I am 62 years old. I have worked honestly and hard my whole life (since I was 14) because that is how you “realize The American Dream.”
I was a home builder and designer.
In 1980, the “Savings & Loan Crisis” forced me out of work and out of business. (the government helped the banks survive…) I slowly rebuilt my life and business.
In 2007, the “Sub-Prime Mortgage Crisis” crushed me again. I lost my business, my home, my wife and my belief in that American Dream. (the government saved the banks again…)
WE ARE THE 99%
occupywallst.org
My video of Clarence Clemons in 2008 was featured on Fox News, NME, and OpenCulture. Never dreamed it would get 150,000 views on YouTube. What an honor, but what a loss. We’ll miss you, Bigman.
An Aggregation of Inspiration »
This is my final project for my minor at Tufts in Mass Communications & Media Studies. It’s a radio program running 17:11 about authenticity in music.
That scientific triumph known as the radio has brought millions of people into contact with that smaller group of persons who send vibrations into the microphone to amuse, instruct, or persuade their far-flung audiences. The web of radio communication is maintained at a huge expense in time and money. Is it used efficiently in the satisfaction of human wants or is there a wastage beyond that inherent in the clash of divergent interests that characterize a competitive society?
- Clifford Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., in the introduction to his 1933 Report of a Research into the Attitudes and Habits of Radio Listeners
“Indie” culture [is contructed] as an authentic, autonomous alternative to mainstream media. “Indie” is contradictory insofar as it at once serves to oppose the dominant culture but also to produce cultural capital that distinguishes its consumers.
- Michael Newman, in his investigation of “indie” cinema.
And yet in talking to people, in listening to them, I have come to realize that I don’t have a monopoly on the world’s problems. Others have their share, often far bigger than mine. This has helped me to see my own in truer perspective: and in learning how others have faced their problems — this has given me fresh ideas about how to tackle mine.
- Journalist Edward R. Murrow, in This I Believe
Last Episode of Kerfuffle
The following is part of a message that originally appeared on May 20. After a short break, new content and further changes are now coming to Kerfuffle!
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Thank you to all of those that have supported me and given me such amazing opportunities. I have had the great honor and pleasure to work with many amazing people, and to speak with many more inspiring figures. This may be a transition, but there are so many more interviews to do, so many more shows to see, and a lifetime of music still to come. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store. You all have my sincere gratitude.
Thank you for listening!
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ON THE SHOW TODAY!
♪ PAUL HANSEN and ADAM SANKOWSKI of THE GROWNUP NOISE - live in studio! One of the hottest and most exciting local bands out there! Dually located in Boston and New York, today presenting a live performance in studio, featuring tracks from the most recent album This Time With Feeling. Definitely a band to watch, as their CD Release in March was the most unexpectedly exciting and awesome live show I have seen all year. ( http://www.thegrownupnoise.com/ ) (http://thegrownupnoise.bandcamp.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/thegrownupnoise )
♪ JIM MCCARTY of THE YARDBIRDS and RENAISSANCE exclusive interview! Legendary rock drummer of the British Invasion, a contemporary of Keith Moon (The Who), and a founding member of The Yardbirds and former bandmate of Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. Jim McCarty has influenced multiple generations of drummers with his innovative style, and he’s still an active drummer—and an extraordinarily nice guy. Presenting an exclusive extended interview with another member of music royalty (and an actual member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). ( http://www.theyardbirds.com/ ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_McCarty ) (http://www.jimmccarty.co.uk/ ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Yardbirds )
♪ AVEY TARE of ANIMAL COLLECTIVE interview, with Matt Roe! David Portner (AKA Avey Tare) is a veritable demigod of indie rock as the voice of Animal Collective and of course his solo project, eponymously called Avey Tare. Last week, Animal Collective curated the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in England, after an expectedly dazzling headline set at Coachella last month. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avey_Tare ) ( http://animalcollective.org/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/aveytare ) (http://www.myspace.com/animalcollective ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Collective )
♪ DANIEL LAYUS of AUGUSTANA exclusive interview! Famous for their hit song “Boston” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASJBXu8tNo), Augustana is back with their fourth full-length, self-titled Augustana, and Dan Layus is the voice and the guy that started it all. They’re in the VH1 Top 20 Countdown right now, and will play in Boston next week, as their highly polished most recent album sets its sights on big game—the kind of feel-good accessible music that made Bruce Springsteen famous. Hear from Dan how they connect. ( http://www.augustanamusic.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/augustana ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustana_(band) )
♪ ANNA ROCHINSKI of QUILT live interview!A much-loved local act, known for preferring analog releases to digital music. The Boston Phoenix says, ““Luminous, unfiltered, haunting psych-folk that teeters among three dangerously creative minds.” Planning tours for this summer and new music, here’s another great band to watch. ( www.facebook.com/quiltmusic ) ( http://quiltmusic.bandcamp.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/quilt )
Second to Last: Friday the 13th
TODAY’S SHOW:
♪ RITCHIE BLACKMORE and CANDICE NIGHT of BLACKMORE’S NIGHT (Ritchie Blackmore formerly of DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW) Legendary pioneer of rock guitar who grew from the aftermath of the British invasion. Having spent many years with hard-rock innovators Deep Purple, Ritchie is famously known for “Smoke On The Water” and other classic hits. Blackmore’s career has turned to Renaissance music, and his band BLACKMORE’S NIGHT with his wife Candice is now touring the world. A true rock legend, Blackmore and his music have been recognized as a significant influence by many notable rock guitarists including Randy Rhoads, Axel Rudi Pell, Adrian Smith, Craig Goldy, Joe Stump, John Sykes, Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Blackmore’s Night will be at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston this coming Thursday. ( http://www.blackmoresnight.com/ ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Blackmore ) ( http://candicenight.com/ )
♪ BRIAN WENCKEBACH of ELIKA live interview! Awesome dreampop/shoegaze/electro from Brooklyn, NY. Their third album “Snuggle Bunnies” was just released in October, and their songs are now featured on compilations all the time. Norman Records says “5 out of 5” and The Culture Of Me says, “Completely Inspiring.” ( http://www.elikamusic.com/ ) ( http://elika.bandcamp.com/ )
♪ SPENCER LIVINGSTON of THE ALTERNATES live interview! Talented and savvy garagepop indie rock from Los Angeles, exploding onto the scene with their brand new EP. Awaken Music says, “The Alternates have something special. It’s a combination of confidence, musical drive, and sincerity. Together it culminates into a fresh euro-pop/rock sound.” ( http://www.thealternatesband.com/ ) ( http://thealternates.bandcamp.com/ )
♪ HIRO of RIOT DANCE PARTY Dance-funk partyband from Japan! This Osaka-based duo attacks music with an unbelievable energy that they call “Alternative Funky Dance Rock Magic.” Their message is peace, love, and party, and they’re now gaining a following for it. Frontman Hiro works amazingly hard. ( http://www.geocities.jp/boudoudanceparty/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/riotdp )
Last week some unexpected difficulty came up and the message did not happen. Recap of last week:
♪ BEACH FOSSILS Brooklyn-based tropical rock band, currently touring with Craft Spells. Just released their latest EP “What A Pleasure” to more acclaim. A really fun interview that delves into the nature of what one might find on a beach. Pitchfork darlings, blowing up. (www.facebook.com/beachfossils ) ( http://www.myspace.com/beachfossils www.facebook.com/beachfossils ) ( http://www.myspace.com/beachfossils )
♪ STUART O’CONNOR A true traveling minstrel, Stuart has been touring the world non-stop, living the dream. His recent tours include Australia, Thailand, Japan, and New Zealand, and his next stop is the small island of Jersey in the UK. An extraordinarily talented musician with inspiring dedication. ( http://stuartoconnor.info/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/stuartoconnor )
♪ K-GO of HONEYDEW Exciting Japanese rock band that formed in New York; now based in Tokyo. Now growing and gaining a following, the band is scheduling more shows and looking up, and K-Go’s dedication is behind it all. This could blow up, and their future looks very promising. ( http://honeydewmusic.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/honeydewjapan )
Deradoorian - “Supreme Absolute (Japanese Version)”
Angel Deradoorian of Dirty Projectors just released a new track from her mononymous side project in support of post-earthquake relief aid for Japan. You can get it (and the rest of Pray For Japan (With Music) Vol. 2) on iTunes here and read more about Deradoorian in an old episode of “Sidetracked” here.
-TWG
Full House! 4/29 show
Making the most of our time!
♪ iCADENZA, live interview with the creators of this fantastic new artist management company that helps performing artists “bridge the gap between their education and career, as well as to create a strong personal brand and online presence.” Their clients include internationally renowned classical musicians, and they were just featured in the Huffington Post, which called them “the world’s hottest classical music and opera reporting team.” Having conducted nearly 200 video interviews with the world’s leading classical artists, their team is successfully expanding, taking classical music to new and exciting levels with the help of social media. Their goal? “To build a major west-coast-based management company that is known for it’s artist-centered approach and creative promotional strategies.” It’s already happening. We’ll hear live about how iCadenza takes a special approach, and how they’re making classical music cool. Special Facebook event page for this interview: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201993049840988
( http://www.icadenza.com/ ) (http://www.youtube.com/user/iCadenza )
♪ ANGEL DERADOORIAN of DIRTY PROJECTORS Brooklyn-based musician best known for her work with Dirty Projectors. She has also done work with Animal Collective, Ra Ra Riot, and Vampire Weekend. She’s simply awesome, and just played a quick show right here at Tufts! One of the true royalty of indie rock. ( http://www.myspace.com/angelderadoorian ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Deradoorian ) ( http://www.dirtyprojectors.net/ )
♪ DIEGO CLARE live interview! Unbelievably talented LA-based singer-songwriter, released his debut album in December. Diego has been building up his act and starting to gain some favorable and interesting press. Once you hear his music, you’ll agree that it’s only a short matter of time before we see this debut artist’s first national tour. ( http://www.diegoclare.net/ )
♪ PETER LYON excerpt from an interview recorded at the New York International Auto Show! International Motor Journalist based in Tokyo who was on the 22nd floor of a skyscraper in Tokyo when the 9.0 earthquake hit the Tohoku region of Japan on March 11. Peter talks about his experience and the future of Japan and the car industry.
( http://www.peter-lyon.com/ )
♪ ALSO: Check out the blog for my quick interview with Hiroyuki Maezawa, songwriter for the popular anime K-ON! || http://kpradio.tumblr.com/ || http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-On! || Watch K-On online
Interview with Hiroyuki Maezawa of K-On
Maezawa-san is a lead songwriter for the explosively popular anime series “K-ON.”
Fans covering his songs: http://pianovid.com/tag/Hiroyuki-MAEZAWA
Profile at Anime News Network: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=60634
About K-On
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-on
About K-On: http://myanimelist.net/anime/5680/K-ON!
Watch K-On online: http://www.watchanimeon.com/k-on-episode-1/
Japan blogger Danny Choo on K-On: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/1688/K-ON.html
1. Why does K-ON and its music have such universal appeal? What are people connecting with, in your opinion as a composer and arranger?
Maezawa)
I think it’s simply because this animation is atractive. While working together with this K-ON team, everyone who’s involved to this animation, director, producer, and all the staff are pouring love and working very hard on this K-ON project. I think such love and hardwork is passed along to the K-ON fans. Also, I think many scenes that most of us are yearning to happen in our daily life is packed in this animation… I hope I’m explaining good enough and making sence to you.
2. How do you feel when you hear that people all over the world are enjoying these songs—your creations?
Maezawa)
I’m very happy.
3. In what way is the music for K-ON, even though it is produced specifically for anime and fictional characters, a personal expression? How do you put yourself into the music?
Maezawa)
There’s nothing specific that I tried to be aware while I write song, but I always had an image of the K-ON world and tried to bring in the new idea that I thought “might be interestin” or “might be good”. When I can’t decide, I tried to stand in 3rd point of view and suggest the one that thinks the best.
EXCITING TIMES
Get ready for one of the most exciting editions of Kerfuffle yet!
♪ BOB BOILEN of NPR, 17-year director of All Things Considered, founder and current host of All Songs Considered and Tiny Desk Concerts, in an extended exclusive interview. As the face of NPR Music, Mr. Boilen is one of the most visible tastemakers in America (and perhaps the world) for new and independent music. He is also an electronic music composer, member of the band Tiny Desk Unit, and composer of the original theme music for NPR’s Talk of the Nation. ( http://www.bobboilen.info/ ) ( http://www.npr.org/people/2100252/bob-boilen )
♪ TALLAHASSEE full band live in-studio set and interview. Remember their acoustic set on WMFO back in December? This time the whole band is here, and they’ve got a brand new album! Their new stuff is brilliant, and they’re actually playing a free show here at Tufts with The Loom and The Dirty River String Band that very night! Their new album just came out this week and they have just been featured by Urban Outfitters. You won’t want to miss their set. ( http://www.tallahasseeband.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/tallahasseeband)
♪ THE LOOM exclusive phone interview, in preparation for their LIVE SHOW RIGHT HERE AT TUFTS the very same night! Fresh back from SXSW, having been featured in New York Magazine, Good Morning America, The Boston Globe, Daytrotter, The New Yorker, Paste, and even called “the next big thing” by The New York Times. Get ready, because these guys are about to explode. ( http://www.theloommusic.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/theloommusic )
April Showers bring…
We’re getting close to the end of the school year here at WMFO and everything is crazy! Everyone is in the middle of their projects, we’re right in the middle of our Spring Concert Series, and yet the shows are getting better!
4/15/11
♪ KATIE COURIC of CBS NEWS, The Today Show, and 60 Minutes, in a brief but Kerfuffle-exclusive question and answer. Hear the CBS Evening News Anchor’s thoughts on the responsibility of a journalist—how does one with the voice of mass media use that voice to help people? She answers with characteristic integrity that is often so lacking in big media. ( http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/katiecouric/main504423.shtml ) ( http://www.youtube.com/user/KatieCouric ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Couric )
♪ DAVINA ROBINSON American musician based in Osaka, Japan. A true vocal powerhouse, Davina talked with me about racial identity in Japan, getting into the music business across the sea, what comes up in culture, and who she might want to be like. Compared to Tina Turner, Origa, and Janis Joplin, with favorable reviews from VH1 and international songwriting contests, here’s another genuine musician with some great stuff to say. ( http://www.facebook.com/davinarobinsonrocks ) (http://www.davinarobinson.com/ )
NEXT WEEK (4/22/11):
♪ BOB BOILEN of NPR, 17-year director of All Things Considered, founder and current host of All Songs Considered and Tiny Desk Concerts, in an extended interview. Mr. Boilen is one of the most visible tastemakers in America (and I daresay the world) for new and independent music. He is also an electronic music composer, member of the band Tiny Desk Unit, and composer of the original theme music for NPR’s Talk of the Nation. ( http://www.bobboilen.info/ ) ( http://www.npr.org/people/2100252/bob-boilen )
♪ TALLAHASSEE full band live in-studio set and interview. Remember their acoustic set on WMFO back in December? This time the whole band is here, and they’ve got a brand new album! Their new stuff is brilliant, and they’re actually playing a free show here at Tufts with The Loom and The Dirty River String Band that very night! There’s a deep emotional honesty to these guys and their music, and you won’t want to miss their set. ( http://www.tallahasseeband.com/ ) ( http://www.myspace.com/tallahasseeband )
♪ ♪ RECAP OF PAST SHOWS ♪ ♪
- 4/8/11
♪ EMILIO CASTILLO of TOWER OF POWER - interview with the creator of the legendary Oakland soul and funk crew. Since their founding in California in 1968, Tower of Power have been showing the world, “What is hip” - their renowned horn section especially having recorded and performed throughout the years all over the world with such household names as Elton John, Phish, Aerosmith, Santana, Cat Stevens, Heart, and Huey Lewis. Tower of Power is still going strong, having just returned from Japan where they experienced the disastrous earthquake firsthand, but still went onstage for a grateful audience in Tokyo the day afterward, with the hope that their music could be a healing escape. I spoke with Emilio about his experience over the years, how he gets into the “Oakland Zone” and stays honest in music, and how he feels about some current trends. What is Hip? Listen and find out, and you can see them live at Sculler’s on April 19, 20, and 21. ( http://www.towerofpower.com/ )
♪ DUANE LEVI of SHALESTONE MUSIC and KANSAI MUSIC CONFERENCE - special extended interview with the founder and CEO of Shalestone Music, a booking agency and promoter for international and local indie artists in Japan. Duane is also the founder of Kansai Music Conference, an international festival and conference in Osaka now in its third year, aimed to help musicians network and expand their careers, with shows and parties throughout the year that bring in great up-and-coming music from around the world. Since its relocation to Japan in 2006, Shalestone has booked over 30 tours for artists from 30 countries, and the company continues its steady growth. ( http://www.kansaimusicconference.com/ ) (http://www.shalestonemusic.jp/eng/about.htm )
- 4/1/11
♪ VALERIE ORTH - live in-studio with Valerie, the very same who rocked Tufts in our Women’s Voices show last night! The San Francisco Chronicle calls her “brilliant” and you can hear why. Hear it straight from the source! ( http://www.valerieorth.com/ )
♪ DORIS CELLAR of FREELANCE WHALES - interview with the Ukulele Lady, who was also in the show last night! Member of indie rockers Freelance Whales who just finished their second European tour and have a spot at Coachella this year, plus over 2.5 million plays on last.fm. ( http://www.myspace.com/doriscellar )
♪ KURT VILE of KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS - special exclusive interview with Kurt Vile, acclaimed Philadelphia singer whose fourth and latest full-length album on Matador Records has been released to universal acclaim. Fresh from a series of showcases at SXSW, he stopped by Boston last week and spoke with me. Hear the interview in its entirety. ( http://www.myspace.com/kurtvileofphilly ) ( http://kurtvile.com/jesusfever/ )
