Interview: Mark Meatto

Recently, I spoke with filmmaker Mark Meatto to discuss How to Grow a Band, a documentary on progressive bluegrass quintet, Punch Brothers. Currently, the film is being screened in various theaters across the U.S. with distribution from International Film Circuit and possible fall release for home and retail purchase. Thanks to Mark Meatto for granting this interview on such short notice and thanks to the Gene Siskel Film Center for allowing me to film there. This interview took place on July 14, 2012. Here is also a link to upcoming screening dates and further information on the film.

Grieves Discusses New Album, Recording And His First Headlining Tour; Appearing At Subterranean 9/26

If you are a fan of independent hip hop, there is a good chance that Grieves is an artist that comes up frequently. Since 2008's 88 Keys and Counting and 2009's The Confessions of Mr. Modest, the emcee, along with producer/multi-instrumentalist Budo, has been proving himself to be an exceptional lyricist and performer providing energetic opening support to various acts as well as landing various event and festival spots this year such as South by Southwest, Paid Dues Festival and Warped Tour. Recently, Grieves released Together/Apart, an album that chronicles the trials, tribulations and highs of two years of touring in his personal and professional life. Along with Budo, he is heading out on his first headlining tour and will be performing at Subterranean on September 26 with Prof and The MC Type as opening support.

Through email, I was able to interview Grieves and inquire about the new album and its headlining tour, his influences and vocal harmonies. The key is Detroit and Germany. Thanks to Thomas from Biz 3 for setting this up.

Interview: Keith Morris of OFF!

Best described as a legend in the punk and hardcore scenes, Keith Morris is truly a modern day renaissance man. The former frontman for Black Flag, Circle Jerks and Midget Handjob has returned with a new band, OFF!, that updates the classic late 70's/early 80's California hardcore sound and throws it in your face on their debut, First Four EP's. I talked to Keith over the phone as he nursed a cold and discussed OFF!, showcased his eclectic taste in music and mused over politics and the abandoned Circle Jerks reunion. Also, he has a radio show called Totally Psyched which airs Tuesday afternoon and you can find out more about here. Check out OFF! in a city near you and this Saturday night (April 2), they will be performing at Bottom Lounge in Chicago. This interview took place on March 7. Thanks to Trevor at Biz 3 for setting this up.

Interview: Slug of Atmosphere

Since the mid-90's, Minneapolis has risen to the top of the hip hop underground. One of the biggest acts leading the way has been Atmosphere. With the combination of Ant's creative and ever-evolving production techniques and Slug's emotional narratives of his journeys and abilities to craft compelling stories into rhymes, Atmosphere has continued impress fans and critics with each release. It was with great honor that I was able to speak with Slug about the group's current tour (To All My Friends), their current double EP collection (To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy) and their upcoming show in Chicago. If you haven't yet, definitely, pick up the new EP collection and see Atmosphere in a town nearest you. This interview took place on September 23, 2010. Thanks to Clayton at Biz 3 for setting everything up.

Interview: Richard Patrick of Filter

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Richard Patrick of Filter to discuss the band's new album, The Trouble with Angels, the greatness of Deftones and the possibility of acting. Thanks to Richard for his time and thanks to Kymm and Alicia at Rocket Science Ventures and Filter's tour manager, Erica, for setting up the interview. This interview took place at 115 Bourbon Street on August 24, 2010.

Interview: Katy Young of Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue is a British band who combines folk music with a variety of other influences and sounds through a multitude of instruments. Their debut album, Fossils and Other Phantoms, was released stateside earlier this month to critical acclaim and the band recently wrapped up a U.S. tour. I recently spoke to vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Katy Young via e-mail to discuss the band's origins, recording with members of Blood Red Shoes and Mumford and Sons and the band's sound. Thanks to Marni at Sneak Attack and Yep Roc for setting up the interview.

Interview: Buzz Osbourne (King Buzzo) of Melvins

For almost 30 years, Melvins have been one of the most distinctly original bands around. Their sound is as recognizable as vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osbourne's giant afro and their influence can be heard in bands like Mastodon, Isis, Big Business (who, now, make up half of Melvins' lineup) and many other bands. It was with great honor that I, recently, had a chance to speak with King Buzzo about the band's new album, The Bride Screamed Murder, as well as their current tour with Isis and Totimoshi and the very elaborate, limited edition 13 CD boxset being sold on the tour. This interview was recorded on June 17, 2010. Thanks to Monica from Speakeasy for setting this up.

The 8 Bit Dark Side Of Pink Floyd

I wish this was something that I made up for April Fool's Day but not even I could come up with something, prank or real, that would be this awesome. Brad Smith, however, did and brought the world an 8-bit, Nintendo sounding version of Pink Floyd's 1973 classic Dark Side Of The Moon entitled Moon8 . It is definitely one of the most ambitious projects ever recorded and Smith more than captures the sound of a video game era long gone. I seriously could imagine playing this alongside games like Clash At Demonhead or Metal Gear unless there is a version of The Wizard Of Oz on Nintendo which would be much better.

Interview: P.O.S

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with rapper and Building Better Bombs frontman P.O.S to discuss his current album, Never Better, his upcoming performance at Coachella and the versatility that helps to make him, in my opinion, one of the best rappers today. Thanks to P.O.S for his time, his tour manager, Stacey, for being so sweet despite me being so late and Thomas from Biz 3 for setting it all up. Also, as with the Angelo Moore interview, the new feature, hopefully, to every interview is to have the artist playing a stylophone. P.O.S definitely did not disappoint with the stylophone which adds more to his awesomeness. This interview took place at Bottom Lounge on March 18, 2010.

Interview: Angelo Moore Of Fishbone

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Angelo Moore of the legendary band, Fishbone to discuss the band, their new release, Live In Bordeaux, his solo projects and the band's legacy. Thanks to Angelo for his time and to Will, Bill, Rey, Jess, Eddie and the people at Silverback Management for setting up the interview. Note: For some reason, the video is missing the first 10 seconds.

Interview: Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed to discuss the band, their two new albums, For The Lions and Hatebreed, and how he's one of the hardest working person in Hardcore and Metal. Thanks to Jamey for his time, the band's tour manager, James, for granting the interview and to Bill at E1 for setting everything up. This interview took place outside House Of Blues on December 10, 2009.

Interview: Mercedes Lander of Kittie

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mercedes Lander, drummer of Metal goddesses, Kittie to discuss all things Kittie, and, most importantly, their new album, In The Black. Thanks to their publicist, Bill, for setting up the interview and their tour manager, Jim, for granting the interview. Also, huge thanks to Mercedes for taking time out of her schedule for the interview.

Interview: Jemina Pearl

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jemina Pearl, formerly of Be Your Own Pet, to discuss her debut solo album, Break It Up, Lou Reed's Transformer and branching out as a solo artist. Thanks to Jemina for her time, her tour manager, Dorien, for granting the interview and to Lisa at @:30 Publicity for setting it up.

Interview: Hollywood Holt

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting with Hollywood Holt to discuss Adult Swim, his first performance at Lollapalooza, mopeds, tattoos and why he's quickly becoming one of the hottest up and coming rappers. Thanks to Hollywood Holt for being such an awesome interview and thanks to his publicity team for for the interview.

Interview: The Coathangers

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting The Coathangers for a discussion of all things Coathangers from their beginning to their recordings, their new album, Scramble, and all things in between. Let it be known that the interview took place on a hot Saturday evening after a Puerto Rican Pride Parade and it was noisy outside. Thanks to the band for being generous enough to hang out and brave the heat and noise and for being really cool people overall. Also, thank you to Bekah at Suicide Squeeze and their tour manager, Emily, for granting the interview.

Interview: Vienna Teng & Alex Wong

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Vienna Teng and Alex Wong to discuss her new album, Inland Territory, live performances and Germany. Thanks to Vienna Teng and Alex Wong for spending their time with Hightower and Jones as well as Ward Williams for his contributions to her live show. Also, thank you for the encore. It was definitely one of the coolest experiences I've ever had.