Podcasts about icon fetch

Tommy James has sold over 100 million records, and his impressive string of hits continue to live on in movies, TV shows and commercials - "Hanky Panky," "Mony, Mony," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crimson & Clover," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," and many more.  His excellent autobiography, "Me, the Mob and the Music" is one of the greatest music books ever written, and is in preproduction to be turned into a major Hollywood movie and Broadway musical.James was our very first guest on Icon Fetch back in April of 2010.  In our new conversation, he gives us updates on the movie, book and musical.  Plus, he talks about unearthing his very first recording, "Long Pony Tail," that even predates "Hanky Panky" by two years.  He also discusses recently recording songs by the Beatles and Supremes.He also discusses his weekly radio show, "Gettin' Together with Tommy James" on Sirius/XM.Tommy James is currently on the road - tour dates and more information can be found at tommyjames.com 

Born and raised in Ontario, Ben Wilkins moved to Montreal, Quebec, at the age of eighteen to study music at McGill University. He majored in Classical Trumpet and soaked up whatever he could regarding composition, arranging, singing, theory and jazz harmony – spending countless nights sneaking into the piano studios afterhours to write songs. Upon graduation, Wilkins received a scholarship to study Mandarin in China, and spent the better part of a year at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Beijing Language and Culture University. In 2008, he returned to Montreal to perform locally and at colleges and clubs in the north-eastern U.S. Shortly after, he was approached by Pascal Shefteshy, an acclaimed engineer and producer working for famous producer Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) to record an album. They got to work, and then just as their limited budget was running out, Marchand announced that he was going to India for three months, leaving the door to his studio open and Wilkins and Shefteshy in the position to record an album without compromise. Wilkins' first independent release "Back Of My Head EP", was featured on NPR's All Things Considered and prominently featured on the NPR music website as “Piano Pop, Beautifully Arranged”. The single reached a top 50 position after only a few weeks of tracking on commercial radio and stayed in the charts for more than twenty weeks. His second single, “Through To You" was launched to radio stations across Quebec with impressive results, hitting top 10 adult contemporary, reaching 6th position for 5 consecutive weeks. Ben Wilkins debut self-titled album, signed to Milagro Records, was released in stores across Canada on October 18th, 2011. The album has since received rave reviews from Le Journal de Montreal, Le Soleil, Le Devoir, and was featured as a favorite by both Archambault, Renaud-Bray and HMV – and was in the top ten albums of 2012 according to Icon Fetch, and 98.5 FM - Montreal's most listened to radio station. Wilkins was scouted by S.L. Feldman & Associates and toured through Quebec and Ontario – headlining theaters and opening for artists such as David Usher, Eric Lapointe, Cowboy Junkie, Matthew Good, and Kim Mitchell. He was named in the top 5 favorite arts in the Chicoutimi Jazz and Blues Festival and his various live formats, be it a band of seven, a trio or solo, have been very well received by audiences and critics alike. Wilkins collaborated with James Di Salvio on The Garden, Bran Van 3000’s fourth album writing string and brass arrangements and singing lead on the track entitled “This Day”. He wrote vocal and string arrangements on 2010 Juno nominee Misstress Barbara's upcoming album, and has been writing arrangements, co-songwriting and producing for local Montreal artists consistently since 2010. Ben Wilkins was awarded the Emerging Artist Sound Recording Grant from FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recording) for production and marketing of his sophomore album. He also received the Sound Production grant from Cirque du Soleil. He also received Canada Council of the Arts grant to individuals to study songwriting at the Songwriting School of Los Angeles where he studied under Rob Seals, Ryan Toby, and Phil Cody. His sophomore album entitled All From Hello, was well received by the press and radio in Canada and online media sources. Shortly after its release he was given a residency at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. He released three music videos in support of the album with the help of FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recording) and had an album feature and video cameo by Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. Ben Wilkins is currently based in Los Angeles and has produced music for Sophie Ann, Sofia Zorian, Brigitte Bertrand, Jupiter Deluxe Tube, Alan Roy Scott, Alicyn Packard, Chloe Agnew, Siena Pinney, Alex Thériault, among others. He has just released a collection of solo piano compositions in 2019 and is working on his third solo studio album.

Podcasters talking about how to podcast... “What Had Happened Was” host Amelia Robinson talked with Tony Peters of DATV and the Icon Fetch podcast and Juliet Fromholt, the host of WYSO’s Kaleidoscope and Alpha Rhythms, live at Dayton Podfest 2019. Tony and Juliet teach podcasting and shared tips, tricks and stories of not fan girl-ing and boy-ing out with Amelia and the audience at Brightside Music and Event Venue in downtown Dayton. Dayton Podfest was hosted by the Gem City Podcast.

Dayton, Ohio guitarist Eric Jerardi has been honing his craft for decades. From his humble beginnings winning a Battle of the Bands back in 1989, to going solo a few years later, to a string of critically-acclaimed albums and hundreds of gigs all over the world – Eric has kept at it for over 30 years now. But, just because he’s been doing things a long time, doesn’t mean he can’t still surprise.His brand new album, Occupied takes the blues that he’s mastered so well and adds in a big helping of soul courtesy of Muscle Shoals – the result is hands-down his finest effort to date.He tells us what it was like recording with some of the legendary musicians that played on the record, plus what producer David Z brought to the project.Jerardi also talks about playing Icon Fetch host Tony Peters’ wedding, the one and only time he’s played in a church.

Tommy Keene was a gifted songwriter and guitarist who unexpectedly passed away in November of 2017 at the age of 59.  His melodic, hook-filled songs, made him a staple of college radio during the 1980's, and influenced many musicians that came after.Keene was a guest on the Icon Fetch podcast on five separate occasions.  These interviews reveal a musician who was dedicated to his art, but was also a passionate music fan himself (with a great sense of humor).We've culled the best moments of these interviews, where Keene talks about the many twists and turns of his career, plus he reflects on many of his influences.We've also recorded  new tributes to Tommy from R.E.M's Peter Buck, Guy Picciotto of Fugazi, Ted Niceley (who played in Tommy's early band), and Dwight Twilley.  Plus, we talked with Josh Grier, who signed Tommy to Dolphin Records in the early days, and Stephen Judge, where Tommy put out a string of fantastic albums during the last years of his life.

Our first show of 2017 is a joint collaboration between Icon Fetch and Dan Miles of the Friends of Dan Music Podcast. We profile several of the legendary artists that passed away in the brutal year that was 2016.Through the magic of modern technology, Dan and Tony (in Arizona and Ohio, respectively) trade off giving tributes to Prince, Glenn Frey of the Eagles, David Bowie, Maurice White of Earth, Wind, & Fire, Leon Russell, Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane, Merle Haggard, and Keith Emerson & Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.A much more in-depth version of the show is available at the Friends of Dan Music Podcast by going to friendsofdanmusicpodcast.com

Born and raised in Ontario, Ben Wilkins moved to Montreal, Quebec, at the age of eighteen to study music at McGill University. He majored in Classical Trumpet and soaked up whatever he could regarding composition, arranging, singing, theory and jazz harmony – spending countless nights sneaking into the piano studios afterhours to write songs. Upon graduation, Wilkins received a scholarship to study Mandarin in China, and spent the better part of a year at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Beijing Language and Culture University. In 2008, he returned to Montreal to perform locally and at colleges and clubs in the north­eastern U.S. Shortly after, he was approached by Pascal Shefteshy, an acclaimed engineer and producer working for famous producer Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) to record an album. They got to work, and then just as their limited budget was running out, Marchand announced that he was going to India for three months, leaving the door to his studio open and Wilkins and Shefteshy in the position to record an album without compromise. Wilkins' first independent release "Back Of My Head EP", was featured on NPR's All Things Considered and prominently featured on the NPR music website as “Piano Pop, Beautifully Arranged”. Shortly after, the single reached a top 50 position after only a few weeks of tracking on commercial radio and stayed in the charts for more than twenty weeks. His second single, “Through To You" was launched to radio stations across Quebec with impressive results, hitting top 10 adult contemporary, reaching 6th position for 5 consecutive weeks. Ben Wilkins debut self­titled album, signed to Milagro Records, was released in stores across Canada on October 18th, 2011. The album has since received rave reviews from Le Journal de Montreal, Le Soleil, Le Devoir, and was featured as a favorite by both Archambault, Renaud­Bray and HMV – and was in the top ten albums of 2012 according to Icon Fetch, and 98.5 FM ­ Montreal's most listened to radio station. Wilkins was scouted by S.L. Feldman & Associates and toured through Quebec and Ontario – headlining theaters and opening for artists such as David Usher, Eric Lapointe, Cowboy Junkie, and Matthew Good. He was named in the top 5 favorite arts in the Chicoutimi Jazz and Blues Festival and his various live formats, be it a band of seven, a trio or solo, have been very well received by audiences and critics alike. Wilkins collaborated with James Di Salvio on The Garden, Bran Van 3000’s fourth album writing string and brass arrangements and singing lead on the track entitled “This Day”. He wrote vocal and string arrangements on 2010 Juno nominee Misstress Barbara's upcoming album, and has been writing arrangements, co-writing songs and producing for local Montreal artists consistently since 2010. Ben Wilkins was awarded the Emerging Artist Sound Recording Grant from FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recording) for production and marketing of his sophomore album All From Hello. He also received the Sound Production grant from Cirque du Soleil as well as the grant to Individual Artists from the Canada Council of the Arts. Ben parted ways with Milagro records in 2014 and started his own label called Midnight Train Records. He has since been active in the Los Angeles music scene writing and producing with local artists. All From Hello was released on March 31st 2015.

Born and raised in Ontario, Ben Wilkins moved to Montreal, Quebec, at the age of eighteen to study music at McGill University. He majored in Classical Trumpet and soaked up whatever he could regarding composition, arranging, singing, theory and jazz harmony – spending countless nights sneaking into the piano studios afterhours to write songs. Upon graduation, Wilkins received a scholarship to study Mandarin in China, and spent the better part of a year at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Beijing Language and Culture University. In 2008, he returned to Montreal to perform locally and at colleges and clubs in the north­eastern U.S. Shortly after, he was approached by Pascal Shefteshy, an acclaimed engineer and producer working for famous producer Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) to record an album. They got to work, and then just as their limited budget was running out, Marchand announced that he was going to India for three months, leaving the door to his studio open and Wilkins and Shefteshy in the position to record an album without compromise. Wilkins' first independent release "Back Of My Head EP", was featured on NPR's All Things Considered and prominently featured on the NPR music website as “Piano Pop, Beautifully Arranged”. Shortly after, the single reached a top 50 position after only a few weeks of tracking on commercial radio and stayed in the charts for more than twenty weeks. His second single, “Through To You" was launched to radio stations across Quebec with impressive results, hitting top 10 adult contemporary, reaching 6th position for 5 consecutive weeks. Ben Wilkins debut self­titled album, signed to Milagro Records, was released in stores across Canada on October 18th, 2011. The album has since received rave reviews from Le Journal de Montreal, Le Soleil, Le Devoir, and was featured as a favorite by both Archambault, Renaud­Bray and HMV – and was in the top ten albums of 2012 according to Icon Fetch, and 98.5 FM ­ Montreal's most listened to radio station. Wilkins was scouted by S.L. Feldman & Associates and toured through Quebec and Ontario – headlining theaters and opening for artists such as David Usher, Eric Lapointe, Cowboy Junkie, and Matthew Good. He was named in the top 5 favorite arts in the Chicoutimi Jazz and Blues Festival and his various live formats, be it a band of seven, a trio or solo, have been very well received by audiences and critics alike. Wilkins collaborated with James Di Salvio on The Garden, Bran Van 3000’s fourth album writing string and brass arrangements and singing lead on the track entitled “This Day”. He wrote vocal and string arrangements on 2010 Juno nominee Misstress Barbara's upcoming album, and has been writing arrangements, co-writing songs and producing for local Montreal artists consistently since 2010. Ben Wilkins was awarded the Emerging Artist Sound Recording Grant from FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recording) for production and marketing of his sophomore album All From Hello. He also received the Sound Production grant from Cirque du Soleil as well as the grant to Individual Artists from the Canada Council of the Arts. Ben parted ways with Milagro records in 2014 and started his own label called Midnight Train Records. He has since been active in the Los Angeles music scene writing and producing with local artists. All From Hello was released on March 31st 2015.

Tommy James of the Shondells was our very first interview on Icon Fetch. Now, 209 shows later, he returns with an extensive talk about the stories behind some of his biggest hits: The unbelievable tale of his rise to fame with “Hanky Panky,” the party classic “Mony Mony,” the bubblegum confection of “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the psychedelic “Crimson & Clover,” the anti-war “Sweet Cherry Wine,” and the heavenly “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” He also updates on his book Me the Mob and the Music and how it’s going to be turned into a major motion picture.

The Jersey Boys was first a successful Broadway musical and now a Clint-Eastwood-directed motion picture, based on the life and music of the Four Seasons. Almost all of the band’s hits were co-written by Seasons’ member Bob Gaudio, who had a big hand in bringing this story to the stage and screen, as well as assembling the accompanying soundtrack. Icon Fetch talks with the New Jersey native about where the idea for the Broadway musical came from. Also, he tells us the story behind the Four Seasons’ first number one hit, “Sherry,” how he recorded “Short Shorts” when he was only 15, and what it was like to work with Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond on the smash hit “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.”

Drivin’ n Cryin’ have released some fantastic albums over the years, including 1991’s Fly Me Courageous. But, in 2012, the band abandoned the format in favor of recording shorter EP’s (most only 4 or 5 songs each). Songs For the Turntable is the fourth and latest installment of this series. Icon Fetch talks to singer Kevn Kinney of the band about this latest project, which brings everything full circle, returning to the band’s signature sound. He also talks about a brand new song called “Where’s My Country.”

Lone Justice were mid-Eighties pioneers. Blending elements of country, punk & rock, the band, led by fiery vocalist Maria McKee, gained a reputation for their incendiary live shows. Although praised by critics, the band never received commercial success, and broke up in 1989. Yet, over the following years, the group has been cited as a major influence by many bands. Now comes This is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983, a collection of 12 early recordings the band made before signing with a major label. Icon Fetch talks with original Lone Justice bassist Marvin Etzioni, who has kept these tapes in his garage for years. He tells us the story of how he joined the band and the circumstances that led to these fantastic recordings, made available for the first time.

The Swimming Pool Q’s came out of Atlanta, Georgia in the late Seventies, emerging from the same fertile ground that would birth the B-52s and R.E.M., among many others. After one independent release, the band were signed to A&M Records for a pair of critically-acclaimed albums – 1984’s The Swimming Pool Q’s and 1986’s Blue Tomorrow.After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the band is proud to finally make these seminal albums available on CD for the first time. In addition, they’ve unearthed an additional disc of rarities, and even a DVD, featuring live footage, videos and interviews. If that weren’t enough, the band has some brand new material out as well. Icon Fetch talks with vocalist / guitarist Jeff Calder from the band about the long process of gaining the rights to this material. In addition, he tells some great stories about touring with the Police and Lou Reed, and how they got turned down by a record executive that told them they needed more “furniture” in their song.

Canadian singer/songwriter Luke McMaster recorded a hit duet with pianist Jim Brickman earlier in 2013 called “Good Morning Beautiful.” Now the song has been retooled just in time for the holidays as “Merry Christmas Beautiful,” which McMaster is supporting by touring with Brickman, doing a series of holiday shows. He’s also just issued “NYC,” a collaboration with DJ Titus 1 and featuring vocals by Bek Phillips, which shows off a completely different side to his music. Icon Fetch talks with the busy songwriter about his soul album, All Roads; his love of recent Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees Hall & Oates; and taking his music in a more dance-oriented direction.

Platinum-selling pianist David Lanz returns to Icon Fetch with his first new album of original material in five years called Movements of the Heart (amazon link). Inspired by a new love in his life, the record features some of the most passionate music Lanz has ever laid to tape. We discuss how immersing himself in music of the past, specifically the Beatles, had an impact on his current compositions, and how he tuned his piano differently, and the positive effect that had on his songs.

Jessy J has been named the Hottest Rising Star in Smooth Jazz, scored several #1 singles in the genre, and had a chance to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the business. Her latest CD is called Second Chances. Icon Fetch talks with the sexy multi-instrumentalist about the number “2” re-occurring in the songs on her album, what made her choose the saxophone all those years ago, and a recent recording session she had with legendary rockers Aerosmith.

Sail Rock 2013 is coming to a town near you. Exploring the mellow side of late Seventies and early Eighties rock. Featuring Christopher Cross, Orleans, Gary Wright, Firefall, John Ford Coley, Robbie Dupree and Player, the show is full of familiar favorites. Icon Fetch talks with John Hall of Orleans about writing a song for Janis Joplin, the success of their biggest hit, “Still the One,” and his experiences as a US House of Representative. We also chat with Robbie Dupree, who reminisces about being in a band with Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers, the experience of his hit “Steal Away,” and hosting a radio show which airs overseas.

Greg Lake is one of the most recognized voices in all of rock. His vocals have adorned such classic rock staples as “Court of the Crimson King,” “Lucky Man,” “Still You Turn Me On,” and “From the Beginning.” Lake’s latest project is called “Songs of a Lifetime,” a document of his recent interactive tour where he played some of his most famous songs and told the stories behind their creation.Icon Fetch talks with the former King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer vocalist & multi-instrumentalist about the intimate, interactive shows that he’s done, the process of writing his autobiography, and the idea of “shared music” that has gone by the wayside in the iPod era. He also tells us the great story behind “Lucky Man.”

With the recent passing of Reg Presley of the Troggs, Icon Fetch has put together an hour-long tribute to the band and their influential lead singer. We’ll hear the story of “Wild Thing” from the man who wrote the legendary song, Chip Taylor. From Larry Page, the band’s manager & producer, who wouldn’t give up on the song, even though everyone hated it, Mike Mills of R.E.M., who played with the band on a collaboration called Athens Andover, and Graeme Clark of Wet Wet Wet, who took the Troggs’ “Love is All Around” back to the top of the charts in the Nineties. Also contributing are Richard Barone, Peter Zaremba of the Fleshtones, Tommy Keene, producer Mitch Easter, Debora Iyall of Romeo Void, pianist David Lanz, Jon Weiss of the Vipers, Peter Holsapple of the dB’s, and filmmaker Grant Wakefield, who talked with Presley about his obsession with crop circles.

Icon Fetch talks with Ann Wilson of Heart about the amazing year that saw she and her sister render a stunning performance of “Stairway to Heaven” that brought down the house during the Led Zeppelin tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors. She tells us how Robert Plant reacted to her rendition, and why she was so excited to do that particular song. She also touches on how surprised she and Nancy were at being 2013 inductees into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. We also run through the flurry of activity from the band that saw them release a career-spanning box set, Strange Euphoria (review); their memoir, Kicking and Dreaming (review); and a blistering new studio album, Fanatic (review). Wilson also reveals plans for 2013, which include a spotlight on their album Dog & Butterfly, celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Edgar Winter wrote one of the greatest instrumentals in all of rock in “Frankenstein.” He’s back out on the road as part of the Classic Rock n’ Blues Tour, which also features his brother, Johnny Winter, along with Rick Derringer, Leslie West of Mountain, and Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown. Icon Fetch sits down with the multi-talented younger brother to find out why he never picked up the guitar (but did pick up just about everything else). He also tells us the great story behind “Frankenstein.”

Sam Phillips has released eight critically-acclaimed studio records, she’s scored the music for the Gilmore Girls TV series, and she acted alongside Bruce Willis in Die Hard With a Vengeance. But, of all the great work she’s put out, many people continue to gravitate toward her 1994 album Martinis & Bikinis, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Performance. Produced by then-husband T-Bone Burnett, the album is a mix of gritty guitars, muscled drums, and Beatle-soaked harmonies.Although not a commercial smash, it regularly makes critics’ “Best of the Nineties” lists. Omnivore Records has just reissued the classic album, making the record even better with the inclusion of four bonus tracks, including a newly recorded version of her song “Strawberry Road.” Icon Fetch sits down with Phillips, who gives us the background on that great album. She also talks about the circumstances that led to her role in Die Hard. She also talks her fan subscription series and upcoming projects

The Last Summer on Earth tour, featuring four of the best bands to emerge from the Nineties, is coming to a city near you. Featuring Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, and Cracker, the tour is sure to be a highlight of the summer concert series. Icon Fetch talks with Chan Kinchla, guitarist for Blues Traveler, about the bands on the tour, the release of their brand new album, Suzie Cracks the Whip, and how they keep things fresh after spending 25 years together. We also chat again with Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd. In addition to talking up the new tour, he gives us the scoop on the Ride Festival, a concert they’re headlining in Colorado in August, and details on two new albums from Big Head Todd.

Dave Alvin’s 30-plus year career has had a lot of twists and turns. He helped form roots rock pioneers the Blasters with his brother Phil, he joined the punk band X near the end of their existence, and has led an acclaimed solo career. Many of his songs have become hits for other people, most notably “Long White Cadillac,” later a hit for Dwight Yoakam.In 2011, Alvin released Eleven Eleven, which made Icon Fetch’s Sweet Sixteen year-end wrapup. Now, his record label has reissued the album in a deluxe edition – featuring a disc of live performances, another featuring several unreleased songs from the sessions, and a live DVD. Icon Fetch talks with the man whom Rolling Stone called “an under recognized guitar hero” about some of the great stories behind the songs on the record, and the origin of some of the unreleased material.

Steve Barton helped lead the San Francisco band Translator to such underground hits as “Everywhere That I’m Not,” and “Come With Me,” before calling it quits near the end of the Eighties. He’s since gone on to release several solo albums. His latest, Projector, is his most personal – Barton sings and plays all the instruments on the record, which deals in large part with the recent passing of his father. Barton talks with Icon Fetch about recording the album on 2-inch tape with the help of friend (and former member of Lone Justice) Marvin Etzioni, and the recent reformation of his old band Translator.

The dB’s released four critically-acclaimed albums throughout the Eighties, jam packed with melodic hooks. But for some strange reason, the band never achieved the commercial success they deserved, breaking up near the end of the decade. Then, a funny thing happened – word began to spread about how good those albums really were, and they started fetching high bids on Ebay. To meet the demand, Collector’s Choice music reissued the band’s first two albums in 2002.Now, the band is back with a brand new record, their first with the original lineup in some 30 years, called Falling Off the Sky . Icon Fetch talks with singer/guitarist Peter Holsapple about what brought the band back together in the first place, why the recording process took so long, and how the band is joined by several young musicians from the North Carolina scene for the new record.

Dance sensation Natalie Nylon has quite a diverse background – she studied classical and music theater at a young age. Then, as a teen, she sang and played bass in a punk band before moving from her Pennsylvania home to the bright lights of LA. Nylon began experimenting with synthesizers, hooking up with producer Miko – the result was several singles that topped the European dance charts. Nylon is hoping to continue that trend with the release of her first full length album, Out of Control. Icon Fetch talks to Nylon about how her roots effect her current music, how she’s preparing for her first video shoot, and how crazy it was to have her songs hit #1 overseas.

Lukas Nelson, the son of country music legend Willie Nelson, is stepping out of the shadow of his famous father, due in large part to his energetic live shows. His band, Promise of the Real, rocked over 200 dates in 2011 alone. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Dave Matthews and B.B. King. Despite the incessant touring, Nelson found time to write and record the band’s second full-length, Wasted. Icon Fetch talks with Lukas Nelson about getting inspiration from both Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix for the new record, and helping his dad record his new CD, called Heroes.

Cassidy led the all-female band Antigone Rising for eight years, receiving critical acclaim and developing a rabid fanbase. But, she left the band after their major label debut. Now, she’s returned with a new name – Boheme – and a brand new album, Follow the Freedom, which showcases her soulful vocals and melodic songwriting. She’s also got help on one of the tracks from none other than the reclusive ex-frontman from Journey, Steve Perry. Icon Fetch talks with Cassidy about why she’s titled her new CD Boheme, why she left Antigone, and the strange circumstances that brought she and Steve Perry together in the studio.

Bassist Mike Watt stormed out of San Pedro, California in the early 1980’s with the influential punk power trio the Minutemen; blending elements of funk, jazz and classic rock into the hardcore scene. The tragic death of his close friend and bandmate, D. Boon, put an end to that great band and sent Watt into depression. Eventually, he re-emerged with the help of Sonic Youth, playing on several of their recordings before forming another trio, firehose, and the all-bass duo called Dos.Watt has released several solo albums, written operas, and played on other peoples’ albums too numerous to mention. Now comes Mike Watt – On and Off Bass – a collection of his (surprisingly good) photography, which also includes excerpts from his tour diary. Icon Fetch talks with Mike Watt about the origins of the new book, his recent spoken-word collaboration with rock critic Richard Meltzer, and how a day doesn’t go by without him thinking of his late friend, D. Boon.

Scissormen take blues back to its raw basics: guitar and drums. Yet, it’s amazing how much intensity the band brings in its live show. It doesn’t hurt that singer Ted Drozdowski is one hell of a fantastic slide guitarist, who’s been known to stroll whatever room will have them, standing on tables to reel off another searing solo. The band has just issued a CD / DVD combo called Big Shoes: Walking and Talking the Blues.The set contains a documentary film directed by famed filmmaker Robert Mugge, who followed Scissormen through a tour of the wintery Midwest, with stops in Red Key, Indiana, the Gennett Records Museum in Richmond, and the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. All along the way, the band manages to unearth interesting stories, showing that traces of the blues can be found everywhere. Icon Fetch talks with Drozdowski about making the film, some of the legendary bluesmen that influenced him, and the oddest item he’s picked up to play slide guitar with.

Richard Meltzer was one of the first rock critics, penning the first full-length book on the subject, “The Aesthetics of Rock,” in 1970, while reveling in much of he excesses of the day. He wrote for many of the seminal magazines, including the Village Voice, Crawdaddy, Creem and Rolling Stone. He also had a long association with Blue Oyster Cult, co-writing several songs, including “Burning For You,” “Stairway to the Stars,” and “Death Valley Nights.” He’s also hosted a radio show and fronted a punk band called VOM.Meltzer’s latest project has been in the works for over 25 years – Spielgusher teams his spoken-word pieces with instrumental backing courtesy of legendary Minutemen & firehose bassist Mike Watt, along with some Japanese session musicians. The result is a dizzying collection of 63 tracks – some abrasive, some laugh-out-loud funny, but all delivered in Meltzer’s dry affectation. Icon Fetch talks with the infamous writer about the origins of the album, being pigeonholed as a music journalist, and how he left the original Woodstock in disgust after only one day.

It was a turning point in popular culture. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were arrested in early 1967 on drug charges stemming from a party that Richards held for close friends. Local police, tipped off by an opportunistic newspaper, raided the festivities, setting off a series of events which led to a media frenzy, and the arrest and eventual temporary imprisonment of both band members. What was supposed to be a show of force by the old guard establishment on the young hedonistic hippies, ended up with an entirely different outcome.Author Simon Wells chronicles the events down to every lurid detail in his new book, Butterfly on a Wheel – The Great Rolling Stones Drugs Bust. Wells talks with Icon Fetch about dispelling many of the rumors surrounding the affair, including the legendary Marianne Faithful Mars’ bar incident. He also touches on how he obtained his evidence, and the lasting impact that the overturned charges had on popular culture.

Australian songwriter Paul Kelly has put a new twist on the past. His new 8-CD box set, The A to Z Recordings, features recently performed live versions of 100 of his best songs in alphabetical order. The collection comes housed in a handsome booklet featuring photographs, old concert posters, paintings and pictures of artists that influenced Kelly’s music over the years.He’s also written an accompanying book, How to Make Gravy, which he describes as a “mongrel memoir, that tells the story behind each song on the set. Icon Fetch talks with the prolific writer about the origins of the concerts which spawned the box set, how he chose the particular 100 (he’s written over 300), and some of the inspirations behind his best songs.

he Hobart Brothers and ‘Lil Sis Hobart, made up of songwriters Freedy Johnston, Jon Dee Graham, and Susan Cowsill, first came together during the annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, and found that they each shared a common history of working in the kitchens of numerous restaurants in their younger days (Hobart is a reference to the most famous industrial dishwasher). After recording demos last year, the band launched a successful Kickstarter program that helped fund At Least We’ve Got Each Other, the band’s debut album. Icon Fetch talks with Freedy Johnston about how they put this unique band together, and how they used modern technology to help collaborate from long distance. He also talks about his forthcoming solo album and his breakthrough hit, 1995’s “Bad Reputation.”

Pianist David Lanz continues his homage to the Beatles with his new CD, Here Comes the Sun. Like his first tribute, Liverpool: Re-imagining the Beatles, this album takes classics by the Fab Four and reworks them with stunning results. Lanz returns to Icon Fetch to talk about choosing this new batch of songs, how “I Am the Walrus” took several months to arrange, and why he decided to include songs by George Harrison this time around. He also touches on an upcoming 25th anniversary edition of his landmark Cristofori’s Dream album.

I See Hawks in LA continue the California folk rock that was pioneered by bands like the Byrds, then twisted and re-imagined by visionaries like Gram Parsons. They’ve just released their fifth album, New Kind of Lonely, which is the band’s first all-acoustic outing. The record still contains their signature dark humor, sharp picking and tight harmonies, all elements the band has perfected over their decade-long existence. Icon Fetch talks with lead singer Rob Waller about recording the new disc live, the story behind some of their twisted tales of suicide and overdoses, and the multitude of ways their unique name has been butchered by clubs around the country.

The Good Lovelies provide some much-needed sunshine in these winter months with the release of their third long-player, Let the Rain Fall. The Toronto-based trio mixes elements of folk, bluegrass and swing and tops it off with delectable harmonies that bring to mind the Andrews and McGuire Sisters, groups of a forgotten era. Icon Fetch talks to one-third of the band, Sue Passmore, about their (mostly) positive songs, why they often switch instruments on stage, and their decision to cover a rap song on the new record.

Norman Greenbaum is known for the 1970 smash hit “Spirit in the Sky.” The song’s unique paring of gospel-inspired lyrics with psychedelic rock backing helped it sell a whopping two million records in its first year of release. But, it’s the song’s universal message that continues to make it one of the most-played oldies on the radio. It’s also been included in almost 50 different movies, in numerous commercials, and even in the hugely-successful Rock Band 2 video game. Icon Fetch talks with Greenbaum about the strange origins of his one big hit, his new, specially-designed website, and how he feels about being called a “one hit wonder.”

Mitch Ryder stormed out of Michigan with the Detroit Wheels scoring mid-60’s hits with “Jenny Take a Ride,” “Devil With the Blue Dress On,” and “Sock it To Me-Baby!” For a shining moment, he was one of the few American artists that could rival the British bands in intensity. But, after the hits dried up, Ryder’s career collapsed in a haze of drugs and shady management deals. He managed to pick himself up and find a whole new adoring audience in Europe.He’s just written his autobiography, Devils and Blue Dresses – My Wild Ride As a Rock and Roll Legend (Cool Titles), and released a brand new album produced by Don Was called The Promise. Icon Fetch talks with Ryder about doing music his way and the possibility of a musical based on his life. He also tells a great story about how John Lennon saved his life.

Richard Barone returns to Icon Fetch with a brand new album Collection 2: Before and Afterglow, featuring demos and rare tracks spanning his entire career, including a brand-new reworking of the classic “Sidewalks of New York,” plus covers of songs by ELO, Nilsson, and Bobby Fuller. There’s even a seldom heard track from the Snails, Barone’s first band way back in 1976. Icon Fetch talks with the former frontman for the Bongos about unearthing these tracks from his library, writing his autobiography, Frontman, and plans for the 25th anniversary of his landmark solo album Cool Blue Halo. He also discusses a track he just recorded for the Occupy This Album project called “Hey, Can I Sleep on Your Futon?”

Singer Chris Willis first teamed with French DJ David Guetta back in 2001 for the club hit “Just a Little More Love.” Over the next ten years, the duo would put together a string of international dance hits including “Love Don’t Let Me Go,” “Money,” “Love is Gone,” and “Gettin’ Over You,” which also featured Fergie and LMFAO. Now, Willis is stepping out on his own for his first solo EP Premium / Songs From the Love Ship v.1, which has already yielded the number one Billboard Dance track “Louder (Put Your Hands Up).” Icon Fetch talks with the Dayton native about his early roots in the church, the story of hooking up with Guetta, and filming the crazy video for “Gettin’ Over You.”

Rob Shanahan is so good at taking pictures, Ringo Starr has selected him as his personal photographer. For the last 15 years, Shanahan’s work has appeared in countless music magazines, on album covers and inside CD booklets. Now he’s put together his first collection of photographs – appropriately titled Volume One. Through his lens we see a wide array of artists, including legends like Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Eddie Van Halen, and Elton John, to current pop stars like Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne and Jason Mraz. Shanahan talks to Icon Fetch about the string of events that led him to meeting the Beatles’ drummer, and also about getting Ringo together with Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts for afternoon tea.

The Smithereens have become legends for their brand of no-nonsense rock n’ roll, scoring hits with “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” “A Girl Like You,” “Only a Memory,” and “Too Much Passion.” Their first album of original material in twelve years – 2011 – is being hailed as one of the best records of their entire career (it made Icon Fetch’s “Sweet Sixteen” – the Best of 2011 list. Icon Fetch talks with lead singer Pat Dinizio about their upcoming tour of the east coast, as well as the revealing story of why it took so long between releases. He also touches on his current, year-long stand in Las Vegas with his “Confessions of a Rock Star.”

Sophie B. Hawkins first burst on the scene with the sensual hit “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover,” from 1992. Her next album yielded another smash in “As I Lay Me Down” in ’95. As she readies her first new full-length album in seven years – The Crossing – for release early 2012, she’s got a song in the brand new hit movie, New Year’s Eve – “Life is a Bomb.” Icon Fetch talks to the native New Yorker about her struggles of trying to do things independently after years of being on a major label. She also discusses how her writing style has changed since becoming a mother, and reveals the interesting story behind “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover.”

Suzi Quatro is known in the US for her role as Leather Tuscadero on TV’s Happy Days, and her 1978 Top Ten duet with Chris Norman “Stumblin’ In.” But, overseas she’s a bona fide icon – selling a staggering 50 million records worldwide, scoring several number one singles in both the UK and Australia. Quatro has just released her 15th album, In the Spotlight, a strong return to form helmed by longtime producer Mike Chapman, who also worked on many of her earliest recordings. Icon Fetch talks to the “Divine Ms. Q” while on vacation in Miami about writing her autobiography, choosing the eclectic array of cover songs for the new record (including one by Rihanna), and how she actually landed the role on Happy Days.

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dwight Twilley teamed with Phil Seymour in the Dwight Twilley Band, hitting gold with their very first single, 1975’s “I’m On Fire” – lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as “The best debut single by an American rock band ever.” But, a combination of dumb label decisions and bad luck prevented the band’s career from properly taking off.That didn’t stop Twilley – he’s into his fifth decade of making melodic rock n’ roll – and he’s just released a brand new record called Soundtrack. Inspired by a movie that’s currently in production about his life, Twilley turned inward to write 12 new songs about his long journey and ups & downs in the music business. Icon Fetch talks with the “father of power pop” about his band’s experience playing on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, the personal nature of these new songs, and the passing of longtime friend and guitarist Bill Pitcock, IV.

You’d never think a young singer/songwriter could make such a classic-sounding album. Ben Wilkins hails from Canada and has just released his self-titled debut album, a combination of his melodic piano work and soaring tenor, augmented by strings, horns and lush background vocals – all adding up to a record that sounds like it could’ve come out in 1973. Wilkins has a knack for writing hook-laden songs that integrate vibrant pop with soulful R&B with a sprinkling of jazz. Icon Fetch talks to the up and coming talent about the circumstances that led to having literally unlimited recording time in a top-notch studio, where his influences come from, and the making of the clever video for his song “Through To You.”

Nils Lofgren has been a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E. Street Band since 1984. He’s also played in Neil Young’s band, all the while maintaining a successful solo career. Old School, Lofgren’s first full-length album of his tunes in five years, features guest appearances by Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave. Icon Fetch talks to the multi-instrumentalist about recording his latest effort at home, his love of dogs, and the passing of his dear friend and bandmate, Clarence Clemons. He also touches on his online guitar classes

The Doobie Brothers have their first new release in ten years, World Gone Crazy, out now  The album reunites them with longtime producer Ted Templeman, who was behind the console for all their blockbuster albums of the seventies.  The disc's first single, “Nobody,” is a re-recording of their first-ever 45 from back in 1971.  Amazingly, this new version blows away the one from 40 years earlier. The band has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and is currently on tour in support of the new release.  Icon Fetch talks with lead singer / guitarist / songwriter Tom Johnston about the great care that went into assembling this new record.  He also speaks candidly about him having to leave the band in 1974 due to health issues and being replaced by Michael McDonald.