With a new single out, a new album forthcoming and a new member in the band, it seemed like the perfect time to sit down with the guys from It’s Karma It’s Cool to find out all about these new and exciting developments.
Between being a notable hired gun (Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, The The) and composing his own music with drummer Malcom Catto, guitarist Barrie Cadogan has been on some crazy adventures throughout his career. Little Barrie and Malcolm Catto’s most recent album, Electric War, sounds like the psychedelic and funky soundtrack to a ’70s movie performed by the band CAN. Cadogan shares stories about his many collaborations and discusses his favorite albums of all time in this engaging conversation.
“To really understand my musical journey, you need to know that I grew up in a tiny village in the Yonne region, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye — a place very far removed from the world of indie pop. Musically, I listened to whatever was playing on the radio, mostly commercial stuff, so when I arrived in Lyon in 1989 to finish my studies, it was a real shock. That’s truly where I discovered indie music, which would go on to change my life.” – Thierry Haliniak
Blancmange frontman Neil Arthur discusses the band’s upcoming North American tour
Translator frontman Steve Barton discusses the band’s new live album, Beyond Today: Live at the Farm – San Francisco 1986
“We had a break in Boxmeer, Netherlands for a week and I was really bored so I was coming up with new right hand finger patterns on 12-string in this very weird tuning that is not an open tuning. I figured out the tuning while trying to learn a traditional Irish song called ‘Where Are You (Tonight I Wonder)’. I was just messing around with the tuning since it’s odd and came up with a picking pattern I’d never seen before.” – Dylan Golden Aycock
While Colin Miller and Gary King weren’t family by blood, King’s profound influence on Miller’s life is undeniable, echoing in the country-tinged songs on Losin’. In this lengthy conversation, Miller shares his musical origin story, discusses the role geography plays in his songs, recalls some less-than-ideal tour stories, and details how King’s presence is felt throughout the new album.
Beauty in Chaos leader Michael Ciravolo discusses the latest releases by his acclaimed dark post-punk collective
Former Moody Blues frontman Justin Hayward discusses his new single and North American tour
Benmont Tench (former keyboardist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) strikes out on his own with a new solo album, The Melancholy Season
In his work, Paul Cafcae blends Americana music with Slavic lyricism and expressive imagery, revitalising traditional roots music with an injection of eastern-European folk. With a bright, entertaining presence he creates memorable experiences for his audiences. Cafcae’s songs are heard on radio stations all over the world.
Rubbish Party is an indie-rock band known for their indie rock energy, alternative grit, and synth-rock exploration, with members including Alfred Lavender (vocals/guitar), Edward Clutterbuck (bass/vocals), George Hammich (drums), Evan Von Berg (synthesizer/lyrics/producer), The Crimson Creep (mixer/synthesizer/lyrics/producer), and J. Edwin Galloway (guitar/lyrics/vocals).
The Waterboys frontman Mike Scott discusses his band’s latest album, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper
Flamin’ Groovies leader Cyril Jordan discusses his legendary band’s career, including their 1960s beginnings, “Shake Some Action,” and much more
The latest Nanocluster release from Immersion – Colin Newman (Wire) and Malka Spigel (Minimal Compact) – features a collaboration with ambient country trio SUSS. Newman and Spigel share how this project took shape and what fans can expect from a Nanocluster tour.
Offering listeners an exploration of Southern life, encompassing both triumphs and tribulations, Fust’s Big Ugly is a masterclass in songwriting by Aaron Dowdy. Displaying the Southern charm and hospitality you read about, Dowdy discusses his approach to writing lyrics, finding inspiration, and the importance of memories.
After years of playing in bands, collaborating with Kelley Deal (The Breeders) in R. Ring, and recording and engineering bands like Buffalo Killers in the studio he built, Mike Montgomery has finally released a solo album. Pony Coughing, released under the Nervous Verbs moniker, creates an intimate and introspective atmosphere on the melancholic songs that make up the album.
Dan Connolly and Etienne Beausoleil shed light on Horsebath’s origins, the wide range of influences on their debut album, Another Farewell, how living in Canada inspires lyrics, and the passion and perseverance that led to a record deal.
Gino Vannelli discusses his ultra-personal new album, The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved)
For years, Cryogeyser was primarily the solo project of Shawn Marom, but their self-titled new album marks a significant shift. Marom explains how bringing drummer Zach Capitti Fenton on board, not only as a band member but also as producer, gave her the creative freedom to fully explore her influences and elevate Cryogeyser’s sound to a whole new level.
Michigander’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album is finally here, fulfilling Jason Singer’s vision of a full-length record and marking a new chapter for the project. From festival stages to hit singles, Singer’s journey has been impressive, but this album proves he’s far from complacent.
Steady as clockwork, Lilly Hiatt’s fourth album (Forever) in eight years for New West Records is a charming slice of Southern living based on the day-in, day-out experiences of the singer-songwriter. In this conversation, Hiatt discusses lyrical inspiration, making videos, and the road life of a troubadour.
Singer-songwriter Seán Barna, known for his glam-pop and roots rock music, shifts gears with his new EP, Internal Trembling. This collaboration with members of the acclaimed bluegrass band Hawktail pushs Barna’s songwriting and performance beyond his usual boundaries. In this conversation, Barna shares how the partnership with Hawktail came to be and dives into his relationship with Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz.
Datarock frontman Fredrik Saroea discusses his latest solo release, Lucid Dream
Hyde – the alternative/hard rock superstar who’s sold 40 million albums in his native Japan alone – discusses his latest solo album, Hyde [Inside]
With a sound inspired by free-jazz, post-modern experimentalism, ’90s indie rock, and traditional folk music, The Slaps’ latest album, the brilliant Mudglimmer, embraces the band’s sense of adventure and weirdness. Drummer Josh Resing discusses the importance of the Chicago music scene, the challenges of touring, and making uncomplicatedly complicated music.
Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody discusses the Northern Irish band’s latest album, The Forest Is the Path
KMFDM co-vocalist Lucia Cifarelli discusses her new solo album, No God Here
Night Crickets – a group featuring David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), Victor DeLorenzo (ex-*Violent Femmes*), and Darwin Meiners – release their second album, How It Ends (?)
From a lengthy list of ’70s songwriting influences, Johnny Delaware emerges with a soul-stirring, evocative album of Laurel Canyon meets Southwest America flavored folk-rock songs. The nomadic singer/songwriter shares stories of wanderlust, defying genre classification, and side hustles that help his music career move forward.
Ahead of her one-woman show in New York City on November 8, the self-proclaimed “World’s Most Famous Groupie” talks about her fascinating life.
“I just think, as a byproduct of that the effort that we put into Your Own Becoming, the commitment and the standard we were trying to meet. Honestly, having Sonny so hands-on with us throughout months of just the writing even, it was so much more involved. And I think that’s why it was working more, there was a lot more energy there.” – Brendan Dyer
“We got good things out of him. As I love to call it, we went to Sonny school where he would, uh, come to our practices and stand in the center of the room and watch all three of us play the same song over and over. Then he would just stop us and go, “No, change this! Go again!” He was giving us the whole runaround but for me, personally, I was able to play all those songs in my sleep.” – Yarden Erez
The Devlins frontman Colin Devlin discusses the beloved Irish band’s return from hiatus and new album, All the Days
UK post-punk band Crows have returned with their most accessible album to date. Frontman James Cox discusses why Reason Enough is the band’s best yet, how his on-stage persona aligns more closely with his off-stage self, and how the influence of Idles has shaped their recent evolution.
Mr. Big vocalist Eric Martin discusses the hard rock band’s “big finish” with two final albums
After 25 years, The The returns with a powerful collection of songs exploring technology, love, war, and grief through Matt Johnson’s keen lens. The alternative rock veteran reflects on songwriting, the benefits of a quieter life away from the spotlight, and how writing about personal loss has been a healing process.
God Is an Astronaut frontman Torsten Kinsella discusses the renowned instrumental progressive/psychedelic band’s latest album, Embers
After two decades (‘90s/‘00s) writing power-pop rock songs with the Meices and Alien Crime Syndicate, Joe Reineke added “producer” and “studio owner” to his resume. Reineke and his wife, Karyn Gold-Reineke, own and operate Orbit Audio in Seattle and have been busy working on their own music as Society of the Silver Cross, creating haunting, spiritual, moody, droning hymns with non-traditional rock instruments.
Jana Mila’s Disney-like story involves being discovered via YouTube as a teenager by a major Dutch recording artist and being whisked away to Nashville to meet like-minded musicians in order to craft a wonderfully mature debut album that blends the rural spin of Americana music with the sunny melodies so often associated with Laurel Canyon circa the 1970s. Taking a quick breather before the real work starts, the young singer/songwriter shares her origin story, discusses her love of her home away from home, and the importance of self acceptance.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Jeremy Dion is a licensed therapist by day who offers toe-tapping folk therapy by night. With soaring harmonies and technical riffs reminiscent of Noah Kahan or John Mayer, Jeremy has brought his musical optimism to stages ranging from the Boulder Theater to Edinburgh’s famed Fringe Festival. So whether you’re feeling up, down or just want a night on the town, Jeremy’s heart-opening words will leave you feeling connected, hopeful, and humming a tune — no couch required.
Julian Shah-Tayler discusses putting his evocative electro-pop spin on David Bowie’s classic Diamond Dogs album (and other tracks)
Canadian folk artist Donovan Woods, known for his Juno Award-winning work and songwriting for Tim McGraw, continues to captivate with his latest album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now. This album offers an earnest look at everyday life, exploring the highs and lows of relationships and the bittersweet return to one’s hometown. In this interview, Woods delves into his songwriting process, sources of inspiration, and how Nashville has become his second home.
