Jonathan Shank Launches New Podcast ‘The Jam’ with Randy Jackson and Dean Budnick
Today, March 19, Osiris Media has announced the launch of a new podcast hosted by notable music industry veteran Jonathan Shank. Titled The Jam, the conversation-led series will explore individual experiences through the evolution of music when the host is joined by various artists, top industry luminaries, iconic bands, and music tastemakers.
The initial episode, the first of two released today, lays the foundation for what’s to come throughout the season when Dean Budnick, Relix editor-in-chief, and author of numerous books (including The Music Never Stops with Peter Shapiro and Suck and Blow with John Popper), participates in a discussion on the evolution of the jam scene. The Jam also will delivers exclusive music offerings and the first episode will include an eruptive 14-minute rendition of “Love Shack” performed by The B-52’s and Particle at the 2002 Jammys, a collaboration that was facilitated by Jammys co-founders Shapiro and Budnick, along with Shank.
The second episode of The Jam is also available and includes celebrated bassist and producer Randy Jackson. Perhaps best known for his extensive stint on American Idol, the music industry expert will lean into his Louisiana roots while also talking about monster collaborations and his connection to pop culture. “Trey and Phish—those guys are bringing it and pushing the envelope. Those guys are carrying the torch. Trey is an unbelievable player,” said Jackson, touching on the program’s jam-laden roots.
The host, Shank, said in a press release, “It’s such an honor and privilege to be joined by so many amazing artists, friends, and fellow travelers. The Jam is a place for people to listen, learn, laugh, and lift up. I’m blown away by the response to the podcast so far and can’t wait for the music lovers around the world to come on this journey with us.”
First-season guests extend to include fellow veterans such as Robby Krieger (The Doors), Billy Cobham (Miles Davis), Bill Payne (Little Feat), Dave Mason (Traffic), George Porter Jr. (The Meters), rock photographer Henry Diltz, Cymande, and The Disco Biscuits.
Notably, The Jam was influenced by fellow podcasts, including Promoter 101, Questlove Supreme and JEMP Radio. Shank came up with the idea to generate a space where artists and industry members can deliver untold stories, boast about their favorites from the music industry, and connect the jam scene to mainstream musical conversations.
Listen to The Jam here. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever podcasts are available.