PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS SHARES FIFTH EPISODE FROM NEW PODCAST: MUSICAL MINDS AND MISSIONS (M³)

LISTEN TODAY: EXPLORING BOUNDARIES: W4RP TRIO AND LIKWUID DISCUSS 'SERMON OF THE MATRIARK'

PODCAST SUMMARY

In this episode of the Phenotypic Recordings Podcast, Sarah Cahill converses with W4RP Trio -- Josh Henderson, Mikhael Darmanie, J.Y. Lee, Rick Martinez -- and rapper LiKWiD about their 2024 release of the album 'Sermon of the MatriarK.' The group delves into the integration of classical training with diverse musical styles, thematic inspirations behind the album, and the details of their creative process. The album draws from historical references and contemporary social issues, showcasing a mix of classical, hip hop, and acoustic genres. Key tracks discussed include 'Up' and 'Gimme Dat,' highlighting their ability to narrate powerful stories through experimental and collaborative music-making.

ABOUT THE ALBUM

Sermon of the MatriarK began as an exploration of folkloric material from the African diaspora with powerful female protagonists. As we sought to understand these characters, we became increasingly aware of their real-life counterparts—the heroines who shape our daily lives. We connected the dots from the legendary African warrior princess Yennenga to Black freedom fighters Harriet Tubman and Assata Shakur, all the way to our mothers, aunties, sisters, and friends fighting to protect and uplift themselves, their families, and their communities.

Dedicating this album to all of our Mommas and to Women and Femmes everywhere.

ALBUM CREDITS
Performed by: W4RP Trio (Josh Henderson, violin, electric bass, vocals; Mikhael Darmanie, keys and synths; J.Y. Lee, cello; Rick Martinez, all things
percussion) LiKWuiD Stylez, vocals and lyrics; Emergence Collective (Kate Douglas, Barrie McClain, Rich Saunders, Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez)
Recorded in 2024 at Oktaven Audio, Mt. Vernon, NY
Producer: Stephen Prutsman
Recording Engineer: Ryan Streber
Additional Recording Engineer: Rich Saunders, Spaniel Studios, Astoria, NY
Mixing and editing: Mike Tierney, Fieldnotes Studio, Brooklyn, NY
Additional editing: Gary Mankin, Studio Ajea, San Francisco, CA
Mastering: Alan Silverman
Album art: Baron Wright
Graphic design: Baron Arts
Photos: Titilayo Ayangade
Text editing: Jennifer Gersten

FOR PHENOTYPIC PODCASTS
Podcast Host: Sarah Cahill
Podcast Producer: AJ Machado

FOR PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS
Michael Hostetler, Founder & CEO
Stephen Prutsman, Creative Director
Cristin Canterbury Bagnall for BroadBand Collaborative, Fractional COO
Mary Paz Cubero Navarro, Director of Product Development and Strategic Partnerships
K. E. Sekararum, Podcast Executive Producer
Aryahi Naomi Onaga, Operations Specialist
Lisa Takemoto, Project Manager
Justin J. Holden, Copy Editor
Christopher Kornmann for Spit + Image, Art Direction & Graphic Design
THE ARTISTS

W4RP Trio:

Described as a “talented group that exemplifies the genre-obliterating direction of contemporary classical music” (Columbia Free Times), W4RP Trio is an internationally touring cross-genre chamber music experience. Reflecting the combination of Juilliard trained members juxtaposed with members steeped in rock and jazz styles, the one-of-a-kind ensemble can be seen performing classical works in prestigious halls on the same tour where they headline a standing room only show at a rock venue. In addition to their electrifying public performances, they have gained a reputation for their innovative educational workshops with students from grade school through university level. Their groundbreaking original compositions and collaborative works explore myriad musical traditions and styles, as well as important social issues.

LiKWUiD

DJ LiKWUiD, born Faybeo’n LaShanna A Mickens, is an award-winning hip hop fusion artivist, DJ, songwriter, music supervisor and educator. As an avid lover of the African American diaspora of music, LiKWUiD’s style of DJing is based around blending beats together as one tapestry of sound. Her signature “traphrobeats” genre-bending style, blends house music, hip hop and afrobeats ~ three of her loves representing her Gullah ancestry, Harlem influence and southern upbringing.

Emergence Collective

Emergence Collective (Kate Douglas, Barrie McClain and Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez) is a songwriting initiative formed in 2017 with a focus on “emergent strategy”. Their collective mission is to bring audiences out of dissociation and into embodiment through music ~ as from the Latin emergere, they wish to “bring to light” deep ecology and its importance in restructuring our society.

ABOUT PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS

Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. Artists include Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, Kenji Bunch, (MoVE) MoVE (Modern Violin Ensemble), W4RP and more. As another way of amplifying artistic voices, Phenotypic Recordings donates revenue from streaming and downloads to support humanitarian causes identified by the artists making the music.

For more information about Phenotypic Recordings, visit phenotypicrecordings.com © 2026 Phenotypic Recordings All Rights Reserved

For more information, please contact Krista Williams, Christopher Emond or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.