about contributors submissions book series advertising contests Media Center PopMatters Picks
|
|
Articles tagged "music interview" Music FeatureInside the Fabulous Funk of the Brand New Heaviesby Christian John Wikane[6.Mar.08] :. Andrew Levy tells PopMatters how there's no blues in the Brand New Heavies' rhythm since N'Dea Davenport returned.  Music FeatureDrive-By Truckers: The Burrs in Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Saddleby Andy Tennille[29.Jan.08] :. The Truckers earned universal acclaim for their well-crafted rock albums and raucous live shows, but 2008 marks a new era. PopMatters talks with Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood.  Music FeatureAcross the Great Divides One Last Time: An Interview with the Mendoza Lineby Jon Langmead[20.Dec.07] :. Timothy Braces gives the story behind the band's literal break-up album.  Music FeatureThe Party of the Humans Has Left Us Hungover: An Interview with the Most Serene Republicby Evan Sawdey[4.Dec.07] :. Ryan Lenssen nearly had his hands cut off, made his bandmates re-record the same album three times over, and says that their latest album wouldn't have been possible without the help of Ayn Rand.  Music FeatureNew Ground: An Interview with PJ Harveyby Jennifer Kelly[28.Nov.07] :. PJ Harvey talks to PopMatters about her haunting new album, learning piano by ear, limitless imagination, and why she decided to do a string of solo shows to bring White Chalk to her fans.  Music FeatureA Constant Questioning: An Interview with Spencer Krug of Sunset Rubdownby Eddie Ciminelli[26.Nov.07] :. The key member of Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade matches his ambition with his humility. And his coffee. Standing Under Stars: An Interview with Rahsaan Pattersonby Christian John Wikane[16.Nov.07] :. The innovative soul stylist tested the concept of God and what did he find? Patterson talks to PopMatters. Southern Comfort: An Interview with Band of Horses’ Ben Bridwellby Joe Tacopino[8.Nov.07] :. Band of Horses' reluctant frontman talks about moving back South to record his new album, the fading playoff hopes of the New York Yankees, and indie rock's most influential beards. Michael Gira in His Own Wordsby Jennifer Kelly[30.Oct.07] :. Even after decades of creating powerful music, first through Swans and now with Angels of Light, Michael Gira finds the creative process mysterious, chaotic and a little frightening. Semisonic’s Dan Wilson finally (!) gets out his first solo albumby Chris Riemenschneider [Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT)][18.Oct.07] :. MINNEAPOLIS - Having endured record-label purgatory with his bands Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare, Dan Wilson knew better than to sit around waiting for his first solo album to come out after... “Acufunkture” Revisited: An Interview with Nile Rodgersby Christian John Wikane[16.Oct.07] :. Record Mirror called Debbie Harry's KooKoo "riveting". Smash Hits called it "dull". PopMatters speaks with the man behind a notoriously misunderstood album and why listeners didn't even remove the shrink-wrap. Get Ready for Her Sexy Battle: An Interview with Deborah Harryby Christian John Wikane[15.Oct.07] :. The doyenne of New York's downtown scene gets "dirty and deep" with her fifth solo album. Harry talks to PopMatters and we offer a guide to her solo years. Jazz great Sonny Rollins says improvisation is in his bloodby Mark Stryker [Detroit Free Press (MCT)][9.Oct.07] :. 12 CLASSIC SONNY ROLLINS SOLOS “St. Thomas” (1956). Rollins’ landmark calypso inaugurated his lifelong fascination with Caribbean rhythms while the marriage of... C’mon Over and Let’s Make a Record: An Interview with Devendra Banhartby Jennifer Kelly[2.Oct.07] :. How the pied piper of psych folk and his ever growing band of followers holed up in a Topanga Canyon house, broke out a boxload of exotic instruments and kicked out the jams of Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. Megaforce Will.i.am is no longer ‘Ordinary People’by Jim Farber [New York Daily News (MCT)][26.Sep.07] :. He dreamt up one of the world’s biggest groups (Black Eyed Peas), penned and produced songs for some of the top albums of the last year (from Justin Timberlake, the Pussycat Dolls, John Legend... Joss Stone may be better known than her musicby Jon Bream [Star Tribune (Minneapolis)][25.Sep.07] :. You’ve seen her sing at the Super Bowl with Stevie Wonder and on the Grammys with Melissa Etheridge and Sly Stone. You’ve seen her in Gap commercials and on Leno and Letterman and at the... Acclaimed composer Philip Glass is far from finishedby Georgia Rowe [Contra Costa Times (MCT)][24.Sep.07] :. More than three decades after he unveiled his startling landmark opera “Einstein on the Beach” in 1976, one might think that Philip Glass had run out of surprises. A glance at the fall... Gloria Estefan returns to her roots with new albumby Enrique Fernandez [McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)][24.Sep.07] :. MIAMI—The 90-mile marker at the edge of Key West points south to Cuba. The number resonates among Cubans on both sides of the Florida Straits; noventa stands for separation, for hostilities and... Band is building a buzz with one of the best albums of the yearby Chris Riemenschneider [Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT)][19.Sep.07] :. Some bands rocket to fame and pray not to burn out. Some become household names only after years of steady gigging and recording. And then there’s the National, which has slowly, gradually... “Not Because I’m Conscious”: An Interview with Talib Kweliby Steven J. Horowitz[19.Sep.07] :. The rapper says, "I just try to write songs," but he's tackling difficult subjects while trying to launch a business. Bonde Do Role gangs up on Brazilian dance musicby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][18.Sep.07] :. Two years ago, Marina Vello held down two jobs - working part-time in a library and as a waitress - while she studied literature in her native Brazil. “I was happy with my life then,” she... Canadian singer-guitarist is one cool throwbackby Dan DeLuca [The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT)][18.Sep.07] :. Leslie Feist, the Canadian singer and guitarist who plays under her nom de rock, Feist, would seem to be a thoroughly modern pop star. Her song “Mushaboom,” the standout among the... Five questions for neo-folkie Devendra Banhartby Ben Edmonds [Detroit Free Press (MCT)][18.Sep.07] :. Twenty-six-year-old Devendra Banhart is part of the scene that has regrettably been termed “freak-folk” or “acid-folk.” Such labels don’t tell you anything useful about... The Brutal Truth at Last: An Interview with Reid Paleyby Jennifer Kelly[14.Sep.07] :. One of America's best -- and most underrated -- songwriters talks about life, liquor, Pittsburgh, and what it's like to write songs with Frank Black. Arturo Sandoval is on a mission to elevate jazzby Jordan Levin [McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)][11.Sep.07] :. Arturo Sandoval is a big man. Makes a big sound on the trumpet, big gestures, big talent, big cigar in his mouth whenever he’s not playing the horn. But it doesn’t slow him down. Right... Slash would rather you didn’t Axl him about former bandmateby Mike Osegueda [McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)][11.Sep.07] :. So, Slash, do you think you and Axl Rose could ever be friends? As he begins to talk, Slash - the legendary guitarist who got his start in the turbulent rock band Guns N’ Roses and is now a... 50 Cent talks about all the names on his new CDby Jim Farber [New York Daily News (MCT)][10.Sep.07] :. NEW YORK—The most menacing man in hip hop has the eyes of a lamb. In striking contrast to his linebacker’s frame and sinister backstory, 50 Cent goes out of his way to project an image of... ‘Graduation’: Kanye West’s journey to adulthoodby Greg Kot [Chicago Tribune (MCT)][10.Sep.07] :. CHICAGO—Kanye West was sipping a mixed drink through a straw, and his loose tongue was even friskier than usual. The occasion was a listening party a few days ago at a Chicago recording studio... Journey to the Core of Chaka Khan: The Interviewby Christian John Wikane[10.Sep.07] :. On the eve of Funk This, Chaka Khan raps with PopMatters on Joni, Jimi, and her "super life" journey. Notes from the Underground: An Interview with Viva Voceby Robert Collins[10.Sep.07] :. Husband and wife team duo Viva Voce aren’t the new White Stripes. No one in this family will be writing songs for Coca Cola any time soon. Joe Henry believes in experience and ‘Civilians’by Jim Farber [New York Daily News (MCT)][9.Sep.07] :. Youth may fuel the pop mainstream. But in the cultish world of Joe Henry, elders rule. “I’m a big believer in the places that experience takes you,” says Henry. “Some of my... Ditty Bops sowing seeds of support for family farmingby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][6.Sep.07] :. On a philosophical level, The Ditty Bops believe it is better to sow a seed than curse the brambles. On a practical level, they really, really love food. Which is why Amanda Barrett (vocals,... A moment with Stevie Wonderby Ben Wener [The Orange County Register (MCT)][4.Sep.07] :. He was due to call at about 1 p.m. About an hour after I had learned Stevie Wonder was immediately available—and only immediately available—for a quick phone chat. These things happen.... Touring gives Counting Crows the right fan connectionby John J. Moser [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][4.Sep.07] :. The musical landscape is littered with bands that had huge albums in the 1990s only to find themselves unable to repeat their successes. But alt-rockers Counting Crows not only seem to maintain... Papa Roach relishes ‘killer set’ role as non-headlinersby Gary R. Blockus [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][30.Aug.07] :. Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach is sitting in a hotel room in Cleveland, Ohio, trying to chill and do an interview at the same time. He yawns once or twice, but then his voice suddenly comes to life... Shock-rocker has rediscovered that ‘I’ve gotta be me’by Ben Wener [The Orange County Register (MCT)][28.Aug.07] :. There seems little point in rehashing Marilyn Manson’s history, as is the temptation when one discusses such a controversial cultural figure. Reviled by some, revered by others, admired as... Rush’s legendary drummer is revered by fellow musiciansby Brian McCollum [Detroit Free Press (MCT)][28.Aug.07] :. He’s known as the Professor. But that’s not all they call Neil Peart. Stick the phrase “Neil Peart is...” in Google, step back and watch the accolades fly. As far as the Web... At 67, Herbie Hancock hasn’t lost a bit of his go-for-broke attitudeby Mark Stryker [Detroit Free Press (MCT)][28.Aug.07] :. "Miles wanted to hear me. That set me free." All By Himself No More: An Interview With Eric Carmenby Dan MacIntosh[28.Aug.07] :. "We had banged our head on the wall long enough and said, 'This isn't going to work,'" remembers Eric Carmen, but the reunited Raspberries show that 30 years later, they're no overnight sensations. In a Posse’s Strength: An Interview with Tori Amosby Matt Mazur[27.Aug.07] :. The artist splits personae, splits her vote, and defends her shoes. Tori Amos talks to PopMatters about this and more. King of Queens: Josh Homme keeps things unpredictableby Chris Riemenschneider [Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT)][24.Aug.07] :. A half hour after his concert ended in a dizzying assault of noise, Josh Homme stood behind a catering table quietly handing out bottles of Corona to fans who lucked/talked/connived their way... Stevie Wonder promises a fan-pleasing concert tourby Jim Harrington [Contra Costa Times (MCT)][23.Aug.07] :. Stevie Wonder doesn’t need the money, that’s for sure. Impressive bank account statements, however, haven’t kept other rich stars from touring consistently throughout the years.... For writer Patrick Park, life really is a songby Jim Farber [New York Daily News (MCT)][21.Aug.07] :. Songwriter Patrick Park never saw a single episode of the soapy show “The O.C.” before the series ended earlier this year. (The singer hasn’t owned a television set in nearly a... With humor and a hot guitar, Paisley stakes his country claimby Jon Bream [Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT)][21.Aug.07] :. Stop me if you’ve heard this: Man walks into a bar, pulls out a guitar and takes the stage. “My wife didn’t think this song is funny, so I’m not going to put it on my... The Aggrolites: West Coast reggae’s best-kept secretby Ben Wener [The Orange County Register (MCT)][20.Aug.07] :. Local connoisseurs, junkies for a taste of sweet reggae traditionalism, have been wise to the ways of the quintet called the Aggrolites for going on five years now. They have watched its subtle,... Margie Joseph Reclaims Her Soul: The Interviewby Christian John Wikane[20.Aug.07] :. Atlantic Records matched one of the most soulful female vocalists of the '70s with one of the all-time greatest producers. Three decades later, why is Margie Joseph not singing all the way to the bank? Let’s Get Ready to Mumble: An Interview with Black Rebel Motorcycle Clubby Robert Collins[20.Aug.07] :. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are back. And we still have to lean in to hear what they’re saying. High-energy Big & Rich relishes ‘ride ‘em cowboy’ attitudeby Keith Groller [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][17.Aug.07] :. “Where did we just land?” Kenny Alphin asks of his bus driver. “Oh, we’re in Great Falls, Montana,” Alphin says to the interviewer on his cell phone. Alphin, best... Rufus Wainwright’s operatic lifeby Thor Christensen [The Dallas Morning News (MCT)][14.Aug.07] :. Lots of pop artists are frustrated opera singers who load up their songs with melisma and melodrama. The results usually sound more like Ethel Merman than Kathleen Battle. But Rufus Wainwright is... Joe Walsh: Mr. Rock `n’ drollby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][14.Aug.07] :. The content of a 15-minute conversation with Joe Walsh pretty much mirrors the veteran rocker’s description of what his concerts are like these days - “a little of everything.” In... Makes Some Waves: An Interview with Bodies of Waterby Jennifer Kelly[8.Aug.07] :. A love of gospel, Tropicalia, and exuberant vocal choruses unites the four members of Bodies of Water, an L.A.-based quartet whose debut full-length is like a musical comedy soundtrack exposed to radiation. Soul legend Al Green lets his voice be heard on a variety of topicsby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][7.Aug.07] :. Al Green’s voice is hoarse. Not just a little rough, mind you, but harsh, grating, rasping. Can this man struggling to speak into the phone in his Auburn, Mich., Holiday Inn room really be... Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook learns the best part of breaking up is making upby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][7.Aug.07] :. "You hang around for years and years and years and no one seems to care. Then you break up, and everyone is interested again." Not Ready to Die: An Interview with Plan B.by Chris Catania[7.Aug.07] :. Plan B delivers his brutally raw socio-rhymes to not only rip open the ears of listeners but inject a poignant message that entertains and lingers. The UK rapper describes the world he's taking on and the unusual way that he's a racist. Down at the Crossroads: An Interview with Eric Claptonby Greg Kot [Chicago Tribune (MCT)][3.Aug.07] :. In the early `60s, Eric Clapton began a passionate, long-distance love affair with Chicago. Upon hearing the blues of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Hubert Sumlin on vinyl records, Clapton saw his future as a guitarist. Patti Smith still uncovering reasons behind ‘Twelve’ covers discby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][2.Aug.07] :. Patti Smith says she was first attracted to several of the dozen cover songs that make up her latest disc, “Twelve,” because they have both a social and spiritual component. But it... The Stray Cats undertake their first U.S. tour in 15 yearsby Jon Bream [Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT)][1.Aug.07] :. Brian Setzer and Slim Jim Phantom could not agree. Just how much rehearsal would the Stray Cats need for their first U.S. tour in 15 years? “A good solid week,” drummer Phantom said... Three decades later, Cactus is blooming againby Christopher Walton [Detroit Free Press (MCT)][31.Jul.07] :. Rock `n’ roll fact: Cactus’ first public performance - before the hard-rocking boogie blues band had even issued an album - was in May 1970 in front of 40,000 spectators at... Chris Cornell carries on coolly as a solo actby Len Righi [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)][31.Jul.07] :. In an interview in early July, alt-country queen Linda Williams decreed Chris Cornell (along with Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams and Paul Westerberg) a younger artist worthy of admiration and declared... The Essential Selection: An Interview with Beth Dittoby Robert Collins[30.Jul.07] :. Beth Ditto from the Gossip unveils the music that made her the woman she is today, calls L.A. girl punks, Mika Miko, "the best thing ever", and describes her kinship with Missy Elliott. |
Features | recent
:. Best Music Scribing Awards 2008 :. PopMatters Picks: Best (and Worst) in Show 2008
Columns | recent
Lowbrow Literati: Bret Hart: A Real Life In A Cartoon World The Box Office Belletrist: Twilight Takeover
Blogs | recent
Moving Pixels: RIP EGM Media Center: Blitzen Trapper, Pale Young Gentlemen, Ladyfinger… Marginal Utility: More money, more problems Sound Affects: 20 Questions: Girl Talk Re:Print: Banned for banality
Music | recent | short takes | archive
:. The Gourds: Haymaker! :. The Black Keys: The Black Keys Live at the Crystal Ballroom :. Anthony Hamilton: The Point of It All :. Plain White T's: Big Bad World :. Alva Noto: Unitxt :. Marianne Dissard: L'Entredeux
Books | recent | archive
:. It's Bigger Than Hip Hop: The Birth of the Post Hip Hop Generation by M.K. Asante :. Jack London's Racial Lives: A Critical Biography by Jeanne Campbell Reesman :. Once Again to Zelda: The Stories Behind Literature's Most Intriguing Dedications by Marlene Wagman-Geller |
