You Sing, I Write's Top 5 Concerts of 2009
There is nothing I enjoy more than that goosebumps feeling you get when an artist sings a song that particularly strikes you or tells a moving tale about the origin of the song. This year I attended more concerts than any year in my life and while it's hard to narrow down my single favorite, I compiled five that stand out.
5. Mat Kearney — September 29 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
I interviewed Mat Kearney back in May when he was on tour opening for Keane at Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. I hopped on his tour bus and talked with him about his latest album, songwriting process and breaking into the University of Oregon to use their piano to write a song. As an opening band, your set is always cut short so I decided to attend his headlining performance a few months later at Irving Plaza and was blown away. Having had his album, City of Black and White, on rotation over the previous months the songs struck me personally and Kearney put on quite the show. Jumping into the audience mid-set he started his own dance party on the floor with fans. You can bet I'll be seeing him next time he's around.
To hear Mat talk about the new album, his writing process and stories behind his songs, click here. For his view on writing about personal relationships, being an opening act and advice to aspiring musicians, click here.
4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — September 30 at Giants Stadium
He is The Boss. Does much more need to be said? Being a Jersey girl, Bruce Springsteen's songs are anthems to me. I actually have Mat Kearney to thank of how I came to cover his show at Giants Stadium. The night before Springsteen's performance I was buying my friend a ticket at will call because Kearney's show was due to sell out. I recognized a photographer I met earlier that year at Ray LaMontagne's show and we chatted for a bit. Low and behold, the next day he needed a writer to cover Springsteen's show for a Web site he shot for and thought of me. Wendy picked up the tickets for me and we headed to Giants Stadium to cover the show for Bumpershine. And, guess who was sitting a few rows in front of me? None other than Mat Kearney himself. A bit serendipitous, don't you think? For my complete review, click here.
3. Tyrone Wells — October 7 at Highline Ballroom
I recently found Tyrone Wells CD Remain and have been listening non-stop the past few days. Previous album, Hold On is quite striking as well. While compiling my top five list I realized I have witnessed Wells in concert three times this year. I first interviewed him during South By Southwest and caught his showcase with Tori Amos. Later this year, Wells opened for Better Than Ezra where a couple got engaged mid-set before he dedicated and performed "Sea Breeze" for them. I was lucky enough to catch his headlining show at Highline Ballroom in October after interviewing his opening act, Matt Hires. Wells truly blew me away as he mixed his soulful and energetic tracks with his emotion-filled ballads. His onstage banter with the audience and tales behind his songs are always enjoyable and like no artist I have ever witnessed. If you have yet to see Wells live, I highly suggest doing so as I foresee him selling out bigger venues very soon.
2. Coldplay — August 2 at Liberty State Park
I've heard only praises about Coldplay's concerts from friends who have witnessed them firsthand. I really don't know why I haven't seen them sooner. Luckily, I caught their phenomenal set at the always memorable All Points West festival this past August at Liberty State Park. The way I described APW to friends was it being Woodstock's reincarnation if it were around in 2009. Mud wrestling, music and beer gardens was more like it. Sunday’s four-hour rain delay resulted in multiple canceled performances and scaled down sets, but Coldplay managed to save the day.
Always comical, after traipsing through the mud onto a stage in the middle of the field, frontman Chris Martin realized what festivalgoers dealt with the entire weekend. “We have infinite respect for you now that we had to walk through that shit. Wish we had backstage passes for all of you,” he said.
Witnessing Coldplay live and up so close, I have incredible respect for the band. While they played many of their hits, they also performed a moving tribute to Michael Jackson and the Beastie Boys, who had to cancel their performance due to member Adam Yauch's cancer diagnosis. I couldn't imagine a better band to close the three-day mudfest.
1. The Gaslight Anthem — October 15 at Terminal 5
I've been covering The Gaslight Anthem on You Sing, I Write, since last year when I flipped through Rolling Stone to notice drummer Benny Horowitz, former paginator of my college paper, featured as a breaking band. I did a double take and contacted all the people I knew who used to work for Rutgers' The Daily Targum. Since then, I've been trying to cover a show and set up an interview to no avail. You'd think garnering an interview with a rock star you knew would be easy. Think again. After several failed attempts I decided to purchase tickets to their show at Terminal 5 before it sold out. I'm so glad I did. I feel like I reverted back to my high school days of Warped Tour and crowd surfing. Then again, I think the 30-year-olds in the room did as well.
I have never witnessed such an energetic (and frightening) mosh pit in my life. It was like Warped Tour for 30+. No more emo boys, these are grown men dancing in the pit and creating havoc. I'm not going to lie to you, I did fear for my life, but that was the beauty of the concert. From the looks of frontman Brian Fallon's face, he was just as surprised. By far the most energetic show I've been to all year, there is no doubt in my mind that The Gaslight Anthem will be selling out Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, by then I'll be able to get an interview!
5. Mat Kearney — September 29 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
I interviewed Mat Kearney back in May when he was on tour opening for Keane at Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. I hopped on his tour bus and talked with him about his latest album, songwriting process and breaking into the University of Oregon to use their piano to write a song. As an opening band, your set is always cut short so I decided to attend his headlining performance a few months later at Irving Plaza and was blown away. Having had his album, City of Black and White, on rotation over the previous months the songs struck me personally and Kearney put on quite the show. Jumping into the audience mid-set he started his own dance party on the floor with fans. You can bet I'll be seeing him next time he's around.To hear Mat talk about the new album, his writing process and stories behind his songs, click here. For his view on writing about personal relationships, being an opening act and advice to aspiring musicians, click here.
4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — September 30 at Giants Stadium
He is The Boss. Does much more need to be said? Being a Jersey girl, Bruce Springsteen's songs are anthems to me. I actually have Mat Kearney to thank of how I came to cover his show at Giants Stadium. The night before Springsteen's performance I was buying my friend a ticket at will call because Kearney's show was due to sell out. I recognized a photographer I met earlier that year at Ray LaMontagne's show and we chatted for a bit. Low and behold, the next day he needed a writer to cover Springsteen's show for a Web site he shot for and thought of me. Wendy picked up the tickets for me and we headed to Giants Stadium to cover the show for Bumpershine. And, guess who was sitting a few rows in front of me? None other than Mat Kearney himself. A bit serendipitous, don't you think? For my complete review, click here.
3. Tyrone Wells — October 7 at Highline Ballroom
I recently found Tyrone Wells CD Remain and have been listening non-stop the past few days. Previous album, Hold On is quite striking as well. While compiling my top five list I realized I have witnessed Wells in concert three times this year. I first interviewed him during South By Southwest and caught his showcase with Tori Amos. Later this year, Wells opened for Better Than Ezra where a couple got engaged mid-set before he dedicated and performed "Sea Breeze" for them. I was lucky enough to catch his headlining show at Highline Ballroom in October after interviewing his opening act, Matt Hires. Wells truly blew me away as he mixed his soulful and energetic tracks with his emotion-filled ballads. His onstage banter with the audience and tales behind his songs are always enjoyable and like no artist I have ever witnessed. If you have yet to see Wells live, I highly suggest doing so as I foresee him selling out bigger venues very soon.2. Coldplay — August 2 at Liberty State Park
I've heard only praises about Coldplay's concerts from friends who have witnessed them firsthand. I really don't know why I haven't seen them sooner. Luckily, I caught their phenomenal set at the always memorable All Points West festival this past August at Liberty State Park. The way I described APW to friends was it being Woodstock's reincarnation if it were around in 2009. Mud wrestling, music and beer gardens was more like it. Sunday’s four-hour rain delay resulted in multiple canceled performances and scaled down sets, but Coldplay managed to save the day.Always comical, after traipsing through the mud onto a stage in the middle of the field, frontman Chris Martin realized what festivalgoers dealt with the entire weekend. “We have infinite respect for you now that we had to walk through that shit. Wish we had backstage passes for all of you,” he said.
Witnessing Coldplay live and up so close, I have incredible respect for the band. While they played many of their hits, they also performed a moving tribute to Michael Jackson and the Beastie Boys, who had to cancel their performance due to member Adam Yauch's cancer diagnosis. I couldn't imagine a better band to close the three-day mudfest.
1. The Gaslight Anthem — October 15 at Terminal 5
I've been covering The Gaslight Anthem on You Sing, I Write, since last year when I flipped through Rolling Stone to notice drummer Benny Horowitz, former paginator of my college paper, featured as a breaking band. I did a double take and contacted all the people I knew who used to work for Rutgers' The Daily Targum. Since then, I've been trying to cover a show and set up an interview to no avail. You'd think garnering an interview with a rock star you knew would be easy. Think again. After several failed attempts I decided to purchase tickets to their show at Terminal 5 before it sold out. I'm so glad I did. I feel like I reverted back to my high school days of Warped Tour and crowd surfing. Then again, I think the 30-year-olds in the room did as well.
I have never witnessed such an energetic (and frightening) mosh pit in my life. It was like Warped Tour for 30+. No more emo boys, these are grown men dancing in the pit and creating havoc. I'm not going to lie to you, I did fear for my life, but that was the beauty of the concert. From the looks of frontman Brian Fallon's face, he was just as surprised. By far the most energetic show I've been to all year, there is no doubt in my mind that The Gaslight Anthem will be selling out Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, by then I'll be able to get an interview!
You Sing, I Write's Top 5 Interviews of 2009
I've been trying to cut down on long top 5 posts, but as evident from my concert list above I've been a bit verbose. I'll try to keep it brief with my interviews and post the Q&A so you can read it for yourselves and see just why I think they're my top 5 of 2009.
5. Train
They've reached worldwide success and many of their songs garnered top spots on memorable songs of the decade. I spoke with guitarist Jimmy Stafford at the start of Train's tour where he filled me in on Train's latest release, embracing the Internet and a younger fan base and the reasons behind their longevity. Read it here.
4. Better Than Ezra
After catching BTE live earlier this year, the three-piece band was back in New York for press in August. Unfortunately, I was extremely sick and losing my voice during the interview but didn't want to cancel. It was 90 degrees in New York and the interview was at a Starbucks that felt just as warm. You know when you're nervous and feel like you're sweating, but it's probably just in your head? Well, it definitely wasn't in my head...I was dripping wet. Remarkably, the interview turned out much better than I thought. But, I did learn no matter how important the interview, if you're sick it might be best to postpone it for a later date. Read my interview here. Note my "hottest Starbucks" reference. Clever, huh?
3. Taylor Swift
There is no denying it, Taylor Swift conquered the music world this year. I was so excited to attend her press conference during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and incredibly determined to get a question in. Luckily, I did. Note the "your music is like writing in a diary" question. I can honestly say, she is as nice and down to earth in real life as she seems onstage. There is no doubt in my mind that Taylor Swift will be around for decades to come. Read my interview here.
2. Joshua Radin
Joshua Radin has accomplished much as an independent artist. He bought himself out of his major label contract to go on to release one of the best selling folk albums of the year. Not to mention, he performed at Ellen DeGeneres' wedding, toured the globe and remains so humble. Case and point: When asked how he feels about being called this generation’s Bob Dylan he responded, "That’s absolutely ludicrous. Bob Dylan invented music. I just feel like that’s putting a bull’s eye on the back of my head for everyone to be like, 'No you’re not. You’re not really as good.' And I’m like, 'Of course I’m not as good, I wrote my first song four years ago!' And I probably never will be as good. But, I bet you I’ll be much better at being Joshua Radin than Bob Dylan is. That’s all I can hope for." Read more here.
1. Third Eye Blind
Not many know this, but Third Eye Blind is how I got my start writing for Marie Claire. I remember getting dinner with my friend and colleague Diana last year and venting to her how I had a great interview with 3eb frontman Stephan Jenkins, but no music publication seemed to care. I reached out to every music magazine and Web site you could think of and they all felt 3eb was a band of the past. Boy did 2009 prove them all wrong. Diana must have seen my frustration and thought they might be a good fit for the Marie Claire audience, being that much of the reader age group grew up listening to 3eb and Stephan Jenkins was always a heartthrob. 2009 proved to be a great year for the band who released their album independently and saw a surge in their fan base. Read my interview here.
What were some of your favorite interviews of 2009? 2010 will bring many more I'm sure. Happy New Year!
5. Train
They've reached worldwide success and many of their songs garnered top spots on memorable songs of the decade. I spoke with guitarist Jimmy Stafford at the start of Train's tour where he filled me in on Train's latest release, embracing the Internet and a younger fan base and the reasons behind their longevity. Read it here.
4. Better Than Ezra
After catching BTE live earlier this year, the three-piece band was back in New York for press in August. Unfortunately, I was extremely sick and losing my voice during the interview but didn't want to cancel. It was 90 degrees in New York and the interview was at a Starbucks that felt just as warm. You know when you're nervous and feel like you're sweating, but it's probably just in your head? Well, it definitely wasn't in my head...I was dripping wet. Remarkably, the interview turned out much better than I thought. But, I did learn no matter how important the interview, if you're sick it might be best to postpone it for a later date. Read my interview here. Note my "hottest Starbucks" reference. Clever, huh?
3. Taylor Swift
There is no denying it, Taylor Swift conquered the music world this year. I was so excited to attend her press conference during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and incredibly determined to get a question in. Luckily, I did. Note the "your music is like writing in a diary" question. I can honestly say, she is as nice and down to earth in real life as she seems onstage. There is no doubt in my mind that Taylor Swift will be around for decades to come. Read my interview here.
2. Joshua Radin
Joshua Radin has accomplished much as an independent artist. He bought himself out of his major label contract to go on to release one of the best selling folk albums of the year. Not to mention, he performed at Ellen DeGeneres' wedding, toured the globe and remains so humble. Case and point: When asked how he feels about being called this generation’s Bob Dylan he responded, "That’s absolutely ludicrous. Bob Dylan invented music. I just feel like that’s putting a bull’s eye on the back of my head for everyone to be like, 'No you’re not. You’re not really as good.' And I’m like, 'Of course I’m not as good, I wrote my first song four years ago!' And I probably never will be as good. But, I bet you I’ll be much better at being Joshua Radin than Bob Dylan is. That’s all I can hope for." Read more here.
1. Third Eye Blind
Not many know this, but Third Eye Blind is how I got my start writing for Marie Claire. I remember getting dinner with my friend and colleague Diana last year and venting to her how I had a great interview with 3eb frontman Stephan Jenkins, but no music publication seemed to care. I reached out to every music magazine and Web site you could think of and they all felt 3eb was a band of the past. Boy did 2009 prove them all wrong. Diana must have seen my frustration and thought they might be a good fit for the Marie Claire audience, being that much of the reader age group grew up listening to 3eb and Stephan Jenkins was always a heartthrob. 2009 proved to be a great year for the band who released their album independently and saw a surge in their fan base. Read my interview here.
What were some of your favorite interviews of 2009? 2010 will bring many more I'm sure. Happy New Year!
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3 comments:
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I wish Mat Kearney and David Homyk would tour together, that would be awesome!
I liked the Mat Kearney coverage on You Sing, I Write. He's a long-time favorite of mine. Good overall job with the blog, I'm looking forward to the new stuff you'll bring in 2010.
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