Blogs

“Cowboy Moon.”  When you think of cowboys from the old west, do you see them sitting around the campfire? It’s a dark night, the fire is crackling, perhaps coyotes are howling and the moon shines its bright light over the land. You can see why so many cowboy songs back then and today are inspired by the quiet and powerful presence of the moon. Today’s episode is dedicated to songs about the moon. 

This week author Fallon O'Neill is in the studio to discuss his book, Geist Prelude. Of course we will also play some tunes relevant to the conversation.

Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at a young age, Fallon O'Neill has been writing since his sophomore year of high school. These scribblings and vignettes would eventually become the earliest drafts of his debut novel, Geist: Prelude. Dedicated and passionate, Fallon has worked his novels with the Blue Moon Writer's Group for over seven years, culminating in winning second place at the Will Albrecht Young Writers Competition of 2012, and publication in the eighth issue of the Blue Moon Art And Literary Review. His favorite pastimes include grabbing a beer (or four) at the local bar, blasting soundtracks into his skull, and watching German movies from the '20s to keep the existential dread at bay.

For those outside of the listening area this show will be streamed live at www.kdrt.com.

Legend of the Bay Area Band Nasty Habits talks about his journey through trying to be a rock star. He joins us in the studio to share his experiences attempting to form and play in bands and his latest endeavour to record some of his more recent original songs under the name Nasty Reputation.

Older recordings to Legends music can be found at

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSo6eiMjHY recording of Nasty Habits

Some of Legends newer music from Nasty Reputation can be found at

https://www.bandmix.com/brewtal-legend/

Legend would like to add a special thanks to his old art teacher, Bill Leach.

"Bluesy and Jazzy." Western music has lots of musical influences, including blues and jazz.  For example, western swing is a jazz form. Today's show will be all western songs that have strong blues or jazz elements, drawing on form, instrumentation (we'll hear sax, trumpet, clarinets), improvisation, chord progressions and rhythms. I hope you enjoy this melange of musical sounds.

"Strong Western Winds." This episode's songs are about wind. Wind's physical power is featured in many western songs because it is such a big factor in cowboy work, range and animal duties, farming and more. But, wind is also the spirit of the universe. Its invisible yet powerful force often symbolizes movement and change, such as in the phrase "the winds of change." In today's  songs there are both the physical and  representational dimensions of the wind. Teacher  Bert McCoy says that: "the wind plays its own music." That's so true but the wind also inspires music, as we will hear...

Hey, guys. One of my favorite bands throughout the last 15 years dropped a new album (their 8th). I've listened to it tons and will again for this episode of AOTW ~ via the gray vinyl pre-order that I'm stoked with.

If you're new to Deerhunter, this is as good of a place to start, frankly. They were pretty noisy in the late aughts, which was great. Their last few lps have just been perfect. This one is no exception!

Lots of articles written about this band. Their lead singer, Bradford Cox isn't bashful about his experience as a musician, touring, the Internet affecting his business and his personal struggles with friends dying way too young. Bradford's solo project, Atlas Sound, is also worth checking out. 

I hope you enjoy this album. Peace