I party hard on the phone with Andrew W.K!

in

I still have memories of getting a sneer of hipster-disapproval from the local vinyl dispensary when I took Andrew W.K.'s I Get Wet​ to the counter many, many moons ago. His bearded gaze attempted to pierce its way into my soul, but it was all for naught, because my musical soul was protected by glorious party-armour. Andrew W.K.'s music is more important now than ever as people become increasingly passive, quiet and seemingly hopeless. His spirit and enthusiasm is a lethal antidote to the current of lazy, addictive apathy running through so much modern media. I was lucky enough to talk with this most inspiring, awesome dude before he played a solo show here in my beloved Victoria. Nicer and more gracious than I could have ever expected, the fascinating Andrew W.K. left a smile on my face that still seems to be stuck, a year and a half later.

Read More

Morlove gives me one of the most memorable and intimate concert experiences in recent memory.

in

From the opening notes of Morlove's incredible relationship study, "Skeleton,"  from their new album, Old Tomorrow, I was captivated. Unplugged and seemingly hanging in the ether, the group was in super-intimate mode with the venue amplifying the closeness of the music. This was the live equivalent of listening at home with the headphones on.


Read More

I talk to one of my musical heroes, Dan Bern, and can't help gushing with praise.

in

For over 10 years Dan Bern has been a staple of my listening diet. His music has helped me through more of my life than almost anything else I've heard in my time on this planet. When it became clear that my time as a weekly columnist at the Martlet may be coming to an end (It isn't ending. My column will continue in the fall.) I had to think of someone great to cap off the year with and I'm still so grateful that Dan was so easy to access and willing to talk to me.  The conversation starts a bit slow, but really picks up steam part-way in and we covered some fascinating stuff. There was a lot of fan-boy praise involved and I think it made Bern a tad uncomfortable at times, but it was necessary for me to able to continue with the interview. I've wanted to thank him for years and getting the chance to do it properly is something I will cherish as long as I can remember it. ​

Read More

"Against the Current" or "Outta Water", 2na thrives.

in

Getting to talk to Chali 2na was and remains one of the high-points in my interviewing "career." This is one of the brothers who got me into Hip-Hop music through his work with Jurassic 5. I've seen him live many times and he never fails to come through. Still one of the bright lights in Hip-Hop, In the midst of his Against the Current​ project and the beginning of a J5 reunion run at Coachella last weekend, this seems like a good a time as any to get this conversation out into the world. Much love and respect to one of the masters, Chali 2na!​

Read More

Kid Rock gives me yet another reason to like him.

in

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone adopted Southerner and noted (surprise) non-meth user Kid Rock announced that 90% of the tickets for upcoming tour are priced at a mere $20. This comes at a time when ticket prices for high-profile tours like Prince Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake have routinely topped the $250. For an artist with the ability to sell-out arenas this is a drastically fan friendly step and one that other artists will hopefully embrace.

Read More