Smi (seattle Music Insider) Radio

this week’s episode of SMI Radio, once again we take you inside the famous Hurricane Cafe (see photos below) for an interesting and insightful conversation with the eclectic and talented Brent Amaker. Brent talks about his interesting brand of “cowboy rock” and his influences that include everything from Johnny Cash, to the Ramones, to 80′s New Wave. Brent also talks about his love for the road, the state of country music, and more. Brent Amaker and The Rodeo will take the stage next Wednesday, November 21st at The Triple Door. Tickets are available for purchase here. In the second half of the show, you’ll hear from guitarist and vocalist Lukas Nelson. Lukas talks about his many musical influences that include his father, Willie Nelson, his song writing process, and his most recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Lukas was recently in town to play a show at Tractor with past SMI Radio guests and friends, Ayron Jones & The Way.

n this week’s episode of SMI Radio, we take you to the famous Hurricane Cafe for a sit-down with the brilliant singer / songwriter Kris Orlowski. Kris talks about the inspiration for his music and the creative process for crafting and producing his beautiful and haunting songs. Kris is heading down to California this week for a series of shows. He will be in LA on Friday, November 9th to play the Hotel Cafe. and will be back in town to play Tractor on Thursday, November 15th. In the second half of the show you will here a backstage interview with guitarist and vocalist Larson Haakenstad and vocalist Ayesha Musicbox from the eclectic and soulful City Faire. Larson and Ayesha discuss their musical influences and how they come up with their brand of rock, soul and blues. They will be playing the High Dive with Whiskey Syndicate this Friday, November 9th.

On this week’s episode of SMI Radio, we take you backstage at Jazz Bones for a conversation with Mycle and Matt. In the first half of the show, Mycle talks about his adventure performing on The Voice, and how he went from a construction job and segued into a music career. In the second half of the show, Matt joins in the conversation and discusses his music and songwriting process. (Matt Recently participated in The Seattle Living Show and Melodic Caring Project concert a few weeks back. Check it out here.) In addition, you will hear selected tracks from both of these stellar Northwest artists.

This week’s episode of SMI Radio features an interesting backstage conversation with Azad Cheikosman, (guitars, vocals, and loops) Bridgette Eliza Moody, (bass, vocals, loops and percussion) and Eric Fabbro (drums, percussion). The members of Torches talk about their music their influences and how they made their Seattle connection. RockStar Motel‘s Director of A&R, Jason Friendt, is also a guest. Jason talks about his trip to New York and CMJ, RockStar Motel, and how he and this week’s featured artist, Torches, hooked up. Jason is also a music journalist, and the founder of Seismic-sound.com - and has an exciting new series you’ll want to hear about.

This week’s episode of SMI Radio features an interesting conversation with Fox and The Law frontman, Guy Keltner, as well as tracks from their most recent effort. Guy talks about the painstaking effort in recording the group’s record and the inspiration behind the songs. Keltner also discusses the amicable departure of guitarist, Ryan Granger, who is half of the gritty two-piece outfit, The Grizzled Mighty. The second half of the interview features a conversation with Ryan about the formation of The Grizzled Mighty. Granger, along with drummer Whitney Petty, are in New York this week, participating in the Rockstar Motel / CMJ showcase. After their gig in New York, the band returns to Seattle to play Neumos this Saturday, October 20 at 10:00pm, for City Arts Fest 2012. (For SMI Radio show run times, scroll down below.)

SMI Radio features an Xtra special episode in addition to this week's regular Podcasts. SMI Radio's Greg Roth speaks with Bananarama’s Karen Woodward and Sara Dalin via Skype, prior to their Seattle show that took place this past Saturday at The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle. The interview covers the bands origins, history, as well as their recent performance at the London Olympics. Woodward and Dalin also discuss their U.S. PINKOCTOBER Tour. In addition you will hear some selected tracks the highest charting female singing group in UK history.

This week’s episode of SMI Radio features in-depth conversations with Lomolo’s Meagan Grandall and Kendra Cox, and tracks from their most recent effort, The Kaleidescope, released this past June). With the landmark Hurricane Cafe as a backdrop, the duo discusses friendship, musical partnership, influences, and more. (For SMI Radio show run times, scroll down below.)

This week’s episode features interesting conversation and music from a couple of brilliant Northwest acts. First, there’s the dynamic duo of Impossible Bird, consisting of Nick Drummond on guitar and vocals and Tyler Carson on fiddle. Drummond’s beautiful tenor, coupled with Carson’s sonically exquisite violin, create incredible soundscapes. After their wonderful performance at Northwest LoveFest, they talked about their music, their influences, and how they came up with their unique sound and name. Impossible Bird will be performing Thursday, October 4th, at the Oliver Franklin CD Release Show at OM Culture, as well as October 6th and 7th at the Seattle Fusion Festival. Eclectic Approach had a huge week. They performed in front of a national television audience this past Monday (10/1) on Jimmy Kimmel Live. This Seattle outfit fuses funk, pop, rock, and hip hop to create a very musically diverse musical stew.The group’s frontman Jowed Hadeed and guitarist Ryan Jander discuss their unique, fun, and funky sou

In 1979, former Mott The Hoople frontman, Ian Hunter, released the critically acclaimed LP, You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic. One of the peppiest and snappiest tracks on the record was an ode to the current home of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, and legendary rock n’ roll Hall of Famer and DJ, Alan Freed. Cleveland Rocks eventually became the theme song for the very popular sitcom, The Drew Carey Show. The version that appeared at the beginning of the show was performed by Seattle’s own Presidents of The United States of America, fronted by Chris Ballew. In 2008, Drew Carey became part owner of the Seattle’s Sounders Football Club, and regularly travels to Seattle for matches. This makes a very unique Seattle music trifecta indeed. This week’s episode features two-thirds of this unique trio, connected through the power of music and soccer, starting with Ian Hunter. Ian was recently in town to play Bumbershot 2012. He, along with his Rant Band, put on a brilliant twilight performance under

Cody Beebe returns to SMI Radio with the lowdown on a new music festival. Cody Beebe and the Crooks perform this weekend, September 21 – 23, at the first annual Chinook Music Festival. He and a host of others have put together the festival, featuring 20 artists. (The full lineup is here.) Not only does Cody reveal what goes into creating a festival of this scale, he also has the low-down on some changes within his own band and a new record. KOMO News Radio personality and SMI Managing Editor Jennifer Austin drops in with the deets on the first annual Sirens – Sing Out for Women and Girls. Jennifer is hosting the show this Saturday night at the Hard Rock Cafe - which features a stellar lineup of artists, including The Juliettes, Stacy Jones Band, Kim Archer, and more. This event not only spotlights tremendously talented women, but also benefits the Women’s Funding Alliance – supporting progressive change for women and girls in the Seattle community. Blake Noble also stops by to talk about his role in the Sea

On this week’s episode of SMI Radio, Kristen and Carrie chat about Seattle Living Room shows and what inspired them to put the performance series together for Northwest music lovers. Blue-eyed soul man Carson Henley, a recent Seattle Living Room Show alum, also stops by. Carson talks about his record release show for his latest effort (100 Hours, available on iTunes) coming up Saturday, July 7th, at The Columbia City Theater. The third segment features a conversation with Stephanie and Levi Ware that took place at Northwest LoveFest. Stephanie and Levi are founders of the Melodic Caring Project, a Not-For-Profit that combines music and technology to stream live concerts to kids and teens in the hospital.

On this week’s episode of SMI Radio, Northwest LoveFest’s Jeremy Westfall and Pete Shin talk about the artists who will perform this weekend, and the concept and spirit behind Northwest LoveFest. Jeremy and Pete discuss the brand new NWLF Compilation CD, now available for purchase on Bandcamp. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Music Aid Northwest. Alejandro Garcia, from NWLF artist, NoRey, stops in, too. He gives a revealing look at this multi-national group’s music, influences and inspirations. You can hear tracks from NoRey’s debut EP, plus the group’s producer, Bubba Jones, of Critical Sun Records, checks in

On this week’s episode of SMI Radio you will hear my backstage conversation with Vicci that took place after her performance at Music Matters “Live.” We spoke about the evolution of her music following a very successful showing on NBC’s The Voice. Her strong performance in front of a national TV audience helped her gain a national fan base and land a deal on a major label. In addition to our conversation, you will hear some selected tracks off of her newest EP as well as some favorites from her Live at Jazzbones disc. In the second half of the show is a lost interview with Perry Acker’s Pete Johnson prior to their record release show this past fall. You will also hear selected cuts from their most recent effort, Path to Freedom.

Jon Anderson is a rock legend. You hear his one-of-a-kind voice on Yes classics such as Roundabout, And You and I, Long Distance Run Around, Owner of a Lonely Heart, Changes and many more. His career spans 4 decades, which include several solo records, as well as collaborations with Kitaro, Vangelis, and former Yes members, Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford. His soaring tenor, combined with his spiritual and supernatural lyrics, have won him legions of loyal fans throughout the years. This week on SMI Radio, it is my honor and privilege to bring to you a conversation with the incomparable Jon Anderson. Get a closer look at his storied career, his music and what inspires him to keep playing live. Feast your ears on his collaboration with Rick Wakeman called The Living Tree, Survival and Other Stories and his most recent release, the epic Open, as well as your favorite Yes tunes.

SMI Radio's Greg Roth speaks with Deep Sea Diver’s Jessica Dobson, Peter Mansen, and John Rains via Skype from their speaker phone. We talked about the group’s musical influences and inspirations. Jessica also talks about some of the distinctions between working with her band Deep Sea Diver and The Shins. Also we talk about their forthcoming tour with The Shins. Deep Sea Diver has also been tapped to perform at Bumbershot 2012. In addition, you will hear selected tracks from the newest Deep Sea Diver release, “History Speaks.” In the second half of the show you will hear an excerpt from an interview I did with Ravenna Wood’s Chris Cunningham last fall before they embarked on their west coast tour. You will also hear a couple of tracks from “Demons and Lakes.”

This week’s episode of SMI Radio features conversations with Synergia Northwest Creative Director Michael McMorrow, Alan White and Johnathan Sindleman from the band White, and Jet City Stream air personality / Music Director / Synergia Northwest Talent Director, Shawn Stewart. You will also hear selected tracks from Synergia Northwest Present’s Music Matters “Live” artists, including Vicci Martinez.

Ayron Jones visited the SMI Radio studio to talk about his music, his inspirations, and his participation in the festival, and more. You’ll want to catch his exclusive, in-studio performance of the Jimi Hendrix classic, “Little Wing,” plus hot tracks from Ayron Jones and The Way. Northwest LoveFest’s Jeremy Westfall joins us with an update on the festival and the brand-new website.

Portland’s Storm Large is a certified triple threat. In 2006, the musician, singer, and now published author gained national attention by wowing tv audiences with her stunning performances on Rockstar Supernova. On this week’s episode of SMI Radio, Storm talks about hanging with the boys on Rockstar Supernova, how the show boosted her career, and the shocking nature of her book. Plus, you can hear selections from her catalogue.

SMI Radio's Greg Roth speaks with the innovative, genre-busting Thomas Dolby. He gets very candid about his music career, his foray into the world of Hi-Tech, and his impact on the industries of music and technology. Stop in and get the scoop on his current “Time Capsule Tour,” which includes a traveling “time machine,” along with some faves from his catalogue.

On the next episode of SMI Radio, get a glimpse of the music industry from opposite ends of the spectrum. Guests Philana Goodrich and Mikhael Williams give us the low-down on bringing a vision to life, both from the artistic point of view, and that of the marketer. Philana Goodrich is the total package. She writes, arranges, and sings her own material from deep in her soul - and reveals quite a bit of it as she visits the SMI Studio with her drummer and main squeeze, Jordan Clark. Mikhael Mei Wiliams, Marketing Manager for AEG Live Northwest, also talks with me via phone. Mikhael is very knowledgable and passionate about music -- plus she has fascinating stories about working Bumbershoot and artists coming to Seattle in April. Stay tuned as she brings her expertise and experience to the party as the newest contributor to SMI!