I'm gonna hate you when you go.

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008
Slow Runner (Listen to Podcast)


"step 1 - start with information about your early years that nobody really cares about but that you have to put in there because otherwise the bio is thin and it's completely obvious how unsuccessful you really are.
ex. slow runner started in 2003 when singer/songwriter michael flynn and multi-instrumentalist josh kaler began musically fornicating together after college.

step 2 - create a mythos around how your 'sound' was formed.
ex. one night while walking through the woods michael and josh pulled a sword from a stone and the curtains of heaven opened up and they simultaneously realized their musical destiny involved casio, loud drums, and short pop songs about girls.

step 3 - puff your chest out and list accomplishments no matter how insignificant they might be.
ex. michael flynn almost won the john lennon songwriting scholarship in 2001. then he did win the flat rock music festival songwriting contest, then he and kaler made 'no disassemble', formed a full band, and signed a deal with j records in 2005. " Read more...

Well, after talking to Michael today on the show, I have to wonder how on earth this mellow music comes from such a hyper fella! Even though he’s been expelled from school a time or two and isn’t allowed into the state of Georgia where he’s a convicted sex offender (not really), he’s developed an exuberant vocabulary (not to say sex offenders don’t have exuberant vocabularies) that he uses to attractively and hilarious portray himself and his bandmates, and also has the attitude of an artist that genuinely wants to hear the truth about what people think of his stuff.

This is the first time we’ve ever interviewed anyone that have been involved with a good-sized label, that aren’t any longer, and that don’t have any plans to be involved with one again. Michael said in the interview that Slow Runner used to be signed with J Records, and he said, “There’s been a giant paradigm shift in how the music business works. I don’t see any point in being on a major label at this point.” It was really interesting to hear that, because as you all know, we talk to people from both sides of the fence on this subject. Sometimes someone will say what Michael said, that it’s just not necessary to be signed to a label with the outlets that are available to get your music out there; and then other times we’ll hear from bands that they would really like to be signed with a label as long as it’s “the right deal” so as that they can get the financial and promotional support they need, and still be able to retain their creative freedoms.
Personally, I can see pro’s and con’s to both sides, but I think that with either side you’re faced with the same thing you’re faced with in any aspect of life. You’re going to have to work your proverbial rear-end off to get anywhere.

Which brings me to another point of our conversation; one thing that Michael mentioned that one thing he personally really disliked about being involved with J Records, was that everyone talked as if Slow Runner was the best thing since sliced bread.
“I just cannot stand how record label people talk. That whole fast talking, everyone’s positive, “everything’s happening, man!”. Anytime I’m around anybody even in another business that talks like that…I immediately have to leave the room because it’s so fake.”
You know that fluff that people throw out there to make you feel good about yourself when all they’re after is an opportunity to make money? That stuff. Michael admittedly stated though that if you’re an artist that has struggled, that “It’s impossible to not be charmed by all of that stuff. You cannot resist it!”
So like I said, you’re going to run into that crap in any aspect of life where you’re working to get somewhere. Someone’s going to come along with these symptoms of Fluffery, but you need to work hard to attain either A: a good record deal that’s going to be honest and give you constructive criticism and help you help yourself, or B: Go it alone and search for avenues to promote yourself and take advantage of them.

But anyway, Michael’s a guy with his head screwed on straight, and I’m sure the rest of his band mates have that same mindset, so we give them props for that, and for the sound of their music. It’s very mellow, kinda chill music which some of you chillers may enjoy!

I'm out of the closet.

As you can tell, a lot of what I write tends to have a lot of descriptive adjectives and gooberish words. A lot of that tends to be a good sign that I don’t know what I’m talking about a lot of the time. But hey, it’s interesting to read and make fun of, eh? ;-)

But all of that aside, I truly do want to put good content into what I write, and I for some really odd reason I like to put a bunch of pressure on myself to take into account all the different views and opinions, and I end up writing like a chicken with its head cut off. And through all of that, I start forgetting one very important thing.

If you’ve listened to the show, then you’ll know that the Viking and I are professing Christians. We believe, ‘God is; and He is Who He says He is. The Scripture is His special Revelation to the world. It is, from Genesis to Revelation, a thoroughly Christian document. It reveals God's intent to cleanse the world of sin, and to free His chosen people of their depravity through faith in the atonement of Christ Jesus, the eternally begotten Son. Through faith in Jesus, God the Spirit preserves His people forever. In response to His gracious provision, His people are to live lives of holiness and obedience to every word that has proceeded from the mouth of God.

Okay I suck at putting things eloquently, so I copy and pasted that from our church website. *grin*
But you’re not going to read all of that unless you’re intently interested in knowing what we believe. In a short, simple version, we believe in the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in the infallibility of Scripture under the presupposition that God is who He says He is, and everything that falls under that.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. I forget to write blog posts to the best of my ability in the way a Christian should. To the glory of God. So as a result, they end up full of holes and kind of irritating to read because they all tend to read the same.

And by this point, I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m writing all of this and why I can’t just know this in my head without verbalizing it and forming my blog posts to revolve around those thoughts. But I am just like my mother (HI MOM!) and I have to have something down on paper and filed away so I can rest easy knowing that it’s there for me to look back on if I need it! But also I’d like to have it here to keep what I write in check.

Okay, cool, so, all of that’s settled. All of this time I’ve felt like I’ve been dishonest because I haven’t come right out and been completely forthcoming.

So NOW! What is this blog now that I’m just saying what I think? Well it is what it’s always been. Now with just a little bit more straight-to-the-pointed-ness. There are times when the Viking and I seriously don’t like some of the music we play. THERE! I said it! I won’t go out and pinpoint exactly which ones because that wouldn't exactly be very nice. But from here on out, if you send us your music, expect to be liked, or just flat out disliked. But we’ll be nice about it, don’t worry.
(Yeah, I say that now, but once I come across someone I don’t like I’ll chicken out and be all nice and fluffy…HEY maybe I’ll get a Fluff Rating thing going on for you to vote on: “Is this fluff or is she being sincere?”)

Speaking of ratings; I’d really like to get you guys involved with us! Please tell us what you think! We like lively discussion. Up till now you haven’t had a lot to comment on, but I’ll be doing my best to make things better from that perspective.

Anyway, before I continue on this rant, I better take care of getting show interview slots filled for next week. Thank you so much for reading and for your continued support!

OH, and also, don't forget. TogiNet's new show, "Beauty Salon Confessions" starts THIS Thursday, May 1st at 1:00PM EST.

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
Vertigo (podcast up soon)


"Vertigo is an original alternative/rock band with a definite twist. Known for their ability to put on a great show, Vertigo is always able to connect with a crowd, and bring that crowd to its feet. Passionate, energetic, and eminently likeable, frontwoman Lindsey Stamey is an absolutely awe-inspiring vocalist and entertainer.
From hard-driving rock beats to a more ethereal and melodic vibe, Vertigo’s sound is somewhere between Flyeaf and Radiohead.
After having shared the stage with acts such as Flyleaf, The Gin Blossoms, 10 Years, and Shiny Toy Guns, Vertigo has the experience and ability to deliver performances that never fail to please.
Vertigo is a rare blend of musicianship at its finest, and entertainment at its most compelling."

Joel got stuck with the interview. It sounded like he'd just crawled out of bed, but apparently he was on break at work where he makes Spare Dentist Hands. (They're very high on demand these days) But nonetheless! He gave us the general run-down of the band and the ins-and outs of what's going on. Their stuff is actually really hardcore awesome. I love the sound of their vocalists' (Lindsey) voice! It's very Amy Lee/Fly Leaf sounding like their bio depicts.
And we can't forget Nathan and Justin! Hopefully if we're able to have them back, we can talk to them too.

They're going on an east-coast tour starting May 9th to June 14th, and their schedule is PACKED. Head out there and give 'em the support they need!

Swallowed in the sea...

Friday, April 25th, 2008
Arsel Arcaya (Listen to Podcast)


Okay! They do not have a bio! You know what happens when somebody doesn't have a bio.

Once upon a time, on a dank, dark night in the middle of the Nicaraguan jungle, a baby was born. His name...was Vic. Vic liked many things growing up. He once fashioned a drum kit out of nothing but bamboo, and from then on out became the king of all sweet-sounding jungle things. If you listen to him talk, you hear a distinctive Chicago accent, but his family and friends don't quite understand why he has it.

And then his life took a turn to one place, and the path of his life ran into those of his current band members (Tommy, Keaton, Jimmy and Nick), and BOOM, Arsel Arcaya.

But anyway! Back to the real stuff. The guys are heading off on a tour starting May 2nd, and lasting until July 12th, so they have their hands full. If you check out their myspace and look at the number of times their song, "Apollo the Ferret" has been played, your mind will be blown! It'll be interesting to see if all of their music gets the same reaction!

Their 5 song EP will be released over the course of the next couple weeks as they put one song a week up on their myspace. So don't miss out on the excitement.

I'll take care of you, oh.

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Jake Germany (Listen to Podcast)

Jake Germany is from a tiny town in Texas. Just recently he made the move to Oklahoma, all the while pursuing his music more than ever. After playing and singing for Tyler, Texas band, theRESERVES, he started his own project to write about more than the fog of adolesent lust, but of a love that is dwindling in the heart of this world. A love that is real.

Jake Germany was one of the first independent artists on our station! He's a native Tylerite and is well known and loved from here, all the way up through Shawnee, OK, AND BEYOND. He's released his second album titled "Hold Your Peace", and it is available on his myspace: www.myspace.com/jakegermany

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008
Jeremy (podcast up soon)

Jeremy is Martin Frericks, Sascha Görgens and Christof Cwienczek. The three musicians enjoyed making music together from the first minute and founded a band in Aachen, Germany. The name Jeremy was chosen to be a tribute to the songs and works of Pearl Jam, which have always been a great influence to the bands songwriting. Other very strong influences are Tool, Audioslave, Muse, Radiohead and Selig.

Oh goodness. This interview was THE COOLEST. Apparently I just have a thing for people from other countries, because I giggled throughout the entire thing. Martin and Sascha called into the show from Aachen, Germany (it was about 6PM their time) over skype, and we had a chat for about 30 minutes discussing their music, how they got started, and where they want to be in 5 years (obviously signed to a label in good ol' Texas).
My ignorance showed forth once again when I said, "So...whenever you guys speak in German...do y'all sound angry?" Which is a misconception spewing from a stilted view of Germanese music: Rammstein.

Anyway! It's a funny interview, we had a lot of fun with them, and we want you to listen to the podcast and lend them your support!

If you so happen to speak German, you can visit their website here: http://www.jeremy-online.de/
But if you don't, you can still visit and look at the pictures. That's what I'm doing. :-D

So, one day...

Viking and I will own a coffee shop. And when we do, this fine piece of sign-age will hang over the door way.


That's right. "Ye Olde Squatting Hound". You'll come to the opening, right?
(Yeah okay, I was just really bored one day and needed to practice some photoshop skillz...)

Friday, April 18th, 2008
Varnadore (listen to podcast)


Varnadore is Josh Varnadore and David Cook. We're about loving people and writing songs about the love we've been given. We pray that these songs fill you with hope and inspire you to truly live. Thanks for stopping by. Be true. -Varnadore PS: we love surprises. David enjoys Arizona green tea, sour punch straws, and a jimmy johns vito sub. Josh enjoys claritin, vitamin water, and a jimmy johns turkey tom sub.

For a band that's only been together for 8-9 months, Varnadore has more going for them then a lot of bands that we know that have been together for years. Being fellow believers in Christ, they acknowledge Who it was who gave them all of that talent, and they strive to do their best and work their hardest with what they've been given.

And they write songs in bathrooms. Common. That's cool.




Monday, April 22nd, 2008
Otto Vector (Listen to Podcast)

Video games, cartoons & pop music of the 1980's inspire the highly-animated musical stylings of OttO Vector. With a focus on heavy beats & catchy melodies, OttO Vector represents a uniquely balanced musical synthesis of organic & electronic, modern technology, rock & funky retro-pop.

"Its funky, unique and refreshing to hear. Totally original sound- No really, Im not kidding- totally original!" -Kelly Brown, 89x Radio

"Otto Vector clawed their way out of Detroit's barracks of aural analogousness by creating synth-pop that lies somewhere between The Fixx, The Pretenders, and a Nintendo game. With their heavy beats, power driven guitars, berserkish synth and slinky vocals, the group creates a blend of rock, funk, dance, and electro thats half 1984, half 2004." -Ray Wagel, Ann Arbor Paper

"If Gwen Stefani and the chick from Garbage had a kid and that kid was a local band, that band would be Otto Vector. Synthy but alt-rocky, this oddly named group sounds like theyre radio ready." -Real Detroit Weekly

"The SEXIEST band in Detroit!" -Cal Cagno, 89x Radio

Five bits to a byte, or three bits short of a byte? We'll let you decide! We talked to Mike and Renee this morning for a good 25 minutes, and it was a pleasant chat indeed! Check 'em out, for reals!

Sheer Luck ;-)

Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Brandon Sheer (podcast up soon)


"Down Looks Up ", the debut record by 19 year-old NYC-based singer songwriter Brandon Sheer is a melodic, heartfelt collection of pop songs that truly capture teenage angst in all its emotional glory. Trained at New York's famed Professional Children's School and mentored by voice coach Don Lawrence (Bono, Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera) and Gordon Grody (Alicia Keys, David Bowie), this freshman at the Berklee School of Music is looking to make a name for himself in an already crowded field while simultaneously expanding his education. Undaunted, Brandon realizes the challenges on the road ahead. "To me there just seems to be a void out there right now--a total lack of straightforward, well written, melodic pop rock songs," says the 19-year old dynamo. "I'm not claiming to reinvent the wheel here, nor do I feel that I have to. I just want to write the type of songs that people sing in the shower." Working with Xandy Barry and Wally Gagel, the production team behind recent hits by Jessica Simpson and Backstreet Boys, as well as writing with Aaron Kamin of the 90's rock band The Calling, Brandon seems to be well on his way. "The response so far on iTunes and Myspace has been amazing," says Brandon. "Well beyond what I expected," he adds. Brandon's songs combine noticeable elements of his favorite 90's alternative acts as well as classic pop artists. His sound evoke easy comparison to many of his influences including Pete Yorn, Lifehouse and Our Lady Peace. The lead single, "When You're Here" is a straightforward pop-rock love song with an undeniably catchy chorus, while "Change" is a driving rock song about moving on. Other highlights on “Down Looks Up” include “Stare At The Sun” and “When You Fall”. Brandon will continue writing and playing shows and hopes to have a full-length album out by the springtime. Keep an eye out for Brandon Sheer. The "Down Looks Up" EP is available on iTunes now!

Mr. Brandon Sheer. Quite a young fella. Like me, but I'm not a fella.
It was really interesting talking to someone that young with so much drive to get his music out there. But he's taking a bit of a different approach to doing so! Instead of taking his music on the road for mass touring, he'll be looking to selling his music to TV and Movie licensing deals. My first reaction was, "Whaaat?", but then as I thought about it, whenever I go to a movie or watch my favorite TV shows, I always end up thinking "Hmm...can't wait for the soundtrack to come out/can't wait to get to my computer so I can find out what song this is." So why not do it that way? Check out his stuff at: www.myspace.com/brandonsheer

Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through, And you know that's what our love can do.

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Michael Buble (fictional podcast available in Blondie's head)


Here's a transcript piece from the podcast:

Michael: Ashley, darling, how are you?
Blondie: "Hi..hi hi...HIII hellloo...HI!"

*sigh* Okay, maybe not. Michael Buble Radio has been playing on Pandora (can we say obsessed?) for the past couple of hours. Viking's going to have to take over the blog-posting if I keep this up!

Tuesday, April 15th, 2008
Hot Vegas (listen to podcast)

The word migration is defined as an unwillingness to permanently settle in one location. After releasing their EP, This One’s For Desire, in early 2005, Andrew X (vocals/guitar), Alex Stewart (guitar), Daniel Henderson (bass) and Jared Bruce (drums) embarked on a musical expedition with no specific destination in mind. “The music we make is just what comes out,” says Andrew. “We just play what we feel.” The result is an emotionally charged and commercially appealing sound that many have referred to as “a breath of fresh air.”
The songs on Migration not only possess genuine sincerity, but also a refreshing originality that dares to challenge an industry in which cookie cutter is the norm. “Most of the songs on Migration are about our own personal experiences,” concedes Andrew. “I think it would be very unfair to pick just one song off the record that defines us because they all define us. We created all of them.”

Hot Vegas has been likened to some of the most innovative bands of all time. Recently referred to as “what Coldplay could sound like with balls” by Emotional Punk Magazine, their soaring melodies and inspired vocals are most comparable to the iconic sound and feel of U2.
Although some elements of their musical influences can be heard in their songs, hot vegas effortlessly manages to create a signature style that is representative of who they are and what they stand for as a band. ...Read More

Vocalist and guitarist Andrew X (I like the "X"), whom I'd been chatting back and forth with over e-mail to discuss interviews and whatnot, called and chatted with us for a good bit! The band (BTW, they've shared the stage with bands such as Sherwood, Relient K, Cartel and several others) is fixing to be in the throes of Album Birth; they're heading into the studio to record with James Paul Wisner (who's worked with Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Under Oath...etc) their sophomore full-length album. You can get their first full-length album, "Migration" on their myspace: www.myspace.com/hotvegas

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Sugar Glyder (podcast up soon)

Melodically aggressive, and intimately honest, Sugar Glyder exists to consistently interject their own personal concoction of innovative sound into the starving veins of the art form known as music. Forming in late 2002, near the small town of Waxhaw, original collaborators Chris and Daniel starting playing music together. Once the addition of Cory and Emily came to pass in late 2003, belonging and purpose slowly pushed them into writing their own music. These components, eventually re materializing into full length songs, became the binding contract between these four individuals. They are not only song writers, they are listeners. Nearly four years later, this unit is working to fight for all that is wholesome and self-sacrificing in the realm of the music industry.

Sugar Glyder. A name that means nothing, but yet is powerful enough to be a state of being.
Daniel Howie (he's the one that looks like one of the vampires on the old "Lost Boys" movie) and Chris Rigo (he looks like Serius Black) graced us with their presence for a whoppin' 30 minutes! We kept them a long time on there laughing and cutting up. You would've thought by our moods that it was Friday or something! LISTEN TO THE PODCAST...when it's up tomorrow!
They're releasing a full-length album in TWO DAYS, so check out the hype on their myspace: www.myspace.com/sugarglyder. Also, they're heading on a huge east-coast tour kicking off on May 9th, see their schedule to see if they're coming to a venue near you!

Texas: You'd think it would always be hot around here.

Guess again. It's been in the upper 80's of late, but last night it dropped down into the 30's. Now I know I'll be changing my tune in a month or two...but I just want summer to finally GET HERE.

Monday, April 14th, 2008
Jereme Stewart (podcast up soon)

Jereme Stewart was born and raised in Houston, Texas. As a child, Jereme was always musically inclined. He quickly learned how to play the violin, and for four years played in the orchestra. While attending Shippensburg University, Jereme helped form the acoustic duo Jereme & Ethan. A few months after Jereme & Ethan formed, they recorded a short demo album featuring 5 original tracks.
After playing many shows together featuring their own music as well as covers, they decided to become a full band. It was then that they brought in drums and bass to form the band ~Fighting for Sara~. Fighting for Sara began playing at various events and parties around the Philadelphia area. Before they knew it, Fighting for Sara had formed a following of fans. FFS then recorded their first album "Say Anything".
Jereme Stewart moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he continued to play live shows, write, and record music. Jereme has appeared on numerous online radio stations and college radio stations around the country. In the spring of 2006 Jereme completed his full band solo EP entitled "The Real EP", featuring some of the Harrisburg areas most talented musicians.

Well, Mr. Jereme Stewart is our first ever Singer/Songwriter/Model. The guy's talented! His music has a very prominent Dave Matthews Band feel to it - very laid-back and relaxed. Check out his tunes at: www.myspace.com/jeremestewart

You and I collide.

Pandora's been hookin' me up with a lot of Howie Day for some reason. I have one of his albums, but I've never really bothered to listen to any of it except for "Collide". Maybe I'll change my tune...

Pun intended.

Thursday, April 10th, 2008
Lynus (listen to Podcast)


Okay, normally, I would post a bio here about the band we interviewed, BUT unfortunately they do not have one available. SO I'll have to put some work into this.

Blake was born in a cheese factory north of Philadelphia. He met Joe, Minh and Tim while delivering cheese to local grocers on the west side, and immediately hit it off with them. Eventually, after growing up and creating a gigantic cheese empire, he got tired of the high-rolling life, and turned to his second passion. Music. Coincidentally, Joe, Minh and Tim all shared the same passion (not exactly sure about their specific life journeys), so they did what any aspiring musicians would do. Form a band.

I encourage you all to question everything I say.

No, but seriously. The four guys met in seventh grade and have been making music since then. They've got a rockin', "real" indie rock sound, as well as sweet 60's style album art that doesn't necessarily portray the style of music they play. (all of that was covered in the interview).

Joe's a vegan. He won't eat cows.



SO check them out! They've got great senses of humor (a huge plus coming from us) and really, they have great quality stuff that I think y'all will enjoy.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

I am humbled.

I expect you all to react to change like a bunch of Baptists!

NEW STUFF!

Okay, I went nuts with Amazon Widgets. I don't know why, but the word "widgets" makes me smile.

Up above *points* you will see a scrolling widget displaying album art! In it you'll find music from a some of the artists that we've had on our show! So, if you're an artist, and would like to be/have been on our show, let us know if you have either an album or music downloads available on Amazon, and we'll stick you up there!

Aaand to your right (scroll down a bit), you'll find mine and Viking's Fav Crap. We just tossed a few things in there for fun because we thought it looked cool.

The end.

So, I thought I'd give you all a brief tour of our workplace.

Here, we have my microphone and the mixer board.


Aaand here is the place where The Viking rests his posterior region.


Oh look! Here's his posterior region!


And here is my computer working hard on the site! Neat, huh?



Monday, April 7th, 2008
Farewell Down (podcast up soon)


The story, not better off forgotten, is the tale told of Farewell Down.

This story begins with two lads whose blistered souls meet on the eve of a cold night. With fiddles in hand and a hop in their step, they would face each other for the first time.

Joe, a corky boy, didn't really feel the need to express his feelings through words. Instead he expressed it in song, always carrying a tune wherever he went. Some enjoyed it, while others hid in the shadows when he would walk by. With pen in hand and a notebook hanging out of his sown, but remarkably worn pocket, he would write whatever was on his mind and sing to whomever would listen (even if it was not the most delightful tune). Little did he know there was someone who could make his words feel the way he had always wanted them to.

Rudy, a funny fellow, whose hair made even the most beautiful men jealous, viewed life in a different fashion. Instead of walking, he danced to his destinations, sometimes in the process adding a whole group to his rhythmic ways. As strange as it seems, he only danced to the music that he played on his fiddle, strumming his tune on the cold wound strings. Living for late, he desired to add words to this tune, a melodious harmony with meaning and substance.

One fateful day Joe was singing while Rudy was in the distance dancing and playing his fiddle. All of the sudden, as they drew near to each other, Joe’s tune began to change to the notes and music that were being played by Rudy. As they passed by each other they stopped as if they could not move further until they figured this mystery out. Soon they faced the same direction and began walking together, but there was something missing. Despite all the harmonious notes and tasty licks their timing was completely off. As they continued traveling through the town, in the mist of all the noise they heard rhythm. As they drew closer they realized what they had been missing. "My name is Paul," he said as he kept the beat going with his hands. Joe and Rudy nodded in approval as Paul joined there side as they traveled down the road not knowing who they would run into or what towns they would find along the way. All they knew is that there was meaning in this thing they called music and they wanted all who would listen to hear. As their shadows faded in the distance all you could hear was their music. The music of Farewell Down.

"Finding out, all you’ve planned for me and write it off as pure insanity. Here to show the world what we’re living for, so take it all and use it for you Lord."

Poor Joe has been a victim of my blonde-ness. We had scheduled an interview for last Friday, but again, I forgot a vital detail and didn't send him, or ask for contact information. Smart, huh? But we got it worked out and had him back on his day off! Today!
He called in all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (okay, he'd just woken up) and gave as a very good rundown of what the band is all about.
For those of you who weren't able to catch the show, they're going to be signing with an indie label very soon, and will hopefully be releasing a full-length album in a very short 5-6 months! Keep up with them on their website, www.myspace.com/farewelldown.

Pandora...

...is amazing.

I'd completely forgotten that I made an account with them a few years ago. I keep hearing how great it is from friends, family...random people on the street, etc.

"When was the last time you fell in love with a new artist or song?

At Pandora, we have a single mission: To play music you'll love - and nothing else.

To understand just how we do this, and why we think we do it really, really well, you need to know about the Music Genome Project.

Since we started back in 2000, we have been hard at work on the Music Genome Project. It's the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken. Together our team of fifty musician-analysts has been listening to music, one song at a time, studying and collecting literally hundreds of musical details on every song. It takes 20-30 minutes per song to capture all of the little details that give each recording its magical sound - melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics ... and more - close to 400 attributes! We continue this work every day to keep up with the incredible flow of great new music coming from studios, stadiums and garages around the country." Read More

I accessed my old account, and boy do personal music tastes change. I can chalk a lot of that up to Viking; he's forced me to listen to late 70's/early and late 80's/90's music. On one station, I mixed the sounds of Melee with those of The Goo Goo Dolls, and they compiled the data from both bands, and are now playing "Run" by Collective Soul. How freaking cool is that?

But anyway! If you have a boring desk job and are looking to expand your music library, Pandora is the way to do it!

If you listened to the show today, you might've heard me talking to Viking about some dude proposing to a chick on the set of Scrubs. Well, here it is. It made me get all teary-eyed.
NOTE: Mr. Braff uses a not-so-very-nice word so...be forewarned.

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

I mean....how sweet is that?!

Oh, here's some cute Muppet Bloopers...

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

YOU'VE BEEN RICK ROLL'D

I'm really bad at making titles!

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Triangle Shirt Factory (listen to Podcast)


Triangle Shirt Factory is the folk, rock, reggae music of Trevor Leonard. The twenty-five year old singer/songwriter was born and nurtured in Bucks County Pennsylvania, a fading farmland suburb of Philadelphia. Leonard draws inspiration from his hometown and writes about preserving nature, discovering hope, creating community and opening up to new ways of thinking about progress.

Triangle Shirt Factory’s first full length effort, Widening, self-released on October 23, 2007, demonstrates mature songwriting with melodies comparable to Jimmy Eat World, the passionate groove of Sublime, and intellectual lyrics similar to the poetry of Simon and Garfunkel.

The concept of the record is to be open – open to change, beauty and signals that would otherwise be overlooked; to question progress on personal, political, and global levels; to develop a community of passionate thinkers. In the last year, Triangle Shirt Factory has toured the Northeast and Midwest several times and has opened for artists ranging from Roger Waters to Valencia.

Leonard celebrates nature and family, offers hope to desperate characters, and cultivates memories, questioning and the mind in an accessible narrative style. In addition to playing an array of instruments on Widening, Leonard produced the songs on the album and developed arrangements for family members and friends to add instrumentation.

The moniker Triangle Shirt Factory alludes to the historical Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City that burned in 1911 and changed labor rights forever. Claiming the lives of more than one-hundred women, children and men laborers due to unsafe conditions, the tragedy was a catalyst which halted unfair treatments of workers and women. The music of Triangle Shirt Factory carries with it a call to action and Leonard’s message is clear: positive change is possible; we must act to prevent tragedy, not wait until it is too late.

Widening encourages listeners to open their minds to history and possibilities. Triangle Shirt Factory has been on the road non-stop, delivering energetic and thought-provoking performances with no signs of relenting. “I love to tour and share stories about my life with people at shows,” Leonard remarks, “and I love hearing their stories as well. Our stories are significant and inspiring. I live to be inspired and inspire others and that is why I play music.”

The Viking and I think that Trevor gave the best answers we've ever heard to our questions. Usually we ask the general "What are you doing right now...", "where's your band name come from?", "what is your creative process?", type questions; we've never gotten a bad answer, but the way that Trevor answered them really spoke a lot about his passion for music and for his career. He's an extremely intelligent, well-read and fascinating college graduate, with an ear for acoustic melodies and smart lyrics.




Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Rob Grad (podcast up soon)


"After being a member of 2 successful bands, this Venice California based singer- songwriter has finally decided to step out on his own. He is one of those rare, instantly recognizable artists who uses his unique style, sound and voice to create his own brand of rock.

A fan at a recent show referred to the sound as "...if Lucinda Williams and Peter Gabriel sat in with U2". Rob Grad was the bass player and a main songwriter in early 90’s RCA act Kik Tracee– a time he remembers fondly. “We got signed right out of high school without a demo because of our live show. Everyone has a first band. Ours just got further than some. I hadn’t even heard a Sonic Youth song yet.”
The first time he did hear a Sonic Youth song, however, it changed his life. “I remember sitting there thinking, ‘I didn’t know you could do this.’” Later, Lucinda Williams and Jeff Buckley provided similar revelations in his musical development. Soon after that first “Sonic Youth” moment, it became obvious to Rob that he could no longer continue on the same artistic path, so he picked up the guitar, started singing, and left Kik Tracee to start in a new direction.

In 1998 he formed a studio project called Superfine. Superfine recorded 2 cds, a 7” vinyl single, and appeared on the 1999 soundtrack to the television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” which has sold over 200,000 copies to date. As he continued writing what he originally thought was going to be more Superfine material, Rob again found himself moving in a new direction. “The songs have always led the way for me, and I needed to come out from behind the wall of sound to do them justice.”
He is currently working on his first solo cd, and performing regionally on the west coast. These live solo performances have quickly been earning him a reputation as a “must see” artist. Recent Los Angeles venues include The Hotel Cafe and Genghis Cohen. Hisset lists tend to blend his original material with drastically reworked covers of an eclectic mix of songs that can include anything from Nirvana to Billie Holliday. Guest performers on the album include Martin Tillman (cellist, Elton John) and John Leftwich (bassist, Lyle Lovett, the Eels). Rough mixes of some of the songs have already placed on NBC, CBS, HBO and the WB.
The cd is tentatively titled "No Apologies" and will drop early 2008."

After having done this show for about 6-7 months, we've run in to a lot of bands that have showed a lot of promise, but lacked the time (years might be a better word) and experience to really know how to key-in on their strengths, strengthen their weaknesses, and completely understand what they're doing and where they want to go.

Rob Grad brought in a huge breath of fresh air in regards to all of those things and caught Viking and I by surprise! A very pleasant surprise! He's had that life experience that so many haven't had yet, and is able to play/record excellent quality music; as well as present himself in a way that very well depicts his passion for his music. All I have to say is...we want him back on the show AQAP (as quick as possible). He hopes to have his new album, "No Apologies" out in May, which includes a DVD and a new music video!

Postal Workers gone postal.

I'm awful at coming up with things to write about. I love to write, but seriously, I sit here and think "Oh! That's a good topic! Wait...no...hm...I'll have to actually work hard at writing it...maybe not such a good idea". I do it for hours. It's a vicious cycle.

But I found a topic finally. I'll call it;

"I Got A Package"

As you probably know, Viking and I aren't merely morning radio talk-show hosts. Our days are filled up with different projects ranging from graphics design (my stuff), to writing contracts and general management for our parent company (Viking's stuff), The Owners Group, Inc.
Even though TogiEntertainment's main office is out of Oklahoma City, the radio station and a good bit of business activity is run out of this office (Tyler, TX), including the book publishing part.
One of my jobs is being in charge of packaging and shipping all of the books that we sell (Whatever Happened to Peggy Sue by Peggy Sue Gerron, What Gives by Chelsea Marie, and The Naked Truth by Mark Faulk). Recently I sent out a shipment of promotional books to reviewers and radio stations across the country; not all of the address are up-to-date, and so it's to be expected that maybe one book out of fifty is returned to us. No big deal, right?

Well today, I got this book back in the mail.



Yes. Let me give you a closer look.



Dead.

What kind of sick mail man writes "DEAD!" on the front of a package being returned to sender!? Deceased...fine. But DEAD?
( I don't know if I'm supposed to leave addresses un-blurred on this thing...but since they're DEAD...I guess it doesn't matter)

Whaaatever.

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Polymer (listen to podcast)

"After a recent rock show at a venue in a Philadelphia suburb, a seventeen year old music fan witnessed one of the best performances of his life. The show took place in a youth center that was bursting at the seams with several hundred teenagers that had just experienced a set they would never forget. Afterwards, as the lights came back on and the energy in the sweaty room subsided, he approached the five band members with a well-worn copy of their EP, a marker, and these words: “Thank you for bringing rock music back to Philadelphia.”

The band, Polymer, formed in 2003 with the intention of doing just that. Their music has been given many different titles by critics since their inception, from “shiny alterna-pop” to “completely unique and captivating,” however, “Positive Rock” has been the name that seems to best define the band and their attitude towards music. Armed with their dedication to telling a story through strong songwriting and their passion for energy-infused rock, the band has amassed a fan base whose loyalty and dedication to promoting Polymer”s music has been so integral to their continued success.

With the release of their late 2004 EP These Mediums, Polymer broke out in the Philly music scene as one of the brightest up and coming bands...." Read More

I want to see them play live so badly.

Cat and Mandice dropped in over the phone lines (Matt and Candice - I got dyslexic and confused/mixed them up). With everything they told us, I think they've made me a fan for life. I love their energy, I love how put-together they are, organized, fun, talented...etc etc. They've been taking a break from playing live to tighten up their live performance; so if you happen to be in an area that they'll be playing in in the future, do not hesitate to haul out there and prepare to be amazed!

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