E036 - Big Norm (Comedian/Vocalist/Chef)

As a stand-up comedian, singer/songwriter, TV host and chef, Norm Alconcel, aka “Big Norm”, is a man of many talents.

Drawing inspiration from his Filipino and hip hop roots, his comedy routine offers hilarious observations about race relations, multiculturalism, and pop-culture.

We sat down with Big Norm to discuss what his favourite R&B singers and culinary dishes have in common, why he's quick to shut down the cultural appropriation accusations against Bruno Mars, and how a recent trip to Taiwan inspired him to write a one-man show.

Spotify Playlist

Featuring: Runnin' At the Mouth, Bruno Mars, Damian Marley, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, All-4-One, The Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci, Dru Hill, H-Town, Nas, AZ, Olu Dara, Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Cappadonna, RZA, The Roots, Black Star, Ludacris, T.I. Big Boi, and Phantogram.

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Further Listening

Jeff WooApril 5, 2018

Dec 8, 2021

S7E11 - Lexxicon (Dancehall / Afropop Artist)

Lexxicon is a dancehall/Afropop artist from Toronto by way of Jamaica and the UK.

On his new album, Tropicon Island, he strays away from his dancehall roots and dives head-first into a rich Afrobeats sound.

Guest co-host Amanie Illfated and I talked to Lexxicon about his new album and novel, the third season of Netflix's You, and why Canadian musicians often have to move to another country in order to make it.

Nov 24, 2021

S7E10 - Leila Dey (R&B Artist)

Leila Dey is a Toronto R&B singer/songwriter who has shared the stage with Little Simz, K'Naan, and Melanie Fiona.

Her latest EP Detour explores the disintegration of a romantic relationship and its subsequent aftermath.

Guest co-host Amanie Illfated and I talked to Leila about the allegorical nature of her new EP, how the passing of her younger sister impacted her approach to making music, and her adoration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.

Oct 27, 2021

S7E09 - Zorana Sadiq (Soprano & Actor)

Zorana Sadiq wears a lot of hats, including multidisciplinary artist, soprano, actor and music teacher.

Her latest project, MixTape, is a visceral one-person play that is "part memoir, part scientific inquiry, and part love song to listening."

I talk to Zorana about the art of making a great mixtape, her tenure at Regent Park School of Music where she taught Polaris Prize-nominated Mustafa, and the annoying popularity of Kidz Bop.

Oct 13, 2021

S7E07 - Rollerouge & Deesh (Jam Roller Skaters)

At the beginning of the pandemic, roller skating culture experienced a resurgence on social media and beyond. However, the recreational activity is more than just another nostalgic phenomenon gone viral; there's a rich history of black and brown skating communities that date all the way back to the '70s.

Jared and Deejah, aka Rollerouge and Deesh, are two rising talents from Toronto's jam skating scene.

I sat down with them to talk about the cultural significance of roller skating in the black community, their unfortunate reality of having to navigate safe spaces, and their preferred soundtrack to jam skating sessions.