The Philadelphia-based hip-hop artist and classically-trained harpist discuss how they're bridging musical worlds and bringing healing performances to communities from urban yoga studios to the Alaskan wilderness.
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Today, the Spotlight shines On the duo of songwriter, producer, and MC Küf Knotz and harpist, vocalist, and music therapist Christine Elise.
Küf and Christine have turned the unlikely harp and hip-hop track combo into pure magic with their 2024 album Hypnagogia. The album explores the space between awake and dreaming, with surreal soundscapes and vivid imagery that pulls listeners in.
They’ve shared stages with artists like Wyclef Jean, Rising Appalachia, and Digable Planets. Earlier this year, they joined me to discuss their unique sound and mission.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the album Hypnagogia by Küf Knotz and Christine Elise)
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0:00 Introduction
1:21 The Alaska Connection: Building Community in the Dark Season
4:23 Alternative Venues and Building Connections
6:24 The Hip-Hop & Harp Origin Story
7:23 Christine's Musical Background & Influences
8:48 Classical Training & Improvisation
13:06 From Music Therapy to Performance
14:22 Küf's Musical Journey & Band Experience
15:44 Creating Timeless Music
18:01 Musical DNA & Influences
20:40 The First Meeting
22:37 Joy in Performance
23:57 Evolution of Their Live Show
27:18 Understanding Music Therapy
30:12 The Pre-Show Ritual
34:52 New Album & Future Plans
36:57 Pacific Northwest Experiences
39:45 Sofar Sounds & Building New Audiences
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Check out Küf Knotz & Christine Elise at https://www.kufknotz.com
Purchase Hypnagogia by Küf Knotz and Christine Elise on Bandcamp → https://kufknotzchristineelise.bandcamp.com/album/hypnagogia
or Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/hypnagogia-kuf-knotz-amp-christine-elise/vdxtxejjeq1ic
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://album.link/i/1730466854
Follow Küf Knotz on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kufknotz
and Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/kufknotzchristineelise
Follow Christine Elise on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/christineeliseharp
and Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/christineeliseharp.bsky.social
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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