(Also, I like music)
Photo credit: Sarah Law for The 78 Project
In a world full of confusion, and unknowns, the last thing I want to do is add to the chaos with my own, personal inconsistency. And yet, that might be exactly what I’m doing…..
But bare with me.
For those of you who have read my blog in the past (LUV you by the way) you noticed my last post talked about the correlation between experience, (Coachella), and how it contributes to the perception of value (Drinking Heineken.) I’m a huge music fan so writting about drinking beer, while watching it, seemed to be a no-brainer. However, ‘crossing the streams’ so-to-speak, (Ghostbusters, anyone?) can be a slippery slope because today, I’m talking about music. Why not creatively intertwine the two into a post – beer-focused, with a hint of music?
I’m nutty busy, and today, I’m finding my creativity to be at a ’3′….. max, and this was the easiest way to draw attention to something I think you’ll be OK with. Please note, there will be beer in the future….lots of beer, it’s just not going to be seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of this article in the way you’re used to. So let’s just get to it already, bullet point steez…..
What: A preview to an upcoming show featuring a Mrs. Amy LaVere.
Where: The Sunset Tavern in Ballard.
When: (This) Thursday, June 14th.
Why: I was sent her information through Girl Power Hour in hopes I’d review the show. I listened, I liked, I agreed to share.
How: Amy and I talked via email. Her tour schedule combined with my nuttiness made this the best option. There’s only so much color you can add to text that came through a computer, without reporting on the mannerisms etc you pick-up on from personal interaction so below, is a portion of what we “discussed,” and regardless of what you think of her answers, I’d recommend you give it a listen, and if you find yourself compelled, attend the show. Live music events are right up there with beer events on my list of ‘favorite things to do.
Beer: OK, so you had a break-up, and you wrote and album – We’ve heard this one before (Don’t hate me, but I can’t help but think, ‘Alanis and Dave Coulier). What about your latest album is unique in the heartbreak = art genre and if not unique, what recognizable emotions did you utilize to create new work?
Amy: Well to begin with I didn’t write this record after a break-up. The record was created over two years, mostly during the relationship. I don’t know if this record is unique in its overall subject (very doubtful really) but it is uniquely my perspective. My “bent” if you will.
Beer: Is this your first time toSeattle? If yes, what do you expect to see? If yes…or if no for that matter, did you ever love flannel from afar in the 90’s? (This is a common stereotype Seattleites like to use when envisioning the mentality of newbies).
Amy: I wore flannel then and sometimes still do. Fashion statement or not, its smart clothing for your climate and it’s comfy too. I was living north of Detroit when Seattle’s music scene popped and the site of rockers in flannel shirts thing was happening in Michigan at that too. And yes I loved that music and that time.…..I’ve been to Seattle once before – I look forward and expect to see more of it.
Beer: You mention the Theremin in your bio. I’m always curious about how people discover this instrument, and how they use it. It looks like magic. Can you tell me a little about your experience?
Amy: I first saw the Theremin being played at a Halloween party in Memphis back in ’99. It was one of an annual party that my friend Misty has hosted for the past 21 years now called Hell On Earth. It’s full of bands and party favors and great costumes. Musician/soundman Hank Widdup was playing it on the stage in some ghoulish get-up and it’s was memorable. Using the theremin on the record Stranger Me was the idea of Rick Steff. He brought it up to the studio and I was so excited to see what it would bring the song. It can sound like a monkey playing a wildly distorted pedal steel and I loved it.
Beer: I can hear a little of the Arcade Fire influence (Craig’s production I presume) in, “You Can’t Keep Me.” Like AS, you use a ton of instruments. Ever consider running away to travel withArcadeinstead of going it on your own? Ok,Arcadeis just an example but why solo vs. ‘The Amy LaVere Band”?
Amy: I never really wanted to be solo artist. I prefer the collaborative nature of the “band” but it just turned out that way. It’s complicated..
5. One word (plus or minus three) to close describing what people can expect when they come to see you next week?
Amy: A cute girl singing and playing bass, a cute guitar player playing guitar and a cute drummer on a full drum kit. In short, my 3 piece band.
Beer: PS: “The drunken nature of infatuation…how distracting it is…” Rad description.
Author’s note: My questions to Mrs. LaVere about her beer drinking habits never made it into her hands. This is not her fault. These questions were lost somewhere in internet land, or for all you George W fans, “The system of tubes….”
Katie Grimes
After a post-graduation sabbatical to Thailand, Katie Grimes got her start in radio as a promotions coordinator for Fisher Communication’s Radio Group: STAR 101.5 FM, KOMO Mariners 1000 AM and 570 KVI AM. In 2006 Katie moved from Fisher to take the position of New Development Promotions and Marketing Director for 98.1 Classical KING FM and in 2010, transitioned to a four station cluster as the Marketing Director at CBS Radio Seattle (102.5 KZOK FM, 95.5 KJAQ). As director of the “fun and games department” Katie spent her days juggling a multitude of marketing balls including event planning, station branding, contest creation, media partnerships and public relations. Katie has focused her career in broadcast media on increasing the breadth and dept of her audience through integrated marketing and non-traditional revenue programs with new media. Examples of her work include Pacific Northwest Ballet on KING FM, The Make Jack Laugh comedy competition and KZOK’s Morning After Party. Her work with creative, experiential campaigns lead her to the talented group of women at Girl Power Hour. Katie is thrilled to be a part of an organization dedicated to the empowerment, education and advancement of determined women everywhere. Follower her on Twitter @KGrimes
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