My commentary on music piracy

Here's the unedited version of my commentary on how downloading music illegally affects the music industry. It's a lot longer than the printed version, but I think it flows better. Read it if you'd like!

My first article in print is out!

If you go to Orange Coast College you should pick up this week's Coast Report and check out my opinion piece on music piracy and its effects on the music industry. The article is also available online here. The original piece was about 1,200 words, but my editor cut it down to around 350 to fit the space allotment opinion pieces are given in the physical paper. It still works, but I might end up publishing the unedited article here later since I like it better.

Last night in videos

Last night I went to see John Maus, Glasser, and Chairlift at the Troubadour. Words cant even begin to express how amazing everyone sounded.




John Maus opened the show and blew my mind. He spent most of the night walking around in a circle and gyrating in a way that was vaguely reminiscent of someone suffering from a seizure. I have three other videos of his performance but I think this is the only one where you can actually see him.






Glasser came next and she was adorable. Brilliant voice, fabulous outfit, and the cutest dancing ever. I will definitely see her again the next time she rolls through town.





Chairlift closed the show and as always they sounded like perfection. I had a lovely chat with Aaron before the show and he told me they had just gotten back from filming a segment for Yo Gabba Gabba! Can't wait to see it.  

*edit* thought I would be writing a proper review for this show for TMP but I was assigned to do something else and then it ended up getting lost in a list of things to do. So instead I will edit this post later with better descriptions. ha! 

Amazing Baby Interview

INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM ROAN OF AMAZING BABY

September 11th 2009

Amazing Baby is a five piece band from New York that has toured the world supporting acts such as Cold War Kids and MGMT, and has been hailed as one of the best new bands to come out of Brooklyn. The band is currently headlining a national tour in support of their debut full length album Rewild, released through Shangri-La Records. They'll be playing a show in Los Angeles on September 23^rd, but before heading out west, lead singer and lyricist William Roan took the time to call The Coast Report’s Eszter Zimanyi from Chicago and talk about the stress of touring, Amazing Baby’s new drummer, and the world’s “best” dancer. Read the transcript below and be sure to check out Amazing Baby with Night Horse and The Entrance Band at The Troubadour next week!

up and published!

Back in June I interviewed Aaron Pfenning of the band Chairlift. Originally the article was intended for the University of Delaware's music magazine, but after that fell apart I was left with no where to publish it. I'm happy to say the interview is now up on The Coast Report's music blog and can be seen here

However, it is a slightly more condensed version, so the full transcript has been posted on this blog for those of you who want to read the whole thing. Be sure to check out Chairlift on their national US tour this fall! They'll be in Los Angeles on September 16th. I'm going so say hi if you see me!

Chairlift Interview

INTERVIEW WITH AARON PFENNING OF CHAIRLIFT

June 18th 2009

You may not immediately recognize the name, but you have definitely heard the band Chairlift at least once. The Brooklyn-based trio was first put on the map when Apple decided to use their infectious and charming song ‘Bruises’ in a national iPod nano campaign. Now, Chairlift is proving they have much more to offer with their sophisticated and genre-blending debut album “Does You Inspire You” released through Columbia Records this past April. Since then, Chairlift has been touring around the world playing festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and All Points West, and supporting acts such as Peter Bjorn & John. The Coast Report’s Eszter Zimanyi caught up with Chairlift guitarist, lyricist, and vocalist Aaron Pfenning this past June in Los Angeles to talk about everything from shirt designs to twittering taco trucks. Here’s what went down:

ESMZ

Video courtesy of omfgitsskeet

I have no words to describe how incredibly amazing this performance is. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros perform with the kind of energy so tangible it seeps through my computer and fills my soul with emotion. Not many bands can affect me so strongly through youtube videos...I can't even imagine experiencing this band in person. If you ever get the chance to see them live don't hesitate. I bet you will walk away feeling like your life has been changed.