This week we spotlight Phoenix based singer-songwriter Lisa THEE'Oracle Hightower. During the show she shares how a premonition helped her pass on an opportunity to become a contestant on American Idol when she felt she'd lose control of her music and artistry. Lisa shares some of her current music, the process she undertakes to create her music, and much more.

More about Lisa: https://lisahightowermusic.com/

This week our guest is Mesa-based composer, drummer and band leader Asim Nichols. Originally hailing from New York City, Asim's music incorporates elements of jazz, hiphop, and funk to create his own unique musical signature.

More about Asim: https://asimnichols.com/

This week Greg Foster, lead vocalist and leader of the Phoenix-based band Something Funky joins us in studio to share his journey as a musician, his frustrations with challenges to building our local music community, and thoughts on how to make it better. And he shares some funky tunes as well.

More about Something Funky: https://www.facebook.com/somethingfunkymusic

This week our guest is Phoenix-based rapper and activist Colby Jeffers.

More about Colby: https://www.colbyjeffers.com/

This week our guest is jazz pianist Beth Lederman. An Arizona native, Beth shares how her dad's family music store helped spark her interest in becoming a musician. Other topics include her experiences performing around the Valley and outside Arizona, as well as the joys and challenges of being a working musician.

We kick off our new season of "Rise" with new co-hosts Gabriel Bey and Kaja Brown. Our guest this week is Phoenix-based singer-songwriter Larry Rhymes.