox karaoke picks, basketball songs, growing up in small-town Alberta, and the beauty of saying yes to the right opportunities.🎶 Songs of the Week (Rapid Artist Merch):Joshua Beebe – “Dinosaurs”Miles Canyon – “Good on You”Lana Del Rey – “Henry, Come On”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 19: Getting Exposed with Logan MiddletonPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation👕 Segment Sponsor: Rapid Artist MerchSeth and Mackenzie welcome X92.9’s Logan Middleton to the studio for Episode 19. As the host of Exposure and the station’s Imaging Director, Logan is one of Calgary’s biggest champions of local and independent Canadian music on commercial radio.Logan breaks down what “imaging” actually means in radio, how Exposure curates 50 plus submissions a week, and why the show has become a rare platform where emerging artists can gain real credibility. The conversation dives into discovering new bands by showing up in the scene, building meaningful artist relationships like his long-running support of Q Varro, and how Exposure could evolve into more live showcases and community-driven events.They also talk about Logan stepping back on stage as the live guitarist for Victrix, the story behind his Randy Rhoades flying V gifted by his mom, and a career highlight interview with Sloan that turned into one of his proudest moments in radio.🎶 Songs of the Week (Rapid Artist Merch):Connor Grant – “Hurtin’ Man”Stolen Moon – “Reach for the Stars”Napalmpom– “Guided by Volume”

Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYCIn Episode 17, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Andy Fennell — founder of Gravity — to talk about what it really takes to build a community-first venue and keep live music alive in Calgary.Andy shares the story behind opening Gravity (despite never drinking coffee at the time), the personal turning points that pushed him to take the leap, and what he’s learned after hosting 3,500+ shows over nearly 14 years. They dig into why supporting artists matters, how Gravity’s model has evolved (cover, tips, and coffee sales that help fund performers), and what he’s seeing change in Calgary’s music scene — from fewer bands to more solo acts.The conversation also hits big picture dreams: growing Gravity’s roastery to fuel more musician support, becoming “the coffee for musicians,” and the goal of putting an A-list artist’s name on a Gravity coffee bag someday. Plus: memorable concerts, listening-room etiquette, and why intimate rooms can beat massive crowds.🎶 Songs of the Week (Chop Value YYC):• Kid Kali – “Third Eye”• Devin Foster – “Insomnia”• Ocie Elliott – “Feeling Fine”

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 15: Fiddlin' Around with Catherine RobertsonPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment💛 Title Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and Separation♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYCThis week, Seth and Mac sit down with Catherine Robertson, a fiddle player, violinist, and luthier who’s been immersed in music since she was three years old. Catherine breaks down the real difference between “violin” and “fiddle” (hint: it’s not the instrument), how she moved from classical training into traditional music, and why chasing perfection can drain the joy from playing if you’re not careful.They dig into her path from early gigs and music store life into full-time work with artists, touring, and instrument repair, including how being a luthier has saved the day on the road more than once. There’s lots of love for Alberta’s music community, her long-running connection with Ryan Lindsay, and what it’s like to move in and out of projects while keeping relationships intact.And because it’s S'MAC Talk, the conversation takes a hard left into small-town road stops, A&W coffee club culture, and the internet-famous apple reviews, including the great Red Delicious debate. Plus, a perfectly chaotic tour story involving two identical SUVs, the Premier’s security team, and one very unlucky band member opening the wrong door.🎶 Songs of the Week:Jade Elephant – “Listen to the Beatles”Jessie Dans - "Summer 2016"Ryan Lindsay – “Three Long Hauls” (unreleased)

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 13: King of Monday Nights With DuddyPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: F1 Realty – Family First Realty with Dave Rogers💛 Episode Sponsor: Happy Ending Divorce and SeparationThis week, Seth and Mac sit down with Jeff “Duddy” Dudder, host of The Deets With Duddy and self-proclaimed king of Monday nights. From late-night TV inspirations to building a full talk-show style set in his house, Duddy walks through how a simple idea to vlog with his son turned into one of Calgary’s most eclectic interview shows.They dig into his journey from the bar and restaurant world into home sales and podcasting, what he’s learned from talking with artists, actors, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and how a Calgary Arts Development grant is helping him take the show live on stage.The trio also dive into Calgary’s exploding music scene, the power of highlighting local charities and mental health work, and the realities of editing until 2 a.m. There’s plenty of side quests too: being recognized with and without the signature glasses, Christmas movies and alarm tones, Dave Chappelle at the ‘Dome, sports vs. theatre, and why everyone seems to know everyone in this city’s arts community.🎶 Songs of the Week:Kate Reed – “Christmas Stay With Us”Carter Felker – “Nothing But Net”Shy Friend – “Freaky Nightmare”👕 Merch Partner: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?♻️ Community Partner: Chop Value YYC

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 11: Not So Silent Calgary with Lyle PetermanThis week, Seth and Mac sit down with Lyle Peterman – in-arena voice of the Calgary Wranglers, longtime Calgary Canucks game ops lead, realtor, and co-founder of A Not So Silent Night / A Not So Silent Summer – to explore where sports, community, and live music collide.Lyle shares his path from junior hockey rinks to the Saddledome, what makes the AHL experience so special, and how Calgary can truly claim “music city” status. The crew dives into his work with Not In My City and the fight against human trafficking, the impact of intentional live-music fundraising, and why simply choosing venues with live music can change a scene.They also chat about supporting local artists, Sundays with Blue Willow at Canucks games, and wrap with Songs of the Week featuring Amy Nelson, Justine Vandergrift, Micah Sage & Dempsey Bolton, Bon Iver, and Mariah Stokes.

🎧 S’MAC TALK – Episode 9: Un-Conundrum Things with Kue VaroPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?This week, Seth and Mac dive deep with Kue Varo, Calgary’s art-rock powerhouse, for a conversation that blends music, mindfulness, and meaning.From her YYC Music Award-winning year and performances at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival to reflections on inner wisdom, advice culture, and creative authenticity, Kue brings insight and humour in equal measure. The trio explore why “internet time” makes the 2000s feel like yesterday, how to stay grounded in a digital world, and what it means to create honest art that connects.They also touch on Calgary’s vibrant multi-genre scene, Lilo Music Fest, and the power of letters, community, and kindness in the creative process.🎶 Songs of the Week: Emmett Jerome – “It Ain’t Me,” Ryan Lindsay – “If Your Heart Ain’t In It,” plus new releases from Kue’s world.

S’MAC TALK: Talk in the Truck with NIK POLIPowered by Blue Willow Entertainment🏡 Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty👕 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?Lucky Episode #7 brings NIK POLI into the studio for a deep, hilarious, and heartfelt chat about life on the road, songwriting, and what it’s like to play 70+ shows in a year.Seth, Mackenzie, and NIK break down everything from the Calgary Canucks game performance and Tilly’s anthem debut, to Stampede madness, touring through BC (and sleeping in a Denny’s), and how NIK’s writing process led to heartfelt tracks like “If God Made Me Blind” and “Talkin’ in the Truck.”They also cover this week in Alberta’s music scene — from Celine at Mahogany to Erika Mae, Molly Ferdinand, and Anna Lewis at Heliopolis, and a packed Friends of Blue Willow night at Banquet. Plus: Shania Twain at Spanky’s, Blue Jays wins, hockey hot takes, and a live in-studio performance you’ll want to replay.🎙️ Country, community, and chaos — that’s S’MAC Talk.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 5Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers – F1 Family First Realty🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?This week, Seth and Mackenzie sit down with Calgary artist Jessie Dans for an open and inspiring conversation about the hustle, heart, and hard truths behind pursuing music as a career. Jessie shares how she’s balancing three jobs while building her dream, recording in L.A., and finding her artistic identity through storytelling and collaboration.From her vulnerable single “Sleeping Alone” to her empowering mindset that “nobody else wants your dream to come true,” Jessie brings honesty, humor, and wisdom to the mic.Seth and Mackenzie also recap another action-packed week across Alberta’s live music scene — from Lewis Cardinal’s heartfelt Casa Musica show and Everly’s sold-out night at Semantics, to NIK POLI’s full-band takeover in Edmonton during CFR weekend. Plus, some laughs, life lessons, Taylor Swift talk, and a surprise art critique you’ll have to hear to believe.As always, S’MAC Talk keeps the focus on the heartbeat of Calgary — where sports, music, and community come together.

S’MAC Talk – Episode 3Powered by Blue Willow Entertainment🎙️ Title Sponsor: David Rogers F1 Family First Realty🎶 Music Support: Rapid Artist Merch – Got Merch?🙌 Shoutouts: ChopValue YYC + special thanks to Rviita for fueling the show with sample drinks (Grace tries her pick, while Seth and Mackenzie test new flavors).In this episode, Seth and Mackenzie welcome Canadian skeleton athlete Grace Dafoe 🛷 into the studio. Grace shares her 14-year journey in skeleton racing, the serendipitous way she discovered the sport, and how music has become an essential tool for focus and performance.The crew dives into conversations about:🎶 Music as motivation in sport and life🏟️ Creative fundraising and the challenges athletes face🤝 Why community support is key for both athletes and artists🎤 Calgary’s vibrant local music scene and upcoming eventsGrace caps off the chat with her song picks and recommendations, adding a personal touch to the music-meets-sport theme.As always, Seth & Mackenzie keep the laughs and banter flowing, while shining a light on the intersection of music, sports, and community.Intro Song: Higher Ground - Eric JohnMiddle Song: In Time - Eric John End Song: Lucky You, Lucky Me - Eric John

Welcome to the debut episode of "Backstage S'MAC Talk" with Seth and Mac, powered by Blue Willow Entertainment. Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of live music, featuring artist showcases, behind-the-scenes insights, and the latest happenings in the music scene. This week, we spotlight the exciting venues and artists making waves, from the heart of Calgary to beyond. Tune in for a mix of humor, music, and the stories that bring it all together. Don't miss out on the rhythm of the backstage!