The Time I . . . Had Thanksgiving Dinner With The Airborne Toxic Event

I've been very lucky in the past few months to be invited by Radio 92.9 to experience some cool things, and I look forward to sharing them with you here.  Back in November, The Airborne Toxic Event  was in town, and the station had a "Thanksgiving Dinner"event with the band.  It was a small lunch meet-and-greet, and the band couldn't have been nicer.  Very down to earth and funny people.  

They had just been in NYC the night before for a show on their tour, and were sharing stories from their time in NYC.  Mikel told us about how he was climbing (literally, climbing) around Terminal 5.  His climbing skills were back in action at the Orpheum that night, when the band performed (with MONA - another cool rock band) - you can see his shadow climbing up into the mezzanine!  The crowd was going nuts, of course. 

They put on a really good show - their sound really filled the Orpheum. Thanks again to Radio 92.9 for this great day!

#MusicMyBrotherGotMeInto: MuteMath

Yep, this post deserved its own #hashtag, solely because I never thought I'd never say those words.
Growing up, my brother and I didn't quite get along - I'm really glad that our relationship has changed for the better, and I'd like to think that music has had a lot to do with that.  We've talked about shows we've seen, what we're listening to, and even seen some local shows together.

A few months ago, while at my parents' house in CT, my brother was there and told me that he had an album he thought I'd like.  The band was MuteMath. This is the album:

I definitely have liked them since that day - very solid alt-rock music, and I would love to check them out live someday.  I love their energy, and it's great to listen to when I need an escape from the norm.

There's a MuteMath: Armistice Live concert on Palladia right now, which I was psyched to find randomly.  Just more reason why I am in love with that channel!  Also, more reason why I want to see this band live!  Anyone see them live and can tell me that I have something cool to look forward to?

Spotlight: Dion Roy

Dion Roy loves tacos.
It's true, he can't hide it.

What's also true is that he's a great singer / songwriter / all around musician and generally cool guy.

Here's his bio from NoiseTrade:
Dion Roy is a singer-songwriter known for fusing his songwriter roots with his knack for writing an unforgettable pop/rock hook. Born in South Africa, and now a New Yorker, Dion got his start playing as a bassist in several bands on the Lower East Side music scene, and recently emerged as a solo artist. Dion has toured with high-profile acts like Tyler Hilton, Josiah Leming, Eve 6, Ryan Cabrera, The Donnas, Bleu, and Ben Kweller, throughout the North-Eastern College circuit. His debut album Gallery was released in 2009, followed by The Nearest Light (EP, June 2010) and his latest EP Welcome Home, which was released in April 2011. On “Welcome Home,” Dion worked. The first single, “Leave Me Out of This” features Josiah Leming (American Idol) on piano. For fans of: Pete Yorn, Snow Patrol, Keane, Tyler Hilton, Jeff Buckley.

Just a little QT with his guitar, NBD. (Photo: Facebook)

To download his FREE NoiseTrade Sampler, click on the picture of the album above.  You won't be disappointed!   Dion is off to LA this weekend to finish off his next album, so keep an ear out for that one.  I'm working on convincing Dion to come back to Boston, if only to just go out for tacos... Mmm. Tacos.

In the Studio with Radio 92.9

I was invited into the Radio 92.9 studios today to record intros for "My Playlist" - it was my first time doing anything in a recording studio of any kind, and it was a pretty cool experience.  Plus, I left with an awesome 92.9 slap-bracelet-beer-koozie, so, overall, everyone won today ;-) Thanks again to Jason and Ken for inviting me in!

Here's my playlist! Check it.

Blues Traveler - But Anyway
Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out
Cake - Long Time
The Airborne Toxic Event - Changing
...and, rounding out my list: The Black Keys - Gold On the Ceiling

So, when can you hear my beautiful voice on the radio, you ask?  Jason will tell you:

Wanna make YOUR playlist and have it featured on the station?  Click on the image to find out how.

UPDATE!  Here's the playlist, as shown on the Radio 92.9 website: 

ShaZAM! (Or, What I've Shazam-ed Lately)

I have Shazam on my Blackberry (the phone and I are in a fight, but that's a whole different show), and I've been having fun with the app!  I've heard a few cool songs that I've identified using Shazam:

Matisyahu - Miracle 

John Butler Trio - Better Than

Van Morrison - Bright Side Of the Road

Bell X1 - Rocky Took A Lover 

Neon Trees - Everybody Talks 



Anyone else out there using Shazam?

Dear Palladia, I Love You.

It's true, I can't deny my feelings for you.  You always seem to come through for me, especially when I'm under the weather, like today!

Por ejemplo, you're rockin' the O.A.R. From Madison Square Garden '07 show right now. Not too shabby, Palladia, not one bit. Here's one of my favorite songs (not from that show - couldn't find a lot of good live quality stuff, oops):

'City On Down' - O.A.R. (PNC Bank Arts Center 07.22.2005, by YouTuber foots7)

        (SIDEBAR: A fun fact about O.A.R. is that Marc Roberge's brother is the drummer for Foxtrot Zulu, and they've toured together before.  If you don't know FZ, do your ears a favor and check 'em out, yo.)

I'm looking forward to checking out this one on Palladia - now is when having a DVR would definitely come in handy, but hey, I'll survive somehow :

"This Is A Concert By The Black Keys" premieres this coming Friday (1/13/12) - they're coming to Boston in March, which should be a cool show!

Oh, another cool thing about my love, Palladia?  It's a music channel that PLAYS MUSIC.  

Whatcha Listening To? Wednesdays

Here's What I'm Listening To this week:

• Cake - Long Time
• Graffiti6 - Free
• The Black Keys - Gold On the Ceiling 
• The Airborne Toxic Event - Changing
• Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out

And, a bonus: Buena Vista Social Club - Clocks

This is my 'dance party in the kitchen' jam.

So, now the question is, #WhatchaListeningTo?  (That's right, I'm starting a #hashtag. What!)

P.S.  Yep, that's me with Airborne Toxic Event. More on that soon...