Can We Talk RnB? Podcast

Von Waters: Idea a Day: Freestyling melodies in the booth to landing placements with today’s biggest R&B names

In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time. He shares how a DM to legendary producer Troy Taylor changed the trajectory of his career, how the pandemic dissolved his group but unlocked his songwriting bag, and why he’s intentionally taking his time before stepping forward as a solo artist. They also get into the realities of publishing deals, the grind of writing “an idea a day,” and the difference between powerhouse vocalists and what Von jokingly calls “medium singers.” This is a candid, grounded look at what it means to come from a small town, dream big, and actually put in the work behind the scenes of today’s R&B. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Page: Finding Purpose, Pressure, and Peace in R&B

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Aaron Page to explore his journey from Connecticut to Houston and his rise as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices, including opening for Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor. Aaron shares how his early influences, family, and artists like Ryan Leslie and Ne-Yo shaped his sound, and breaks down the inspiration behind his project Before I Go, a raw, conversation-driven take on love and growth. They also discuss creating R&B in the modern era, Houston’s impact on his music, dream collaborations, and why love remains at the core of the genre. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes 0:00 Opening + Show Intro 0:37 Introducing Guest: Aaron Page 1:11 Mutual Respect & R&B Craft Talk 1:45 Aaron’s Origin Story: Falling in Love with R&B 4:30 R&B as Identity & Foundation 4:43 Choosing Music as a Life Path 6:50 Love for the Process vs. Today’s Convenience 7:44 Influences & Inspiration for Aaron’s Sound 9:56 Creativity as a God-Given Gift 10:14 Concept & Heart of Before I Go 12:08 “Pretty Girls Love R&B” Breakdown 13:03 “Lord Knows” & the Creative ‘Click’ 13:53 Pushing the Sound While Staying True 14:44 Opening for Bryson Tiller & PARTYNEXTDOOR 16:06 Their Impact on Modern R&B 17:15 Where to Start with Aaron’s Music 18:21 What’s Next: New Music, Collabs & Shows 18:55 Spreading Love as R&B’s Core Mission 20:08 Dream Collaboration: Chris Brown 21:12 Live Show Inspiration & Tour Talk 22:23 Houston’s Influence on Aaron’s Sound 23:26 Host’s Personal Houston Connection 24:11 Closing Thoughts & Mutual Respect 25:09 Sign-Off: “Can We Talk R&B?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ye Ali: Indie By Choice: Ownership, Peace, and Saying No to Bad Deals

In this episode, Ian Von sits down with artist, songwriter, and producer Ye Ali – widely known as the self‑proclaimed Trap House Jodeci – for a deep dive into modern R&B, collaboration, independence, and the business behind the music. They break down Ye’s journey from Chicago and Indiana to Los Angeles, how he accidentally slid from rapping into R&B, and the moves that led to placements with Chris Brown, Jack Harlow, Kehlani, 6LACK, PartyNextDoor, and more. Ye talks about finding inspiration in Toronto’s sound, shaping his own atmospheric, sensual R&B lane, and why his music has become “get-ready-to” and pre-game music for so many fans. The conversation also covers his upcoming collaborative EP “You & Your Homegirls”, his five‑city tour, and his growing role as a behind‑the‑scenes power player – including the story of how he helped Duran Bernard land a distro deal with Create Music Group. They get honest about credit splits, publishing pitfalls, why Ye has stayed independent, and what it really takes to keep your peace and your freedom as an artist. If you love R&B that feels pure, vibey, and unforced – and you want game on the industry side – this episode is loaded with gems. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ANN NESBY : The Voice, The Village & The Vision

In this powerful episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary vocalist Ann Nesby for an inspiring conversation on faith, legacy, artistry, and love. From her roots in church to global success with Sounds of Blackness and a thriving solo career, Ann shares the story behind “Optimistic,” her journey as an artist, and the heart behind her new R&B project Anniversary. Packed with wisdom on music, relationships, and true success, this episode is a must-watch for fans of gospel, R&B, and message-driven music. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 1:22 Early Life & Church Roots 4:40 Finding Her Path in Music 6:23 Chicago Gospel Beginnings 8:56 Theater & Sounds of Blackness Journey 11:24 Joining Sounds of Blackness 13:33 Group Origins & Growth 15:22 Making “Optimistic” 17:22 Meaning Behind “Optimistic” 19:26 Choir Culture & Nostalgia 22:12 Gospel Legends & Evolution 23:33 Solo Career & Writing Journey 28:02 Label Changes & Career Moves 29:11 ‘Anniversary’ Album Story 32:03 Full Circle with RL (Next) 33:21 Love Theme of the Album 36:03 Duet with Calvin Richardson 37:46 Love, Roles & Relationships 40:42 Message Behind the Music 42:14 Redefining Success 44:00 Advice for Young Artists 45:45 Music Business Game 47:11 Lessons from Legends 48:24 Attitude & Professionalism 49:19 Protect Your Work 50:07 Closing Thoughts & Blessings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vella: From bedroom covers to Universal Sweden, manifesting a music destiny in real time.

In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, Ian sits down with rising powerhouse vocalist Vella, a Cuban-American artist out of Tampa whose raw, soul-drenched voice has been turning heads worldwide. Vella shares how a simple TikTok cover recorded out of boredom during the pandemic turned into a viral moment that led to label attention, a deal with an indie LA label, and ultimately signing with Universal Sweden. She breaks down the years of vocal training and hard work behind her “overnight” success, her deep love for live instrumentation and classic soul/blues/rock, and the emotional process of crafting her debut project All My Love. From crying in the studio while recording the aching ballad “Dead Roses” to feeling the rush of performing for European crowds for the first time, Vella opens up about heartbreak, resilience, and the power of vulnerability in music—while also revealing her inner Zelda-loving, Nintendo-obsessed nerd. 🧧 Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb 📱Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!! ✅Don’t forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart - CLICK LINKS BELOW! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636 📲Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio Links: 📱www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB 📱https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb 🎥 www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb #canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices