Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

REVOLT
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Can We Talk R&B is a weekly podcast series, that explores the history, culture and future of R&B music through in-depth interviews with artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. The show dives into the creative process, the business side of music, and the cultural impact of R&B. Can We Talk R&B is a place for R&B fans to discover new and veteran talent.

  1. 18h ago

    Eric Roberson: Completion Over Perfection. The Real Secret to Longevity.

    In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, Ian Von reconnects with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson to discuss his 18th studio album and companion book, Beautifully All Over the Place. Eric shares insights into his creative process, the importance of completion and consistency, balancing music with family responsibilities, and finding joy through life's challenges. He also discusses collaborations with Avery*Sunshine, the stories behind standout tracks, and what's next—including Beautifully All Over the Place 2 and a unique musical audiobook. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:03 Meaning of "Beautifully All Over the Place" 03:08 How the Book and Albums Intertwine 04:01 Creating "Trust in Love" 06:26 Authenticity, Dark Seasons & Art as Therapy 10:18 18 Albums In: What It Represents 12:30 Fatherhood, Family & Creative Balance 17:30 Writer's Block vs. Writer's Confusion 22:28 Staying Present, Process Over Perfection 27:01 Beautiful Amid Chaos: Life, War & Touring Realities 31:32 Making "Sweeter Than You" ft. Avery*Sunshine 34:31 What's Next: Touring, Improv Shows & New Projects 36:27 Collaboration, Service & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  2. 6d ago

    Michael Elliot: Brown Sugar, Black Love: Writing Our Stories Into Hollywood

    In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary screenwriter and producer Michael Elliot, whose pen has shaped some of the most beloved depictions of Black love and Black life on screen. From Brown Sugar and Just Wright to Like Mike and Netflix’s Ruth & Boaz, Michael breaks down how he found storytelling in his 30s, the very real grind behind his Hollywood break, and why love remains the center of his work. They dive deep into: Why Black love stories don’t always get box office support—even when the culture reveres them. How R&B and hip hop literally birthed Brown Sugar. The tension between our appetite for crime/drama versus romance on screen. How faith, sensitivity, and emotional honesty became Michael’s “superpower” as a writer. The impact of streaming and new formats (like vertical storytelling) on Black creators. The conversation is equal parts masterclass, testimony, and love letter to Black romance in film. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

  3. May 17

    PHABO: From Juke Joints to Blue Note

    Ian Von catches up with Phabo backstage in New Orleans during his tour run with Ari Lennox for an honest conversation about life on the road, performing for Ari’s loyal R&B audience, and how every city brings a different energy to the show. Phabo also breaks down his new project Ratchet & Blues, the creative freedom behind it, paying homage to classic R&B, and how touring has helped him grow as an artist and performer. They also talk fan-building, the business side of touring, Ari Lennox’s impact on modern R&B, and what’s next — including Blue Note performances and a full Ratchet & Blues tour. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:24 On Tour in New Orleans 0:42 Life on the Road & Venue Energy 1:11 First Hometown Performance 1:51 The Making of Ratchet & Blues 2:31 Full Creative Control & DIY Vision 3:01 Defining the Ratchet & Blues Sound 3:28 Classic R&B References & Juke Joint Energy 3:45 Favorite Album Moments 4:03 Tour Lineup Breakdown 4:33 Learning From Ari Lennox 4:49 Ari Lennox’s Originality & Influence 5:25 Balancing Male & Female Energy on Tour 6:03 Three Different R&B Styles on One Stage 6:33 Ari’s Stage Production & Hotel Concept 7:03 Watching the Headliner Every Night 7:23 Standing vs. Seated Crowd Energy 7:32 Ari Lennox’s R&B Fanbase 8:11 Love, Vulnerability & Ari’s Music 8:41 Matching Energies Across the Show 9:18 Best Intro Songs for New Fans 9:48 Nostalgia vs. Originality in Production 10:12 Favorite Lyrics & Standout Tracks 10:23 Touring, Ticket Sales & Music Business Talk 10:58 Sold-Out Tours & Building a Fanbase 11:29 Real Impact Beyond Social Media Numbers 12:02 Real-Life Support vs. Digital Metrics 12:18 Why New Orleans Crowds Matter 12:39 What’s Next After the Tour 13:04 Blue Note Shows Announcement 13:20 Touring Ratchet & Blues Properly 13:39 Balancing Music & Podcasting 14:03 Tour Status Check 14:13 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude 14:24 Outro & Sign-Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min

  4. May 10

    Sam Pounds Live From New Orleans: Death Row & The Return of Real Soul

    In this special live episode, Ian Von sits down backstage at Tipitina’s with powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Pounds, along with his musical collaborators Family Company. Fresh off soundcheck and just minutes before showtime, they break down Sam’s journey from North Carolina church roots to producing for Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, crafting the Day Shift theme song, and ultimately landing on the legendary Death Row Records. They dive into why real instruments, live arrangements, and human feel still matter in an AI-driven era, how they channel the spirit of the late 60s/early 70s soul greats, and why this New Orleans show is one of the most important of Sam’s career. The crew also touches on the new single “Queen”, the sound and philosophy of Family Company, and what it means to build a tribe that’s committed to real R&B and soul. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  5. May 3

    Marie Dahlstrøm : Soul, Motherhood & Modern R&B

    Ian Von sits down with Denmark-born, London-based artist Marie Dahlstrøm to explore her journey from a small town with no R&B scene to becoming a standout voice in UK modern soul. They discuss her independent approach, move to London, and how motherhood has reshaped her creativity and vulnerability. Marie breaks down her albums Like Sand and Good Life, plus her latest single “Frostbite.” The conversation also touches on gospel’s influence on R&B, the value of real musicianship, and making honest, emotionally grounded music while balancing art, family, and mental health. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:55 Moving from Denmark to London 3:08 Discovering R&B & Gospel 4:29 Going Pro & Staying Independent 6:27 Defining Her Sound 7:48 Influences & “American” Sound 9:20 Musiq Soulchild Influence 10:20 Writing from Real Life 11:19 Music as Therapy 12:40 Like Sand Creation Story 14:06 “Home With You” Breakdown 15:01 Good Life & Motherhood 16:21 Balancing Family & Music 17:26 Touring with Kids 18:18 Album Growth & Process 19:26 Staying True in the Studio 21:03 Motherhood & Focus 22:09 New Vulnerability 22:35 Songwriting Process 23:25 Feeling Exposed in Music 24:20 Authenticity in R&B 26:21 Collaboration Style 27:00 Health, Routine & Balance 28:03 Working with Daniel 29:01 R&B Around the World 30:21 Gospel Roots of R&B 32:00 Musicianship vs Programming 33:24 Artists She Loves 34:47 Quick Fire Questions 36:32 Meaning Behind Good Life 37:28 “Frostbite” Story 39:00 Closing & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  6. Apr 26

    rjtheweirdo: Vulnerability, Accountability & New Age R&B

    In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist RJ The Weirdo to unpack his unique sound, his bold honesty in songwriting, and his mission to bring accountability and emotion back to R&B. RJ opens up about the story behind his name, the influence of his father and Dallas’ diverse music scene, and how genre-bending, vulnerability, and raw truth shape his music. He and Ian dig into the culture of “toxic” relationships, why honest male perspectives matter, and how R&B can once again be a space where men and women truly hear each other. They also walk through RJ’s debut project At Least She’s Beautiful—from the headspace he was in while creating it, to standout tracks like “Perfect One” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) and “Tricks Are For Kids.” RJ shares how fatherhood softened and deepened his love for women, the guilt and grind of pursuing music while parenting, and how being homeless in L.A. and ghostwriting led him to being signed to Ty Dolla $ign & Leon Thomas’ EZMNY. This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about artistry, manhood, love, and the beauty of just telling the truth. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  7. Apr 19

    Marc Lo: From Ghostwriter to Frontman

    In this episode of Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Marc Lo) a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist making serious waves. From his roots in church and musical theater to working with artists like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Teddy Swims, Mark shares his journey and why he’s now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. We dive into his upcoming album 11 Days, the stories behind “Marvel,” “Interest,” and “Money, I Used to Love You,” and how he blends R&B, soul, pop, and global influences into a fresh, timeless sound. Plus, a deeper conversation on the meaning of R&B, his influences, and why gratitude is at the center of his life right now. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters: 0:00 Opening & Mission of the Show 1:16 Introducing Marc Lo & His Artistic Roots 3:44 South Florida Influence 5:01 What is R&B? Genre, World Music & Feeling 8:10 Songcraft & Musicality 9:57 From South Florida to Hit Records 12:29 Musicianship & The Stolen Clarinet Story 15:26 Moving to L.A. – Fear vs. Readiness 17:02 Harmony Language & Gospel Influences 19:13 The Story Behind “Interest” 22:28 The Story Behind “Marvel” 25:11 Concept Writing & “Money, I Used To Love You” 28:02 Neo-Soul Lineage & Marc’s Sound 30:33 The Need for More R&B Voices 32:35 Teddy Swims, Justin Bieber & Holiday Jam Session 34:26 Songs He Wishes He Kept? 35:28 State of R&B & “Best Vocalist” Debate 39:03 Goals: Touring, Albums & Film Music 42:03 Album Themes: Love, Resilience & Gratitude 44:00 Vulnerability, Process & Defining Success 47:17 Using AI as a Creative Tool 48:22 Ian’s Inspiration from Marc’s Music 49:52 What’s Next: Singles, Album & Where to Follow 50:30 Closing & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. Apr 12

    Von Waters: Idea a Day: Freestyling melodies in the booth to landing placements with today’s biggest R&B names

    In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time. He shares how a DM to legendary producer Troy Taylor changed the trajectory of his career, how the pandemic dissolved his group but unlocked his songwriting bag, and why he’s intentionally taking his time before stepping forward as a solo artist. They also get into the realities of publishing deals, the grind of writing “an idea a day,” and the difference between powerhouse vocalists and what Von jokingly calls “medium singers.” This is a candid, grounded look at what it means to come from a small town, dream big, and actually put in the work behind the scenes of today’s R&B. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Can We Talk R&B is a weekly podcast series, that explores the history, culture and future of R&B music through in-depth interviews with artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. The show dives into the creative process, the business side of music, and the cultural impact of R&B. Can We Talk R&B is a place for R&B fans to discover new and veteran talent.

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