Berklee Alumni Affairs Launches Second Season of Pass the Mic Podcast

Berklee Alumni Affairs Launches Second Season of Pass the Mic Podcast The new season will feature Mark Kelley of the Roots, Broadway veteran Natalie Toro, and former president of Fox Music Robert Kraft.

By

Kelly Wong

September 27, 2024

L-R: Alumni Achievement Award recipients Mark Kelley BM '03, Natalie Toro BFA '86, and Gustavo Borner '89 will be featured guests in season two of Pass the Mic.

Image by Mike Spencer

The award-winning podcast from Berklees Alumni Affairs team, Pass the Mic, has returned for a second season to discuss various aspects of the music industry with many of the college's most accomplished alumni. The first episode of the new season will be available on all podcast streaming platforms on Friday, September 27.

The first episode of the new season features Mark Kelley BM '03, bassist for the iconic hip-hop band the Roots, also known as the house band for NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since 2011. Throughout his career, Kelley has collaborated with a host of Grammy Award-winning singers, songwriters, and producers, including DAngelo-contributing to the neo-soul artist's album Black Messiah-as well as with Grammy Award-winning musicians John Legend and Erykah Badu. In the episode, Kelley will discuss finding one's artistic vision and staying true to one's creative endeavors.

Other guests featured in the upcoming season include: vocalist and composer Mariya Ksondzyk '17, '19; jazz guitarist Jan Esbra BM '16; emerging singer-songwriter Mel Fine BM '23; Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon; Argentine producer and sound engineer Gustavo Borner BM '89; R&B singer-songwriter Kevin Ross '09; Broadway veteran Natalie Toro BFA '86; and Robert Kraft, a composer and former president of Fox Music. Guests will explore topics such as using music to help those in correctional facilities, life after graduation and career opportunities, music education in different countries, and the real challenges within the music industry.

Hosted by Alumni Affairs staff members Padriac Farma, associate director of digital engagement, and Jaquel Eley, assistant director of digital engagement, Pass the Mic aims to showcase a diverse group of industry professionals from Berklee's community, offering alumni a platform to share their valuable insights and expertise in a comfortable setting. The first season of the podcast featured several globally accomplished alumni such as acclaimed film, TV, and video game composer Pinar Toprak BM '00 and Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Tommy Torres BM '93.

To recommend a Berklee alum for the podcast, please reach out to Alumni Affairs at alumniaffairs@berklee.edu.

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L-R: Alumni Achievement Award recipients Mark Kelley BM '03, Natalie Toro BFA '86, and Gustavo Borner '89 will be featured guests in season two of Pass the Mic.

Image by Mike Spencer

Berklee Alumni Affairs Launches Second Season of Pass the Mic Podcast The new season will feature Mark Kelley of the Roots, Broadway veteran Natalie Toro, and former president of Fox Music Robert Kraft.

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