Backstage Lowdown

About Backstage Lowdown

Backstage Lowdown takes you behind the music with in-depth interviews featuring some of Canada's most exciting artists and entertainers. Hosted by Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart, the podcast uncovers the stories, struggles, inspirations, and career-defining moments that audiences rarely get to hear. Whether you're a passionate music fan, an aspiring musician, or simply love great conversations, Backstage Lowdown delivers authentic insights from the people creating the soundtrack of our lives.

Publisher

Lance Dawson and Andrew Stewart

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

8 Aug 2021

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

59 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Noah Kosta: From Jazz to Pop, Big Bands & Finding His Voice

   What happens when a 22 year old vocalist brings jazz, pop, big band and classic songwriting together to find his own voice? On this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Canadian vocalist and songwriter Noah Kosta to talk about his rapidly developing career, musical influences and the journey behind his debut album. Noah's musical world stretches from jazz and pop to the influence of his grandfather and classic vocalists, giving him a remarkably diverse musical perspective at just 22. He shares what it's like performing with a 20 piece big band, working in smaller jazz quartets and developing his own sound as a solo artist. We also get into the reality of balancing a growing music career with university studies at the University of Toronto, the role mentors have played in his development, and what he's learned about songwriting, performing and finding his place in the Canadian music scene. Noah opens up about vocal development, songwriting, mentorship, performing live and what's next for his career, including his desire to continue exploring different sides of the music industry. If you're a fan of Canadian music, jazz, pop, emerging artists, vocalists, songwriting and behind-the-scenes musician interviews, this is a conversation you'll want to hear. Listen to Noah Kosta's story and hear where this young Canadian vocalist is headed next.

2. 

   26 Sept 2026

   Capturing Rock ’n’ Roll: Bob Gruen on Lennon, The Clash & Tina Turner

   In this interview, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen discusses his illustrious career and artistic philosophy. He shares insights into creating iconic album covers, such as John Lennon's "Walls and Bridges", emphasizing his preference for capturing spontaneous energy over sterile studio settings. Gruen reflects on his experiences with artists like The Clash and Tina Turner, noting how personal relationships enhance his work. He also address the impact of digital technology on photography and the music industry, observing how instant accessibility has changed professional landscapes. Finally, he promotes his autobiography, "Right Place, Right Time," and on upcoming gallery exhibition in Toronto at the Liss Gallery.

3. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Alan Gerber on Blues, Folk & Jazz: Chicago Roots and a Life in Canadian Music

   In this episode of Backstage Lowdown, we sit down with Alan Gerber, the Chicago-born singer-songwriter, blues musician, pianist, guitarist, painter, and Canadian roots music icon (is there anything this guy can’t do) whose career has spanned more than five decades. Known for blending Chicago blues, folk, jazz, roots, and storytelling, Alan shares the experiences that shaped his unique artistic voice, from his early musical influences in Chicago to his long and celebrated career in Canada’s folk and blues scene. This is not the usual musician interview. We explore the deeper side of creativity, performance, songwriting, and artistic survival in an ever-changing music industry. If you enjoy Chicago blues, Canadian folk music, roots rock, jazz influenced songwriting, and in depth artist interviews, this conversation with Alan Gerber is a must listen. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. This Episode is sponsored by Look Digital Marketing; find them at https://lookmarketing.ca/ (https://lookmarketing.ca/) #AlanGerber #ChicagoBlues #CanadianMusic #RootsMusic #BackstageLowdown Alan Gerber interview, Chicago blues musician, Canadian folk singer-songwriter, roots music podcast, blues podcast interview, folk music interview, Canadian blues artist, jazz folk roots music, songwriter podcast, Backstage Lowdown podcast, Alan Gerber Chicago, Canadian roots music legend, storytelling songwriter, blues and folk conversation.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

11,355

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

Contact Backstage Lowdown

Guest appearances

Books guests

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