Rich Soni Podcast

Rich Soni
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Hosted by software engineer and songwriter Rich Soni, The Rich Soni Podcast is a longform interview style podcast which typically publishes a new episode once or twice a month.

  1. #56 - Roe O'Brien

    12/20/2025

    #56 - Roe O'Brien

    Roe O'Brien (Roe Knows Best) is a New Jersey-based singer-songwriter. Following her Northbound EP and collaborative Weekend at Mauchie's project with Max Rauch, Roe has now released her first full-length album, "Now Arriving at Secaucus Junction", recorded with Doug Gallo. In 2025, she formed her first full band with guitarist Mike Farrell, bassist Paul Calabrese, and drummer Benjamin Delloiacono, bringing her songs to life on stages across New Jersey. In this episode, Roe discusses the making of "Now Arriving at Secaucus Junction" and her production philosophy of "no moment wasted." We dive deep into tracks like "Out of Touch," "Suffocate," "Smoke in the Furniture," "Secaucus Junction," "191 Bus," and "TV Tyranny," exploring her songwriting process, her approach to defying expectations, and how forming a full band has informed her future work. Roe also shares insights about her choir background, her melody-driven approach to songwriting, her experiences navigating open mic nights, and the authentic New Jersey transit sounds that bring the album's title track to life. (0:00) Introduction and Catching Up(1:20) Album Announcement: "Now Arriving at ...(2:36) Forming the Full Band(6:04) Band Rehearsals and Learning Songs(10:13) How Band Experience Informs Future So...(12:49) Choir Background and Listening Skills(15:59) Memorizing Lyrics and Melody as Conve...(19:29) Melody Machine and Voice Notes Archive(22:33) Breaking Form and Defying Expectations(25:56) Open Mic Experiences and Fighting for...(32:44) Concert Phone Recording Discussion(58:34) Working with Doug Gallo on the Album(1:01:26) Production Philosophy: "No Moment Was...(1:02:27) "Out of Touch" Deep Dive(1:07:10) Percussive Elements and Defying Expec...(1:22:33) "Suffocate" Song Discussion(1:44:26) "Smoke in the Furniture" Discussion(1:49:56) "Secaucus Junction" Song Discussion(1:51:28) NJ Transit Samples and Authenticity(2:36:10) "191 Bus" Discussion(2:43:45) "TV Tyranny" Discussion(3:02:13) Closing Thoughts

    3h 4m
  2. #55 - Andrew Nieporent

    11/12/2025

    #55 - Andrew Nieporent

    Andrew Nieporent is a New Jersey songwriter, music therapist, and the bandleader behind Andrew and the Kindly Ones. He also hosts the Rock N' Joe open mic in Caldwell and is a longtime organizer within the North Jersey music community. In this episode Andrew previews The Kindly Ones—arriving November 15 at Cedar Beans Coffee Joint—and digs into the new single “Dangerous.” We talk about collaborative songwriting with his bandmates and son Ray, honoring the late John Simon, plans to “go electric,” building inclusive open mic spaces, recording with Steve Carter in Nashville, and the show’s Lost-inspired concept. Timestamps 00:00 – Catching up & the evolution to Andrew and the Kindly Ones04:20 – Producing The Kindly Ones and stepping into the producer role10:45 – Co-writing the new material and releasing the single “Dangerous”16:20 – Live tracking sessions, Trading Eights, and giving the whole band shine21:30 – Remembering John Simon and preparing to go electric after the tribute27:00 – Fall show calendar: Cedar Beans release party, Big & Tall, and more31:40 – Archiving performances, capturing community moments, and live recordings42:20 – Meeting Ray (Jamie Fett) and the story of becoming family48:10 – Music therapy mindset, social justice, and showing up for community55:20 – Rock N' Joe open mic strategy and cultivating a listening audience1:05:30 – Nashville sessions with Steve Carter and engineering with Adam Biener1:15:10 – Curating eight songs, Lost references, and the mythology framing the record1:21:20 – Easter eggs, catchphrases, and weaving pop culture into the album1:37:40 – Leveling up on “Dangerous,” release-week plans, and open mic invites Connect with Andrew Nieporent Instagram - Andrew and the Kindly Ones - TikTok - Andrew Nieporent - Streaming - Andrew Nieporent - Bandcamp - Andrew Nieporent - Bandcamp - Andrew and the Kindly Ones - Selected Links From The Episode Andrew Nieporent (Episode #14) - /episodes/rsp0014-andrew-nieporent/Andrew Nieporent (Episode #18) - /episodes/rsp0018-andrew-nieporent/Andrew and the Kindly Ones – 'Dangerous' - https://open.spotify.com/track/5ojTnsgyYM5r81vScQTmMU?si=74afd9ea1181439dRock N' Joe Coffeehouse & Bistro – Sunday Open Mic - https://www.rocknjoe.com/

    1h 44m
  3. #54 - Rob Janos

    09/30/2025

    #54 - Rob Janos

    Episode OverviewRob Janos is a New Jersey musician, producer, and songwriter who has been involved in the local music scene for many years. Known for his work with the band Asphalt Grey and his production work with various artists, Rob has also been a co-host of open mic nights and an active member of the New Jersey music community.Rob discusses his upcoming tribute show for his close friend John Simon, who passed away suddenly in March. The conversation covers his musical influences from blues to garage rock, his work with Asphalt Grey, and his recent efforts to remaster and re-release their catalog. Timestamps 00:00 – Kicking Off & Reintroductions03:58 – John Simon Tribute Show Announcement05:07 – John's Musical Journey & Rob's Production Work07:17 – The Emotional Impact of Loss10:02 – Show Details & Band Lineup15:00 – Revisiting John's Music & "After I'm Gone"20:00 – Song Selection & "Just Trying" Deep Dive25:00 – Finnegan's Venue & Live Music Scene30:00 – The Power of Musical Tributes35:00 – Blues Influences & Robert Johnson40:00 – White Stripes & Jack White's Impact45:00 – Iggy Pop & Garage Rock50:00 – Nightbob Stories & Rock History55:00 – Asphalt Grey Reunion & Catalog Restoration1:05:00 – Creative Merchandise & Video Game Ideas1:10:00 – Kosmoseratops & Branding1:15:00 – New Album Progress & Future Plans1:20:00 – Plugs & Goodbyes Connect with Rob Janos Instagram - @janosexpatriate - https://www.instagram.com/janosexpatriate/Bandcamp - Rob Janos - https://robjanos.bandcamp.com/Spotify - Asphalt Grey - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0W9ZHC6Xq6uxcnBg708i3g?si=sgDQiYuESTCPmKwISwkG3ABandcamp - Asphalt Grey - https://asphaltgrey.bandcamp.com/Bandcamp - The Buzz and the Hum - https://buzzandhum.bandcamp.com/ Selected Links From The Episode John Simon - Willow and Oak - https://open.spotify.com/album/1vLL8GFeHyt99BkKPJbz0F?si=v6fm70n0TmC9Vz8ubhlXmwJohn Simon - North House - https://open.spotify.com/album/2VMWBU7WZOndvhmhPQpHQn?si=505cdf49d1644351Rob Janos (Episode #39) - /episodes/rsp0039-rob-janos/

    1h 44m
  4. #53 - Roe O'Brien & Max Rauch

    06/23/2025

    #53 - Roe O'Brien & Max Rauch

    Max Rauch (MAUCH) and Roe O’Brien (Roe Knows Best) are two New Jersey songwriters and collaborators. After connecting through Pizza Bagel Records, the pair wrote and recorded their EP, “Weekend at Mauchie’s...Vol. 1,” in five days at Domestic Bliss Studio in West Orange. The EP is a genre-blending collection featuring indie rock anthems (“Ghost Town”), pop singles (“Friends with Aliens”), dance rock homages (“Shark Attack!!!”), and a ballad about addiction (“To Be Loved”). On this episode, Max and Roe talk about their creative process, the story behind each track, and what it’s like to combine their musical voices. They also share insights into their individual journeys and the New Jersey music community. Links: Spotify – Weekend at Mauchie's...Vol. 1 Bandcamp – Weekend at Mauchie's...Vol. 1 Instagram: @roeknowsbest Instagram: @domesticblissrecording Instagram: @pizzabagelrecords Pizza Bagel Records Bandcamp Roe Knows Best Website Max Rauch on The Rich Soni Podcast (Episode #48) Roe O’Brien on The Rich Soni Podcast (Episode #42) Timestamps00:00 Kicking Off & Reintroductions02:00 How This Collab Started04:00 Five Days, Four Songs: The Process06:00 Enter Doug Gallo09:00 Roe’s Solo Work & Jersey Ties10:00 Studio Rules: Prepared vs. Spontaneous13:00 Songwriting Summer Camp Vibes15:00 Track Order & Creative Flow20:00 Track Deep Dives20:30 Ghost Town – Stoned at School & John Cozz Cameo22:00 Friends with Aliens – 90s Pop & Radio Single Energy24:00 Shark Attack!!! – Dance Rock & Dirtbag Anthems26:00 To Be Loved – Getting Real About Addiction33:00 Pizza Bagel Lore & Scene Building36:00 Why We Archive40:00 Real Talk: Collaboration & Authenticity1:10:00 Plugs & Goodbyes

    1h 14m
  5. #52 – Harrison Bieth

    06/19/2025

    #52 – Harrison Bieth

    #52 – Harrison Bieth In this episode, we dive deep into Harrison Bieth’s 2024 EP “Harry’s Killing It”, his most experimental release to date. The EP showcases a unique blend of internet humor and sample-driven arrangements, recorded at Domestic Bliss Recording with Max Rauch. We explore the creative process behind the EP, from songwriting and recording to the album artwork design. Harrison also shares insights about his various musical projects, including Andrew and The Kindly Ones (formerly known as Andrew And the Valentines, featuring Andrew Nieporent), Slipstream (with Ray Salerno and Jim Blass), and his live collaborations with Ziggy Grover under the moniker HZG. Links: Instagram: @saxmania18Harry’s Killing It EPAndrew and The ValentinesMax Rauch (Episode #48)Andrew Nieporent (Episode #14)Ray Salerno (Episode #50)

    1h 56m
  6. #51 - AC Borress

    05/28/2025

    #51 - AC Borress

    AC Borress is a multi-faceted artist from New Jersey - a producer, songwriter, guitarist, and filmmaker. Known for his work producing and playing guitar for Aiden Jack Finnecy, AC has also carved out his own artistic path with his conceptual album Rosie. In this conversation, AC discusses his approach to songwriting and production, the creation of character-driven concept albums, and his upcoming project that combines both a new album and a short film. He shares insights into his creative process and his philosophy on balancing personal projects with collaborations. Connect with AC Borress: Instagram: @acborress YouTube: @CANDYFLOSSREC Spotify: AC BorressLinks mentioned: Album - Rosie Aiden Jack Finnecy (Episode #45)Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Name Origins 04:21 - Current Projects and Film Announcement 12:33 - The Character of Rosie and Album Concept 25:53 - Production Philosophy and Influences 41:35 - Working with Other Artists 46:51 - Production Influences (Phineas, Rick Rubin) 56:57 - Guitar Influences and Live Performance 1:02:52 - Upcoming Projects and Film Collaboration

    1h 9m
  7. #50 - Ray Salerno

    02/24/2025

    #50 - Ray Salerno

    Ray Salerno is a transgender songwriter from northern New Jersey who performs under the name Jamie Fett. Ray works as a therapeutic musician while pursuing a master's degree in Music Therapy at Montclair State University. His debut album, "Headed For Somewhere", takes the listener along with him on his mental health journey up to 2024, when he reached his happiest and most healthy thus far after leaving his childhood home and an abusive living situation. Ray now lives in Essex County with Andrew Nieporent, who adopted him in September 2024. He is currently in pre-production for his next two records - "Headed for Somewhere: Reimagined" and a full-length album with all new original songs entitled "All The Time In The World". Ray can be found performing at various venues in northern New Jersey, and weekly at his dad's Sunday open mic nights at The Fine Grind in Little Falls.

    1h 56m
  8. #49 - Lupe Dragon

    02/05/2025

    #49 - Lupe Dragon

    Lupe Dragon is an alternative singer/songwriter from Northern New Jersey. She has performed in various parts of New Jersey. With the writing style of Ed Sheeran, the swagger of Billie Eilish and a voice similar to the likes of Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Alanis Morisette, she is a female powerhouse. In 2018 she recorded her EP "Can't Even Stand It" and released it in February of the following year (2019). She later went on to release a remix of her hit song "Not The Same (Out of Spite)" with fellow rap artist Aarvee, in 2020 released her single "Happiness", "Butterflies" and in 2021 her acoustic EP "Bedroom Files Vol. 1". "She gets more people riled up than half the rappers on stage"--Ryan Sullivan (BopCast 2021- Speaking on Lupe performing at Madminds Events at Boontunes). More recently she has released a slew of singles: Distance (2021), I Know What You Did (2022), Your Charming Head (2022), Unsaid (2023), Attached (2023).

    1h 34m
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About

Hosted by software engineer and songwriter Rich Soni, The Rich Soni Podcast is a longform interview style podcast which typically publishes a new episode once or twice a month.

Information

  • Creator
    Rich Soni
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rich Soni
  • Show Website
    Rich Soni Podcast