Anthology

An Interview with Dan Kuramoto of Hiroshima

by: Casey Pukl

As we covered in yesterday’s interview with Frank London of The Klezmatics, these are challenging times for many artists, and particularly those in alternative genres. It can be especially challenging to navigate these changes for those who have been in the business since long before the days of the internet, social media, and digital downloads.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dan Kuramoto of Hiroshima this week about how the legendary group has been embracing the changes, and using them to create a deeper connection with their loyal following. The group’s latest release, Departure, is due out next month, and couldn’t be titled any more appropriately. Not only has the group parted ways with their label, but musically the album is also going to be a departure from many of their previous releases. Read on to hear about Dan’s plans for their “Hiroshima Community”, what you can expect to see at their holiday show here next week, and what’s in store for the next 30 years of Hiroshima!

CP: Hiroshima seems to have had a pretty incredible ride lately. Tell me a little bit about what you all have been up to since leaving your record label.

Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Frank London of The Klezmatics

by: Casey Pukl

This has been an incredibly interesting and thought provoking week of interviews for me, and I hope it is for all of you loyal blog readers out there as well. I don’t usually do this, but I’m going to give you a short preview of what’s coming up tomorrow and Friday so you can get excited!

I kicked off the week interviewing one of my favorite break out bands of 2011, Scars on 45 after their sound check for Star94’s Jingle Ball show on Monday night. These guys (and gal) are quickly gaining momentum for their debut album in true millennium fashion— through television placements of their songs and the internet.

Then I went on to interview the legendary leader of Hiroshima, Dan Kuramoto, about the band’s recent decision to leave their record label and go indie. We discussed some of their changes in marketing strategy, the difficulties of crossing genres, and their quest to build an online community that’s about more than selling their music.

Following that lively discussion, I spoke with the focus of today’s post— Frank London of The Klezmatics. The Klezmatics are celebrating their 25^th anniversary as a group this year, and have released their 10^th album, a two-CD set titled Live at Town Hall. The group was also recently the subject of documentary film, The Klezmatics: On Holy Ground. It’s been a wild ride for the internationally renowned, Grammy award winning proponents of Jewish roots music, and watching the industry change over the years has sometimes been a rocky road to navigate. Keep reading to find out how the group has adapted to industry changes, London’s feelings about the documentary, and what fans can look forward to for the future. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview With The Dazz Band

by: Casey Pukl

I don’t think words can adequately express the level of excitement I feel about today’s blog. I think I’ll just have to open with this video to set the mood.

In a word, the Dazz Band is awesome. Yup, I said it. They’ve been groovin’ since the late 1970’s, and landed their biggest hits with Motown in the mid 1980’s. Throughout the years, the band has continued to record and extensively tour, bringing their danceable jazz around the world. This month, the band is bringing their show to Anthology, and we couldn’t be more excited. I got the chance to speak with these fantastic guys yesterday morning about what they’ve been up to, who they’re listening to these days, and if there’s a new record in the works!

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An Interview with Sophie Milman

by: Casey Pukl

Growing up in communist Russia and then moving to Israel, Sophie Milman didn’t grow up with much— except for her father’s record collection. Milman credits that record collection for being the “glue” that held her family together. I think at this point, we’re all thankful for that collection, because without it, we might not have one of the greatest jazz vocalists of our time.

The 28 year-old international sensation has been touring the world’s most prestigious venues and receiving critical acclaim from end to end of the globe since she was barely out of high school. She has even earned a Juno Award. Her latest album, In the Moonlight, is one of her greatest to date. Showcasing her incredible maturity, sultry voice, and a fantastic collection of songs, the record is a true reflection of where Milman is at this point in her life. Fortunately I had the opportunity to speak with her this morning and discuss her record, vocal health, and how she’s grown.

CP: Tell me a little bit about this latest record. I’m in love with the cover of, “So Sorry” that is on there! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Louis Prima Jr.

by: Casey Pukl

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone either deny that they’re anything like their parents or wish that they weren’t, I’d own a lot of Manolo’s and Seat Belt Bags. What can I say? I’m weak. But I can’t say that I’d be getting a dime from Louis Prima Jr. The son of the legendary, “Swing King,” has been touring the country bringing his father’s music back to the forefront with a bit of an edge. I got the opportunity to talk to him today about this freshly finished debut record, his incredibly talented sons (we knew the genes were good, so no surprise there), and just what it means to him to perform his father’s music.

CP: You started out playing rock and roll in a pretty successful band before you took a break. What inspired you to come back to the music industry and plau your father’s music?

LPJ: You know, every young person wants to do what’s popular. I love rock, I’ll always love it, and at the time it was just what I was into. But rock got a little depressing, grunge started, and I just felt a certain level of frustration with the music business in general. I took a break, but I came back. It’s my first love. I loved my father’s music forever, and it just felt right to come back and perform it.

CP: I know that you’ve commented previously that you didn’t want hired guns as your band when you started this project. Has it taken a while to get a steady band together? Read the rest of this entry »