Vinyl-y

Vinyl-y

You ever wanted to talk to your favorite artist and ask them about the albums they love and why? Yeah, me too. I’m Annika Young. Welcome to Vinyl-y, a podcast where your favorite artists dissect the albums of their favorite artists.

Episodes

October 21, 2026 • 51 mins

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Communism. Socialism. Democratic socialism. These words are all over the news right now, but how often does anyone stop to explain what they mean?

With the election weeks away, narrative-change strategist and author Joy Donnell breaks down the political terms getting thrown around in the media. Every term comes wrapped in music, and every song comes with a little-known fact.

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“Aquatic” — Ari...

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A conversation about activism through music, with his songs doing the talking. Told by Auhn, scored by D'Angelo.

Music
"Untitled (How Does It Feel)" — D'Angelo, Voodoo (Virgin Records, 2000)
"1000 Deaths" — D'Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah (RCA Records, 2014)
"Sugah Daddy" — D'Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah (RCA Records, 2014)
"Ain't That Easy" — D'Angelo and th...

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Every life has a soundtrack. This track plays Dr. Vikki Johnson's in order, from a South Florida childhood to Howard University, an internship at RCA Records working with Evelyn "Champagne" King's marketing team, a stint at BET, and on to today as host of Soul Wealth.

Dr. Vikki is the godmother of Vinyl-y. She's the one who pushed for this show to exist and helped get it on DC Radio. Now she's in the guest seat, and ...

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September 30, 2026 • 4 mins

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The story behind "No Better Than Love," the title track Annika Young wrote in 2010 for a documentary on Black love and marriage.

Lead vocals: Ametria Dock and Tonio
Background vocals: Tim Dock, Bari Taylor, RVz
Written by A. D. Young
Mixed and mastered by R Soon at Soon Sounds
Released April 7, 2010, on AuhnReel Publishing

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Singer, songwriter, and background vocalist Kia Bennett joins the show. She's the first guest on Vinyl-y to represent the craft of background singing.

Drop the Needle.

Recorded at DC Radio 96.3 HD4.
Hosted and produced by Annika "Auhn" Young.
Producer and sound design: Ajani Foster. Engineer: Aeon Reid

An AuhnReel Production
Follow @vinylythepodcast

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Somebody asked where they could hear the show, so Auhn turned the answer into a game show.

Vishal hosts, Tiffany plays, and every answer is a place you can find Vinyl-y.

Credits

Hosted, written and produced by Auhn

Host: Vishal Sandesara · Contestant: Tiffany Richardson

Sound design: Ajani Foster

A Vinyl-y Recordings production · An AuhnReel Production

Vinyl-y: Drop the Needle. New tracks on Wednesdays.

Hear Vinyl-y on DC R...

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September 5, 2026 • 24 mins

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This track is a tribute to Dolly Parton (1946–2026).

Side A is her allyship. Side B is the Black artists who carried her songs. Then the deep cuts, and the stories behind them most people never heard.

Music

"I Will Always Love You" — Dolly Parton, Jolene (RCA Victor, 1974)

"Family" — Dolly Parton, Eagle When She Flies (Columbia Records, 1991)

"Travelin' Thru" — Dolly Parton, Transamerica soundtrac...

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A Friday night at Soul in the Horn, Natasha Diggs' party at 99 Scott in Brooklyn.

Five minutes of crowd sound, Joi Cardwell live, and the after-the-after-party Auhn slept through.

Music

Live audio recorded at Soul in the Horn, 99 Scott, Brooklyn

All music is used for commentary. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Credits

Hosted, written and produced by Auhn

Sound design: Joe Lostumbo

Engineered at DC Radio 96.3 H...

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Vinyl collector and scholar Dr. Dwayne Matthews studies how rap lyrics end up as evidence in criminal cases.

The first half follows the legal story, starting with a 1989 FBI letter about a rap song. The second half digs into T.I.'s Trap Muzik.

Music

"Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" — Blind Willie Johnson, single (Columbia Records, 1927)

"I Refuse Limitations" — Goodie Mob, Still Standing (LaFace Rec...

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If this summer were a limited series, what would the soundtrack be?

Auhn asked her friends, and their voice notes became the playlist for Volume IV. From Madonna to Luther Vandross to city pop, this is a summer soundtrack built by the people who lived it.

Music

"Welcome Back" — John Sebastian, single (Reprise Records, 1976)

"Summer Madness" — Kool & the Gang, Light of Worlds (De-Lite Records, 1974)

"Dance...

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July 1, 2024 • 17 mins

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As we spin the final track on Vinyl-y Volume III, we look back on a season that transcended the boundaries of music. We've journeyed through conversations that inspired, challenged, and motivated listeners to become active participants in shaping their lives and communities. Good trouble needs a soundtrack. Until we spin again!

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Music maestro Patrick Leonard unplugged: From Madonna to solo stardom, hit-making to environmental advocacy. Tune in as this legendary producer-songwriter dishes on crafting pop classics, his new solo venture, and his passion for preserving our planet. It's an earful of insider stories and eco-consciousness you won't want to miss!

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June 17, 2024 • 13 mins

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Remember Rap City in the basement? Ever wonder whose basement they were in? Yeah, me too! 

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Singer, songwriter, social commentator and satirist, Dara Starr Tucker preaching the gospel of politics on a high note. 

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Juice is in the building! On this track of Vinyl-y Vol III, the NOLA native gets real about his freshman project "Be Intentional," going solo, and touring with the legendary Soul Rebels. We're talking big risks, big rewards, and the hustle it takes to make it. Tap in and get inspired!

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Ani DiFranco, the trailblazing singer-songwriter and activist left an indelible mark on the indie folk scene. In this mini podcast, we explore how DiFranco's powerful lyrics, genre-defying style, and unwavering commitment to social justice have shaped her groundbreaking career spanning over three decades.

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Legendary singer-songwriter Brenda Russell stopped by for conversation about her remarkable journey in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Brenda shares candid stories and insights from her experiences working with iconic artists, creating timeless hits, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the music business. 

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May 6, 2024 • 1 min

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Team Vinyl-y added a. duo to the squad. Rue & William, my favorite music and culture curators. They will help me pay homage to one of the greatest musicians, songwriterrs and vocalist. Can you guess who?

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This season, we're not just talking music; we're encouraging you to shape your life and activate change.Get ready for Vinyl-y Vol three! We're bringing you the conversations you love with artists, musicians, and more. 

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