Why Do These Kids Rock, Jam and Amaze Us So Much?

kidsthesedays

During this episode of Live Fix Radio, we explore the topic of teenage performers and how the live music experience impacts their creativity, inspiration and psychological development. We’re excited to dive into this topic and share with you the music of 14 year-old singer-songwriter Kate Diaz and soul-blues-jazz-hip hop octet Kids These Days. Ever since [...]

How Do Women Experience Live Music?

Massive Scar Era

  During this episode of Live Fix Radio, we explore how the female brain, body and emotions are impacted by the live music experience. We also spoke with Egyptian hardcore band Massive Scar Era. And after seeing the female-fronted quartet perform live at Obbityfest 2011, Sherine (vocals/guitar) and Nancy (violin) told us about how the [...]

Concert Preview: An Interview with Poi Dog Pondering’s Frank Orrall

Poi Dog Pondering Frank Orrall

Continuing our exploration into house concerts, The Little Things and other nuances and exciting elements of live concert culture, here’s an exclusive interview with Frank Orrall of Poi Dog Pondering as he leads the band to return to the Vic Theatre for two WXRT shows this weekend in Chicago.

Does Rock ‘N Roll Fantasy Camp Help Concert Fans Live Their Dreams?

Music fan fantasies are complex. They can help us cope with life, or they can keep us from facing reality. So what happens when Rock ‘N Roll Fantasy Camp give fans the chance to live out our rock star dreams live in concert?

UPDATE: Live Interview with Chicago Rapper Lupe Fiasco on Vocalo.org

Lupe Fiasco Vocalo

One of my favorite live performances in the last few years was seeing Lupe Fiasco at Lollapalooza in 2008. I had seen him the year before in 2007, and what made Fiasco’s set such a jaw-dropper was witnessing his maturation and evolution as a live performer.

Concert Preview: Keys N Krates Unlocks The Art of Live Remixing

Keys N Krates Almost 39 Minutes

We’ve explored the role that DJs play in the community of groove and what gifted turntablists can do when they innovate in a live setting. Now, let’s dive deeper into our exploration to discover how Toronto-based remix trio, Keys N Krates creates new rhythmic palates and musical canvases via the real-time remix.

Concert Preview: JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

During the Gapers Block Anniversary party we had the pleasure of taking in the live show of Chicago retro-soul band JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound. The concert was sweaty, swingin’ and soulful. And good thing for you is that they’ll be at it again tonight and Friday. But first…

Concert Preview: The Kickback Is Ready To Explode

The Kickback Great Self Love

One way to get the attention of a live music fan is to call a band’s live show “explosive,”  which is one of the words used to describe how The Kickback do things live.  But before you go to their next concert, let’s hear directly from the band why their brand of live rock has [...]

St. Bagu: Bustin’ Through Lines One Rhyme At A Time

St. Bagu Congress pposter

Editorial Note: Update on 5/23 from the band after their live show, including a video, follows the interview. When I first listened to the debut EP Lines from Chicago quartet St. Bagu I was drawn in by their fresh approach to mixing hip hop with progressive and dreamy rock guitar melodies. Then as I traveled [...]

The Streets On Fire: Playing Live With Tigers

hotweekendcover

Do bands really have no idea what they’re doing when they create energy during a live show?  Does onstage chemistry just happen by chance or is there a formula to follow?

We Are The Willows: Creating A Concert Of Conversation

Besides the musical performance, how does a band make their show a fully felt dialogue of emotions instead of just an average rock concert? And if a band did create that environment, how would you respond to a concert of conversation?

Artist Interview: Anthony Davis (Ant of Atmosphere)

Back in November, I spoke with Anthony Davis (aka ANT) of Atmosphere for Ink19 before their Chicago show at the Vic Theatre. It was a rare interview because rapper Sean Daley (aka Slug) usually does the talking. The duo released one of the best hip hop albums of 2008 and I asked Davis how they [...]

Popmatters Interview: Blues Traveler at Lollapalooza 2008

This interview originally appeared in Popmatters. Over the last 20 years Blues Traveler has gone from underground jam-band stalwarts to mainstream multi-platinum success including a Grammy for 1994’s single “Run Around”. In that two decade span, they’ve also founded a festival (H.O.A.R.D.), weathered the death of a band mate and battled other personal issues while [...]