Interviews
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Episode 229: Interview – Tommy Keene, Part 1
Tommy Keene unexpectedly died on Nov. 22 at age 59. Just two months earlier, we had the great fortune to interview the power pop icon over drinks and dinner at Villain & Saint in Tommy’s hometown of Bethesda, Md. He was just off a tour opening for Matthew Sweet, and this may be Tommy Keene’s final interview.
In this first of three parts, Tommy talks about his early days in the Razz and other bands, before his solo career began.
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Episode 221: When Peter Searcy Met Squirrel Bait Fan Dave Grohl
Peter Searcy, formerly of cult band Squirrel Bait, joins by phone to talk about being asked to perform with Dave Grohl at a recent Foo Fighters show. Plus, conversation about life as a teenage punk singer, Squirrel Bait’s impact, Peter’s follow-up band Big Wheel and his latest solo album “Leave it All Out There.”
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Episode 220: Interview – Nicole Atkins
Singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins and her amazing voice join Rockin’ the Suburbs for a backstage interview at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. Nicole discusses the turmoil in her life that led to the songs on her latest album, “Goodnight Rhonda Lee.” Plus, she talks about working with Tommy Stinson and the benefits of knowing one very famous New Jerseyan.
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Episode 219: Interview – JD McPherson, Part 2
The conclusion of our interview with rocker JC McPherson. He talks about exploring new musical styles on his latest album, “Undivided Heart & Soul,” including his discovery of the fuzz box.
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Episode 218: Interview – JD McPherson, Part 1
Roots rocker JD McPherson has just released his most ambitious album, “Undivided Heart & Soul,” with touches of garage rock, soul and new wave. We talked with JD backstage before a show at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. He discusses his passion for early rock ‘n’ roll — and 90-minute drives to the closest record store while growing up in rural Oklahoma.
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Episode 208: Live Show – Meet Lisa Said
It’s Rockin’ the Suburbs Live! We interview singer-songwriter Lisa Said in front of an audience at Black Walnut Brewery in Leesburg VA. And she plays an original song too. Enjoy a performance of “Peel the Moon,” from Lisa’s new EP “Estranged.”
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Episode 204: Yep Roc’s 20th Anniversary, Part 2
More of our conversation with Glenn Dicker and Billy Maupin of Yep Roc as the super cool indie label celebrates its 20th anniversary. There’s a great story in here about a lunch box.
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Episode 203: Yep Roc’s 20th Anniversary, Part 1
We talk with Glenn Dicker and Billy Maupin of Yep Roc, an impressive independent label that is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It’s roster includes established artists like Nick Lowe, Chuck Prophet and such emerging artists as Mandolin Orange and the Stray Birds. They discuss the changing music business of the past two decades.
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Episode 185: Interview: Matthew Sweet, Part 3
We conclude our conversation with Matthew Sweet by asking him some questions submitted by Rockin’ the Suburbs listeners. A lot of you were curious about his collaborations with Susanna Hoffs.
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Episode 184: Interview: Matthew Sweet, Part 2
We pick up the conversation with Matthew Sweet. He talks about recording via file sharing and the mysteries of time, space and songwriting.