Interview with a Deflator

Today I got the chance to sit down with my friend, and partner in crime, Ashley "Starky" Starkweather.  She runs a Podcast called Pop Deflators, which highlights Rock and Metal music, while leaving time to make fun of the world of Pop music - much the same as this blog does. Here are the questions that beg to be answered:

1) Where did the idea for Pop Deflators come from and why?
2) What's the inspiration behind the name?
3) What future goals do you have as a professional/podcaster?
4) Do you see a potential business or career coming from this?

Pop Deflators originated as an assignment in a podcasting class offered at Valley Forge Christian College for the most part, but soon grew into something that no one saw coming. The name itself comes from the premise of the show – to make fun of Pop music and the culture that surrounds it, while highlighting Rock and Metal music.  This seemed to be the only common ground that she and her partner, Joe Carreon, could find, so that’s what it became.

When asked about her future goals with Pop Deflators, Starky admits that the podcast has exceeded her own expectations. She never thought it would get this big, but that doesn’t mean she can’t dream.  The “ultimate goal”, right now, is to be the pit reporter for the 2012 Warped Tour. After that, who knows?  The one thing that comes as the biggest shock after all the concerts and posts on the Facebook page, is the fact that the subscribers, as well as the artists, are all looking up to her as a professional.  She is described as one of the best interviewers an artist can have. She is clear, concise, and relaxed without losing the knowledge factor. However, if you ask her, it’s all for the fun!

On the job

With the rising popularity of the Pop Deflators page, and the growing reputation it was surprising to learn that Starky does not want to make a business of this.  There is no doubt that she loves it, but she feels that she lacks the business skill to run a company properly.  Another big factor in business is money which, being a college student, is in short supply. Admittedly it could become a business someday, but for now Pop Deflators exists as a hobby for a music enthusiast whose passion for music far outweighs many a fan.

You can find the Pop Deflators on Facebook for more fun and “deflation”.

Surprise!! Like it or not...

Hey all!  Sorry it's been a while since the last post, but college classes and jobs tend to keep a person busy.  With that said, let's get right to it.

Thrice

A lot has happened in the music world lately!  First, and most exciting in my opinion, which is the only one that really matters when writing this blog, is the new album from Thrice entitled Major/Minor.  For those who are familiar with Thrice...good for you! You have good taste in music.  For those who maybe aren't as familiar with the band, Thrice has undergone a massive change in their musical style over the years.  They used to be a kind of "rip-your-face-off" hardcore punk sound, and then in 2005-2006 they released an album called Vheissu.  That album changed Thrice forever!  They became far more artistic, or as some would say, "mathy" (meaning they change time signatures a lot). That trend has continued into the newer albums.  Major/Minor is very much in the same vein as their last release in 2010 called Beggars.  Both albums feature a stripped down sound from the band, but none-the-less good quality.  I, for one, was particularly impressed with the lyrical quality of tracks such as Disarmed, Anthology, and Yellow Belly. There are a few tracks on the record that can be considered throw backs to previous albums, particularly Blur.  It captures that punk feel that we haven't seen in a while.  If you are a fan of Thrice, or if I have done justice to them by making you interested in the new album, go pick it up at your local Best Buy, Walmart or, of course, Amazon and iTunes.

In other, rather depressing, news.  Mick Jagger has been asked to front a new band, who is calling itself "Superheavy".  Really!?  First off, what kind of name is that?  I mean, I've heard some really silly names before, but this begs to be made fun of!  It's sounds like a cheesy 80's rap group.  Secondly, Mick Jagger as a front man?  Are you sure he's able to tour without getting heart palpitations?  Does he need to be done with a show so he can go to bed by 9?  I'm not saying anything against his talent back in his days with the Stones, what I am saying is IT'S TIME TO QUIT!!

As long as we are talking about sad news, and in all seriousness on this one, R.E.M has decided to call it quits after 31 years of making music.  I will admit that I am not the biggest R.E.M. fan, but they did provide a plethora of music for over three decades.  That deserves gratitude from anyone no matter what genre you fall under. Props, guys... and thank you for your contribution to music history.

Are you a Foo Freak, like me?  Then you are in luck, my friend.  Foo Fighters will be coming to the Philly area on November 10th. They are currently touring with Social Distortion.  Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster, and other ticket vendors.

Alive Album Cover

Now for some brief news, in closing... hey, I told you a lot's happened, what did you expect?  Lead singer of Live, Ed Kowalczyk, has released his first solo project entitled Alive.  All I can say about what I have heard is that I like it. Ed stays true to his signature style, but clearly states his beliefs in his lyrics (yes folks, he's a Christian). 

Until then...

God Bless America!!

September 11... I am sure that those of us who lived through the attack on the World Trade Center can remember every single detail of that day.  I know for me, the day seemed to go by in slow motion after I watched the second plane smash into the tower.
Let me start things off by saying thank you to all of the men and women who faithfully served and gave their lives 10 years ago, and also saying God bless to all of the families of those who were lost.

Blink 182

That said... let's get to some music.  There was a plethora of news to pick from this week, as quite a lot of stuff is coming up.  Blink 182, for example, has released another single from their upcoming album entitled Neighborhoods.  You can download the song at www.get182.com.  The catch is you have to play a little game, which will make you want to punch your computer screen multiple times.  It's almost torture, so if I were you, I would wait until the album comes out on September 27th.  After an 8-year hiatus, I know that I am anxious to hear what the guys have to offer.

Michael Pedicone

In other music news, My Chemical Romance, affectionately known by the tight-jean wearing neo-goth crowd as MCR, has fired their drummer recently.  What for?  Stealing.  Seriously, what are you in a high school garage band?  Who steals from a professionally signed band?  That's like asking for a root canal, and another O.J Simpson trial... in other words, it's just plain dumb.  In the sense of fairness, however, Michael Pedicone did release an apology to the band.  Maybe now they can all kiss and make up...or just hire me as their drummer ;).

Davey Havok of AFI

As long as we are talking about that genre, let me also take a minute to say, "Shame on you!", to whoever decided that it would be funny to post as AFI's front-man Davey Havok.  You have no idea the amount of chaos that could have happened if this rumor were true.  Our eye liner wearing friends would have gone into a panic and hung themselves with their skinny jeans!  What were you thinking? Now before the emo-kids come after me, let me say that I am a fan of AFI.  I have been listening to their music since before Sing the Sorrow was released, unlike most of you.

Now to the fun stuff...

Leveler Album Cover

August Burns Red (ABR) released their latest album in May, but I'm a total slacker and spent most of my summer in Montana, so I didn't get the chance to review it until now.  The album, called Leveler, is appropriately named, in that it's precisely what happened to me when I heard it.  Many people have come to expect the rip-your-face-off type of metal that comes from ABR.  With this new album you get that as the core, for sure, but as an added bonus, you also get a sense of artistry and real talent.  Quite a few tempo changes, and style changes can be expected (and loved) without losing that edge we've all come to adore. The "noodling" on the guitar, and overall quality of musicianship tells the listener that these guys are more than just a noise machine.  They really do know what they are doing.  I would give Leveler a strong 8.5 out 10.  You can preview and buy the album at Amazon.com.  You can also connect with the band on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Pure Volume, and of course, YouTube.

It's Time to Make Some Noise...

Hello and welcome!

My name is Joe, and it's my goal to use this blog as a way to get music related content out to the fans.  I have been a fan of music my entire life. As a musician, I know how difficult the creative process can be and also how the music business is full of twists and turns.  I hope to keep you all aware of the twists and turns as they happen, but I'm a slacker so that probably won't happen.

No Emo Allowed

Let me also take moment to say what this blog is not.  It is NOT a place for eyeliner wearing emokids to check up on the latest gossip.  It is NOT a boring, run of the mill, blog about what's happening in the music world.  I plan to give you a humorous view of the music industry in a number of categories.  From album reviews, and predictions of what's coming, to satire about the latest headlines; this blog aims to please.  I will be covering both the Rock (secular) and the Christian Rock/Metal genres. I will NOT be covering country, rap, or stupid teeny-bop/Disney music...sorry.  Your comments and thoughts are always welcome!