Matt Costa is coming to the Recher Theatre on Friday, July 25, in support of his new album, Unfamiliar Faces, featuring the single "Mr. Pitiful."
Register through Monday, July 21st, to win a pair of tickets to the show, courtesy of WTMD. (For complete contest rules, please visit: http://wtmd.org/contestrules.htm.)
Enter to win >>
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Mike Doughty on Thursday Night Mixtape: 8 p.m. July 17
Prior to taking the stage at Artscape this weekend (7 p.m. Saturday on the Saturn Stage), Mike Doughty shares his Thursday Night Mixtape with Tyler.
Tune in 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, to hear the playlist and the artist behind it. (Listen Live)
And then see if you can match Mike with your own mixtape submission.
(Why should Tyler have to do all the work?)
In the meantime, here's Mike's latest single, "Fort Hood."
Let the sunshine in...
Tune in 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, to hear the playlist and the artist behind it. (Listen Live)
And then see if you can match Mike with your own mixtape submission.
(Why should Tyler have to do all the work?)
In the meantime, here's Mike's latest single, "Fort Hood."
Let the sunshine in...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Kate Bush Anniversary
When you turn 40, as I begrudgingly have this year (like I had a choice), other notable benchmarks- save for the day you were born- often get overlooked.
Just for kicks today, I almost instinctively searched YouTube for Kate Bush's performance of "Wuthering Heights" on Tops of the Pops (having spent some impressionable time over in the novel's setting, Yorkshire) and realized that song which, despite my lack of interest in Bronte novels, came out thirty years ago! And Kate was the first woman in UK chart history to write and perform a song that topped the charts.
As a kid, I had know idea who Heathcliff was or why Kate/Cathy would want climb through his window, but somehow, while watching the late TOTP, her operatic voice and sincerity (or was it self-parody?) spoke to me...and still does.
Do you notice a striking resemblance to Regina Spektor?
Just for kicks today, I almost instinctively searched YouTube for Kate Bush's performance of "Wuthering Heights" on Tops of the Pops (having spent some impressionable time over in the novel's setting, Yorkshire) and realized that song which, despite my lack of interest in Bronte novels, came out thirty years ago! And Kate was the first woman in UK chart history to write and perform a song that topped the charts.
As a kid, I had know idea who Heathcliff was or why Kate/Cathy would want climb through his window, but somehow, while watching the late TOTP, her operatic voice and sincerity (or was it self-parody?) spoke to me...and still does.
Do you notice a striking resemblance to Regina Spektor?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tune In for Virgin Mobile Festival Weekend: July 12-13
Tune in Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, as we gear up for next month's Virgin Mobile Festival at Pimlico Race Course by:
* No pledge is necessary to enter the drawing.
(View the pledge form for additional information.)
- showcasing artists from this year's lineup;
- rebroadcasting interviews from last year's live broadcast;
- entering new members in a drawing for a pair of Two Day General Admission passes to the show.*
* No pledge is necessary to enter the drawing.
(View the pledge form for additional information.)
First Ever National Arts and Environment Summit
If you've been listening in recently, you've heard about WTMD's Eco Tour. This week Terre Jones, President and CEO of Wolf Trap joined us. We talked about the first ever National Arts and Environment Summit being held this Monday.
Wolf Trap invited "Americans for the Arts, The Aspen Institute, Reverb, Booz Allen Hamilton, and NPS Climate Friendly Parks Program; Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO, Terre Jones, will host an intimate gathering of environmental and arts experts, along with government, community, and business leaders at the Corporate Headquarters of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. For over six hours, attendees will operate as a collective think tank of sorts, with the end goal of outlining a list of strategies and solutions for fully engaging performing artists and performing arts presenters in environmental stewardship." (Wolf Trap Blog)
On Sunday they'll be demonstrating their efforts to go green, details here. Want to get involved? The last hour of the seminar will be online allowing you to provide input and ask questions on how the performing arts industry can be more environmentally friendly. Click here to register for the Webinar.
I'll be in attendance Sunday and Monday with intentions of informing you on what the Performing Arts Industry is doing to help save the environment.
Tune in Wednesday mornings at 6 & 8 on the WTMD Morning Show, this Wednesday we learn about simple changes made around the house that make sense economically and help the environment.
Wolf Trap invited "Americans for the Arts, The Aspen Institute, Reverb, Booz Allen Hamilton, and NPS Climate Friendly Parks Program; Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO, Terre Jones, will host an intimate gathering of environmental and arts experts, along with government, community, and business leaders at the Corporate Headquarters of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. For over six hours, attendees will operate as a collective think tank of sorts, with the end goal of outlining a list of strategies and solutions for fully engaging performing artists and performing arts presenters in environmental stewardship." (Wolf Trap Blog)
On Sunday they'll be demonstrating their efforts to go green, details here. Want to get involved? The last hour of the seminar will be online allowing you to provide input and ask questions on how the performing arts industry can be more environmentally friendly. Click here to register for the Webinar.
I'll be in attendance Sunday and Monday with intentions of informing you on what the Performing Arts Industry is doing to help save the environment.
Tune in Wednesday mornings at 6 & 8 on the WTMD Morning Show, this Wednesday we learn about simple changes made around the house that make sense economically and help the environment.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Exclusive David Simon Interview on WTMD: Thursday, July 10
Only a few months after cutting The Wire, Baltimore-based author, journalist and writer-producer, David Simon returns to HBO at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 13, with Generation Kill.
The seven-part miniseries follows one of the first Marine units into Iraq at the start of the war. I recently had the chance to chat with David extensively about the show based on the book by Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright.
Highlights from the interview will air at 7:40 a.m. Thursday, July 10, on the TMD Morning Show, and the full conversation (nearly 30 minutes)will be available on http://www.wtmd.org/ later that morning. is available here.
Here's a sample:
ERIK: One thing that we all can't help but notice with The Wire, and for those who have read the book Generation Kill and learning about some of the soldiers, is that some of them DO stand up to authorities and the incompetence of bureaucracy. It seems like that's one of the themes...
DAVID SIMON: It's funny, everybody's going to attribute that to me! It seems symbiotic with a lot of the Wire's themes. And, of course, I had nothing to do with this book. I didn't know Evan Wright when he wrote it [in 2003]. Evan Wright didn't know The Wire . . . .
He is just experiencing the bureaucracy that is First Recon Battalion as it exists and he's reporting with great clarity on a day-to-day basis . . . . Yes, a lot of the same institutional dynamics were present in Generation Kill that are present in The Wire—completely unrelated to my take on the world . . . . I guess the best I can say for myself is that Ed Burns and I, we got some things right on the nature of bureaucracy and that it applies to military culture as well.
The seven-part miniseries follows one of the first Marine units into Iraq at the start of the war. I recently had the chance to chat with David extensively about the show based on the book by Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright.
Highlights from the interview will air at 7:40 a.m. Thursday, July 10, on the TMD Morning Show, and the full conversation (nearly 30 minutes)
Here's a sample:
ERIK: One thing that we all can't help but notice with The Wire, and for those who have read the book Generation Kill and learning about some of the soldiers, is that some of them DO stand up to authorities and the incompetence of bureaucracy. It seems like that's one of the themes...
DAVID SIMON: It's funny, everybody's going to attribute that to me! It seems symbiotic with a lot of the Wire's themes. And, of course, I had nothing to do with this book. I didn't know Evan Wright when he wrote it [in 2003]. Evan Wright didn't know The Wire . . . .
He is just experiencing the bureaucracy that is First Recon Battalion as it exists and he's reporting with great clarity on a day-to-day basis . . . . Yes, a lot of the same institutional dynamics were present in Generation Kill that are present in The Wire—completely unrelated to my take on the world . . . . I guess the best I can say for myself is that Ed Burns and I, we got some things right on the nature of bureaucracy and that it applies to military culture as well.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Joshua James: Cornhusker Soul
With a jaggedly sweet voice that speaks of the rolling hills and open plains of his native Nebraska, Joshua James plants the seeds of promise on his debut, The Sun Is Always Brighter. You may have heard infectious "The New Love Song" on TMD by now.
Many got a taste of this young talent at the Meyerhoff when he opened up for Glen and Marketa (The Swell Season), fresh off their Oscar win for Once.
Joshua sings of personal struggles of family members, the environment and tragic/historical figures amidst sparse musical accompaniment. The piano, accordion and steel guitar brushstrokes are so beautifully subtle, you might forget there's any at all! And that's a very good thing, because what I think will stay with you is his singing; it yearns and burns a welcoming porch light.
Be on the listen for Joshua James on Morning Sessions in the near future.
In the meantime, check out this little tour diary and a little mischief he got into at the end....
...and an this very, very cool Modest Mouse cover.
Many got a taste of this young talent at the Meyerhoff when he opened up for Glen and Marketa (The Swell Season), fresh off their Oscar win for Once.
Joshua sings of personal struggles of family members, the environment and tragic/historical figures amidst sparse musical accompaniment. The piano, accordion and steel guitar brushstrokes are so beautifully subtle, you might forget there's any at all! And that's a very good thing, because what I think will stay with you is his singing; it yearns and burns a welcoming porch light.
Be on the listen for Joshua James on Morning Sessions in the near future.
In the meantime, check out this little tour diary and a little mischief he got into at the end....
...and an this very, very cool Modest Mouse cover.
Members Only Showcase: Joan Osborne, Monday, July 14th at the Recher Theatre
WTMD members are invited to join us on Monday, July 14, at the Recher Theatre for a Members Only Showcase featuring Joan Osborne performing songs from her career and previewing new material from her forthcoming album Little Wild One.
Each WTMD Member is invited to bring one guest to the event.RSVP (or become a member and reserve a pair of tickets) by calling 410-704-8970 by 6 p.m. Monday, July 7th. Thanks to everyone who called to reserve tickets. Registration is now closed. We look forward to seeing you on the 14th!
7 p.m. Doors; 8 p.m. Show
The Recher Theatre is located on 512 York Road in Towson, MD.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Register to Attend a Free Baltimore Unsigned Taping: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26th
Baltimore Unsigned challenged two local musicians, hip-hop artist Salim and country/folk rocker Caleb Stine, to collaborate and create four original songs in six weeks.
Baltimore Unsigned is chronicling the creative process and giving you an opportunity to witness the final results at WTMD's free live taping:
1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the 8 x 10
BU host Sam Sessa will interview Salim and Caleb about their music and their experience working together before the duo debuts the collection of new songs for a live audience.
Reserve your free tickets by 5 p.m. Friday, July 25th.
(Limit four tickets per reservation.)
Please plan to arrive on time at 1 p.m.
The taping should take about two hours.
Baltimore Unsigned is chronicling the creative process and giving you an opportunity to witness the final results at WTMD's free live taping:
1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the 8 x 10
BU host Sam Sessa will interview Salim and Caleb about their music and their experience working together before the duo debuts the collection of new songs for a live audience.
Reserve your free tickets by 5 p.m. Friday, July 25th.
(Limit four tickets per reservation.)
Please plan to arrive on time at 1 p.m.
The taping should take about two hours.
Benji Hughes- Beastly Beautiful
Few lately have caught my attention and left me wanting more than North Carolinian Benji Hughes. OK, it doesn't hurt that he's got a new song called "Tight Tee Shirt" and he looks like Greg Allman if his diet consisted of items off latter-day Elvis's menu.
But, beyond that, music from his forthcoming double debut album, A Love Extreme (July 22'nd) is emotionally and musically complex: Think Beck meets Sir George Martin, if you had to put your descriptive finger on something.
The tunes are often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. The sophisticated strings and samples will have audiophiles repeating tracks incessantly. But be on the listen for this artist- I think he will make a big splash this summer- and not just on a tight tee shirt.
Michael Phelps he ain't, but check out his swimming prowess in the video for "Girl in the Tower."
and hear more on tomorrow's New Music Sampler and read about it in Tuesday's 'b.'
But, beyond that, music from his forthcoming double debut album, A Love Extreme (July 22'nd) is emotionally and musically complex: Think Beck meets Sir George Martin, if you had to put your descriptive finger on something.
The tunes are often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. The sophisticated strings and samples will have audiophiles repeating tracks incessantly. But be on the listen for this artist- I think he will make a big splash this summer- and not just on a tight tee shirt.
Michael Phelps he ain't, but check out his swimming prowess in the video for "Girl in the Tower."
and hear more on tomorrow's New Music Sampler and read about it in Tuesday's 'b.'
Girl Talk Samples Radiohead Song and Business Model
For his fourth album, Feed the Animals, Pittsburgh-based mash-up artist Girl Talk (nee Gregg Gillis) is offering listeners a "pay what you want" option to download the songs, including a $5 option to receive a bonus mp3 file that strings together all tracks and recreates the effect of a live DJ set.
Borrowing Radiohead's recent business plan isn't surprising for an artist who uses "Paranoid Android" to ground Jay-Z's "Roc Boys" on the track "Set It Off"--and cites more than 300 samples on the Feed the Animals.
In one mash-up sleight of hand during "Hands in the Air," Gillis dusts off Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)" and segues into Hot Chip's "Ready for the Floor" before hitting party touchstones of Michael Jackson and Sly and the Family Stone.
Sample Feed the Animals in its entirety on Girl Talk's MySpace site:
http://www.myspace.com/girltalk
(Just be warned that some songs are not necessarily safe for work.)
And download the album here: http://74.124.198.47/illegal-art.net/
Borrowing Radiohead's recent business plan isn't surprising for an artist who uses "Paranoid Android" to ground Jay-Z's "Roc Boys" on the track "Set It Off"--and cites more than 300 samples on the Feed the Animals.
In one mash-up sleight of hand during "Hands in the Air," Gillis dusts off Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)" and segues into Hot Chip's "Ready for the Floor" before hitting party touchstones of Michael Jackson and Sly and the Family Stone.
Sample Feed the Animals in its entirety on Girl Talk's MySpace site:
http://www.myspace.com/girltalk
(Just be warned that some songs are not necessarily safe for work.)
And download the album here: http://74.124.198.47/illegal-art.net/
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Hold Steady Frontman Takes Over WTMD at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27
"Everyone's a critic and most people are DJs," lead singer Craig Finn exclaimed on The Hold Steady's 2004 debut album Almost Killed Me.
Craig has an opportunity to showcase his own DJ skills when he stops by the WTMD studios on Friday afternoon. He'll put together a playlist of personal favorites a few hours before his band takes the stage for an all-ages show at Ram's Head Live in support of their forthcoming album Stay Positive.
Be sure to tune in to 89.7 FM (or listen online) at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, to hear the voice of The Hold Steady take over the airwaves at WTMD.
In the interim, here's The Hold Steady's "Chips Ahoy!" video from the 2006 album Boys and Girls in America.
Craig has an opportunity to showcase his own DJ skills when he stops by the WTMD studios on Friday afternoon. He'll put together a playlist of personal favorites a few hours before his band takes the stage for an all-ages show at Ram's Head Live in support of their forthcoming album Stay Positive.
Be sure to tune in to 89.7 FM (or listen online) at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, to hear the voice of The Hold Steady take over the airwaves at WTMD.
In the interim, here's The Hold Steady's "Chips Ahoy!" video from the 2006 album Boys and Girls in America.
Monday, June 23, 2008
An Aerial G.Love Assault on LA
Garrett Dutton's been writing some memorable peace anthems of late. One of my favorites is "Love" on our live CD, "Morning, Noon and Night." He's got another one that appears on his new one, Superhero Brother- which is out tomorrow- called "Peace, Love and Happiness."
Apparently, G. Love got inspiration from a trip to Rio De Jenario's favela's. But, it looks like he didn't take the helicopters THAT far south for the song's video. Check out his aerial serenade of Los Angles.
Apparently, G. Love got inspiration from a trip to Rio De Jenario's favela's. But, it looks like he didn't take the helicopters THAT far south for the song's video. Check out his aerial serenade of Los Angles.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Off the Grid and Off the Hook!
If you're like me and are fascinated by world travel (or at least the idea of it), and miss the spirit of Joe Strummer, there's a band that literally made their latest album The Golden Hour at all corners of the globe and fronted by a globetrotting, gruff-sounding frontman. His name is Tod A. and the band is Firewater.
Tod jetted outa here to escape contemporary issues at home (both political and personal). And like a sad clown, Firewater's music brings the tear-swelling melancholy of Balkan and gypsy sounds with the joyful sounds of an Indian wedding (if you've ever seen the reception scene in Bend It Like Bekham, you get an idea of that kind of joy). The music is percussive, world-embracing, yet still jadedly punk rock. Tod's lyrics reflect his travels to Indonesia, Thailand and Israel and the lead off track to the The Golden Hour, the chanty "Borneo" tells you all you need to know about why he left the US.
Check out the min-documentary on this amazing band.
Tod jetted outa here to escape contemporary issues at home (both political and personal). And like a sad clown, Firewater's music brings the tear-swelling melancholy of Balkan and gypsy sounds with the joyful sounds of an Indian wedding (if you've ever seen the reception scene in Bend It Like Bekham, you get an idea of that kind of joy). The music is percussive, world-embracing, yet still jadedly punk rock. Tod's lyrics reflect his travels to Indonesia, Thailand and Israel and the lead off track to the The Golden Hour, the chanty "Borneo" tells you all you need to know about why he left the US.
Check out the min-documentary on this amazing band.
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