20.12.11 California Diner - 'Goodbye 2011!'

Well here it is--and I can’t believe it, but 2011 is rapidly racing to an end. But before we get busy with Christmas and then New Years 2012, I just wanted to blast a little more indie music into your speakers! Not a long winded epic blog this week, but just a thank you for a great ride this year. We had everything from live interviews and sessions, including legendary artists Duncan Faure, Sal Valentino, Patrick Campbell-Lyons, Peter Daltrey, and more. Exclusive debuts from Skip Heller, Vegas With Randolph, Maxi Dunn, the Corner Laughers/Agony Aunts, and more. I nominated three artists for Pete Renzullo’s “That Time Of The Month” competition, and so far, you made two of them winners--Lindy LaFontaine and Blake Jones and the Trike Shop. The Whiskey Saints are the third, and you can vote them in as well right now for December’s contest (home page of www.rechargedradio.com, right column, “Vote” section). Personal musical highlights of 2011: I was given the great honor of writing the liner notes for Vegas With Randolph’s album “Above The Blue”. The legendary Debora Iyall of Romeo Void fame invited me to sneak a listen to a couple of remake versions of her 1984 hit “A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing)”--on her Ipod! And most fulfilling of all--several radio presenters, dozens of musicians, and many listeners came together in a radiothon back in March, to help raise money to help the people of Japan after the devastating tsunami. Their generosity humbles me. 2011 humbles me. It really has been quite a year. Lots of great music, as always. Thanks to the wonderful artists who give so freely of themselves to make our ears and brains tingle with delight. Thanks to my colleagues at Recharged Radio in London (and Australia, and the Azores), who have supported, encouraged, and let this Yank do two hours of independent radio each week. And most of all, thanks to you, the listeners, who keep an open mind and open ears. We share in this musical journey together, and you make me want to do more each week. I wish you the best of the season. See you in 2012! --“Chef” Mike Lidskin, the California Diner 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. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC Maple Mars - Add The Numbers Joe Algeri & The Sugarbrits - Merry Christmas (around the world) Rob One - Flames Fortune Dwellers - Al's Song Skip Heller - Let's Stay Home Emily Zuzik & Tim Lefebvre - West Coast East Coast The Recusants - Sunday Afternoon Jeff Merchant - Love Yourself Away Braam - Burlington Northern The Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul The Scratch - I Relax To Spiral Scratch Maxi Dunn - Make It Better Peter Daltrey and Damien Youth - The Wheels Of Romance Kat Jones - He's The One I Need The Most Dead Heart Bloom - Sentimental Cures Sal Valentino - Lovin' Fallin' Jay Fraser - Devil's Play The Shindig Addicts - Not Long Now Bud Rogers - Caught In A Wheel Laurie Biagini - Leave Me Alone Model Society - Tomorrow She Loves Me Cult of Wedge - The Birds and the Bees and Jaime Bill Mumy - I Owe A Little Money Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Harmonics Hollywood Drunks - Looks Like Christmas Colin Heppell - Poltergeist In High Heels Corner Laughers - The Red Queen Anton Barbeau - Doctor Don't Chop My Knee Mama, Ouch Is Another Word Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - I Roped The Moon Out Of The Sky Go National - Place To Sit Jimmy

13.12.11 California Diner - 'Peter Mayer Interview!'

This week’s show brings an interview with a recent addition to the California Diner: Cincinnati Ohio’s Peter Mayer. Pete is a great example of the D.I.Y. ethic that we love so well here at Recharged Radio. And being of that mindset, in terms of getting on our station--he “did it himself”--did his own PR, and found us! And in true 21st century fashion, we transcended all barriers of geography to get him heard. How’s that you say? Well, Pete in Cincinnati, contacted Alex in London, UK. Alex thought that I, in Sacramento, California, might find Pete’s music a perfect fit for my show. And of course, being Head of Music at Recharged, Alex was absolutely correct. So this week, by getting Pete on our airwaves, we’ve traveled from Cincy to London to Sacramento back to London--over 14,000 miles--digitally, of course! My head hurts. Back to our story. Pete got his start back in the early 1980s, and got much local acclaim in the bands he played in--The Drumbones and Big Pictures. Back in those days, before corporate mergers created what feels like a single national playlist, an enterprising local band, if they were good enough, could get airplay on their local and regional rock and roll stations. In the case of Pete and his bands, airplay happened on the legendary WOXY radio--aka “97X, BAM! The future of rock and roll!” This led to some decent regional exposure and opening slots for really well-known national and international acts. And as I’ve written many times before in these pages, the world changed. For both better and worse at the same time. While modern rock powerhouse radio stations like 97X went away, independent radio stations (like Recharged) were born. And the tools for musicians got better, so somebody like Pete Mayer could make and distribute great music more easily. But to do so, you’ve still got to have the musical chops. And he definitely has those. He recently released a compilation album called Collection. He curated 14 great tracks which represent various career higlights, and there’s some stunners in there. We’ve been featuring a great 1990’s era song called “It’s Just The Energy”--quirky enough to have gotten my attention at first. The Marrying Kind has a great 1980s pop sound, with a compact little guitar solo. A couple of new songs channel his long time guitar hero Duane Allman: Long, Long Way To Go and Where My House Used To Stand. These are smoldering examples of his guitar shredding prowess--bluesy, wailing jams. And on these recent tracks, Pete plays everything--including bass, keyboards, and drums, to accompany his radical riffage. True D.I.Y.! And the really good news? He’s working on another new album! We’ll spend a half hour with Pete on this week’s Diner. We’ll sample a few of his songs. It’s a great chance to hear the perspective of a musician who’s seen it all, and keeps creating credible new music, no matter what the era is. The times have changed, his music has evolved to step up to the challenges, but none of it sounds dated. It all sounds right! www.petermayermusic.net/ 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. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC Go National - Strong The Taters - Such A Good Day The Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Corner Laughers - The Red Queen Sweet Sweet Concorde - Armadillo Man Braam - Way Away Maxi Dunn - Why Do I Want You? Peter Mayer Interview Peter Mayer - The Marrying Kind Peter Mayer - Long, Long Way To Go Peter Mayer - It’s Just The Energy Allen - Hold Me Tight The Fuegos - Against The World Anny Celsi - Christmas in the Pines Bud Rogers - Slave To Passion Boomchick - TGTW Popdudes - Desperation Time Laurie Biagini - Can't Wait For Christmas Lost Left - Thank You For The Lung Lindy LaFontaine (PSM) - Sunday (Trip Hop remix) Joe Swidenbank - Coming Up For Air Green Beetles - The Basement Vegas With Randolph - The Better Part Kate Burkart - Cross The Street Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Who's Got a Ligh

06.12.11 California Diner - 'Dive into December!'

Well here it is, the last month of the year. This is the first California Diner show of December, and we commemorate this holiday month with some great new music, and some new artist discoveries. I have a Facebook friend named Mike Braam, from the Chicago-based band Braam, who recently read my blog about Christmas music. I had said that I’m not really big on holiday music, but there’s a special place in my heart for original, indie holiday music that doesn’t sound like all the rest. So what did he do? He sent me an original, indie holiday music track by he and his brothers, that doesn’t sound like all the rest! Wait--not so fast, Chef Mike! You pride yourself on discovering new music, yet it says on Braam’s ReverbNation page that they’ve been around for over 10 years? Admittedly, I’m a little late to the Braam party, but look at it from my point of view. 10 years ago, there wasn’t really much in the way of internet radio. It was a niche for geeks--who could have imagined actually sitting around in front of a computer, listening to the radio, when you could just listen to radio on, well, the radio? In those days, Braam would have been a local Chicago band, and I would have been a local Sacramento DJ, and never would we have heard of each other. But now, the internet makes all possible. I’m in Sacramento, playing a Chicago band on a London radio station. Braam’s sound is what I might call “sweet alternative”. Rock and roll with real instruments--soul-searing melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and great haunting vocals. They’ve shared stages with the likes of Bettie Serveert, Shoes, Teenage Fanclub, and Webb Wilder--sounds like my record collection! We’ll hear that Christmas song this week. And lots of other Braam songs in the weeks to come. www.reverbnation.com/braam Ben Swidenbank is a London-based musician. You might recognize his name--at least part of it--he plays bass in his brother Joe Swidenbank’s band. Joe’s been a fixture here on the Diner for a couple of years now, and now Ben takes a turn in the spotlight. Not only has he played with Joe, but he’s a working musician, having played in bands that have supported the likes of The Who, The Undertones, The Buzzcocks and more. And as most creative musicians do, he recently got the bug to create his own music. I just got my hands on a compilation album called Uncovered. It was released by Aspire Music Management, and Ben’s first single, Girl (Leave That Animal Tonight) appears on it. What a great track--a bit quirky, with incisive lyrics. Picture vintage Joe Jackson, minus the piano, but driven by upbeat, acoustic guitar. If you’re anything like me, this one will stick with you. I’ve listened to it about 4-5 times in a row, and am still enthralled! http://aspiremusicmanagement.co.uk/benswidenbank.aspx 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. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC Debora Iyall - Be My Last Ben Swidenbank - Girl (Leave That Animal Tonight) Melissa Phillips - So Young Lost Left - Thank You For The Lung Dave Stephens - You Are Mine, I Am Yours Vinnie Zummo - Homicidal Baby Scream - Secret Place Duncan Faure - In The Right Place Braam - Sad Xmas Agony Aunts - Linus's Fists Of Death Tom Alford - Shiloh Vegas With Randolph - She Does It For Me Weird Shapes - Blue Sky at Night Nushu - Your Girl Dennis Holseybrook - Take Care My Friend Blake Jones and Tom Magill - Life Turns On A Dime Maxi Dunn - You're All I Need At Christmas Little Guilt Shrine - One Two Colin Heppell - Poltergeist In High Heels Onward Chariots - War Hero Karim Fanous - So Long Jenny J Laurie Biagini - A Face In The Crowd Lindy LaFontaine (with Kyro) - Haunted Joe Symes - One Too Many Peter Daltrey and Damien Youth - Blue Girl Eyes Cult Of Wedge - Technology Cull Don Scannell - Mystery Lannie Flowers

29.11.11 California Diner - 'Survived Thanksgiving!'

As you all know by now, I come from the United States, and we have this not-so-little holiday on the fourth Thursday of November called Thanksgiving. So what’s it all about? The short story--about four centuries ago, a bunch of us left the Mother Country (that would be England), and thought we’d give it a go in the barren hinterlands of North America. But the ones who made the journey turned out to be city dwellers, and as such, there were no cities yet in America. No corner grocery stores, no gas stations, no online internet shopping. No takeout pizza or Chinese food either. All in all, a pretty bleak retail landscape. But instead of letting us starve, the very hospitable locals put turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, apple cider, pumpkin pie, and chips and salsa on our table and welcomed us. So it’s become a big food holiday, and we celebrate by eating all these foods and more. And I do mean more. (And yes, I was only kidding about the chips and salsa, although if the first Thanksgiving had taken place in California, then chips and salsa would have been part of it!) So Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season! And with it comes all the lights, and the mad rush to get presents for Christmas. “Black Friday” is the craziest shopping day of the year, and people really do start their shopping in the middle of the night. The way I see it, by crushing all the holidays together, you’re really taking away the fun. And my excuse. I get my best shopping done on December 24th! Lots of excellent snap decisions are made on that day! But it’s also fun to savor the entire month of December, and enjoy everything about the season. But don’t worry--I won’t get all sappy on you. I usually don’t play that much Christmas music on my shows. I prefer the great indie music that we play all year long here at Recharged. But there are a handful of phenomenal original Christmas and holiday songs that some of my favorite artists have recorded over the past few years, and we’ll dole them out slowly--like maybe 2 or 3 a week. This week, we’ll hear great Christmas songs from Laurie Biagini--the original rockin’ surf songstress from Vancouver, Canada. We’ll also hear one from Kat Jones--the Fresno/Nashville/Portland indie goddess. But we’ll also sample some all around indie greatness. Another new pre-release track from Bud Rogers, rapidly shaping up to be one of my surprise faves of the year. (Don’t worry--his album Whiteout is scheduled to release on December 10th, so it still counts as having come out this year.) And how about a new track (for us) from Model Society, a great up and coming electro/alternative/pop band from London, UK! So let’s feast together. The California Diner kicks into high gear and cooks up some great holiday meals for you! www.lauriebiagini.com www.myspace.com/katjones www.reverbnation.com/budrogers www.modelsociety.co.uk/ 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 Volary - Blackbird Fly EyeWood - Lawyers and Liars Jimmy Catlett - Ransom Baby Scream - Suddenly Isaac's Aircraft - My Baby Did Me Wrong Kat Jones - He's The One I Need The Most Cult of Wedge - The Birds and the Bees and Jaime Laurie Larson - Endless Thank You Loop Model Society - Tomorrow She Loves Me M.A.D.I.S.O.N. - Try Maxi Dunn - Why Do I Want You? Kaz Murphy - Midnight Fire Fractures - Nicotine (Single version) Rich McCulley - Far From My Angel Bud Rogers - Caught In A Wheel Corner Laughers - You Two Are The Ones Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Forestiere Gardens Allyson Seconds - I'm Just A Country Girl Duncan Faure - Where Is The Music The Recusants - Sunday Afternoon Laurie Biagini - Christmas In The Air The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore Imani Hekima - Nothing's What It Seems Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Harmonics The Clutter Family - Head Maple Mars - Transcendental Guidance Emily Zuzik Band - How Did You Get So Good? Apple Rabbits - Wrong Again Fearless Vampire Killers - Fearless Vampire Killers Sarah Stanley - When I Lose My Heart

22.11.11 California Diner - 'The Handcuffs Interview!'

This week’s show is a real treat for me, and hopefully for you too. I get to interview Chloe F. Orwell and Brad Elvis, one of my favorite rock and roll couples! They lead the Chicago-based band The Handcuffs. The Handcuffs recently released their third album, Waiting For The Robot. It’s a fiery, sassy affair, with a lot of personality. And it’s really good. Brad’s got an illustrious history. He’s a drummer who’s also a prolific songwriter. One of his early bands, The Elvis Brothers, was a mainstay on the Midwest pop circuit. (And don’t question his lineage: his “brothers” were Rob and Graham Elvis. That’s all you need to know.) Lots of fun. A stint in power pop band Big Hello led to a partnership with Chloe, who’s not only got great chops as a powerful vocalist, but she’s a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter as well. In the mid-2000’s, it was time for Chloe and Brad to start up a new band from scratch, and thus was born The Handcuffs. It’s one of the greatest band names ever, and don’t worry, I’ll ask them about that on the show. Rounding out the lineup with bassist Emily Togni, guitarist Ellis Clark, and newest Handcuff, full-time keyboardist Alison Hinderliter, they’ve got a tough but fun, big sound. So what do they sound like? A little power pop, a little New Wave. Some crunchy rock, and some glam. Songs like Dirty Glitter, Miss You On Tuesday, and Kiss This Goodbye are the grittiest examples of the classic Handcuffs sound--all attitude, all the time. Chloe lets you know she’s in charge, a la Debbie Harry at her finest. Brisk drums make you snap to attention, and a plethora of sounds and textures--guitars, horns, synths, pianos--serve notice that you have entered Handcuffs turf. But as edgy as all this sounds, they really are a blast and a good time to listen to. And at the same time, there’s a couple of acoustic, sensitive moments that lend some extra depth to this record. Eight Down features a sympathetic portrait of somebody who got burned, but is getting a second chance. I love the contrast between the near-acoustic verses and the bombastic choruses. It absolutely works--it gets reflective between battles, much like the advice given in the song. And Baby I Love You is the real surprise in this collection. It’s the first time I’ve heard Brad sing in The Handcuffs--he duets with Chloe in a straight-up love song. They extol each other’s virtues, but no, it’s not sappy. It’s fiery, yet acoustic. I’m still not sure how they manage to pull that off, but suffice it to say, it rocks. If you check out their liner notes, or go to their website (www.thehandcuffs.com)--you’ll see that they look as dynamic as they sound, dressing in sharp, bold clothes--reminiscent of the pop-art 1960’s look. These guys have an image! Other fun facts about The Handcuffs: Brad’s other job is drummer for the great 1980’s New Wave band, The Romantics. He travels all over the country with those guys, and believe it or not, he’s been with the band longer than the original drummer! And Chloe is a premier voiceover artist--us radio folks would kill to have her kind of poise. But more than all that, the folks in The Handcuffs are just plain good people. They were right there when several of us radio folks banded together to do a radiothon to help the victim’s of Japan’s tsunami earlier in the year. And they’re putting forth their efforts to aid another special cause. Tails of Joy is a wonderful animal rescue charity, started by American comedian Elayne Boosler. Their goal is simple: to make the world better for animals and their people. They help the smallest and neediest animal rescue organizations around the United States--the ones that really need the most help. And since it’s staffed by volunteers, 100% of any donations go to help the animals. The Handcuffs have partnered with Tails of Joy to do something special for the animals who could really use our help. If you buy any Handcuffs CD at CdBaby between now and December 26th, $1.00 of each sale will go directly to Tails of Joy. This works for me on so many levels. You’re supporting great indie musicians. You’re helping to give needy animals a better life. And you’re feeding your ears and brains with some of the best indie music out there. It’s the holidays, so your gift buying problems have just been solved. You’re welcome. www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheHandcuffs www.thehandcuffs.com www.tailsofjoy.net 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 Mark Bacino - Queens English Green Beetles - The Basement Tina Lie - Twilight Hour Bud Rogers - Slave To Passion Model Society - Tomorrow She Loves Me Debora Iyall - Stay Strong Anton Barbeau - Losing You Makes Crucifixion Easy Laurie Biagini - My Little SUV The Handcuffs Interview The Handcuffs – Baby I Love You The Handcuffs – Eight Down The Handcuffs – Kiss This Goodbye The Handcuffs – Dirty Glitter Duncan Faure - In The Right Place Baby Scream - Cold Weather Reggae Maxi Dunn - Messed Up Peter Daltrey and Damien Youth - Phantom Wheels Lindy LaFontaine (with Kyro) - Haunted Jay Fraser - Devil's Play Onward Chariots - War Hero Emily Zuzik Band - Motels Heiskell - The Death of Knoxville Cool Popdudes - Desperation Time Natasha Davies - Giggle Dead Heart Bloom - Sentimental Cures

15.11.11 California Diner - '100th Show!'

I can’t believe it, but the California Diner has been on the air at Recharged Radio for two full years! This week, we celebrate show #100! So how do you celebrate 100 of anything? I can’t very well have a cake with 100 candles on it--the fire marshal would be here in a second with a pickaxe, firehose, and a citation. How about every listener send me 100 US dollars? Nah, although that does sound pretty nice. What if I play 100 songs during this show! Yeah, now you’re talking! But my show would have to go about 6 or 7 hours, and Jordan would wring my neck for going over the allotted 2 hours. Luckily, I’ve got friends. And a whole bunch of them are going to help me celebrate. We’re going to hear from several of my musician and radio friends from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as a publisher of a Canadian online music magazine. Not only that--but we’ll hear a couple of WORLD RADIO PREMIERE tracks! That’s right--we’ll sample a new song from Bud Rogers (of Joe Swidenbank’s band), based in London, UK. His style reminds me of straight-up 1990’s alternative--the good kind, if you know what I mean. We’ll also hear a song from Los Angeles-based Skip Heller--you may remember him as our guest two weeks ago. His style is Country/Rockabilly/Americana, and he’s agreed to open the vault door just a crack. Best part--these two songs are from forthcoming albums--and their first airplay happens this week, on Recharged Radio’s California Diner! So all in all, a special show. But it wouldn’t have been possible without my London (and Australia, and Azores) family at Recharged Radio. My very special thanks to our head honcho, Jordan Thomas, for taking a chance on adding a Yank to his fledgling station back in 2009. And not just any Yank, but a dude from California--the most dodgy kind of all! It’s been an honour (note the proper British spelling) to do 200 hours of radio at Recharged. This is the station that cares about the music first and foremost, and I’m looking forward to where the ride takes us next! 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 Terese Taylor - I'm Here Bud Rogers - Santa Monica Sunshine Maxi Dunn - Why Do I Want You? Message from Rob One of Recharged Radio Rob One - African The Scratch - Alcohol's A Depressant Rose Reiter - Wherever Message from Hillary Burton of Nushu Nushu - Here's To Feeling Free Kamp David - Red Hotel The Taters - Spend a Little Time With Me Message from Sound Sessions Sound Sessions - Be My Shaper The Big I Am - Banging on the Wall Message from Laurie Biagini Laurie Biagini - Gonna Do It My Way Message from Peter Mayer Peter Mayer - Where My House Used To Stand Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Alizee Message from Skip Heller Skip Heller - Let's Stay Home Message from Jim Distortion of Recharged Radio The Whiskey Saints - Before My Time Message from Laurie Larson Laurie Larson - Redefining Home Message from Joe Montague of Riveting Riffs Magazine Sarah Taylor - Easy To Forget Message from Eric Kern and John Ratts of Vegas With Randolph Vegas With Randolph - The Better Part Mad Mush - Silent Snowfall Message from Gidget Bates of Woody Radio Throwback Suburbia - Asking Why Message from Claire and Gerard of Note To Self: Don’t Die! Note To Self: Don't Die! - Hell Message from Miami Dan Yoe Miami Dan and the Hayes Street Band - Star Of The Beach Message from Eric Cocks of WPKN Radio June & The Exit Wounds - Cathy Dennis The Handcuffs - Miss You on Tuesday Message from Suzanne Benorden of Boomchick Boomchick - Joyland The Corner Laughers - Stonewords Message from Lannie Flowers Lannie Flowers - Turn Up Your Radio Baby Scream - Powerpop Crush

04.11.11 California Diner - 'Skip Heller Interview!

Skip Heller is a veteran of several music scenes. I wouldn’t be doing him justice if I told you that he makes some of the finest, most honest, straight-up country music out there today. And I’d absolutely be understating things if I told you that his swingin’ little trio plies the waters of Americana, rockabilly, and even jazz. No, it would be more honest if I told you that he does all these things, and more, effortlessly. And that’s in no small part due to his ravenous appetite for anything that sounds good. His style is pretty much a crossroads of American music. This accomplished Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/guitarist made his Sacramento debut this past Saturday at the wonderfully eclectic Shine Cafe, in the heart of our downtown area. He was joined onstage by Debora Iyall, of Romeo Void fame. The night was magical and electric, as electric as acoustic can be! Skip’s had a pretty amazing career, and he reveals an encyclopedic knowledge of American music since, well, 1776, and we had a chance to talk about it at the very same Shine Cafe before the show. Check out the ambiance--espresso machine, doors opening and closing, background conversation, and cars zooming by. Skip has played with everybody who’s anybody on the L.A. Americana/rockabilly scene. Among his friends are Billy Zoom (X), Ray Campi, and the legendary entrepreneur Rockin’ Ronny Weiser, founder of Rolling Rock Records. One of Skip’s notable gigs was playing guitar on the road with the amazing NRBQ, filling in for Johnny Spampinato, at Terry Adams’ request. It takes talent, and the ability to play any one of over 300 songs at a moment’s notice, to keep up with this band. And talent is one thing Skip has plenty of. He sings with a rich baritone voice, and makes a beat-up old Alvarez guitar sing beautifully. He’s a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll. He sings heartbreaking songs about love, and tells stories that really make you feel like you know my old, and his current, stomping grounds of Los Angeles. Skip is putting the finishing touches on his next album, Foolish Me. We’ll meet him in this week’s show, and hear a few examples of why his music should be on your radar. www.skipheller.com www.shinesacramento.com 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 Lannie Flowers - Turn Up Your Radio Emily Zuzik & Tim Lefebvre - E-Vill Dylan Walshe - Your Belly Not Mine In Between Echoes - Breeze On By Laurie Biagini - Leave Me Alone Onward Chariots - Seven Miles Away Paul Butler - Wrong Side Of Desire The Scratch - Alcohol's A Depressant Sparklejet - Let's Behind That Place Skip Heller – I Used To Love California Skip Heller Interview Skip Heller – The Man I Used To Be Skip Heller – Tracy Lee Nathan Brooks - Change Sarah Stanley - When I Lose My Heart Sweet Sweet Concorde - Armadillo Man 50ft Woman - Ice Cream Man The Taters - Such A Good Day Maxi Dunn - Why Do I Want You? Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Send The Band To Liverpool Joseph Swidenbank - What Did You Want? Rob Bonfiglio - Blow Me Away The Handcuffs - Miss You on Tuesday Kaz Murphy - Midnight Fire Vegas With Randolph - The Better Part Kyro (with Lindy LaFontaine) - This Too, In Time, Shall Pass Tom Alford - Shiloh Fearless Vampire Killers - Fearless Vampire Killers