Euterpe's Notebook

Katharine Whalen (once of the Squirrel Nut Zippers), is back with a new record, Madly Love, that she made with her new backing band, her Fascinators. This album is a deviation from the jazz of Whalen’s first solo endeavor and the pop prowess of her second. This is folk at its best–storytelling, rhythm, and an intimacy that doesn’t let up. I talked to Whalen about the album, goats, and a wily miniature horse.

The wunderkind James Vincent McMorrow has released a new record, Early in the Morning, written in a little house on the Irish coast. Here, he gives thoughtful responses to my questions.

One of the latest sensations to generate buzz from Birmingham, AL is the Delicate Cutters, a band whose intimate warmth rests easy on the ears. I talk with their lead singer, Janet Simpson, here.

Hello all–

Thank you, as always, for coming to my site. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. I love connecting with people through music, and this has to be one of the most fun ways ever to do it. You make my day when we connect via comments or Twitter or email. I would do this even if nobody read it, but you read it, you do, and I thank you for that.

I’ve chosen to host this site through WordPress so I can use a fairly simple interface which I can control. WordPress doesn’t allow for advertising, and that’s cool because it means my interviews aren’t compromised by which record labels are advertising here, like some music blogs. (Not that I begrudge them that; running a music site is still a lot of work.) But I did want to put it out there that I am actually paying out of pocket to run this site. Not just the many hours that go into the site, but the hosting, Skype calls, transcription software, etc. add up. If you would ever like to help offset those costs, you can PayPal me at erinlyndalmartin @ gmail.com. If you can’t afford it, don’t feel bad at all. But if you have an extra $5 in your account, it would be much-appreciated.

Atlanta’s Black Lips have received well-earned praise for their latest release, Arabia Mountain, as well as their memorable live shows and devotion to their fans. I was thrilled to speak with their lead singer Jared Swilley about magicians, vintage equipment, and the Congo.

San Diego’s TV Girl, a very new duo, is already broadcasting loud and clear on their two EP’s, most recently, Benny and the Jetts, featuring an infamous Todd Rundgren sample on “If You Want It.” Funny, acute, and full of ideas, TV Girl talks here.

In yesterday’s post, I included the first part of my interview with Her Space Holiday’s Marc Bianchi upon the release of HSH’s final album, Her Space Holiday. Here is the second and final installment of that interview.

We’ll miss your music, Marc, and hope to hear you in other projects.

One of my favorite bands, Her Space Holiday (aka Marc Bianchi), is hanging up their blissful electronic hat after years of glorious albums and thought-provoking remixes. As is often said of a beautiful woman, we hate to see him go but we love to watch him walk away. Or, rather, listen to him walk away on one final, self-titled album. My interview with Bianchi will be published here in several parts, this being part one. Thanks for reading, and thanks for the music, Marc.

After some time away from music, Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley and The Elected returned with his latest tour de force from The Elected, Bury Me In My Rings. On this record, cuts like “Babyface” find Sennett as melodic and soulful as ever. Here, he talks about what he learned in his time away from music and what he likes about making records.

After building up their street cred with shorter recordings, Gold-Bears have released a full-length indie pop masterpiece, Are You Falling in Love? on Slumberland Records. The music is peppy, hazy, and young without being immature. Read what lead singer-songwriter Jeremy Underwood had to say about it.