Music Monday - Jennifer Jewell

Jennifer Jewell

 

 

 

 

Home grown DIY pop talent Jennifer Jewell has just self-released her debut EP ʻBreatheʼ ,via iTunes. ʻBreatheʼ showcases a variety of her writing styles and will shed light on her anti-factory, DIY style approach to making pop music. Jennifer has been writing and recording the album for the past year, mainly at her home studio, also producing two of the mini albumʼs 3 tracks.

Jennifer Jewell has been turning heads throughout Liverpool over the past 18 months, performing at huge events such as Liverpool Pride and more recently on the pitch at Goodison Park at half time to over 30,000 people.

 After spending 5 years living in London, networking and learning her craft, where

experiences included supporting McFly, and then working in Stockholm, Sweden with numerous producers, Jennifer returned to her home town and immediately won Radio Cityʼs City Superstar competition. Since then she has worked with top local producers including Mike Di Scala and Dave Whelan, on a number of dance tracks, with Manciniʼs “Round & Round” becoming a hit on the club scene. Chart topping producer Mike Di Scala has also produced one of the tracks on the ʻBreathe” EP, ʻHurricaneʼ.

Jennifer Jewell will be promoting the EP all around the city over the next couple of

months so be sure to catch one of her shows!

 

 

 

 

 

Questions for Jennifer Jewell

 

1 – How did your musical career start?

I’ve started singing when I was around 6 but only casually as most young girls do! I always loved pop music! I started taking it more seriously when I moved to London aged 18 to get myself more in the industry. From then it’s just been a massive combination of things that I’ve had to adapt with to get the most of the opportunities.

 

2 – Who are your biggest musical influences or heroes?

My main influence is Whitney Houston. She was the artist who made me fall in love with vocals, and vocals are still my favourite thing about music. Her voice was flawless. I’ve always admired music producers and songwriters. As a kid, I’d always read the album notes to see who wrote or produced the song. My favourite two are David Foster and Diane Warren. I always fall in love with their music.

 

3 – What has been the biggest surprise on your journey so far?

I think this industry is so unpredictable that there are constant surprises. You think things will go a certain way but you can never predict! I find that fun! I like when I get an opportunity I never even considered! Being asked to become an ambassador for the charity Dreams For Children was something I never expected but I’m extremely honoured and proud to be an ambassador for a such great cause.

 

4 – As a singer/songwriter, do you find creating your songs flows easily or is it a long process?

I find it completely differs from song to song. Sometimes a great track flows out so easily, which is what happened with ‘Like Woah’. I had the music, melody and lyrics done in one night! Then other times I’ll keep coming back to a song that I believe has potential but just isn’t quite right yet. It can take a while in that case. I always do my best to never force it though. If it’s not working, I’ll come back to it at a later date and see if I can improve it then.

 

5 - You performed in a more stripped back style with an acoustic guitarist on Vidzta, is this a direction you can see yourself heading in over time?

Yeah, I love acoustic music. Doing the Vidzta gig was a great opportunity to show people a different side to me as an artist. I’m a pop artist so of course I’m going to need the big production on tracks at times, but as a songwriter, stripping everything back is a nice way to show the audience your music in a purer form. I may look into doing an acoustic album in the future, I’d enjoy that.

 

6 – You’ve performed in front of 40,000 people at Goodison Park, how was that experience?

One of the best of my life. I’ve been going to Goodison Park since I was 6 years old so it was an honour. I’d say it was something I’d dreamt off but honestly, it never crossed my mind that it was a possibility until recently. Even doing my soundcheck was overwhelming in such a big stadium and such a great feeling, so stepping out onto the pitch in front of almost 40,000 was just unreal. The reception I got from the Everton fans was so amazing and unexpected and I’m dying to get out there to do it again!

 

7 – You’ve received a lot of support from Everton FC, has this helped you extend your reach and get your music to spread further?

100%. In our city, football is probably the most important thing, so having the club behind me introduces me to so many potential new fans. One of the best things about our city is that we want to support each other, we want each other to do well and we’re proud of one another. You don’t get that in many other cities. So the support I’ve had from the Everton fans and beyond is invaluable and I definitely have the club to thank for that. I also have some great Liverpool fans too who deserve a mention! Everyone is giving me so much support that I can’t thank them enough.

 

8 - If you could be granted one wish, and your choices were a hit single or Everton winning the Premier league, which would it be and why?

Ooooo. I’m sorry, but I have to say a hit single! It is a hard choice but I’ve worked my whole life for that opportunity. I think we can win the title at some point anyway, even without my wish! Haha!

 

9 – Where would you most like to play a live show?

I’d love to play at the MEN Arena in Manchester as that’s where I used to go and watch all the artists I loved as a kid. The Echo Arena wasn’t built then! I used to dream and imagine myself performing up there so that would be special! And now of course the Echo Arena is a target of mine.

 

10 – So with your EP out on I-tunes now, what is next for Jennifer Jewell?

Quite a lot! I’ve got a school tour planned for the summer which I’m really looking forward to! And I’ve just started working on writing some new music too! I’m just going with the opportunities that come my way and making the most of it all! I’m having so much fun and look forward to everything.

 

It was a pleasure to hear from Jennifer for the blog and even more so as a fellow Evertonian! Wishing her all the best in her career and here's hoping she gets both her dreams, of a number one single and a Premier league title for Everton FC!

 

 

 

Links for Jennifer Jewell

Twitter - www.twitter.com/jennifer_jewell

Facebook - www.facebook.com/jenniferjewellmusic

YouTube - www.youtube.com/jenniferjewellmusic

 

 

Writers Wednesday - Ed Hancox

Ed Hancox

 

 

Edward Hancox lives in the UK with his wife and two small, noisy children but spends as much time as he can in Iceland. Music - especially contemporary Icelandic music - is his other passion.
He writes about both subjects for various magazines and websites, including Iceland Review, Atlantica, and the Reykjavík Grapevine, and on his blog, icelanddefrosted.com. In Summer 2013, following a successful crowd-funding campaign, Edward published his debut book, Iceland, Defrosted which describes his obsession with the people, places and music of Iceland.

Iceland, Defrosted has received glowing reviews from The Guardian, Arctic Adventures, National Geographic Traveller and Wanderlust.

Edward enjoys growing plants, which, not unlike himself, are tall and thin. He has had particular success with bamboo and rhubarb. It is not possible to grow bamboo in Iceland, but rhubarb is surprisingly prevalent.

 

 

 

Questions for Ed Hancox

 

1 – What started such a passionate interest in Iceland?

Ha! I'm not really sure. I've always been drawn to the cold; a two week beach holiday is my idea of hell. I've been to other cold places too - Alaska for example, but it was Iceland that captured my heart, if that isn't too cheesy! Iceland, Defrosted is the story of my obsession with the people, places and music of Iceland.

2 – You used crowd-funding to get your book published, how did this come about and are you glad you did it that way?

Well, I tried the usual publishing routes, and as I wasn't a. Bill Bryson or b. Hadn't written the next 50 shades, no one was interested. If I was really lucky, I got a rejection letter. I wasn't content with that. I knew I had something worth reading, and I wasn't prepared to leave it on my hard drive forever. I decided on crowd-funding, and never looked back. The overwhelming support from around the globe proved I had something worth publishing. I still can't write anything remotely erotic. 

3 – Has the success of your book had an impact on your life, if so, how?

I didn't write the book as a moneymaking scheme. I wrote it to record my memories of Iceland, and to leave as a legacy once I'm dead and gone. Does that sound too morose? Yeah, probably, but it's true. That said, I am pleased and surprised that it's been so popular. I'm amazed every time I sell a copy, see it on a shelf in a bookshop and just completely taken aback if I'm asked to sign a copy. 

4 – What are your goals for the future, with regards your writing?

Iceland, Defrosted is still going strong, despite being launched in July 2013. I'm hoping to get it published in Icelandic (I have just signed a contract with an Icelandic publisher) and in German by the end of the year. I'm still doing promotional events for it too, which is really nice. As for a second book? Yes, there is going to be one. That's all I can say for now!

5 – What advice would you give to up and coming authors that are battling with getting their book published and the various options available?

 

Don't give up. If you want to get your work out there, you can. Whether it's self-published, traditional or some other format, it is possible. It's hard work, especially to get a quality product to the widest possible audience, but if it's what you are passionate about, and driven to do, it's possible. Honest.

 

 

Links for Ed Hancox

 

Website - www.icelanddefrosted.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/EdHancox

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IcelandDefrosted

 

 

 

Music Monday - Dodgy

Dodgy

 

Dodgy
From Left to Right - Andy Miller, Mathew Priest, Nigel Clark

STAND UPRIGHT IN A COOL PLACE the most recent album from Dodgy was a long time coming, 15 years to be precise since the double platinum selling ‘Free Peace Sweet’ and from the four and five star reviews and many media plaudits the new album has received, they have successfully overcome the often tricky task of a band reinventing themselves, to make a contemporary and relevant album. Creating a sound with “golden harmonies and echoes of CSN&Y and Fleet Foxes”, and prompting The Word magazine to say "They’ve just made the record of their career by a country mile"

A result for which the contribution by mixer Matt Pence, known for his work with the likes of Midlake and John Grant, should not be underestimated.

The first time round, Dodgy were only together for seven years but in that time they sold over a million records worldwide, released three albums and 12 Top 40 singles, including Staying Out For The Summer, In A Room, If You’re Thinking Of Me and the Top 5 hit Good Enough, still a staple of the radio playlists. They sold out the Brixton Academy for three nights in a row and were awarded an unprecedented 90-minute Saturday evening slot on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival in 1997 just before Radiohead. Not bad, considering that they also partied harder than an Ewok.

Since the release of Stand Upright In A Cool Place in 2012, Dodgy haven’t really stopped as live gigs and festival appearances have always been an important part of the Dodgy experience, for many they are the perfect festival band & Summers 2012/2013 were no exception, with Dodgy ripping it up at prestigious festivals such as BT LONDON LIVE, Camp Bestival, V Festival, Wychwood, Beautiful Days, Jamie Oliver’s Feastival and Kendal Calling, as well as many other boutique festivals around the UK.

2014 sees no let up for our heroes, signing a brand new world wide record deal with Cherry Red Records and the collection of new songs, due for release in August 2014 is, according the band “the best we’ve ever written”

“Dodgy's new album is a revelation” Guardian ****

 

 Mojo              Uncut                  Mirror              Express          Times           Q

 ****                 ****                     ****                  *****                ****               ****

 

 

 

Ten questions with Dodgy

 

1 – You released your critically acclaimed album ‘Stand upright in a cool place’ in 2012, your first for over a decade, what made you guys decide to record again?

Unfinished business. As you get older you realise that you don’t really create something special with many people. It’s just the chemistry of the 3 of us together that works and we’re at our peak creatively, so it would be criminal not to see where it leads.

Plus, there’s f**k all else we can do!

 

2 – Were you excited by the reception the album got and by getting to record again as a band?

 

Yeah, it felt good but we absolutely made sure that it was the best album we’d recorded to date. We knew the knives would be out if it was anything but outstanding.

 

3 – What would you say is the secret to the longevity within your band?

 

None of us have had to give up drinking yet, as soon as that happens then I give it 2 months tops.

 

4 – Back in the nineties whilst most of the music press were obsessing over the Blur Vs Oasis battle, a lot of good UK bands didn’t get the recognition they deserved. Did it bother you, or enable you to carry on with less pressure of being in the spotlight?

 

It didn’t bother us, it’s what they wanted, and we were never very good at being cartoon, media darlings.

 

5 – What has been your most memorable gig ever, and why?

 

Our gig at the Jazz Café last November was particularly wonderful. Great crowd, great vibe.

 

6 – I remember with every release, an excitement at discovering the next ‘Ways of Dodgy’, what was the inspiration behind these messages?

 

My brother really, he was the designer and co-spiritualist. It started on our first release in 1991 when there was more of an appetite for that kind of hippy, E- fuelled nonsense J

 

7 – With hindsight and your years of experience, what advice would you give your younger selves?

 

Shut everyone else out, it’s you 3 that are the most important. Take your time.

 

8 – Which artist or artists have inspired you most?

 

The Who, Neil Young, Hazel Dean.

 

9 – Is there one song that you wish you had written / recorded yourselves?

 

We’ve done it – Grassman.

 

10 – With your live album having been released at the end of last year, what is next for the band?

 

Just signed new worldwide record deal with Cherry Red, and started recording a new album, should have it done by April.

 

 

With the band hard at work in the studio, I really appreciate Mathew Priest for taking the time to answer the questions posed to the band. Having always been a fan of Dodgy, I'm happy to leave him in peace now so the guys can carry on making the new album and I cannot wait to hear it!

 



Links for Dodgy

Website - http://www.dodgyology.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dodgyuk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/dodgyuk

Crafters Sunday - Lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium

Lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium

 

 

 

I started Lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium early in 2012. I'd discovered Steampunk a while before then, but having little money to spend on Cosplay stuff I decided I'd start making my own jewellery, and throw the rest of the outfit together with either corsets I'd made or things I found rummaging through shops that fitted the images in my head.

 After that it all just kind of fell into place, I'd made little rings out of wire and seed beads with my mum when I was little, but other than the basic "bead goes on thing" I had no idea, just learned as I went and branched into other styles, which was great fun!

 

 

Questions for Lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium

 

1 – What was it about Steampunk that you found so inspirational and led to you starting to make your jewellery and accessories?

Steampunk is one of those things that's hard to pin down. If you ask a hundred Steampunks their definition, you'll get a hundred different answers! One thing that can be agreed on is that it's the future, the way Victorians would have seen it, a movement filled with artists, musicians, crafters, Vive La Boheme! I think I was Steampunk before I knew of the word, growing up on the works of Jules Verne and H.G Wells, and it was amazing to find there were other people who wanted to play in the same imagination space as me. Once I discovered it, there was no going back. The only problem being the gorgeous clothing, home wares and jewellery were waaaay out of my budget, so I did something about it, and with lots of trial and error, learned to make them myself!

2 – Do you find it difficult to come up with new ideas or styles for your creations?

I don't find it difficult as such. I get weeks where I feel uninspired, but then I get a dozen ideas at once! The only real problem is there are only 24 hours in a day!

3 – What is the most exciting or special piece you have created so far?

I love all the pieces I make, and some of the custom pieces I've been commissioned to make have been so exciting! I love that I've made blue rose earrings for a wedding, I was really touched that I got to play a part in someone’s very special day.


4 – What would you like to extend your creative abilities to in the future or are you happy to carry on producing more of the same genre of creations?

I'm looking at taking my pieces to the next level, using acrylic, sheet metal, real silver and gold and now I have a reliable source of ethically gathered feathers I'm looking at doing more Victorian, tribal and post-apocalyptic styles too! Very exciting stuff!

5 - What advice would you give anyone that’s starting out in crafting & wanting to make a success of it?

My advice is, if you love it, just do it. We all get creative blocks, inspiration will come. Spend time round beautiful things or places and let it flow. Never create to impress, we all mess up and make a Frankenstein’s monster of things sometimes. Do it because you love it, the rest will follow.

 

Links for lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LyraLavernesAetherEmporium

Email- lyralaverne@hotmail.co.uk

Many thanks to Bex at Lyra Lavernes Aether Emporium for taking the time to answer some questions and show us more of her creative world!

 

 

Music Monday - Brian Viglione

Brian Viglione

Brian Viglione photo by Sarah Wilmer

Brian Viglione has been the driving rhythmic force behind The Dresden Dolls since 2000. The band have travelled throughout North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia to critical acclaim, as well as being handpicked to tour alongside Nine Inch Nails in 2005 and Cyndi Lauper in 2007. In December 2007, Brian collaborated with Trent Reznor on the Nine Inch Nails album, Ghosts: I-IV. Brian has also been featured in several theatrical settings including The Onion Cellar, a stage production hosted by The American Repertory Theater, Addicted To Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre’s 20th Century with The World/Inferno Friendship Society, and The Master and Margarita at Theater Dortmund with Botanica. He is currently the drummer of The Violent Femmes.

Viglione has appeared on over 50 albums since 2008, most notably, Nine Inch Nails’ Ghosts I–IV, which was nominated for two Grammy Awards, under the categories Best Rock Instrumental performance for the track "34 Ghosts IV", and Best Boxed Set or Limited Edition Package and sold over 750,000 copies.

Throughout 2008 – ‘09, Brian was the band leader and drummer for Brooklyn’s punk-orchestra, The World/Inferno Friendship Society, touring in 16 countries. He also starred in the band’s theatrical production, Addicted To Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre’s 20th Century, in the US, Canada, Netherlands, and Finland. Viglione joined Botanica throughout 2010-12, touring Europe and working extensively at the city theater in Dortmund, Germany on several productions.  Brian self-released, Face Of The Sun, a metal album based around drum improvisations he recorded with guitarist Ron Arra in 2010.

Guitarist, John Andrews (Nena, Botanica) teamed up with Brian in 2013 to record the second Loudboy album, Ultra MK. The group opened for Peter Murphy on his 35th Anniversary Bauhaus tour and continues to perform in the U.S.

In July of 2013, Viglione joined as the new drummer for Violent Femmes, performing at festivals in North America and Australia.  He continues to tour around the globe with Loudboy, The Dresden Dolls, and record with numerous artists in New York City.

Photo by Agatha Donkar — with Official Violent Femmes and Brian Viglione at Riot Fest Chicago.

Ten questions with Brian Viglione

1 – Most people know you for being one half of the Dresden Dolls, how did that differ from your musical work with other bands?

The Dresden Dolls remains the deepest and most fully encompassing band I’ve worked with in terms of what I was able to express.  It was the sole, concentrated creativity of Amanda and I, as opposed to me fitting into another band’s pre-existing form. It spanned the entire gamut stylistically, dynamically, and in the performance of the music.  Many of the other bands I’ve worked with operate using more conventional instrumentation and a lesser degree of theatricality, and generally geared toward playing rock clubs.  With The Dolls, it was “ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.”   Want us to play your public library? Done.  Play an arena show? Great. Want a metal cover? Happy to.  We’re only allowed to perform using wooden spoons and kazoos?  No sweat, where the kazoos at?   We just threw ourselves into every context and went for the throat at every show.  We take a tremendous amount in pride in what we do, yet we have no qualms about being the silliest motherfuckers in the room and having a ball at it.  It takes a level of confidence, inhibition, and being fun-loving weirdoes to feel that free, and it’s a special brand of dedication and humour that Amanda and I share.

2 – You collaborated with Nine Inch Nails on their Grammy award winning album ‘Ghosts I-IV’ album, how did that opportunity come about?

That was truly special.  The Dolls were fortunate enough to open 31 shows in the U.S. and Europe on the 2005 NIN tour.  It really brought the band to a new level of viciousness live. We were scared the crowd would hate us, so we went out playing harder than ever, ready to meet the challenge.  After a couple weeks, some of the guys on the road crew started coming up and saying, “Hey man, I don’t know if you’re aware, but Trent is checking YOU out during your set. He likes your drumming, pretty cool.”  Trent and I had a few short chats on the tour and he was always really kind.  Then in September of 2007, I received an email from Trent asking if I would be interested in collaborating on the Ghosts recording at his place in December.  I was thrilled, so off I went.  During the recording, he gave me complete artistic license to play whatever I felt.  He gave me the instruction to build an unconventional drum kit, using whatever materials I chose, and wanted me to improvise grooves on it. Being a part of the recording process with Trent, Atticus Ross, and producer Alan Moulder was an amazing view of the creation of a Nine Inch Nails album.  I also loved seeing footage of “Ghosts 19” which I helped with, performed live in concert as well on the Lights In The Sky Tour.

3 – With Trent Reznor and Amanda Palmer you have worked with 2 of the strongest personalities in music, have you ever had a clash of personalities with someone that has caused problems in your working relationship?

There’s a very interesting answer in that. When you use the word “personality” in terms of someone’s overall demeanour and personal likes and dislikes, I can get along with almost anyone very easily.  I do NOT suffer the selfish or the cruel any longer. I have no time for that. The great irony is that with Amanda, we had some drastic personality differences that eventually did lead to the breakup of the band, yet we shared the most fundamental qualities of our strong work ethic in bringing our band to the world.  The amount that Amanda and I cared about our band and seeing move forward and grow was so satisfying and helped give us the thrust to achieve our dreams.  So in a strange turn of fate, I actually get along on a personal basis better with other band mates, yet constantly seem to hit a wall with people who are unwilling to commit the level of time and energy that feels productive and positive to me and that has been THE issue that has led to me leaving many bands I’ve been in.

I don’t enjoy the feeling of simply idling with a creative project. I feel so fortunate that I get to do this for living, there’s nothing else I would rather do. But, when I encounter apathy or indifference to something I feel so passionate about, that energy begins to feel toxic to me and I need to move on.  I can say that although I went through many ups and downs, I’m glad I never sacrificed my vision because that is what now landed me with being a part of Violent Femmes.  The Femmes are back on the touring circuit in 2014 and looking forward to more things down the road.  I’ve fallen into total despair several times over the years when long stretches of time seem to portend my whole musical life falling apart, and then out of nowhere something amazing happens.  I’ve learned to embrace that when you really commit to your calling, no matter how terrifying or elating it can be.  It’s who I am and what I want to be, so I’m here to experience the whole ride.

4 – After witnessing the raw power and camaraderie of the Dresden Dolls, live at Reading 2006, do you miss it?

I just always enjoy playing Dresden Dolls shows and love touring when we’re able to, I can’t say that I “miss it” or “don’t miss it”, it will always be a part of me and I’m thrilled to do it when the chance arises. Fortunately, at the same time, I’m totally at home with Violent Femmes and feel totally connected to the band on stage.

5 – What are the lowest and highest points of your career so far?

The high points for me are always when I’ve felt a certain group momentum taking place. The early days of the Dresden Dolls with our community around The Cloud Club in Boston and everyone pitching in at shows and on projects together, and on later tours when you feel the massive energy of the audience everywhere you go and that people are feeling uplifted by your music.  There’s a great sense of shared triumph in that with everyone that’s pitched in to be a part of it.  Touring is huge for me as well; the 2005 Nine Inch Nails tour, The 2007 True Colors Tour, this  last Australian Violent Femmes tour, they have all been incredibly special times for me personally.

6 – You’ve been heavily involved in humanitarian work through your music, how did that start and how rewarding do you find it?

In 2011, I was invited to be a part of SOUND CENTRAL, the first rock festival in Kabul, Afghanistan, which included bands from all over the Middle East and Central Asia, and be presenting workshops for Afghan rock musicians to learn and share ideas.  It goes without saying that there were tremendous safety issues involved, not just because the Taliban strictly forbids that kind of music but also the musicians there had been threatened numerous times. But I thought it was a very compelling and courageous move for these musicians to take and I was interested. As ludicrous as it sounds in hindsight, I felt at the time that I booked my flight that the festival organizers would have things under control enough to, but it was not the case and I had to cancel the trip due to escalating violence in Kabul. The week I was supposed to be there, the head of Afghanistan's high peace council, former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, has been killed and there were raids on the guest houses where I was supposed to be staying.  So I opted to do two online drum clinics via Skype instead and it was wonderful.

CBS News Video Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/10/03/earlyshow/main20114734.shtml

I really enjoyed speaking with all the men and women musicians and not only sharing my experiences and offering words of encouragement to them, but hearing their stories and experiences as well and hearing that music for them, is the main way they feel they can express their voices and who they are as individuals, and how important it is for us all to have that in our lives. I’ve done some similar outreach programs to kids in the LGBTQ community, to just straight up mentoring to people who’ve contacted me through email to ask advice about their music careers, and it all has the same satisfying effect for me. I love to see people embrace who they are and feel confident to find and creative way to express themselves through art.

7 – Being such an interactive person with your fans must sometimes have its drawbacks, what’s the strangest request you’ve ever had?

Brian:  To be totally honest, it’s not fans having strange requests, it’s having people sexually assault you in a public place when they're drunk or think they can do whatever they want to you and you won’t react that is the most difficult.  I’ve had both men and women grab my crotch while, try to stick their tongues in my mouth, and do all kinds of fucked up shit while I was trying to sign a CD or take a picture with them and in front of other kids right after the show waiting to meet and say hello.  It leaves you with the same disgusting feeling every time it happens, and you just have to address it.  But that fortunately really has only happened a few times.  Ninety nine percent of the fans I’ve engaged with are all very sweet and respectful, so I try not to let the bad apples it for the rest of the folks who just want to express their thanks or good wishes.  But it certainly gave me a whole new perspective on celebrities who choose to avoid contact with the public.  It’s not for everybody.

8 – If you could play with any other act, live or dead, who would it be and why?

Black Flag back in the early ‘80s. That music saved my life, still some of my favourite songs. That band was a force of nature.

9 – What would be a necessity for you on your dream tour bus?

I’m a food lover, so I would love to have a tricked-out kitchen and an inspired chef.

10 – What can we expect from Brian Viglione in the near future?

Plenty of music and touring with Violent Femmes!  We’re gearing up for a lot of work in the next few years and looking forward to hitting the road. I’ll still be recording, teaching, and kicking it in my beloved home of NYC when I get the chance!

Having been lucky enough to witness Brian and his musical power when drumming for the Dresden Dolls, it has been a massive honour to get him featured on the blog and having the chance to ask him a few questions. Whether it is a side project, a solo project or being a member in a band, one thing is for sure, the music world is a far better place for having Brian Viglione in it! Thanks for your time Brian and I look forward to following your next adventures soon!

 

Photo by Tina Hammersmark - http://www.flickr.com/photos/misstinavicious/  

Links for Brian Viglione

The Dresden Dolls - http://www.dresdendolls.com/home.html

Nine Inch Nails album, Ghosts: I-IV:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_I%E2%80%93IV

The World/Inferno Friendship Society:  http://www.worldinferno.com

Botanica: http://www.botanicaisaband.com/

Loudboy: http://loudboy.net/

Face Of The Sun: http://faceofthesun.bandcamp.com/

Violent Femmes:  http://www.vfemmes.com/