CHOONS

with Diego Martínez

A show about the songs we vibe to

Executive Produced by Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo

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CHOONS tells the definitive story of some of music's most underrated anthems—songs that have endured the test of time and have connected with millions of listeners everywhere.

On every episode, we explore the context, creative process, and legacy of these tunes with the people responsible for creating them: producers, arrangers, composers, remixers, and the performers themselves. Produced and hosted by journalist Diego Martínez. Executive produced by music savant Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo.

Latest Episodes

Episode 09: Pretty Poison

Pretty Poison was no flash in the pan. Although “Catch Me” is their biggest commercial success to date, they have a whole history as part of Philly’s underground rock scene back in the early 80s.

When singer Jade Starling joined the band at age 17, she shared songwriting duties with Whey Cooler and began exploring musical terrains that were more akin to Darkwave and New Wave than the Dance Pop of their later years. Influenced by early freestyle hits, they incorporated urban percussion to their sound, which was perfected by the time they started work on “Catch Me,” a No. 1 Dance hit, top 10 on pop, and top 15 on R&B.

Though Starling and Cooler paused Pretty Poison momentarily to return to their rock roots, Dance soon came calling, with their catalog securing a place in popular culture through its inclusion in major movies and television series.

Episode 08: Kym Sims

Ever heard the saying "be careful what you wish for"? Better ask House music vocalist Kym Sims. Destined to sing from a young age, Kym developed her talent as the voice behind jingles for major US brands before she ran into Hurley, a neighborhood friend who was impressed by her vocal talent at a local party. He promptly convinced her to collaborate with him and cut what became her signature record, a top 5 Dance hit in the US and an even bigger success in Europe.

Having learned from past decisions that almost curtailed her career, she's now finally able to make the music she wants—on her own terms.

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