Today was like a musical draft for one of the biggest festivals in the US. I speak of the 4 day festival Bonnaroo and today’s announcement has been a day long event as the initial line-up was introduced to all who were curious throughout the day via Twitter and MySpace. This was the first time Bonnaroo has done something like there where they utilize other sites to slowly leak out fetival details.
The way that Bonnaroo chose to dish out the artists was annoying to me. It was a novel idea but if you are like me you want to know everything at once and not have to wait over 12 hours for a line-up. I hope next year they just go back to routine and hand everything out at once.
Having already been to Bonnaroo twice (2006 & 2009) I can tell you that the line-ups are generally full of an array of artists for everyone. This year is without exception and I really am thinking hard about going again. I had a great time last year and really could go for a road trip with friends again. This time though I am going to go and enjoy it and not worry about covering it. I missed out on a few good sets because I made promises of coverage on a site I could barely keep but I still kept to my word and was submitting nightly reviews as the sun was rising the next day.
The artist line-up is listed below and I am sure a few other acts will sneak in over the upcoming weeks. Anyone else interested in attending? I know it will be a good time as always – just look at all the bands and artists!
Artists confirmed for
* Dave Matthews Band
* Kings of Leon
* Stevie Wonder
* Jay-Z
* Tenacious D
* Weezer
* The Dead Weather
* Damian Marley and Nas
* Phoenix
* Norah Jones
* Michael Franti and Spearhead
* John Fogerty
* Regina Spektor
* Jimmy Cliff
* LCD Soundsystem
* The Avett Brothers
* Thievery Corporation
* Rise Against
* Tori Amos
* The National
* Zac Brown Band
* Les Claypool
* John Prine
* The Black Keys
* Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers
* Jeff Beck
* Dropkick Murphys
* She & Him
* Against Me!
* The Disco Biscuits
* Daryl Hall & Chromeo
* Jamey Johnson
* Clutch
* Bassnectar
* Kid Cudi
* Baaba Maal
* Kris Kristofferson
* Medeski Martin & Wood
* The xx
* GWAR
* Dan Deacon Ensemble
* Tinariwen
* Wale
* Deadmau5
* The Melvins
* The Gaslight Anthem
* Miike Snow
* The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
* Dr. Dog
* They Might Be Giants
* Punch Brothers
* Isis
* Blitzen Trapper
* Blues Traveler
* Miranda Lambert
* Calexico
* OK Go
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Martin Sexton
* Lotus
* Dave Rawlings Machine
* Mayer Hawthorne and the County
* Japandroids
* Jay Electronica
* Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
* Ingrid Michaelson
* The Dodos
* Manchester Orchestra
* The Temper Trap
* Cross Canadian Ragweed
* Big Sam’s Funky Nation
* Carolina Chocolate Drops
* NEEDTOBREATHE
* Tokyo Police Club
* The Entrance Band
* Local Natives
* Brandi Carlile
* Mumford & Sons
* Rebelution
* Diane Birch
* Monte Montgomery
* Julia Nunes
* The Postelles
* Lucero
* Here We Go Magic
* Hot Rize
* Neon Indian
* B.O.B
* More Artists to Be Announced! (Subject To Change As Well)
Rumors earlier in the month pointed to Roger Waters possibly playing the festival but I am sure that is a no go now. Also word on the streets was that Mastodon was going to make an appearance as well. One could only hope.
I’ll be posting stuff here and there through out the next few months. Still have not fully committed but highly considering it…
Tickets are on sale now and at this time are $234.50 but that price will not last forever and they will jump to $249.50. They also are going to have the payment plan again this year – 5 payments of $50. Not too shabby!
Today I had a long day at work and really just wanted to get up and run away. The time was moving slow and my concentration was long gone by the lunchtime hour. I tried listening to my iPod and nothing was capturing my attention. I was having difficulties finding something to jam to and it was making the day crawl even slower.
I just was not having it.
Luckily I got an email from my pals at Thirty Tigers and everything changed. They emailed me to tell me about a band called Backyard Tire Fire. I admit I chuckled at the band name but knew it had to be something interesting if the three decade big cat people were sending out emails about them. I decided to take a moment and check out the video…
Needless to say that was all it took for me to become a fan. On February 16th the band will be releasing Good To Be on Kelsey Street Records / Thirty Tigers.
In support of the release the band will be touring all over the place and will be making a stop in Cleveland on May 1st at the Beachland Tavern. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those shows not to be missed.
Over their eight-year career as a band, Backyard Tire Fire has created a presence in the music world that is hard to ignore. Their fifth full length release Good To Be was produced by Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin and is a culmination of guitarist/vocalist Ed Anderson’s 13-year journey on the road of rock and roll. With this release Backyard Tire Fire delivers an album full of working-man songs that demonstrate their upbeat, glass half full approach to life.
A couple of weeks back I had the pleasure of seeing Austin’s very own Dale Watson & His Lone Stars at the Beachland Tavern with my pal Dale, not Watson. It was a cold January Tuesday night but once inside the tavern full of real country music lovers one would think they were in Texas with the atmosphere and fun attitude spread about during the performance. Cowboy hats were optional and I only saw a couple during the evening to be quite honest.
A brief history how Dale Watson’s music and I came to be before I even go on… I was working at the record store I once managed with my pal Dale, not Watson. Dale picked up a CD one day with a guy on the cover who had a couple tattoos and almost looked rockabilly mixed with some Chris Isaak appeal (here is a link to the album we had in our hands). I honestly thought once the CD began we were going to listen to some rock act that never made it but the moment Dale Watson’s voice came across the speakers both our mouths dropped open.
It was country music, not that crappy pop country music, but honest and wholesome country with some outlaw attitude added. His voice was baritone and ever so comforting. I was instantly reminded of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and even Waylon Jennings while listening to the CD. Dale was more astounded than I and he became a huge fan in moments time. Sometimes picking up a random CD out of a pile of what looks like nothing just to check out the sound is worth it.
I later on would learn that Dale Watson was more of an underground DIY type of artist who preferred to do things his way even if it meant he would not gain immediate popularity. He is friends with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, and has released 18 albums (live & studio) over the past 15 years. Many of the songs are about being on the road doing his thing, truck stops, and life. Not all is cheerful though as some songs are written around the love of his life who he lost to a car accident in 2000 as well as how Dale Watson coped through the ordeal. His downward spiral of abuse and depression from the tragedy luckily ended in time for the artist to continue going through with his passion.
Dale Watson has come through town a couple of times now over the years but for whatever reason I missed out. Dale, not Watson, though made it to a prior show and had nothing but good things to say. I always was curious to see him live so the moment I found out Dale Watson was coming back to Cleveland I owed it to myself to make an appearance and thanks to Dale, not Watson, I was able to set aside time to ensure I would be there. There was no way in hell I was going to miss this opportunity as seeing someone as charismatic as Dale Watson.
Upon walking into the tavern that night I was shocked to see that I was actually one of the younger fans in house but I did not let that bother me at all. Before I knew it some older gentleman sitting at the bar was telling me stories about his tattoos and a Bic pen (don’t ask). He was beyond entertaining and I think was more than half in the bag before the show even started. I never did catch his name. A couple other folk there I actually knew so prior to the show we hung out and talked Watson.
With no opening act Dale Watson & His Lone Stars took the tiny stage and delivered an amazing show. Having been the first time I witnessed them live I made sure to plant my feet right next to the stage and held my ground until the last song was played. I also was equipped with my trusty camera so I may have taken a photo or two.
Having the fans provide the set list during the evening proved Dale Watson and crew were all about putting on the best show possible. A couple of times Watson would acknowledge the shouted out song and tell the fans he was going to save that for later but for the most part when some one shouted out a track the band played it. Playing tracks new and old I got a better taste of his material that evening than I ever imagined. Still learning his catalog I was most excited to hear “Country My Ass” and “Exit 109”.
After the show my pal Dale, not Watson, and I struck up a conversation with the drummer of the band as well as their road manager. Both gents were very cool people and after a little time passed we learned that Watson likes to drive the tour bus himself amongst other things. We even all shared a shot and toasted to my birthday that was happening in just a couple hours.
The shot you ask? A Jagerbomb… Yeah I know, not too country.
Soon they introduced us to Dale Watson who was just hanging out at the bar drinking a beer and chatting with a couple other fans. Needless to say Dale Watson was just as cool as the other members. He kindly chatted to the both of us and Dale, not Watson, told Dale Watson that he “felt like a little kid meeting Hanna Montana.” Laughs were shared about but I know how Dale, not Watson, felt. Even if Dale Watson is not at the top of the charts we both see him as a musical icon and to meet him and talk to him was a big deal. I could not have asked for a better evening of music that night and thanks to Dale Watson & His Lone Stars I also have some memories to accompany my most recent birthday.
Here’s a little snippet of the show thanks to Dale, not Watson, who filmed it with one of my cameras:
Have you found yourself interested in Dale Watson? Here are a couple of my recommendations:
I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am about this post. I had the pleasure today to interview Frank Turner through email and could not be happier. If anyone knows me, Frank Turner is a big deal to me. I have to admit my appreciation for me grew to unmeasurable amounts after I heard his latest release Poetry Of The Deed.
I confess, the name Frank Turner was not fresh in my mind beforehand when I heard that album. I continually smack myself in the head still as I could not put two and two together when listening to it at the time and realizing he was the guy in the UK post-hardcore, now defunct, act Million Dead. I knew of Frank Turner but prior to his last release was not aware of his solo material.
Some music fan I am right? Regardless I am a huge fan of Frank Turner so it only made sense for me to try and set up an interview with him. It was easier for us both just to do it over the email and I must say no one has ever replied faster than him.
Such a proud moment for me here. Let me take a moment and soak in all that is awesome for what I am about to share…
Ok I am better.
Enjoy!
BHP – Before I even begin, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. I know you have been a busy man for quite some time touring and all. How long have you actually been on tour now?
FT – Actually I just took 3 weeks off, which is the longest time I’ve gone without playing a show for about 6 years now. I did my first tour when I was 16, and have been pretty much constantly on the road since 2004. It’s great. Answering questions is no bother.
Were you been able to take any breaks prior?
I get little breaks here and there, and like I say I’ve just had quite a bit of time off (by my standards). I get very claustrophobic if I stay in the same place for more than a few days, I think I’ve rewired my brain now, haha. So when I’m not touring or in the studio, I generally find excuses to get on a train or a plane and go visit some friends or something.
Photo by www.christopherdibble.com
I along with many of your other fans have been able to keep tabs on you thanks to your Facebook/Twitter posts. How important is it to be more personal to the fans?
What I like about stuff like Facebook and Twitter is that it pulls aside the curtain on rock’n’roll. I was never that taken with the whole business of mythologizing what it means to be a musician. I like to let people know what the realities of life on the road are like, and to point out that I’m no different from anyone who listens to my music. That’s the strength of the whole web 2.0 thing.
How stressful does it get traveling overseas from the US to the UK and beyond on any given date?
I don’t find it particularly stressful at all – in fact I find it quite liberating, and I find being in the same place quite stressful. I mean, transatlantic flights are always going to be a drag, but it’s a small price to pay. Whenever I get to go to new places I haven’t been to before solely on the basis that I play guitar, I think it’s absolutely wonderful, if a little insane. I pinch myself occasionally.
Seems like 2009 was your year to get noticed thanks to the release of Poetry Of The Deed. How does it feel to have a growing fan base?
It feels great. Without wanting to sound defensive, I’ve worked really hard in the last few years at what I do, to make the best albums and to play as many shows as I can. It’s a great feeling to see hard work pay off, and to see some of the dreams I’ve had since I was a kid start to come true. It’s as awesome as you’d imagine it to be. I’m very privileged to be in these shoes right now.
What prompted you to go into a more so acoustic solo career once Million Dead disbanded or was that something in the works prior to the band’s ending?
I think that when that band ended, in a lot of stress and recrimination and so on, I was just done with hardcore as a sound. I felt like I’d poured everything into that band, and when it didn’t work, I needed to do something different. I’d started listening to folk, country and so on quite extensively in the last few years of the band’s existence, and when it ended, well, it seemed like a good way to go. It also meant I could stay on tour without having to put a band together, without having to rely on other people, something I was very wary to do at the time.
So have you spoken to any of the members? Or were the differences that led to the band’s departure more personal and evident of a reunion never to happen?
We’re all on at least reasonable terms now. The drummer and I are firm friends. It’s all water under the bridge now – that was a very intense band to be in, but now that we’re all clear and the dust has settled, it doesn’t matter as much. There won’t be a reunion though, I’ll say that for sure. I’m just not interested in looking back like that.
Who are your musical influences these days?
These days I tend to bore into a handful of bands at a time, get really obsessed with them, and they influence my thinking about music.
Springsteen has been an overshadowing presence in my music for the last few years, but more recently I’m super-into Loudon Wainwright III. He’s fucking amazing.
What bands have you been listening to as of late?
Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Neil Young again because I’m reading a book about him. Beyond that, I’ve finally got into the latest Weakerthans album (which I’m fast starting to think is their best). Also Crazy Arm, who are coming on tour with me in Europe in March and April, and Ben Marwood, a friend of mine who puts me to shame with his excellence in songwriting.
I heard that Flogging Molly recently asked you to join them on tour. What was your initial reaction when they asked you?
I thought it was great, very flattering. And then I found out how popular they are in the States, and I was blown away. The shows we’re doing are biiiig.
Anyone else you would like to mention that you are touring with in 2010?
I’m happy that I’m going to be returning a favour in March – Chuck Ragan has taken me out in the USA and been a great friend and inspiration to me in recent years, and now he’s coming out on my next UK tour, which is a big one – 3000 people a show or so – so it feels good to be paying that one back. I’m also excited about Revival Australia – I’ve never been there before, and I get to play more shows with Tim Barry, someone I can’t get enough of right now.
Are you still going to play house shows here and there now that you are making it into the spotlight? I have a place in Cleveland you can play if you ever want to…
Sure, here and there. If you can put up 6 people (me, band and crew) after the Flogging Molly show in Cleveland, I’ll play a set there as well. Deal?
Sweet! So you still do house shows?
I still do a fair few of them – I’m playing a house show in Toronto tonight actually. It’s something that’s easy to put together, so it’s always an option.
Obviously there is more to Frank Turner than just yourself. Can you tell me about the backing band that helps you out on the album and tours?
My band [members] are amazing, and I’m really excited about them coming to the USA for the first time next month with Flogging Molly. It took me a while to get the line-up right, I wanted the best, and also a set of people who would gel together well as musicians. We finally got the chemistry right at the end of 2008, and we haven’t looked back. They’re all amazing musicians, much better than me, and they’re great at helping me get ideas out of my head. Plus they’re cool guys.
Any reason there is no actual band name like “The Frank Turner Band” or “Frank Turner and the…whatevers”?
You know, we’ve spent a long time talking about this, I really want a name for them – I don’t want them to be faceless sessionistas or whatever, they’re a band, you know? But we’ve struggled to find something everyone agrees on. The Contraband has been doing the rounds recently, and the 161 Band (a reference to where we used to rehearse and where I recorded my first album) but we’re still tussling over it. Some day.
The video for “The Road” to me was an amazing concept. 24 shows in 24 hours? How difficult was that to shoot?
Logistically it wasn’t so bad, we had a schedule and we stuck to it.
Physically it was a little more challenging. We did 8pm-8pm, and by time we hit around midday, everyone was fucking drained and unhappy, haha. It was pretty miserable for a few hours there. But we burned on through, and we made it to the end. It was a good experience.
Any plans for another music video off your latest release?
We did a tour video for the song “Poetry Of The Deed”, which you can find on YouTube. Then I think I’m making a video for the song “Isabel” when I’m in Los Angeles next week.
Last year you appeared in an alternative 90’s compilation and covered UK’s Kerbdog. Why Kerbdog? “Sally” is a great choice as a cover for a band that never really made it in the states.
I love Kerbdog, they were such an awesome band. I was actually asked to record a song for a Kerbdog tribute album, which I did, and then we decided to use it for the 90s thing as well. Great song, and apparently Cormac thought I did a good job too, which is cool.
You also covered a Bruce Springsteen song at one time. Have you heard any feedback from The Boss himself about your version of “Thunder Road”?
Not directly, though I know Brian Fallon [of the Gaslight Anthem] put a copy of the 7 inch into the Boss’s hands, so he has to be aware of its existence, haha. I’d be very excited to meet Springsteen, he’s a real hero for me.
Speaking of The Boss you are headlining a show at Asbury, NJ on Feb. 24th. Can we expect to hear about any special guests?
I wish, haha. We shall see.
How does it feel to be a part of the Epitaph family?
Great. It’s a label that I grew up with and that has an amazing roster now, so it’s a cool association. And now I’d count a lot of the people I work with as close friends. They’re very effective at promotion and so on.
So yeah, I’m very happy about it, all in all.
Can you tell me about a certain tattoo you got in Texas while at SXSW?
Haha, uhm, well… I’d been there for a few days and had some great shows, basically sealed the deal with Epitaph, had a lot of old friends around, that kind of thing, so I was in a good mood. I had one day where I had no shows to play so I got wicked drunk with the guys from Fake Problems, we went to see Van Pelt do a one-off reunion show, which was pretty emotional for me. Anyways, after about 14 hours on the booze I ended up in a tattoo parlour with Casey Lee, and we both got Texas tattoos. Seemed like a good idea at the time.. I was a little dismayed at first but I quite like it now. It has a good story with it.
Any regrets in life?
I do my best not to. I’m still sad that Million Dead never quite achieved what I thought we were capable of. Beyond that, not really.
What’s next for Frank Turner?
I’m on tour most of this year, it looks like, all over the world, which is great. I have a rough ambition to get another album recorded before the end of the year, so we can get it out in early 2011. We’ll see. The songs are coming together, it’s more a question of finding the time to record it properly. I also want to do an album of traditional English songs sometime. Keep myself busy.
Why should someone check out Frank Turner?
That’s not for me to say, really. Why not?
Catch Frank Turner playing with Flogging Molly on the Green 17 Tour on March 5th, 2010 at the House Of Blues on Euclid Ave. Rumor has it the show is sold out but if you look hard enough online you might be able to find a ticket for a decent price. I will be there.
I also should mention that Frank Turner is serious about the house show and I am going to be working my magic trying to find a suitable place for him and his crew to play a set as well as crash for the night. If any of you readers in the Cleveland area know of an appropriate spot where Frank Turner can play a house show please email me at broken@brokenheadphones.com. I have a few places in mind but am open to suggestions. Keep in mind the set he plans on playing would be after the Flogging Molly show. If this falls into place I will also be looking into filming it for the site.
Keep your fingers crossed!!!
If you do not own Poetry Of The Deed yet you really need to have it in your collection. CLICK HERE to order it (or the album cover below) and if you are wondering why you should own it CLICK HERE to read the review I did of it last year.
Then again you can just watch the following too…
Stay tuned for possible house party featuring Frank Turner!
Oh and if you have never heard of Kerbdog and were wondering what they were all about…
In a recent blog, I posted the news about Jay Reatard‘s death. At the time it was undetermined about how he died but apparently his death is now being investigated as a homicide. According to The L.A. Record Memphis Police are looking for a possible suspect in the musician’s death.
Hearing this I decided to so some internet surfing and found out some interesting info…
It appears as if Jay Reatard had some hate towards someone according to Exclaim.ca. Reading though the article it stated that Reatard had beef with New Jersey band Liquor Store.The garage punk outfit allegedly slashed the tires on Reatard’s tour van recently and Reatard did not take it lightly.
What is crazier is I read the last Twitter posted by Jay Reatard on 01/11/2010 at 3:24PM:
@jayreatard – “I will give anyone a hundred bucks per tire that they pop on the band liquor stores van ! Yes I’m serious”
So who is this Liquor Store band and why did they slash Reatard’s tires in the first place? Not trying to be CSI BHP here but looking at their MySpace page I noticed they just so happened to be in Tennessee for a couple of shows…right around the time Reatard was discovered dead.
Coincidence? Only time will tell…
Regardless the world lost a good artist who may not have been well known but really made in impact with his style.
UPDATE: According to a post on the Terminal Boredom message board, Reatard threatened members of Liquor Store with a chainsaw and hit a band member in the face with a disco ball.
Wait… did you say a chainsaw and a disco ball? Well no wonder they slashed his tires! Still the cause on the initial brawl is still unknown at this time as well as there is no proof that foul play has been involved.
Nashville Scene posted funeral information as well as supplied a Fox News cache to a story that was pulled off the internet.
Matador Records posted funeral information as well as well a personal entry from Matador co-owner/Matablog blogger Gerard Cosloy:
I was on a flight to NY this afternoon and when I landed there were about two dozen text messages about Jay Reatard’s passing. It is the height of understatement to say I’m upset, confused and deeply saddened by the loss of one of the more amazing people I’ve been fortunate to know. In record company parlance, yeah, we’ve lost (let’s go down the checklist) a phenomenal performer, songwriter, and insatiable music lover. But we’ve lost a great friend as well, and that’s the part that hurts the most.
We’re not the only ones feeling that way right now, obviously. Jay’s friends all over the country, heck, all over the world are dealing with this. I know his various scrapes over the years have made for cheap internet fodder, but the people who cared about him are gonna remember a real person that mattered to them. Our thoughts are with that very large group of people this evening.
Check out this well done short documentary on Jay Reatard:
