Skinny Hightower and KMUW NPR | In-Studio Interview and Recording Session
Carla Eckels sat down with Skinny Hightower while he wrote and recorded a song from scratch — on the spot.By Edify Sound Staff
Jun 12, 2026, 05:56 AM CDT
Skinny Hightower in his personal studio. Photo credit: Israel Carroll. © 2026 Edify Sound Enterprises LLC.
As music fans, we often hear only the polished end result of an artist's labor—the final, flawless track that populates our playlists and soundtracks our lives. However, we rarely get a true glimpse into the trial, error, and meticulous craftsmanship that happens behind the heavy curtain of the recording studio.
In an exclusive new feature, Skinny Hightower sat down with Carla Eckels of KMUW NPR to pull back that curtain, offering listeners a rare peak into what it actually takes to construct a great song from the ground up in the modern era.
A Masterclass in Groove and Intent
The conversation delves deep into the creative philosophy driving this era of music. Far from a standard promotional chat, Hightower and Eckels unpack the dedication required to bypass modern digital shortcuts in pursuit of something entirely authentic.
The end result: “Summer Anthem.”
The ultimate proof of this unyielding studio philosophy is Hightower's latest release. The conversation highlights the genesis of an upbeat, heart-thumping track rightfully titled “Summer Anthem.” Engineered to accompany cookouts, roller skating rink events, pool parties, and vacay drives alike, the track is a brilliant showcase of high-art jazz arrangement colliding with a raw, undeniable pocket.
It is proof that when you refuse to compromise on excellence, the music becomes timeless.
The exclusive interview is now live. To hear the deep dive into the studio process and catch the story behind the music, visit KMUW’s Official Site or stream the broadcast segment directly through their NPR archive.
Listen to the full interview:
Stream “Summer Anthem” now:
