Nick Austin

Detroit

Radio Host, Soul Saturday at WDET-FM (Detroit MI)

Host of Soul Saturday (8-10p) on 101.9 WDET-FM merging genres like soul & hip-hop with electronica & funk into a tapestry of sound that is uniquely Detroit.

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Articles

Chantae Cann and Derrick Benford discuss their musical journey

Apr 13, 2024 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

Every artist’s journey begins with a single step, often taken behind the scenes. For Chantae Cann, a singer whose voice blends the intricacies of jazz and soul, and Derrick Benford, a pianist steeped in Detroit’s rich musical heritage, these steps started in the background. Their recent collaborations highlight how vulnerability and openness in their music have been instrumental in their artistic development.
A conversation with 'Ma Dukes,' J Dilla's mother, on keeping his legacy alive

Feb 7, 2024 | wdet.org | Jenny Sherman |Nick Austin

Detroiters and hip-hop fans everywhere are celebrating what would have been J Dilla’s 50th birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Though the legendary Detroit producer and artist died in 2006 at the young age of 32, his musical legacy is as strong as ever — both in the Motor City and around the world.
Black Milk on his musical roots, inspiration behind latest album

Jan 3, 2024 | wdet.org | Nick Austin |Jenny Sherman

2023 was a momentous year for local rapper and producer Black Milk, marking the release of his eighth studio album, Everybody Good? — his first record since 2018. The Detroit born and bred artist first made a name for himself at just 18 or 19 years old, producing tracks for Motor City hip-hop legends Slum Village. “Having not only Slum, but having [J Dilla] jump on a record that I produced was big for me personally because you got one of your favorites acknowledging your work,” he said.
Salami Rose Joe Louis brings experimental electro-pop to El Club

Dec 8, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin |Jenny Sherman

Bay Area singer-songwriter and producer Lindsay Olsen is bringing her galactic, experimental electro-pop to El Club in Detroit on Friday. Performing under the moniker Salami Rose Joe Louis, Olsen is a former climate scientist who explores themes related to climate change, multiverses and interdimensional travel through her music. Melding influences from jazz, rock and hip-hop, she creates a unique blend of celestial sounds with jazz influenced vocals and keys.
Soul Saturday: The evolution of Yussef Dayes, from pots and pans to global beats

Nov 21, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

Yussef Dayes is a tour-de-force behind the drums. The South London-raised producer, composer and drummer performs with an exhilarating combo of technical prowess, intensity and emotion. Growing up with three brothers in a home where musical experimentation was fully embraced.
Jalen Ngonda’s soulful journey from violin to Motown vibes

Sep 18, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

For fans of the classic Motown sound, the music of Jalen Ngonda is a breath of fresh air. Born outside of Washington D.C., and now making waves in the UK, Ngonda’s debut album, “Come Around and Love Me,” almost sounds like a love letter to classic artists like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and David Ruffin. Ahead of his much-anticipated Tuesday, Sept.
Detroit Today: The legacy and artistry of rock musician Sixto Rodriguez

Aug 11, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

81-year-old Detroit rock legend and subject of the popular documentary “Searching for Sugar Man,” Sixto Rodriguez, passed away this week. Rodriguez released two albums in the early 70s to very little commercial success. While his career appeared was going nowhere, the music became revered in Australia and in South Africa — where some of his songs were staples of the anti-apartheid movement — without the songwriter knowing.
Alabama riverfront brawl evokes visceral public reactions

Aug 9, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

Over the past few days, a video of a massive brawl in Montgomery, Ala. has circulated across social media. The incident occurred after white boaters docked their boat in an area that was reserved for a commercial riverboat. Subscribe to Detroit Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Detroit Today: Has the economic growth that made the U.S. a global political force stopped?

Jul 27, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

From 1870 until around 2010, economic growth and inventions exploded in the United States. The years when people truly shared these gains happened most prominently from 1938 to 1973. During that time the middle class expanded, homeownership grew, and the influx of money helped create one of the most famous music experiences in American history.
Detroit Today: The issues driving negotiations between the UAW and Detroit's automakers

Jul 19, 2023 | wdet.org | Nick Austin

Last week, The United Auto Workers began negotiations for a new labor deal with Detroit’s Big Three automakers. In an effort to stave off a labor stoppage ahead of the current deal’s September 14 expiration date, the Biden Administration is sending one of its top economic advisors — Michigan native Gene Sperling — to help assist with relations between the parties. Editor’s note: The majority of WDET reporters are members of the Professional and Administrative Union, Local 1979, UAW.