Downtown Money Waster

Super 400
Cosmic Collisions
Hailing for New York, the power trio combustion of Super 400 harnesses the groove of psychedelically charged English blues ensemble with a pure heart. Bassist Lori Friday sits down with us to discuss what goes into writing songs, the strife of change, and the importance of not forcing art.

Words by Andy Napolitano
06.30.2008

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Amy LaVere
Southern Charm Worth Dying For
Americana songstress Amy LaVere takes us through the Memphis music scene, Sun Records, being on the road with the NMAS and Langhorne Slim, recording Anchors and Anvils with legendary producer Jim Dickinson, and the effect in the south after the death of the blues.

Words by Martin Halo
06.23.2008

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U-Melt
Compositions of Growth
A jam scene mainstay, U-Melt is captivating audiences with a mix of classically influenced compositions as well as innovative covers for audiences to bask in the forging boundaries of live music. Guitarist Rob Salzer talks shop including recording, touring, and creating.

Words by Andy Napolitano
06.16.2008

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The Dig
New York's Steel Underbelly
There is something brewing in New York City. As the hipster scene glares from Brooklyn, the Lower East Side is still producing explosive rock n' roll. One of the bands that make up the locals at Pianos and the Mercury Lounge is the Dig, by mixing melodies with growling guitars. We caught up with lead singer David Baldwin before the band left on a month long regional tour leg to discuss everything NYC.

Words by Martin Halo
06.11.2008

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Colour Revolt
Southern School Boy Ambition
Signed to Matt Johnson's Fat Possum Records while still attending classes at Ole Miss, the Oxford natives of Colour Revolt have put forth a melodic effort that rings with the influences of Radiohead and Coldplay. Slow cooked with the humidity of the South the band takes the time after load-in while in NYC to discuss the debut, as well as their musical ideology.

Words by Martin Halo
05.28.2008

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The Black Lips
The Negotiation
Taking a phone call while stuck at the used car dealer slinging prices across the table in hopes of scoring a new tour van, Black Lips drummer Joe Bradley dives into the sessions for Good Bad Not Evil. In addition Bradley talks shop about why integrity is all you have, and the shift from pop musicians to artistic gems.

Words by Martin Halo
05.20.2008

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Pot Culture: Stoner Language
Copping a Buzz For Dummies
Ex-High Times editors Shirley Halperin and Steve Bloom have created the Pot Culture bible. Tracking the lineage of stoners in American culture since the early part of the 1960s, Stoner Language is an examination of this country's ever changing drug-induced taboo. We hope you enjoy!
Words by Martin Halo
05.14.2008

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Jet Lag Gemini
Lads on the Rise
A Northern Jersey hopeful to the pop rock scene, Jet Lag Gemini is fusing punk with expansive guitar solos. Releasing their debut LP, entitled Fire the Cannons, in January of 2008 their band of energy is gearing for a summer leg of dates on the Vans Warped Tour.
Words by Andy Napolitano
05.01.2008

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Absentstar
City to City Slugfest
With a tour leg supporting Third Eye Blind coming to a close in New York City, Waster Editor Andy Napolitano sits down with Absentstar. The Chicago based rock outfit is gaining notoriety after the release of their Columbia Records debut, Sea Trials, and discovery by the legendary Geoff Travis whose credits include The Strokes and The Kings of Leon.
Words by Andy Napolitano
04.17.2008

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Howlin Rain
Mercy Sweet Moan
Aside from bombarding audiences with face melting psychedelic rock, Ethan Miller possesses an eloquent mind. With Columbia now in his corner and a record worthy enough for undisputed national praise Miller takes the time from SXSW to discuss his new "Hemingway" writing style, Rick Rubin, and the music junkie epidemic.
Words by Martin Halo
04.08.2008

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Ben Collins: Modern Art Records
Building the Scene
As the head of Modern Art Records, Ben Collins has been instrumental in helping to build Phoenix's music scene from the ground up. Giving hope to musicians in the area who had their eyes set on NYC or LA, Collins is exploring the aspects of label infrastructure, which focuses on the artists, rather than the crunch of numbers.
Words by Andy Napolitano
04.02.2008

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The Drive-By Truckers
On the Righteous Path
Brighter Than Creation's Dark has been road tested, and a few months into its supporting tour Patterson Hood takes the time to reflect on the rollercoaster ride he has been experiencing since the pressing of the band's prior record. Debt, lineup changes, and a busy pen; Patterson Hood talks it all.

Words by Martin Halo
04.02.2008

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The Starting Line
Preparing to Explore the Alter Egos
With an announcement of indefinate hiatus set in stone, Starting Line front man Kenny Vasoli shares his thoughts on the split as well as the last leg of touring to culminate at the Bamboozle East 2008. Are you wondering what is next? Well, Vasoli lays out the blue print for what will become an experimental solo project billed as Person L.
Words by Andy Napolitano
03.26.2008

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Robert Cray
Underrated and Unapologetic
With his bags packed for dates in India, blues legend Robert Cray took a few minutes to discuss his love of music, his friendship with John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton and his Crossroads Festival, and lends some advice for the younger generation of musician who is fighting for longevity.

Words by Martin Halo
03.19.2008

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Ex-Reverie
The Right Place at the Right Time
Brewing a concoction of fantasy based experimental music with producer Greg Weeks; Ex-Reverie is DMW NEWS' Artist of the Month. Our Editor Andy Napolitano gets personal with the Philadelphia based songstress to uncover her influences, what she hopes to accomplish live, and why the timing for Philly's cultural community is just right.
Words by Andy Napolitano
03.11.2008

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The Akron/Family
Spreading the Love
With Love is Simple a benchmark vanguard creation of artistic brilliance the Akron/Family are on the road supporting it. In this interview Dana Janssen explains what the band had envisioned for the recording as well as why "love" isn't just holding hands in Paris during the springtime.
Words by Martin Halo
03.07.2008

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The Hives
Still Bloody Vicious
With their international brand of garage rock, the Hives fused punk and charm to captivate audiences at the turn of the millennium. With some time in hiding to recharge, the band has returned. Drummer Chris Dangerous talks shop, including recording a punk record in Mississippi, and why they are still the best live band in the world.
Words by Martin Halo
03.06.2008

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Keller Williams
Weapons for the Masses
Keller Williams is still riding the "dream" wave after the release of his eleventh album in the winter of 2007. Now instead of asking his favorite musicians to play on his records he has assembled an all-star cast to take on the road. The sensation we knew as Keller is taking on a whole new spectrum of possibilities.
Words by Martin Halo
02.20.2008

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Saosin
Closer to the Dream
It was a feat enough to convince Capitol Records to put out their methodically crafted CD/DVD combo, but the rewards were worth the heartache. Recently featured on the cover of the AP Press it is the scremo outfit, Saosin, who is coming closer to their dreams of solidifying their place as the hosts of the tour bound extravaganza.
Words by Andy Napolitano
02.06.2008

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The Best Of 2007
Uncork the champagne, light a joint, hug a friend, and put on a record. When the ball dropped on New Year's Eve the celebration didn't just mark the start of 2008, but marked the celebration of the past. We here at DMW NEWS wanted to take a look back at everything that was great with American Music in 2007 with a list compiled by our editors and contributors.

Words by DMW NEWS STAFF
01.22.2008

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Richie Havens
The Sixties
Woodstock, Vietnam, Patti Smith, The Village, Cafe Wha?, and Bob Dylan; Richie Havens talks it all in a holiday interview which pinned the younger generation against the older. Money Waster founder Martin Halo leads Havens down a 40-year path of music, politics, and culture.

Words by Martin Halo
01.15.2008

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Trolleyvox
Indigenous Cobblestone Reverberations
With a double full-length LP pressed and in the books the Philadelphia rock ensemble Trolleyvox has forged forward through the burdens of lineup changes, music industry upheaval, and their cities diminishing hipster population. Chief songwriter and guitarist Andrew Chalfen chats about the perseverance of artistic freedom.

Words by Martin Halo
12.10.2007

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Spider
Spinning Brooklyn's Web
Hailing from the country-styled suburban communities of Northern New Jersey, the Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Jane Herships takes us through the inspiration of Bitter Lake by weaving in and out of song writing and album concepts. Herships divulges her love for Jimi Hendrix, nature based imagery, and her dreams of retreating to a cabin in the woods.

Words by Michael McGoff
11.29.2007

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Rose Hill Drive
Reckless Endangerment
Power Trio excellence. The Colorado based Rose Hill Drive exploded onto the national touring circuit with a sound that conjures the groan of vintage ensembles. Bassist/Vocalist, Jake Sproul embellishes on the road to success, as the importance of personal growth, and why Pete Townsend made him shit his pants.

Words by Martin Halo
11.21.2007

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THRICE
Making Gold From Despair
Undertaking an ambitious project of concept collaboration, which morphed Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind, the California natives of Thrice are bombarding audiences with four EPs of new material. Guitarist Teppei Teranishi talks shop in an in depth look at the sessions for the Alchemy Index and the current state of the recording industry.

Words by Andy Napolitano
11.14.2007

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Jonathan Davis
A Solo Harvest
With the most successful Family Values Tour to date in the books Korn front man Jonathan Davis is embarking on an ambitious string of acoustic solo dates. The most explosive front man in hard rock shares his inner most thoughts on the acoustic project, and sobriety. Davis also squashes the notion that a solo tour means the end of Korn.

Words by Martin Halo
11.13.2007

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Patti Smith
Claiming the Right to Be Free
Just after her appearance at the 2007 Lollapalooza Festival, a legend speaks. Touring in support of her cover filled release, Twelve, Patti Smith dives head first into the power of music. She talks shop including touching on Coltrane, CBGB's, and what she feels Rock n' Roll is all about.

Words by Martin Halo
11.07.2007

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Hurt
Rock Without the Roll
Releasing their sophomore platter of compositions on Capitol Records in September of 2007 Hurt is again assaulting the touring circuit. Lead singer J. Loren takes the time to discuss how being on stage is like a motor cross face plant, his song writing channeling, and the influential power of classical composers.
Words by Martin Halo
10.31.2007

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The Last Goodnight
All Work All Play
It is not all glamorous night clubs, seductive drugs, and easy women. Rock n' Roll in reality is about empty highways, dirty vans, and even dirtier band members. For Connecticut's The Last Goodnight their miles on the road have paid off. Touring now on the heels of their debut LP Poison Kiss it appears as if Jason Flom's business eye has yielded another Capitol hopeful.
Words by Wesley Chin
10.24.2007

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Bob Weir
The Child of a Skeleton's Rose
A lot of things haven't been the same since the incarnation of the Grateful Dead. For one San Francisco became the undisputed playground for psychedelic decadence, two they spawned the
jam band festival circuit, and three because of their sound tech Owsley Stanley the entire 1970 Monterey Pop Festival was seeing swirling purple. Bob Weir talks shop and his current project Ratdog.
Words by Martin Halo
10.24.2007

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Avett Brothers
A Fermenting Perseverance: With a Bluegrass Backbone
With a full-length LP that solidified their place on the list of who's who in American music, the Avett Brothers are wrapping up their nationwide tour on the heels of Emotionalism. Scott Avett dives into brotherly love, their minimalist outlook, and their bond with the Band of Horses.

Words by Martin Halo
10.10.2007

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Nicole Atkins
A Shining Coastal Treasure
With Rick Rubin's hands finally off Neptune City, and a release date set, Nicole Atkins now has to battle the hype. With a record that is worthy enough and an attitude that is pure, can Atkins put the nail in the coffin that proves Rolling Stone and the New York Times right pinning her as the next recording treasure?

Words by Martin Halo
10.10.2007

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Def Leppard
America's Brits
The English titans of backseat lust and backstage debauchery still have a home on the road wrapping up another summer shed tour. Guitarist Phil Collen takes the time while traveling along America’s Northern border to explain the band’s longevity, working with Mutt Lang, and even sings a rendition of the Beach Boys’ “California Girls.”

Words by Martin Halo
09.26.2007

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Bad Brains
Picking the Brains of the Doctor
The reunited pioneering legends of hardcore divulge the secrets behind Build a Nation along with producer Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys. $Waster Editor Martin Halo is on the receiving end of a Rastafarian explanation about “the spirit” as wells as Yauch’s powerful homage and praise.

Words by Martin Halo
09.05.2007

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The Dreadful Yawns
A Belly Full of Led
Mixing Indie and roots Country, Ohio's The Dreadful Yawns are reeling after the release of their third full length LP. Will this be the one to break the band nationally? Resident songwriter Ben Gmetro discusses Ohio's musical brotherhood as well as the sessions for Rest.

Words by Martin Halo
08.29.2007

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The Oohlas
Simply Irresistible
Just off the heels of rapping up a nationwide tour with Maximo Park in support of Best Stop Pop the Oohlas guitarist and ex-Everclear percussionist Greg Eklund takes the time to speak from him California home as a tour capper. The band is part of Stolen Transmission’s ever growing roster of pop worthy artists.

Words by Courtney Muir
08.15.2007

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Monty Are I
Fighting Hard to Earn Respect
Rhode Island's Monty Are I are back for another summer of Warped Tour performances as they share stories from the road, the challenges of self-promotion, and their new release entitled Wall of Sound courtesy of Stolen Transmission.

Words by Courtney Muir
07.11.2007

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Generals and Majors
Loose as Dirt
Taking Manhattan by storm with their revival form of blarring punk, Generals and Majors bassist Jared Gudstadt takes the time to explain project intentions as well as their originating influences, and how it feels to get respect from Slash.

Words by Martin Halo
07.04.2007

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Jonathan Wilson
In A Sea of Folk
Part of California's cultural network of folk practitioners, Jonathan Wilson shares the tale of his journey West as well as working with Chris Robinson and the creation of his debut LP, Frankie Ray.

Words by Martin Halo
06.27.2007

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Jennie Arnau
Country Songstress
Tucked away in a small restaurant buried deep in the lower east side of Manhattan country music practitioner Jennie Arnau discusses the origins of her roots and the creation of her 4th full length LP, Mt. Pleasant.

Words by Martin Halo
06.27.2007

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Falling Free
About to embark on the 2007 Van's Warped Tour for the third year running, Florida's Red Jumpsuit Apparatus talks about the making of their debut album as well as a series of gigs geared toward awareness.

Words by Courtney Muir
06.20.2007

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Rio En Medio
Roots in New York City
Classically influenced roots music practitioner Danielle Stech-Homsy shares comment on the Rio En Medio project from her home in Brooklyn. A recent addition to Devendra Banhart's Gnomonsong Label, Homsy shares light into her unique brand of folk.

Words by Martin Halo
06.13.2007

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The Killers
Paving Their Own Path
Appearing exclusively for JamBase last month $Waster Editor Martin Halo opens dialogue with Killers front man Brandon Flowers while preparing for a gig at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Flowers candidly addresses the current state of American music.

Words by Martin Halo
06.13.2007

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The Bravery
Roots in New York City
$Waster writer Courtney Muir catches up with the Bravery, in Philadelphia, while they were finishing up the remaining legs of their US tour. Guitarist Michael Zakarin talks origins as well as their making of their recent release.

Words by Courtney Muir
06.06.2007

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Handsome Furs
A Minimalist Affair
Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner discusses his new side-project, Handsome Furs' debut LP, Plague Park, as well as new approaches to songwriting and finding true love.

Words by Joseph Capriglione
05.30.2007

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Arctic Monkeys
Maturing Lads
From the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco Arctic Monkeys percussionist Matt Helders explores the origins of the English project while discussing the making behind their sophomore platter of compositions.

Words by Martin Halo
05.30.2007

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Page McConnell
The Road Less Traveled
Phish keyboardist Page McConnell graciously chats about the time leading up to the release of his debut solo record, while diving into the legacy of Phish, Vermont, and the transcendent power of music.

Words by Martin Halo
05.23.2007

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Hubert Sumlin
Got Them Blues
Blues legend Hubert Sumlin talks with $Waster Editor Martin Halo about the origins of the American art form as well as his relationship with Howlin' Wolf, and the wealth of music in Chicago.

Words by Martin Halo
05.23.2007

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Buddy Guy
Blues is Blood
American Blues pioneer, Buddy Guy, takes the time to talk Chicago, the first time he met Muddy Waters, what John Lee Hooker meant to him, and who he found living together in a van during his 1965 trip to Europe.

Words by Martin Halo
05.15.2007

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M. Ward
A Brilliant Stroke of American Artistry
Just before launching a stint of tour dates with Norah Jones, Americana practitioner M. Ward takes the time to talk with us about the sessions for Post-War, American politics, and a book by Author Howard Zinn.

Words by Martin Halo
05.09.2007

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Trevor Hall
The Golden Child
California based singer/songwriter, Trevor Hall, explains the origins to his musical pursuits while discussing being in tour with Ziggy Marley and his friendship with Matisyahu. Signed to Geffen records at 19, Hall holds his own artistic destiny solely in the palm of his hands.

Words by Martin Halo
05.09.2007

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DNTEL
Pursuing the "Ultimate Goal"
Jimmy Tamborello, of Postal Service, releases his sophmore platter of compositions under the DNTEL alias courtesy of Sub Pop Records. Tamborello talks to us about the recording process and working with friends.

Words by Joseph Capriglione
04.24.2007

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Fujiya and Miyagi
On Their Maiden Voyage
After seven years of relative obscurity, Brighton, England's Fujiya and Miyagi are up and coming genre forging tunesmits. The band discusses their formation, newfound fame, and Jaguars; over corned beef and pastrami at the world famous Katz's Deli in NYC.

Words by Joseph Capriglione
04.24.2007

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The Good, The Bad and The Queen Her Majesty's Symphony
Rustling the legendary winds of the English countryside Damon Albarn of the Gorillaz and Blur unveils his new musical project with the help of Clash bassist Paul Simonon and Verve henchman Simon Tong. The band discusses the recording sessions in Lagos, Nigeria and current state of English music.

Words by Martin Halo
03.14.2007

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Noah Georgeson
The Molding of a Scene
Freak-Folk producer Noah Georgeson had a hand in the making of records by Vetiver, Devendra Banhart, and Joanna Newson all while finding the time to record a solo recording of his own that mixed pop hooks with classical arrangements. Dabbling in the importance of Arthur Lee, he also addresses the irrelevance of Rolling Stone, and the history of the California musical community.

Words by Martin Halo
03.07.2007

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Albert Hammond Jr.
Beneath the Curls
Venturing off on his own, Storkes’ guitarist Albert Hammond Jr expresses his feelings for Buddy Holly, making it big in New York City, and the Electric Lady Land recording sessions for his solo debut, Yours to Keep.

Words by Martin Halo
02.28.2007

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Keller Williams
The Power of Gentle Persistence
Virginia born native Keller Williams has just released his 11th studio album with the contributions of Bob Weir, Steve Kimock, The String Cheese Incident, and Bela Fleck. From his home in Fredricksburg, Williams talks the scattered recording sessions, MTV, and what it was like playing guitar for a free ski pass in Colorado.

Words by Martin Halo
02.28.2007

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Vetiver
Gem on the Bay
Under the guidance of the San Franciscan folk community, Andy Cabic has gained national recognition as a tunesmith whose records have earned overwhelming public praise from the likes of Black Crowes’ front man Chris Robinson as well as writer Dennis Cook. With the contributions of Devendra Banhart, Cabic released his sophomore Vetiver effort in May of 2006.

Words by Martin Halo
01.31.2007

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The Shins
Stepping onto the World Stage
Having their independent paradise uncovered by Natalie Portman in the feature film Garden State, the Shins are back on the road, this time in the lime light, with a new record released in January of 2007 on Sub Pop Records. From Portland, Oregon Dave Hernandez explains the sessions for the album and James Mercer’s lyrical vision for the recording.

Words by Martin Halo
01.24.2007

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Cold War Kids
Soul of California's Blues
Hailing from Long Beach, California a quartet of blues practitioners have transformed the genre into a refreshing modern representation of melodic dissidence and outlaw bravado. While over Ethiopian cuisine these West Coast kids discuss the sessions for their debut, their influences, and what it is like existing in Orange County.

Words by Martin Halo
01.24.2007

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The Allman Brothers Band
Eggs, Tea, and a Georgia Peach
Southern son Gregg Allman dives into the origins of the Allman Brothers Band while discussing early influences, alternate career options, and the essence of having roots, all while simultaneously trying to figure out who Ashlee Simpson is.

Words by Martin Halo
01.03.2007

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