Fresh off the Spaceship

What is the Black Constellation? If you know, you'll want to listen to this podcast. If you don't, you'll want to listen, too.

Fresh off the Spaceship tells the story of the highly influential yet scarcely documented artist collective that has included such varied musical acts as Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction, Ya Tseen and Porter Ray.

Hosted by KEXP's Larry Mizell Jr. and Martin Douglas, each episode in this 10-part series will take listeners on an audio journey connecting the stars of the Constellation, shedding light on their art and their ethos along the way.

New episodes will be released weekly starting March 18, 2022. Find out more at KEXP.org/fresh-off-the-spaceship.

Watch a video version of the trailer and explore more work from the artists of the Constellation on KEXP's Fresh off the Spaceship YouTube playlist.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Porter Ray’s career has been marked with great promise and potential. Anointed early on as the “golden child” of the Black Constellation, Porter’s gifts as a rapper and storyteller skyrocketed him as one of the most exciting young artists to come out of Seattle when he first emerged on the scene. A decade on Porter’s promise still shows no ceiling.

On this final episode of Fresh off the Spaceship, Porter shares his story navigating grief, building toward his future, and using his music to build up his city. Like his Constellation peer Ishmael Butler, Porter has emerged as generational talent of the Central District. His work celebrates the neighborhood’s under-heard stories and extends the wisdom bestowed upon him from those he’s lost. From deferred NBA hoop dreams to the enlightenment of fatherhood, he’s already gained a lifetime of wisdom – but he’s not done yet.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toronto-based omnidisciplinary artist Nep Sidhu realizes the infinite potentials of all materials: sound, space, or steel. The power of convening, invitation, and intention charges his artistic practice, informed always by spirit and service. In his hands and heart, unbroken melody and the throughline between worlds become manifest.

In this episode, we learn what drives Nep’s continuum of care, stewardship of culture, and dedication to truth. Nep and his closest conspirators observe the protection, possibility, and portal in his work—and the community that comes through the door.

Thank you to KMRU, Laraaji, Nailah Hunter, Noel Brass Jr., Shabazz Palaces, Space Afrika, Silver Jackson, Erik Blood, and OCnotes for lending their music to this episode.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erik Blood is the technical wizard of the Black Constellation. He’s worked with nearly every artist in the Constellation and has left an undeniable footprint on Seattle music at large. But he’s more than just a “behind the scenes” force. When Blood steps up to the mic, he uses every instrument and genre in his arsenal to convey his truths and intersecting identities.

On this episode, Blood relays his journey into music production from recording tracks on a Teddy Ruxpin to producing pivotal Seattle records for Shabazz Palaces, Tacocat, THEESatisfaction, Moondoggies, and more. Blood also digs into his solo work, the way sexuality plays into his music, and growing up in a Black and white home. Blood’s love of music and skill in capturing its recorded essence knows no boundaries.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otis Calvin, III – aka OCnotes – is a prolific, renegade artist. A songwriter, producer, and visionary who not only transcends genre but denies any type of barrier – musical or otherwise. With a staggering nearly 300 albums to his name, OC is as prolific as they come. Fiercely independent in all senses of the word, Otis doesn’t compromise his vision for anything or anyone – let alone capitalist industry structures that would only hold back his astounding output. He’s the Dennis Rodman in a collective full of Dennis Rodmans.

In this episode, OC gives his candid thoughts about the music industry, his always expanding catalog, and the punk roots that inform his art and approach. For OC, the process of making music itself is a spiritual practice. Beneath all the grit and tenacity is a deep love for music and expression.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.