• Song of the Moment

    Song of the Moment- “Hell is Other People” by Bangzz

    “Hell is Other People” by Bangzz sure is a tune we need so far in 2021. The duo from Durham, North Carolina has just released this upbeat punky song accompanied by a quirky and yet relevant music video in which frontwoman Erika performs a self lobotomy for YouTube viewers (quite the commentary on how you can literally find anything online including great “self help” tips). Erika says she’s doing this to rid herself “of harmful social narratives in her head.” To me, the coolest thing about this tune is the contrast of the tough sounding instrumentals with Erika’s voice… there is no denying she just has a great voice. It’s…

  • Artist Spotlight

    An Interview with a True Rock n’ Roll Believer, Tommie Vaughn

    Tommie Vaughn’s books came to my attention thanks to a press release from Fly PR. I am an avid reader and especially during COVID-19, I’ve been using them as a nightly escape. As musician (front woman of Wall of Tom) and author, Tommie Vaughn said, “I think now, more than ever- with the loss of our concerts and live music scene, the books are indeed, the perfect way to bring back the music and stage shows, safely!” The author of the Frankie Spencer trilogy certainly lives the rock n’ roll dream and was kind enough to answer questions about her life as a musician and about the rock n’ roll…

  • Artist Spotlight

    A Q&A with Black Flag’s Former Bassist, Kira Roessler

    Black Flag is notorious for their hardcore aggression and masculinity. Yet, at one point in time, they had a female bassist, Kira Roessler. Kira, who still lives in California is now in the film business. She took the time to chat with me and answer questions about her music career and what she’s up to now.  Izzi Krombholz: What kind of bands were you into growing up? Kira Roessler: Growing up in my household my dad was a classical only guy. We had a piano and I wanted to take piano lessons. So starting at 6 and my brother was 9, he and I took piano lessons. I fell behind…

  • Artist Spotlight

    A Cemetery Tour with Goth Royalty; An Interview with Patricia Morrison and David Vanian

    I’ve chatted with the lovely and haunting Patricia Morrison via the interweb for a few years now for interviews and such. When my family planned a spring trip to London I thought, this could finally be the time I get to meet her in person! Patricia, being the gracious person she is, offered to set us up with a tour of Highgate Cemetery so I could see more of London while there. That’s truly just how cool she is.  I had been out in the Cotswolds with my family and friends for the weekend and was taking the train back to London when I got a message from Patricia telling…

  • Artist Spotlight

    Keeping Carter Family Music Alive, An Interview with Carlene Carter

    The Carter Family name is one well known and well respected in the music world. Carlene, daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, was kind enough to chat with me about growing up in the Carter family music world and how it shaped her as a musician.  When you’re growing up, what your parents do for a living shapes you. For Carlene, music was constantly a part of her life. Carlene says, “It was fun, it was different from my friends, it was a way of life. It wasn’t until I started school that I realized not everyone’s parents did that. Grandma (Maybelle), Mom, Helen and Anita would rehearse…

  • In the Know

    In The Know- April 2019

    April’s “In the Know” answers the following prompt: “Tell us about your music mentor!” Rachel Thode (Drummer of Slow Glows)— “In the early days my friend, Jason French (Pillokase), was doing an open mic at Boswell’s and wanted some percussion. At nineteen, having never played more than a simple beat with the high hat and snare, I learned to use the kick pedal and to play some simple fills on a child-sized drum kit in Jason’s studio apartment in Clifton. He was my first music mentor and he continued to encourage and praise me as I practiced and got better. He lives in Austin now, and I don’t think he…

  • Band Information

    A Country Music Appreciation All Thanks to Lucinda Williams

    I was never big on country music growing up… well aside from Johnny Cash because he is definitely a Krombholz family favorite. My dad, on the other hand, loves old country music and has been a fan of Lucinda Williams for a long time. I’m sure I’d heard her at some point or another growing up but I remember the first time I actually heard her. I was rewatching my favorite tv show, Alias, and the character Michael Vaughn goes into a dingy bar where “Righteously” is playing (Season 2, Episode 17 if you need to check it out). I remember thinking, “I need to hear more of this musician.”…

  • Artist Spotlight

    The Wisdom and Power of White Mystery; An Interview with Miss Alex White

    I first met Miss Alex White of White Mystery back in 2012 when the band was on tour with the legendary Shonen Knife. I was blown away with White Mystery’s energy and immediately became a fan. At the time, the band was touring almost 365 days a year. “We would look at a year being a collection of 365 days and our goal was to fill every one of those days with shows,” Alex explained. From the start, Alex and brother, Francis, have looked at White Mystery from the business angle with every detail thoughtfully planned. They’ve never had management or a label and are true examples of DIY. “Back…

  • Artist Spotlight

    TAT’s Frontwoman, Tatiana DeMaria, on Her New Solo Career

    Tatiana DeMaria started British punk band, TAT at age 15. After years of success, DeMaria is releasing her debut solo album. The sound is a big change from the guitar heavy riffs of TAT but this sound shows how she’s matured as a musician. She was kind enough to answer questions about her solo album and the musical changes she’s made. Izzi Krombholz: You started playing music at a very young age, what was starting TAT like? Tatiana DeMaria: I was on a bit of a mission. As a kid, I had tried to put bands together and found what you still find as an adult really. Some people want…

  • Artist Spotlight

    The Road to Rock n’ Roll: An Interview with Linda Gail Lewis

    “I’m the sister of a hell-raiser, the daughter of an old tomcat, I was playin’ the piano in a honky-tonk, long before you bragged about that.” The above lyrics are from the song “Round Too Long” off of Linda Gail Lewis and Robbie Fulks’ first collaborative album, Wild! Wild! Wild! released in August on Bloodshot Records. It’s as if that first line can almost be a quick biography of country/rock n’ roll musician, Linda Gail Lewis. Born in Louisiana, there’s almost no way Linda could escape a musical life. Her older brother, Jerry Lee Lewis, was attached to the piano so there was constant music in their house. “I could…