I just interviewed John Thayer, my favorite new indie pop artist. His first EP, Laurel Street, is an excellent collection of music that everyone should check out, and the follow-up, Take It Back, is coming out in February. If the last name Thayer sounds familiar, it’s probably because John’s brother, Tommy, is the lead guitarist of KISS, my all-time favorite rock band.
During my interview with John Waite last year he mentioned wanting his next album to be an acoustic one. And less than a year later it’s here: Wooden Heart: Acoustic Volume 1. While it’s not a full-length album, the four songs on this EP, two of which were penned by Richard Thompson, are excellent. What makes these songs so enjoyable is the stripped-down arrangement, brilliant lyrics and heartfelt vocals. If I had to pick a favorite track, it would be “The One Who Got Away,” a Waite original that sounds both classic and modern. Autographed copies of this new release are available on John’s site and digital copies can be found on iTunes. If you love music as much as I do, make sure to pick up a copy of this brilliant EP.
Earlier this year I saw Mick Foley’s one-man show at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia and it exceeded my expectations. After the show my friend Brian and I stuck around to meet Mick, get his autograph and get a photo with him. I also asked Mick if he was open to doing an interview with me, primarily focused on his work as an author, and he obliged. Several months later the interview came to fruition, and once again, Mick exceeded my expectations.
Meeting the legendary Peter Criss at the All Things That Rock festival in Oaks, PA.
On Friday I met KISS’ original drummer, Peter Criss, at the All Things That Rock Festival in Oaks, PA. This was the culmination of a terrific, music-filled year where I met and had my photo taken with all of the original and current members of KISS. I also had the privilege of being in attendance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony earlier this year where KISS’ original lineup was honored.
One of my all-time favorite classic rock bands is The Babys. Well, I’ve got good news! The Babys are back with a new lineup and a new album – I’ll Have Some Of That! – which features some killer material that all classic rock fans must check out.
The lead singer of The Babys, John Bisaha, was kind enough to speak with me about his interesting musical journey, including his influences, what it was like auditioning to be The Babys’ new lead vocalist and how he used to hang out with Karen Carpenter as a kid. It’s a great interview and I think you’re going to really enjoy it.
Lee Child is the #1 international best-selling author of the Jack Reacher series, for which he’s won the Anthony, Barry and Nero awards. In addition to writing worldwide best-sellers, Child currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers – a terrific professional association that anyone interested in working in the thriller genre should join.
Child’s newest novel, Personal, just came out this week in the U.S. and is already a #1 best-seller in the U.K. It’s the 19th Jack Reacher novel and is receiving rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Lee took the time to speak with me about his illustrious career, the creative process and his belief that nothing of value is ever achieved in the morning. Enjoy!
Dionne Warwick is one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. She has 75 hit songs and has sold more than 100 million albums. From Barry Manilow to Burt Bacharach, she’s worked with the best in the business and won five Grammy awards along the way.
Her new album coming out September 2, Feels So Good, is a collection of duets with some of the most talented musicians in the industry, including Cyndi Lauper, Gladys Knight, Mya, and Jaime Foxx, just to name a few.
Dionne is also currently touring and I’m attending her August 15 performance in Atlantic City, NJ at Revel Casino, so stay tuned for my review of the show. For more information on additional dates, make sure to visit her official website.
Below is my interview with Dionne Warwick about her illustrious career that has spanned more than 50 years. I hope you enjoy it.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented Johnny Colla of Huey Lewis & The News. Our conversation covered his entire career, including his early days playing with Jack Blades in Rubicon to his time playing with Van Morrison and Sly and the Family Stone. And of course, we discussed his influential role as a founding member of Huey Lewis & The News, a band that has been making great music for nearly 40 years.
Follow Johnny Colla on Facebook, and make sure to check out his newest solo album:I Hear Voices. If you’re a fan of Huey Lewis & The News, you’ll love it.
Below is part two of my interview with Johnny. Part one can be read here.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all-time, the two-time Grammy award-winning folk music legend Janis Ian. She will be performing on Saturday, August 16 at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and you can find Janis’ other tour dates on her official website. Below is my interview with Janis. I hope you enjoy it.
T. Jefferson Parker is a three-time Edgar Award-winning author of 21 novels, including his newest book, Full Measure, which comes out October 7. He also recently collaborated with John Lescroart on a short story for the terrific thriller anthology, FaceOff.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting T. Jefferson Parker at ThrillerFest VIII and ThrillerFest IX, and below is my recent interview with him. I hope you enjoy it.