If you’ve heard the band Backyard Tire Fire, you’re probably already a fan. If not, go and listen to the band’s latest album The Places We Lived and you probably will become a fan. If you like your rock ‘n’ roll steeped in the crunchy power chords of vintage Neil Young with a dollop of richly orchestrated piano based balladry, then Bloomington, Illinois-based Backyard Tire Fire is a band for you.

I had a chance to chat with singer-guitarist Ed Anderson (pictured above) and his band mates about music, life on the road and their influences before the band’s show at Savannah’s Livewire Music Hall.

Click below to hear Backyard Tire Fire podcast:

 

 Backyard Tire Fire: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Shake The World from Shake The World on Vimeo.

In less than a month, the folks behind Shake The World hope you get out your video camera on April 11, 2009 at 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (so whatever your corresponding time zone is, that’s go time for you) and film one full minute of your life. Then they hope you take what you filmed and upload it to their website or mail the footage to them. The results, hopefully, will produce an intriguing, thought provoking look at one minute in the life of our planet.

I sat down with Shake The World founder Alek Rost and he told me more about the concept behind Shake The World and what he hopes to accomplish with it.

LISTEN TO PODCAST HERE

 

 Shake The World: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with French electro-popster Yelle in San Diego when she was wrapping up her C’est L’Amerique Tour in late 2008. Check out the podcast here:

 

 Yelle: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Between shooting Project Runway promos abroad and hitting up New York’s fashion week, designer and reality TV personality Santino Rice has been busy. He recently took a break from his hectic schedule to make a special appearance in Minneapolis, where he showed off new designs and mingled with local fashionistas. From a hip loft-like space, Santino talked about Minneapolis and dressing appropriately and fashionably for cold weather, as well his work on a new VH1 TV show. He couldn’t offer any details about the show but predicts it will be bigger than Project Runway.

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Los Angeles-based rock band Run Run Run took a break from their nationwide tour to play the Viper Room’s showcase during SXSW. The guys relaxed in their van and spent time talking with me about a new album and life on the road.

 

 Run Run Run Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Five-piece band Liam and Me have all the makings of becoming the next darlings of the indie music world. They are charming both off stage and on, and drew a big crowd to their set at the Viper Room’s showcase during SXSW. Prior to their show, lead singer Matt O’Dowd talked with me about the group’s plans and an upcoming album.

 

 Liam and Me Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally from Norway, Bigbang has found much success in Europe and is on a quest to appeal to American audiences. The group boasts the biggest selling live album in Norway history. Lead singer Oystein Greni talked with me prior to their set at the Viper Room’s Austin showcase during South By Southwest.

 

 Bigbang Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A six-foot tall blonde in stiletto boots doesn’t usually have much trouble attracting attention, especially when that blonde is Justin Tranter, the frontman of New York City-based glam rock band Semi Precious Weapons.

I had the chance to catch up with Tranter and the other members of Semi Precious Weapons during this year’s Viper Room showcase at South By Southwest.

 

 Semi Precious Weapons Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Ben Bridwell Interview

 

 Ben Bridwell Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wayne Coyne Interview

 

 Wayne Coyne Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download