Inside the Music with StereoRuss
Inside the Music with StereoRuss is a bi-weekly interview podcast with musicians and music professionals, uncovering their stories, creative processes, and personal insights.
Launched in 2023, it has become a leading podcast in the Ontario music community, offering thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of artists and industry professionals.
https://youtube.com/@stereoruss
https://instagram.com/stereoruss
https://tiktok.com/@stereoruss
Episodes

Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
StereoRuss visits the eclectic Tape Studio for conversation with Adam Bentley: musician, producer, and founder of the music marketing company Auteur Research (since recording the company has changed it's name to Echo Myron). Adam opens up about his early days in the Hamilton indie scene, how a fictional label and a MySpace hustle turned into a 15+ year career helping artists reach new audiences, and why the title “Dreamcrusher” isn’t as harsh as it sounds.
The two discuss the evolution of music marketing, from blog hype to today’s playlist economy and short form video strategies. Adam also talks about his experimental electronic project Allegories, the creative process behind their new song “Dreamcrusher,” and how ukuleles are a useful instrument to write music with.
This episode is packed with insight for emerging artists, longtime gearheads, and anyone interested in what it takes to stay creative and survive in a shifting music industry landscape.
Follow Adam Bentley and Auteur Research:
https://instagram.com/echo.myron
https://echomyron.com/
echo@echomyron.com
Listen to Allegories:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=490GK1T1gzY&ab_channel=AlA.Gore-Reese
https://www.instagram.com/allegoriestype/
Follow Inside the Music:
https://instagram.com/stereoruss
https://TikTok.com/@stereoruss
https://youtube.com/@stereoruss
Become an Inside the Music Insider:
https://stereoruss.com

Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Danny Smart is a producer, musician, and podcast host working out of the vibrant Halo Studio in Hamilton, Ontario.
Originally from a small town in England, Danny shares his journey from cruise ship performer to becoming a key player in Hamilton’s music scene. He reflects on his love for country music, his early musical influences (shoutout Johnny Cash), and what ultimately drew him to Canada, and to Hamilton.
The two dive into Danny’s work at Halo Studio, his passion for community, and his efforts to build something bigger through his podcast "Tones of the Hammer" and a new micro label focused on artist development and collaboration. Danny talks openly about the importance of trying, failing, and trying again, and why creating content and sharing stories is vital to a thriving music scene.
This episode is for anyone building something from scratch, chasing curiosity, or just curious about what makes Hamilton such a hidden musical gem.
Follow Danny Smart:
https://www.youtube.com/@dannysmartmusic https://www.instagram.com/dannysmartmusic https://www.tiktok.com/@dannnysmartmusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/23Id1ibGLRHwEd9zgd0KJ0
Follow Tones of the Hammer Records: https://www.youtube.com/@TonesOfTheHammerRecords https://www.instagram.com/tonesofthehammerrecords https://www.tiktok.com/@tonesofthehammerrecords
Follow Halo Studio:
https://www.halomusic.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/halomusichamilton
Follow StereoRuss and Inside the Music: https://www.youtube.com/@StereoRuss https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
Become an Inside the Music Insider:
https://stereoruss.com

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Tom Meikle (aka Mappe Of) is a genre bending vocalist, guitarist, and electronic musician. We explore the layered, emotional worlds behind his music and discuss his upcoming album Afterglades which will be released September 19.
Recorded at Catherine North Studios, Tom’s creative second home, Tom opens up about his creative process, from guitar-forward songwriting to glitchy modular synth experimentation, and even building glitch textures by importing .exe software files into Audacity (yes, really!).
Whether you're a fan of ambient guitar, high-concept sound design, or just want to hear two Radiohead nerds discuss Kid A, this episode is a headphone worthy ride through some of the most inventive and heartfelt music being made today.
Songs Featured:“A Scourge Laid Upon the Earth” – Mappe Of“Honey Haze” – Mappe Of“Happiness in the Singularity” – Mappe Of
Listen to Mappe Of:https://open.spotify.com/artist/02Zxif3WoHx6ujXBSfBKOr
Follow Mappe Of:Instagram: @mappeofWebsite: https://www.mappeof.com
Follow Inside the Music:Instagram: @stereorussTikTok: @stereorussYouTube: @StereoRuss
📬 Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List:https://stereoruss.com

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Will Crann is a producer and co-owner of the the legendary Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Ontario.
Will shares his journey to becoming co-owner of one of Hamilton’s most beloved recording spaces. He opens up about his early days playing bass in House Art, how a broken piece of gear led to an internship that turned into studio ownership, and why he's grateful for the people he works with.
The conversation dives into the realities of running a commercial studio, everything from cleaning mixes to cleaning bathrooms. Will also reflects on what makes a great collaboration between artist and producer and the emotional depth of a good mix.
Whether you’re a gearhead, a budding artist, or just a fan of stories from behind the scenes, this episode is a down to earth look at what it really means to live a life in music, and build a space where others can do the same.
Follow Will Crann and Catherine North Studios:Instagram: @willcrannEmail: will@catherinenorth.comStudio: https://www.catherinenorth.com
Follow Inside the Music:Instagram: @stereorussTikTok: @stereorussYouTube: @StereoRuss
🎧 Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List:https://stereoruss.com

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Robb Cappelletto is back! Robb is a world renowned jazz guitarist who just released his latest album Float with his instrumental jazz-fusion group Re.verse.
Robb shares the band’s journey from weekly bar residencies to headlining the Toronto Jazz Festival, and how years of live performance and experimentation shaped the tight, genre-blending sound on Float. He breaks down the balance between composition and improvisation, the subtle science of groove, and how a spontaneous jam turned into the band’s standout single “Trails.”
The episode dives deep into the nuances of modern instrumental music, the legacy of J Dilla’s drumming, and how a single Instagram clip sparked debate across the internet. Robb also opens up about finding the perfect studio match in engineer Alex Gamble, tracking without a click, and building music that hits with both precision and feel.
Whether you're a producer, a guitarist, or just a music fan, this episode is a masterclass in musicianship, authenticity, and the grind behind great instrumental records.
Featuring live spins of:
Smoke Signals” – Re.verse“1030” – Re.verse“Trails” – Re.verse
Listen to Re.verse’s new album Float:https://open.spotify.com/album/7fpBFUEHMTVq6AJVC9h6Le
https://www.instagram.com/rvrs416/
Follow Robb Cappelletto:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbcappellettoWebsite: https://robbcappelletto.com
Follow Inside the Music:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stereorussYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List!https://stereoruss.com/

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Inside the Music is on location at an elementary school in Dundas, Ontario, part rehearsal space, part recording studio, and emotional headquarters for Hamilton’s rising indie rock band, Superstar Crush.
StereoRuss sits down with Marzieh, Sam, Chloe, and Truaxe to talk about their new album Way Too Much, chatting producer Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky, balancing DIY roots with lush arrangements, and how the glockenspiel truly is the life of the party.
Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, chaotic harmony, or just love joyful, tight-knit bands doing big things, this is a fun episode you won't want to miss!
Featuring first plays of:Fire Escape - Superstar CrushThey Keep Calling - Superstar CrushDo What You Want (New & Improved) - Superstar Crush
Follow and Listen to Superstar Crush:https://www.instagram.com/superstarcrushbandhttps://linktr.ee/superstarcrush
Follow Inside the Music:https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/https://www.tiktok.com/@stereorusshttps://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Join the Inside the Music Crew:https://stereoruss.com/

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Aidan Robson is a producer and tour manager who works out of Hamilton’s legendary Catherine North Studios. Aidan opens up about his musical roots in punk and country, his evolution as a producer, and his recent work with artist Dean James on the road and in the studio.
Together, they explore the creative process behind Dean's latest single “Burned It Down,” from remote recording sessions in Omemee, Ontario to spontaneous breakthroughs in production. Aidan also shares wild stories from the recent crosscountry tour, including a last minute show in Wawa that turned into a packed party thanks to one Facebook message.
Whether you’re a producer, an artist, or just love music, this episode offers a rare and honest glimpse into the chaos, hustle, and joy of life behind the scenes.
Featuring live spins of:
Burned It Down – Dean James
Over You - Minor Gold
Danger - AHI
Listen to and follow Dean James:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nrjJu4T2iZXOUgA3WyGR7https://www.instagram.com/deanjamesmusic/
Connect with Aidan Robson:Email: aidan@catherinenorth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashaiden
Follow Inside the Music:https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/https://www.tiktok.com/@stereorusshttps://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List!https://stereoruss.com/

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
StereoRuss welcomes back beloved Hamilton singer songwriter Bernadette Connors for her fourth appearance on the show! Together, they dive deep into Bernadette’s journey from Georgina to Hamilton, the emotional evolution behind her songwriting, and the release of her powerful new single “White Magnolia.”
With stories of vulnerability, growth, and the importance of community, this candid conversation highlights what makes Bernadette one of Hamilton’s most compelling voices. Plus, listeners get a special treat with live spins of “White Magnolia,” “History,” and more. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the kind of musical connection that only Inside the Music can deliver.
White Magnolia - Bernadette Connors
History - Bernadette Connors
Blame Me - Bernadette ConnorsListen to and Follow Bernadette Connors:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0amdwmduZDnkuGlGb9bQIp
https://www.youtube.com/@bernadetteconnors
https://www.instagram.com/bernadetteconnors
Follow Inside the Music:
https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List!
https://stereoruss.com/

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Jesse Adams is a pop singer and songwriter whose energy is as infectious as her hooks. We chat cats, Fabio, and the ever important question: how many dancers is the correct number of dancers for a live musical performance?
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... it was a great time! Recorded at the legendary Catherine North Studio, this episode is full of fun, flair, and a whole lot of personality.
Songs from the Episode:Love You Like I Do - Jesse AdamsGravity - Jesse AdamsVictory - Jesse AdamsGrieving - Jesse Adams
Listen to and Follow Jesse Adams:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1knZLmZB5hXpLG5mfujbiz
https://www.instagram.com/jesse_francesca/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jesseadamss
Follow Inside the Music:
https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List!
https://stereoruss.com/

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Orchidae is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Gatineau, Quebec, and joins StereoRuss along with the very funky bassist Greggory Clark. We dive into the highs and lows of tour life, the many faces of artistic expression, and the joy of making friends along the way.
Not only does this episode feature a live performance, but we also take a call live on air for an unexpected twist in our chat. This one is simply jammed full of great moments to enjoy!
Songs from the Episode:
"Sun and the Stars" - Orchidae
"Mouth Breathing Fire" - Orchidae
"Sometimes" - Orchidae
"Birth Day I" - Orchidae
Follow and Listen to Orchidae:
https://www.instagram.com/orchidae/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OBfOSJPueAM6pXxabfFwe
Follow Inside the Music:
https://www.instagram.com/stereoruss/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stereoruss
https://www.youtube.com/@stereoruss
Sign up for the Inside the Music Mailing List!
https://stereoruss.com/









