Interview with MC Lars - American Rapper
July 21, 2008
Andrew Robert Nielsen (born October 6, 1982) is an American rapper, known by his stage name MC Lars. He is the self-proclaimed originator of “post-punk laptop rap”. He has collaborated with many different artists, including Non-Phixion’s Ill Bill and nerdcore rapper mc chris, and was one of the first underground rappers to sample and reference post-punk and emo bands.
In 2006, he released the single “Download This Song” with it entering the Australian Singles Chart at number 29.
Visit MC Lars: http://www.mclars.com
Check out Scott’s exclusive interview with MC Lars in the video below.
On The Surface
July 21, 2008
ON THE SURFACE came together in Boston, MA during the summer of 2001. Currently based in Los Angeles, OTS features dual lead vocalists Heather Fogarty (vocals/keyboards) and Anthony Brodeur (vocals/bass). The band’s sound is rich with thick vocal harmonies, guitar hooks, and piano licks, drawing from various influences such as Jimmy Eat World and Weezer to Hanson and Silverchair.
While still in High School, Anthony and Heather (who were dating at the time) joined forces with drummer Mat Amdur to form On The Surface. With the addition of two guitarists, they began performing all around New England. Quickly, they dominated the Worcester bar scene (even though they weren’t old enough to enter the venues) and were voted “The Best Pop Act” by Worcester Magazine. OTS played virtually every High School, VFW, and College in the area before graduating on to the major Boston rock clubs. A local staple, they opened for a slew of national acts including Simple Plan, Plain White T’s, Switchfoot, The Format, Mae, The Matches, and many more. John Popper of Blues Traveler even joined the band onstage for an impromptu jam.
Years later, Anthony and Heather ended their relationship, but the band soldiered on making music. Their bond was stronger than ever. The quintet released their self-produced debut album “The Fall” in 2006. After graduating from college, they relocated to Los Angeles where they have played regularly at The Viper Room, The Key Club, The Troubadour, Spaceland, The Echo, The Hotel Cafe, The Mint, and The Dragonfly. Their song “The Very Best of Me” was featured in the season finale of MTV’s “The Hills”. As of today - their myspace page has over 100,000 friends.
Visit On The Surface: http://www.myspace.com/onthesurface
90 Second Music Show Episode 7
July 21, 2008
The :90 Music Show with Scott Austin Episode 7 features an exclusive interview with MC LARS and emerging artist On The Surface. Read more
The Frantic
July 4, 2008
Armed with enough fist-pumping energy to make listener’s arms tired and pop hooks sure to garner massive sing-a-longs, Chicago’s THE FRANTIC are poised to bridge the gap between the punk of Rancid and the pop of Fall Out Boy.
The Frantic crew may be young, vocalist Kyle Dee and guitarist Ian Farnesi are both barely 18, while bassist Chris Farnesi and drummer Brett Hartwell are the elders at 19, but after one listen to their November 2007 Sinister Muse Records release Audio & Murder, one would think The Frantic are seasoned veterans. In fact, Audio & Murder, produced by multi-platinum producer Mudrock (Riverboat Gamblers, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack), is proof that age means nothing in today’s music industry. Audio & Murder is full of adolescent angst complimented with addictive harmonies sure to get mosh pits in motion.
The Frantic have already received admirable acclaim from print, radio, and video markets. The band have been named one of the ‘100 Bands You Need to Know in 2008’ by Alternative Press, as well as ‘Best Band in Chicago’ and ‘Best New Artist’ for 2007 by Chicago’s Q101 (WKQX), beating out The Plain White T’s, Chevelle, Rise Against, Against Me! and Atreyu. The video for the title track, “Audio & Murder,” has been added to programming at MTV, MTV Latin America, and FUSE, as well as countless other retail, regional, and online video markets. In addition, the single “Audio & Murder” is in rotation on national commercial alternative radio, XM, Sirius, and AOL Radio.
According to Kyle Dee, the band’s live show is the best way to get The Frantic experience. “It’s high energy. We get the crowd into it and interact with our fans,” he explains. The band have already rocked the Vans Warped Tour and shared stages with The Pink Spiders, Riverboat Gamblers, Ludo, The Starting Line, The Casualties, US Bombs, and Bayside, just to name a few. With no intention of slowing down, The Frantic are slated to appear at four showcases during South By Southwest (SXSW) in 2008 and have nationwide touring plans through October of 2008, which include dates with Authority Zero, Beat Union, and Whole Wheat Bread.
The Frantic have already logged almost a decade together. Yes, they have been jamming together since before they were in high school and have no intention of slowing down. They want to build their fanbase the old fashioned way; by writing memorable and catchy tunes, putting on an unforgettable rock show, and then shaking hands afterwards. Armed with D.I.Y. determination, undeniable talent, and an ability to get the attention of music fans and critics alike, The Frantic are poised to be rock ‘n’ roll’s next household name.
Who are THE FRANTIC?
Kyle Dee :: Lead Vocals and Guitars
Chris Farnesi :: Bass and Vocals
Ian Farnesi :: Guitars
Brett Hartwell :: Drums and Vocals
Visit The Frantic at: http://www.thefrantic.com
Interview with Kay Hanley and Michelle Lewis - Songwriting Duo
July 4, 2008
Kay Hanley is an American alternative rock musician. She is known as the vocalist for the band Letters To Cleo. She was a member of Letters To Cleo from 1990 to 2000 (the length of the band’s existence). She came up with the band’s name (she had a pen pal named Cleo when she was younger). In 1997, she started to work on other projects than the band, starting with a role in the Boston Rock Opera’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar as Mary Magdalene.
In 1999, Hanley made a cameo as herself in the film 10 Things I Hate about You, singing a cover version of Nick Lowe’s “Cruel to be Kind” at the movie characters’ high school prom. Towards the end of Letters to Cleo’s career, she began performing with her husband and fellow Letters To Cleo member Michael Eisenstein outside of the band. Around the same time, she gave birth to their daughter, Zoe.
Starting her own solo career, Hanley started doing music for the cartoon Generation O. She also provided the singing voice for Rachael Leigh Cook’s character Josie in the movie Josie and the Pussycats. In 2002, she released her first solo album, Cherry Marmalade. That same year, she appeared on the Dropkick Murphys/Face to Face split cd, providing guest vocals on the original version of the Dropkick Murphys song “The Dirty Glass”. She also performed the song “Follow Me” for the video game Sonic Heroes in 2003. In 2004 she released a follow up to Cherry Marmalade, The Babydoll EP. She is very involved with the Boston based charity “Hot Stove, Cool Music.”
She is currently in the Los Angeles-based girl band, the Dilettantes, with New York native Michelle Lewis.
90 Second Music Show Episode 6
July 4, 2008
The :90 Music Show with Scott Austin Episode 6 features an exclusive interview with songwriting duo Kay Hanley and Michelle Lewis, and emerging artist The Frantic. Read more
