EXCLUSIVE! Jenny Owen Youngs INTV!

Insanely spunky, very cleaver and the type of girl that will tell you to "piss off," with a smile on her face. Jenny Owen Youngs comes from the circle of musicians that are making a large impact on the music world. The circle that includes the likes of Ingrid Michelson, Regina Spektor, Dan Romer, Elliot Jacobson, Bess Rogers, Bill Reese, Adam Cristgau and the list goes on and on. The New Jersey native, now Brooklyn resident has been making beautiful music since she was a child, yet it has been the past five years where Jenny's name has been all over the place, from TV to radio and beyond, Jenny is not only a rising star in music's sky, she is a great voice to be herd. I had the opportunity to speak with Jenny as we discussed her career, working with Dan Romer and Jean-Pierre from Motion City Soundtrack and really what the eff she was thinking during all of this...Take a look at my interview with Jenny below.

Music has always been with your whole life, was this something that at a young age you knew you wanted to do?

I always loved singing, and was always really drawn to pop music from the time I could reach the arm of my mom's record player. I didn't really think it was an actual career option until I was already halfway through the Studio Composition program at SUNY Purchase.

Your sophomore disc came out last year, how do you feel it was different from your debut, “Batten the Hatches?”

Well, the writing is very different, at least to me. I wrote a lot of the songs with a band in mind. The records in heavy rotation in my stereo were very different between the Batten and TF. I wanted to make a record that would be more fun and lively to perform.

Are you working on a follow up now?

I am writing for a follow up.

You moved into the home of your producer and friend, Dan Romer to record “Transmitter Failure,” what was that experience like? Was it difficult working together while being around each other all the time, all day?

Dan has been one of my closest friends for a long time - he's a brother to me. Living with him was extremely convenient and fairly domestic. We spent a good amount of time cooking meals together and that sort of thing, in addition to all the writing and tracking. I could probably be around Dan constantly, like forever, and not have a hard time with it. The only flare-ups we had related directly to the work - mostly having to do with stressing out about deadlines.

You also worked with Justin Pierre from Motion City Soundtrack for “Transmitter Failure.” How did that come about? What was that experience like? Where you a fan of his work before?

Justin and I had the same publishing rep (the fabulous Sara Kapuchinski) at Chrysalis when I signed with them. She sort of planted the seed - gave us each the other's music, suggested we try writing together some time. I immediately fell in love with MCS and Justin has took a liking to me/my music as well. We hung out a few times when we toured through each other's cities, and when I hit a patch of writer's block, Sara suggested I send a song to Justin. He came up with a part I loved and I wrote some lyrics for it and that became the chorus of "Secrets." Ta da!!

You and Dan have a special bond of friendship that came out of SUNY Purchase. The time you spent there so many amazing musicians came out of that school, acts like Dan Deacon, Dan Romer and his band Fire Flies (RIP), Bess Rogers, Adam Christgau and many others. All of these artists and others all still work together and use each other in a professional manner. Let’s face it, when you get picked up by a label, they generally want you working with “their” people and not yours, yet you all have managed to do it your way. How is this still happening? How did it happen?

Hmmmmmm. I've never had any unreasonable requests about who to play with or with whom I should record from label, publisher, management or anyone else really. Everyone has an opinion of course, and I've happily heard them out in the past - part of building a good team is finding people whose opinions you actually WANT to hear, because no man is an island and all that. But I've been pretty lucky so far in being able to work with people who respect my vision, even if they don't necessarily agree with it.

I found this quote about you from NPR to be right on the money “A truly unconventional singer-songwriter, she put on an electrifying performance, which evoked everything from '80s pop to a few Ennio Morricone-style Spaghetti Western guitar licks. This woman is definitely going places.” How do you respond to this?

Hey now, that's what I call a compliment. I respond mostly "Thank you, NPR."

You are a serious songwriter that really doesn’t take yourself serious, which is fun. Hence why you covered Nelly’s “Hot in Here,” how did that cover cross your mind to do? What was it for?

Well back then, I was covering a lot of top 40 pop, mostly Britney Spears songs and the like. I was putting out a split 10" vinyl in the UK with Dave House, and I needed a second track. The band and I had just worked out the "Hot in Herre" cover as an addition to my pop songs repertoire so we figured why not just track it. I picked the song because I genuinely love Nelly's version - it's fun, sexy, grooves just right, and has that delicious nod to Chuck Brown.

Burning Question: What the fuck where you thinking?

I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.


Video for "Fuck was I" (Above) / Video for "Last Person" (Below)


Special thanks to Jenny for the interview!

Band of Horses on Ferguson

Since seeing this band last week, I have become obscessed. Their latest, Infinite Arms is one of the most beautiful albums I ever herd (full review coming soon). Take a look at Band of Horses performing last night on Craig Ferguson.

Quick News

Due to Bono's recent back surgery, U2 was forced to postpone the rest of their North American tour till 2011. The band also had to back out of their first ever Glastonbury appearance, replacing U2 are Gorillaz.

Sad news to report, Slipknot bassist Paul Gray passed away earlier this week in an Iowa Hotel room. The cause of death is unknown at the time and police are still waiting on toxicology reports which could take another month to deliver. Gray also known as #2 or The Pig was 38. Thoughts are with his family.

Arcade Fire have finally come out of hiding and released two singles, "Month of May," and "The Suburbs," from the band's highly anticipated forthcoming record, The Suburbs. Take a look at the cover below, The Suburbs is out August 2/3.

As Noel Gallagher preps Oasis lastest Greatest Hits package, Time Flies 1994-2009, which Officially A Yuppie Editor Salvatore Bono will be featured in. The remaining members of his old band, who were going to call themselves Oasis 2.0, have now opted for a more original name, Beady Eye. Indeed that is the name Liam, Gem Archer, Chris Sharrock and Andy Bell will be calling themselves. The band has been locked away in the studio with legendary producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band) and hope to have a single out by October. Take a look at the band at work, the photo comes from www.oasisinet.com.

ELLIOT IS #1!!

In a recent readers poll for Modern Drummer Magazine, Officially A Yuppie corresponding writer and Ingrid Michaelson drummer Elliot Jacobson was voted #1 in the "Up and Coming Drummer," category!

Congrats Elliot! They picked the best!

That issue of Modern Drummer hits newsstands next month!

Live Review - Pete Francis @ Joe's Pub

It was the first scorcher to hit New York City this year, a steaming 92 degree's in the city that never sleeps and the best way to unwind, relax and cool down was with an intimate show of a few hundred at Astor Place's Joe's Pub for Pete Francis. The former Dispatch member and solo artist is back on the road in support of his latest, The Movie We Are In. It is interesting for the crowd to see Francis play a venue as small as this, considering the band at one point in his career sold out two back to back nights at Madison Square Garden and played to over 100,000 people in Boston for the Final Dispatch. Yet, here he is, stripped down and with a great backing band that featured the likes of founding and former FireFlies member Adam Christgau on drums. Francis took the stage at a venue that would have been the perfect setting for a Friends episode, yet instead of coffee it was beer flowing and Francis, who looked like he just rolled out a bed, looked very relaxed and refreshed to be home. The New England native is now a New Yorker and as this tour unwinds, he looked very happy to be back home. Playing an array of solo tracks and Dispatch covers such as "Small Change," the folk meets alternative singer seems to be enjoying and embracing his solo career. After all, he has been doing the solo thing for a while, I saw Francis back in 2004 when he first started as a solo act, yet now he looks most comfortable and poised for whatever comes.

EXCLUSIVE! The Soft Pack INTV!

I said it earlier this year and as we are close to the mid-year mark, I will say it again - Surf rock is coming back in a big way this year! With bands such as Vampire Weekend, Male Bonding, Surfer Blood and California's The Soft Pack to name a few, it is going to be fun in the sun all year long. The Soft Pack are a band that have been gaining much buzz since their formation in 2007, however, back then they were known as The Muslims. After much controversy, the band switched their name to The Soft Pack (you will find out why in the interview). As they released their self titled debut earlier this year, The Soft Pack have been on the road non-stop and are catching attention of audiences worldwide. Take a look at my interview with Soft Pack guitarist Matty McLoughlin as we discussed the band's roots, acclaim, playing in the UK and being a California band. Take a look at my interview with Matty below.

You guys started off called The Muslims, when did you change the name and why? How did you come up with The Soft Pack?

We changed the name because it was COMPLETELY misinterpreted. It began to bum us out hard. Brian (our drummer) came up with the name The Soft Pack. Its a flaccid dildo that transvestites wear to pass as dudes.

You have released two EP’s and this is your first record, how does it feel to finally have a full album done?

Feels good. Excited to work on the next one and improve.

Do you feel any vindication now that the record is finished?

Glad it's over and don't have to think about it anymore. Moving on.

For those that have never herd of you before, how would you describe your sound and style?

Catchy, honest.

You hail from California and sound like a California surf-punk band, has your location inspired your music?

I guess it has by living there. We are not really conscious of it though.

The UK’s NME magazine seems to have nothing but love for you, which is awesome, they are the greatest music magazine on the planet. How does it feel to get such praise from such a respected source?

We don't really invest into that stuff. Out of our control. I'm sure they think we suck by now.

You are about to tour the UK, what are you feeling before you take off?

Trying not to get sick and have a good time. Have a lot of warm clothes packed. Anticipating dinners consisting of "crisps" and warm beer.

How are British fans different from American fans?

I can't really tell a difference.

You toured last year with White Lies as the support to their North American tour. Since you guys have such different sounds, how were those shows? What was it like to be on the road with them?

It was kind of a weird tour. We had fun but it was different. Their fans weren't really into us. They let us have some of their Jameson whiskey off of their rider. I thought that was very nice of them.

With the record out and tour’s beginning to emerge, where does The Soft Pack go from here?

Touring a whole lot and writing a new record. Trying to write better songs and have fun.

Video for "Answer to Yourself" (Above) / Video for "Extinction" (Below)


Thanks to Matty for the interview!

EXCLUSIVE! The Heavy INTV!

So many good acts have been coming out of the UK the past few years, that it is almost hard to keep track of all of them. However, leave it up to the big British sound to always find a way to make you notice each individual act. Take for instance The Heavy, a big sounding band from the small town of Noid, England. Now, the name of this band may not strike you with recognition right away, their songs, sound and style will be instantly recognized. Their song "How Do You Like Me Now?" was featured in the KIA car commercial during the Super Bowl and has not stopped airing on TV since. The sound of the band can be measured up by James Brown fronting The Specials with a dash of Parliament Funkadelic thrown in. Their style is rude boy and mod and a nice throwback to the British punk and ska scene of the late 70's and 80's. The Heavy are a fresh band that has audiences around the world going crazy, even David Letterman is a huge fan! When The Heavy performed on Late Night, Letterman sprung from his seat and demanded an encore, now we all know Letterman's dry humor, so if he shows major emotion in anything, you know its a big deal. Their latest release The House that Dirt Built, received critical praise in UK and Europe and has led to the band building a strong reputation here in America. I had the chance to speak with The Heavy's front man Kelvin Swaby as we discussed the bands roots, influences, that time on Letterman and their obsession with Jim Jarmush fims. Take a look at my interview with Swaby below.

The band’s style is so fresh and unique it is part funk, part soul, part ska, part rock. Who influences you from each of these genres?

The Parliaments, Willie Mitchell and his Hi Records clan, The Specials, Toots, Can, Sabbath, Chester Burnett........ I could go on.

By blending so many styles together do you feel you are creating something new or just hoping to see what sticks?

We get bored of playing one thing. The way the albums are set out is like the way we would make a mixtape for our girlfriends. A little bit of this, a sprinkling of that and then..... hopefully we get her into bed.

England has had a special love for bands with horns – The Specials, Madness, The Beat, even the Clash incorporated horns later on in their career. Do you believe by adding to this legacy if you will, we will see more bands using brass in their music?

Willie Mitchell's use of horns throughout his Hi Records catalogue is where I draw most inspiration from. The weight, the riffs, the boldness is all too much sometimes and incorporating some of these elements in what we do, just makes our melodies stronger I feel.

Being from a small British town, was a major factor when starting this band getting out of there and playing around the globe?

We've said before that our town has been nicknamed "The Graveyard of all Ambition" and sometimes it felt as if we were walking with the living dead. On the flip of that, it's been excellent for us to get our heads down and hone our craft. Burning venues down from town to town as we go now.

“The House That Dirt Built” was released last year and you have been gaining acclaim since its arrival around the globe. How do you respond to such praise?

We make what we make, with no compromise so it's a great feeling to know that what we do is now being well received.

“How Do You Like Me Now?” is a massive global success and is everywhere these days. Did you think it would be such a massive hit when recording it?

Dan and I knew it had fire in the belly when we demoed the track a couple of years ago. It was when we were recording it for the album as to when we started to stoke the thing and it came out of the stalls like a crazed bronco. In other words, as it should of done.

Because the song is so massive, are you afraid of being a one hit wonder? Or are you fine with that?

There's plenty more where that creature came from, so no worry at the moment. As I said before, we make what we make.

Lets discuss Letterman, what was it like performing on the stage that night and have old Dave ask for an encore? Mind you, you are the first band in the history of his late night career he has ever asked to do an encore on the spot!

We had rehearsed the song in the morning with the Dap Kings horns and it was sounding so ridiculous that you could only feel completely at ease. Just before the performance I said to Dan "We just play it like we always play it" and the rest is......... well, you know.

After the Letterman performance you became one of the most talked about bands in America. Do you feel that breaking big in America is a major goal for you?

We always thought that the U.S would be a great territory for us and am just glad that we're being as well received as everybody's saying. It's a huge goal for us but we can't rest on our laurels as there's plenty more dirt to be gathered and administered.

After tour wraps up this summer for The Heavy, what are you guys up to next?

Before work on the next record commences, I'd like to spend time with my children, partner, family and friends as the year will have been so busy. I'm sure it'll change but for now, it's a great thought.

BURNING QUESTION: It has been said that the band has bonded over Jim Jarmusch films, what is your favorite Jarmusch film and why?

Down by Law is my favorite Jim Jarmusch film. Cut in grainy black and white and with incredible, comic performances from Tom Waits, John Lurie and Roberto Benigni, this film gets watched a few times a year. If only to see the "I scream" scene. Hilarious and highly recommended!

The now infamous Letterman performance of "How Do You Like Me Now?" (Above) / Video for "Sixteen" (Below)

Special thanks to Swaby and Jonny Kaps for the interview!

Playlist

Take a look at May's playlist, maybe you can find a fresh jam or two to play at your Memorial Day BBQ next week..or just blair on your speakers for yourself.

- The Heavy - "How Do You Like Me Now?"

- The Specials - "Ghost Town"

- Wu Massacre - "Our Dreams"

- Jimi Hendrix - "Valley's of Neptune"

- Ryan Bingham - "The Weary Kind"

- Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - "Ramshackle Day Parade"

- Marina and the Diamond - "Hollywood"

- Queens of the Stone Age - "Feel Good Hit of the Summer"

- Fanfarlo - "Harold T Wilkins"

- The Dig - "Penitentiary"

- Chapel Club - "O Maybe I"

- Blood Red Shoes - "Say Something, Say Anything"

- Pavement - "Gold Soundz"

- Deftones - "Rocket Skates"

- Throats - "Something Low from this Way Comes"

- Public Enemy - "She Watch Channel Zero?!"

- Lou Reed - "Perfect Day"

- Iggy Pop - "Passenger"

- Portugal the Man - "Dead Dogs"

- Public Image Ltd. - "Low Life"

Hold Steady on Ferguson

The Hold Steady on late night TV has been a symbol of their roadshow commitment. They will be all over the place within a week, first with Letterman then with Colbert Report and now on Ferguson. Watch them play "Rock Problems."

Live Review - Pearl Jam @ MSG

To say that grunge is dead would be unknown if one stepped into Madison Square Garden last night as the heavyweights of the genre headlined the second of two sold out concerts at the worlds most famous arena. Pearl Jam who have been one of the greatest touring bands of the last 20 years have developed the cult like following that acts such as Grateful Dead, Phish, Rolling Stones, and U2 have developed over the years. With each die hard fan lining up hours before each show to grab the coveted Pearl Jam concert poster, T-shirt and other exclusive memorabilia, it makes the craze that Black Friday has developed over the years look like child's play. Still, the most important thing to any fan who will travel far and wide to see this band is the setlist and what songs Pearl Jam will take out of their massive catalogue and perform.

Opening with "Cordury," the band set the standard of what the rest of the night would be like. The track (a personal favorite) shot out like a cannon and the succeeding songs did the same; "Hail, Hail," "Do the Evolution," "World Wide Suicide," "Got Some," the militia of opening tracks firing off heartbeats, pulses and tore the roof off the venue. As Eddie Vedder would dabble in his wine, raise and lower the power of his mumbling voice and trot around on stage, the rest of his band mates are just as entertaining to watch and witness. Drummer Matt Cameron's pounding performance on his kit echoed through the arena, guitarist Mike McCready may very well be one of the most underrated guitarists of a generation, McCready play his axe with the combination of Johnny Ramone meets Joe Perry. While guitarist Stone Gassard and bassist Jeff Ahmet held their own, collectively this band is a powerhouse.

As the set grew and night lasted and lasted, Pearl Jam gave the audience their monies worth with a near three hour set! To do that five to six days a week is not only a triumph, it is something to be admired. Bringing out a special string quartet to revamp some ballads and play the traditional way, along with bringing out opening act Band of Horses singer Ben Bridwell to perform the Temple of the Dog classic "Hunger Strike." After a marathon set that seemed like a battle, it would only be fitting for the grunge heroes who's major inspiration came from punk rock, covering MC5's "Kick out the Jams," and leading into "Yellow Ledbetter," the night was ended on the highest of notes.

For a band that has lasted as long as they have and to continue to get bigger and better, what the next 20 years will show will be a surprise and pleasure. Pearl Jam maybe the only band to ever succeed Springsteen and the E Street band in longevity and power during a full set.

Opening the night was Georgia buzz band Band of Horses, who's latest Infinate Arms has earned the band much acclaim and praise, played a humbling set at MSG. As they looked nervous, and rightfully so, on stage, if you were just listening to the music you could not tell. They sounded beautiful and simply stunning and proved that the hype behind them can be measured in a great live set.

Pearl Jam 5/21/10 Madison Square Garden Setlist:
Main Set:
Corduroy, Hail Hail, Do the Evolution, Worldwide Suicide, Got Some, Breath, Nothingman, I'm Open (Dedicated to Howard Zinn), Unthought Known, Grievance, Amongst the Waves, Present Tense, Not For You/Modern Girl, Push Me Pull Me, Rats, Daughter/WMA, The Fixer, Why Go

Encore 1:
The End (w/ string quartet), Just Breathe (w/ string quartet), Slow Lukin (w/ strings), Black Red Yellow, Sweet Lew, Given to Fly, Spin the Black Circle, Rearviewmirror

Encore 2:
Wasted Reprise, Betterman, Black/We Belong Together, The Real Me, Hunger Strike, Alive, Kick Out the Jams, Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner

Band of Horses on Letterman

While in New York City the day before playing with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden, Georgia's Band of Horses performed "Laredo" on Letterman. Take a look!

Bono in Hospital

While rehearsing for the next leg of their 360o tour, Bono injured his back. According to U2.com undergone emergency back surgery for an injury sustained during tour preparation training. He was admitted to a specialist neuro surgery unit in a Munich hospital, and is under the care of neuro surgeon Prof. Dr. Jorg Tonn and Dr Muller Wohlfahrt. Bono will spend the next few days there, before returning home to recuperate."

The first date of their much anticipated return to America on June 3 has been postponed and other dates, including their June 25 headlining performance at Glastonbury is in jeopardy as Bono recovers.

For more info, head on over to U2.com or just keep an eye out on the site.

We wish the world's best frontman a speedy recovery. Officially A Yuppie is set to cover U2's July 19 concert at New Meadowlands Stadium with special guest Interpol. For our review of the last leg of the 360o performance at Giants Stadium, click HERE.

Massive Attack on Kimmel

Trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack returned to the US for the first time in five years and while touring the west coast, made a pit stop on Jimmy Kimmel Live to play the classic "Teardrop," and new sensation "United Snakes."

Yuppie to Take Over!

Officially A Yuppie Owner and Editor and Chief, Salvatore Bono is joining forces with sports website TakeOverTheGame.com. Sal, a massive soccer enthusiast will be covering the World Cup for Take Over The Game.

See what the Take Over has to say about Sal's guest appearance:

Salvatore Bono is the editor in chief of famed music blog, OfficiallyAYuppie.com He is also a diehard soccer fan; and judging by the clothes he wears, a vested stakeholder in the Italian team. His own personal page is currently in development, but why don't you check out his first piece...www.takeoverthegame.com

Be sure to check back often to here and Take Over for posting's about Sal's coverage of the beautiful game!

RIP DIO

"It's not the size of the pencil. It's how big you write your name." - Dio

This past weekend the music and metal community was saddened by the passing of legendary singer Ronnie James Dio. The former Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell frontman has succum to a battle with stomach cancer Sunday morning, he was 67. Dio, who was known for his small stature had a big heart and powerful voice that echoed unlike anything ever herd. The man, who was born to Italian immigrates was credited of originating the devil horns salute (as seen in picture above). Dio is survived by his wife and children.

Here are what some of his admirors are saying about Dio's passing:

Tony Iommi via his website: "16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am LA time. I’ve been in total shock I just can’t believe he’s gone. Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, we had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it’s truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years, his music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio who stood by Ronnie until the end, he loved her very much. The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional. I’ll miss you so much my dear friend. RIP - Tony

Cory Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) in a statement to Billboard: "Ronnie sang like he lived - all out, from the heart, with so much honesty and joy. He was a great man with a smile and a handshake for fans and peers alike. He spoke his mind and stood his ground for decades. I will miss him dearly."

Killswitch Engage via Billboard: "a very, very sad day in metal, and this one hits pretty hard. Dio was one of the greatest metal singers of all time. His soaring vocal lines even to this day, strike a chord in me that few other singers can come close to. Even in his old age, Dio rocked harder and more on point then 99% of the singers out there. He is truly a musician's musician; a model for the new school to aspire towards. A man who stuck to his guns, and played the type of music HE wanted to play...and extremely well at that!"

Lars Ulrich via Metallica.com wrote an open letter to Dio. Take a look HERE.

Kerry King (Slayer) to MTV: "Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly re-created live the amazing things he did on record,"

Scott Ian (Anthrax) told MTV: "Ronnie was the nicest man in metal"

Slash via Twitter: "Ronnie died at 7:45 but his music will live on forever."

Brian May via his website: ""Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever. was one of the creators of the genre of heavy metal"

Public Image Ltd on Fallon

Johnny Rotten - I'm sorry - John Lydon and Co. arrived to New York for the first time in nearly three decades to play at Terminal 5 and Music Hall of Williamsburg, while in town they made a pit stop at Jimmy Fallon, take a look!

Quick News

Just as they did in 2008 with their debut, Murmur, REM will reissue their classic Fables of the Reconstruction in a deluxe edition treatment. The reissue will be released July 22 and will be featured on digital download, 180 Gram Vinyl, 2 CD set containing the remastered original record, B-Sides and outtakes.

File this under bizarre and brilliant, or tremendous flop. Ryan Adams has been rather quiet after receding from the music biz last year, but that will not stop him from releasing old never before herd recordings. With that in mind, Adams is set to release a "Sci-fi concept record," entitled Orion. The record will not be released on CD but only on very limited vinyl with digital download. Orion was recorded sans The Cardinals by Adams in 2006.

No Doubt have entered the studio to work on new material, this will be the bands collection of new material since 2001's Rock Steady. No word on when Gwen and the boys will deliever.

British buzz band Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. will release their sophomore record September 13.

The Roots have finally given a release date and cover to their much anticipated How I Got Over. The album arrives June 22, take a look at the cover below..

Hold Steady on Colbert

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Hold Steady - Hurricane J
www.colbertnation.com
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The Hold Steady stormed Colbert Report last week to jam and play "Hurricane J," off their latest Heaven is Whenever. Take a look!

EXCLUSIVE! Bouncing Souls INTV!

2009 was a big year for Bouncing Souls, the band celebrated their 20th anniversary and are still going strong, in fact, stronger than ever. The legendary New Jersey punks began when they were teenagers chasing a dream of playing music they love and wanting to do it their way. Not the way of the corporate system or MTV airways, make the rules and raise the bar as they go along, in good old fashion DIY style. As the band is in their 21st year; they are a bit older, have families and are a bit wiser, yet they show no sign of slowing down. The road dogs of rock still are one hell of a live act to see, still play each show as if it is their last and sing and record with the same passion they had when they first started. I had the opportunity and privilege to speak with Souls singer Greg Attonito about the bands history, music, where they go now, trials and tribulations and seeing if their long time friend and manager, Kate is still great. Check out my interview with Greg below..

20 years! Congrats, well its 21 years now. How do you feel about doing this for this amount of time?

GA: Thanks! I feel really great about it. As friends in high school we dreamed of making music our life and we have done it.! With our own energy and with the help of everyone around us we have created a great monster that is the Bouncing Souls. I love how its all turned out up to this point.

Did you think when you were starting out in New Brunswick you would still be doing this 20 years in?

GA: We didn't think about it and I don't think we could have even imagined it if we tried. We stuck to short term realistic goals. Like doing a roadtrip to DC, putting out a seven inch, creating a mailing list. The short term realistic goals kept on building steam and kept us going for 20 years.

Ghosts on the Boardwalk, your latest, is a compilation of the songs you released at the top of each month in 2009. Who came up with the idea to release a song a month?

GA: We went through a process as a group where we all arrived at that decision. The first thing we all agreed on was we wanted to do something different than a standard cd release,.. then we all agreed we wanted to release songs digitally through our own label, then somewhere along the way we thought of making it part of a 20 year anniversary thing.

Ghosts on the Boardwalk is also the longest gap between Souls material. Why the long wait?

GA: Someone once said.. "A fine wine takes time." Ha! but really.. Thats the way the creative/business process went this time. We always follow our collective intuitive thread and go with what feels right with the music and the business ideas. Right here and now is where that lead us this time.

Aside from making music for over 20 years, you have also been on the road for 20 years in a van. What kind of toll does that take on you and your families?

GA: Its been difficult...really difficult for every member of the band at different times and in different ways. The invention of the cell phone has really helped our relationships survive. Without the communication the relationship and shared experience is just gone...so with some love and understanding and a cell phone we have all done our best.

With your music you have managed to influence so many artists from all different genres. What would you say about music today?

GA: There's more of everything. I hear a lot of music that doesn't come from an inspired place. I hear a lot of music that is manufactured from a formula in a way. You can feel the difference in the energy behind the sounds. . I also hear a lot of interesting new sounds people are making with all of the amazing technology we have available. And its really cool when you come upon something with a genuine feeling coming from the music... In general I'd say music keeps getting better and more interesting all the time.

Do you ever feel jealous or angry, if not both, about how fast it is for someone to get recognized today, unlike when you started out starving for what you were doing?

GA: I have gotten flashes of jealousy from time to time over the years when I see bands that do the same thing as we do but make a lot more money.....but in a moment I usually change my mind because I have no regrets about what we have done. I also enjoy seeing bands we know having a lot of success..Its fun to see them take off.

You refused MTV, never went to a major label and did it all on your own. How do you feel about the direction you took and how the mainstream music scene is folding on itself and you guys are just as strong as you were 20 years ago?

GA: We tried to get on major labels when we first started but in the long run it was good they didn't pay attention to us. Ha! By the time they were interested we had developed some real momentum on our own. That momentum that we had created on our own built up some much needed confidence. We all agreed we wanted to keep that feeling going and make it grow naturally. Keeping the focus on nurturing that energy attracted the amazing people that love the Bouncing Souls slowly but surely. Thats the secret to longevity I think. Its not about labels its about developing a real relationship that keeps growing and not letting it go for a price. So to answer your question..I'm glad that we made that focus our priority because the love and good memories are never going to fade as we watch trends and labels come and go.

Being from Jersey you influenced so many acts, including your friends Gaslight Anthem, Screaming Females, My Chemical Romance and Philly’s Loved Ones. What is it like to have these young bands cite you as a major influence?

GA: Its great!! What can I say about it. Its amazing and we love em all. It's been fun to see them succeed.

Of all the songs you have written over the years, what is your favorite Souls song and what does it mean to you?

GA: Thats really not easy to answer. Its like having to say which one of your kids is your favorite. You can't pick one because they are all beautiful in their own way. ..but since you asked,I love the classic ones. True Believers, Gone, Hopeless Romantic..to name a few

Of all the places you have toured, what is your favorite place to play (including venue and city/town)?

GA: We had an opportunity to play at an outdoor venue built into the side of a mountain outside of Denver. Its called Red Rocks. An amazing place and it was so great to play there. We were also invited by My Chemical Romance to play the Budokan in Tokyo. That was awesome. Those are a few of the once in a lifetimers but as far as regular venues.. The Stone Pony is great because we are so loved and welcome there. We always have great shows in Denver. Touring europe is always fun. We always have good shows in Vienna at a place called the Arena and we do well in most of England.

With all of the material you have now, is it a pain in the ass to put together a set list for a show?

GA: Yes, Its a real comedy routine every time we do it. Bryan usually wants to keep discussing changes while Pete and I usually just want to get done. Usually our different personalities go together well so it all works out. Just this past December at our home for the Holidays shows in Asbury Park we asked for volunteers to write set lists a few weeks before the show. We received a lot of great ones and picked four that made the most sense for the four nights of shows. That experiment was a total success. The band really enjoyed the fresh perspectives that came along with each set and it felt like the audience was involved even more than usual at a BS show.

Everything you have ever done has been fueled by heart and love. Was their ever a time the love died out and the heart was no longer and you felt like giving up?

GA: Yes. For a long time I fought for the success of the band and after a awhile it began to catch up with me. I wasn't really paying attention to what made me really happy...or What made me feel truly comfortable and happy with myself. I had so many distractions to keep me running and I just kept on running through most of my 20's. This personality I have had wants to hold everything inside..so frustrations build up.. so thats what I didi.. I had chosen to hold it all inside and live in my own little lie . I didn't even realize there was anything wrong for a long long time. The time it hit me hard was after a long run of touring on the Anchors Aweigh record..That was the most extreme moment. Everyday I have moments where I feel like giving up and I'm afraid to express it.. even though I have so much to feel happy about..Maybe I'm weak, maybe I'm a coward...but I'm living and learning.

BURNING QUESTION: Is Kate Still Great?

GA: That one is easy to answer. Of Course!!!

Video for "Gone" (Above) / Video for "Kids and Heros" (Below)


Thanks to Greg and Kate for the interview!

The Gospel According to Craig Finn

The Gospel According to Craig Finn
A musical memoir by Bill Reese

Where was Craig Finn when I was seventeen?

In the fall of 2001, my heart was broken. Fifty miles to the west, the city of my dreams was severely wounded and struggling to fight on. The girl of my dreams (or so I foolishly believed) had rejected me. The only girl I had ever loved was gallivanting with some other guy I had never heard of. To cope with all this, I listened to two records on repeat: Stay What You Are by Saves the day—arguably the greatest record of “The Genre” before the boom, and Dashboard Confessional’s The Places You Have Come to Fear The Most, a record I haven’t listened to in full since the summer of 2002.

Though I didn’t follow the scene, dress like the scene, or even appreciate most bands in the scene, I was about as close to an emo kid as an overweight, Yankee-capped wannabe-Kevin Smith could be. I spent that fall wallowing in my heartbreak, complaining about my romantic debacles on LiveJournal and exploiting my teenage angst to write my own emo-punk songs that nobody ever heard. I had decided to become a hopeless romantic based on some Hollywood fantasy. All of my crushes built up to giant emotional climaxes where I inevitably went down in flames. I went balls-to-the-wall. Either you go big or you go home.

This was all before I went to college, when my musical world-view was fractured and re-assembled by the brilliant musical minds that surrounded me. This was before the head yuppie himself, Mr. Sal Bono introduced me to The Hold Steady.

I wish I could go back to the fall of 2001 and listen to “Soft in the Center,” a track from the Hold Steady’s new record Heaven is Whenever. When 17-year-old me lost interest in the middle of the first verse, I’d smack him upside the head and say, “Pay attention to this chorus.”
You can’t get every girl… you’ll get the ones the love the best.

You won’t get every girl… you’ll love the ones you get the best.

I’ve spent the last ten years trying to learn the lesson of those two simple lines. I’ve been blessed to have some of the best female friends a straight guy could have, but I’ve lost one or two of them because I made the decision that we were meant to be together, and lost it all in pursuit of such a risky proposition. Only after learning this the hard way have I been able to disassociate loving someone I get from the crushy, lusty, giddy love that I never understood and always mishandled.

As much as I’d want to go indoctrinate my 17-year-old mind with the gospel according to Craig, that teenage version of me just wouldn’t understand it. Seventeen-year-olds understand love like Americans understand rugby—they get the general concept of the game, but when they get into their first scrum, they’re scared, confused and end up wounded. Now that I’m a little older, that particular lyric gets scratched deep into my soul because I’ve experienced it first hand; and experiencing something is the only way people can truly understand it.

Seventeen-year-old Bill would still need to go fuck up a couple romances, that’s a part of growing up. The lyrics might bang around his pubescent head like a guitar riff-driven “I told you so.” In time, he’d get off the emo, discover the music of Bruce Springsteen and stop whining about girls that broke his heart and start singing about belief in the promised land where all things are possible. He’d listen to Sam Cooke and decide that he wouldn’t marry a girl who wouldn’t have a 60’s soul band play their wedding. He’d meet Dan Romer and the Baobabs and learn how to dance and sing and feel alive. He would throw house parties and play Biggie Smalls’ “Juicy” at full volume; managing to rap every line of the song despite being completely wasted. Most importantly, he wouldn’t get every girl, but he’d love the ones he got the best.

Getting older makes it harder to remember,

We are our only saviors…

Bill Reese is an infrequent contributor to OfficiallyAYuppie.com who has written for Skope, Good Times, Prefix, Hello Stranger and The Purchase Independent.

Quick News

Arcade Fire have been rather quiet about their latest album, which is supposedly due at some point this year. The band posted a cryptic postcard on their website which states "Just finishing up pressing our new 12." Should be in store in a few weeks, God willing. Good luck with finals. See you this summer!" Guess we have to wait just a bit more...

This could be something very awesome, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol and Peter Buck of REM are teaming together to form a new band, Tired Pony. The band will also feature appearances from Tom Smith of Editors, Zoey Deschanel of She and Him and may others. The record, The Place We Run From will be out July 12. The band has no plans to tour or promote the album.

File this under weird, leave it up to Lou Reed to want to curate the first concert for dogs. The High Frequency concert "Music for Dogs," takes place at the Sydney Opera House from May 27 to June 21.

The National on Letterman!

The National made their triumphant return to Ed Sullivan Theater this week, aided by long time friend Sufjan Stevens to perform "Afraid of Everyone," off their latest High Violet.

Quick Spins

The National – High Violet
Matt Berninger has been a terrible lyricists, but the man’s haunting vocal delivery backed by his band’s musical style is all the reason why people, including myself, have fallen in love with The National over the years. One of the most critically acclaimed Brooklyn band’s returns with their fifth record, High Violet, and have poised themselves to be the next REM. I say this because they will be the one college radio or indie band that people will emulate for years to come and are about to break through in a major way. High Violet is a dark, moody introspective record – wait – that is every National record, but this is darker, moodier and much deeper than others, it is also the band’s most polished effort and Berninger's finest lyrical achievement as well. High Violet is a full on crescendo of emotion from start to finish and is easily not just the band’s best, but one of the years best as well.
FINAL GRADE: A+

Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma
I do not think the world is ready for Flying Lotus, at least on a major level, Cosmogramma is the reason why, this album is light years ahead of its time and something that needs to be taken it all at once and then in small dosages. LA beatmaker Flying Lotus has infected the musical world with a powerful new drug – his own beats. Combining dubstep, techno, electronica and letting it flow all into a seamless mix, he will slowly gain attention to his work if he keeps up at this pace, hell, Thom Yorke is such a huge fan not only did he ask FlyLo to come on tour with his new solo project, he even guest vocals on a track. Flying Lotus is an artist to watch and Cosmogramma is a record to indulge in.
FINAL GRADE: B

Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle
I love this band, more particularly I love this band’s live show, they simply are one of the greatest live acts anyone will ever see. However, I am still waiting for a record to capture this gypsy punks live style on disc. The band’s latest and major label debut, Trans-Continental Hustle, brought the band to singer Eugene Huntz new home city of Rio and enlisted the heavy hitting producing capabilities of Rick Rubin behind the deck. Like the city it was recorded in, it is a liberal melting pot of culture and creativity and is fun, but fails to capture a progression in sound from these traveling animals.
FINAL GRADE: B-

The Fall - Your Future, Our Clutter
With album number God-knows-what and lineup number…, oh at this point it does not even matter and who is counting?! British punk vet Mark E Smith and his latest incarnation of The Fall are here with Your Future, Our Clutter. A nice record for the current state of Britain, arriving just weeks before the major Prime Minister elections, Smith, displays his angst with the current state of British Union. The man has cranked out so many albums through his three decade plus long career, it is fascinating to still hear him deliver some solid material.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Minus the Bear - Omni
Minus the Bear are one of those bands that have developed a sort of cult following through the years. Pounding the pavement on the road and releasing quality music while doing it, their latest Omni is a far departure from what we have herd from them in the past. Though some may say it is a stepping stone in the right direction, I find the record falls flat in areas where it could have really been driven home. Fans I am sure will eat this album up, however, the casual listener might just hit skip.
FINAL GRADE: C

We Are The Fallen - Tear the World Down
Former Evanescence members team up with a former American Idol contestant to sound like…Evanescence. Singer Carly Smithson may have not won America's favorite karaoke contest but she will not go down without a fight. The best part about this band is her vocals; surging with energy, power and grace, she single handedly makes Amy Lee look like a faint memory to her current band mates. We Are The Fallen is perfect for those that like acts like Flyleaf, Lacuna Coil and of course that band from the Daredevil soundtrack.
FINAL GRADE: C

Chase Coy - Picturesque
Girls love Justin Bieber, it has to be the bowl haircut. Girls love guys in emo bands, it has to be the sensitive lyrics. Girls love guys with acoustic guitars, it has to be those summer camp nights. Girls will love Chase Coy. This kid has that package and appeal; a young lad taking his emo style lyrics, strumming them along on his acoustic with his Bieber haircut. His major label debut, if pushed correctly will cause "Coysteria."
FINAL GRADE: C

Hole - Nobody's Daughter
Oh Courtney Love, how I loathe thee…Let me count the ways… Love maybe on the fast track to becoming the female Mark E Smith of the Fall, by just having a revolving door of members every time they release new material and stamp the name of the band on it. Love like her friends or foes, who can keep track these days - Billy Corgan, Axle Rose, are doing the same thing and it poses the question - Does this mean it is really that band with just the front man as the sole original member? In their cases, I guess so. Nobody's Daughter is just another failed attempt from Love to revive her fledging career. Generic guitars, drums and lyrics, it makes you wish it was 1992 again when she was writing with the first good lineup.
FINAL GRADE: D

Jonsi Live on Ferguson

After a breathtaking performance at Terminal 5 this past weekend, Jonsi of Sigur Ros made his solo TV debut on Craig Ferguson this week. Watch him and his band perform "Go Do," and sit back and enjoy!

Quick News

Former Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver bassist Duff McKagen made his live debut with Jane's Addiction on Cinco De Mayo in LA. The band did a surprise gig at a Mexican resturant and introduced Duff officially to the world. Duff is replacing original Jane's bassist Eric Avery, who left the band, again, earlier this year.

Speaking of departing bassists, Carlos D has left Interpol. The band released a statement on their website stating "But we’re feeling limber; and we’re going to carry it all around the world for you…Sadly, Carlos will not be joining us.” Interpol is set to support U2 on a slew of dates this summer in North America and Europe as well as their own headlining tour in support of their forthcoming fourth record.

The Roots and John Legend almost recorded an album full of Arcade Fire covers. Yep, that is correct. While Philly's finest was recording their latest, How I Got Over, they decied to join up with Legend to record Wake Up, a collection of Arcade Fire covers, however that idea was scrapped and they instead began recording 5o's, 60's and 70's soul covers. Legend recently told Rolling Stone "I wanted to choose cover songs that were so under the radar, so uniquely interpreted, that it would take you a second to realise that these are cover songs [at all]." The opted to keep the name, Wake Up, no word on when Wake Up shall arrive.

Jarvis Cocker is offering a unique free album..an album of nature sounds. Yep, no actual music but sounds of nature entitled National Trust, based on the charity of the same name. The album can be downloaded at www.Nationaltrust.org.uk

Los Campesinos on Carson Daly

Again it surprises me more and more that Last Call with Carson Daly is still on air, not that it is a bad show, just I do not know of a single soul that watches it. However, Welsh indie rockers (and one of the best live bands around these days) Los Campesinos! did a nice little package and performance of "Romance is Boring," recently. Take a look!

Film School Cover and Tracklisting

Indie faves Film School are set to release their fourth LP this summer, Fission. Take a look at the cover and track listing below...


1- Heart Full Of Pentagons
2- When I'm Yours
3- Time To Listen
4- Waited
5- Meet Around 10
6- Direct
7- Still Might
8- Distant Life
9- Sunny Day
10- Bones
11- Nothings Mine
12- Find You Out

Green Day on Fallon

Green Day "Rip this Joint," in Celebration of Rolling Stones week on Fallon!

EXCLUSIVE! Dan Romer INTV!

You have herd his music all over the place; from episodes of Grey's Anatomy to HBO to Google to ads for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign. Dan Romer is on the fast track to being one of the most sought out producers and musicians in the business. If the name sounds familiar, he fronted one of my favorite bands to emerge of the last ten years - the now defunct - Fireflies. Romer is also the man behind the deck and onstage for acts like Ingrid Michelson, Jenny Owen Youngs, Glory at Sea and many others. As discussed in various On The Road entries by contributing writer, Elliot Jacobson, Dan is a key part to the acts he plays with. As fellow contributing writer Bill Reese would say "Dan is a fucking genius." As Romer preps a solo record, more work with Ingrid and Jenny and his various other acts, I had the opportunity to find a few moments with him as we chatted about his career and where it is going. Take a look at my interview with a person, who will be the most important person in the business over the next few years.

What can you tell us about your solo material?

One thing that's important about this album is that I have no true plans for it. Every single album I've made before this one, be it for the band I used to front, Fire Flies, or for any of the artists I've produced, I've hoped to become a successful, popular record. I don't think I'll be doing any promotion on this piece of music, or playing many shows, so this album is honestly being made for no commercial purpose. It's gonna be downloadable for free. So there's some shackles that used to be there that aren't anymore.

Musically, the three new influences I'm drawing from most are New Orleans brass band music, Eastern European folk music, and classic motown. What this means for me is three drummers simultaneously on most songs, lots of horns and accordions, and less guitars. My musical brother, Chris Kuffner, is co-producing it with me. He's a brilliant musician who has helped me on every record I've worked on since I met him. He also co-produced Ingrid's first record, Girls and Boys, and just finished up Shira Goldberg's first album (it's awesome).

The other three musicians guiding me through this maze of artistic confusion are Adam Christgau, Seth Faulk and Elliot Jacobson. All drummers. Go figure.

I have always been curious to know who your influences are, due to the fact that your style is much like David Bowie fronting the Flaming Lips. Who are the artists that you admire?

I feel like I could rattle of 100s of names, but I'll give a little timeline instead.

10 years old: Obsessed with The Who's “Tommy”
12: Loved Alanis Morisette's “Jagged Little Pill”
13: Decided Alanis sucked and only listened to Nirvana and the Pumpkins. Told people I liked The Pixies, but didn't listen to them.
14: Ska and Floyd
15: Bob Dylan, Magnetic Fields and Belle and Sebastian
16: Neil Young, Talking Heads, Velvet Underground, Dr. Octagon
17: Tom Waits, David Bowie, Flaming Lips
18: Radiohead, Digital Underground, Fiona Apple, Kate Bush
19: Alanis Morisette
20: Started actually listening to The Pixies.
21: Stopped listening to music (sad, but true, The Pixies only got a year.)

You are a hell of a live performer, when you showcase your solo music, will it just be you on stage or will you be joined by a band?

Thanks dude! Our personnel has been tweeted by Bess, so I feel like it's not really a secret. So.... we'll have three drummers, one with a bass drum and two with snares, which are the aforementioned Seth, Elliot and Adam. Chris Kuffner will mostly stay firmly on bass, and then the whole line up from the band The Age Of Rockets are going to jump from instrument to instrument. Adam is in that band, as are Bess Rogers, Saul Simon-Macwilliams and Andrew Futral. And I'm sure many backup vocals will happen, expected or unexpected (Bill Reese?).

How will your solo material differ from what you have done with Fireflies, Ingrid Michaelson and Jenny Owen Youngs?

An simpler question might be “what will it have in common?” The song forms will be similar, but the instrumentation will be totally different, as will the vocal approach. To be honest though, the two subjects I still can't stop writing about are the end of the world and “the darkness.” Aliens are mostly off the table now.

You have found yourself as a musical renaissance man; acting as musician, songwriter, producer, front man, backing man, go to man. What job do you prefer and why?

My favorite part of music is when you have every instrument more or less tracked, except maybe the vocals, and you have to figure out what the song 'wants'. That's when you say “What if there was a mellotron string playing one note over this whole section?” or “Wouldn't that guitar sound better backwards for a second?” I love putting little sonic decorations on things.


Your music can recently been herd in a commercial for Google, how did that come about?

I co-composed the score for the film “Glory at Sea” with Benh Zeitlin, who also directed the movie. Somehow the ad agency working for Google got their hands on this music, probably since different parts of the score were used on several last minute Obama commercials, and there it was.

The name of your company is called “Drawing Number One,” what does this title signify?

Drawing Number One is a reference to the book The Little Prince. “My Drawing Number One” is the first drawing the fictional author in the book draws when he's six years old. It's an elephant inside of a snake from the outside. I have a bunch of Little Prince references in my endeavors: my record label was Asteroid B-612 Records, and Fire Flies was originally called The Baobabs. It's quite possibly my favorite book.

Is it odd going on stage with Ingrid and playing with her after you already established yourself in a band or as a performer on your own?

Not at all! No matter what you're doing on stage, the whole point is to have a really great time, and hopefully make something really beautiful out of it. I love playing with every artist I play with, and when you're onstage with them, you ARE essentially that artist. I feel it's worth pointing out though, compared to the success Ingrid has achieved, Fire Flies were a relatively unknown band outside of NYC.

Elliot Jacobson is a contributing writer to this site. He dishes out info on what it is like to be on the road with Ingrid and her crew. What is it like to be on the road with Elliot?

Oh man, you guys, I love Elliot Jacobson, though! I end up spending most of my time with Elliot, since we both love hunting down starbuckses (correct pluralization?), hunting for weird drums and eating as much protein and fiber as possible. Elliot's really health conscious, so just being around him and watching keeps me feeling better. If I drink way too much whiskey, he forces me to drink three bottles of water before going to sleep. He's also one of the best musicians I've ever met in my life, and one of the funniest people I've ever known. If you have the pleasure of meeting him, ask him to sing you his original composition “Pizza Date.”

When can we expect your first batch of solo material? What will you call it?

We're hoping for it to be done around May. Fingers crossed. There IS a working title, but it's not firmly set enough for me to announce it yet. I will say that the working title ends in an ellipsis.

If there was anyone you would love to work with, whom would it be and why?

I'd be nervous work with a hero of mine like Tom Waits or David Byrne, since I feel like I would just sit there too humbled to comment. What contributions could I possibly make to the people who taught me everything I know? But if they came calling, I'd say yes in a second. My real dream is to produce some sort of super talented top 40 artist, say Beyonce or Hayley from Paramore, who wanted to make a life change and start making some less directly commercial, artier sounding stuff. For reals, can you picture Hayley singing over just a floor tom and some mellotron flutes? My heart hurts just thinking about it.

Special thanks to Dan Romer and Bill Reese for the interview!

On The Road W/ Elliot Vol 5

I'm a lucky guy. I get to tour all over the country with my best
friends (the Ingrid Michaelson band) and play music for the best fans
in the world. People often come up to me after the shows and ask if
we're all really close friends because it looks like we're having so
much fun together on stage. I'm happy that our friendship and positive
energy come through.

After tour is over, I am always happy to return home to Brooklyn, NY.
I still spend a lot of my time with the respective members of the
band, but try to prioritize my time by focusing on my love life, NYC
based friends and communication with family.

I also enjoy spending a lot of time at the gym, and simple pleasures
like watching movies on my couch with my girlfriend and cooking
dinner. I've recently started learning to cook Thai food and my curry
will be perfected before the next tour (I hope).

Touring is fun, but it requires tons of energy and focus every single
night. It usually takes me about a week to adjust again physically and
mentally to "normal" life. I like to wake up early when I'm home
(around 6am) whereas on tour, I will wake up between 12pm-2pm for load
in (unless we have morning promo first). When I finally adjust, I feel
recharged.

Although I'm not playing music every single day, I still stay busy
when I'm home. I perform and record with various friends/artists
including fellow Ingrid band members Bess Rogers and Allie Moss on
their respective solo careers. I also play with Jenny Owen Youngs,
Lelia Broussard, Lauren Zettler, Ricky Valente, and others. I play at
venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan and often travel out of town for a
few shows at a time as well.

Being home allows me time to go into the recording studio with many of
these artists as well. I currently have a lot of exciting recording
projects in the works with Bess, Lelia, Jenny, and another Ingrid band
member/producer, Dan Romer.

I hit the road once again with Ingrid on June 7th. We're playing
several dates on the Lilith Fair tour and will also be performing at
this year's Bonnaroo Festival. I list all of my performances with
Ingrid and other artists at www.myspace.com.elliotjacobsondrummer.

Elliot Jacobson is a contributing writer to With This I Think Im Officially A Yuppie. Elliot drums for the links of Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs, Bess Rogers and more.

Live Review - Jonsi @ Terminal 5

Aside from being something in the air in Iceland, there must be something in the water. An elixir that just boasts creativity. Jonsi of Sigur Ros must have gallons of this when he is recording his music. The frontman to the famous Icelandic rock group is currently on his first solo tour of the US and made his first stop in New York City last night, the first of two sold out nights in Hell's Kitchen's Terminal 5. Jonsi, who I consider to be the male version of another Iceland native, Bjork, breathtakingly swept into the venue and blew the lids off everyone watching.

For a person like myself who has seen all sorts of acts, stage shows and persona's on stage, this was just unlike anything I have ever witnessed in a club or live in concert. Jonsi and his band were spectacle of epic proportions. The concert was Broadway grander fused with an exhibit from the Museum of Modern Art - with a pulse!

Dressed in dazzling Native garb and having his band stick to the motifs, the show was the lesson James Cameron told in Avatar -Respect Mother Nature. Walking on stage with an acoustic in hand, Jonsi sang and man, did he sing. His voice which can go from tenor to alto in just a few bars, has the ability to pull you in and keep you at attention. While images of animals displayed across a screen then made to look like it was set ablaze, the audience got a glimpse of a stark and barren forrest behind the band. Once the screen dropped and the forrest was relieved, images of nature and how we must nurture it bolted across the back. Combined with a light show and effects like no other has ever brought the to the massive New York venue, Jonsi and his brilliant band just hit every note as if it were their last. The passion and creativity that is exuded in their performance is just awe inspiring. The 90 minute set included songs from Jonsi's latest and brilliant solo effort Go, Sigur Ros tracks and a few songs from his Riceboy Sleeps project that was released last year.

This was a performance and concert that I and everyone in attendance will be talking about for years to come.

YUPPIE TO BE FEATURED IN OASIS ALBUM!

In what is part an honor and a dream come true....Officially a Yuppie Editor in Chief, Salvatore Bono will be featured in Oasis' latest "Best Of" collection Time Flies 1994-2009!

Earlier this year Oasis announced they would be releasing Time Flies and asked fans from all around the world to submit in 20 words or less - what Oasis ment to them and to choose from the tracklisting a song that means the most to them.

Being a life long Oasis fan, Sal jumped onto the opportunity and after hundreds of thousands of submissions was chosen to be one of the 50 quotes selected in the artwork of the record. Take a look at Sal's achievement as well as the other winners (you may know one or two) HERE. Sal's name can be seen last but not least!

Time Flies arrives in June and be sure to get it and search for Sal!