It all started at Southport Island Association’s annual Musicfest at Newagen Inn. The Mallett Brothers band was playing in the background when Tanner Grover discovered that his fellow Boothbay native, and family friend, Morgan Mitchell was back in town. The two reconnected. 

A year later, they began their bi-monthly podcast, It’s Music Time, a show where two self-described music lovers who lack “musical acumen” interview musicians and music specialists. 

“We believe (music) is one art that can unite everyone,” explained Grover. His relationship with music has always been finding joy through consumption, so the podcast is a way to spin that experience and share it with others, while providing some education along the way.

Mitchell added, “I think (our lack of expertise) gives us a unique kind of freshness and an inquisitive kind of quality to just be really enamored by these artists we get to a chance to speak with. (We’re) composing little worlds through these episodes that hopefully can inspire other people to be … delighted by music.”

So far, the podcast has focused on highlighting Maine musicians with each episode consisting of a sit-down discussion where the pair learn about each artist's background and musical style. The interview is accompanied by a 12-song playlist chosen by the hosts and their guests consisting of their current jams, or underappreciated favorites. The pair want to approach the topic from every angle, highlighting everyone from music therapists to band managers. Every genre is welcome. Recently, Grover sat down with Kyra Teboe, a 23-year-old jazz fusion piano player from Brunswick who is pursuing a master’s in flamenco, and there are plans to talk soon to a Maine opera singer.

They're also aiming high. Both have a wishlist of dream guests ranging from R&M to current sensations like Chappell Roan. However, the podcast’s most recent episode with Ben Medina, the current touring lead guitarist for 10,000 Maniacs, checked one person off that list. Medina has since helped the pair get in contact with members of the original band. For Grover, who listened to 10,000 Maniacs on the radio as a child, it's been an “incredible” experience. 

The podcast also hopes that by including more recognizable figures in the show, it will shed more light on the lesser-known, up-and-coming artists who have already been featured. 

“When someone is talking about something they're passionate about, something literally happens to their energy. They light up, their eyes sparkle,” said Mitchell. “Having the privilege to chat with people about something that really makes them sparkle like that is so precious, whether it’s someone who’s played a few weddings, or someone who’s played all over the world.”

Grover and Mitchell also discussed the “generosity of spirit” they’ve seen unfold throughout the process, whether it’s interviewees uplifting the people who’ve inspired them, or the willingness to help connect the pair to others in the music industry. It’s those unexpected connections that have often proved the most rewarding or most educational for them. 

“I think (these conversations) are definitely making me a more well-rounded person, and I hope the listeners of the podcast might get a little bit of that too,” said Grover.

To celebrate the end of the podcast’s first season, the pair will be throwing a Holiday Party featuring Maine band Hello Newman at Mine Oyster on Saturday, Dec. 28, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. All are welcome.

It’s Music Time Podcast is available for streaming on Spotify, or Youtube. Know someone who’d like to be on the show? Email itsmusictimepodcast@gmail.com