I have a vision about how English glam rockers, The Darkness, came to be. It involves brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins (lead vocals and guitars, respectively) sitting at home, enjoying some liquid refreshment and watching the classic comedy “Spinal Tap”. Daniel: “Oi, Justin, this is the funniest [expletive deleted] movie I think I’ve ever seen!” … Continue reading
About 20 years ago, 5 teenage boys (including myself) took the stage at the South Junior High School talent show. I was the drummer/backup singer, and was about to make my first public performance. We had been rehearsing “Hotel California” for several weeks and were eager to perform. In the end, our lead vocalist sang … Continue reading
Last year, I had the privilege of interviewing composer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Carla Kihlstedt, founding member of Tin Hat Trio, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, The Book of Knots, and various other projects. Her interview was one of my favorites from last year, and I hope you take the time to read it if you haven’t. Her output in her … Continue reading
Devin Townsend released an autobiography called Only Half There last year in April. I first heard Devin Townsend in 2001 on an InsideOut sampler CD, and have called myself a fan ever since. I’ve seen him 4 times live, met him twice, and am grateful that he has been such an integral part of my musical … Continue reading
Last year, one of the most impressive concerts I saw was the Dragon Drop/Cheer Accident/Free Salamander Exhibit show in Indianapolis. I was particularly impressed by Cheer Accident, a band I had heard of for many years but never given enough attention to, partially because of their immense discography and almost 40 years of material. They … Continue reading
Charlie Cawood, prolific multi-instrumentalist and member of several progressive and art rock groups (Knifeworld, Mediaeval Baebes, My Tricksy Spirit, Tonochrome), released his first solo album, The Divine Abstract, last November through Bad Elephant Music. One of the benefits of playing in a lot of different groups is that an artist can build a large musical … Continue reading
I had to endure more than a few trials and tribulations before I could finally get my hands on Bill Bruford’s limited edition box set, Seems Like a Lifetime Ago. I missed out on the first run of boxes, which sold out much faster than the now-retired drummer anticipated. I also nearly missed out on the … Continue reading
