AMP EQ - Amplifying the Influence of Music Artists

About AMP EQ - Amplifying the Influence of Music Artists

AMP EQ™ Podcast elevates music artists through immersive, experiential interviews that bring their journeys to life. Hosted by DJ Jen Jones alongside Motivational Speaker Van Arlen, each episode captures authentic moments, untold stories, and lasting memories—amplifying every guest's voice and expanding their reach.

Publisher

DJ Jen Jones & Van Arlen

Category

music · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

5 May 2026

Latest episode

30 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Sam Opoku's Journey from Ghana to the Global Stage

   In this episode of the AMP EQ Podcast, hosts Jen Jones and Van Arlen sit down with award-winning Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Sam Opoku. Sam shares his journey from Ghana to the United States, the sacrifices his family made, and how his passion for music grew from school performances into a successful career as a recording artist and songwriter. Fresh from winning the 2025 International Songwriting Competition Grand Prize for "Old," selected from approximately 13,000 entries representing more than 120 countries, Sam explains the personal experiences behind the song. He also discusses writing for major artists, building a loyal creative team, embracing his Ghanaian heritage, and the rapid rise of his inspirational new single, "Rise Up," which is gaining recognition as an unofficial World Cup anthem. The conversation concludes with an international dessert tasting and an intimate live performance that showcases Sam's exceptional voice, range, and artistry. Sam Opoku's music and merchandise are available through ARENA Radio. AMP EQ Rewards and AMP EQ Mobile are featured sponsors of this episode.

2. 

   12 Jul 2026

   JACOBISDEAD The Hit Maker Awakens His Own Voice with Humor

   Hit maker Jacob Luttrell brings humor and improvisation, while tasting a featured selection of Adair Family Wines during the AMP EQ podcast.. Jacob Luttrell is an American songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist recognized for his work across pop, hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. Originally from Fresno, California, Luttrell developed his musical foundation through church music, where he learned harmonies, piano performance, and live musicianship at an early age. He is largely self-taught and became proficient in multiple instruments, including piano, drums, guitar, and saxophone. Over the course of his career, Jacob Luttrell has built an extensive catalog of songwriting and production credits with major artists and global records. He is widely known for contributing to hit songs including: "Wild Ones" by Flo Rida featuring Sia "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)" by Enrique Iglesias Collaborations connected to artists such as Chris Brown, Pitbull, and David Guetta. Jacob also performs under the creative identity "JACOBISDEAD," a project that reflects a more personal and artistic side of his music. Through this platform, he combines live instrumentation, cinematic emotion, and modern sonic textures to create a distinctive artistic experience. Special sponsors incentives / include AMP Mobile Rewards and AMPEQ Cash Back Rewards

3. 

   12 Jul 2026

   Cinco de Mayo Special 2026 with Meliz & Jori

   Jori and Meliz are emerging recording artists known for their dynamic stage presence, emotionally driven performances, and genre-blending sound that connects with a new generation of music fans. Recently performing at the AMP EQ Music Festival, the artists showcased their ability to captivate live audiences through authentic storytelling, melodic versatility, and high-energy crowd engagement. Jori brings a raw and expressive style rooted in modern hip-hop and melodic rap, blending personal experiences with motivational themes and emotionally charged lyricism. His music reflects ambition, resilience, and the realities of navigating growth both personally and artistically. Known for his natural charisma and connection with listeners, Jori continues to build momentum through live performances, collaborations, and a steadily growing fan base. Meliz complements the energy with a distinctive vocal presence and a sound that merges contemporary R&B, pop influences, and melodic hip-hop elements. Her artistry is driven by emotion, individuality, and creative expression, delivering performances that balance vulnerability with confidence. Through her evolving catalog and stage performances, Meliz continues to establish herself as a rising creative voice with crossover appeal. Together, Jori and Meliz represent the next wave of independent artists embracing authenticity, collaboration, and direct fan engagement in the modern streaming era. Their appearance at the AMP EQ Music Festival further highlighted their growing presence within the independent music scene and their commitment to building meaningful connections through music and live experiences.

4. 

   12 Jul 2026

   Wine & More With the Pipes

   The Pipes, a rising Phoenix-based band emerging from the evolution of the longtime Arizona party and live-performance group "Shallow Water", joined the AMPEQ podcast for a wine taste featuring the Adair Family Wines. The Pipes music is built on high-energy performances, crowd engagement, and a passion for live music, The Pipes represent a refreshed creative direction with a stronger emphasis on original artistry, musicianship, and modern sound. Known for blending rock, alternative, funk, soul, and high-impact live arrangements, the band has developed a reputation for delivering dynamic performances that connect with audiences across Arizona's live music scene. Their transition from Shallow Water into The Pipes marks a new chapter focused on artistic growth, identity, and expanding their presence beyond the traditional cover-band circuit. Rooted in Phoenix's evolving music culture, The Pipes combine powerful vocals, live instrumentation, and emotionally driven songwriting with a performance style designed to create an immersive experience for fans. The group continues to build momentum through live shows, collaborations, and new music releases while establishing itself as one of the emerging acts to watch in the Arizona music community. Special sponsor incentives include Perch Mobile and AMPEQ Cash Back Rewards (https://perks.ampeqofficial.com/)

5. 

   19 May 2026

   From Sierra Leone Roots to Stadium Stages - DJ Kenzo

   Hosts DJ Jen Jones and Van Arlen welcome DJ/producer Jay Kenzo for a lively conversation about his Sierra Leonean roots, growing up in California, and early musical influences (church choir, family DJs, and African artists). Kenzo shares how he got started DJing, his education, and the origin of his stage name. He describes meeting and touring with La Russell, the impact of Russell's Tiny Desk performance, and how that collaboration led to Russell featuring on one of Kenzo's recent tracks. They discuss Kenzo's evolving career—balancing DJ and artist roles—upcoming international ambitions (Europe/IBIZA, a London hometown show), family life and wedding plans, and the creative process behind his new single "Cushe." The hosts also highlight Arena's platform benefits for independent artists and listeners and tease Perch Mobile's upcoming news. Kenzo closes by inviting listeners to stream his new music and follow him on social media.

6. 

   11 May 2026

   Tony Defeo - Football, Analytics, and Soundtracks

   This episode welcomes Tony Defeo, former Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sun Devil Football and veteran sports executive with 20 years of experience at the NFL and Power 5 levels. An attorney with a master's in Sport Management, Tony brings expertise from roles across football operations, analytics, and business development. Jen Jones and VA talk with him about the intersection of music, sports, and analytics. Tony previously directed Football Operations and Analytics and served as NFL Liaison for the University of Michigan, leading front office functions and overseeing analytics programs. With the San Francisco 49ers, he focused on player contract research, salary cap management, and advanced football analytics. Tony's insights into using data for competitive advantage apply broadly across sports, tech, and the music industry.

7. 

   11 May 2026

   DJ Jen Jones and Motivational Speaker Robert Van Arlen AMP EQ Revolutionizing the Podcast Industry

   AMP EQ Revolutionizing the Podcast Industry In this episode of AMP EQ, powered by Arena Music, hosts VA and Jen Jones come together to introduce listeners to the podcast and each other. The episode delves into their backgrounds, sharing stories of how their paths crossed and what led them to create AMP EQ. The hosts share their ambitious plans for the podcast: 365 on-air shows, 24 tour events, and four special events showcasing artists in unique ways. Motivational Speaker, Van Arlen, and DJ, Jen Jones invite listeners to join them on a journey that features exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with music artists, industry professionals, DJs, and content curators. Their vision is to build a hyper-engaged community, fostering unprecedented connections between artists and their fans through AMP EQ. This episode sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and dynamic series, focused on celebrating music and the people who create it.

8. 

   11 May 2026

   Leeky 2x Heartbreak Hits & Hustle: Making Music, TikTok, and the Grind

   Host DJ Jen Jones and Van Arlen sit down with rising music artist Leeky2x for an authentic conversation about the emotions and real-life experiences that shape his music. Leeky2x opens up about how heartbreak, personal struggles, and raw emotion influence his creative process, contrasting the energy of his upbeat previous tape with his upcoming slower, more melodic project that first began gaining attention last year. The discussion dives into the realities of building an independent music career in today's streaming era, highlighting the importance of hustle, consistency, and grassroots marketing. Leeky2x shares how platforms like TikTok have helped expand his reach internationally, including creative promotional strategies such as paying teens to choreograph dances, coordinating streaming campaigns, and leveraging organic social engagement to spark virality. Beyond the music, the conversation reveals the relentless work ethic required to grow as an independent artist—from personally promoting releases and collaborating in the studio to balancing creative life with passions like cooking, comedy, and connecting with fans. Overall, the interview offers an inside look at the dedication, adaptability, and day-to-day grind behind building a modern music career while staying authentic to one's artistry.

9. 

   11 May 2026

   Murkemz - Viral Freestyles, Global Fans & Life in the Studio

   DJ Jones and Van Arlen sit down with Murkemz — the spitfire MC whose freestyles are certified by hip-hop legends and are blowing up worldwide. Hear how a viral TikTok and streaming buzz (top markets: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, Perth) changed the game, what's happening in the studio, plans for an international run, and the creative process behind his hottest tracks. Raw, energetic, and unfiltered — perfect for fans of freestyles, tour talk, and breakout moments. Listen now on Arena. Follow Murkemz on Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for new drops and tour dates.

10. 

    7 May 2026

    The Breathing Force, RUCCI

    DJ Jen Jones and Van Arlen sit down with Los Angeles visionary Rucci for a powerful conversation exploring his belief that music is a "living, breathing force" capable of connecting personal experience, culture, and community. Known for blending the foundation of classic West Coast rap with modern melodic energy and evolving production, Rucci shares the creative mindset behind standout projects including El Perro, El Perro 2, and Dawgsht*, along with collaborations featuring artists such as G Perico and Shoreline Mafia. Throughout the interview, Rucci opens up about the deeper life experiences that fuel his artistry. He reflects on the emotional impact of loss, including the passing of Sean Mackk, and how fatherhood has transformed both his storytelling and his perspective on legacy, responsibility, and growth. He also breaks down the symbolism behind the recurring canine imagery woven throughout his music and branding—representing loyalty, survival, instinct, and resilience. The conversation culminates with an exclusive look into his upcoming 2025 album, Don't Kross Tha Bone, a project Rucci describes as one of his most ambitious works to date. Promising to push both sonic and lyrical boundaries, the album reflects his continued evolution as an artist while reinforcing his larger mission of community empowerment, self-development, and creative innovation. The interview offers an authentic and inspiring glimpse into the mind of an artist determined to leave a lasting impact both inside and outside the music industry.

11. 

    6 May 2026

    The Worst Show - Guest Ever DJ Captn 20

    DJ Captn20 shares how one life-changing event—an experience that could have ended his career—became the pivotal turning point that ultimately ignited his success. With raw honesty and charisma, he opens up about untold stories that are both hilarious and intense, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look into the highs, lows, and realities of life in the music industry. Recognized as one of the iconic figures who helped revolutionize house music, DJ Captn20 has built a reputation not only for his sound and energy, but for his commitment to elevating others along the way. His influence extends beyond the turntables, inspiring artists, creators, and fans through mentorship, collaboration, and a relentless passion for music and culture. Through his journey, DJ Captn20 represents resilience, reinvention, and the power of transforming adversity into purpose.

12. 

    6 May 2026

    Plead the 5th & Take A Sip

    Host DJ Jen Jones introduces friend "DJ Captain Twenty" and recounts growing up in Detroit's 1990s street-racing scene alongside his older brother, a local legend. He describes their hustles, risking trouble with the police, and how a relationship prompted him to leave racing. A chance with a friend's turntables introduced him to DJ'ing—he practiced clumsily at first but eventually won the turntables in a bet, launching his DJ path. The episode mixes humor (a "plead the fifth" drinking bit) with reflections on that shift from racing to music.

13. 

    5 May 2026

    Leveling the Playing Field" with Damon Evans (Founder, Arena Radio)

    Host DJ Jen Jones & Music Motivational Speaker Van Arlen sit down with Damon Evans to explore his six-year mission to transform the music industry. Damon explains Arena Radio's model that, for the first time, rewards listeners, artists, and content creators for their contributions. The episode details how the platform combats AI-amplified income suppression, empowers fans to support artists directly, and launches on Apple and Google Play in February 2026. What you'll hear Damon's origin story: what sparked the idea and the obstacles he faced building Arena Radio. How Arena Radio's reward system works and why it's novel for listeners, artists, and creators. The risks AI poses to creator income and how Arena Radio offers a countermeasure. Examples of how fans can engage to boost artist success and creativity. Damon's vision for the future of music discovery, monetization, and community-driven growth. This episode highlights a practical alternative to current streaming economics, showing how technology can restore value to creators and make fans active participants in artists' success. Damon Evans — Founder of Arena Radio. Six years developing a platform designed to reward all participants in the music ecosystem. Arena Radio debuts in February 2026 on Apple and Google Play. Subscribe to the podcast, follow Arena Radio for launch updates, and tune in to discover how you can support artists in a new, meaningful way.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.