Shows
Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 104: Jonny Swift - Wild Nothing/GeminiJonny Swift (ex Beat the Radar, Paloma Café) is a Cumbria, UK-based artist who writes, performs and releases music under his own name, and since 2020 has released three albums (Dalton Daze, Story of Luna & Kalimera) via local independent label Seahouse Records. Swift has received national and international radio play and exposure from BBC 6 music, BBC London, BBC introducing, Amazing Radio as well as local independent radio stations.Jonny has released the lead single "She Said" on 17 November 2023 off his forthcoming record "An Awesome Dream" (1 December). Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Matt Kassell at Digital Man Recording Studio, B...
2023-11-1728 min
Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 98: Marco Castro (Musician - The Castros)Our guest today is one Marco Castro of the Chicagoland band known as The Castros. Born & raised in Costa Rica , embraced by the Midwest, Marco is also a Metroid & coffee enthusiast.The Castros newest single that was released on December 31st, 2021 called "Sail Away" which they recorded and self-produced.For our conversation today, Marco and I discussed in great detail Vheissu (pronounced "vee-sue"), the fourth studio album from the band known as Thrice. Vheissu was recorded at Studio Bearsville in Bearsville, NY and released on October 18, 2005. Enjoy the conversation!
2022-06-231h 20Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 94: Kiana Corley (Pop/Soul Artist)Our guest today is a Pennsylvania pop/soul artist - one Kiana Corley. She’s been featured in Guitar Girl Magazine, WXPN’s The Key, Medium.com, the podcast Brian Funk and many other media outlets.For our conversation today, we’re going to discuss the debut, self-titled studio album from English singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae. released on February 24, 2006 on EMI Records. Within the first few minutes, you will recognize you how much this record has had a profound impact on Kiana, and the way she lives her life as a creative person.Enjoy the conver...
2022-05-2340 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 93: Avi Walter (Bassist of Friday Night Flicks) Our guest today is Avi Walter, bassist for several DC bands including Albino Rhino, Bells & Hunters, allthebestkids and is now the bassist for the group Friday Night Flicks, a project which began in April of 2020.In addition to his passion for music, Avi has a degree in alternative medicine and physiology, so health and human performance are always top of mind.For our conversation today, we’re going to discuss Frank Zappa and his self-produced 1974 record Apostrophe. Apostrophe was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York City; Bolic Sound in Inglewood, California; Paramount Studios, Hollywood, Ca...
2022-05-1050 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 92: RJ Conrad (of Rascal Revival)Our guest today is one R.J. Conrad from the Harrisburg, PA band six-piece known as Rascal Revival. They recently released an EP titled Passing Time Around, which you should take the time to seek out and put the band on your radar.For our conversation today, we’re going to discuss a collaboration between Dave Matthews from the Dave Matthews Band and multi-instrumentalist Tim Reynolds of TR3, and the profound impact this record had on our guest.Of course, we are talking about Live at Luther College – a live album from Dave and Tim, whic...
2022-04-1552 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 91: Ron Babcock (Comedian/Editor) Our guest today is one Ron Babcock.Ron Babcock is a comedian and editor living in Los Angeles. His debut album THIS GUY. went to #1 on iTunes Comedy and #13 on Billboard Comedy. He’s appeared on Adam Devine’s House Party, Last Comic Standing and other cancelled shows. He’s edited for Netflix, Disney, HBO, Adult Swim and others - most recently, CAT BURGLAR, an interactive series which debuted on February 22nd, 2022 on Netflix. He’s also currently working on a project animating voicemails his mom leaves him.Our conversation centers around a Dayton, Ohio alternat...
2022-03-2957 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 90: Max Feinstein (Musician/Producer/Studio Owner/Inventor/Hemophilia Advocate)Our guest today is one Max Feinstein. He’s a musician, producer, studio owner, inventor and a New Jersey based hemophilia advocate using music to promote bleeding disorder awareness. Incidentally, March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. Learn more about BDAM by clicking here.Currently, Max is promoting singles off a record he wrote while spending the better part of the last 18 months rehabilitating an elbow after a decade of living with severe osteoarthritis.He is also the inventor of the Mod Stand.After years of negotiating minimal and never-certain stage space in the my...
2022-03-1553 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 89: Brittany Valint (Musician/Teacher)Our guest today is one Brittany Valint, who is no stranger to the program. Previously, we dissected Ben Kweller’s 2002 record Sha Sha, which you can listen to in Episode 70. Brittany is someone who I’ve gotten to know a little more over the past year and I’m so proud to call her a friend. She makes up one-half of the atmospheric project known as Wall of Trophies with her co-conspirator Will Copps, and also pens songs under her own moniker, Brittany Jean.This time around, Brittany has selected The Instigator, - the second solo album from R...
2021-12-2844 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 88: Waylon K. Smith (Musician) Waylon K. Smith is a singer-songwriter living in Bel-Air, MD. His sound is a mash up of Damon Albarn, Radiohead, REM, & Roger Waters. He is currently singing silly songs to his new daughter & booking live performances of his original tunes & the classics that inspired them.Our conversation centers around English singer-songwriter, baroque chamber/electro pop artist Patrick Wolf and his debut studio album Lycanthropy, which was released back on July 28, 2003 on Tomlab. Enjoy!
2021-12-1439 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 87: M.R. Morrison (Artist/Poet/Yoga Instructor)Our guest today resides just outside of Harrisburg, PA and is no stranger to the program. She is one M.R. Morrison: an artist and poet of We Doubt The Call Even As We Answer It. At the present, she is no stranger to travel which is an integral element of her practice as an artist. Current projects include design for a board game (Daude; Seasons) and her second collection of poetry.For our discussion today, Ms. Morrison has chosen HORSES the debut studio album from the artistic icon known as Patti Smith. Recorded with her band...
2021-11-3037 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 86: Grant Santoscoy of Bloodhounds (Band) Today's guest is Grant Santoscoy of Cleveland, Ohio’s indie rock band Bloodhounds to discuss Philadelphia, PA’s Modern Baseball and their debut record Sports. Sports was recorded at Free Studios at Drexel University and released in December 2012 on Lame-O Records. Enjoy this deep lyrical dive into a brilliant band!
2021-11-1637 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 85: The W Lovers (Alt-Country Band)Our guest today is one Fluer Wood and one Wesley Wood. Together they are The W Lovers from Seattle, Washington and have made their mark on the live music scene all over the American West, playing over 100 shows a year, since their inception in 2014.Their sophomore album "This Little Town,' was produced by Ryan Hadlock (Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers) and was released June 2019. 'This Little Town' made it to #1 on the Roots Alternative Folk Chart for three weeks and hit #8 on NAAC Folk Chart. Voted #2 album of the month on Americana Highways in July and made...
2021-11-0225 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 84: Rory D'Lasnow (Musician)Our guest today is one Rory D’Lasnow. Rory is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey who plays the guitar upside down and backwards. He released his new EP, “Songs From an Empty Room" in Fall 2021 and you can catch him playing live throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.Rory is also the host of an Instagram Live event once a week titled The Songwriter Showcase, which is an excellent way for those wishing to discover new songwriters and a place that I will recommend you give a follow.For our conversation today, we will be discussing “Where You Wa...
2021-10-1930 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 83: Jared Saltiel (Musician)Our guest today is one Jared Saltiel.Jared is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Brooklyn, NY. Always a clever lyricist and imaginative storyteller, Saltiel's rich orchestrations elevate his musical narratives with cinematic overtones.As lead singer and songwriter of Ann Arbor, Michigan pop/rock band The Dirty Birds, he released his debut album How the Cause Became the Cure in 2009. After moving to Brooklyn NY, he launched his solo career, releasing two interconnected full-length albums of lushly orchestrated, "magical realist" story-songs: The Light Within in 2013, and Out of Clay in 2018. His follow-up One More...
2021-10-0544 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 82: Chris Rider (Photographer)Our guest today is one Chris Rider of Liverpool, PA. Chris is a photographer and an avid concertgoer. You can find him throughout south Central Pennsylvania and other parts of the Commonwealth behind a camera lens at a wide variety of venues including the Englewood near Hershey, PA and The Whitaker Center in Harrisburg.We spoke in late July of 2021, one week before he was set to snap pictures of one of his all time favorite bands in action at Spy Glass Ridge Winery in Sunbury, PA.So you may be wondering aloud now...
2021-09-2138 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 81: Matt Wheeler (Musician)Our guest today is one Matt Wheeler. The terms "troubadour", "poet with a guitar", & "stage banter-conversationalist" all describe Matt Wheeler's music & performance style well. Matt’s songwriting paints pictures with words. Matt has delighted audiences from New England to North Carolina, Ontario to Chicago. His new album "Wonder of it All" - a collection of songs based on classic works of literature like "The Little Prince" & "The Hobbit", was released on 5/21/21.For our conversation today, we are going to be discussing Ongiara “ahn-gee-AR-uh”, with a hard “g - the third studio album by Canadian folk rock band Great La...
2021-09-0757 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 80: Keith Valcourt (Actor/Author)Our guest today is one Keith Valcourt. Keith is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp. He is also the co-author of the forthcoming autobiography of 1980's new wave singer Dale Bozzio titled "Life Is So Strange: Missing Persons, Frank Zappa, Prince and more."Previously Keith worked as Global Project Manager for GeneSimmonsVault.com, an Artist Development rep at Capitol-EMI Records and as an actor in several TV shows and films including: "The Exes," "Retired At 35," "General Hospital" and his best known role as Ted on an episode of "The Office." You can...
2021-08-2435 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 79: Mitch Easter (of Let's Active / Record Producer)Our guest today is a native of Winston-Salem, NC. He is one Mitch Easter, legendary front man of the acclaimed Let's Active and record producer at the Drive-In and Fidelitorium Recordings. For our listeners who might be unfamiliar with Mitch’s musical career to date … Easter formed Let's Active in 1981 and that same year, produced R.E.M.'s debut single "Radio Free Europe," which was issued on Johnny Hibbert’s label Hibtone Records in Atlanta. Incidentally, Radio Free Europe is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2021 and a reissue of an exact replica of Hibbert’s 7” mix is now available...
2021-08-1027 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 78: David "Vlad" Urban (Musician / Waking Lily)Our guest today is one David “Vlad” Urban - Vocalist, Guitarist, and keyboard player in the Shoegaze / Postpunk trio - Waking Lily. He is also a member of the Experimental Electronic Dirge Duo known as Filament Band.For our conversation today, we are going to be discussing Daydream Nation: the 5th studio album by American alternative rock band Sonic Youth, which was released on Enigma Records on October 18, 1988.Daydream Nation has since been widely considered to be Sonic Youth's greatest work and was chosen by the Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Reco...
2021-07-2735 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 77: Derek Evry (Musician) For today's episode we have a return guest, Mr. Derek Evry. Derek is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has gone on to front several successful rock bands in the D.C. area (1999-2006) before briefly attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA (2006) and returning to D.C. to work on his own music.For our conversation today, we will be placing our focus on American musician Mark Mulcahy and his 2019 solo record titled The Gus. For those unfamiliar, he is the front man for the New Haven, CT based band Miracle Legion. He He...
2021-07-1338 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 76: Craig Patrick (Musician / Giants of Diving)We sat down to speak with artist Craig Patrick, who performs under the moniker Giants of Diving: a guitar-driven, synth-tinged, multi-hyphenated, indie-pop/rock with all vocals and instrumentation recorded by Patrick using a microphone, three guitars, a synthesizer, a laptop computer, a tangle of wires, and some very powerful audio recording software he barely understands. Craig is also a poet with writing published in Forth Magazine, Door is a Jar, and Algebra of Owls among other places.Our conversation today digs deep into the beauty, rawness and authenticity of Patty Griffin's debut studio from 1996 titled Living With...
2021-06-2931 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 75: Jon Garcia (of Jon Garcia & The Hopeless Romantics)Our guest today is one Jon Garcia of Harrisburg, PA by way of Havre de Grace, MD. Jon is a musician and front man for the appropriately named pop rock outfit Jon Garcia & The Hopeless Romantics. We caught up with Garcia by telephone and discussed Switchfoot's fourth studio record Beautiful Letdown. There is an unmistakable passion in Garcia's voice when talking about a band that has had one of the most profound influences on his musicianship. Enjoy!
2021-06-1527 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 74: Julia Cain (Folklorist / College Administrator)For our conversation today, Julia and I discussed the Dixie Chicks and their seventh studio album Taking the Long Way, which was released back in 2006 on Columbia Nashville. "The Chicks" as they are known today, received quite a back of backlash at this juncture of their career for their beliefs and their refusal to apologize or back down to anyone. This long-form interview with Julia is in the truest sense of the word is an examination of a band who continues to put out great music and still "not ready to make nice." Enjoy!
2021-06-011h 09Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 73: Hannah Garrison (Wear Your Music)In today's episode, we meet Hannah Garrison, President of Wear Your Music.WYM makes music memorabilia from used and donated materials in an effort to help green the music industry, connect fans to musicians and raise money for charities around the globe.In addition to her current entrepreneurial ventures, Garrison spearheads a success-accelerating consulting practice anchored by a team of entrepreneurs who are changing the world. Via group and private session work, they offer strategy, clarity and organizational help to individuals and businesses.Our conversation centered around Madonna - AKA the “Queen of Po...
2021-05-1824 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 72: Josh Engle (Musician/Producer) In today's episode, we called up Liverpool, PA's Josh Engle. Josh plays guitar in two different bands, including Illusion of Solace and Elsewhere and owns the recording studio Native Studios.Elsewhere just released their second EP “A Different Side of Fangs” which you can find on all streaming platforms. And Illusion of Solace is currently in the middle of tracking vocals with a new vocalist for their second EP.For our conversation today, we’ll be discussing a Christian metalcore band known as The Devil Wears Prada and their studio album Plagues. Plagues was recorded at The...
2021-05-0428 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 72: Mike Nealon (Oasis Enthusiast) In this week's episode, we spoke with Mike Nealon of Queens, NY and discussed all things Oasis and their debut record "Definitely Maybe." The smash hit "Live Forever" is still Nealon's all-time favorite song and Definitely Maybe captures a hungry and energetic band poised and ready to take the world by storm. Enjoy!
2021-04-2022 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 71: Matt Berry (Musician/Classified Frequency)In today's episode, we sat down to chat with guitarist/songwriter Matt Berry (Classified Frequency) about The Stereo's last LP titled Rewind + Record, which was released on Fueled by Ramen back in June of 2002. Many themes and musical moves are present on this record, but at its core is the belief in one's art and power of letting go of people or things that weigh you down.Fun Fact: Frontman Jamie Woolford has produced the last few albums by Classified Frequency!Please Note: While this was a 1 v 1 conversation, you may pick up traces of...
2021-04-0640 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 70: Brittany Valint (Musician & School Teacher - Wall of Trophies, Brittany Jean)In today's episode, we called up musician and school teacher Brittany Valint (Wall of Trophies and Brittany Jean) to discuss the debut album from songwriter Ben Kweller in 2002. That of course is Sha Sha, which recorded back in 2002 and released at ATO Records.This album is important to our guest as you will find out, whether it's recalling a memorable show, Kweller's heartfelt and at times off-beat lyrics and his commitment to just freaking ROCK! There's something for everyone here and I will keep quiet so as to not spoil the plot. Tune in and Enjoy!
2021-03-231h 00Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 69: Adam Grabowski (Drummer/Sound Engineer/Host of the podcast "Backseat Playlist") In this week's episode, we speak with Gettysburg, PA's Adam Grabowski. Adam is a freelance drummer/live sound engineer/drum tech/freelance studio and mic engineer/ and host of the podcast, Backseat Playlist - dedicated to breaking down what influenced musicians, producers, engineers, techs, and artists to pursue the craft. Adam and I discussed Thrice and their seventh studio album Beggars, which was released on Vagrant Records back in 2009. This record had a profound impact in Adam during some of life's difficult moments, and I hope you enjoy his earnestness, wonderfully dry wit and a deep, intellectual...
2021-03-0939 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 68: Jake Joyce (from the Jake Joyce Band) In this week's episode, we dialed up Jake Joyce from The Jake Joyce Band to talk about Bob Dylan's 1966 record Blonde on Blonde side by side. To paraphrase Barry Judd in High Fidelity: "You don't have Blonde on Blonde? *sigh* It's going to be okay."
2021-02-2346 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 67: James Hearne (King Pine / Musician)Our guest this week is from the Hudson Valley in New York State. He is one James Hearne, formerly of The Way Home and who has recently released a new solo record under the moniker King Pine.We sat down one evening to discuss the late Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip and his 2001 debut solo LP Coke Machine Glow. Learn about the authentic coolness of Gord Downie as a human, his lyrical prowess and the unique recording sessions which spawned Coke Machine Glow , Enjoy!
2021-02-0930 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 66: Anthony Musumeci (American History teacher/Podcaster)Our guest today is American history teacher and musicologist Anthony Musumeci, as well a co-host of The Music Draft podcast. We discussed a living legend - songwriter Bob Dylan and his landmark album released on May 27, 1963 titled The Freewheelin', which was released on Columbia Records. This would be the first record from Zimmy to feature a generous breadbasket of original material that was produced by John Hammond and Tom Wilson.My favorite quote from Anthony during our conversation is the following: “Songs are a window on what’s taking place in society.” Enjoy!
2021-01-2648 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 65: Angela Sclafani (Performer/Songwriter/Theatre-maker)New York City-based performer, songwriter, and theater-maker Angela Sclafani stopped by the program in late 2020 to discuss Fiona Apple and her fourth studio record The Idler Wheel. Idler Wheel was recorded in Los Feliz, CA and released back on June 19, 2012 on Epic/Clean Slate Records, and was produced by Fiona Apple and Charley Drayton. Enjoy!About the ArtistAngela has independently recorded and released three solo EP’s: History, Your Ghost, and Blossom. Last year her original song Your Ghost received first place in the 2019 Great American Song Contest's Adult Contemporary category and this year (2020) he...
2021-01-1239 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 64: Scott Kurt (Country Recording Artist) Country recording artist Scott Kurt (of Scott Kurt and Memphis 59) stopped by the show to talk about Tom Petty's first solo record from 1989 titled Full Moon Fever! This was a pivotal source of inspiration for Scott as he began to embark on his musical journey during his formative years.Check out SK and Memphis 59's rendition of TP & The Heartbreakers “Christmas All Over Again” at the top of the show and get the latest on what the band is up to online, including their rendition of another classic Christmas track "Run Run Rudolph." Happy Holidays everyone!
2020-12-2227 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 63: Eric Taft (The Great Heights Band, Record Producer) Eric Taft is a producer, engineer and songwriter from Baltimore, MD. He works closely with both local and regional artists, helping them develop their sound and writing style. He has also worked with national artists such as Underoath, The Amity Affliction, Plain White T’s and Less Than Jake. Eric currently operates the Buzzlounge Recording Studio in Baltimore.In addition to studio work, Eric has also spent time as an educator, teaching classes and concepts in recording technology, both privately and in schools.Currently, Eric plays in a number of bands, but most notably plays gu...
2020-12-0838 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 62: Sam Snow (of Ill Uma Naughty, Motion Quotient)DJ/Writer/Editor/Drum Monkey Sam Snow (of Ill Uma Naughty, Motion Quotient) is our guest on today's podcast. We sat down one morning to discuss in length Frederick, MD's Clutch and their eponymous 2nd album, Clutch.Clutch was recorded at Uncle Punchy Studios, Silver Spring, MD in Dec, 1994 – Jan. 1995. Sam & I dug deep into the lyrics and their allusions to conspiracy theories (JFK, Alien technology, etc.). If you know Clutch, welcome in. If you haven't met them, welcome in, dear listeners. Enjoy!
2020-11-2454 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 61: Jim Logrando (Manager of Punchline, Co-Founder of Craft Services)We dialed up Jim Logrando (Co-Founder of Craft Services and Manager of Punchline) to discuss the debut record from English glam rock band Spacehog - and their landmark released by Sire Records and Elektra. That of course dear listeners is Resident Alien. The album was certified gold on 29 July 1996 and included the hit single "In the Meantime."Jim takes us back to the origins of his love for this widely overlooked band from the 1990's, the night he was finally able to catch them live and much more. Enjoy!
2020-11-1036 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 60: Kasvot Växt (Scandinavian Prog Rock)We recently made contact with Jules Haugen, Cleif Jarvinen, Horst Guomundurson, and Georg Guomundurson, who are members of an obscure and influential prog rock quartet from Scandinavia known as Kasvot Växt. Some say they do not exist, but does this audio recording suggest otherwise, my phriends?Kasvot Växt released one full-length record back in 1981 titled “í rokk” and recently re-surfaced into the public consciousness when a Burlington, VT band known as Phish performed “í rokk” in its entirety on Halloween night in Las Vegas in 2018. We traveled back in time to 1981 and discussed their humble beginnings working on a scienti...
2020-10-2715 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 59: Chris Tondevold (Ambition Radio Podcast) Our guest today is Chris Tondevold from the Ambition Radio podcast! We discussed The Doors compilation The Future Starts Here, which runs the gamut of the very best from Jim, Ray, John and Robby, plus a few surprise selections. What do The Doors represent to Chris? How did he get turned onto the band? Have a listen and enjoy!
2020-10-1353 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 58: EP Jackson (Musician/Producer)Our guest today is Fredericksburg, VA’s EP Jackson from the band EP Jackson and The Last Well and Fill Your Boots Studio, also in Fredericksburg.We spent one morning this past July digging into The White Stripes and their 4th album Elephant. Elephant was released on April 1, 2003 and produced by Jack White through XL V2 and Third Man Records. Enjoy the conversation!
2020-09-2934 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 57 - Kerriann Curtis (Japanese edition)Today we have a guest who paid us a visit back in Episode 17. She is one Kerriann Curtis. Kerriann has created an Instagram series of paintings showcasing her own work titled Art for the Afterlife, which you should most certainly check out @kerricurtisart . We discussed a piece of music by Mrs. Green Apple, a rock quintet from Tokyo. For our conversation, Kerriann has transcribed lyrics from Japanese to English of a song titled “Who Are You?” which will serve as a bit of a guidepost to our conversation. For fans of music that possess a high-octane energy such as The...
2020-09-1521 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 56: So Sure (Noise Rock)Matt dials up members of a new band known as So Sure, which includes Brendan Kelly and Sean Kelly of A Fragile Tomorrow as well as drummer Kyle Polk. So Sure can be described as dream pop, shoegaze, post punk, and influenced by alternative music of the 80s and 90s. Their debut, 5-song EP Caffeine Drip is available via NoiseTrade and is also being streamed on Paste Magazine. So Sure has chosen 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the ACLU to aid in its urgent advocacy efforts to demand racial justice and end police brutality.
2020-09-0157 min
Ambition RadioMatt TarkaDC based singer/songwriter Matt Tarka joins the show!
Check out his music here:
https://www.matttarkamusic.com/
Check out his podcast here:
https://covertocoverconversations.com/
Intro music by Brian Luttrell of Girih
Check them out here: https://girih.bandcamp.com/ (https://girih.bandcamp.com/)
Copyright 2018-2020 Ambition Radio LLC. All Rights Reserved
2020-08-261h 06
Ambition RadioMatt TarkaDC based singer/songwriter Matt Tarka joins the show!
Check out his music here:
https://www.matttarkamusic.com/
Check out his podcast here:
https://covertocoverconversations.com/
Intro music by Brian Luttrell of Girih
Check them out here: https://girih.bandcamp.com/ (https://girih.bandcamp.com/)
Copyright 2018-2020 Ambition Radio LLC. All Rights Reserved
2020-08-261h 06Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 55: Cathy DiToro (Musician)We telephoned DC-area artist Cathy DiToro (of Party Like It's..., Project Hera) to discuss Alanis Morrisette's landmark album, Jagged Little Pill, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Cathy and I spoke extensively about each track on this record and it will be obvious to you, dear listener, the impact Jagged Little Pill had on Cathy's career in music. Enjoy!
2020-08-2556 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 54: Jonathan Tea (Musician/Voice Over Artist)In this episode, we spoke with musician/voice over artist Jonathan Tea about an album that reinvigorated his life when he needed it most: the Foo Fighters sixth studio offering Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, which was released on RCA Records back in 2007. Enjoy!
2020-08-1835 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 53: Ann Brandstadter (Musician) Today's episode features DC area musician Ann Brandstadter. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, she moved to the D.C. area in the 90s. A communications professional by day, Ann moonlights as a local rock star in bands such as Grandma's Mini, Mimi Loco, and most recently AJ and the Kids and a new pandemic duo, Smart Patrol. AJ and the Kids is a D.C. area rock band that plays original music and covers and will record an EP this fall. They have been active since 2018. You can follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @ajandthekids. Smart Patrol...
2020-08-1123 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 52: Babyllon (Musician/Guitarist) Our guest in Episode 52 is New York, NY’s soul/rock & roll outfit known as Babyllon. Guitar World magazine has referred to Babyllon as "A happy talent trifecta!" with a loud live sound that sounds like Amy Winehouse and Led Zeppelin put together. We spoke by phone and focused on the classic Led Zeppelin song "Ramble On" from Led Zeppelin II and how it altered the course of her craft. Enjoy!
2020-08-0432 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 51: Christie Gee (Podcaster/Artist) In this episode, we meet podcaster Christie Gee of The Christie Gee Podcast. Christie stopped by the show to discuss MxPx's 1996 album 'Life in General. Christie reminisces about growing up in a small Texas town, a batch of VHS tapes of artists on Tooth and Nail Records which would inevitably change her life, and later becoming good friends with the group. Enjoy the conversation! '
2020-07-2835 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 50: Neal Karkhanis (The Great Heights Band) - Musician/SongwriterIn this episode, we chat with songwriter/guitarist Neal Karkhanis of Baltimore, MD's The Great Heights Band about Ben Folds Five and their influential 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen. We take the plunge into the depths of Ben Folds' lyrics as well as discuss the staggering musicianship of the group. Keep your favorite black t-shirt, friends. Enjoy!
2020-07-2139 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 49: Marc Plotkin - Professor/Producer/MusicianIn this episode, we sit down with Marc Plotkin: an American Songwriting Award-Winning Artist, a Grammy shortlisted Producer, a Bloomberg BusinessWeek Top 25 Entrepreneur, and a Professor at New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.For our conversation today, we’ll be discussing Evolve, which is the 12th studio album by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, released in 2003. We spoke to one another on a beautiful Spring afternoon, as evidenced by the sounds of happily chirping away in the sun. Enjoy!
2020-07-1442 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 48: Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach (Composer/Sound Supervisor)In this episode, we spoke with Berkeley, CA composer/sound supervisor Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach (IMRSV Sound) on Oxford, UK's Radiohead and their 1997 groundbreaking album OK Computer. We talked with Jacob about the songs from OK Computer that changed his life in music, both personally and professionally. Enjoy this thoughtful perspective on an important album which altered the course of pop music forever!
2020-07-0728 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 47: Brian Franke (Singer/Songwriter) In this episode, we spoke with Charlottesville, VA based singer/songwriter Brian Franke who also comprises one-half of the duo FarAway. We talked about an important rock band known as King's X, and their 1994 album Dogman, King's X is a musician's band - a group whom many believe did not receive the critical acclaim that they rightfully deserve from rock critics - even after playing a spell-binding set at Woodstock in 1994! If you want to listen to a hard-rocking, power trio go to work, they are some of the most technically proficient musicians still out there cutting records and...
2020-06-3029 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 46: Beau (of The Rock Savages Podcast) Today's episode features Beau from The Rock Savages Podcast! We rifled through a few stacks of records and fell upon The Black Crowes and their 1994 record Amorica. We find the "classic lineup" playing by their own set of rules outside a musical landscape consumed by "grunge" and experimenting with newer sounds and rhythms at this juncture. It's still the Crowes you've known and grown to love, but perhaps with a little more introspection, Beau also shared a few anecdotes about meeting a few band and crew members up in Woodstock. Enjoy!
2020-06-2344 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 45: Danny Green (DG Solaris/Laish) - MusicianToday's guest is London, UK's Danny Green of the bands DG Solaris and Laish. Green shared a record that has played a pivotal role in his own explorations of songwriting: Will Oldham (AKA Bonnie 'Prince' Billy)'s 2001 LP "Ease Down the Road." We spent a considerable amount of time attempting to dissect the lyrical meaning behind the songs on this record. Be forewarned: Bonnie Prince Billy's lyrics are dark, bawdy and perhaps not for the faint of heart. Our conversation surely earned its explicit rating in the land of podcasts. We had several laughs throughout at BPB's lyrical construction...
2020-06-1642 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 44: Ric Gordon - Songwriter/Producer/PublisherThis week's episode features a discussion with Ric Gordon, a Kansas City & Nashville based artist and Director of A&R and a staff songwriter with music publisher Ammar Music Group is this week's guest. Recently his original songs have been recorded by pop singer Taylor Mac and country artist Jim Martin. We took some time to chat about a pivotal record in Ric Gordon's life and rock music as a whole: 1967's The Velvet Underground and Nico.In a career spanning 5 decades, Ric has forged an innovative and original Americana/alt-country sound. Ric moved to NYC’s Gr...
2020-06-0938 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 43: Jarrett Nicolay - Multi-Instrumentalist/ProducerAlexandria, VA based multi-instrumentalist and record producer Jarrett Nicolay (Mixtape Studios) is our guest on the program this week! For those unfamiliar with Nicolay's work, check out his solo project My New Mixtape, and bands Virginia Coalition, Astra Via and Franklin Gotham. We discussed an important English Rock band known as The Smiths and a their 1987 compilation titled Louder Than Bombs. LTB was released as a double album and features a wonderful breadbasket of singles, B-sides and John Peel Sessions. Enjoy!
2020-06-021h 09Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 42: Kevin Conaway - Singer/Songwriter In this episode, singer/songwriter Kevin Conaway and I discuss in great detail Canada's finest prog-rock band, Rush, and their 1987 album Hold Your Fire. We explore a variety of topics, namely, lyrical themes presented to the listener by drummer Neil Peart, what was happening in the world in 1987 that informed the band and their continued influence on Conaway's approach to his musical craft. Enjoy!
2020-05-261h 32Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 41: Kendra Muecke - Songwriter/Musician/Writer/Actress/AuthorIn this episode, we spoke with Kendra Muecke of Kendra and the Bunnies about the sixth record from Animal Collective titled Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino Records). Kendra discussed her favorite tracks, meeting the band, as well as the open-ended interpretations of lyrics presented on this record. We also wound up discussing the use of an Oxford Comma in the English language. Do you appreciate the Oxford Comma, dear listener? Enjoy!
2020-05-191h 01Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 40: Salim Nourallah - Songwriter/Producer/Record Label OwnerOur guest this week is artist, producer, Palo Santo Records co-founder, and Dallas, TX indie music godfather Salim Nourallah. We spoke by telephone on a lazy, April afternoon and discussed The White Album by The Beatles, which changed the course of popular music forever, and cast aside traditional methods of presenting one main musical genre on a record. Salim reminisced about the impact The White Album has had on his life and career in music, beginning in the mid 1970's. We also discussed The White Album's production choices and instrumentation; clever lyrics; and gorgeous, finger picked, acoustic-driven songs from...
2020-05-121h 02Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 34: Nelson Sobral - Musician/SongwriterIn this episode, Matt calls up Toronto, Canada based musician Nelson Sobral to discuss The Rolling Stones 1972 double record Exile on Main St. We extensively go track x track through Exile and all of its influences on the band, who is certainly at the peak of its powers. Enjoy!
2020-05-111h 11Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 39: Brian Pagels (The Beanstalk Library/Uptown Boys Choir) - Guitarist/SongwriterIn this episode, we sat down with guitarist and songwriter Brian Pagels of The Beanstalk Library and Uptown Boys Choir to discuss Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1999 album Echo, which spawned the singles "Room at the Top," "Swingin," and "Free Girl Now ". We focused on the darkness of Echo's lyrical undertones, and the increased roles of guitarist Mike Campbell, multi-instrumentalist Scott Thurston and drummer Steve Ferrone during the making of this record. The fact that Echo sounds as cohesive and full of energy as it does during this uncertain time in the group's career is remarkable in itself. Enjoy...
2020-05-0543 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 38: - Cover to Cover Presents: - LIVE! with Matt & Derek - Episode 4My friend Derek Evry and I have created “Cover to Cover Presents: LIVE” A four-part miniseries for April, which you can also follow @cover2coverlive on Instagram and Twitter. We’re talking about live music this month and try to keep its spirit alive through the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode 4 of this 4-part series is now up for your listening pleasure. Derek and Matt focus on some impactful live albums during the 1970's and 1980's, the controversy of overdubbing of live recordings in the studio (Is It Still A Live Album Then?), transcendent performances at LIVE AID and Milton Keynes, and ev...
2020-04-291h 12Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 37: - Cover to Cover Presents: - LIVE! with Matt & Derek - Episode 3My friend Derek Evry and I have created “Cover to Cover Presents: LIVE” A four-part miniseries for April, which you can also follow @cover2coverlive on Instagram and Twitter. We’ll be talking about live music this month (in pajamas) and try to keep its spirit alive through the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode 3 of this series is now up for your listening pleasure. We talk about important American music festivals in the 1960's, which evolved into movies/documentaries, and their impact on festivals in the 90's to today. We also explore the importance of tour "riders." Strap on your 🎧 or ear buds...
2020-04-2154 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 36: - Cover to Cover Presents: - LIVE! with Matt & Derek - Episode 2My friend Derek Evry and I have created “Cover to Cover Presents: LIVE” A four-part miniseries for April, which you can also follow @cover2coverlive on Instagram and Twitter. We’ll be talking about live music this month and try to keep its spirit alive through the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode 2 of this series is now up for your listening pleasure. We talk about important television shows in the 1950's, 60's and 70's that introduced, or in some circumstances, reunited artists in a live setting. Derek and Matt also reminisce about a few of their favorite live TV performances from bands...
2020-04-1352 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 35: - Cover to Cover Presents: - LIVE! with Matt & Derek - Episode 1A podcast where Matt & Derek talk about live music & try to keep the spirit alive through the tribulations concerning the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is an ongoing series throughout the month of April 2020. It will be four episodes. Visit @cover2coverlive on Twitter and Instagram. Write to the show: covertocoverlivepodcast@gmail.com
2020-04-0643 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 33: Sean Kelly (A Fragile Tomorrow) - Songwriter/MusicianWe sat down with musician Sean Kelly of the band A Fragile Tomorrow to discuss one of his all-time favorite records involving Neil Finn: Crowded House’s fourth studio record from 1993, Together Alone. We discussed in great detail the influence of record producer Youth at the helm, Sean’s introduction to the group, Together Alone’s “lyrical tapestries,” as well as A Fragile Tomorrow’s studio collaboration with keyboardist Mark Hart. For those unfamiliar with this rock outfit from Australia/New Zealand, allow yourself to be transfixed with the beauty of these tunes. Enjoy!
2020-03-231h 20Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 32: John Athayde (Rotoscope) - Musician/Filmmaker/DesignerIn this episode, John Athayde, the man behind an experimental rock project known as Rotoscope, discusses the impact of U2's seventh studio record from 1991 known as Achtung Baby during his salad days to the present day. We dig deep into Achtung's heavy themes (biblical, divorce), guitar tones by The Edge, Bono's anthemic lyrics and the addition of dance and industrial sounds to U2's sonic palette. Enjoy!
2020-03-1759 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 31: Wes Tucker - Songwriter/MusicianIn this episode, songwriter Wes Tucker of Wes Tucker & The Skillets shares how he discovered the socially conscious, melting pot of music of Ben Harper (as an opener for Pearl Jam in the mid 90's), and then subsequently borrowing a few albums from an old friend after that first live experience! We focus on Ben Harper's 1995 album Fight for Your Mind, which was his last solo offering on Virgin Records, before the official introduction of Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. Enjoy our conversation as we go track x track!
2020-03-1032 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 30: Scott Fallon - Musician/Songwriter/CryptozoologistMatt telephones Alexandria-based musician Scott Fallon of the Free Flowing Musical Experience and founder of the Alexandria Cryptozoology and Paranormal Society to discuss Neil Young's third solo record released in 1970 titled After the Gold Rush. Scott shares the origins of how he connected with Neil's solo material and we discuss the tone and tenor of each track. Do not be surprised to hear the word flugelhorn continuously weave in and out of this conversation. You'll understand when you listen. We also discussed a theory or two behind the cover art of After the Gold Rush. Enjoy!
2020-03-0238 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 29: Mark Beeson - Bassist/Songwriter/ProducerEpisode 29 brought Mark Beeson to the program! Mark owns Fred & Elvis' Guitar Lounge, a recording studio in Farifax, VA, is the bassist of his own music project The Jack Pine and can be seen holding down the bottom end, stage left for country/rock outfit Scott Kurt & Memphis 59. Mark recounts that pivotal moment in his formative years when he discovered The Police and their 1978 debut record Outlandos d'Amour via his older brother's record collection, and recently performed these complex musical arrangements live for a covers project orchestrated by Washington, DC-based drummer Ben Tufts. Enjoy this look back at an...
2020-02-1828 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 28: Jason (Jay) Byrd - Guitarist / Singer / SongwriterIn Episode 28, we called up musician Jason (Jay) Byrd of Jay Byrd & the Musical Trust and South Rail to discuss Marietta, GA's stellar rock & roll outfit The Black Crowes and their second LP from 1992 titled The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. Produced by George Drakoulias, this lineup of The Crowes gave fans and listeners alike a new dynamic, with Marc Ford on guitar and Eddie Harsch on keys. Enjoy this free-wheeling conversation on The Black Crowes and how they reigned supreme on the airwaves on both MTV and FM radio!
2020-02-1845 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 27: Zach Parkman - Musician/SongwriterMatt telephones Brooklyn-based musician Zach Parkman of The Darkest Timeline, Bad Robot Jones and sci-folk project Here Lies the Human Race to discuss Tom Waits' 1976 album Small Change. Zach shares a few anecdotes about the impact of this record on his own creative pursuits, and his own formative years when left to his own devices in New Orleans, Both Zach and Matt marvel at Waits' literary genius. Enjoy this episode about one of the master crooners of our time!
2020-02-1148 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 26: Dan Pechacek - Musician/Guitar Pedal DesignerIn this episode, we have a discussion with Oklahoma City musician Dan Pechacek of Plain Speak and Old Blood Noise Endeavors about indie folk artist Chris Bathgate's A Cork Tale Wake and its early influence on Dan's own music. Fans of American Football, Neutral Milk Hotel and Nick Drake should cast their attention towards this record; it's a gorgeous and heart wrenching work in so many beautiful ways. Enjoy!
2020-02-0644 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 25: Zachary Stauffer - Documentary Filmmaker/JournalistIn this week’s episode, Matt telephoned documentary filmmaker and journalist Zachary Stauffer at his home in Berkeley, CA to discuss a collaboration between old friends Jerry Garcia and David “Dawg” Grisman titled “Been All Around this World.” BAATW is a shining example of two accomplished players covering the music which inspires them - from traditional folk songs, country classics by legends such as George Jones and Merl Travis, as well musical icons Jimmy Cliff and James Brown. Enjoy!
2020-01-2800 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 24: Andy Canadian - Songwriter/MusicianIn this episode, Andy Canadian of the band Canadian Invasion sits down with Matt to discuss Blur's 1995 record The Great Escape and its seedy and sinister characters in depth. Enjoy this tasty moment in the history of 1990's Britpop!
2020-01-2000 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 23: Jeff Ruby - Musician/SongwriterNashville songwriter Jeff Ruby sits down with Matt to discuss Oasis and their 2nd full length record from 1995 titled What's the Story, Morning Glory? - and the songs that inspired Jeff to pick up a guitar. There are some gigantic songs as you may know on this record, dear listener, like Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger that stand the test of time and continue to inspire people around the world. Enjoy!
2020-01-1416 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 21: Cory Welch - Musician/ProducerHot 'Lanta songwriter Cory Welch visits the program to discuss Stevie Wonder's beautiful bicentennial record Songs in the Key of Life. What might you find in this conversation? We talked about long-time bassist and musical director Nathan Watts, the contributions of Snuffy Walden to popular music and even a connection with Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph to Songs in the Key of Life. So hit that play button and immerse yourself in the world of "Little Stevie" Wonder. Enjoy!
2020-01-0732 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 20: Chris Rattie - Musician/SongwriterIn this episode, Matt sits down with Chris Rattie of Chris Rattie and The New Rebels to dig deep into the emotion and quality of Bruce Springsteen's 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town. In addition, Chris announced to our listeners he has finished a musical score for a documentary titled " "Land and Water: An Ecological Study of the Teotihuacan Valley of Mexico," which provides an invaluable snapshot of agricultural and land-use practices in the Basin just prior to the urban explosion of Mexico City.Enjoy this conversation as we go racing in the street with "The Boss!"
2019-12-3129 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 19: Matt Wanamaker - Musician/VeteranIn this episode, Matt Wanamaker of the band Maps and His Mothball Fleet stopped by the show to talk about a prolific band from Dayton, OH, known as (the mighty) Guided By Voices and their 7th studio album, 1994's Bee Thousand. Both Matt and Matt attempted to understand the lyrical minds of Robert Pollard and Tobin Sprout. You be the judge if we made a gallant effort, dear listener.
2019-12-2446 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 18: Megan Petty - Music BloggerMegan Petty, of the music blog Fuzzy Logic (one of the Top 200 Most Influential Music Blogs of 2019) stops by the show for a chat on The Verve's 1995 record A Northern Soul. If you love Britpop and all things Richard Ashcroft, you'll enjoy Megan's perspective on the band and their sonic landscapes. Enjoy! For more on Fuzzy Logic, visit: http://www.logicfuzzy.com/
2019-12-1737 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 17: Dom Kelly - Musician/SongwriterIn this episode, Dom Kelly of A Fragile Tomorrow and I go deep into the extraordinary and captivating world of songwriter Phoebe Bridgers full-length record Stranger in the Alps. It will become clear to you how much Dom treasures this record (he goes as far to call his generation's Blue by Joni Mitchell), and rightfully so. For all those unfamiliar, get your hands on this record from Phoebe Bridgers and enjoy our conversation! To check out Dom's solo record, Everything Is Just Enough and his band A Fragile Tomorrow, visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E7xiePiRj4http...
2019-12-1043 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 17: Kerri Curtis - Artist and PoetIn this episode, Arizona based artist and poet Kerri Curtis discusses her love for and discovery of Alien Ant Farm, seeing the band perform on WARPED TOUR and their early 00's breakthrough album ANThology that includes a cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" as well as original tunes "Wish" "Movies" and "Flesh and Bone." To check out Kerri's artwork and writings, visit her sites! https://www.redbubble.com/people/KerriCurtisArt/shop?asc=u ANDhttps://channillo.com/user/17570/
2019-12-0329 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 16: M.R. Morrison - Artist and PoetArtist and poet M.R. Morrison pulls up a chair to discuss No Doubt's seminal record, titled Tragic Kingdom and listening to the album while growing up in New Zealand. Tragic Kingdom is the first record from No Doubt featuring lyrical contributions and autobiographical accounts from singer Gwen Stefani, and the last record that features her brother Eric on keyboards. Enjoy! Morrison is the author of the book We Doubt The Call Even As We Answer It. For more about her work, visit: https://www.amazon.com/We-Doubt-Call-Even-Answer/dp/0998560200 ANDhttps://www.meghanrosemorrison.com/
2019-11-2626 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 15: Casey JoIn this episode, Nashville resident Casey Jo sits down with the Matt to discuss one of her all-time favorite records from Guster titled Lost and Gone Forever. LAGF turned 20 years old this year! Enjoy the conversation!For more on Guster, visit: https://www.guster.com/
2019-11-1921 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 14: Ryan Walker - MusicianOn this episode of C to C, singer/guitarist Ryan Walker from The Beanstalk Library (a DC-area rock outfit) talks about his musical appreciation for Johnny CASH's album American II: Unchained. It's an extrordinary listen featuring Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers as Cash's supporting cast. We delve into when Ryan became drawn to country music, the beauty and earnestness of Cash's songs, Cash's cover choices (i.e., Southern Accents) and how these recordings continue to inspire Ryan's music today. For details on The Beanstalk Library, visit here: https://www.thebeanstalklibrary.com/
2019-11-1231 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 13: Jasmine Gillison - MusicianSinger/Songwriter Jasmine Gillison and Matt discuss Nelly Furtado's 2000 debut album "Whoa, Nelly!" and how Furtado's sound and lyrics continue to inspire her own creative outlook today. To listen to Jasmine's music, go here:https://www.facebook.com/jasminegmusic/
2019-11-0524 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 12: Keith Fischer - Musician/VideographerMulti-instrumentalist Keith Fischer (of Bells and Hunters, Midnight Animals and The Fed) talked with Matt about everything Blind Melon, with a focus on a new documentary titled “All I Can Say” that was initially “All I Can Say” is based on a rock band whose career was halted due to untimely death of its lead singer, Shannon Hoon. Keith played a criticalrole in bringing this documentary about Blind Melon and the work of Shannon Hoon into the world. “All I Can Say” won best Feature Documentary at the New Hampshire Film Festival. Ironically, it was announced it won 24 years to the day of...
2019-10-2943 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 11: Neal WojdowskI (WOJO) - MusicianMusician Neal Wojdowski, or "Wojo" sits down with Matt to talk about Silverchair, and their massive debut effort from 1995 titled Frogstomp. For those who remember Silverchair, they hail from Australia and were just 15 years old when they broke through in America. Enjoy! Wojo's music can be found online here: http://wojomusic.com
2019-10-2236 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 10: Emily Henry - MusicianSinger/Songwriter and children's book shop manager Emily Henry sat down with Matt to discuss Patty Griffin's debut record from 1998 titled Flaming Red, and its continued impact on her own creative output. You'll hear discussions about lyrics and the concept of transformational songwriting that makes its way into both Patty and Emily's songwriting processes. For more on Emily Henry, go to: https://www.emilyhenrymusic.com/To keep up with her on Instagram, go to: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhenrymusic/
2019-10-1530 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 9: Ben Potok - Drummer/App DeveloperDrummer, teacher, booking agent, and app developer Ben Potok chatted with Matt about Dave Matthews Band's 2001 album "Everyday." Ben talks about being transfixed by "ghost notes" in the groove played by drummer Carter Beauford and listening to "Everyday" in his 1989 Buick LeSabre which subsequently changed his approach to his drum kit. Enjoy! Ben plays in the Americana band South Rail. Check them out.http://southrailband.com/ For details on Practopus, an educational app for music teachers and students, check it out here: https://www.practopus.com/
2019-10-0826 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 8: Eugene Foley - Entertainment LawyerEugene Foley of Foley Entertainment stopped by the show to discuss what record inspired him to develop a lifelong career in the music industry - Van Halen's self-titled debut record from 1978. Gene shares a few anecdotes about the career of Van Halen and when he learned to play Eddie Van Halen's legendary instrumental "Eruption." Gene is the Author of the book Artist Development – A Distinctive Guide To The Music Industry’s Lost Art and holds a Juris Doctor Degree In Law, with an Emphasis on Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, Contracts, Negotiation & Mediation.You can also read more about Ge...
2019-10-0130 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 7: Derek Evry - MusicianMatt sits down to talk with musician Derek Evry about the Lawrence, KS band The Get Up Kids and their 2004 record Guilt Show - its last with Vagrant Records. We reflect on keyboardist James Dewees leaving the group in September 2019 and Guilt Show being a perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies. We covered a ton of ground on the band and the impact this record had on Derek's own musical pursits. Enjoy! Check out Derek's music here: https://derekevry.bandcamp.com/
2019-09-241h 22Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 6: Richard Newcomb - MusicianRichard Newcomb stopped by the show to discuss Jets to Brazil's debut record, Orange Rhyming Dictionary (Jade Tree Records, 1998). JTB rose from the ashes after the breakup of three bands around the same time period (JAWBREAKER, Handsome and Texas is the Reason). Enjoy!
2019-09-1739 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 5: Jessica Graae - MusicianFolk singer/songwriter Jessica Graae sits down with Matt to discuss the 1979 debut record from The Buggles, called The Age of Plastic. Enjoy! Check out Jessica's music here: https://www.jessicagraae.com/
2019-09-1028 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 4: Daniel Hill - Musician/EntrepreneurDaniel Hill (from the rock band, Yellow Tie Guy) chats with Matt about The Wallflowers, Bringing Down the Horse from 1996 and the continued impact on his music. Enjoy! Check out YTG's music here, along with Alchemical Records:https://www.yellowtieguy.com/https://www.alchemicalrecords.com/
2019-09-0334 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 3: Dalla Andracchio - Concert EnthusiastEpisode 3: Dalla Andracchio sits down with Matt to talk about the band Phish, and their second studio record, Lawn Boy. We discuss her joyful experiences of seeing the band perform and execute these songs in a live setting (45+ times for Dalla), colorful characters in the songs, and Lawn Boy's wild cover art. Enjoy!
2019-08-2726 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 2: Keith Fitzgerald - Musician/IT ProfessionalKeith Fitzgerald chats with Matt about The War on Drugs' last record for Secretly Canadian, Lost in the Dream. Keith shared a few stories, as he was present while the band was hard at work during the making of this album.
2019-08-2027 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaEpisode 1: Jane Roser - WriterJane Roser discusses her love for John Denver’s 1974 album Back Home Again and her lasting friendship with Denver’s guitarist Steve Weisberg, as well as Ted Vigil, who keeps the spirit and legacy of John Denver alive and well. Enjoy some delightful anecdotes from Jane about the back stories behind your favorite John Denver songs and the musical brotherhood between Denver and Weisberg.
2019-08-1329 minCover to Cover with Matt TarkaIntroduction to Cover to Cover with Matt TarkaA podcast featuring musical conversations about an album or song which has changed and enhanced someone’s life. We humans connect with the presence of music in our own unique way – as an artist, a concertgoer, through our headphones, or as something that simply lives in our everyday background. During each conversation, we will discuss a single or an album with a special guest. Our guest will choose the single or album and reflect on what that piece of music means to them. We may focus on lyrics, a guitar tone, a piano solo, a stat...
2019-08-0501 min