So many talented musicians, including Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, call Atlanta home. Ruby & The Soulphonics are old school soul but are not one-dimensional at all. Their sound goes beyond just one genre. What is it about Atlanta that produces great music?
Their last album, State of All Things, is available everywhere to either buy or stream. My favorite song on the album is “Broken Woman.” Listening to this album gives me hope that I will make it through everything and be able to tell my own story. Part of the reason that I like Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics is that they are storytellers. Plus, their horn section is amazing! (Insert several fire emojis here)
I highly recommend listening to it immediately. If you get a chance to see them Ruby & The Soulphonics or have seen them in the past, let me know all about the show.
Before reading Paris, 7 A.M. by Liza Wieland, I could not have told you more than two things about Elizabeth Bishop.
She was a woman.
She was a poet.
According to Wikipedia, Bishop is considered one of the finest poets of the 20th century. It would be a shame to not learn about her life and poetry. Although, Paris, 7 A.M. is not an autobiography, some things in the book are true.
She did live in Paris in the mid-1930s. No one probably knows whether she helped infants escape the Nazis. I’d like to think that she might have but it is a work of fiction.
Most of the book takes place during the time when Bishop lived in Paris. Everyone is on edge because they know that a war is on the horizon.
I thought that this was an interesting perspective of Bishop. It has inspired me to learn more about her. I might even start to read and write poetry again after reading Paris, 7 A.M.
Read the book for yourself and see if you are inspired to do something different than you are doing now.
I was given this ebook by NetGalley in exchange for doing a review. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
Aree and the Pure Heart is not the first band that has reminded me of the soundtrack for the movie “Eddie and the Cruisers.” However, Aree and the Pure Heart is more punk rock mixed with a Tom Waits attitude. I will still be listening to them in 20 years. Longer than that if I become immortal.
We did this interview and now it’s time to share it with you guys. Don’t forget to check out their links and music video.
Where was your first show as a fan? As a performer?
My first show was in 1995. I went to see a band called Squad Five-O at a church in Savannah, Ga. I saw Less than Jake at a bar on St. Simons Island shortly after. I played my first show in 1996 on a sidewalk for the grand opening of a music store where I grew up. I was 14 years old. We played some originals and Operation Ivy and Suicide Machines. it ruled. You can find my first band’s demo at 57shifty.bandcamp.com
Have you ever met anyone with a pure heart – aside from children?
Yes, definitely. I think there are many saints among us. I also worked next to a special needs classroom for many years, and there were plenty of pure hearts in there!!!
Who does the best drunken street light poetry?
Probably Paul Westerberg or Bukowski? I actually haven’t drank alcohol in years. I think that I wrote that description as a sort of stream of consciousness homage to just being enamored with the love of life.
Do you think the internet helps or hurts musicians/bands?
A little of both. I think that any technological innovation is a double-edged sword, but it seems that the good tends to outweigh the bad. Two things I’ve learned from releasing music in a post internet era. 1. you can really reach an international audience very quickly 2. there are still a lot of people out there who are true music lovers. probably a lot more than one would expect.
What do you love about your hometown?
I grew up on the coast of Southeast Georgia in a town called Brunswick. When I was growing up it was dirt roads and playing in the woods. It is a really beautiful place, and I probably love the simplicity of it most. Hot as hell, though…and if you don’t know about gnats…then count yourself blessed. haha
How many $50 bottles of wine have you really broken?
hahaha. The answer is zero. In addition to being a teacher, I work part-time at Trader Joe’s. One day I was in the wine section, and I was looking at these expensive bottles of wine, and the only thing I could think of was how great it would be to just smash them all to pieces. That turned into the first song on the record.
What would you do if you were immortal?
Defend myself against the evil corporations that will try to brand me or put me in a lab to make some pill from my blood. Also, learn as much as I can and hopefully reach some sort of level purity and holiness.
What do you want people to know about Aree and the Pure Heart?
I am just very amazed to see people from around the world enjoying the music. Thank you to everyone that listens. I am very grateful.
The first time that I heard The Suffers was their appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert. Since then I’ve watched listened to their music whenever possible.
There are so many things going on in the world. So when there’s something – music, books or whatever – that could bring us a little joy I want to tell everyone.
The name suggests otherwise but The Suffers really do bring joy to my life and hopefully yours too. We need a little Gulf Coast Soul in our lives, right!?
The Suffers are on tour right now as we speak. God willing we’ll be able to catch their show when they come to town.
They also have music available in the usual places – Spotify, website, etc – if you can’t make it to see them in person.
I know everyone is super busy but if you could take a moment out of your day to check out Indie pop punk band, Kitty Kat Fan Club, that would be awesome. Their new album, Dreamy Little You, will be available on May 31.
The band also loves all types of animals. They will be donating 5 % of the album proceeds to animal rescue groups. So on top of being a good band, they are genuinely good people.
If you want to know a little more, read the following interview with Brianda Goyos Leon of Kitty Kat Fan Club.
Where was your first show as a fan? as a band?
By the way, this is Brianda Goyos Leon conducting the interview. My first show was the 2011 Warped Tour at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mt. View, Ca.. My favorite band in high school was Bayside and I went to see them in particular.
What is the most unusual pet that you have had?
I grew up in Mexico and had a slew of strange pets including a jack rabbit, snapping turtles, and baby sharks. The sharks died and I fed them to my turtle. Mind you I was only 6 years old. ha ha.
When did you become involved with pet rescue groups?
We as a group have been passionate about animal rights from the beginning. Besides the cutesy name we are involved. More so with Mike Park. He volunteers with animal shelters and has been active for decades.
Are there kitty cats in your fan club?
I would like to hope so. ha ha
Why do people like vinyl records?
The warmth of analog is hard to describe. There’s something about the sound that can’t be replicated through digital realms. Also, the tangible feeling of putting the record on the turntable and having the needle hit the groove. That first crackle, it’s hard to beat that feeling.
Do you have a favorite record?
Yes, a couple. The first record that really made me think about putting together a collection of songs as a whole vs just singles was the album Awaken, My Love by Childish Gambino. It’s just the perfect album. More recently, I can’t stop listening to Isolation, by Kali Uchis. Just beautiful.
Have you ever had a cat eat your vinyl records? Is that a weird thing for cats to do?
Luckily, that has never happened. ha ha. Hopefully it will continue to never happen.
What do you want people to know about Kitty Kat Fan Club?
We’re just a collective of friends who love music. Not trying to save the world, but still trying to be positive through music and create a fun environment for everyone involved.
Is anyone else obsessed with the 1920s? If you enjoy books set in the 1920s then you will probably enjoy City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay.
Irene, Millie and Henry are members of a burlesque show. In the beginning of the book, Irene and Millie are preparing to jump off of the train and start a new life in Hollywood. Henry decides to follow them at the last minute.
So after getting away from the burlesque show, they make their way to Hollywood. They each have their own struggles but they help each other as far as show business and real life.
Henry starts out as a tailor’s assistant and works his way up to being in front of the camera. Irene and Millie show up every day to be extras in movies. Eventually, Irene works as a typist and screenwriter. Millie finally catches a break as an extra because she rides horses.
There are so many other things that happen in their lives. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I would recommend reading City of Flickering Light so you can read all about these friends trying to find success in Hollywood. I suggest listening to some 1920s jazz to set the mood.
I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for doing a review. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
If you want to listen to a really cool band, then give Lovehoney a chance. You may have heard of them before. Their press page is amazing. Lovehoney lives up to the hype though.
They released an EP, Dig This!, in 2018. You can find it in all of the usual places – Spotify, Google Play and iTunes.
It is difficult to describe their music with just one genre. It’s a mix of several genres – funk, blues, rock – progressive and classic. Lovehoney has one foot in the past and one in the future.
Jon Haggerty reminds me of the future and the past. He reminds me that my kids will be bringing home friends from college. If they are anything like the friends I brought home, the friends will be talented guitarists or songwriters. Some of my musical friends are college professors or junior high music teachers. A few just sing for special occasions.
So I’m hoping that Jon Haggerty sticks with his music career. I’d hate for him to have to buy the corduroy jacket with patches on the elbow. It is practically a requirement for college professors.
Check out the interview that we did. Also, there is a cool video and links to his website.
Where was your first show as a fan? As a performer?
When I was ten years old I saw my first live artist, Jimmy Eat World, at a race track in San Diego, California. Being so young seeing my brothers friends coming out of the mosh pit all covered in dirt without a care in the world was awesome. Still a favorite band till this day.
My first live musical performance was with a cover band when I was 14 years old. We played a Van Halen song, I think. It was quite a while ago. I look back and it must have been hilarious honestly.
What or who influenced you to be a musician?
My mother was a big music lover and without here I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Music is the one thing that has brought so many people together in my life and others.
Would you ever join a band?
I’ve been in many bands so far and I am not apposed to being in a band. At this point I am currently focusing on a more personal path of music for the time being.
Did you know that there is a MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter also named Jon Haggerty?
I did not know actually. I occasionally see different sporting events on tv but have never seen him fight before. I suppose I’m more of a hockey fan. I would definitely like to meet him one day.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I would really enjoy collaborating with Anthony Green at one point of my career. We are yet to meet but one day, when we do, I would definitely love to pick his brain about music.
What is on your playlist right now?
Recently I’ve been listening to a wide range of rock music. I really enjoy the new Foals song “On the Luna” and the new Catfish and the Bottleman song “Longshots.
Do you watch anything in particular on television?
I watch Netflix frequently but not a lot of broadcasted television. Ive been watching Park and Rec, The Office and Parenthood.
What advice would you give someone starting out as a songwriter?
Never stop writing music. Understand why you make your music and enjoy every second of it. Also never be afraid to collaborate with someone else. You never know what you could create.
What would you like people to know about Jon Haggerty?
I write songs in hopes of helping others through music. If a song I have written has helped you emotionally in any way possible please contact me and let me know. I want to hear your story’s more than i want to tell mine. I love you all.
![Paris, 7 A.M. by [Wieland, Liza]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/515LTrPW9eL.jpg)
