Girl Talk

Greg Gillis aka Girl Talk was oh so kind to chat with me prior to his show in Austin. I asked about the his stage presence, which he actually shares with the crowd and all the fun gimmicks he throws into the mix to keep the partying interesting. We spliced in some shots from the Austin show as well as his Lollapalooza set where all said gimmicks originated. Gimmick isn't the correct word, lets go with party favors. At Lolla he jumped on a raft (party favor) which was then hijacked by a fan, giving the kid a very heroic story to tell his friends. We then quickly jump to one of Greg's favorite interests, Son of the Mask - the sequel to Jim Carrey's The Mask. And I finish with some talk about food...Are you going to eat that?

Stars

Stars, from Montreal were nice enough to talk to over ACL. I missed Torque because he was swimming in Barton Springs, but Amy, Evan and Chris were nice enough to take a seat in my tent. We talk for a bit about Sad Robots, an EP they recently released. And my love for all their brethren in Montreal, all the Arts & Crafts bands and how magical the whole situation seems. I'm a dork...

Heidi Klum's Guitar Hero Commercial

You may have seen this commercial recently, but below is the director's cut. Needless to say, I don't play video games but I might have to after watching this one...

New Music

Sonny J
Mugison
Chairlift
Benji Hughes
The Moondoggies
BLK JKS
Henry Clay People
Kuroma
Air France
Wild Sweet Orange
Throw Me The Statue
Vetiver
Apache Beat
Lykke Li
Red Cortez

The Cool Kids

I grabbed an interview with The Cool Kids while they were on a quick trip to Austin. These guys are cool and a lot of fun to talk to. My face on my mic tripped them out, we talk about their current EP Bake Sale and they're future full length When Fish Ride Bicycles, dealing with a misbehaving fan, how they met each other, and what it is they do. They're the coolest kids I know...

Delta Spirit

Ode to Sunshine by Delta Spirit is one of my favorite albums of 2008. I tracked down Matt and Kelly during ACL. It turns out that Matt, lead singer, is from around Austin which was much to my surprise. He describes his acid riddled journey from High School to Southern California where he met the members of Delta Spirit. We also join hands and honor Jack in the Box as well as talk about the Spirit's future. And it's a bright one!

G. Love

G. Love was my first interview at Stubb's BBQ back in March. We talk about how weird it's been since we last saw each other, my broken heart and his condolences. Lil Wayne just played G's signature guitar on an episode of ACL and sure enough he breaks into a little rap showing his love.

Jamie Lidell

I was really happy to catchup with Jamie Lidell at ACL. He talks about his love for Austin and the sweat that comes with it. His mutation from a nerd to his soulful sound, his European tour opening for Elton John and the fact that I look like Jack Black and The Joker.

Austin City Limits

I've emerged from the ACL fog, it was quite blinding there for awhile. My birthday was the following Monday 9/29 and Cut Copy happened to be playing at Emo's. No rest for the weary, I went and saw The Foo Fighters do an ACL taping then ran to Emo's. The show was great, these Aussies got it going on and they're really nice dudes.



More to come from ACL...

Mason Jennings

My man Mason was kind enough to speak with me again at Lolla. He was one of my first interviews over SXSW (tear) and I was glad to catchup with him in Chicago. He's had a great 2008 and it looks to end that way as well. Mason has one of those voices that you won't forget and that you won't confuse. Hustle out and grab In the Ever released in May.

Mercy by The Felice Brothers

The Felice Brothers are an amazing folk rock group from Upstate New York. I recorded this clip at Outside Lands Festival a couple weeks ago. If Dylan or The Band tickles your ears then these guys are your fix. Their americana is like nothing else being played today. Their sound soothes and makes me want to swig whiskey all night. Mercy from their 2007 release Tonight at the Arizona is a heartfelt ballad sung by Simone, the drummer.

Yeasayer

I was lucky enough to run into Yeasayer again, this time at Lollapalooza. I caught them just as they came off stage, so naturally they were hungry and we had pizza. Preforming a formal interview is extremely hard when the interviewees are consuming food that you as interviewer fancy. So needless to say, I was DISTRACTED. That being said we discuss their set, their love for Chicago and a little background into how I started bothering bands on video.

The Black Keys

I recently went out to Denver to catch My Morning Jacket with The Black Keys at Red Rocks. I had never been to Red Rocks before and figured this bill warranted a pilgrimage. Needless to say the show was fantastic and I had a lot of fun running around in the mountains. In the midst of the euphoria I cornered The Black Keys in their dressing room and got a funny yet random interview. I did the recording myself so that's why the image bounces and the sound ain't so good. But we talked about everything under the sun: the flop house across the street from Stubb's, the possibility of Michael Kang (SCI) as Danger Mouse's successor in producing the next album and how Red Rocks is one giant outdoor grill. This was a learning experience as asking questions and keeping the camera focused isn't the easiest thing I've done.

The Postelles

The Postelles are a brand new band in the scheme of things. They met in New York City while in high school and seem to have caught all the breaks including Albert Hammond Jr. producing their first single. It's pop-rock alright, and it makes my ears happy.



I go blank towards the end of the interview and introduce my partner in crime, Frank the Moose who I reference in awkward situations. He's my guardian and muse.

White Lies

The White Lies had never been in the US till 4 days prior to Lollapalooza. Needless to say they were happy to make the splash when I sat down with them in Chicago. Throughout the interview you can hear Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan of The Twilight Singers howling in the background, who the Lies happen to be fans of... These guys are really solid and lookout for them in the coming months. Go pickup their EP when it drops in October.

Brendan Canning of BSS Interview

Brendan Canning was nice enough to jump in the Quinnstorm tent at Lolla and give me a recap of his new solo project titled Something For All of Us.

Interview with Battles

I was able to wrangle Battles into an interview at Lolla. It was John's birthday, we talk math rock and we relive Smokey Robinson's performance. We laughed, we cried. These guys are an incredible band and they're funny. View away.

Perry Farrell Interview

So here's my first interview from Lolla with Mr. Perry Farrell. We talk the evolution of the festival, bands he wants to see and then he draws on my face. I KID you not!

The Black Kids @ Lolla

One of the most hyped bands of the last year, their first album just dropped titled, Partie Traumatic. It was good to see these guys live finally, I'm not 100% sold yet - but I did enjoy the set.

Girl Talk at Lolla

This set was madness... toilet paper guns, folks dancin' on stage, a kid dressed as a gorilla in a nearby tree, and Greg jumpin' on a raft to crowd surf - then said raft is commandeered by a fan.

The Cool Kids at Lolla

Here's a side stage clip of The Cool Kids! This set was amazing, by far the biggest crowd we've ever had at the BMI Stage. Go now and grab their debut LB The Bake Sale.

PALOOZA

So I've made it back in one piece. I had a really great time in Chicago and got about 14 worthwhile interviews. Not too bad considering I've never done anything on that scale before. While I'm editing the interviews I figured I'd post some bonus footage we filmed.

Holla

Lollapalooza Sunday Picks

Sunday Sunday Sunday is always the hardest day to get the motor running. But Sunday starts off with some great stuff. Chicago's own Office and Kid Sister, The Blakes, and Octopus Project. Straight into White Lies, Wild Sweet Orange, WMMF, and The Whigs. That makes my lights turn on to say the least. All are noteworthy acts making names for themselves.

1. The National
These fellas occupy an interesting spot in the day's schedule. At the Petrillo Band Shell The National will be able to make quick prey of those waiting for NIN across the field. These guys are coming off a two year high and nothing looks to be stopping them. Matt Berninger's voice at dusk should be kinky.



2. The Whigs
I wish these guys would play in my backyard, plain and simple. Julian, the drummer, makes me want to break shit. They thrive in the live atmosphere.



3. Mark Ronson
Ronson and his glorious horns. My ears really like horns and Ronson's use of them is oh so pleasing. His horns aka The Dap-Kings make you want to move it move it.



4. Girl Talk
I doubt he misses his past job in the bio-med field. Greg makes great party music so do your best to get on stage and dance with him.




5. What Made Milwaukee Famous
These Austin rockers consistently produce great pop-rock. Kincaid's vocals are bound to bowl you over. You won't be able to shake the songs from your head, listen to Sultan from their latest Barsuk release What Doesn't Kill Us. And the answer is Schlitz.



6. G Love & Special Sauce
He was my first, I hope it's not awkward.





7. NIN
I'm going with nails you squid brain.





UNDER THE RADAR
Peep The Black Kids, White Lies, Tally Hall, and John Butler Trio.

Lollapalooza Saturday Picks

Ok ok ok I need to concentrate... and get you my Saturday picks so without further ado here's what I like.

1. Wilco
This will be their first time to headline at Lolla and it's been a long time coming. One of my favorite bands - hands down. Get there early with hopes that Obama introduces them.



2. The Gutter Twins
The combination of Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan is magical and dark, which I really enjoy. Much better suited for a dive bar than a festival, but you won't be disappointed with these well traveled front men. Pay attention as they often do interesting covers of current songs.



3. Jamie Lidell
This Brit has got so much unexpected soul it's astonishing. Looking at his wiry frame, you'd never imagine it would produce such passionate and energetic sounds. His latest album titled Jim, sounds like a Bill Withers album. LOVE IT, go see him and please dance.



4. The Foals
This Sub Pop band's new album came out in April and share a math-rock sound much like The Battles, with whom they're playing an after show on Saturday at Double Door. I've never seen them live so I'm looking forward to seeing them live in a live setting at the live festival that will be taking place this weekend. LIVE



5. Dr. Dog
These Philadelphia boys are a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll. They're sound is reminiscent of The Band with Beach Boys and Tom Waits stirred in... They're new album, Fate, is great - you should go buy it.



6. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
If you aren't familiar with Miss Sharon Jones then you should be. She's been bumping around the music industry for awhile, but not until recently did she garner the accolades she's deserved. You like to dance? Go see Sharon and you'll sweat your ass off.



7. Broken Social Scene
These fine Canadian folks are one of my favorite collectives. In 2006 they put on a jaw dropping set at Lolla and I look forward to seeing them shine again. Broken Social Scene into Wilco, couldn't have planned that much better myself.




UNDER THE RADAR
Checkout The Postelles, Steel Train, Witchcraft and The Ting Tings.

Black Joe Lewis Interview

On Friday, I sat down with Joe and Zach of Black Joe Lewis prior to their photo shoot with the Austin American Statesman. We talk all sorts of nonsense including Joe's desire to be a boxer, his snake charming abilities, their fascination with Star Trek, Lollapalooza and their new van. You need to see these guys at Lolla, they got that old school flavor you've been missing.

Lollapalooza Friday Picks

I'm steadily getting ready for Lollapalooza which is right around the corner. Figured I'd give you my picks broken down by day.

1. Radiohead
As I'm sure many of you have read reviews of their recent jaunt through the US or maybe you caught one of the shows, these guys are not to be missed. This Friday show will begin their second US leg before they head to Japan. Their versa tube light show is magnificent and with the help of the Chicago skyline - we're bound to be amazed.
Checkout their new, laser only, music video for House of Cards.

2. Yeasayer
I've blogged about these guys in the past and was able to sneak in an interview while they came through Austin. These guys are great live and I'm anxious to hear their full experimental sound come through a massive PA.


3. Rogue Wave
Zach's sweet melodies will be a soothing way to open Friday. They better play Lake Michigan as I can't imagine a better situation to hear it feet away from the song's namesake.


4. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
If we can't have a Pavement reunion, I will happily take Malkmus backed by The Jicks. It also works out nicely that they will be the last to play in the south-end of Grant Park prior to Radiohead, who they opened for on the Hail to the Thief North American tour.


5. Grizzly Bear
This Warped Records band is another must see and are supporting Radiohead on the second leg of the US tour. AMAZING LIVE!


6. The Cool Kids
I've pimped them on another list, this show is a can't miss. Chicago natives + playing a small stage = Epic Show. I'd get there early...


7. The Black Keys
Always a great festival act and I'm glad they're back. Who knows, maybe DangerMouse comes out at some point, here's to wishful thinking...


UNDER THE RADAR
Free Sol
A new hip-hop group from Memphis, who just signed to JT's label Tennman Records. These guys are solid and I've heard some new cuts off the forthcoming album and they do not disappoint.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
A great blues/soul band for Austin, who will be out on the road with What Made Milwaukee Famous and Okkervil River after playing Lollapalooza. These guys are a sight to see with a full horn section and all the swagger to go with their tasty blues.

Bill O'Reilly - DANCE REMIX

Get your swerve on to Bill O'Reilly going ape shit, if you haven't seen the clips of Bill freakin' then you need. Someone was kind enough to remix his latest tirade.

Turn it up.

Recent Shows I've Seen Worth Noting...

Since my last interview with The Whigs I've been seeing live music like mad, here's a rundown of the memorable ones. Let me know if you saw any of these shows, would love to hear your thoughts.

5/11-12 Wilco @ Stubb's
5/17 Radiohead @ The Woodlands
5/22 Foxboro Hot Tubs @ Emo's
5/24 ZZ Top @ Harrah's Tunica
6/3 Matt Wertz w/ Delta Spirit and The Weather Underground
6/7 Helio Sequence @ Mohawk
6/9 Dilated Peoples @ Emo's
6/10 Maria Taylor @ Emo's
6/11 RZA @ Emo's
6/16 Rilo Kiley w/ Thao with the Get Down Stay Down and Benji Hughes
6/19 Dosh w/ Anathallo and Balmorhea
6/20 Robert Earl Keen @ Stubb's
6/21 Grand Archives @ Stubb's
6/21 Pudge Zeppelin @ Club Deville
6/22 Tom Waits @ Jones Hall
6/23 Tom Waits @ The Palladium
6/24 Thievery Corporation @ Stubb's

Yo Folks!

I've been out of touch for a bit it seems and I'M SORRY. I'm currently getting ready for some summer festivals and will be posting the ones I plan to attend as well as my recommendations.

If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for a good pair of shades. I needed a new pair for summer so I grabbed these Oakley Frogskins...


I'll also be coming at ya with new music to checkout, recent shows I've been to, and any other random stuff I think warrants a post. Check back often!

ACL Day 3 Schedule

I'm looking forward to the Foo Fighters, Raconteurs, Against Me!, and Band of Horses. But most of all, Gillian Welch. Do all that is in your power to see her!
Grievances?

ACL Day 2 Schedule

If you get to the park early enough on Saturday do yourself a favor and go see Mugison. The range of this Icelandic musician is quite impressive... going from an acoustic lullaby on one track to a dirty blues riff ala The Black Keys to the fervor of Mastodon. It's quite remarkable, having never seen him live - I can't wait. I'm also looking forward to Conor Oberst's new band, Beck, and Plant/Krauss. Concerns?

ACL Day 1 Schedule

So on first peruse, I like that the main stages are on either side of the schedule signifying their distance and location at opposites ends of the park. In terms of acts I'm excited about, needn't go further than David Byrne into Manu Chao. You couldn't script a progression of music revolutionaries any better... Thoughts?

The Whigs Interview

So I've talked about The Whigs on here before and how much I dig them, and was lucky enough to catchup with them at Antone's on a tour stop. We did the talking in their van to change it up a bit. We get a lowdown on what their future holds and what music they're listening to... BANANAS!

Please checkout The Whigs' tour blog and follow them on their trek.

Interview with Yeasayer

So I recently sat down with Chris Keating of Yeasayer and Sam their lighting designer or as he likes to be called 'optical' designer. I learned a lot to say the least... I learned that some green rooms are in fact green and dudes that pass out in them - stay passed out. I learned the future of Yeasayer and I learned that some kids do weird things in 1st grade. I also learned that conducting an interview with a band playing at the same time isn't conducive to recording. I'm learning folks, bit by bit - I'm learning.

Hangin' with Mr. Chandrasekhar

So I was at Emo's in Austin checking out Man Man w/ Yeasayer and Bonde do Role w/ The Death Set and low and behold I ran into Jay Chandrasekhar from such movies as Super Troopers, Club Dread and Beerfest. He's hilarious!

I'm sorry Guilty, too funny to cut...

Billy Talent Interview

I recently caught up with Billy Talent from Canada, who are currently on tour with My Chemical Romance. They're huge in their mother country as well as Germany, Hasselhoff ain't got nothing on them! Great guys with amazing energy on stage, punk is not dead folks.

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks Interview

So I had the lovely pleasure of standing up and interviewing the seated Jicks: Stephen, Janet, Joanna and Mike. I stand clear and offer very little while letting them run with the interview. This is a good one.

Austin City Limits Lineup

As I'm sure you've seen by now, the 2008 ACL lineup has been announced. I think it's as eclectic as ever! Please come join us in Austin this year...

New Stuff I Be Diggin'

So I don't have any videos for you at the moment, but figured I'd throw out some stuff that I've been into lately...

1. Alberta Cross- British band I've been listening to the last couple of months. Good stoner rock reminiscent of The Band with Ryan Adams vocals.
2. The Whigs- an Athens, GA based band on ATO Records. Their upbeat garage rock makes me instantly happy. Will guys please play in my living room?
3. Dead Confederate- another solid group hailing from Athens, GA. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys play right before R.E.M. at SXSW and they did not disappoint. A southern fried Sonic Youth if you will...
4. Yeasayer- A Brooklyn band that I first saw with MGMT on tour and to say the least I thought they blew their NY counterparts out of the water. Very much in the same vein as another New York favorite, TV On The Radio. Their stage presence is phenomenal and the sound is just as unique.
5. The Cool Kids- Chicago based duo poised to turn the hip hop world on its ear. These guys combine old school beats with smart lyrics, which create a sound you can't deny. Throw back that holds up and it translates live!
6. Pela- Another Brooklyn band who released their debut, Anytown Graffiti, a year ago this month. Underappreciated in my opinion, this is American rock at it's finest. Listen and you too will fall for it...
7. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down- This San Fran based folk group is lead by Thao Nguyen currently touring with Xiu Xiu and will join up with Rilo Kiley later this summer. Listen to Feet Asleep.
8. Noah and the Whale- London group making simple folk pop that will make you smile.

And that's it for now!

LOLLAPALOOZA

The lineup is out and better than ever. You best be in Chicago, August 1-3.

Rogue Wave

I first saw these guys a couple years ago at SXSW working a Stereogum/Immediate Media party and they quickly became favorites of mine. I had them load-in really early that morning for the party and I've felt bad about it ever since. So naturally I had to get it off my chest and apologize. Nonetheless, their latest record out on Brushfire dropped in September and will be on the road supporting Jack Johnson in August. Peep their Lake Michigan video, it's good.

Low vs Diamond

Yo! Please watch this interview with Low vs Diamond. I got the opportunity to hang with these guys for a good bit over SXSW. Great guys and a lot of fun. They just signed with Epic and have a great sound. Wish 'em the best of luck.

WMMF Interview Pt. 2

In this second bit, we talk about their recent LA tour pushing the new record as well as some hi-jinks that ensued. Then the classic question of what exactly made Milwaukee famous, the boys give the explanation then the lovely Leslie shows up for a cameo.

WMMF Interview Pt. 1

I sat down with What Made Milwaukee Famous prior to SXSW to talk about their newly released disc What Doesn't Kill Us on Barsuk Records. The conversation then jumps to breakfast and a video they just finished for the first single, Sultan. We make fun of the director because he is in fact the man wielding the camera in this very shoot, Mr. Daniel Gibbs.

Money Mark Run-in

As I was leaving the San Jose Hotel I ran into the one the only, Money Mark. Money is best know for his work with The Beastie Boys, who he mentions in the clip. This clip is short and bueno.


Please note this is the last video where I'm where the same shirt!

Mason Jennings Interview Pt. 2

Here's so more action from my talk with Mason Jennings. He goes in depth about recording his new record In the Ever as well as a story about panties, watch it for Christ's sake!

Mason Jennings Interview Pt. 1

So I got the opportunity to sit down with Mason Jennings at the San Jose Hotel in Austin over SXSW. We talked about his involvement in I'm Not There, the Dylan Bio-flick as well as his new record on Brushfire Records. Check it!

The Black Keys @ Emo's

Here's the reason for me being at Emo's Wednesday night, The Black Keys. With a clip of Thickfreakness... what a great way to start the week.

First taste of SXSW... DRUNK

So prior to loading this video I did some long and hard thinking. Mainly trying to figure out what spurred the introspective interview by the very talented Gary, nice meeting you Gary, but more importantly--what's with all the Back to the Future references? Don't get me wrong I'm very much a fan of the movie, but this is a bit much if you ask me. I also pondered whether or not to post such a ridiculous clip, but then my judgement got the best of me! Sorry Mom and Dad...

Talkin' with G. Love Part 2

More with G... I had just watched his 2007 DVD, A Year and a Night with G. Love and Special Sauce, which documents the sauce's dynamic and what has kept them going for 15 years. I'd recommend it if you're unfamiliar with the group. G also mentions a new book he's writing as well as new music he's been diggin'. Turns out he's a West Indian Girl fan.

Talkin' with G. Love Part 1

I recently caught up with G. Love at Stubb's BBQ in Austin. He talks about his journey with G. Love from playing small clubs to selling out Stubb's as well as a preview of the new G. Love & Special Sauce album.



*Please note the shoddy mic work and my inability to speak into it. BUT hey, I'm fuggin' learning!

Welcome to QuinnStorm

In the beginning...

My name is Quinn and I enjoy music, how unique is that? I have no aspirations to bore or give you my 'weekend update' shtick. I do however, plan on giving you undeniable access to all things music. My journey will take me to choice concerts and festivals the world over, talking with bands, fans and everyone else involved with this art we all love so much. Oh and I nearly forgot, humor will be involved so please put your chair in the upright and locked position...