Download Episode 54: He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister on iTunes

The dual interview format meant that each were able tell their side of the story, unencumbered by the presence of the other. Sometimes their answers matched and sometimes they were in complete contrast to one another.

Download Episode 53: Fishbone (Part 2 of 2) on iTunes 

Founding members, Norwood and Angelo answered the same set of questions seperately, resulting in two, often very different, sets of answers.

Download Episode 53: Fishbone (Part 1 of 2) on iTunes 

The band answers both Daniel’s fans’ questions about Twilight, Indian Food, Australian hotels, South African restaurants and what it was like to play at the Olympics.

Upload your photos of Bombay Bicycle Club to vivogig to keep them climbing the vivogig photo chart.

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 51 ON ITUNES

Download Episode 50 of the vivogig podcast

BANDS INCLUDE:

The Features
Sunday Oct 14 11:30 AM on Honda

Freelance Whales
Sunday Oct 14 1:15 PM on Honda

River City Extension
Friday Oct 12 1:20 PM on Austin Ventures

The Dunwells
Sunday Oct 14 4:15 PM on BMI

Native Run
Saturday Oct 13 12:30 PM on BMI

Colorfeels
Friday Oct 12 12:30 PM on BMI

Noah Gundersen
Sunday Oct 14 11:05 AM on BMI

Soul Rebels
Friday Oct 12 6:00 PM on Zilker Stage

Space Capone
Saturday Oct 13 4:00 PM on BMI

Download Episode 50 of the vivogig podcast

The night also included performances by Austin bands, The Baker Family and Mobley. Check out photos of the night here and of Girl In A Coma below.

Upload your photos of Girl In A Coma to vivogig to keep them climbing the vivogig photo chart.

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 49 ON ITUNES

New York-based, genre-bending band Deadbeat Darling 

During the episode, the guys discuss recording their 2012 album, The Angel’s Share with renowned producer Ken Nelson and tell some pretty entertaining stories about their time in Wales. Seriously, the end of this interview is especially enlightening, as the guys explain why one member broke into a bar. You just have to hear the story. Additionally, find out which band member has previous ballet experience and which one  competed in roller skating. Also, discover what TV show the people of Wales equate all Americans with. It’s quite disturbing. There’s lots of good stuff here, including the band answering your fan questions. So, check out Episode 48!

These guys are seriously good and you’ll get to hear a few songs on the episode. Watch the creeptastic, black-and-white video for “Surf India.”

While you’re on the vivogig iTunes podcast listening to Episode 48, check out the other interviews host Daniel has done with some incredible bands. Also, be sure to upload your photos of Deadbeat Darling or any other band to vivogig and share your concert experiences!

I was lucky enough to be onstage with the band while they joined fellow local ACL performers, The Eastern Sea and Wild Child at the final Blues On The Green last week in an ACL preview.

Here are some of the photos I snapped from the stage at Zilker park where the band played to around 10,000 screaming fans. You can check out some more on our Facebook page.

If you were out at Zilker and snapped any pics of the band, share them on vivogig, get your peeps (that’s the first time I’ve written that word) to vote and the photo with the most votes come Friday will win a pair of tickets to their exclusive, invite-only taping at the Do512 lounge

As always, this podcast episode is brought to you by Do512.
Follow vivogig on Do512 for concert recommendations around Austin.

The past year-and-a-half has seen the release of a new album, We Are All Where We Belong, a shit ton of Austin Music Awards and booking ACL. As you may already know, the guys were our very first podcast guests and we’ve been patiently anticipating their return.

The guys answered your very serious questions (favorite pony?) and chatted us up about a variety of things, including booking ACL. Take a listen to hear Taylor Muse and company discuss how Cody being named the fifth best trombone player is a pretty big deal, as is being runner-up to Gary Clark Jr., their feud with The Bright Light Social Hour and how they plan to cook breakfast for 250 people at ACL.

Also, don’t miss another classic debate, this time around: slow, standard-issue zombies vs. Twilightesque vampires.

Check out Quiet Company tonight at Blues on the Green tonight and don’t miss them at ACL, Saturday Oct. 13 at 11:15 a.m.

Be sure to upload your photos of Quiet Company and any other band to vivogig.

And if you haven’t seen it, check out their Dubstep remix featuring “Tuxedoman”

At one point, Beans brought in well let’s say a sort of “bodyguard/bouncer” figure who accused Whitman and us vivogig folks of stealing Beans’ wallet and phone (which he actually had in his pocket the whole time). We all got up at one point to search the couch cushions for his wallet. There seriously was near fisticuffs between Whitman, Beans and his bodyguard (and maybe us) and you can hear it all on the podcast. At one point, Beans even asked our own Daniel Senyard to call his wallet. Hmm…copious amounts of alcohol may have affected Beans’ judgment. All-in-all it was a fun-filled, funny and scary interview with the guys of Whitman who’ve been playing rowdy and fun rock and roll for nine years now.

During the podcast, the guys from Whitman discussed their amazing experience playing at Pitchfork Fest in Chicago and how that came about through an Austin battle of the bands.  The guys took some unusual questions from fans, including myself, and you can hear all about their dream album, an electro-pop/cock rock compilation called Skinny Pants/Douche Rocket and who each of the guys would fuck/kill/marry among members of the band. The consensus seems to be the guys would kill Ram. Listen to our podcast for our candid interview and the near brawl with Beans and his “bodyguard/bouncer.”

Whitman are headed down to South Texas with Quiet Company this weekend. Their next Austin show will be at Frank on August 18.

Have photos from Whitman’s set at Emo’s? Upload them to vivogig now. 

Episode_45_Whitman.mp3

Chiddy Bang’s unique fusion of hip hop and alternative has made them popular with diverse audiences. During the interview, Xaphoon reiterated the duo’s cross appeal. “We wear a lot of different hats; we can open for a lot of different people.” The duo was even surprised that the hip hop guys liked them so much.

Daniel and Xaphoon also discussed how the single, “Upset of Adults” grew organically and that Kanye West happens to be Xaphoon and Chiddy’s common ground musically. Also, listen to find out why fans in the UK are especially raucous during shows.

Their debut studio album, Breakfast dropped this February and includes the singles “Ray Charles” and “Mind Your Manners.”

Daniel and the vivogig crew were in lovely El Paso, TX for Neon Desert Fest.

Check out the cool photos from the likes of Ghostland Observatory, Sparta, Le Butcherettes, Zechs Marquise and more at Neon Desert Fest.

In between shows, Daniel interviewed Zechs Marquise and Teri Gender Bender from Le Butcherettes. Both bands have an Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (Mars Volta, At The Drive In and more) connection. Really, who doesn’t have an Omar connection these days?

El Paso’s own Zechs Marquise joined Daniel first, dishing about their hometown’s growing music scene and how playing in El Paso to a large audience is “fun as hell.”  

The brothers Rodriguez-Lopez: Rikardo, Marcel and Marfred were joined by bandmates Matthew Wilkson and Marcos Smith. The band discussed their origins and why they are largely instrumental. “We couldn’t find a singer and we can’t sing.” They left open the possibility of becoming more vocal in the future. “There’s nothing like a fucking amazing singer.”

Find out more about the Rodriguez-Lopez trio’s famous brother, their “lazy comparison” to The Mars Volta and how playing at a bikini bar was a highlight for them.

Next up, Daniel had a quick chat with Teri Gender Bender, electifying lead singer of the punk trio Le Butcherettes.  Gender Bender was candid about her evolution and how Le Butcherettes allows her alter ego to come out. “We all have that little thing inside of us that’s wanting to crawl out.”

Listen for more about Le Butcherettes’ past use of meat during shows and Gender Bender’s affinity for Casio keyboards from Target.

Podcast # 42 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store

]]> http://blog.vivogig.com/episode-43-zechs-marquise-and-le-butcherettes-from-neon-desert-festival/feed/ 0 Le Butcherettes,Neon Desert Fest,Omar Rodriguez-Lopez,The Mars Volta,Zechs Marquise Podcast # 42 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store Daniel and the vivogig crew were in lovely El Paso, TX for Neon Desert Fest. - Check out the cool photos from the likes of Ghostland Observatory, Sparta, Le Butcherettes, Podcast # 42 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store Daniel and the vivogig crew were in lovely El Paso, TX for Neon Desert Fest. Check out the cool photos from the likes of Ghostland Observatory, Sparta, Le Butcherettes, Zechs Marquise and more at Neon Desert Fest. In between shows, Daniel interviewed Zechs Marquise and Teri Gender Bender from Le Butcherettes. Both bands have an Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (Mars Volta, At The Drive In and more) connection. Really, who doesn't have an Omar connection these days? El Paso's own Zechs Marquise joined Daniel first, dishing about their hometown's growing music scene and how playing in El Paso to a large audience is "fun as hell."   The brothers Rodriguez-Lopez: Rikardo, Marcel and Marfred were joined by bandmates Matthew Wilkson and Marcos Smith. The band discussed their origins and why they are largely instrumental. "We couldn't find a singer and we can't sing." They left open the possibility of becoming more vocal in the future. "There's nothing like a fucking amazing singer." Find out more about the Rodriguez-Lopez trio's famous brother, their "lazy comparison" to The Mars Volta and how playing at a bikini bar was a highlight for them. Next up, Daniel had a quick chat with Teri Gender Bender, electifying lead singer of the punk trio Le Butcherettes.  Gender Bender was candid about her evolution and how Le Butcherettes allows her alter ego to come out. "We all have that little thing inside of us that's wanting to crawl out." Listen for more about Le Butcherettes' past use of meat during shows and Gender Bender's affinity for Casio keyboards from Target. Podcast # 42 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store Vivogig Blog yes 44:05 http://blog.vivogig.com/episode-42-avi-buffalo/ http://blog.vivogig.com/episode-42-avi-buffalo/#comments Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:58:17 +0000 Daniel Senyard http://blog.vivogig.com/?p=3387 Podcast # 42 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store

This week’s interview is with Avi Buffalo who “gets all Yoda and shit” at last year’s UtopiaFest. Just 20 years old at the time of this interview, the Long Beach native is an incredibly compelling and engaging performer and a fascinating interview.

Check out the photos of Avi from UtopiaFest 2011

During our chat, you can hear the music of Episode 37′s guests, The Wheeler Brothers, playing onstage in the background.

Tickets to UtopiaFest are onsale now and if you attended last year, you can win tickets to UtopiaFest 2012 by uploading your best UtopiaFest pics to www.vivogig.com.

Podcast # 40 – Avi Buffalo is in the iTunes Store

During this week’s podcast, Daniel chats to Fitz from Fitz And The Tantrums over Skype. This interview was recorded just prior to the band’s Austin City Limits performance last October.

During the interview Fitz reveals the evolution of the band’s sound, fan fantasies and exes. Daniel and Fitz also discuss the tragedy at the Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium and how the stage collapsed just shortly after they left it.

Podcast # 40 – Fitz And The Tantrums is in the iTunes Store

This week’s interview with comedian Brian Posehn was recorded in advance of his performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest in November 2011. While Brian may not be a musician, he is an incredibly avid metal fan who double dates with Scott Ian from Anthrax.

Podcast # 39 – Brian Posehn is in the iTunes Store

This week’s interview with Australian electro dance act, Art Vs Science was recorded at Utopia Fest in Utopia Texas. This interview was recorded much later, on the same night, as last week’s interview with The Wheeler Brothers and Daniel and the band may, or may not, be a little tipsy.

During the interview, Daniel bonds with the band over being from south of the equator, Cheesy Australian bars and Yo Gabba Gabba. Subscribe and download the episode, rate and review the podcast, and if you’ve taken any photos of Art Vs Science (or any band, for that matter), upload them to vivogig.com

Podcast # 38 – Art Vs Science is in the iTunes Store

This week’s interview with The Wheeler Brothers was recorded in a small tent at Utopia Fest of Oct, 2011. With limited research and even less internet connectivity, Daniel sat down with the boys to talk tours, drunken nights, fights and guitar smashing.

Since our talk, they’ve been on another tour, gotten some great press and put out a couple of outstanding music videos including this one for “Spent Time” which premiered on Spinner.com last month.

Podcast # 37 – The Wheeler Brothers is in the iTunes Store

During our talk, Beardyman discusses performing infront of both comedy and festival crowds, his dislike of Jersey Shore, drunken fans and musical vaginas.

His performances combine music, beat boxing, live looping singing and comedy. If that sounds confusing, check out the below videos.

This week’s episode includes interviews with Fun Fun Fun Fest performers, The Thermals, Crooks, SPEAK, Turquoise Jeep Crew, Schmillion, Thieves, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and comedian Brian Posehn. This episode was recorded before the festival but due to the release of the new vivogig.com site, is coming out 2 months late. But…our new site is super cool!

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As part of our Austin City Limits preview podcasts (#30 & 31) last month, we interviewed 22 amazing ACL performers. As can happen when you are talking to some of your fave bands, the conversation went on a little longer than planned (or did it…) and some of these interviews turned out so well that we couldn’t bring ourselves to discard of the chatter that we had to cut from the ACL series. My interview with Luther from the North Mississippi Allstars was one such case and so here is the full, 20+ minute interview. For the condensed 5 minute version, along with the rest of the shorter ACL interviews, download Episode 30 and 31.

In addition to asking Luther about his musical heritage, the presence of insects on his record and meeting Bob Dylan, I also give him a quick lesson on Zebras. Really.

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast, download episode 34 and rate/comment on iTunes. You can keep your firstborns.

Podcast #34 – North Mississippi Allstars is in iTunes Now!

http://www.vivogig.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/Episode_34_ North_Mississippi_Allstars.mp3

This week’s interview was recorded during a 3-hour drive to Utopia Texas where Les RAV was playing and Daniel was doing a series of soon-to-be-released interviews. During the car ride and interview, Lauren talks about this new band, her work with $2 Shows, her journey with Crohn’s Disease and the upcoming Jackson Potts exhibit that $2 Shows and vivogig are co-presenting.

In addition to the standard questions, Lauren addressed a question about a pseudo scandalous email that mistakenly got sent to her entire fan-base.

During the interview, Lauren answered:

• If you had to choose just one, what’s your actual biggest musical influence?
• Band influences?
• Promoting community and causes has been at the heart of all your projects since you were very young. Can you tell us about how this sense of art being “bigger than you” impacts your personal life and your musical career?

Just a few weeks ago indie, country chameleon Nikki Lane stopped by Austin boozer, The Mean-Eyed Cat, to perform a private show for local music/branding/scent (really) company, DMX and a few vivogiggers.

Following the performance, I was joined by DMX’s Deidre Gott to interview Nikki for the vivogig podcast. The audio podcast interview is now available in iTunes and the video version, shot and produced by our friends at BandLENS, will be available later today.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, download the audio interview, check out the performance video below and stay tuned for the video version.

Nikki Lane – Gone Gone Gone from bandLENS on Vimeo.

Podcast #32 – Nikki Lane is in iTunes Now!

This week we bring you not one, but two podcast episodes featuring 22 bands and performers taking the stage at Austin City Limits 2011. Both parts are available in the iTunes store right now.

This second part features the following performers:

This second part features the following performers:

North Mississippi Allstars
The North Mississippi Allstars were founded in 1996; a product of a special time for modern Mississippi country blues. RL Burnside, Jr. Kimbrough, Otha Turner and their musical families were at their peak; making classic records and touring the world.

Courtney Jay
In 2010 The Exotic Sounds of Courtney Jaye a lo-fi 60s inspired pop /Hawaiian country record, was released independently by Jaye on her imprint, Tropical Records. The album was produced by Seth Kauffman (Floating Action), mixed by Joe Pisapia and it features a duet with Band of Horses’ frontman Ben Bridwell.

Cowboy and Indian
Equal part songwriter and musician, each member brings a kinship and unique voice that is an undeniable shining virtue, add salt of the earth folk tradition and rock/soul influence that harkens back to 70s woodstock era and you get the reason why this band has become the most talked about new band in Austin, TX.

Patrice Pike
Patrice Pike’s been a professional musician and songwriter since she was sixteen, but has maintained such a raw, down-to-earth quality and irrepressible talent that she has won audiences over from intimate clubs around the US and Europe to international audiences on prime time television worldwide.

Reptar
From the greater Athens-Atlanta-Asheville area, the four have been playing music since the beginning of recorded history, but playing shows as Reptar since December 2008. Since then, Reptar has created quite a sensation around the Southeast and just wrapped up a 7″ recording with producer Ben Allen

Brady Rymer
Brady Rymer is one of the top talents in the independent family music scene today. Originally with the RCA Records band From Good Homes, Rymer ventured into family music with the CD Good Morning, Gus in 2000. Since then, he has released five other CDs, including the 2008 Grammy Award nominated Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could.

Yellow Ostrich
The focal point of the songs on Yellow Ostrich’s magnificent debut The Mistress is Alex Schaaf’s tender, pleading voice. It’s a reedy, childlike instrument, and on The Mistress it gets looped and layered, stretched, manipulated; it’s stacked up several high and, most often, it’s used as an instrument, fleshing out the empty spaces in his bare, searching songs.

little hurricane
Little Hurricane is a dirty blues/rock outfit from San Diego, CA. The band was formed in early 2010 when guitarist Tone met drummer CC thru an ad on Craigslist. They found a common interest in unique and vintage equipment and a love of grimey, down and dirty blues.

Tyler Briant
Tyler Bryant lives his life for music. Passionate about expressing himself and connecting with others through his songs and sounds, Tyler moved to Nashville from Honey Grove, TX when he was 17 to write songs and start a band.

Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang is an alternative hip hop duo from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania consisting of Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege, and Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin. The pair shot to international prominence in 2010 with the release of their major-label debut single Opposite Of Adults which peaked within the Top 20 on various singles charts worldwide

Subscribe to the podcast for more great band interviews and performances.

Podcast #31 – ACL Preview (Part 2) is in iTunes Now!

This week we bring you not one, but two podcast episodes featuring 22 bands and performers taking the stage at Austin City Limits 2011. Part One is available in the iTunes store right now and Part Two will be up tomorrow.

This first part features the following performers:

Asleep At The Wheel
Can a wheel reinvent itself while it’s still rolling? Sounds like an impossible task — but you never want to say “impossible” to Asleep at the Wheel, the famed western-swing, boogie, and roots-music outfit that’s, amazingly, still on the upswing. That’s saying something, too, considering the group’s been around for nearly 40 years, turning out an incredible 25+ albums

WAX
In the world of Hip‐Hop, the word “wax” has multiple meanings – all of which pertain to the true roots of the culture. “Wax” as a verb means to speak enthusiastically, as many lyricists do in their rhymes. “Wax” as a noun is a euphemism for vinyl, the original means that Hip‐Hop music was delivered upon. Now, Hip‐Hop can add a new meaning to the word “Wax”: an emcee who maintains the essence of Hip‐Hop, while pushing it forward.

The Greencards
From the first notes struck together in 2003 through tours with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and up to and beyond their fourth studio album in 2009, The Greencards have won steadily escalating acclaim for their multi-dimensional Americana vision.

Recess Monkey
RECESS MONKEY is the Seattle kindie band of three elementary school teachers who are taking the nation by storm! Known for their high-energy live shows, prolific and diverse music output, and their enthusiasm for kids and their families, Daron, Drew and Jack are thrilled to announce their seventh album, “FLYING!”

Ha Ha Tonka
There’s a certain wisdom that exists in the hills of the Ozarks. It’s a wisdom that spits out of the mouths of Woodrell’s characters; it’s a wisdom that is found in the lyrics by Woodrell’s fellow West Plains, Missouri natives, Ha Ha Tonka; and it’s a wisdom that’s found on the band’s new full-length LP, Death of a Decade.

Beardyman
What exactly is Beardyman? One minute he’s winning the UK Beatbox competition, twice, next he’s winning best MC at Breakspoll, and then he’s playing a sold-out run of solo comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. That’s not fair… Most people only get to do… well… none of those…

Kingston Springs
The Kingston Springs from (you guessed it) Kingston Springs, are doing much more than chasing girls these days. With a phenomenal performance at Next Big Nashville 2010, TKS is successfully winning crowds over playing at the top of bills around town.

Mildrive
MilkDrive, the Austin alt-folk-progressive acoustic string band, has put the finishing touches on its debut studio album, ROAD FROM HOME, produced in Nashville with Bil VornDick (Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Bob Dylan, Ralph Stanley) that will be available in April 2011.

Ruby Jane
From Austin, TX, 16-year-old Ruby Jane is the real deal. Born in Dallas and raised in Mississippi, she is a fiddler, singer/songwriter, and bandleader of The Ruby Jane Show, showcasing a mix of country, jazz, bluegrass, and blues.

Francisca Valenzuela
Francisca Valenzuela (born 1987) is a Chilean singer-songwriter who was born and raised in San Francisco, California and moved to Chile at the age of twelve. Her songs gather elements from everything from jazz to rock and pop to classical music

Fitz And The Tantrums
In just a year or so, soulsters Fitz & the Tantrums went from the living room to the main stage. The recipe for meteoric success? Six killer musicians, five dapper suits, irresistible songs, some serendipity and one vintage organ.

Subscribe today so that you get part 2 of our ACL Preview series featuring another 11 amazing performers.

Podcast #30 – ACL Preview (Part 1) is in iTunes Now!

This week, tough to describe, mostly electronic band, The Octopus Project discuss being confused for mormons, recording Christmas music, being in Devo, baby pandas and more.

The four-piece meld audio and visual elements into their incredible live performances and can be caught onstage at Emos in Austin, headlining day one (tomorrow night) of The Wild Frontier Fest. Get your tickets here, and subscribe and download the interview from iTunes here.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED

1: How much of your performance is improvised and what is the difference between music and noise to you?
2: Why don’t you incorporate more vocals into your music? The ones where you do, like Wet Gold and I.O.I.O, are amazing
3: How involved were you guys with the video production that went along with live “Hexadecagon” shows?
4: What kind of effects and equipment do you use to get so many interesting sounds?
5; How did you get started using the Theramin?
6: what’s your general thoughts on releasing albums on vinyl these days, and are there more plans for Octopus Project stuff on vinyl in the future?
7: When will you be releasing a new record and do you have any plans on putting out a live DVD?

Podcast #29 – The Octopus Project is in iTunes Now!

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Indie-electro-soul-dance act BK & Mr E (Hardcore for the 21st Century) joined Daniel in the pseudio to answer fan questions. The guys showed up in full band regalia (or did they?) and discussed influences, food, feathers, on-stage personas and more.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE GUYS ANSWERED:

1: Who’s the bigger band Geek?
2: How long have you been playing together?
3: I learned through a Vivogig write up that you two met in high school and were in marching band. What’s your best “this one time at band camp…” story?
4: What is the species and more importantly nationality of the bird(s) that donated their feathers for your plumes?
5: How do you integrate classical knowledge of composition and theory into your music experience? Can you match your inspirations back to specific composers or progressions?
6: LOVE your music and your vocals are incredible! Where did you get your inspiration for Sand?
7: My question is in two parts. Firstly, what software program(s) do you use to manage/play your music on stage in addition to your live instruments?
8: Where do you find inspiration for your songs?
9: I don’t usually see a lot of dual lead singer acts. How do you decide who sings what part?
10: Who are your greatest musical influences? sting – falsetto – hip hop
11: If you had to compare your music to a food, what would it be?
12: What was the TRUE inspiration of your stage names? I just don’t believe it was Brandon’s astrologist that named them.
13: If you could have dinner with a musician, living or dead, but couldn’t discuss music or the music industry, who would it be?

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great interviews.

[relatedPosts]

Austin and Toronto’s shared band, The Sweetness have made their way all the way down from Toronto to Austin on their 31-stop tour. In episode 25, we interviewed them about the first half of the tour over a series of Skype interviews. For episode 27, the band came into the pseudio (my home-office pseudo studio) for an in-person interview. We had a great chat, discussing the rest of their trip, the challenges of traveling with a 4-person film crew, how they will adjust  to life in separate cities once they finish touring and the difference between Austin and Toronto audiences.

After the interview, we lit the grill, welcomed some friends and had a BBQ, followed by a five track performance by the band. While the band has reached a certain comfort level with being followed by cameras and boom mics, I can honestly say that I found it a little awkward. It’s going to be awesome to have vivogig be part of the documentary when it comes out but I have never felt more pressure to make a good BBQ fire. I was certain my primal masculine skills would fail me and the fire would fizzle on camera. Thankfully it didn’t and the fire was roaring in minutes.

Check out The Sweetness’ last Austin show until SXSW 2012 at One-2-One on Saturday, September 3. They have a few more stops in Texas and Indiana before the band heads back out to Europe.

Podcast #27 – The Sweetness (Part 2) is in iTunes Now!

[relatedPosts]

This week we talk to Austin pop-rock band, The Shears who so impressed the city that they were voted as one of the top 10 rock bands of 2010 after just 8 shows.

The interview was recorded in the house of one of the band members. And while this was a great interview, a malfunctioning mic and beeping fire detector conspired to make this a less-than-perfect sounding episode. Thankfully audio engineer Weldon was able to tweak it to make it sound much better and more listenable.

But don’t let the sound put you off, The Shears went the extra mile to get submissions so this interview features huge amount of fan questions, both insightful and bizarr. So subscribe, download, plugin and enjoy!

Download Podcast #26 from iTunes Now!

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In part one of two interviews with Austin/Toronto band, The Sweetness, we hear from the band about how their first few shows on their 31-stop tour of Canada and the US went. In the next episode of this series, in a few weeks, Daniel will interview the band in person once then hit Austin.

Be sure to read the blog posts listed below that the band have been submitting along the way about their tour.

Download Podcast #25 from iTunes Now!

[relatedPosts]

For this week’s interview, I headed down to Gibson Guitar’s Austin office to meet rising country star, Ryan Beaver.

During the interview, Ryan revealed some unexpected influences and told me what it’s like to have a name that sounds a little like a little Canadian popstar.

During the interview, Beaver plays an exclusive version of his hit song, Beale street. Listen to the interview and be sure to pick up the September issue of Study Breaks for a written version of the interview.

Download Podcast #24 from iTunes Now!

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This week Daniel interviews LA “Dreamwave” band, The New Division with their fans’ questions over Skype. During the interview, the band debuts not one, but two previously unheard tracks from their upcoming LP, Shadows.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1. The band shares the origin of their name (sure you can guess), their love for 80s music and
2. What are your other influences?
3. Listening to now?
4. Describe your creative process, specifically relating to the formation of your songs?
5. Thoughts on current state of music
6. here’s a funny question! I was wondering what make you laugh and are you all ticklish?
7. What did that guitar ever do to you? (Starfield)
8. What would be your favorite country to visit as a band?
9. any plans of a south american tour, including brazil?
10. Are you going in the coming months, concerts in Europe and especially France.

Podcast #23 – The New Division is in iTunes Now!

Episode_23_The_New_Division.mp3

Podcast #22 – Auroravore is in iTunes Now!

This week Daniel sat down with dream-pop-volcanic-rock quartet, Auroravore. The band is made up of three brothers and a friend. In one of the silliest interviews, we find out who the most mature Brown is and how to execute the perfect Bean Dip.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: The music of Auroravore, described as “Volcanic Rock”, seems to be an amalgamation of classic theory and new/modern sounds and influences. The rhythm makes you want to dance but often it is the lyrics of your songs that move people. Your lyrics often discuss modern ideas or comment on current social issues (see “Cosmo Nursery” or “Tell Her”) in an artistic but also resolved way. In writing your music, how often do you find that you are influenced by these and other issues, or is it hardly noticeable?
2: Michael. Given recent events, how many times have you nearly been arrested and then eaten tacos?
3: Do you guys still like your chicken like you like your women? When are you guys going to incorporate the banjo to Auroravore?
4: What is the perfect technique for a bean dip? And why is bean dipping so important?
5: At what point did Marcus surpass you guys in maturity?
6: Flight, x-ray vision, or skinny jeans?
7: Fiona Apple or Paula Dean?
8: David Spade or a goose?
9: When is playing music not playful?
10: How many songs have you written and then thrown away because you didn’t like them?
11: Who’s your favorite comedian comma living in Austin currently?
12: If you lived in a world such that even though you could be Bono-rich or Rick Rubin bad-ass but you still needed a bullshit job, would you work at Taco Cabana, an insurance company, or call it quits?
13: How often do you clean your shower?
14: Are you planning to release a full-length? And if so….details?

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great interviews.

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This week’s interview with The Bright Light Social Hour was a special collaboration between vivogig and BandLENS – We did the usual audio but they videoed the talk. The full audio interview is available, as usual, in iTunes but due to the length it, we are going to be releasing the video version in three separate installments – Part 1 below.

This interview was a real pleasure to do, both because of the ease of working with BandLENS and the laid-back attitude of the band. We interviewed them out on the deck of their band house and were treated to a tour of the “grounds,” including a tasting from their pear trees. Really.

Check out the video portion of first part of the interview here and subscribe and download the full audio version on iTunes.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1. How did you guys all meet?
2. What does the band name mean?
3. What is your songwriting process like?
4. What are your influences/what are you listening to right now? Favorite song?
5. In a facial hair fight between your long hair and mustaches and Quiet Company’s beards, who would win?
6. Do you ever get a hole in your thumb from slapping on the bass? Flea used to put super glue in his hole. do you have a secret fix?
7. Does Jacks carpet match his stache?
8. When are you guys coming to Canada to lay waste to the Great White North?
9. When are we going to see another non-live music video from you guys?
10. Where do you see The Bright Light Social Hour in five years?
11. Coke or Pepsi?
12. The lead guitarist seems kind of shy, although of course he is the incredible lead singer with an amazing voice. Is he shy behind the scenes? Or am I just crazy?
13. When did AJ get good at singing? He used to sound like two cats fornicating in a heroin den.
14. When sharing a groupie on tour, is it bad etiquette to cross swords?
15. What happened to the 14 inch party dildo? (seriously)
16. Does Jack lose his voice singing like that?
17. Who are each of your favorite songwriters/composers?
18. For each band member, who’s the most beautiful woman alive?
19. What’s your favorite album from the last 10 years?
20. Who’s the most talented Austin band/artist from the last 5 years? (not including you)

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great interviews.

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Photo by NBC

Last week, I interviewed Austin blues singer Nakia who was in Los Angeles, filming NBC’s hit show, The Voice. After blowing through the competition in the early rounds, Nakia was eliminated the day before the interview. I was joined by 101X DJ, Trevin, who played the role of comic relief and guest co-host.

Unfortunately, because the interview was recorded over Skype the audio quality is not great but it’s really interesting to hear the behind the scenes working of a hugely successful reality show.

NAKIA’S LINKS

facebook.com/nakia
twitter.com/nakia
nakia.net/

You can find Trevin on 101x from 6-10pm on weeknights

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great interviews.

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Photo courtesy of Jay West Photography

Episode 19 of the vivogig podcast is the second interview done in collaboration with Study Breaks magazine. Most of our interviews are done with fan questions, but once a month I interview a band or musician in a more journalistic style and then release the audio version as a vivogig podcast and then write a piece for the magazine.

This week we have guitar superstar and frontman of YAYO, Yayo Sanchez on the couch. Yayo began playing guitar as a child and played his first paid gig at 12 years old. Since then he’s shared the stage with members of Kiss, Guns ‘n Roses, Queen, Alice Cooper and more.

I also got the chance to ask him about the rumors that Sharon turned him away after Ozzie Osborn hand-picked him to play guitar in his band.

During the interview, Yayo plays a live version of “Down Like That” and premiers the unreleased and unheard song, “Bullet In The Head.”

Listen in to hear Yayo’s amazing stories and be sure to pick up the July issue of Study Breaks for my piece on Zeale and the August one for Yayo.

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great musician interviews.

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Listen in as Patricia debuts one of their unreleased tracks, Oxygen.

We’re back from our first national tour with Blue October! It feels good to be back home but I already miss the road. Believe it or not, there were actually some routinely things among the chaos of living out of a van. Early morning coffee and bagels, taking turns driving for 8 hours, load in, sound-check, dinner and then the show. It was an especially good day if I got to squeeze in a run. Staying healthy was another part of touring that proved to be difficult. We did have groceries and water in the van, which covered lunch most days, and that helped. Every day was a learning experience for us and it was awesome to be with another Texas band, soaking up all that Blue knowledge.

Most nights, multi-instrumentalist, Ryan Delahoussaye, joined The Soldier Thread in the acoustic performance of our newest single “Matador.” He crept onto the stage like a ninja, so the audience was always pleasantly surprised. It was extremely fun singing a duet with Justin Furstenfeld also. I joined Blue October for one song called “The Follow Through,” during their set. The song will be on their upcoming album Any Man in America.

I spent my birthday on the road too. My brother said it was a bummer that I had a show on my birthday, but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s my favorite thing to do, so why wouldn’t I do it for every birthday?! We were in Rochester, and after I sung the duet with Justin, I was presented with a birthday cheesecake on stage and everyone sang to me. That was pretty cool. Thanks Rochester!

I honestly miss hearing Blue songs every night, but I’m so glad to be back home in Austin with my full band. I’m excited about a lot of things, like getting a new apartment at the end of this month and collaborating with other artists in town, but I am particularly excited about The Soldier Thread’s Homecoming Show at The Parish this Saturday, June 11. Special guests Mobley, Calhoun, and Empress Hotel will be joining us, not to mention one more extra special guest that I am not at liberty to give away. Austin just needs to come party with us, cause it’s been too long. I’m looking forward to rocking off some familiar faces!

Tickets are available online for only $6. (They will be $10 at the door.)

Subscribe to the vivogig podcast for this and other great musician interviews.

Before SXSW, my friend Dave Dart of Dart Music International had told me about this amazing South African band he was helping come out for the festival. Me, being South African, naturally wanted to go and see them but South-By being what it is, I was unable to make their performances and thought I’d missed them.

Luckily, Dave let me know that they were still in town and although I didn’t have enough time to solicit questions, I had to do the interview. And while I naturally would have liked to have been able to submit this in a more timely fashion, I was trying to put a little space in-between the South African bands so as to appear less biased than I really am. We put our interview with SA band and long-time friends, Fulka out on Episode 9 and although I was waiting until about # 20 to post the Tidal Waves interview, things happen, scheduled bands break up and holes in the schedule have to be filled!

So this is both our first (chronologically) fan question-less episode as well as our first podcast featuring a guest co-host, Dave Dart. The interview was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with some fellow South Africans in downtown Austin.

Thanks must of course go to Dart International for making the connection and to Same Sky Productions for letting us record in one of their studios.

Enjoy and please rate and review us on iTunes!
Also, Check out fellow podcasters, Same Sky Radio on iTunes

Listen in and subscribe so that you don’t miss another episode.

TIDAL WAVES LINKS

- www.tidalwaves.co.za
- www.facebook.com/tidalewavestunes
- www.twitter.com/tidalwavestunes
- http://www.kalahari.net

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-ecb1fdf507dbb6522495aa641973fed0}

This week’s podcast is something different, something special. Instead of the usual shownotes, this post also functions of a press release of sorts. We are pleased to announce that vivogig has teamed up with Study Breaks magazine. Once a month, I will be doing a special interview with a band/musician but instead of the usual fan question format, these special, monthly episodes will be conducted in a more traditional journalistic-y style. I will then release the audio from the interview as a podcast and at the same time, write a piece for the magazine. In addition to these monthly magazine pieces, I will also be guest blogging in their music section.

Our first “Study Breaks presents” podcast, episode 16, features Austin rapper and freestyle legend, ZEALE. During the interview we talk about embarrassing emcees, the music community and industry, touring with hiphop legends and collaborating with indie rockers, politics, race and bikinis.

ZEALE also performed several freestyle tracks, without any preparation or prior knowledge. Below is a video trailer for half of the one that made it onto the podcast – listen to the episode for the full one. Also below that is one of his warm up ones.

Zeale – “Hillary Banks Swanks” (Freestyle) by dsenyard

And please, rate us on iTunes, follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and read my article in Study Breaks.

Listen in and subscribe so that you don’t miss another episode.

ZEALE links:
www.facebook.com/ZEALERapz
www.twitter.com/ZEALE
www.ZEALERapz.com
www.zealeraps.bandcamp.com

Listen in and subscribe so that you don’t miss another episode.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:
1: Why is Stereo a lie?? Is this a riddle? I’ve been pondering it for about 2 years now.
2: Glynn, what brought you to the States? Did you move straight to Austin?
3: how much of an influence is John Paul Jones?
4: If you could transmit from any planet in the solar system, which would it be and why?
5: Please use your best Yoda voices to answer this following question: which Episode of Star Wars is your all time favorite?
6: Please define for the Americans, once and for all, the word “Chav”.
7: What is your favorite Texas beer, and why?
8: Where can I buy the action figure set with Glynn Wedgewood standing on the drum kit?
9: When are you coming to the UK?
10: When the mad max apocalypse arrives and there’s no electricity, how will you keep playing?
11: How does the band always look so blooming sexy?

Listen in and subscribe so that you don’t miss another episode.

Stereo Is A Lie links:
www.facebook.com/stereoisalie
www.twitter.com/stereoisalie
www.stereoisalie.com

The band also performs a special acoustic version of ghosts for us. The track is beautiful but we unfortunately only noticed once we began editing that someone (possibly me…) must have knocked into the mic stand. So don’t blame the mid-song clang on the band. It’s (probably) all me.

Listen in and subscribe so that you don’t miss another episode.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1) Where does the inspiration come from when writing songs, and who writes them?

2) What is each band members favorite song (that they’ve written) and why?

3) Where does the name come from?

4) Your sound has changed quite a bit since “In Search of Beginnings”. Is this a result of the band changing or are y’all adapting your sound to be more “record company” friendly?

5) Is it difficult to cope being in a band where each member is so incredibly good looking?

6) Who has the best hair

7) Favorite cartoon character as a kid and adult

8 ) How do you make each song so beautiful AND meaningful?

9) How did you create that laid-back but powerful balance in your music?

10) I was wondering are you guys ticklish and, if so, where are your spots?

11) If you were bionic, what body part/capability would you most want enhanced.

12) Are you working on anything new? How do you think your next release will be different from what you’ve done in the past?

The Canvas Waiting links:
www.facebook.com/thecanvaswaiting
www.twitter.com/thecanvaswaiting
wwwthecanvaswaiting.com

Subscribe or listen on iTunes

Here is the podcast for download if you are having any trouble with iTunes.

In the final installment of our 4 video podcast series shot around The Parish in Austin, Episode 13 of the vivogig podcast features Fort Worth’s Green River Ordinance.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

Watch the video below

DURING THE INTERVIEW, THE BAND ANSWERED:
1: Did you ever find your studio mascot?
2: Do you want my pet bearded dragon as a studio mascot?
3: What are your all time favorite concerts?
4: What were your childhood nicknames?
5: What are your favorite cover songs?
6: When is your cover album coming out? We’re waiting…
7: How did the band form?
8: When are the brothers getting their long-promised perms?

Green River Ordinance’s links:

www.greenriverordinance.com
www.hopegros.com
www.twitter.com/gro
www.freegromusic.com
www.facebook.com/gro

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

In number 3 of 4 video podcasts, Episode 12 of the vivogig podcast features Suite 709. As always, host Daniel Senyard interviews the band with their fans’ questions. Usually the podcast is audio only but we decided to play with video for our 10th episode and ended up with so much footage, we decided to spread it out over four separate episodes.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

Watch the video below

If you want to support Suite 709 in their recording fundraising effort, today (Friday, April 29) is the last day to contribute.

DURING THE INTERVIEW, THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: If you were a superhero, what ONE super power would you like to have? (What color would your “super outfit” be?
2: If you could work/collaborate with anybody (dead or alive), who would it be?
3: How did you form?
4: If you had to pick, what’s your most embarrassing moment?
5: What is your process for creating and performing music?
6: Jirod, what does your latest “secret phrase” blog post mean/refer to? And who is George?
7: How long does it take each of you to do your hair?

SUITE 709′s links:
unlocksuite709.com
youtube.com/suite709tv
facebook.com/suite709
twitter.com/suite709
kickstarter.com/projects/suite709/youre-the-key-to-suite-709-help-fund-the-debut-alb

In the second part of our four-part video series, we interview Houston band, The 71s, just after they stepped off stage at The Parish in Austin TX.

After filming part one with Courrier in the green room at The Parish, we decided to head outside and ended up interviewing The 71s in their trailer, surrounded by their newly-loaded gear, in the alley behind the club. Watch as this great band talks cardio, dinosaurs, Donald Trump and grooming tips.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: How did ya meet and decide to form
2: If you could only listen to music from one artist for the remainder of your life, which artist would it be and why?
3: You are selected to be the musical hosts on SNL, which two songs would you perform and who would you want the SNL guest host to be?
4: What’s the one thing you wish you could do better, or improve upon? Doesn’t have to be music related, just any one thing.
5: If you had an “Ultimate Fan” contest of sorts, what would the winner receive? What would they want to receive (don’t say facial hair grooming lessons from Jacob).
6: If you had to push a product with the song “Fire Tonight” from Rock and Roll Reaction – what would it be?
7: When I log on to your website to be influenced to vote for 2012 political candidates, whom will I be persuaded to vote for and why?
8: Tank – I don’t see enough of you at the shows back there in the back… if you could sing me a song, which song would you sing me (you can make it a duet with Keeton if you wish)?
9: If Cecil left to do a solo guitar/keytar tour and the remaining 71′s opened for him, would Jacob, Keeton and Tank be offended if he played over a Freddie Mercury, Neil Pert and Matt Bellamy on a dual neck bass/12-string montage?
10: If you could be any dinosaur, what noise would you make?
11: Enough with the games, it’s time to move to Austin. When?

The 71s Links:

www.the71s.com
www.twitter.com/the71s
www.facebook.com/the71s

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

When Courrier lead guitarist, Philip Edsel, approached us about getting involved in the SXSW hangover show, we casually mentioned that we were thinking about doing a video podcast. Well, “thinking about” quickly became “doing” as Philip innocently tweeted the following:

We rented out a camera. Forgot cassettes. Set up at The Parish. Ran out to get cassettes. And recorded the following interview. And while we of  course want you to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes (please subscribe!), we’re going to be posting each of these four podcasts to YouTube simultaneously (subscribe there too!). So enjoy and stay tuned for next week’s video podcast featuring Houston’s The 71s.

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: What odd/uncommon instrument would you like to integrate into your next record?
2: Is the hokey pokey what it’s really all about? And if so would you consider making a remix?
3: I find your music has a sweet sadness to it. Inspiring but always has with an underlying sorrow to it, why is that? Did any incident or exprience in particular inspire the song Paper Ghost? If so what?
4: How does your faith inform your music?
5: You’re managed by Matt Novesky from Blue October right? How did that relationship begin? How long have you all been working together?
6: How important is social media to your overall strategy?
7: If you could create music in any decade, what decade would you choose and why?
8: What band or musician would you most like to hear cover your music?
9: What rapper would you love to give a cameo to on your next record?
10: If your belly button was a functioning button, what would you want to happen when you pressed it?
11: Favourite Steve Martin Movie? Now reenact your favourite scene from said movie!

Courrier Links:

www.courriermusic.com
www.twitter.com/courriermusic
www.facebook.com/courriermusic

I have a very close relationship to the band as electronic musician and producer, Jacob Israel, and I (I grew up in South Africa) have been great friends since we were seven years old. But long-distance friendship or not, Fulka has taken off and their first album, Mystery Of The Seven Stars, has reached the top of several charts in South Africa.

Subscribe or listen on iTunes

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: Why do u make music and what do you want people to feel/think/experience? when they hear Fulka?
2: What is the meaning of Fulka?
3:Whats your opinion on creative in-breeding (rock influencing rock, electronica influencing), whether intentionally or not. Does it have a positive/negative influence on the music?
4: When you are hugely famous and popular and do your first world tour who would be your dream opening act?
Martha Which country would you like to tour?
5:In your video “Dancing In Our Darkest Days” you make a great looking breakfast. Do you believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
6: The lyrics as well as the visuals in the music video for ‘dancing in our darkest days’ seems to imply that the secret to remaining positive lies in community. Friends. People. Was this your intention?
7: Do you think you can reach international success from a place like Pretoria
8: [If bands could have alter egos.] How would you describe fulka’s alter ego?
9: Has Jacob Israel been to the States? (he wears a “I love NY” t-shirt in the video)
10: How did Ola meet her husband?
11: Portishead once said that they can only write when depressed. Which is your most productive mood to be in from where you write your songs?
12: What family member was the biggest influence on your music career. And why?
13: I have heard that you played/sang for Nelson Mandela. When and how did this come about?
14: If you were a flavor, what flavor would you be?
15: To what extent is the music of Fulka a personal expression, free from specific intent, where an unpredictable audience makes up its own undirected mind, or do you aim to guide impressions of your sound and message?

Fulka links:
www.facebook.com/fulkaband
www.twitter.com/fulkamusic
www.fulka.bandcamp.com
www.fulka.co.za
www.youtube.com/Fulkamusic

Subscribe or listen on iTunes

Here is the podcast for download if you are having any trouble with iTunes.
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Shortly before the interview, I was approached by Steve from Appconomy and asked whether I knew a band that would be interested in playing as part of a vigil for Japan and so I hooked Saints of Valory up with the mayor (you can read about it all here). During the podcast, you will hear a tiny clip of the mayor talking and thanking the band.

Subscribe or listen on iTunes

DURING THE INTERVIEW THE BAND ANSWERED:

1: Who is Valory?
2: What is your every day life like?
3: How did you get from your home lands to Austin?
4: What is the meaning behind several songs lyrics?
5: What are you going to do to get more radio coverage?
6: Aí Galera do Saints !!!!! Adorei o Clip !!!! Super Divertido !!!! Parabéns a todos. Abrs Mauricio Lemos
7: What’s your next viral video (featuring clip of Austin Mayor from AustinCares Midnight vigil for Japan)
8: Do you have a lot of fans in your home countries
9: Do you have any plans for a national tour?
10: What are your musical influences?
11: Gavin, what’s up with your nipples?
12: How important is social media to your band promotion efforts?

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Saints of Valory links:
www.saintsofvalory.com
www.facebook.com/saintsofvalory
www.twitter.com/saintsofvalory
www.youtube.com/saintsofvalory

Here is the podcast for download if you are having any trouble with iTunes.

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Click here for Episode 7: SXSW Live Interviews

Although shorter than usual, this week’s episode gives fans some great insights to these exciting bands and their relationships with one another.

BELOW IS A LISTING OF THE BANDS AND THEIR QUESTIONS

1: Quiet Company asks Now The Rabbit Has The Gun about being professional song writers.

2: Miranda Dobson asks David Ramirez about his sleep habits.

3: David Ramirez gets Miranda Dobson to reveal her fears.

4: The Canvas Waiting asks My Name Is John Michael about the ups and downs of the Big Easy.

5: Saints Of Valory ask The Canvas Waiting about their teen idols

6: The Soldier Thread ask Saints Of Valory about connecting with the crowd.

7: My Name Is John Michael asks Annaliese Schiersch about her itchy feet.

8: Annaliese Schiersch talks about playing with Now The Rabbit Has The Gun just before running onstage to sing with them.

Here is the podcast for download if you are having any trouble with iTunes.

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Each year, hoards of fans, producers and labels storm Austin for the annual SXSW music festival, looking for the next big thing. Each year, hoards of bands and musicians do the same, hoping to be that next big thing. What started off as a showcase event where unsigned bands could get stage time at great venues in the hopes of being discovered has, for better or worse, turned into more of a must-stop festival for big bands from around the country and world. And while the influx of big names means lots of great music for the fans, it also means less stage time for local up-and-comers to be discovered. The First Annual Matchbox Showcase is one of the events trying to keep the original spirit of SXSW alive.

This day party, which is free and open to the badgeless, is being held at local institution, Antones, on Friday May 18. The showcase features eight bands, six of which are local. Each band has several industry and label VIPs hanging around, seeing whether any of them have what it takes to make the leap.

Saints of Valory and The Soldier Thread - photo by vivogig

The show’s headliner is podcast episode 4 guests, The Soldier Thread (Austin), preceded by upcoming guests, Saints of Valory (Austin) and then Now the Rabbit Has A Gun (Los Angeles), My Name Is John Michael (New Orleans), The Canvas Waiting (Austin), Annaliese Schiersch (Austin), David Ramirez (Austin) and Miranda Dobson (Austin).

So RSVP, show up early (there’s free breakfast!) snap some photos and stay tuned on details on how to win both vivogig and band merchandise, music, posters, electronics and a guest host spot on the podcast!

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Check out the awesome trailer that The Soldier Thread put together for the event, featuring the song, Matador, which they played live on the podcast.

Click here for Episode 4: The Boxing Lesson

Listen in as this amazing band shares the story of their origin, their shared love for felines and explains how much you should “smoke out” before seeing them perform.

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DURING THE INTERVIEW, THE BOXING LESSON ANSWER:

1: where does the name come from?

2: How has your music changed over the years ?

3: Why vintage Fender and Moog? How integral are they to the Boxing Lesson soun

4: How much are cats an inspiration in your work?

5: If you were sliding down a rainbow but ran out of secret flying pixie dust what type of magical feline would you count on to save you?

6: What do you think the next evolution in instruments will be?  Super guitar?  Hologram keyboards?  Enlighten me!

7: Who were your biggest musical influences?

8: What are the Top 5 bands of all time, past or present, that each of the band members would want to go on a tour with?

9: How do you get all that music out of just a couple of people?

10: Do you like cheeseburgers?

11: Can you offer advice to up-and-coming musicians out there about how to have the internal strength to avoid the common pitfalls that do in so many rock & roll bands – like hair product endorsements, mobile home park investments, and cannibalism?

12: If they were doing a THS (True Hollywood Story: on The Boxing Lesson, what would you both share as your “moment”, where you came to realize you were meant for music?

13: When did you realize you guys were going to play music together?

14: Talk about your move from LA to Austin and what it meant creatively for the band. Did your artistic direction change due to the new environment?

15: When did you record Fur State and what influenced you to release it when you did?

16: If you could be either marilyn monroe or betty davis, which would you choose and why

17  : What video did you have the most fun shooting?

18: how much before someone should smoke out before they come to one of their shows.

19: When can we see the boxing lesson on a US tour?

20: Your playing a ton of shows during SXSW 2011 where do you find the energy and do all those shows feature the same songs?

21: Best gig ever?

22 : Whats your favorite thing about performing live?

The Boxing Lesson’s Links:

• http://www.vivogig.com/bands/theboxinglesson
• http://blog.vivogig.com/2011/02/upcoming-podcast-the-boxing-lesson/
• http://www.theboxinglesson.bandcamp.com/
• http://www.twitter.com/theboxinglesson
• http://www.facebook.com/theboxinglesson

Here is the podcast for download if you are having any trouble with iTunes.

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