Feature Interviews

Naoko Yamano talks about “Sweet Candy Power” and the long career of Shonen Knife

by

For nearly 40 years, Japan’s Shonen Knife have been creating infectious punk/pop music that often revolves around food. This past summer they released their 19th studio album, “Sweet Candy Power.” Frontwoman and only consistent member Naoko Yamano started Shonen Knife in Osaka, Japan on December 30, 1981. Highlights from their long career include writing a song for The Powerpuff Girls, touring with Nirvana, and even being the subject of a tribute album.

Alexa Hunter talks about the return of Disturbed Furniture

by

Formed in 1979, Disturbed Furniture were part of the arts and music scene surrounding downtown New York City’s Club 57. They put out a well-received 45, toured the East Coast, and opened for bands such as The GoGo’s, The Psychedelic Furs, and The Stranglers. But within three years, the group was no more. Now, Disturbed Furniture has returned with a new EP, “Continuous Pleasures.”

Alex Bloom interviewed about his second album, “Chaos/Control”

by

With his second album, Chaos/Control, LA-based indie artist Alex Bloom strived to push beyond his comfort zone and explore more of his musical influences. While still generally maintaining a low-key melodic rock sound, the album sees Bloom experimenting with a wider variety of song structures and instrumentation. In a phone interview, Bloom discussed the making of Chaos/Control, as well as how it came to have the same name as this website.

The Ritualists frontman Christian Dryden interviewed about the formation of the band and their debut album, “Painted People”

by

On their debut album, “Painted People,” NYC-based band The Ritualists showcase an intense, theatrical post-punk sound that seamlessly blends a variety of influences. The music can be dark and abrasive while also full of melodic hooks and soaring choruses. There is a strong glam rock undercurrent, but The Ritualists never come across as trying to emulate a particular style. Strong songwriting and creative arrangments make their influences coalesce into a sound all their own.

Keren Woodward of Bananarama talks about “In Stereo” and the history of the band

by

Since emerging in the early ’80s, Bananarama has had a string of hugely successful pop hits, including “Venus,” “Cruel Summer” and “I Heard a Rumour.” They’ve continued to tour and release music over the years and recently released “In Stereo,” their first album in a decade. “In Stereo” has a modern edge, but the pure, energetic pop songs are unmistakably Banarama. It’s become their most commercially successful albums in years, hitting the top 40 in England and several other countries.

Josephine Wiggs of The Breeders juxtaposes a variety of styles with her new solo release, “We Fall”

by
Josephine Wiggs We Fall interview

Josephine Wiggs has, in recent years, been back with The Breeders, but she has also found the time to create a fantastic new solo release, “We Fall.” The primarily instrumental album juxtaposes a variety of styles, including ambient, rock, classical and experimental. Atmospheric yet highly melodic, the compositions instantly draw in the listener. Wiggs has truly created an album that sounds like nothing else.

Interdisciplinary artist Danielle de Picciotto talks about her new solo album, DELIVERANCE

by

“Deliverance” is the new solo release from Danielle de Picciotto, an interdisciplinary artist who has been involved with many collaborations over the years. Having moved from New York to Berlin in 1987, Danielle was the co-founder of the Berlin Love Parade and has performed and exhibited with Crime & The City Solution, Gudrun Gut, The Space Cowboys, and her husband Alexander Hacke, a founding member of Einstürzende Neubauten.

Jack Dangers talks about the latest Meat Beat Manifesto release, OPAQUE COUCHE

by

After a gap of eight years before 2018’s “Impossible Star,” Jack Dangers is already back with a new Meat Bean Manifesto album. Titled “Opaque Couche,” it takes its name from a greenish-brown hue that has been called the “world’s ugliest color.” Always pushing his music in new directions, Dangers came up with a new process for working with beats for this album.

Howard Jones talks about TRANSFORM, his first new studio album in nearly a decade

by
Howard Jones Transform interview

In recent years, electronic music pioneer Howard Jones has been focusing his energy on live shows rather than new albums. His last release, “Engage” (2015) was part of a larger crowd-funded multi-media project. But having taken a break from touring to focus on new material, Jones is back with “Transform,” his first regular album in almost a decade. “Transform” showcases Jones fully embracing his electronic roots but within a modern context.