Interview: JJ Grey
JJ Grey is a soulful vocalist who creates songs that simmer with backwoods funk and come from his heart. JJ Grey and Mofro have developed a passionate fanbase worldwide. The Floria-based band’s latest release is the excellent “Georgia Warhorse.” They are playing at this year’s Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. JJ recently called to discuss how writing songs has helped him learn about life, working on his harmonica skills while delivering flowers, and the evolution of his live show. ********************** McClain Johnson: How does your songwriting process work? JJ Grey: You know, it’s so loose, I can’t even really call it a process man. It just happens. Walking along, riding along, and maybe…
Interview: @TheGlenPrez – Michael Printup
WATKINS GLEN, NY – We had a chance today to chat with WGI president Michael Printup shortly after Phish made the announcement for “Super Ball IX” at Watkins Glen International Speedway. He was on his way back from NYC to Watkins Glen and was gracious enough to speak with us about the process that led up to booking Phish, what needs to be done between now & the festival, and some reflection on his recent tweets leading up to the announcement. JG = Johnny Goff MP = Michael Printup JG – First of all, congrats on the announcement Mike. Can you briefly explain the process and how this whole thing came to fruition? MP –…
Aqueous New Album & Interview
BUFFALO, NY – Aqueous Set To Drop new CD ‘Giant Something’ 4.16.11 @ Nietzsche’s, Buffalo, NY.
Interview Hangout Fest Co-Founder AJ Niland
The Healing Power of Rock’n’Roll: An interview with Hangout Festival Co-Founder AJ Niland AJ Niland is the co-founder of the Hangout Music Festival. This year’s festival will be held May 20th-22nd in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Artists playing this year include Paul Simon, Widespread Panic, My Morning Jacket, the Drive-By Truckers, Umphrey’s McGee, Warren Haynes, Xavier Rudd, and many more. AJ recently called in to discuss the how the festival came together, his favorite sets, and how the festival persevered after the devastating oil spill. McClain Johnson: How’d the idea for the Hangout Festival first come together? AJ Niland: It really was my company and my partner in the festival, Shaul Zislin, got together to do…
Interview: Bill Kreutzmann
Bill Kreutzmann is a legend. He redefined jamming as a member of the Grateful Dead. Bill Kreutzmann’s latest project is 7 Walkers, a collaboration between himself, Matt Hubbard, Papa Mali, lyricist Robert Hunter, and several bassists (including Reed Mathis, George Porter Jr, and Kirk Joseph). He recently called in to discuss the formation of 7 Walkers, how music inspires what he plays, and how he approaches jamming. McClain: How did 7 Walkers first come together? Bill Kreutzmann: My girlfriend turned me on to Papa Mali. I got to hear him play live and I really enjoyed his music. That was how it started for me, just hearing him play. He’s a really good musician. McClain:…
Interview: Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey’s McGee
Brendan Bayliss is the guitarist and co-founder of Chicago-based band Umphrey’s McGee. Their upcoming dates include the Hangout Music Festival and Summercamp. Brendan called in to discuss the growth of their fanbase, his favorite places to play, and how Umphrey’s sound has evolved. ————————– McClain Johnson: How old were you when you first started playing guitar? Brendan Bayliss: I started playing guitar right around Christmas break my freshman year in high school. My older brother brought one home from college. I was 14 when I started playing. McClain: Do you remember the first full song you learned on guitar? Brendan: “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. McClain: You guys tour all the time. What have been some…
Interview: Mike Gordon
Searching For the Space Between Fantasy and Reality. Mike Gordon is best known as the bassist for Phish and is currently on a solo headlining club tour in support of his latest solo album, Moss. Following five highly acclaimed tours in ’08, ’09 and ’10, Mike returns with the same five-piece lineup, including longtime collaborator Scott Murawski on guitar, Vermonters Craig Myers on percussion and Tom Cleary on keyboards and Brooklyn drummer Todd Isler. Yesterday Bands That Jam had a chance to chat with Mike on topics included his his creative process, lucid dreaming, and his state of mind while jamming. ———————– McClain Johnson: How does your creative process work when making songs? Do you…
Interview: Slightly Stoopid’s RyMo
Slightly Stoopid: Living in the Moment. Slightly Stoopid is a reggae band based out of Ocean Beach, California. They are known for their energetic live shows and for having a devoted fan base. Drummer Ryan “RyMo” Moran recently wrote in to discuss his favorite drummers. BTJ: How old were you when you first started playing drums? RyMo: I started getting into drums around the age of 12 or so. A friend of mine bought me a pair of drumsticks and I started banging on pots, pans, cookie tins etc. BTJ: What was the first concert you went to? RyMo: I saw the Who’s 25th anniversary tour in 1989. I saw Motley Crue and Faster Pussycat…
Interview: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Interview by Tyler Curtis Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, a band out of Rochester NY, is making a huge impression on the reggae scene. The band has gone from as many as 7 musicians, to now a 4 piece reggae dub powerhouse, providing you that downright kinky reggae, to that full dub sound. While they may not be considered a “jam” band, they present their audiences with a top-of-the-line good time, and music to match the concert experience. You can catch them at music festivals like Nateva this summer, and they are most likely coming to an area near you on their never ending tour. Interview with bassist James Searl TC: First let me start off…
