rickyleepotts …an opinionated realist

For most of us, listening to music is something we simply cannot live without. You remember the days of the portable cassette player and then moving to a new generation of portable CD players. Just in the last few years we have gone from carrying around CD players to carrying around iPods, iPhones, and a variety of other media players that will allow us to listen to our collection of albums and in most cases even the radio. But is AM/FM radio all that great anyway with all of those ads and off air time? Plus most of these stations play the same songs over and over again and it gets to the point that you cannot even drive to work without hearing the same song two or three times.

Thus enter the world of Internet radio. Now, through services like iTunes and Pandora, you can listen to radio stations from all over the world. iTunes offers stations from every corner of the planet while Pandora pulls tracks from an ever growing collection of songs. Pandora, coined the music genome project, can not only provide you with a list of stations to fit your specific genre, but based on a rating and skip system can tell you what you like and suggest tracks that you will also enjoy. And if a song appears that you do not like, simply clicking the thumbs down option (next to the album cover) and Pandora will not play that track anymore, nor songs like it. Pandora is truly a smart way to listen to the radio. (Funny how they consider themselves Internet radio when in reality it is not radio at all but rather a collection of predetermined tracks.)

Pandora is also convenient. With the website allowing you access anywhere that you have a browser as well as iPhone and Blackberry application options you can carry your Pandora account with you wherever you go. But Pandora is not the perfect solution to your music listening needs. There are advertisements every few songs that do nothing but annoy. There are even ads on the side of the window that take up half the screen when all you want to do is skip to the next tune. But be careful as you are only allowed six skips a day. So be cautious if you are tired of hearing Lady Gaga as you can only hope around a limited number of times.

There are some other issues like not being able to rate songs outside of your genre even. When you create your account you can select a genre from a predetermined list or even input an artist that you like the sound of. So, when I started, I put in Armin van Buuren. He is a high-energy techno DJ and I love listening to dance, trance, and house music. So, once I entered that Pandora made the House station “my” station. If I, for example, want to venture out and listen to some Top 40 music and want to like a song I am not able to since House is considered to be my default station. But, all of those things aside Pandora truly does put services like iTunes Radio and Slacker Radio to shame. The selection is just unbeatable.

But what if I want to have unlimited skips? What if I want to listen to more than forty hours a month? What if I want to turn on Pandora while having a dinner party and not be overwhelmed with advertisements? You are in luck as Pandora offers a paid subscription service. The rate is $36 a year (yeah, that is a value in my option) and you are welcomed with a handful of incredible options. I wanted to take an opportunity to share some of those with you here. Below is a list of some the more interesting and personally beneficial options when you actually pay for your Pandora service. This offer comes to you with a slightly different name, more for branding I would assume, and is known as Pandora One. You be the judge but if you are looking to have full control over your radio the only way to do it, through Pandora anyway, is to pony up the dough.

Bringing Pandora to your Desktop

One cool thing that the Pandora subscription offers is a desktop application that allows you to run your Pandora radio station outside of a web browser. If you are anything like me you are using four or five tabs at any given time, so why waste one on Pandora? This handy application allows you the view the album cover, rate the song as a like or dislike, and even skip to the next track and pause if you are wanting to take a break from the music for a little while. This application takes up a lot less space too. If you do not want to see the application just hide the sucker in your task bar and move on with your day.

Making Pandora Your Very Own

With your paid subscription get ready to get creative. With the default Pandora website you have no control over the look of your page. You get the default look and feel and the most excitement that will come from this is the ads that pop up non-stop every few tracks. So if you are dishing out the cash for the subscription you can have pretty much total control over your design. There are skins that you can download that allow you to personalize your media player. This is where Pandora gets personal.

Listing without Limits

With the way Pandora is currently setup, if you are not paying then you are limited to so many hours a month. Forty to be exact. So if you have a full time job and are allowed to listen to music while in the office (like I can) you will use that time in a couple of weeks, tops. Plus, I have Pandora on my iPhone. Because of that my account is linked to my phone and the hours are the same. So if I use the website for twenty hours and my phone for twenty then I have, according to Pandora, used my forty hours. They are linked and this proves to be a big issue when I am in the mood to listen to some radio. The paid subscription, however, has no time limits and you can listen all day every day for the entire month. For the entire year for that matter. Pay for the enjoyment of unlimited listening with Pandora.

Higher Quality Streaming

The audio quality coming from Pandora is pretty solid. You get what I consider almost CD quality sound from the service when you are taking the free route. But, if you decide to pay for your service, expect a much higher quality of sound to pierce your eardrums. With the paid subscription you will begin receiving 192k bits per second audio. To the normal individual that might not prove to be that big of a selling point, but to ears like mine I need to hear what the person producing this track heard. The better the sound quality the more enjoyment I can get out of a song.

No Advertising

The single best feature about the paid subscription to Pandora is that you get no ads. No more commercials every few tracks that fan inhibit your mood. No more huge banners popping out all over the screen. No more being bothered to rent your next DVD from Netflix or to watch the latest and greatest late night TV sow on NBC. Ads are a thing of the past when you pay for your service. This, to most, should be worth the $36. Please remember that this is $36 a year, not a month. You get 365 days of ad free listening power for a small price to pay.

Longer Timeout Periods

If you are using Pandora right now, for free, then you are well aware that you are to interact with the service every handful of tracks before it will ask you if you are still listening. You can be ten minutes into your day and then the music stops. You wonder why, open the tab, and see a message from Pandora asking you if you are still listening. You hit yes, and carry on with your day only to have to do the same thing in another half an hour or so. It gets annoying fast with the free service. But, if you pay for your service, you will not have up to five hours of idle time before you are required to interact with Pandora. So, enjoy your time sitting back with ad free unlimited skips music. It truly will make your listening experience that much better.

These are only a few things that make Pandora One that much better than the free version of the service. If you listen to the radio at work, and you favorite the stations on Pandora, it might be time to seriously consider some investment into their subscription services. The experience will be better just from the features that you will be able to take advantage of. So pull out your credit card, follow the on screen directions to activating your account, and get to dancing as you are on your way to higher quality unlimited skipping ad free music.

It is rare to find a band who brings light to the meaning of talent. But the band that I am sitting with today does that and then some. Not only do they look and sound like they need to be on center stage at Warped Tour, but they also sound like they belong on the radio and on your iPod. These guys are from Indianapolis, Indiana and I cannot believe that it took me this long to find out about them. They scream here and there, which I usually do not like, but it is so well done that it is hard not to fall in love with it. Their lyrics are very educated and as far as I can tell come from real life situations. Sit back, relax, and get to know the guys in Ironsides.

Where did you guys all meet?

Guitar Center, Facebook, and theft of a guitar player from another band.

How long have you been playing together?

Oh…almost two years.

I am digging the MySpace page. Who designed that?

Mister Lawrence Rosinko.

Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

Yes?  We love our fans, and love that they can love us via MySpace.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Josh and Robby are both on Twitter and would love to be followed, @josh9288 and @veryelaborate, respectively.  Nic has one as well but Josh and I are the only ones with the password. (Laughs)

Where did you come up with that band name?

The name of the band before was The Last Word and then Robby joined, we wrote all new music and decided that we needed a new band name.  Things were tossed around for a while and then Robby chimes in with “Hey guess what, we are called Ironsides now.”

Who is the ringleader of the band?

Well that is a bit complicated; we split it up.  Nic handles the money, Josh handles the MySpace and all that, and Robby is just…kinda…weird.

Describe your genre in one word.

Ambibrutal.

Where do you guys practice?

Casa De Ironsides, up in Carmel.  Want to hang out later?

Do you have a favorite venue?

We love any venue full of people.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

Indeed we do.  Nic is your friendly neighborhood Jimmy John’s driver, Josh is getting pretty good at getting fired, Robby is on welfare, Butters is in high school, and Zek cleans windows.

Who is doing all of that screaming?

That would be Josh.

Who has the most tattoos?

Robby, with four…we need more tattoos.

Tell me about White Horse Entertainment.

White Horse Entertainment is run by our good buddy Joshua “Lego” Lohrman.  He is everywhere, at every show, and sometimes he is on our couch when we come home eating Cheetos.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, Gatorade, Monster Energy Drinks, and sometimes coffee.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Cornerstone for sure.

The smallest?

Here is a story for you:  Josh and Robby were commissioned a while back to do a one off acoustic show at a café in Illinois.  No one showed up and we played to the guy that owned the place and his wife.  Until she left, and then he got a phone call.  We ended up playing to a 100% empty room.

If you could tour with anyone in the market right now who would you guys pick?

Oh Sleeper.  Love those guys.  Cool dudes.

You have a very Warped Tour style of sound. Have you ever thought about trying to get on any of those dates?

We have tossed the idea around; maybe next year.

Do you guys play outside of Indianapolis a lot?

As much as possible.  We hit Illinois a lot.  They seem to like us there.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Canada! They give bands government money!

How did you guys react to the passing of the King of Pop?

Consequently we received news of his passing while we were on our way to the acoustic show mentioned in a previous question.  We like to think that his spirit filled the empty room as we dedicated that show to him.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

Come to a show! We want to see your faces.

Who does all the songwriting?

Most of that falls on Josh.  He brings a song idea, everyone plays around, with it, bada bing bada boom, Ironsides.

PC or a Mac?

Mac.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Willie Nelson, Our Army of K-9s, and Hannah Montana.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your life, which song would you choose?

The Finisher by Oh Sleeper.  We are listening to it right now.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On the road,  assuming Robby lives that long.  He does foolish things like picking fights with bears and jungle cats.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

That we made good music.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Pewp.

As many of you know, I am addicted to dance music. Listening to guys like Armin van Buuren and David Guetta there is no stopping my love for this genre. But there is one DJ that holds a special place in my heart. I have actually had the chance to see this DJ multiple times and in various countries, and most recently saw him from the front row at Club Rain in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I heard that this DJ would be jumping on a cruise ship and spinning records for four days straight while visiting Grand Cayman, needless to say I got a little excited. But today comes the official announcement of Perfecto at Sea, a once in a lifetime vacation from Tampa, Florida to the Grand Cayman.

This epic journey is brought to you by the folks over at Sixthman. This is the same company that brings you the famed and always talked about Rock Boat that travels with a ship full of fans singing tunes all across the Atlantic Ocean. The Rock Boat has featured acts like Sister Hazel, the Alternate Routes, and Josh Kelley. But this time Sixthman has joined forces with Paul Oakenfold to present a new kind of vacation experience. Jump aboard and head out to sea with Paul Oakenfold on September 30th, 2010. The cruise ship will be leaving from Tampa, Florida and is headed to Grand Cayman. While spending a bit of time there, the Carnival Inspiration will then make its return to the dock in Tampa on the 4th of October.

So what exactly is Perfecto at Sea? Well, it is an unparalleled floating electronic music festival for starters.  This event is actually hosted by legendary DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold. Of course, synonymous with high-caliber nightlife, Oakenfold’s Perfecto experience will feature the epic sounds that he’s become known for. However, this is not the traditional club or festival experience as the beats will hail from under the stars as we cruise the Caribbean. (Imagine that for a second. You look up at the sky, see nothing but the moon and stars, hear the waves crashing at the boat beside you, and look over to see hundreds of people dancing to the smooth beats coming from Oakenfold’s fingers. That is just something that you cannot afford to miss.)

Oakenfold will be bringing friends and other special guests to help keep the party going 24/7 and deliver a cutting edge, music-meets-leisure experience. Yes, music will not stop from the time you step on the boat until the time you dock again a few days later back in Tampa. The full line-up has not yet been released, but will be announced very soon. And that’s not all. Perfecto at Sea will include theme nights, gambling, pool-side cocktails, and a sea deck turned dance floor.

But don’t just take my word for it. “Fans will not want to miss this thrilling and unprecedented event. We are very excited for this opportunity to reach a new musical community and to partner with such a hero of the electronic world. Together with Paul we’ll bring an amazing festival to life,” says Sixthman owner Andy Levine.

So what does it cost to be a a part of this epic journey? Well, not as much as you might think. Prices for Perfecto at Sea start at $599 per person and include all sorts of things like non-alcoholic soft drinks, your room and board, 24/7 room service, and access to all of the dance floors on the ship. This price does not include your transportation to Tampa, unfortunately, but once aboard the cruise ship you can relax and just let the sounds take you away. You can visit the Perfecto at Sea website for more details and to reserve a cabin. Come this September make sure you are on this boat as this event will prove to be everything and more that is dance music. Bon voyage from Tampa to Grand Cayman.

The band that I am sitting with today needs no introduction. They bring to the stage a sound that is nearly impossible to replicate and a certain style that deserves some attention. They are dressed exactly how they sound, their album cover matches their style to perfection, and their sound begs for more. If I had to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 as far as their overall image and branding is concerned, I would give them an 11. Sharing the stage with bands like the Sick Puppies, Breaking Benjamin, and Chevelle, they are getting invaluable exposure and are selling records as fast as they can produce them. They are touring the United States and are winning fans in every corner of the globe with their hit single Eyesore. Their name is unique, their style is fitting, and the talent is impressive. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the next big thing in rock music, Janus.

Where in the world did you come up with that name?

Janus is a Roman god of gates and beginnings and is depicted as a figure with two faces, one looking forward to the future and the other looking back to the past.  Honestly, we just thought it sounded cool, but it really encapsulates how we approach songwriting.  We’re always looking at what we’ve done in the past to learn and build on what we’re going to do in the future.

How long have you all been together?

This lineup has been together about three and a half years.

When did you first decide you wanted to give this a music thing a run for its money?

I’ve wanted to be in a band since I was thirteen years old.  Writing, recording and performing our songs is the best thing I can imagine doing.  This is actually the first band I’ve had where I felt like we had something special.

Where do you guys practice?

We practice in Chicago , but we’ve been on the road so much we don’t practice anymore.  The shows are our practice now.

I love your album cover. Who designed that?

Thanks!  Our singer David Scotney designed all of the artwork.  Everything you see from the album to the website to the merch is created by him.

You guys are doing some pretty heavy touring right now. What do you like about being on the road every night?

Playing shows and meeting fans is the best.  That’s the fun part.  Everything else is some kind of business or logistical task.  It’s just the four of us out here on the road, so we wear a lot of different hats.

What is like being on the road with Chevelle?

The Chevelle tour has been amazing!  Those guys have been really nice and super helpful with everything.  We actually crashed our van and trailer in a snowstorm traveling from Pennsylvania to Ohio , and Chevelle took our gear to the next town so we could get the trailer fixed up.  Other than that, we’ve had some really candid conversations around the music business/touring/etc., and the path they’ve taken.  Very insightful.

Where can I get some Janus merchandise?

You can get Janus merchandise at our shows or our online store.

Wait wait wait, you are going on the road with the Sick Puppies too? Do you ever quit?

Not really! (Laughs)  The best thing we can be doing for this band right now is touring.  There are still a lot of markets we haven’t been to yet and a few key markets we’ve only been to once or twice.  Despite the radio and Internet, you really have to do a lot of touring before people really know who you are.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your career what would it be?

Right now it would be “Eyesore.”  I love seeing people getting rowdy in the crowd.  It would be great to see that forever.

Who writes all of the lyrics?

Our singer David writes all of the lyrics.

Is there a ringleader in the band?

That depends on the day.  I’m not sure anyone is really “in charge.”

What are you guys drinking on stage?

Beer or water.  I usually bring something on stage to drink and never touch it.  I feel weird about that…like people came to see us play not stand here and drink.  Less drink more rock!

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

Portland, Oregon.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

It’s got its pros and cons.  You have to have a MySpace page as a band at this point, but it can’t be the only thing you have.  I think people are so sick of bands on MySpace at this point, because they are constantly bombarded by messages and bulletins.  Being obnoxious will only earn you so many fans.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Yes we are!  You can find the band account, Mike’s account, David’s account, Johnny’s account, and even Al’s account on Twitter!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

I stepped on a cord while running across the stage and slid like five feet almost taking out the drum kit.  That could have been disastrous.

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson earlier last year?

Michael Jackson’s music was phenomenal.  His persona creeped me out though, and I grew more and more distant to him and his music over the years.  Still, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.

How cool is it being featured on MTV with the Headbanger’s Ball?

Amazing!   Been a fan of the show for a long time, so it was cool to do something I’ve seen some of my favorite bands do over the years.

Do you guys have a favorite venue to play?

I don’t have a favorite venue, but I did really enjoy playing the Riviera in Chicago recently.  Up until that point, I’ve only seen shows there so getting a chance to stand on that stage in front of a sold-out house was amazing.

What is largest crowd that you have ever played for?

Probably somewhere around 3,000.

The smallest?

Probably ten people.  We happened to be touring Tennessee and Kentucky right around the same time they were getting show storms.  They never get snow, so one inch of snow and the town shuts down.

Who are some of your influences?

I’m a huge Deftones fan.  I grew up listening to mostly heavy music though, so I draw influences from rock and metal.  I’ve been listening to a lot of old Pantera records lately and Lamb of God.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Hopefully we’re on our forth or fifth record at that point and not driving around in a van to all these  shows.  I’d like to continue making music for as long as possible.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

If we can connect with people through our music then that’s all we need.  It’s what we’ve wanted to do our whole life.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Stop.  (Laughs)

The guy that I am sitting with today has a story to tell. He actually has quite a few stories to tell. Good thing he is a singer and a songwriter. He tells his stories on stage with a guitar in his hand. Outside of the fact he is about as laid back as they come, he is also an incredibly nice individual. His skills on the acoustic matched with him trained vocals talents makes him a great excuse to see a live show. His songs have unique titles and you can tell, just off of the lyrics alone, that he has been through more than an average person should ever have to go through. I first met this cat at Birdy’s Bar and Grill and have become good friends since. Sit with me today as it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Jason Firebaugh.

So how do you actually pronounce that last name of yours?

It’s just like saying Fireball…except you don’t prounce the two ll’s on the end of it.

Is it true you just moved to the Indianapolis area?

It is true that I just moved back to Indianapolis.  I was away for about seven years, lived in Florida and Texas in that time.  Glad to be back though!

Describe your genre in one word.

Heartfelt.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

For the most part, yes.  There’s only one song that I can’t take complete lyrical credit for.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

Yes, I used to be in a punk band in Florida called Skylab Hoax.  We collectively wrote a song called “Best Disguise” that I still play on my own.  I also have two songs in which friends of mine gave me titles and I wrote lyrics based on those titles.  Those were really fun.

Tell me about the Acoustic Live Challenge that you just experienced.

The Acoustic Live Challenge was a great experience!  I entered it mostly to get more into the music scene here in Indy.  I haven’t been playing my solo/acoustic stuff for very long so I knew I would have a tough time winning, and I was up against some absolutely amazing musicians.  I learned a great deal just watching everyone else play and I also met some great people that I will continue to play with in the future.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Musically speaking, I have a ton…and honestly, most of them fall in the “Punk Rock” genre.  Face to Face, Screeching Weasel, Blink 182, Green Day; just to name a few.  In life, my friends and family inspire me everyday.  Every song I’ve written has at least one person (if not more) as my inspiration.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you be and why?

Louis/Cornelius from Meet The Robinsons.  This is my favorite Disney movie.  I like the message and theme of the movie.  Basically saying, you live and you learn and you move on from it.

What are you drinking on stage?

Beer, typically Miller High Life, Coors Light, or Bud Light.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Yes, I currently have a job in a warehouse that pays the bills…but just barely.

What would you be doing if you were not playing music?

I enjoy the lyric writing process so I would hope that I would still be writing in some fashion.  Maybe poetry or short stories.

If you cold live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Any place that is warm year round, is near water, and has nice beaches.  If it meets those three criteria, I’m down.

What was the last movie you saw?

Inglourious Basterds.

Did you like it?

I did like it.  I enjoy most Tarantino movies. I would watch this one again.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you choose?

I have a song called “Love Found Never Lost” that I wrote about my sister and her husband.  Basically about their love story; how they ended up together, etc.  That would be the one, it’s one of my favorites.

How long have you been performing?

On my own as a solo act, I first played out in October; so about four months.  But prior to this I played for a few years in a punk band.

Do you play anything besides the guitar?

Not really…although I could still play a C scale on trumpet if you ever need that.

Let’s say you are about to headline a show at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opening act?

Locally, either Brad Odom or Eddie Brummett.  If I could be selfish and pick a nationallly known opening act that I really wanted to see and hang out with, I would pick Blink 182.

Are you a Colts fan?

Now you’re talking my language.  I love the Colts!  Huge, huge fan!  Besides music, following the Colts is my biggest passion!

How did you react to the news about Michael Jackson?

This may sound morbid or strange, but it seemed normal to me.  It just seemed like with the ups and downs, all the strange things that happened in his life, it just didn’t surprise me that much.  Although I will say, with all he contributed to music, it was a pretty big loss.

I hear you are not on Twitter yet.

I am not.  You are correct…although I am hoping to get started “tweeting” at some point soon…is that right?  Tweeting?

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I think MySpace is great.  I think it was the first place where musicians could really get their name out there and network around the world without having to physically travel to places.

Who has more talent between Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers?

You know how the Colts questions was Awesome?  This is the complete and total opposite of awesome…but if I must answer, I will say the Jonas Brothers.  I loathe Miley Cyrus.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke.

Can you name SpongeBob SquarePants best friend?

Patrick?  Is that right?  I have five nieces and nephews, that is the only reason I even have a guess.

You are a songwriter. That means you must know how to tell a good story. Tell me a story.

So I was in Broad Ripple about nine or ten years ago.  My friends and I decided to head into Rock Lobster, and yes, I am that old.  It was a Friday or Saturday night, so it was packed.  After having a few drinks, I needed to use the restroom.  For those of you that are either female or haven’t been to the Rock Lobster, they have (or had, not sure if they still do) a trough style urinal.  One big urinal where guys just line up next to one another to go to the bathroom.  Anyway, I end up at the far right of the trough and there are three guys to my left.  I hear the door open and a guy yells out to the three guys, “Scoot down, make room.”  So they do.  This guy stands right beside me and proceeds to drop his pants completely; so he is standing there in his boxers only.  I laughed to myself and he looks and says, “Don’t tell me you’re not seeing this?”  I had no response due to the fact of who this person was…none other than future Hall of Famer and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Do you ever play outside of the city of Indianapolis?

I played a show in Illinois in December, but nothing else yet.  I really hope to be able to play at various places in the Midwest as I get more established.

If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

One person who is kind of a personal hero, but one that I didn’t mention as an inspiration earlier…Warren Zevon.  He was an amazing lyricist, with a very unique voice.  And the fact that he decided to write a final album in the time he had left on earth, speaks volumes of what he was as a person and as a musician.  I would love to be able to meet him and talk with him about his entire life.

If you were offered a large sum of money to do a rap album with someone else’s lyrics would you do it?

Absolutely not!  I am not a fan of rap and I wouldn’t want to be successful off of something I didn’t do myself.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself still playing music.  Although I would like to be able to make a career of it, the odds are very slim.  No matter what happens, I am a lifelong singer/songwriter/musician.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

I want to be remembered as a person who truly, honestly cared.  Someone that cared about other people and their feelings.  Someone that cared about society.  Someone that cared about making music that was from the heart and took the time to ensure that it always was.  If I give that impression off to people, then I will be happy with my life.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Rock On!  Go Colts!

The guy I am sitting with today has some serious talent that you just can’t afford to miss. He brings not only raw talent to the stage in his guitar playing abilities, but his songwriting is some of the best I have ever heard. Not to mention that he is one of the nicest and most humble guys in the music industry. He works his butt off producing music and tours every chance that he gets. I have a hard time fitting him into a genre, but all across the board he produces some incredible music. I first met this guy at a hole in the wall bar here in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was sitting in the corner playing on his computer when I first saw him and he has left an impression on me every since. (Perhaps it was the John Deere hat he was wearing.) With a list of influences a mile long it is hard to compare this guy to anyone else in the industry. But regardless, it is time to sit back, relax, and get to know the man that is Ryan Horne.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

Picking up my fathers old Martin and turning it upside down and trying to play it. I am left handed and I knew then and there that I would buy a left handed guitar.

How long have you been performing?

Starting performing with a band I played and sang with in high school. Starting making a living playing music in 2004.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I do not. I am able to play music for a living these days and it works.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Most of the time but as of late I have been doing a lot of co-writing with other artists and writers. Creatively, it is so much fun to have different perspectives.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Everywhere. That is a tough question to answer because you can see a man walking the streets and get inspired to write. So many things inspire new tracks.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Marietta, Georgia. It is a suburb of Atlanta.

How do you like it down there in Atlanta?

I like it more and more and we are starting to bring the Atlanta music scene together and make it more into a community.

What is your favorite venue to play?

The Workplay Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

Probably around 2,000.

The smallest?

Probably around 5. (Laughs)

What is your opinion on MySpace?

It is dirty now with all the ads and all the strippers, not a huge fan but I love Facebook.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes, I am on Twitter at @ryanhornemusic.

How did you react to the news about Michael Jackson?

Not much of a reaction; just thought he had some great tunes.

How many albums do you have out now?

About to release my fifth record but I do not sell the first two anymore; I don’t like them.

Where can I get some Ryan Horne merchandise?

You can get merchandise on my website.

Describe your genre in one word.

Americana.

Tell me a little bit about the new record.

A collection of tracks that I enjoy. Focus is on the songwriting (the melodies, the lyrics). Has a little more of a southern rock plavor to it on some songs.

Do you have a favorite song on the record?

Yes, Hell To Pay. It is about a shooting I witnessed in Atlanta.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

So many to name. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Martin Sexton, Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin, etc. Too many to list. Lots of great artists and songs out there.

Tell me a little bit about Patchwork Records.

Home grown. A project I started in college. Not much else to say about it right now.

Who would win in a pillow fight between Nathan Angelo and Micah Dalton?

Hard to say, they would be pretty even.

What are you drinking on stage?

Usually water.

If you could only play one cover song for the rest of your career what song would you choose?

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.

Is there any song that you play in every set?

Yes, 4th of July which will be on the new record that is coming out December 8th.

If you were told that you only have a week to live how would you spend your last seven days?

Traveling to places around the world that I have never been to.

If you could tour with anyone in the market right now who would you choose?

Patty Griffin or Martin Sexton.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

I would be an engineer in a studio. I have a degree in Recording from MTSU.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still putting out records, still traveling and playing.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

All of the songs that I have written. I want to write 1,000’s of great songs.

I always let the artist get the last word.  Go.

The new album is coming December 8th! (Note that this interview was conducted prior to the release of his latest album.)

When you first see what this band looks like you cannot help but wonder what they sound like. Giving you an almost Enya sort of feel from their website/MySpace design and their photography you assume you will get hit with a soft ambient sort of sound. But you will get pretty much the exact opposite. This band that I am sitting with today takes a sound like what you expect from Evanescence, tosses in some almost techno beats, and then dishes out some polished and educated lyrics to produce a sound that is hard to replicate. When I first introduced myself to these guys I couldn’t help but want to get to know them better. It is rare to find a duo like this and even more rare to see a duo perform at such a high skill level. These two actually met over the Internet (seems to be a popular way to meet people these days) and their passion for music goes simply unmatched So take a few minutes, sit back with me today and get to know the group that is Lorelei.

Where did you come up with that name?

(Chris) Shannon and I both read a book called, “The Dogs of Babel” by Carolyn Parkhurst. It’s about a man and his dog, which was the only witness to his wife’s death. The dog’s name was Lorelei, which is fitting since Shannon has some dog features.

(Shannon) Funny, Chris! The story was very beautiful and we were both inspired by it. Then we discovered that Lorelei comes from a German myth. She’s a young maiden who haunts the Rhine River and lures in sailors with her song.  I used to be in an all-female a capella group in college, the USC Sirens.  Lorelei is the German equivalent of a Siren. We both liked the idea of a female seductress enticing men to their doom.

Actually, speaking of the name; how do you pronounce that?

Lore – uh – lie.

Where are you originally from?

(Chris) I grew up in Port Orchard, a suburb south of Seattle. Same stomping grounds as many of the famous Seattle musicians, like Kurt Cobian for example.

(Shannon) I grew up in Gig Harbor.  We realized that our childhood homes were only a few miles a part from each other! 

How did you meet?

(Chris) I posted an ad on Craigslist, believe it or not. I had been searching for months for the perfect singer, and Shannon responded. The rest is history!

(Shannon) Yep, I had just moved from LA to Seattle and was looking for some creative outlets to get involved with in addition to my solo project.  I saw his ad and emailed him. He listened to my music and he contacted me.  He sent me some songs that he had recorded with a previous singer who didn’t work out.  Chris was obviously very talented. We met up, started collaborating really well together…and here we are!

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

(Chris) MySpace is a great network for artists/bands who may never get heard outside of their home town. It’s a nice place to create a following and be able to communicate directly with fans. There have been many artists who have found success from MySpace popularity, like the Arctic Monkeys.

(Shannon) Honestly, I’m not a big fan of MySpace, but I do feel we should have a page, since most bands do.  It has gotten so filled with spam lately and it’s hard to weed out the real fans from the ones trying to promote themselves.  But it’s still a great tool for promoting our music and connecting with fans.  I’m more of a Facebook gal.

Are you on Twitter?

(Chris) I think so…Shannon, are we on Twitter?

(Shannon)  I have a Twitter account.  It’s: shanrockeileen. Hit me up!

Who are some of your biggest influences?

(Chris) I have always have been heavily influenced by UK music, and musicians.  Radiohead, Keene, and David Gray for example. I grew up in a musical family and I was exposed to a lot of blues and bluegrass music. Daryl Hall from Hall & Oats shagged my mom on one of their tours, so that is where a lot of my talent came from.  Eric Clapton is one of my biggest guitar influences. I started playing guitar while listening to a lot of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath.

(Shannon) One of my biggest influences as a singer and songwriter is Sade. She crosses all genres. Her music is soothing, soulful and timeless. Other vocal influences are jazz and soul singers, like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Dusty Springfield and Eva Cassidy.

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

(Chris) Not really any favorites. I like venues where you are up close and personal with your audience. I also really love playing outdoor venues as well. It’s my dream to play at The Gorge in Eastern Washington someday

(Shannon) One day, Chris! My dream venue would be the Hollywood Bowl.

Do you ever tour outside of Washington?

(Chris) We played a showcase at the Viper Room in Hollywood last year.

(Shannon) And we’re planning a northwest tour in 2010, which will include Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.

Who is the ringleader of the band?

(Chris) Shannon and I work equally on Lorelei. Decisions, direction, and ideas.

(Shannon) Yeah, we’re both the ringleaders.  We write the songs and record them.  The rest of our band mates just perform with us.

Who writes all of the lyrics?

(Chris) A few of the tunes on the album I wrote with a co-writer that I had been writing with for years. However, Shannon changed and re-wrote a lot of those.  All the other songs Shannon had lyric duty.

(Shannon) I’ve always felt it was important that I write the lyrics I sing.  With the exception of covers, it’s hard for me to really get into a song that someone else writes.  I think it comes across better emotionally, both on the recording and while performing live.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

(Chris) I’ll send Shannon music tracks that I feel great about, and she’ll work with the songs that inspire her.  Once she gets a melody and lyrics down, we’ll work out the final arrangements together.  It’s a great way to write songs actually.

(Shannon) Yeah, it works really well for us. Sometimes we’ll discuss the type of sound and vibe we want based on a certain song we’ve been listening to at the moment.  But it usually ends up turning out completely different from the original idea.  That’s why I love songwriting.  The songs take on a life of their own.

If you could be any cartoon character, whom would you be and why?

(Chris) Being Shaggy from Scooby Doo would be cool. He is the 70’s version of Ghost Hunters. Plus he has a pet dog that talks.

(Shannon) You kind of look like Shaggy!  For me, it’d be Wonder Woman. Because she kicks some butt and I already have her costume.

What is the biggest crowd that you have ever played for?

(Chris) My old band, Dead of Winter, opened for Stone Temple Pilots at the OK Hotel in Seattle. It was packed! That was a great show.

(Shannon) Mine was when I was flown out to perform a holiday concert for US troops and civilians in Guantanamo Bay. I felt like a celebrity there. That was an experience I’ll never forget.

The smallest?

(Chris) We set up a show opening for Alice In Chains, and only forty people showed up. A majority of the people were our friends and family. It was a big venue and it looked even emptier.

(Shannon) I got you beat. My smallest show was for five people. One of who was a drunken old man with a floor-length white beard swaying off beat. Granted, I didn’t promote the show, and it was technically just for practice.  But for morale purposes, I still had to be reminded multiple times that night that every band has to start somewhere!

If you could tour with any band out there right now who would you chose?

(Chris) U2 would be a great band to tour with, as they have such a huge fan base. Also, the Fray would be great. For “awe” purposes, I would love to do a song with Eric Clapton.

(Shannon) I think I’d choose Radiohead.  Or No Doubt.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?

(Chris) Well, I must say Seattle is one of the best places to live in the world.  So I’m happy where I’m at. My second choice would be on my own vineyard in France or Italy, living peacefully making wine and music!

(Shannon) Yes, I’d live right where I am.  I want to travel all over the world and always come home to Seattle.

How long have you guys been performing together?

(Chris) Almost two years?

(Shannon) Yeah, just about two years now.

What is the last movie you saw?

(Chris) I saw the Hangover.

(Shannon) “Up In The Air” with George Clooney.

Did you like it?

(Chris) Yes, I thought it was a very funny movie. I would recommend seeing it, but not with children around!

(Shannon) I loved it.  I was tearing up throughout.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

(Chris) I can’t imagine not performing music. That is a hard one, because I can’t really picture myself doing anything else. I think music keeps me out of trouble!  Perhaps I would paint oil paintings.

(Shannon) I’d probably be a visual artist and blogger. I recently started my own inspiration and design blog about things that make me happy.

What are your thoughts on the passing of Michael Jackson last year?

(Chris) I always loved MJ’s music. He was such a great pop songwriter. His influence is everywhere in modern music.  I believe he had a hard life and was greatly misunderstood.

(Shannon) I was pretty distraught.  I grew up with Michael in the 80’s and would create dance routines to his songs as a child.  I’d be lying if I said he didn’t influence me musically.  I was always a supporter of him throughout the sketchy years.

What is the last album you bought?

(Chris) I haven’t bought an album in a long time! I buy and download individual songs, but haven’t bought a full length CD in awhile. I haven’t felt there has been a full album that I must have.

(Shannon) Yeah, I feel the same way. But I’ve bought entire albums off of iTunes before.  The last one I purchased like that was Adele’s album, 19.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Chris) Bud Light and goat’s blood!

(Shannon) Yuck. Water.

Pepsi or Coke?

(Chris) Coke.  I like Coke better than Pepsi any day, especially Coke in a glass bottle.

(Shannon) I’m right there with you.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(Chris) With a few Lorelei records under our belts, a large fan base and great tours. I will be satisfied knowing that we are sharing our music with the world.

(Shannon) Lorelei will have multiple #1 hits.  Perhaps we will have a Grammy nomination or two. Dream big!

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

(Chris) I’d like to be remembered as a creative guitarist /songwriter.  I’d like to make some kind of impact in the music world.

(Shannon) The reason why I sing and write songs is to be able to inspire others.  If I can touch other people’s lives in a meaningful way, impact them, uplift them, I will be happy and will know that my purpose on this earth has been fulfilled.

I always let the artist get the last word.  Go.

(Chris) 2010 is the breakout year for Lorelei!  We will put out our full length CD, shoot a video, and complete a west coast tour.  We are planning many big things for the band and we want our friends and fans to stay tuned!  I believe that all creative people out there should stick to what they believe in and stay confident in their art.  Even when it gets tough, it will pay off in the end.  Love and persistence is the key.

(Shannon) Thank you so much for interviewing us, Ricky!  Everyone, please come listen to our tunes on MySpace sign up for our mailing list.  Fans are our top priority and we always respond to genuine emails and comments.  Big things are happening and we’d love to have you along for the ride!

It is rare for me to listen to a female singer and actually like what I hear. I don’t know if it is the fact that I feel most of their voices all sound the same, or the thought of them writing lyrics that they could never relate to. But when I first heard the voice of the band I am sitting with today I practically fell off my chair. Not only does her voice give you chills but the instrumentals behind her are spotless. Having toured with guys like the Fray and Jack’s Mannequin (currently on tour with those guys actually) they are getting some invaluable exposure. I cannot wait to see them perform live as if it even comes close to what is on their newly released album it will be worth every penny. Sit with me today as we get to know the folks in Vedera a little bit better.

Where did you guys come up with that name?

The name is from the “veda” which means secret writing.

You seem to be all over these social networking sites. Do you have a favorite?

Right now Twitter is my favorite because it is quick and easy and we can do it on your phone. Right now we have the band page but we are thinking of splitting it up and getting our own.

So you are on tour with Jack’s Mannequin and fun. How is that working out for you guys?

The driving is not fun! I have heard great things about fun.

Do you guys have a favorite venue to play?

I like the Fillmore in San Fransisco. It has history. We have toured so much I have a lot of favorites. I like Seattle and Portland. I just like the towns. We like the San Diego House of Blues. The House of Blues is great in general. You get catering, a great staff, and the lighting is great. They even have stage hands. It is always easy when you play a House of Blues.

How long have you all been performing?

It will be six years in May. That sounds and feels crazy. We are still the original lineup. That is what is the craziest. We all met in high school. Drew and Bryan are borthers. That was easy for them to know each other. We all just started playing together.

You guys have shared the stage with quite a few acts. Who has been your favorite artist to tour with?

I really liked the Fray tour. They did a down play tour. They did smaller venues. That was actually last year. I am not a fan of winter tours and it being cold, but that was a memorable tour for me. We did two dates with Jason Mraz. I loved him and his band. All of his fans are really cool too. They are all music listenenrs. I would like to do a tour with him for that matter.

So tell me about this new album that just dropped.

It has twelve tracks and we worked on it for a while. We recorded for a couple of years. It came out today actually. We put it on iTunes first. We played a song on the Hills TV show and that helped getting people to know our name. That show is to the masses for sure. It is our baby and we are really porud of it.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you pick?

Wow. That is one hard question. Right now I am digging ‘Loving Ghosts’. It is one of theose songs that has an anthemic course. We could jam that song for a long time.

I dare you to describe your genre in one word.

(Thinks) Pop.

How do you guys get hooked up with Mat Kearney?

We have the same management as him. He came to some shows way back. We made a friendship and we was on our last tour. It was really fun. That tour was great too.

Who writes all of your lyrics?

I, the lead singer, does!

Where do you get inspiration?

From everything. Being on the road and being in a different cities everyday because I am out of my element. I am out of where I am comfortable a lot of times. Being on tour with other bands and seeing whaet they are inspired by a lot of songs are about my husband Brian and what we go through. Relationships I see around me.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I hope that this album has done well and that we build our fan base and keep touring. I want to improve on what we are doing and possibly have a baby by then. Maybe.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

That my heart led me as much it could.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Thank you. That’s what I want to say.

It is rare that I come across a band that not only has talent but also has the personality of a best friend. The guys that I am hanging out with today are some of the nicest guys I have ever met and better yet match the style and genre of bands like Panic at the Disco and Fall Out Boy to a T. Just by looking at their photos you can tell they know how to have fun. But as soon as you turn on a track you also know they understand what it means to be get down to business. These guys have been playing together for a while and have created a sort of cult following that is hard to replace. Not that I want to continue to tie them to the likes of Fall Out Boy, but their song titles match that mold as well. Regardless, these boys knows what it takes and have created some timeless tracks for our enjoyment. Sit back, relax, and get ready to meet the guys from Remember Paris. (Also note that these guys scream in a few of their songs. I am not sure how someone is born with a talent like that but I regret not being able to scream like these guys can. It boggles my mind thinking what his voice must be going through. Regardless, it is quite enjoyable!)

Where did you guys come up with that name?

There is a line in Casablanca where Bogart says, “We’ll always have Paris” it’s kind of a spin on that.

How long have you all been playing together?

We’ve had a couple line up changes in the last four years, and we got our new drummer Mike about a year ago.

Where did you all meet?

We all grew up in the same town and we knew each other through playing shows in different bands together.

Is there a ringleader in the band?

(Laughs) No, I’m sure if you asked us individually we’d all say  that we are. It’s a give and take kind of thing really.

Describe your genre in one word.

Indescribable.

How was it sharing the stage with Every Avenue?

It’s always awesome to share the stage with a national act or other bands that are doing well for themselves. It’s nice to see people are still willing to come out for shows with the way the economy is.

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

The Emerson Theater in Indianapolis for sure. They’ve always treated us great.

Who writes all the lyrics?

Mainly me, (Ryan) and TJ.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you be and why?

Michaelangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Because he likes to party like I like to party. TJ would be Popeye. He just seems to be so over being the little guy. Mike would choose Captain Caveman, because he’s awesome. And Ramsey would be Patrick from Spongebob Squarepants. If you knew it know that it makes sense!

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

Unfortunately. (Laughs) We all work in warehouses to support our music addiction.

Tell me about the new album.

We recorded with John Naclerio at Nada Studios in New York and it was the best recording experience any of us have had. From day one he made us feel comfortable. We worked very well with him because he knew the direction we wanted to take the album. This record isn’t just hooks and sing along parts, it’s who we are. We put everything we had into it.

Who are some of you’re a biggest influences?

We all grew up with classic rock, so that’s definitely an influence for us. Thrice for their structures; those guys are super talented. The Ataris for the true emotion they put into their songs on record and in their live shows. We’d also have to say a lot of hip-hop, it sounds funny because we don’t have that kind of sound, but we always want to write after listening to a lot of hip-hop artists.

How do you know the folks over at Accidental Photography?

I believe he  goes by Keaton Andrew Photography now, but TJ saw some photos he had done and was super stoked on them. Keaton was based out of Ohio at the time and we really loved his style. We aren’t really into taking serious photos and he had the exact same state of mind.

Do you guys have any plans for a tour this year?

Definitely. We are going to complete a couple circles of the Midwest then eventually branch out east a little bit.

You have a pretty complete sound overall. How are you guys not signed by now?

We all think that now too many bands are too worried about getting signed and relying on the label to do everything for them. We started a band to play music not get signed and put on MTV. We are capable of handling everything ourselves at this point, it’s a lot of work but we get to reap everything we sow so to speak.

Where can I get some Remember Paris merchandise?

We are in the works of getting a Big Cartel account. In a couple months it’ll be available online and at all of our shows.

Who is doing all that screaming?

That would be TJ Greer. He’s a little tiger isn’t he?

I want to see you guys on Warped Tour.

We played a date last year and we are going to try to get more than one this year, hopefully you’ll get to!

Where did you come up with that album title?

We’ve been through a lot in the past two years,  but we’ve never lost sight of the “dream”. We’ve all supported each other day in and day out and we’re always going to do it. We are starting to get a little lucky now, but that doesn’t mean we still aren’t working hard so we decided a fitting title would be “…But A Boy Can Dream” No matter what, no one can take your dream away from you.

How do you think music will change now that the King of Pop is no longer with us?

It’s hard to say what will happen with pop music now. When he first went solo no one knew he was going to grow into an icon, but sooner or later someone’s going to take the crown. I doubt his shoes will ever be fully filled though.

Let’s say that you guys are about to headline a show at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opener?

.38 Special. No doubt about it. Ryan wants to do guest vocals on “So Caught Up In You” and TJ wants to take the tasty solo.

Any reason why From Backseat Kisses has so many more plays on your MySpace page compared to the other two?

It was the first song we got on the radio, and we’ve never released the demo it was on so it was kind of like a MySpace exclusive.

Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

I think it’s great. It’s an awesome way to get heard but I think the days of a band getting signed off of their play count are over.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Sort of. We have accounts but we are waiting until our MySpace gets fully designed to put them up and to be active on them.

What are you drinking on stage?

TJ is all about Arizona RX Energy. Mike drinks Gatorade but Ryan and Ramsey usually just stick to water.

What is the single best concert that you have ever been to?

We did a band vote and REO Speedwagon won. TJ saw them when he was six years old. So far no one has been able to beat them.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you pick?

From Backseat Kisses To Butterfly Kisses. We have so much fun with the song. We always have friends on stage to do it with us and it’s fun to sing along to.

What was the last movie you saw?

Avatar.

Did you like it?

Yeah. Ryan loves fantasy stuff like that. He’s a WOW/D&D type nerd.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

If we’re lucky doing the same stuff we are doing now, except maybe making a little more money doing it. (Laughs)

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

We want to be known for being able to make everyone have a great time. We want everyone to forget about anything and everything that is bothering them and just party and have a good time with us for that 30-45 minutes we are on stage.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Hammertime!

I love going to concerts. Better yet, I am obsessed with going to concerts. I enjoy the thrill of having a ticket in my hand and being excited days, weeks, sometimes even months before the show. I like piling as many friends as I can in my car (OK, you can stop laughing), heading to the venue, finding parking, and waiting in line with fans that are all here for the same reason as me. Then comes the thrill of waiting for the headlining act to take the stage. Sure, there are some opening bands that you might like but all that matters is the real reason why you spend half your pay check to see someone play a guitar. It seems like nothing else matters until the lights drop and the crowd goes wild. That is a sheer sense of happiness for anyone who listens to music. A true Field of Dreams for any music lover.

Each year, outside of the shows that I see at the cliché venues like Verizon Wireless Music Center or Birdy’s Bar and Grill, there are certain shows that I like to go to that bring a whole new meaning to the concept of a concert. These shows are more commonly known as festivals. While our parents had festivals like Woodstock we get even bigger events like SXSW and Coachella. I cannot say if our festivals are necessarily better than that of Woodstock, but I can be sure to tell you that we still know how to throw a party.

Speaking of Coachella, the lineup for the 2010 festival was recently released. Now, I do tend to go to smaller one-day events like Warped Tour, and they are usually packed with no name bands and one or two bigger more national headliners. So when an event like Coachella, which is a three-day festival, comes along I tend to pay attention to the bands that fill the time slots. And let me tell you folks, this year’s list looks amazing.

This is the eleventh year for Coachella. I have not been to very many shows that offer three days of music like this one does; with bands like this it is hard to think that you can afford to miss it. This year’s event is featuring acts like Jay Z, Muse, and the Gorillaz. Each night packs a different lineup and while these names might all be from different genres and have completely different sounds, they all draw a similar crowd of bandwagon fans that just want to be a part of this epic event.

This year, on Friday, April 16th you can see the following acts. You can enjoy, all for the price of one ticket, Jay-Z, LCD Soundsystem, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, Deadmau5, Public Image Limited, The Specials, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Echo and the Bunnymen, Benny Benassi, Fever Ray, Grace Jones, She & Him, Erol Alkan, The Avett Brothers, Calle 13, The Whitest Boy Alive, The Cribs, La Roux, Yeasayer, Lucero, DJ Lance Rock, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Proxy, Ra Ra Riot, Deer Tick, Wolfgang Gartner, Aeroplane, Iglu & Hartly, Sleigh Bells, P.O.S., Baroness, Hockey, Little Dragon, White Rabbits, Wale, Kate Miller-Heidke, As Tall as Lions, Jets Overhead, Alana Grace, and Pablo Hassan. Some of those names are awfully familiar while some I am sure you have never heard of. But the idea for the creators of this epic event is not to showcase America’s top forty but rather to give you the widest mix of music that you can fit on one stage. On Saturday, however, you get a whole new set of artists to please your eardrums.

On Saturday, April 17^th you can sing along with Muse, Faith No More, Tiësto, MGMT, David Guetta, The Dead Weather, Hot Chip, Devo, Coheed and Cambria, Kaskade, 2Many DJ’s, Major Lazer, Dirty Projectors, Gossip, Z-Trip, The xx, John Waters, Les Claypool, The Raveonettes, Mew, Sia, Camera Obscura, Tokyo Police Club, Porcupine Tree, Old Crow Medicine Show, Aterciopalados, Bassnectar, Frightened Rabbit, Dirty South, Flying Lotus, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pretty Lights, Shooter Jennings, RX Bandits, The Almighty Defenders, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, Craze & Klever, Zoe, The Temper Trap, Portugal, The Man, Band of Skulls, Girls, Beach House, Steel Train, and Frank Turner. While there are a lot of names on that list that I truly enjoy it is Tiësto that excites me the most. I had the chance to see him this past New Year’s Eve but decided to forgo the insane plane ticket prices. Perhaps this is my chance to see him with some more of the industries best.

Oh, we are not done yet. On Sunday, April 18^th be prepared to end this massive party in style. Take your day of rest to honor Gorillaz, Pavement, Thom Yorke, Phoenix, Orbital, Spoon, Sly and the Family Stone, De La Soul, Julian Casablancas, Plastikman, Gary Numan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sunny Day Real Estate, Yo La Tengo, MUTEMATH, Deerhunter, Infected Mushroom, Club 75, Matt & Kim, The Big Pink, Gil Scott-Heron, King Khan and the Shrines, Florence and the Machine, Yann Tiersen, Little Boots, Miike Snow, Talvin Singh, Ceu, B.o.B., Babasonicos, Owen Pallett, The Glitch Mob, Mayer Hawthorne, Local Natives, Rusko, The Middle East, Hadouken!, The Soft Pack, Kevin Devine, Paparazzi, Delphic, and One EskimO.

For all of these bands to meet in one place, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, is a feat in of itself. But for you to be able to pay one price, $269, for all of this is just incredible. Jay Z, for instance, is coming to Indianapolis later this year. Tickets for his show started at over $100. You cannot even get close to the stage for less than $200. You mean to tell me that I can see not only Jay Z but also all of these others artists for only $269? That is insane. Plus, they have portable showers so if you want to freshen up you don’t have to leave the festival to do so.

So, if you are a fan of any of these bands above, make sure you go to the 2010 Coachella Festival. There are some big name sponsors that will be there giving stuff away as well. This is an event that you cannot afford to miss. If you do get the chance to go, I want to hear about your experience. This truly is a Woodstock for our generation. Let’s try to enjoy it as much as we know our parents did.