A couple of nights ago, fellow blogger Liz and I went along to The Lexington in North London to see some live music. Being that we’re all about the spontaneous at The Ruckus, I ended up doing an impromptu interview on a fire exit with American band Among The Oak & Ash.
I sat down with the boys from Goldhawks before their show at Cargo, East London. I was only a little familiar with the five piece but I was quite interested to speak to them after I did some research. There seemed to be a little bit of controversy surrounding them, lead singer Bobby had once been a part of the London folk scene (you know the one with Ruckus favourites Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling). Bobby then decided to break away from acoustic folk and opt for more electric Indie Rock, and Goldhawks was formed with Graham (drums), Nick (keyboard), Jack (guitar) and Colin (bass). The controversy reared its head when the band was quoted as being less than positive toward the London Folk scene, and I wanted to get to the bottom of this. We love Indie and we love Folk, so colour me intrigued.
Recently, I got the chance to interview and review one of New York’s emerging talents, Wakey!Wakey!. The band, formed of New Yorkers, are gaining a great deal of attention at the moment, because lead singer Michael Grubbs currently appears as a bartender and musician on the CW TV show One Tree Hill. So I have a bit of a confession; I actually have all of the One Tree Hill DVD box sets. One Tree Hill is my guilty pleasure; yeah it’s one of those shows that never really took off in the UK, but I always liked the angst and the way music has been utilised as part of the story lines. The show has a strong connection to music; characters often reference songs, and the show has featured live charity concerts by several artists such as Sheryl Crow, Lupe Fiasco, Grace Potter and The Noisettes. I also would quite like to be Peyton Sawyer, the music addict-record label owner-cheerleader, with almost perfect ringlet hair who drives a remarkable 1960’s Mercury Comet.
So One Tree Hill brought Wakey!Wakey! to my attention through the use of ‘War Sweater’ in the Season six finale, a strikingly beautiful record that became one of my playing favourites of 2009. I knew very little about them (apart from the minor details), however, so I spent some time getting to know Wakey!Wakey!.
I have fallen head over heels for Venice Is Sinking lately. I can't get enough of their music. I would also like to hang out with this group, as they seem like some of the most relatable people I've had the pleasure of interviewing.
The sounds that come from this group are gorgeous. The double vocals and the amazingly orchestrated music are guaranteed to grab your attention. Both the Okay EP and the full length AZAR are must-haves for those of us who enjoy simply lovely electro-indie work. Venice Is Sinking will be one of your new favorite bands.
How was Venice Is Sinking formed?
We are actually golems, created out of Fimo Clay to enact revenge against those who had wronged our creators. When that was all finished up, we wandered about for years, listless, until we found each other and decided to form a band. Occasionally we'll go out and kill somebody bad for old times' sake. This story may or may not be true.
Continue reading "The Interview: Venice Is Sinking's Lucas Jensen" »
Long time readers of this blog will probably not be surprised to see more on Frank Turner here. The simple truth is that we love Frank Turner. We can't stop listening to Frank Turner. We are thinking of changing the name of our blog to...just kidding - but we do hope that you're just as excited as we are to catch up with the infamous Mr. Turner once again.
During Frank's last visit to Denver, I had the chance to grab a few moments of his time. He begins the interview by pulling out a bottle of whiskey and drinking from it. “I’m not trying to look rock ‘n roll. It’s good for my voice and I have to be on stage quite soon. I’m really not warmed up today.”
The simple fact is that Frank Turner doesn't have to try to look rock 'n roll - he is rock 'n roll, and that indefinable quality is undeniable in everything from his personality to his performance.
I had the pleasure of speaking with avant-garde musical group 100 Monkeys before their show at the Marquis Theater in Denver, Colorado on January 13th. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from either the gig or the interview and I ended up having a great time with both. If you get the chance, I encourage you to check this band out. You won't see the same gig twice.
How would you describe 100 Monkeys to someone who has never heard of you? Ben G.: We've been asking on our website and someone described us as "rockapaloozical," which I thought was pretty accurate.
What experience would you like people to come away from a 100 Monkeys show with? Ben G.: An extremely good time. If we can inspire someone to create their own artwork, that's probably the greatest thing we could ever have someone leave a show with: inspiration.
I am constantly surprised by how much I enjoy David Berkeley's work. There is just something about it that speaks to me. There is a sweet vulnerability about it that never fails to transport me into the music. The melancholy beauty of each careful song reminds me of rainstorms and road trips. I first fell in love with Berkeley while reviewing the Ciao My Shining Star compilation which he contributes a breathtaking version of "Love's The Only Thing."
In person, David is well spoken and funny. His speech contains the same thoughtfulness his music does. The man is refreshingly candid and a pleasure to spend time with. Make sure you visit DavidBerkeley.com where you can stream a good portion of his work. If you've got the time and the opportunity, stop by a show as well. You'll be treated to an evening of gorgeous, skillful music.
Before Mr. Berkeley's show at Swallow Hill in Denver, Colorado, I sat down with him and the wonderful Mr. Jordan Katz (who supplies trumpet and banjo) for some conversation and Italian food.
So this is your third show in Colorado?
On this tour, yeah: Boulder, Salida and here.
Are you having a good time here?
I love Colorado. My mom’s whole matriarchal line is from Colorado. I used to come here a lot growing up. I don’t get to play here enough because I don’t live very close and it’s a little spread out once you get out west, but yeah I love it here. I’m eating a lot of pie.
