Urban Grind TV Season 33, Episode 6 premieres Wednesday, September 23, at 11 PM CST.
What happens when the energy of a live Chicago rock band meets the discipline of a songwriter who has spent years mastering his craft? This week on Urban Grind TV, The Publik and David Taylor II bring two distinct perspectives on what it takes to create music that lasts.
The Publik: Built for the Stage
Chicago alternative rock band The Publik joins Sinista for an exclusive interview before an extended live performance captured at Horace Grant Day and Urban Grind TV’s 17th Birthday Bash.
The four-member band talks about the different influences behind its sound, from alternative rock and post-punk to funk, metal and other genres. Each member brings something different to the music, and that mix gives The Publik its identity.
The conversation goes beyond what happens onstage. The band explains how personal experiences become lyrics, how its songs change through live performances, and how it works to carry that same energy into studio recordings. The members also reflect on serving as the house band for Horace Grant Day—an experience that put their music in front of a new audience at a major Chicago celebration.
As for what comes next, The Publik says it has more than 25 songs to record. The band discusses building a catalog and planning its releases while staying true to the sound it has developed together.
Then viewers get to see that chemistry in action during The Publik’s live Horace Grant Day set.
David Taylor II: The Intrepid Songwriter
The episode shifts to Urban Grind Radio for an in-depth conversation with David Taylor II — The Intrepid Songwriter.
A creator whose work spans music, books and education, David shares practical lessons for artists and songwriters. He explains why he captures ideas as soon as they arrive, why he writes every day and why trying to perfect every line while writing can keep a song from ever getting finished.
David also speaks candidly about working with other professionals. Showing up prepared, respecting people’s time and following through matter at every stage of a career. For independent creators, his advice reaches beyond the creative process: learn the business, decide what level you want to work at and understand what that commitment requires.
When a project does not turn out as planned, David looks for another place the idea can live. A song, beat or story that does not fit one opportunity may find its audience in another form. His approach is grounded in patience, persistence and the belief that strong work deserves the time it takes to develop.
Two Sounds. Two Stories. One Urban Grind Episode.
The Publik brings the force of a band finding its sound together. David Taylor II brings years of insight into writing, collaboration and creative longevity. Together, they make Season 33, Episode 6 a look at both the excitement of performing music and the work behind building a career.
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/oNpqXaZbv_c
Urban Grind TV — Season 33, Episode 6
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11 PM CST
Xfinity & Astound Cable Channel 25
Roku • Amazon Fire TV • Apple TV
https://UrbanGrindTV.com
Follow The Publik at @ThePublikBand.
Follow David Taylor II at @TheIntrepidSongwriter and visit https://IntrepidSongwriter.com.
Urban Grind TV is the Midwest’s Longest-Running Hip-Hop TV Show and a 30× award-winning, veteran-owned media platform.
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