As a media promoter, I've had a few opportunities to speak with those whose music and content are celebrated by a large audience.
Usually, these interviews are quirky with a side of cheeky and in promotion of an event the artist will have upcoming.
Well......
This one....
This one is a little different.
See, it's not that I can't be a deep or intellectual podcaster, but you have to kind of pick your thing and stay in your lane (as one of my two yoga mentors puts it) when podcasting.
However, some things are destined to come to you.
I cannot deny that I am a person who is deeply introspective. I have such a keen awareness of the, "second chance life," I am in, I don't let it slip from my forefront of thought. When one has had their ego burnt in a wildfire, as I (rightfully) did, one takes careful measure of the factors which create wildfire.
Now, my life has been 12 years removed from my past detriments. I remain in my restorative practices as of this day.
Enter Nahko, another man currently working his hardest at a second chance life. I remembered the name Nahko, not from controversy, but from another way (which you can learn by listening in the cast). Because I was familiar with this name Nahko, I took a chance to see if he wanted to make Reno a stop on the tour. He did. Then we had to see if Reno wanted him. Turns out you did, because that show is selling like ribs in August.
So, we work toward an arrangement and become close to confirming the show, when Nahko's representative agent took the first in a series of, "pro-accountability," steps now required by Nahko.
He sent me a disclaimer about Nahko's past controversies.
He was so thorough in his disclaimer that I felt comfortable moving forward with the show.
Why is that important? Because essentially, we now have a mutually agreed upon, "behavior clause," in effect between us. Think of it as- Nahko guarantees the safest possible space for his fans to return to -and- I as the venue agree to stand behind the show.
From there, Nahko's people were helpful and connected. Many times, promoters are left to do the, "leg work," on a show, but in this case, Nahko is what I would describe as being in the top 1% in terms of artist participation in every aspect of the show.
They asked if we received any negative feedback. We told them that we had received a small amount. Full disclosure, it was very little and from a group of, "usual suspects," in Reno, known for engaging political warfare online.
At that point, Nahko personally entered the chat.
"We will do absolutely anything you need to address present issues arising from past circumstances."
Ok, I paraphrased that a bit for characters' sake so I am not giving it that second, dramatic paragraph break, but when you're used to how tight ship people work in this business, the message was C-L-R clear!
*Note the 2nd Dramatic Paragraph Break
I asked for the boldest solution I could think of, as is often my way by creation, "Would you be willing to be a guest on my podcast and address the controversy?"
"Absolutely." Nahko replied.
Now, in my mind personally and professionally, I think that anyone willing to go onto a podcast he doesn't know, with a promoter he doesn't know, and address the issue directly? That's someone I'm going to support in a second chance life. And when you're a supported second chance lifer, that can go a long way. Forefront of mind.
By now, I had seen enough to believe that Nahko's intent was and is to get back to playing music for people. THEN, we got into the podcast, where I learned of multiple OTHER measures Nahko is taking to ensure the most enjoyable, safe and authentic performance possible. From there, I think about what the venue has in place in terms of protections, and I feel satisfied that we can create a safe and fun (and healing!) environment for people.
I understand there are those who do not believe in second chances, and to those I say...
Well...I do.
