Show Notes:
On this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby speaks with vocalist, composer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist Natasha Agrama of Instant Alter ahead of the band’s Sunday, April 19, appearance at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab.

Agrama discusses the origins of Instant Alter, the meaning behind the band’s “future fusion” sound, and the stripped-down core concept that defines the group’s distinctive voice: saxophone, bass, drums, and vocals, with no traditional harmonic instrument. She also reflects on the values behind the music, the visual and conceptual side of Instant Alter’s live presentation, and the energy that led the band to document its evolving sound in a new live release.

The conversation also explores the meaning of the songs “Sun Polaris” and “Oração Ao Tempo,” as well as the deeper themes of truth, change, and human connection that run through the band’s work. In the final part of the interview, Agrama previews the upcoming SFJAZZ shows and discusses what audiences can expect from Instant Alter live at the Joe Henderson Lab.

Songs featured in this episode:
“Sun Polaris”
“Oração Ao Tempo”

The music featured in this episode was supplied by the artist and used with their permission.

Links:
Instant Alter: instantalter.com
Tickets: SFJAZZ
Backstage Bay Area: backstagebayarea.com