Q&A with Girl in a Coma; Playing Juanita’s September 1

Girl in a Coma, San Antonio’s sweethearts and all-girl punk rock band, sat down with Ticket Alternative’s Sarah Spencer before their July 14, 2010 show at Maxine’s Pub in Hot Springs, Ark. for a candid look into life on the road, their common interests, as well as some of the life history that inspires them.

It’s nice to meet you guys. Welcome to Hot Springs.

Jenn: Thank you. It is hot.

It is hot! You’ll have to check out that hot water fountain across the street [the natural hot water springs].

Jenn: I know. It’s so cute, though.

Thank you. I love it here. Is it your first time in Arkansas? or Hot Springs?

Q&A with Rooney: Playing Juanita’s, July 2 and The Loft, July 10

By Alec Wooden

On the surface, Los Angeles-based rock band Rooney has had it rough over the last 12 months. They’ve lost a label (Geffen) and a bass player (Matt Winter), all the while cutting a new record for the first time without benefits of mountains of label aid, engineers and producers. It takes little time talking to guitarist Taylor Locke, however, to figure out that the opposite is quite true. Instead of “losing” a label, they feel freed from one. Winter is gone, but has become no less a friend and avid supporter. And Eureka, the new and aforementioned uphill climb of a record, has left the band energized and excited about controlling their own direction more so than at any time in the past decade. One week into the band’s summer tour, Locke talks about all the reasons why, perhaps now more than ever, Rooney feels right at home within themselves.

What are we to expect sonically from Eureka?

Everyone these days uses the word “organic” in every album review … so I’ll try and shy away from that. The record has a polished sound to it, but slightly less so than our past records. Louie [Stephens, keyboardist] played lots of upright piano, which lends a cozy, barroom feel to the songs. I played more slide guitar than usual. Ned [Brower, drums] takes a lead vocal on one track. Matt [Winter, recently departed bassist] played much more active bass lines. However, you’ll still get plenty of synthesizer hooks, and of course, Robert [Schwartzman]’s voice, which are hallmarks of our groups’ sound. … Continue Reading

Q&A with Greg Laswell; Playing Rock and Roll Hotel, May 24 and Vinyl, June 1

By Alec Wooden

Sad songs aren’t for everyone. Some musicians don’t like to write them; some find they simply can’t. Greg Laswell doesn’t fit either description. Laswell, a West Coast-born multi-instrumentalist now based in New York, thrives on them, producing ever-pleasant piano/guitar pop-rock from often dark origins (by the way, don’t make “sad” synonymous with “boring” or “soft.” Any particular Laswell song isn’t necessarily either). You probably know Greg Laswell, even if not by name. His music has been featured in a laundry list of TV shows — “Smallville,” “One Tree Hill,” “CSI: Miami,” “90210,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “True Blood” to name a few — from the handful of records he’s released since 2003. Halfway through a nation-spanning tour behind the release of his latest record, Take A Bow, Laswell talks about his approach to writing the new record, seeing his songs in on television and the souvenirs he gathers on the road.

Guitar vs. piano: which instrument is the most natural to you? Do you tend to write more on one than the other?

I feel more natural on the the piano and it is my first love, but I think I have written more songs on guitar.

You’ve hugely benefited from TV placement over the years. I know some artists don’t like seeing their work as part of another’s vision, but it’s such an undeniably huge springboard these days. What’s your take on it?

My parents taught me to share. I think artists who don’t like seeing their work as part of another’s vision are silly. Every single one of their listeners is doing just that. I believe that once a song is written, it doesn’t belong to me anymore … like raising a kid the best you can and then sending him/her off to college. I want the best for them and I hope I raised them right, but my job is done. I’d be a bad parent if I tried to control their future. I’d also be an asshole. … Continue Reading

Q&A with Mishka; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar on May 28

By Alec Wooden

Born in Bermuda and raised largely on his parents sailboat, reggae-folk rocker Mishka‘s music career began by chance when a record executive heard a rough demo in the mid ’90s and quickly signed him to UK label Creation Records for a relationship that lasted two records and garnered a substantial buzz within the UK. Over a decade later, life has come full circle — the hype is back, thanks in large part to iTunes dubbing him 2009′s “Best New Artist.” Mishka’s attitude on life and music hasn’t changed much, though his home in the latter has. Residing now on actor Matthew McConaughey’s J.K. Livin’ label (a relationship also fostered completely by chance), the ever laid-back Mishka has a new record (Talk About), the golden touch of producer Butch Walker (two tracks on Talk About) and the makings of a musical resurgence he doesn’t plan on wasting.

So you’re checking in from Hawaii, right?

Ya man. Moved out here about seven months ago I guess. I love it. I’m a wind surfer, ya know, so it’s great for me. I love being by the beach.

Talk a little about your musical upbringing.

My musical upbringing was a pretty broad landscape. I grew up listening to a lot folk music and 70′s reggae and some rock, classical, everything. My parents were really into listening to music. So I had a strong musical foundation as far as listening. There’s a lot of musicians in my family. My big sister plays guitar and sings. My father can play harmonica, my mother liked to sing. There’s a lot of music in my family. It’s just sort of natural thing that I was always around, ya know? It just sort of grew and grew as I grew up. I love it. It’s part of life.

What’s your general philosophy as an artist?

I’m about one love. That’s the inspiration in my music. I really just look forward to being out there onstage doing the music. That’s what it’s about. There’s so much inbetween – getting there to that place where you’re actually playing your music. There’s planes, trains and automobiles and hotels and all the time in between, so it’s always just nice to be playing and that’s what I look forward to the most.

How does that fit in with the J.K. Livin’ (“Just Keep Livin’”) label philosophy?

JK Livin’ is Matthew’s [McConaughey] label that originally started as a movie production company. He started to branch out because he really liked my music. It’s hard for me to say what the actual philosophy of the label is other than that’s just the reality of living – you just keep doing it. … Continue Reading

Check Out: Kenny Leon Interviewed in Atlanta Magazine

Kenny Leon, who’s True Colors Theatre Company recently put on an amazing production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, was interviewing in Atlanta Magazine about his impending move to Broadway:

Hometown guy Leon travels to New York to direct Washington in this month’s Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Fences. He says the two-time Oscar winner — who will play burned-out Pittsburgh trash collector and former Negro League hitter Troy Maxson — will get no special treatment when rehearsals start in March. “I’ve been doing that for years,” says Leon of the push-up ritual, as he digs into a plate of stir-fried chicken and rice at Saigon Basil, next to the theater’s makeshift rehearsal studio on Piedmont Avenue. “I did that with Phylicia Rashad when we did Gem of the Ocean on Broadway.”

Read more HERE. True Colors is now producing August Wilson’s Jitney at Southwest Arts Center during the whole month of May.

Q&A with White Hinterland; Playing DC9 with Dosh on April 25 and 529 on April 28

By Alec Wooden

Fresh off the release of their second release, Kairos, White Hinterland‘s Casey Dienel and Shawn Creeden discuss musical philosophies, the new record’s decidedly new direction and Creeden’s post-practice pasta dishes.

What’s your general philosophy as an artist?

Casey Dienel: When I feel curious about something, I’m compelled to explore and experiment with it. Maybe I discover a new range in my voice, or a new approach to rhythm. Discovery is so so so important. Without it, I would probably disengage. Part of the reason for this is that music is by nature ephemeral – you can never recreate anything exactly the same way twice. You sing a melody and it’s gone, time carries it away. So as soon as I complete a song or a record, I try to let go of it. Some elements stick, but I believe that whatever comes back to you is all that’s worth keeping. If by being ourselves we can illuminate or expand what passes for beautiful/interesting in pop/music/art — there is no greater contribution I could hope to have.

Kairos is an interesting record name, meaning (loosely translated) “supreme moment” in Greek. How’d you settle on that?

CD: I’m obsessed with Latin and Greek mythology/philosophy. When I saw the word, it was instant. We’d been trying to name our record, using descriptors like “time outside of time” or “filmy, diaphanous, hypnotic”. It hit me and that’s usually how I make all the big decisions: from the gut.

Do you have a “supreme moment” of your career thus far?

God, I hope not! I hope it’s still on its way. … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Malissa Sole of 4th Ward Heroes

For our final edition of the TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A we spoke with the one and only, Malissa Sole. Lady-in-charge at 4th Ward Heroes, manager for the Mermaids, supporter of all things local.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW; according to Google maps the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

I’m flying out with friends. We’d never get out there in peace (or in one piece) if we drove out there. We’d end up picking up hitch hikers, wayward souls, guitar playing vagabonds, etc. That being said, I never fly without my shuffle, but I am so not telling you what’s on it. … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Brian Knott, founder of The A3C Hip Hop Festival

Brian Knott, founder of the A3C Hip Hop Festival , officially announced today that the three-day festival would be held October 7-10, 2010 at multiple venues in the East Atlanta Village. With over 100 A3C performers heading to Austin for SXSW, we decided to ask Brian a couple questions.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

For the first time ever I am flying to Austin (yes, flying, aren’t I so very big time finally). I am lucky enough this year while I am out there pushing the A3C hip Hop Festival to also be doing some work blogging about the hip-hop showcases for a company called LP33.tv who is the official blog partner of SXSW. So I am actually getting to fly, have a badge, and sleep some place other than the floor while I am out there. Life is good. As far as a music mix goes, I set up this killer mix of hip-hop stars gone movie/TVactors for the flight, it has Ice T, Ice Cube, Method Man, Redman, Will Smith, Tone Loc, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Ludacris, and Queen Latifa. I know there are more but I only picked artists who’s movies/TV shows didn’t suck. … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW ’10 Q & A with Favorite Gentlemen’s Jeremiah Edmond

Ticket Alternative is partnering with indie record label Favorite Gentlemen for a SXSW showcase at the Belmont in Austin, TX on Thursday, March 18. AMG sent Favorite Gentlemen president Jeremiah Edmond the SXSW ’10 Q & A. This is what he said.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

This year is different in that this is the first year I am attending only from the label side of things (Favorite Gentlemen) and not as an artist. That means I am not making my way out to Austin while already on tour OR making the long drive straight there and back. That changes the choice of travel music for sure.

• Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak
• Jay-Z – Black Album
• My Morning Jacket – Z

• Collective Efforts - Trail Mix
• Wiz Khalifa – Burn After Rolling
• Meth, Ghost & Rae – Avenging The Eagle … Continue Reading

The TA Live SXSW Q & A with Trae Vedder of Death On Two Wheels

We’re always happy when bands we love start making the transition from local band to touring band to signed band. Atlanta’s Death On Two Wheels has made those transitions. Recently signed to Favorite Gentlemen (Manchester Orchestra, All Get Out, Kevin Devin), Death On Two Wheels has had a rather enjoyable ride. As the lads prep for an exciting week of music in Austin, we sent our SXSW Q & A to DO2W front man, Trae Vedder.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

The Whigs – Mission Control
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Soundtrack

Fast food, gas station snacks, local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Pilot & Loves.
Preferably the ones with Subways and McDonalds. We never refill our sweet tea at different locations. … Continue Reading