Click Track: Be specific


Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 02/09/2012

Steve Aoki on his new album, the future of EDM and his love for Dischord Records
By Megan Buerger
The globe-trotting DJ performs at the Fillmore Silver Spring on Saturday.

By Megan Buerger  |  12:14 PM ET, 02/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Steve Aoki

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 01/09/2012

Buraka Som Sistema on 21st century global club life
By Allison Stewart
An interview with the Portuguese team of produces turned band.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:42 PM ET, 01/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Buraka Som Sistema

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 11/09/2011

Cloud Nothings on getting heavier and jamming out
By David Malitz
Dylan Baldi, the 20-year-old leader of indie upstarts Cloud Nothings talks about the band’s heavy upcoming album, “Attack on Memory.”

By David Malitz  |  01:33 PM ET, 11/09/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Cloud Nothings

Posted at 01:13 PM ET, 11/02/2011

Caitlin Rose talks punk rock and Patsy Cline
By Allison Stewart
Songwriting runs in the family for this impressive new artist.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:13 PM ET, 11/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Caitlin Rose

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 10/27/2011

Austra’s Katie Stelmanis on instant success (bad) and sexuality in indie rock (good)
By Allison Stewart
Austra brings its icy goth-pop songs to D.C.’s Rock & Roll Hotel on Thursday.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 10/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Austra

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 10/26/2011

Be specific: Oneohtrix Point Never as aural Indiana Jones
By Aaron Leitko
Daniel Lopatin of Oneohtrix Point Never explains the fascinating working process behind his new album, “Replica.”

By Aaron Leitko  |  01:30 PM ET, 10/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Oneohtrix Point Never

Posted at 12:52 PM ET, 10/19/2011

Mary Timony on the first year of Wild Flag and what’s in store
By David Malitz
The D.C.-based singer/guitarist for rock’s latest and greatest supergroup talks about the band’s first year and future plans.

By David Malitz  |  12:52 PM ET, 10/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Wild Flag

Posted at 01:08 PM ET, 10/18/2011

Creole Choir of Cuba talks about its first American tour
By Allison Stewart
The Cuban group honors the musical traditions of its Haitian ancestors.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:08 PM ET, 10/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Creole Choir of Cuba

Posted at 01:13 PM ET, 10/12/2011

Tabi Bonney on his pop star dad, career trajectory and life in the DMV
By Allison Stewart
The local MC plays at DC9 on Thursday in support of his new album, “The Summer Years.”

By Allison Stewart  |  01:13 PM ET, 10/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Tabi Bonney

Posted at 04:01 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Be specific: New Jersey punks Screaming Females talk new album
By David Malitz
After two very different D.C. performances, the trio talks about its upcoming album.

By David Malitz  |  04:01 PM ET, 10/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Screaming Females

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 10/07/2011

Be specific: Diggy Simmons on his debut album and life with Rev Run
By Allison Stewart
The 16-year-old rising star talks about his upcoming debut and growing up on reality TV.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:32 PM ET, 10/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Diggy Simmons

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 10/06/2011

Be specific: Trans Am look back on “Futureworld,” Gold Leaf Studios and being written out of harDCore history
By Chris Richards
The trio have been sculpting widely-acclaimed, primarily-instrumental rock albums since 1996 — yet remain inexplicably unsung as a “Washington band.”

By Chris Richards  |  12:17 PM ET, 10/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Trans Am

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 09/20/2011

Be specific: Elbow’s Pete Turner on the band’s late blooming stardom
By Allison Stewart
The bassist of the the U.K. rockers on why the steady climb to success has been good for the band.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:50 PM ET, 09/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Elbow

Posted at 12:48 PM ET, 09/14/2011

Be specific: Gina Birch of the Raincoats on “Odyshape” 30 years later and being “part of a historical progression”
By David Malitz
The co-founder of the iconic post-punk band talks about a recent reissue and the group’s legacy.

By David Malitz  |  12:48 PM ET, 09/14/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  The Raincoats

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 09/13/2011

Be Specific: Keb’ Mo’ on the future of Delta Blues, keeping it fresh, and girl guitar players
By Erin Williams

By Erin Williams  |  02:35 PM ET, 09/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific

Posted at 08:51 AM ET, 09/12/2011

Be specific: Richard Branson on keeping FreeFest free and how Faust spawned a global conglomerate (sorta)
By Chris Richards
Click Track interviews the British business magnate backstage at Saturday’s Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

By Chris Richards  |  08:51 AM ET, 09/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Richard Branson, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Faust

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 09/07/2011

Be specific: Peter Bjorn and John on new album “Gimme Some” and the enduring power of “Young Folks”
By Allison Stewart
Bassist Bjorn Yttling talks about the band’s biggest hit in advance of Friday’s 9:30 Club show.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 09/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Peter Bjorn and John

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 09/01/2011

Be specific: The War on Drugs on driving and taking a long time
By David Malitz
Adam Granduciel talks about the long process of piecing together the band’s excellent second album, “Slave Ambient.”

By David Malitz  |  02:00 PM ET, 09/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  The War on Drugs

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Be specific: Journey’s Neal Schon on why “Don’t Stop Believin’” is the gift that won’t stop giving (even though he kind of wishes it would)
By Allison Stewart
The long-running band’s one constant member talks about its inescapable hit, their constant infusion of new fans and getting comfortable with new singer Arnel Pineda.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:26 PM ET, 08/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Journey

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 08/19/2011

Be specific: Spank Rock talks Ke$ha tour and dark new album
By Allison Stewart

By Allison Stewart  |  12:01 PM ET, 08/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Spank Rock

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 08/17/2011

Be specific: Kaskade on Identity Festival and the Battle of Los Angeles
By Allison Stewart
The superstar DJ talks about how he helped curate the first large-scale touring electronic music festival and an unfortunate recent incident in L.A.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:30 AM ET, 08/17/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Kaskade

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 08/10/2011

Kendrick Lamar on Dr. Dre, getting famous and the time Tupac came to him in a dream
By Allison Stewart
The breakout L.A. rapper performs at 9:30 Club on Friday in support of his standout album “Section 80.”

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 08/10/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Kendrick Lamar

Posted at 02:28 PM ET, 08/04/2011

Be specific: Archers of Loaf on joining the indie rock reunion fray and the possibility of new music
By David Malitz
Bassist Matt Gentling talks about the band’s reunion tour and if new music is in their future.

By David Malitz  |  02:28 PM ET, 08/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Archers of Loaf

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Be specific: Big Boi on new OutKast music, advice for young rappers and vacationing with Andre 3000
By David Malitz
A new OutKast album might be in the works, but first, a cruise to the Bahamas.

By David Malitz  |  02:29 PM ET, 07/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Big Boi, OutKast

Posted at 03:06 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Be specific: Yelawolf on Warped Tour, going it alone and his upcoming album
By David Malitz
The Alabama rapper talks about his upcoming album, “Radioactive,” and what life’s like on a punk rock festival tour.

By David Malitz  |  03:06 PM ET, 07/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Yelawolf

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 07/21/2011

Be specific: DJ Tay James on what it’s like to work with Justin Bieber
By Chris Richards
Justin Bieber’s DJ talks about witnessing the Biebs’ rise to fame and what the world’s most famous 17-year-old is listening to.

By Chris Richards  |  01:14 PM ET, 07/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Justin Bieber, Tay James

Posted at 01:43 PM ET, 07/20/2011

Be specific: Psychedelic Horse[expletive] on why Psychedelic Horse[expletive] isn’t so great
By David Malitz
Matt Whitehurst, the oustpoken leader of the indie rabblerousers, gives a piece of his mind.

By David Malitz  |  01:43 PM ET, 07/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Psychedelic Horse[expletive]

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 07/13/2011

Be specific: Don Fleming on Velvet Monkeys, new solo EP and the “other” side of D.C.’s punk past
By David Malitz
The acclaimed producer talks about his earliest and most recent recordings.

By David Malitz  |  12:33 PM ET, 07/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Don Fleming, Velvet Monkeys, Half Japanese

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 07/07/2011

Be specific: Country singer Chris Young talks about his beer summit with Kenny Chesney
By Allison Stewart
With his new album, “Neon,” the country singer looks to become a breakout star.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:31 AM ET, 07/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Chris Young

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 06/29/2011

Be specific: Skysaw’s Jimmy Chamberlin talks about his new band and his old life as a Smashing Pumpkin
By Allison Stewart
The former Smashing Pumpkins drummer has a new prog/psych/alt-rock band that visits D.C. on Friday.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:46 PM ET, 06/29/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Skysaw, Smashing Pumpkins

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 06/27/2011

Be specific: Marsha Ambrosius talks about the perils of writing a song about Kim Kardashian
By Allison Stewart
The “Hope She Cheats On You” singer on the slow path to solo success and her misunderstood hit.

By Allison Stewart  |  02:13 PM ET, 06/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Marsha Ambrosius

Posted at 02:56 PM ET, 06/22/2011

Be specific: Foster the People’s Mark Foster talks about “Pumped Up Kicks,” a sunny and violent new hit
By Allison Stewart
One of the year’s breakout bands talks about its surprisingly violent breakout hit.

By Allison Stewart  |  02:56 PM ET, 06/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Foster the People

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 06/22/2011

Be specific: “Miss Sarajevo” director/activist Bill Carter talks about how U2 changed his life
By Allison Stewart
On the night the world’s biggest rock band performs in Baltimore, the backstory behind what shaped one of the group’s most poignant songs.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:40 PM ET, 06/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  U2

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 06/16/2011

Be specific: Kathleen Hanna on the new Le Tigre documentary and the legacy of riot grrrl
By Allison Stewart
The riot grrrl icon talks about “Who Took the Bomp?: Le Tigre on Tour” and the legacy of Bikini Kill 20 years later.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:43 AM ET, 06/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Le Tigre, Kathleen Hanna, Bikini Kill

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 06/15/2011

Be specific: Yeasayer’s Anand Wilder talks about life in the universe’s most blogged about band
By Allison Stewart
Where does 2010’s “most blogged about band” go from here?

By Allison Stewart  |  11:29 AM ET, 06/15/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Yeasayer

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 06/08/2011

Be specific: Thao on her collaboration with Mirah
By Allison Stewart
Singer-songwriter Thao on writing in solitude for her collaborative album with Mirah.

By Allison Stewart  |  10:49 AM ET, 06/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Thao, Mirah

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 06/02/2011

Be specific: Laura Cantrell on her Kitty Wells tribute album
By Allison Stewart
The country cult favorite talks about taking on the classic tunes of Kitty Wells.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:53 AM ET, 06/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Laura Cantrell

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 05/27/2011

Be specific: Times New Viking on the toll of the road
By David Malitz

By David Malitz  |  11:43 AM ET, 05/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Times New Viking

Posted at 01:09 PM ET, 05/26/2011

Be specific: Franz Stahl on life after Foo Fighters, being big in Japan and reuniting Scream
By Chris Richards
The rock guitarist spent ten years between Foo Fighters and a reunited scream touring in Japan, scoring surf movies and playing country music in West Virginia.

By Chris Richards  |  01:09 PM ET, 05/26/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Franz Stahl, Foo Fighters, Scream

Posted at 12:11 PM ET, 05/25/2011

Be specific: Booker T. Jones talks about the highs of touring and his pre-show jitters
By Erin Williams
The composer, arranger and legendary frontman of Booker T. and the MG’s recently released his third solo album in a near-lifetime of performing.

By Erin Williams  |  12:11 PM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Booker T. Jones

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 05/19/2011

Be specific: Trouble Funk’s Big Tony on keeping his band’s identity and go-go’s lasting influence
By David Malitz
The leader of D.C.’s long-running go-go institution talks about keeping his band together, the retirement of a longtime member and how go-go could have been as big as hip-hop.

By David Malitz  |  01:03 PM ET, 05/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Trouble Funk

Posted at 12:19 PM ET, 05/18/2011

Todd Snider is ‘just a dirty hippie’
By David Malitz
When Todd Snider gets going, don’t get in his way.

By David Malitz  |  12:19 PM ET, 05/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Todd Snider

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 05/12/2011

Revisiting Chalk Circle, D.C.’s first all-female punk band
By David Malitz
Recently released album “Reflection” collects the band’s essential recordings.

By David Malitz  |  01:18 PM ET, 05/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Chalk Circle

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 05/11/2011

Be specific: Whitesnake’s David Coverdale talks about ’80s nostalgia and why he’s the Edith Piaf of rock
By Allison Stewart
The Whitesnake frontman explain why the House of Snake is still flourishing.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:57 PM ET, 05/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Whitesnake

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 05/05/2011

Be specific: Mr. Dream on sounding dirty in pretty times and singing with LCD Soundsystem
By David Malitz
The New York trio talks about what influences its dirty sound and backing up LCD Soundsystem at the band’s last ever show.

By David Malitz  |  10:56 AM ET, 05/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Mr. Dream

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 05/04/2011

Be specific: Calle 13’s Residente talks about singing in English for the first time
By Allison Stewart
The voice of Calle 13 talks about tacking English for the first time in his music.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:14 AM ET, 05/04/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Calle 13

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 04/28/2011

Be specific: Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer talks about life as a crossover sensation
By Allison Stewart
The young jazz pianist talks about his diverse collaborators and covers, as well as the mathematical element to jazz.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:24 PM ET, 04/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Vijay Iyer

Posted at 12:07 PM ET, 04/21/2011

Be specific: A-Trak on Barbra Streisand and Duck Sauce’s future
By Allison Stewart
DJ A-Trak talks about getting the attention of Barbra Streisand with “Barbra Streisand” and working on a full-length album.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:07 PM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  A-Trak, Duck Sauce

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 04/20/2011

Be specific: Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam talks about his sexy new album (yes, sexy)
By Allison Stewart
Sam Beam of Iron & Wine making sexy music? That’s what he says. Plus, what he won’t let his teenage daughters listen to.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 04/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Iron & Wine

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 04/13/2011

Be specific: Freddie Gibbs talks about signing to Young Jeezy’s label
By Allison Stewart
Rapper Freddie Gibbs is already an underground favorite. After signing with Young Jeezy’s label, he’s got his eyes on bigger things.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:45 AM ET, 04/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Freddie Gibbs

Posted at 06:10 PM ET, 04/07/2011

Be specific: Juanes on his heavy metal past
By Allison Stewart
The global pop star talks about his metal years and what it’s like to be called The Bono of Latin America.

By Allison Stewart  |  06:10 PM ET, 04/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Juanes

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 04/06/2011

Be specific: Aimee Mann talks about her musical-in-progress
By Allison Stewart
The songwriter talks to Click Track about her upcoming gigs at the Birchmere and her long-gestating musical.

By Allison Stewart  |  01:48 PM ET, 04/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Aimee Mann

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 03/30/2011

Be Specific: The Secret Sisters’ Laura Rogers talks about the terrors of stage fright and the magic of Jack White
By Allison Stewart
Click Track talked to Laura Rogers about the Secret Sisters’ year of living awesomely.

By Allison Stewart  |  12:20 PM ET, 03/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific, Be specific | Tags:  Secret Sisters

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 03/23/2011

Be specific: Jeff Ament talks about Pearl Jam at 20
By Allison Stewart
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Aments reflects on two decades of being in one of the world’s most popular bands.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:19 AM ET, 03/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Pearl Jam, Jeff Ament

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 03/21/2011

Be specific: Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament talks about his new project, Tres Mts.
By Allison Stewart
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament talks about his new project, Tres Mts., and anxiety of life in a new band.

By Allison Stewart  |  11:32 AM ET, 03/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Tres Mts., Pearl Jam

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/24/2011

Riffs: Kanye vs. Coachella, and four other highly entertaining festival feuds.
By Allison Stewart
Jay-Z played Glastonbury and the world didn't end. Like seemingly everything Kanye West does, the announcement that the controversial rapper was going to headline April's Coachella festival caused a pop cultural kerfuffle. Many online commenters went so far as to...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 01/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific, Be specific | Tags:  Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Morrissey

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/13/2011

Be specific: What's Afrika Bambaataa listening to?
By Chris Richards
Expect Afrika Bambaataa to put some go-go into his Sunday set at U Street Music Hall. (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images) Since U Street Music Hall opened its doors last March, we've spent countless nights basking in the underground nightclub's glorious...

By Chris Richards  |  12:00 PM ET, 01/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Afrika Bambaataa

Posted at 12:35 PM ET, 12/16/2010

Be specific: Liz Phair, part two: on motherhood, music and her wild youth
By Allison Stewart
Liz Phair, defender of Rod Stewart. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images) In part one of our interview with Liz Phair, in town Friday to play the 9:30 Club, she talked about the volatile reaction her new disc, "Funstyle," and a possible follow-up...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:35 PM ET, 12/16/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Liz Phair

Posted at 12:35 PM ET, 12/15/2010

Be Specific: Liz Phair talks about her controversial new disc, "Funstyle"
By Allison Stewart
Liz Phair has no regrets about her latest album. It's been a weird year for Liz Phair. She parted ways with both her management and her record label, played Matador Records' 21st anniversary celebration in Vegas and released "Funstyle," a...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:35 PM ET, 12/15/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Liz Phair

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 12/09/2010

Be specific: Island Records founder Chris Blackwell on why go-go never went national
By Chris Richards
Island Records founder Chris Blackwell tried to push go-go into the mainstream. Chris Blackwell is the man given credit for turning the planet onto reggae music. The Island Records founder helped launch the careers of Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff...

By Chris Richards  |  12:00 PM ET, 12/09/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Chris Blackwell

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 12/03/2010

Be specific: An instant interview with Deerhunter's Bradford Cox
By David Malitz
Bradford Cox of Deerhunter, doing interviews when Netflix doesn't work. (Kyle Gustafson/FTWP) At 5:30 p.m., a tweet appeared from Motourmouth Media: First 5 writer/blog peeps to call my office can do 5 min interview w Bradford Cox - right now!...

By David Malitz  |  06:13 PM ET, 12/03/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Deerhunter

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 11/17/2010

Be specific: Maria Taylor talks about getting Azure Ray back together
By Allison Stewart
Azure Ray's decision to form was a natural one. (Saddle Creek Records) Back in the early '00s, the girl-girl duo Azure Ray were the indie pop queens of Saddle Creek records. But after sixteen years and three albums together, childhood...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:00 PM ET, 11/17/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Azure Ray

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 11/12/2010

Be specific: John McLaughlin on jazz greats and technology
By Aaron Leitko
John McLaughlin has jammed with many of the greats. (Thomas Dorn) Guitarist John McLaughlin has been shredding for 47 years. He's a bonafide jazz great that has met, and performed with, most of the greats. McLaughlin played with Tony Williams's...

By Aaron Leitko  |  12:00 PM ET, 11/12/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  John McLaughlin

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 11/11/2010

Be specific: Magic Kids on between tour activities
By David Malitz
Magic Kids to-do list: Mowing lawns, eating Mexican food and writing poetry. (Alejandra Sabillon) In rock-and-roll, there is no shortage of tales about life on the road. But what about life in between those times on the road? What happens...

By David Malitz  |  12:34 PM ET, 11/11/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Magic Kids

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 11/08/2010

Be Specific: Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi talks about life on his own
By Allison Stewart
Jonsi: Not much of a talker, but quite a singer. (Press Here Publicity) One thing to know about sometime Sigur Rós frontman and current solo artist Jónsi Birgisson: He's not a talker. It's not the language barrier -- Jónsi is...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:15 PM ET, 11/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Jonsi, Sigur Rós

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 11/02/2010

Be specific: N.E.R.D.'s Pharrell on his group's classic rock-influenced new disc
By Allison Stewart
N.E.R.D. is influenced by the Doors (?!) on its new one. (Courtesy of the artist) By Allison Stewart Late last year, hip-hop/rock trio N.E.R.D. announced that they were recording a new disc, to be titled "Instant Gratification," with a female...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:00 PM ET, 11/02/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  N.E.R.D., Neptunes

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 11/01/2010

Be specific: Interpol's Daniel Kessler on life after Carlos D.
By Allison Stewart
From four to three (to five): Interpol carries on without Carlos Dengler. (Jelle Wagenaar) By Allison Stewart New York band Interpol recently lost longtime bassist Carlos Dengler, who exited the group after the recording of their fourth and latest disc,...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:00 PM ET, 11/01/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Interpol, Secret Machines, Slint

Posted at 02:22 PM ET, 10/22/2010

Very rare interview with digital age rap star Lil B
By Chris Richards
The Based God plays his first D.C. shows this weekend. (Courtesy of the artist) By Chris Richards Few rappers have harnessed the wild-wild weirdness of the internet as effectively as Lil B. Over the past year, the 21-year-old Berkeley rap...

By Chris Richards  |  02:22 PM ET, 10/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Lil B, XIB

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 10/21/2010

Be specific: Rusko on working with M.I.A.
By David Malitz
Dubstep's breakout star has kind things to say about M.I.A. (Photo courtesy Windish Agency) By David Malitz Might dubstep be the electronic music genre that finally hits it big in the U.S.? If the wobbly, bass-heavy style does take hold,...

By David Malitz  |  11:45 AM ET, 10/21/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  M.I.A., Rusko

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 10/19/2010

Be specific: Buddy Guy talks about the future of the blues
By Allison Stewart
Buddy Guy has no plans to retire any time soon. (Courtesy of the artist) By Allison Stewart "My parents told me before they passed away, 'Buddy don't try to be the best in town, just try to be the best...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 10/19/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Buddy Guy

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 10/15/2010

Be specific: Alice Cooper on his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nod and "the Salvador Dali of divas"
By Chris Richards
I'm, sailing... Alice Cooper -- the man and the band -- in its heyday. (Washington Post archive photo) By Chris Richards Got your costume ready? Shock rocker par excellence Alice Cooper brings his “Halloween Hootenanny” tour to Merriweather Post Pavilion...

By Chris Richards  |  01:22 PM ET, 10/15/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Alice Cooper

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 10/13/2010

Be specific: Mary Timony on her new band, Wild Flag
By David Malitz
Wild Flag features members of Sleater-Kinney, the Minders and local favorite Mary Timony, second from right. (Merge Records) By David Malitz Wild Flag is possibly your favorite band you’ve never heard. The newest indie supergroup burst onto the radar a...

By David Malitz  |  04:50 PM ET, 10/13/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Helium, Sleater-Kinney, Wild Flag

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 10/07/2010

Be specific: Sound artist Richard Chartier and the Grand Tonometer
By Chris Richards
You've never heard the Grand Tonometer like you'll hear it tonight. (Evelina Domnitch) By Chris Richards Richard Chartier -- the Washington-based, world renowned sound and installation artist -- will premiere a new piece called "Transparency" at the Hirshhorn tonight. It...

By Chris Richards  |  01:38 PM ET, 10/07/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Richard Chartier

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 10/01/2010

Be specific: The Vaselines' Eugene Kelly talks about his group's long-overdue reunion
By Allison Stewart
The Vaselines are back with their first new album in 20 years. (Courtesy of Sub Pop Records) By Allison Stewart By the time Kurt Cobain famously praised the Vaselines, calling them his favorite songwriters in the whole world, the Scottish...

By Allison Stewart  |  10:30 AM ET, 10/01/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  The Vaselines

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 09/28/2010

Be specific: Chuck Brown on his fans, his city and his late night television debut
By Chris Richards
Who wouldn't want to take a picture with this man? (John Shore) By Chris Richards At the age of 74, Washington's beloved "Godfather of Go-Go," Chuck Brown, is making his big premiere on late night television. In just a matter...

By Chris Richards  |  12:00 PM ET, 09/28/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Chuck Brown, The Roots

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 09/17/2010

Be specific: No Age's Randy Randall on the making of new album "Everything In Between"
By David Malitz
Randy Randall, left, and Dean Spunt have made the best No Age album to date. (Courtesy of Sub Pop) By David Malitz L.A. duo No Age made its way to the top of the indie-rock heap thanks to jarring, noisy...

By David Malitz  |  11:35 AM ET, 09/17/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  No Age

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 09/15/2010

Be specific: Soul singer Jamie Lidell talks about working with Beck
By Allison Stewart
Jamie Lidell had plenty of help in making "Compass." (Courtesy of Windish Agency) By Allison Stewart British soul singer/one-man band Jamie Lidell's May release "Compass" is one of the year's most underrated, a falsetto-happy, deconstructed soul disc co-produced by Beck....

By Allison Stewart  |  12:30 PM ET, 09/15/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Jamie Lidell

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 09/08/2010

Be specific: Big Boi helps you plan your week
By Chris Richards
Number of fingers basically equal to number of words in responses. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Heineken) By Chris Richards If your calendar hasn't already been marked in blood, you have the chance to see one of the greatest rappers alive...

By Chris Richards  |  02:00 PM ET, 09/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Big Boi

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 09/08/2010

Be specific: Sharon Van Etten on being specific
By David Malitz
Sharon Van Etten was not alone for the making of her excellent new album, "epic." (Courtesy of Pitch Perfect PR) By David Malitz Sharon Van Etten separated herself from the singer-songwriter pack on her debut album, “Because I Was In...

By David Malitz  |  01:45 PM ET, 09/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Sharon Van Etten

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 09/02/2010

Be Specific: Dirty Projectors frontman Dave Longstreth talks Kanye, MJ and Merle
By Allison Stewart
Sometimes the man in plaid feels like Mighty Merle. (Photo by Tom Hines.) By Allison Stewart In part one of Click Track's conversation with Dirty Projectors' frontperson Dave Longstreth, we talked about multi-lingual groupies and the DP's (mostly) unexpected success....

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 09/02/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Dave Longstreth, Dirty Projectors

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 09/01/2010

Be Specific: Dirty Projectors frontman reflects on spoils of success, super-niceness of Solange
By Allison Stewart
Well-educated Dirty Projectors groupies may find this man staying at a high-altitude hotel on the outskirts of town. (Photo: Mia Ferm) By Allison Stewart It only took seven albums, but Brooklyn band Dirty Projectors became an overnight sensation with the...

By Allison Stewart  |  02:00 PM ET, 09/01/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Dirty Projectors

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 08/31/2010

Be specific: Unnatural Helpers on short songs and short-lived lineups
By David Malitz
By David Malitz Unnatural Helpers get to the point and then get out. The Seattle band's new album, "Cracked Love and Other Drugs," is 15 songs and clocks in at well under half an hour, so don't expect a...

By David Malitz  |  03:30 PM ET, 08/31/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Unnatural Helpers

Posted at 12:55 PM ET, 08/18/2010

Be specific: Blues Explosion's Jon Spencer on getting the band back together
By David Malitz
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion are back together in support of a slew of reissues. (Ashkan Sahihi) By David Malitz Whenever I think about my favorite live bands, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is always one of the first to come...

By David Malitz  |  12:55 PM ET, 08/18/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 08/17/2010

Teenage guitar-builder and Heartbreakers superfan Griffin Black on Sunday's Tom Petty concert
By Chris Richards
By Chris Richards Last week, we had a wonderful freelance submission fall out of the sky: an essay written by 14-year-old Griffin Black about how he built a copy of Heartbreakers' guitarist Mike Campbell's red Telecaster -- and then...

By Chris Richards  |  03:24 PM ET, 08/17/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Tom Petty

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 07/29/2010

Be specific: Robyn, on why you shouldn't call it a comeback
By Allison Stewart
Robyn will attempt to release three albums this year. By Allison Stewart Robyn and Kelis have more in common than you'd think. After years of neglect by their respective record companies, the Swedish electro-pop star and the NY-based R&B-singer-turned-electro-pop-star have...

By Allison Stewart  |  11:15 AM ET, 07/29/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Robyn

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 07/26/2010

Be Specific: Dan Auerbach on the success of the Black Keys and the future of BlakRoc
By Allison Stewart
Dan Auerbach, one half of the Black Keys, will play a sold-out show at Constitution Hall. (James Quine) By Allison Stewart Rock's most prolific two-man band, the Black Keys have released two well-received discs in the past eight months, the...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:00 PM ET, 07/26/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Black Keys

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 07/22/2010

Be specific: Chromeo's P-Thugg talks about playing with Daryl Hall, and how he sort of met Prince that one time
By Allison Stewart
By Allison Stewart In support of their upcoming disc "Business Casual," Montreal-based electro duo Chromeo kick off the American leg of their tour with a Monday night date at the 9:30 Club. Click Track spoke with keyboard/talk box-playing P-Thugg...

By Allison Stewart  |  11:30 AM ET, 07/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Chromeo

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 07/15/2010

Be Specific: Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato on how the Warped Tour is like high school
By Allison Stewart
By Allison Stewart Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato is calling from an amusement park -- he doesn't remember which one, but he's been looking forward to going all week -- to talk about his band's ongoing stint on...

By Allison Stewart  |  11:30 AM ET, 07/15/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Dillinger Escape Plan

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 07/14/2010

Be specific: Harlem talks KISS T-shirts
By David Malitz
Three out of three Harlem members agree on which KISS member they'd want on a T-shirt. (Evy Mages/FTWP) By David Malitz One of my favorite records so far in 2010 (No. 3, to be exact) is “Hippies,” by Austin, Tex.,...

By David Malitz  |  02:15 PM ET, 07/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Harlem

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 06/25/2010

Be specific: Cloud Nothings on whether or not to stay lo-fi
By David Malitz
Dylan Baldi, far left, is the 18-year-old leader of Cloud Nothings. By David Malitz Cloud Nothings was a band that just sort of appeared out of nowhere late last year. At first glance it seemed like the group may be...

By David Malitz  |  10:00 AM ET, 06/25/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Cloud Nothings

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 06/22/2010

Carl Newman of New Pornographers on chart success and set list dilemmas
By David Malitz
Carl Newman comes to D.C. for two shows with the New Pornographers. (Caleb Beyer) By David Malitz The New Pornographers are in town for a pair of sold-out shows at 9:30 club Tuesday and Wednesday, so why not a two-part...

By David Malitz  |  02:00 PM ET, 06/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Carl Newman, New Pornographers

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 06/21/2010

Carl Newman of New Pornographers on why Washington is his favorite place to play
By David Malitz
That's a too many men on the ice penalty right there. (By Jason Creps) By David Malitz Indie rock troupe the New Pornographers is often called a supergroup, and it's understandable as to why. There's a whole mess of indie-famous...

By David Malitz  |  01:50 PM ET, 06/21/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Carl Newman, The New Pornographers

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 06/18/2010

Be specific: Villagers' Conor O'Brien on life in rock's hottest one man band
By Allison Stewart
It takes a Villagers to get this much buzz. (Courtesy of Windish Agency) By Allison Stewart Villagers is the nom-de-pen of Dublin singer-songwriter Conor J. O'Brien, whose whimsical, darkly fantastical new disc, "Becoming a Jackal," is one of the year's...

By Allison Stewart  |  02:00 PM ET, 06/18/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Villagers

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 06/18/2010

Be specific: J Roddy Walston on the power of the piano
By David Malitz
J Roddy Walston and the Business are the dudes on the right, Walston on the far left. (Glynnis McDaris) By David Malitz These days if you hear about a rock band that features piano, it's probably not a rock band...

By David Malitz  |  10:40 AM ET, 06/18/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  J Roddy Walston and the Business

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 06/16/2010

Be Specific: Alison Goldfrapp talks about Goldfrapp's experiments in sound
By Allison Stewart
Alison Goldfrapp brings her evolving sound to 9:30 club on Monday. (Serge Leblon) By Allison Stewart Long-running British duo Goldfrapp are renowned for their groundbreaking electro-pop albums (which arguably provided the blueprint for upstarts like La Roux), but over the...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:15 PM ET, 06/16/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Alison Goldfrapp, Goldfrapp

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 06/04/2010

Be specific: Howie Dorough on the Backstreet Boys, the later years
By Allison Stewart
Backstreet's back ... but they never went away. (Courtesy of the artist) By Allison Stewart You might never have thought of the Backstreet Boys as survivors, but here they are: Seventeen years after their inception, they've survived the death...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 06/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Backstreet Boys

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 05/20/2010

Be specific: Caetano Veloso on Animal Collective, David Byrne, Michael Jackson
By Chris Richards
Brazilian icon Caetano Veloso has been a major influence on American musicians. (Photo by Helayne Seidman) By Chris Richards One reason to hate computers: Overzealous spam filters that gobble up wonderful Caetano Veloso interviews. The Brazilian songsmith visited Washington's Lisner...

By Chris Richards  |  01:00 PM ET, 05/20/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Caetano Veloso

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 05/19/2010

Be Specific: Country singer Justin Moore on the perils of pranking Brad Paisley
By Allison Stewart
Justin Moore will open for Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker Saturday at Jiffy Lube Live. (Courtesy of the artist) By Allison Stewart A Southern rock-inspired country singer in the mode of Jason Aldean, Justin Moore may be the biggest Nashville...

By Allison Stewart  |  02:00 PM ET, 05/19/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Justin Moore

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 05/12/2010

Be Specific: Dr. Dre's son Curtis Young on being a product of his DNA
By Sarah Godfrey
Like father like son -- Curtis Young hopes to redefine the West Coast sound. (Courtesy of the artist.) By Sarah Godfrey You may not have heard of rapper Curtis Young just yet, but you're probably familiar with his father, Andre...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  01:45 PM ET, 05/12/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Curtis Young, Dr. Dre, N.W.A.

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 05/05/2010

Be Specific: Darn Good on killing trees for the good of DMV hip-hop
By Sarah Godfrey
Local rapper Darn Good is getting into the magazine business. (Photo courtesy of the artist) Darnelle Hines, AKA Darn Good, is a solo hip-hop artist who just released his first EP, “Young Black and Gifted,” is one half of...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  03:00 PM ET, 05/05/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Darn Good, Kapital Magazine, Young Black & Gifted

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 04/30/2010

Be Specific: Rhett Miller Talks White House Correspondents' dinner
By Allison Stewart
By Allison Stewart Singer-songwriter Rhett Miller will take time out from recording a new double album with his band the Old 97's to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night (watch your back, fellow attendee Justin Bieber!). Miller,...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:45 PM ET, 04/30/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Rhett Miller

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 04/29/2010

The annotated Ian McCulloch: Echo and the Bunnymen frontman's pearls of wisdom
By David Malitz
Ian McCulloch takes a drag at Coachella. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) By David Malitz Last year at SXSW I conducted an interview with Ian McCulloch, frontman for rightly-revered Brit-rockers Echo and the Bunnymen. The interview simply sat on my recorder for...

By David Malitz  |  11:45 AM ET, 04/29/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Echo and the Bunnymen

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 04/28/2010

Be specific: Motion City Soundtrack frontman Justin Pierre on major label life
By Allison Stewart
Motion City Soundtrack's Justin Pierre (front, with glasses) is enjoying his moment in the spotlight. (Peter Yang) By Allison Stewart Now in their 13th year of existence, Minneapolis-based pop-punk lifers Motion City Soundtrack released their fourth disc (and major label...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:00 PM ET, 04/28/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Motion City Soundtrack

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 04/22/2010

Patrick Stump talks solo debut, Fall Out Boy's future (or lack thereof)
By Allison Stewart
Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump is going solo. (Lucian Perkins/TWP) By Allison Stewart After years toiling as rock's most anonymous frontman, Fall Out Boy singer Patrick Stump is set to venture forth on his own, with a new solo disc...

By Allison Stewart  |  02:30 PM ET, 04/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Fall Out Boy, Patrick Stump

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 04/21/2010

Director Danny Perez talks Animal Collective collaboration on new film "Oddsac"
By David Malitz
An image from Animal Collective's "Oddsac" - it's not exactly a popcorn flick. (Courtesy of Swiss Dots) By David Malitz It's hard to deny that 2009 was the year of Animal Collective. The Maryland-bred experimental pop band enjoyed massive breakthrough...

By David Malitz  |  10:30 AM ET, 04/21/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Animal Collective, Danny Perez, Oddsac

Posted at 04:15 PM ET, 04/20/2010

Roger McGuinn talks about the writing rockers of Rock Bottom Remainders
By David Malitz
Roger McGuinn of folk rock legends the Byrds teams with Dave Barry, Amy Tan and other authors in the Rock Bottom Remainders. (John Chiasson) By Stephen Lowman You know that dream you’ve always had? The one where you see "The...

By David Malitz  |  04:15 PM ET, 04/20/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Rock Bottom Remainders, Roger McGuinn, The Byrds

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 04/15/2010

Be specific: Amber Collins of No Speed Limit on the future of young bluegrass
By Chris Richards
Amber Collins and No Speed Limit are breathing new life into bluegrass. (Photo courtesy of the artist) By Chris Richards Bluegrass ain't dead. Not according to No Speed Limit, a young progressive bluegrass troupe from Southwest Virginia. A majority of...

By Chris Richards  |  01:15 PM ET, 04/15/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Amber Collins, No Speed Limit

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 04/14/2010

Mi Ami on why Bob Marley is on its album cover (Hint: It's not a tribute)
By David Malitz
Don't count Mi Ami's Daniel Martin-McCormick (left) among Bob Marley's many admirers. (Photo By Ben Rayner) By David Malitz One of 2010's best records to date is Mi Ami's "Steal Your Face," an awesomely chaotic mix of punk, funk, dub...

By David Malitz  |  12:00 PM ET, 04/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Mi Ami

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 04/02/2010

Be Specific: Rapper Garvey “The Chosen One” on Going Back to School
By Sarah Godfrey
Local rapper Garvey "The Chosen One" used Calvin Coolidge High School as the location for his new video. (Photo courtesy of the artist) When it came time for D.C.-bred rapper Garvey “The Chosen One” to pick a video shoot...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  01:15 PM ET, 04/02/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Garvey the Chosen One

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/30/2010

Be specific: Jello Biafra on 21st century censorship
By Chris Richards
Punk icon Jello Biafra brings his new band, the Guantanamo School of Medicine, to the Black Cat tonight. (Photo courtesy of the artist.) By Chris Richards When Jello Biafra brought the Dead Kennedys to Washington D.C. in 1982, The Washington...

By Chris Richards  |  07:00 AM ET, 03/30/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Dead Kennedys, Guantanamo School of Medicine, Jello Biafra

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 03/26/2010

Be specific: Angelique Kidjo on the influences behind her new album "Oyo"
By David Malitz
Angelique Kidjo can cook up - and sing up - a storm. (Photo by Nabil Elderkin) By David Malitz When I called Angelique Kidjo earlier this week to talk about her new album, "Oyo," we first got sidetracked with a...

By David Malitz  |  12:00 PM ET, 03/26/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Angelique Kidjo

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 03/24/2010

Be Specific: Tyrone Norris of Rosetta Stoned on hip-hop and chess
By Sarah Godfrey
Tyrone Norris is adding chess to his ever-growing empire. (Courtesy of the artist Tyrone Norris is everywhere. He's one half of the experimental hip-hop duo Rosetta Stoned, the organizer of the monthly D.C. organic open mic party Cakes and Kisses...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  12:15 PM ET, 03/24/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Tyrone Norris

Posted at 02:20 PM ET, 03/12/2010

Be specific: Dam-Funk on staying true to his sound, the generation gap and Todd Rundgren
By David Malitz
Dam-Funk - a big fan of Todd Rundgren. (Matthew Scott) By David Malitz In today's Weekend section I wrote about four on-the-rise acts hitting D.C. this month that I'm expecting big things from in the future. Those include Free Energy,...

By David Malitz  |  02:20 PM ET, 03/12/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Dam-Funk

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 03/11/2010

Be Specific: Brazilian icon Gilberto Gil discusses his indie rock acolytes
By Allison Stewart
Gilberto Gil has found fans with a younger generation of musicians.(Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News) By Allison Stewart A beloved Brazilian musical icon and onetime political refugee, Tropicália pioneer Gilberto Gil also acted as Brazil’s Minister of Culture from 2003-2008 before resigning...

By Allison Stewart  |  03:00 PM ET, 03/11/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Gilberto Gil

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 03/09/2010

Be specific: Gordo Brega on Latin Hip-Hop
By Sarah Godfrey
Gordo Brega scoffs at your MTA pocket map. (Courtesy of Gordo Brega MySpace) Remember when hip-hop music played in nightclubs inspired people to jump up and down and ram into each other rather than perform cheesy dances or just stand...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  01:04 PM ET, 03/09/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Big Pun, Gordo Brega, M.W.A., Monster

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 03/05/2010

Be Specific: Tanya Tagaq explains Inuit throat singing
By Allison Stewart
What's the sound? Just Tanya Tagaq singing. (Photo courtesy of Tanya Tagaq) By Allison Stewart You’ve probably never wondered just what the deal was with Inuit throat singing, but it’s kind of strange, and beautiful, and vaguely resembles that...

By Allison Stewart  |  01:30 PM ET, 03/05/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Tonya Tagaq

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 02/26/2010

Be Specific: Alice in Chains' new frontman on life after Layne
By Allison Stewart
Alice in Chains is back with William DuVall, second from right, replacing the late Layne Staley. (Gareth Cattermole) The only thing in rock and roll more awkward than being the New Guy In The Band is being the New Guy...

By Allison Stewart  |  12:45 PM ET, 02/26/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Alice in Chains

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 02/25/2010

Be specific: Trey Songz on inventions
By Sarah Godfrey
He invented sex. What other inventions does he like? Trey Songz is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer, heartthrob, fashion plate, remix killer, philanthropist and… inventor. Well, kind of. One of the biggest hits from the Petersburg, Va., native’s most recent...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  02:10 PM ET, 02/25/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Trey Songz

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 02/23/2010

Be specific: Ludacris on the wide world of remixes
By Chris Richards
Ludacris opens for Black Eyed Peas at Verizon Center Tuesday night. Here are some things Ludacris won't talk about: politics, Bill O'Reilly, the "We Are the World" remake and President Obama's embrace of the hip-hop community -- or to some,...

By Chris Richards  |  12:21 PM ET, 02/23/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Ludacris

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 02/22/2010

Be Specific: Will.I.Am explains the continued ubiquity of the Black Eyed Peas (sort of)
By Chris Richards
That's actually his phone. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson). With their pop-omnipresence continuously growing through a myriad of hit singles and corporate endorsements, The Black Eyed Peas are set to perform at the Verizon Center on Tuesday. Click Track asked frontman Will.I.Am about...

By Chris Richards  |  02:04 PM ET, 02/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.Am

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 02/19/2010

Be specific: Miguel Zenón on perfecting a mix
By Sarah Godfrey
Miguel Zenon performs at Sixth and I Synagogue on Saturday night. Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón pulled off a jazz first in 2008 by receiving both a Guggenheim Fellowship and a MacArthur genius grant in the same year. The Guggenheim award...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  02:30 PM ET, 02/19/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Esta Plena, Miguel Zenón, Miguel Zenón Quartet

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 02/12/2010

Be specific: Wanda Jackson on recording with Jack White
By David Malitz
Wanda Jackson's latest project finds her working with Jack White. The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, visits the Black Cat tonight. She was breaking rock-and-roll barriers more than 50 years ago - "I changed the way country music girls dressed...

By David Malitz  |  01:34 PM ET, 02/12/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Jack White, Wanda Jackson

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 02/09/2010

Be specific: B.o.B aka Bobby Ray on being rabidly anticipated
By Sarah Godfrey
B.o.B.: Hailing a water-taxi to rap super-stardom. Or something. Even though it has become common for signed rappers to release a bounty of freestyles and mixtapes before getting around to fulfilling the terms of their record deals, B.o.B has taken...

By Sarah Godfrey  |  01:30 PM ET, 02/09/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  B.o.B, Bobby Ray, May 25, The Adventures of Bobby Ray

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 01/29/2010

Be Specific: Martina McBride and Trace Adkins are tour buddies
By Chris Richards
How well do tourmates Martina McBride and Trace Adkins know each other? When country queen Martina McBride and honky tonk tough guy Trace Adkins announced that they'd be embarking on an epic U.S. tour together, it seemed a bit of...

By Chris Richards  |  03:45 PM ET, 01/29/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Martina McBride, Trace Adkins

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 01/08/2010

Be specific... Ricky Skaggs on "bluegrass hair"
By Chris Richards
Skaggs and his lovely, lovely locks, a bluegrass standard. Earlier today, Ricky Skaggs spoke with Click Track about the importance of holding fast to the traditional elements of bluegrass music. Does that include having really great hair? Throughout the years,...

By Chris Richards  |  12:00 PM ET, 01/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Ricky Skaggs

Posted at 06:05 AM ET, 01/08/2010

Be specific... Bluegrass great Ricky Skaggs on the future of the genre
By Chris Richards
Skaggs has some harsh words about the state of current country music. Ask Ricky Skaggs about his favorite contemporary bluegrass acts and he'll rattle off a mighty list: Cherryholmes, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mountain Heart, Blue Highway, Sierra Hull and many...

By Chris Richards  |  06:05 AM ET, 01/08/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Ricky Skaggs

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 01/07/2010

Be Specific… D.C. rapper Lola Monroe on the transition from video honey to MC
By Chris Richards
D.C. native Angel Lola Luv now raps under the name Lola Monroe. (Courtesy Lola Monroe MySpace.) By Sarah Godfrey Those who’ve long enjoyed ogling Lola Monroe in urban skin mags or music videos from the likes of 50 Cent...

By Chris Richards  |  03:05 PM ET, 01/07/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Lil Boosie, Lola Monroe

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 01/05/2010

Be Specific... RJD2 on his "Mad Men" theme and the state of television tunes
By Chris Richards
This man grew up on "Knight Rider." (Courtesy of XL Recordings) Hip-hop producer RJD2 has licensed countless songs for television, but his most recognizable televised ditty is his theme music for the award-winning AMC drama "Mad Men." The beat...

By Chris Richards  |  02:10 PM ET, 01/05/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Mad Men, RJD2

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 01/04/2010

Be specific... Washington rapper XO on the difference between a mix tape and an album
By Chris Richards
XO's new album "One. One. Ten." is available as a free download. With the digital era allowing artists to take control of how they release their music, hip-hop fans have come upon something of a zen riddle: If a mix...

By Chris Richards  |  01:50 PM ET, 01/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific, Be specific | Tags:  X.O.

Posted at 03:28 PM ET, 12/29/2009

Be specific: YACHT talks "Psychic City"
By David Malitz
Without question my favorite song of 2009 was "Psychic City (Voodoo City)" by YACHT, the duo of Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans. It's a bouncy, goofy, sweet, optimistic leftfield electro-pop tune that lurches and gurgles along, with chants, grunts,...

By David Malitz  |  03:28 PM ET, 12/29/2009 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Best of 2009, YACHT

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 12/23/2009

Be specific: Wale gears up for Sunday's halftime gig at FedEx Field
By Chris Richards
This summer's Virgin Mobile FreeFest was one of Wale's biggest shows; his Sunday performance will be even bigger. (Photo by Kyle Gustafson/FTWP) It's been an incredibly busy year for Wale. Today alone, the local rap phenom has leaked new music...

By Chris Richards  |  02:31 PM ET, 12/23/2009 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Wale

Posted at 02:13 PM ET, 12/17/2009

Be specific: Local indie label Underwater Peoples on why vinyl trumps CD and MP3
By David Malitz
Ari Stern runs all-vinyl label Underwater Peoples from his living room in D.C. (Michael Temchine/FTWP) Underwater Peoples, the indie-pop label that Ari Stern runs out of the living room in his D.C. apartment, has had a good first year. It's...

By David Malitz  |  02:13 PM ET, 12/17/2009 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Be specific | Tags:  Alex Bleecker, Real Estate, Underwater Peoples, vinyl