Interviews

For Mike Gordon, having just finished an exhaustive two month swing of projects that included a 13-date Phish tour, another musical costume for Halloween, the release of a new album, and a 17-date tour behind it, it comes as no surprise that the opening track on his latest album is titled Can’t Stand Still.

Catching up with the mighty Warren Haynes is always a catch-as-catch-can affair: he’s expressive and thoughtful in his answers, but with so much on his plate at all times, you run the risk of missing something if you stay on one subject too long. There’s a lot to touch on, as always: Mule is wrapping up one of its most successful touring years ever, but staying off the road for much of 2011.

With Pearl Jam taking a breather, Stone Gossard has had the opportunity to get back together with his friends in Brad, to finally release their fourth full length CD Best Friends?, and head out on the road for some shows across the United States. It’s a strong recording, with songs that are moody and spirited, a little funky here and a little psychedelic there.

Umphrey’s McGee has announced early 2011 tour plans. The band will begin their winter adventures with their 4th annual destination event, this year in sunny Mexico, where 1000 fans will join them for the sold-out Mayan Holidaze. Soon after, Umphrey’s McGee embarks on a two-month tour that takes them from coast to coast. Along the […]

Rounder Records is excited to announce that Robert Plant has confirmed a 15-date North American tour. Beginning January 18th in Asheville, NC, this will be the first tour on these shores since the triumphant release of his latest album, Band of Joy, which Rolling Stone magazine in its four-star review called "sweet, elegant folk that […]

They are devastatingly serious when it comes to their ass kicking hardcore punk style and hysterically uproarious with their song writing; they are the one and only No Redeeming Social Value from New York City.  In the tough guy/beat down world of Hardcore Metal NRSV’s style is a welcomed change of pace, never taking themselves to seriously, but constantly putting everything they have into their explosive style of playing; blood sweat and beers included.  

Despite ten years of music-making experience, New York's own The Walkmen pride themselves on reinventing their wheel. But originality isn't an easy thing to find time and time again. In fact, the band struggled to veer away from past albums' influences. It was only a matter of time, however, before The Walkmen found their muse, allowing them to explore creative territories they'd hadn't ever tried in order to put together their sixth album Lisbon.

Steve Berlin talks frankly and to the point about the creative process in general and in specific, dispelling any misconceptions about the means by which Los Lobos has created such memorable works as This Time and The Town and The City. In this age of iTunes, he may betray an old school mentality in referencing the concept of sequencing an album, but there’s no denying his passion for the process and the end result of music-making, especially when it comes to his bond with the other band members.

The young man sitting in Ardent Studios on a cold Memphis afternoon has his head in his hands, listening intently to a playback of a song called “Salvation”. He is feeling every note, every rise, every sensation that comes from this rerecorded version of a Honeytribe fan favorite. His head bobs here, his fingers glide out a note there and an occasional chill crawls down his spine. This is good and the man is pleased.

Self-described as “sonic brutality,” The UK’s Jim Jones Revue is a powerhouse of vintage 50s punk and soul.  Whipping crowds into a frenzy with their stripped down, piano-heavy, Jerry Lee Lewis flare, JJR is gaining momentum with early praise from the British music press – and nods from notable rockers like Jack White and Chris Robinson.  Now they confirm those praises with their sophomore release, Burning Your House Down. 

Donavon Frankenreiter is celebrating not only the release of his new album Glow, but his new record label, Liquid Tambourine, as well. Having just finished one phone interview, Frankenreiter graciously granted Glide another one from his home in Kauai while driving in his truck, getting ready to do some yard work.

The bulk of his conversation with Doug Collette is devoted to the latest Soulive project, their homage to The Beatles, Rubber Soulive. Interestingly enough, considering the freshness and economy of the recorded work, the concept has been in discussion for years.

When Michael Franti followed up his ambitious, politically-charged 2006 release Yell Fire! with dancehall mass-appeal on All Rebel Rockers back in 2008, it wasn’t entirely clear if he took a palpable 180° away from his activism, or more likely, just got swept up in his Jamaican studio environs. Apparently, the former proves truer as his latest effort, The Sound of Sunshine, takes it a step further as he reunites with Sly & Robbie in Jamaica for a portion of the record, and leans heavily on the formula that produced his first big hit the last time around: catchy-as-hell reggae grooves, dancehall sit-ins, and a fat dose of the Edge’s delay-laden guitar tone.

Although he’s still figuring it out what it means to be a New Englander, Ryan Montbleau can at least know he’s resilient.  After ten years of steadily touring the Northeast, Monbleau  has finally reached a pinnacle, calling 2010 a year that “I’ll remember for a long time.”  The singer-songwriter/guitarist has just released his fourth studio album – the eclectic and plentiful Heavy on the Vine, produced by Martin Sexton.

Just when you thought the ticket buying process was a no win monopoly, up and comers Ticketfly is working on the fans' side to revolutionize the ticket buying process for both live music fans and promoters /venue owners alike.

Jonny Lang, best known for fiery guitar licks and from-the-gut singing, has been playing onstage since he was fourteen. His debut album hit big in 1997 with the single “Lie To Me”, propelling him into a meteoric rise to fame and fortune, partying and drugs. Along the way, Jonny also became a well-respected musician, playing at the first Crossroads concert with Eric Clapton, winning a Grammy, and jamming alongside legends like Buddy Guy and BB King.  With his new live CD, Live At The Ryman, Jonny is getting back to his roots.

Sometimes choosing where to spend your concert dollars can begin by going in the direction of who is performing on stage, not matter where it may take place. But for others, it’s all about the venue. In the first of a series of venue ratings, starting with the Big Apple, Hidden Track has revealed the best 15 music venues in New York City. Broken down by History, Comfort, Sound & Sightlines and Vibe – this reveling list has everything you need to know about the top music rooms in NYC.

With a new CD  coming out August 31, the Goo Goo Dolls have not just been sitting around waiting for it to be released. They have actually been out there on the road, playing those new songs for their fans on the first leg of a tour that will have them hopping on and off the tour bus for many months to come. Titled Something For The Rest Of Us, this is The Dolls first CD of original music since 2006. Recently, barefooted bass player Robby Takac took some time out of his busy schedule to talk (and laugh) with GLIDE about the new album, the Dolls longevity, and finally figuring out where the notes are on his bass.

The dual threat of guitarist, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman), and rapper/emcee, Boots Riley (The Coup), have returned this summer with new Street Sweeper Social Club firepower to spark revolution.  This mighty duo provides songs that resonate on the battlefront of social injustice. Recently, Street Sweeper Social Club rapper/emcee, Boots Riley, took the time to speak with Glide about the new album among other things.

Media moguls and home-based bloggers have watched Wolf Parade evolve from the quirky newbies to the full-fledged masters of weird — now known for carrying their unconventional, multi-layered arrangements and howl-yelp vocal styles in tow like a pocketed trademark. The Montreal indie-rockers conquered "the debut album" with the brilliant Apologies to the Queen Mary in 2005, and avoided "the sophomore slump" by putting out the darker, yet still pleasant puzzler At Mount Zoomer in 2008. But now what?