The Dreamcast by the Otis Redding Foundation

Featuring Jasmine Habersham, International Operatic Soprano In this episode, we talk with Jasmine Habersham, Macon, GA native turned International opera star. She shares parts of her journey to the stage, from her parents' love of classical music to her own moment of awakening passion. We discuss what it looks like to forge your own path by doing what you love, which can be especially challenging in an industry with such ingrained traditions and specific traditions and aesthetics that often excluded Black women. She offers advice for staying grounded and preserving to get to a place of freedom in your art.

Featuring Saxton Keitt, Musician, Pre-Med Grad Student, and Otis Music Camp Coach In this episode, we hear from Saxton Keitt about balancing life as a musician while pursuing his Master's Degree in Health Science and preparing for the MCAT. Saxton shares his long history with the Otis Redding Foundation, from his grandparents as classmates with Otis Redding, to moving from camper to being one of the core coaches and musicians for the Otis Music Camp. Saxton shares how it is confidence and faith that make it possible to pursue all of his dreams.

Featuring Marsha N. Wilson, Creative, Film and Television Costumer, and Otis Music Camp Coach In this episode, we hear from Marsha N. Wilson, Film and Television Costumer and all-around Creative. We get her perspective on the role that fashion and style play on how the musician's music is received and how to best incorporate your style as an essential part of your brand. We even hear her take on Otis Redding's style and how he presents himself as "someone living in their own skin". Her IG is @gneres_of_art / @mellowneptunewaters

This episode features the empowering story of The Mentor's Project of Bibb County and the impact it is having on Middle Georgia. We hear from the Director of The Mentor's Project, June O'Neal, about the driving force behind her work with the organization, and the effect that quality mentors can have on young people who are starting to build their lives. We then had the pleasure of talking to Jaylon Williams, an alumna of The Mentor's Project whose college success, future trajectory, and activated desire to give back to her community all serve as a shining endorsement for the program. And did we mention that Otis Redding III is one of their volunteer mentors?

This week we are joined by Alicia Yaffe, Senior Vice President of Catalog Development and Marketing at Warner Music Group Catalog. Alicia shares the winding road that took her from concert booking and event planning in high school and college to handling the marketing for iconic legacy artists and leading the marketing campaign to celebrate Otis Redding's 80th birthday all year long. We get to learn about upcoming collaborative album releases, curated playlists, and discover why Cigarettes and Coffee is Alicia's favorite Otis Redding song.

In this episode, we spoke with the multifaceted Jared Wright,a Macon-based curator, archivist, and historian who specializes in 20th century popular culture and music. He has led award-winning exhibition projects, including Mercer Music at Capricorn, which interprets the story of an independent, Southern record label. He holds M.A. degrees in history, public history, and museum studies from Mercer University and the University of West Georgia. Wright is also a sometimes-musician, and he uses that experience to inform research and development work into the growth of music scenes and the impact of musical education on a community. He is currently partnering with the Otis Redding Foundation in an effort to expand the organization’s musical outreach.

In episode 10, we spoke with the incredible Ravia Stroud. A former Otis Music Camp student, Stroud has worked closely with many renowned artists and producers in Atlanta and Los Angeles. After tragically losing her mother and brother in a fatal car accident as a child, Stroud turned to music as an outlet for her emotions and talent and she has continued to use her musical abilities to create a thriving career. In our interview, Stroud talks about her early song writing efforts, her productive time at the Otis Music Camp, and her successes in the music industry in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Episode 9 of the Dreamcast features Stacey Timothy In this episode, we talk to another of the newest members of the Board of Directors for the Otis Redding Foundation, Stacey Timothy. Ms. Timothy talks with us about her introduction to the Otis Redding Foundation through her son, one of our very own podcast journalists, Chris Timothy, and his participation in the Otis Music Camp. We hear about Ms. Timothy’s passion for community and her grounding principles including faith, connection, and service. We also highlight 2 of our graduating seniors, Malaika Alilaw and Chris Timothy! Learn a bit about them, how the Otis Redding Foundation has been impactful for them, and what lies ahead for them.

Episode 18 of the Dreamcast features Robert McDuffie In this episode, we spoke with Robert McDuffie, world-renowned violinist and founder of the McDuffie Center for Strings in Macon. We talked about what inspired his journey from successful musician to educator and music advocate. Robert shares his love and appreciation of Macon, GA for its contributions and influence on the world of music. He also challenges the racial climate that has marked Macon and much of America. Ultimately committed to good music and the nurturing of the next generation of music hopefuls, Robert talks about his work with the McDuffie Center for Strings, what he hopes to accomplish, and their upcoming projects and collaborations.

Episode 17 of the Dreamcast features Lisa Love In this episode, we hear from Lisa Love, the Director of the Georgia Music Foundation. Ms. Love recounts how she first came to be connected to the Otis Redding Foundation and the role she played in establishing the Otis Music Camp. She shares her passion for education and her love and appreciation for all music, especially the music from Georgia!

Episode 16 of the Dreamcast features Karen Lee Over the next two episodes, we will introduce you to the 2 newest members of the Otis Redding Foundation Board of Directors. This week we spoke with Karen Lee, Senior Vice President at W&W Public Relations. Ms. Lee shared how she went from growing up in a musical environment in Jersey City, New Jersey to working as a publicist with such notable musicians as Prince, Patti Labelle, Tupac Shakur, and many others. Ms. Lee talked about what it means to her to join the Otis Redding Foundation.

Episode 15 of the Dreamcast features Michael Mauldin For the second part of this two-part special, we continue the conversation with American media proprietor and record executive Michael Mauldin to learn about his latest role as co-founder of the Black American Music Association (BAM).  He talks about the mission of the professional trade organization to preserve, protect and promote the legacy and the future of authentic Black American Music as an indigenous art form. He shares with us plans for BAM to install the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame which will be located in historic downtown Atlanta. He even offers insight into what it takes to be nominated as an inductee and some people he’s got his eye on.

Episode 14 of the Dreamcast features Michael Mauldin For this two-part special we are joined by American media proprietor and record executive Michael Mauldin as he shares his entry point into the music business and his earliest memories as a roadie. He talks about some of his most inspiring mentors, including Otis Redding’s Road Manager, Earl Speedo Sims, and being ready when unexpected opportunities present themselves. He also remembers the impact he had on some of our favorite artists as the former President of Columbia Records Black Music Division and former Senior Vice President of Columbia Records Group.

Episode 13 of the Dreamcast features Shea O’Connor This week we had illustrator, designer, and animator Shea O’Connor talks with us about the upcoming release of (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay: A Children’s Picture Book. Shea shares some of her artistic influences, how she sees parallels between visual art and music, and the process of visually capturing the soul of Otis Redding’s Dock of the Bay for young readers.

Episode 12 of the Dreamcast features Babatunde Akinboboye This week we had a conversation with Hip Hopera artist Babatunde Akinboboye about his breakout viral success combining his operatic baritone voice with hip hop beats. Babatunde shares what has influenced his musical world view, his unexpected impact, and what he has to offer as one of this year’s newest Otis Music Camp coaches.

This week we spoke with Otis Redding III, son of Zelma and Otis Redding, accomplished musician and member of the funk band The Reddings, and newly elected Board President of Meals on Wheels of Middle Georgia. Otis III talks with our team about his long-standing work with Meals on Wheels, what drives his continued passion for the work they do, and his new leadership role within the organization.

As we near the end of 2020, we wanted to take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the Dreamcast Season 1. Thanks for listening! We will see you in the new year with more episodes of the Dreamcast!

Episode 9 of the DREAMcast features Roderick Cox, Classical Orchestral Conductor This week we spoke with internationally acclaimed orchestral conductor Roderick Cox. Roderick shared with us his journey from Macon to Germany, including the “instrumental” role Mrs. Zelma Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews played in his music education and in supporting his dreams. He spoke of his process, his gratitude, and his own initiative, The Roderick Cox Initiative, supporting youth in the pursuit of their musical aspirations, just as the Otis Redding Foundation supported him.

Episode 8 of the DREAMcast features Justin Andrews and Kimberly Kelsey Epps This week we welcome back Otis Redding Foundation Director of Special Projects & Outreach Justin Andrews and introduce you to Center Director Kimberly Kelsey Epps to discuss the upcoming 12 Days of O’Tis musical celebration. The pandemic has required that the Otis Redding Foundation shifts from its annual O’Tis The Season holiday concert to an online virtual music series. Justin and Kimberly share with us the process of pivoting to create something new, what we can expect, and we even took a trip down memory lane of the holiday concerts past.

Episode 7 of the DREAMcast features campers and coaches from the world-famous Rap Room This week we feature the winners of the 2020 Summer Creative Challenge winner in the category of High School Original Song: The Otis Music Camp Rap Room! The Rap Room’s original song Rest Empowered was created during the 2020 Otis Music Virtual Camp through the Soundtrap online software and was chosen out of lots of entries submitted all over the world. Rap Room members DK Williams (DKOMX), Jessica Wornum (Slim Pickens), James-Gregory Cubit (JGCKool), Christopher Timothy (Prxphecy), John-Avery Clark (Lil Kidd), Elijah Jackson (Elife), Quishon (Q), Jordan Tolbert, Coach Vinson (ALӓZ), Coach Zach Wilson join us to discuss the process and purpose behind their award-winning song.

Episode 6 of the DREAMcast features Songwriter, Producer, and Composer Chris Paultre. This week Otis Music Camper and podcast contributor Christopher Timothy, aka Prophesy, takes the reins in this interview of prolific music creator Chris Paultre. We learn about Chris Paultre’s journey through the industry, coming from a family of musicians and educators to producing for major artists such as Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco, to now composing film scores. Chris shares how his own pursuit of freedom and respect in the industry has been impacted by the generational and universal longevity of Otis Redding’s music, a mainstay, and feature throughout his childhood.

Episode 5 of the DREAMcast features Singer/Songwriter duo the Command Sisters This week, we catch up with the Command Sisters! They tell us what they have been up to since we last saw them as coaches at the Otis Music Camp in 2018. Here’s a hint: they got signed to a major label and recently released a new single. Join us as they share insight into their journey from indie to signed, the pros and cons, the value in learning the business, and how the Otis Music Camp has been impactful for them, even as they were impactful to the campers. They also drop a teaser about an upcoming music release!

Jamaica-born artist Rachel Moss shares with the DREAMcast her passion for children’s books and the power they have to capture the imagination and expand the reader’s view of the world. We also discuss the author’s upcoming release, Respect, a children’s book with a storyline that uses the lyrics from the Otis Redding song of the same title to tell the story of a little girl, her dreams for her life, and the support of her community.

In Episode 3 of the DREAMcast, our podcast team interviews Nikkolas Smith, self described Artivist and creator of the image for the new vinyl release entitled "The Best Of Otis Redding," released as a clear vinyl exclusively for Barnes & Noble on September 4 and black vinyl everywhere on September 18. A former architect turned concept artist and illustrator, Nikkolas shares with the DREAMcast the  inspiration behind his Sunday Sketches, such as the controversial depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in a hoodie to the light hearted portrayal of the Obamas as the Incredibles. Our student journalists delve into Nikkolas’ journey to discovering and pursuing his passion and imbuing his work with his mission to do his part to bring about change and justice in the world.

In Episode 2 of the DREAMcast, our podcast team interviews ALäZ and DKOMX on the heels of their collaborative release A Whole ‘Nother World. Macon, GA-based artists ALäZ and DKOMX first met as coach and camper, respectively, through the Otis Music Camp in Macon, GA, the annual music songwriter’s camp hosted by the Otis Redding Foundation. Our student journalists explore how this duo evolved from a student/teacher dynamic to creative collaborators, using their music as a catalyst for a global conversation to find solutions for challenges we face in our communities.

In Episode 1 of the DREAMcast, our podcast team profiles the Otis Redding Foundation, an organization that works to share the music and educational vision of Otis Redding. Through interviews with Karla Redding Andrews and Justin Andrews, our student journalists investigate Otis Redding's incredible career and dedication to education and profile the ways in which the Otis Redding Foundation is carrying on his legacy in so many ways. The Foundation is dedicated to Otis Redding's dream of "Progress Through Education and Enlightenment Through Music."