12.07.11 California Diner - 'Maxi Dunn Interview'

This week's California Diner is a special edition—I have the pleasure of interviewing longtime show favorite, singer-songwriter Maxi Dunn. Using top-secret modern 21st century technology, I was able to arrange a direct, high-quality digital connection from Sacramento, California to Liverpool, UK, in order to bring you this amazing artist! Okay, it's not so secret. Skype is available to all, and it truly sounds like we're in the same room, chatting over a cup of coffee. Maxi and I marvel from time to time about the amazing, inexpensive technology that enables things that weren't possible a decade ago. For instance, she's about to release her second album, The Neglected Gambit. I've heard most of it, and it's sure to be a winner. Did you know that she and her producer, Pete Hackett, live a couple of hours away from each other, and created this album without actually getting together in person? Yep, thanks to the internet, virtual collaboration like this is possible. But enough about the technology. You still have to know what you're doing to make a great album, and Maxi does. She writes pop songs that might remind you a little of early 1980's Sheena Easton or Madonna, but much better—seriously. Maxi can do songs that sound light and airy, but listen a little harder, and there's some serious depth. She achieves a lyrical intensity that few pop singers ever do. Most of her songs come from real life experience—there's some hurt in these songs, but there's also some hope. And her vocals are warm and personal. She easily glides through the soprano register, but then effortlessly swoops down into alto territory. I can't figure out which she is, so let's just call her both. She uses this vocal versatility to good effect. Between that and her well-placed vocal multi tracking, she can use her fine instrument—her voice—to make whatever point needs to be made. And props go to collaborator extraordinaire Pete Hackett, he of Cult of Wedge. He's an incredibly sympathetic producer and nearly one man backing band. His guitar work is always right for the situation—and he even dusted off an acoustic for one of the tracks we're going to hear. He also plays bass, keyboard, and some of the percussion for this outing. If Maxi is the yin, Pete is the yang. They'll sometimes have impassioned discussions, but always in an effort to make the music sound right, and to bring Maxi's vision to life. On this week's show, we'll talk about the making of The Neglected Gambit, and hear a few sneak preview tracks. It's slated for release next week on July 18th, and I urge you to pre-order your copy now. You'll be glad you did. www.maxidunn.info www.reverbnation.com/cultofwedge If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com. This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC The Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Rob One - Flames Beth Thornley - A to Z Baby Scream - Suddenly Mad Mush - Silent Snowfall Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Sun Up Peter Mayer - Where My House Used To Stand Throwback Suburbia - Asking Why Maxi Dunn Interview Maxi Dunn – Weather Warning Maxi Dunn – Baby It's So Wonderful Maxi Dunn – Firecracker vs. Mr. Flash Rocket EyeWood - Lawyers and Liars Anny Celsi - First Love Freezes Sexfresh - Love Ration M.A.D.I.S.O.N - Where Are You Rose Reiter - Where You Are The Mike Brown Band - Pay Laurie Biagini - Bambuzled Kitty & The Lost Boys - Rushing To My Side The Clutter Family - Artist In The Office The Fuegos - Against the World Skip Heller - Falling For You Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Harmonics Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul The Corner Laughers - Stonewords Popdudes - Neglected The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore