Say hello to some of my favorite friends. And take a listen to the music they make, because it's pretty great.
REBECCA ZAPEN
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Have I Seen Her Live?: Just once, and it was a short set, but she was excellent.
Do I Own Any Albums From Her?: Oh man, I'm an experienced Zapenologist. I've got two solo albums of hers, plus her duet album with Michelle Payne and the disc she did with the Gary Starling Group. I could start my own all-Zapen radio station.
My Favorite Song of Hers: "We Didn't Bother"
STEWART
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Have I Seen Them Live?: More times than I can count. Oh no, wait, six times. Stewart shows are always good fun.
Do I Own Any Albums From Them?: I have two. For those of you out there considering your first Stewart purchase, I highly recommend JAWBREAKER, recorded live and totally awesome if you can get your hands on a copy.
My favorite song of theirs: "Don't Look Back"
SMIRK
Location: Dearborn, MI
Have I Seen Him Live?: Only as a member of bands that I was in, so I was on the stage at the same time.
Do I Own Any Albums From Him?: No, because the bastard won't release any. I'm still waiting patiently for one.
My Favorite Song of His: "Dig a Devil Hand Me Down"
OUR PRECIOUS DEATH MACHINE
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Have I Seen Them Live?: Yes, and I was playing bass for them at the time.
Do I Own Any Albums From Them?: They're still a pretty new band, so they haven't made an album yet. Give them time.
My Favorite Song of Theirs: "Werewolves"
MUSICIDE
Location: Dearborn, MI
Have I Seen Him Live?: He's not really one for live performances, so no.
Do I Own Any Albums From Him?: I have one, but back when I got it, he went by the name "Factory Eight", so I'm not sure if it counts.
My Favorite Song of His: "The Dance of the Player"
LO-FI SUGAR
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Have I Seen Them Live?: I saw Heather perform with Paul Van Dyk, who may as well have disappeared the moment she hit the stage.
Do I Own Any Albums From Them?: I was graciously given their self-titled demo, but as a non-iTunes user, I haven't bought their EP yet.
My Favorite Song of Theirs: "Eternal Spotless"
ANNIKA LEI
Location: Chicago, IL
Have I Seen Her Live?: Many times, and I never tire of her.
Do I Own Any Albums From Her?: I own her Maurice-Robert collaboration, BAD SHOE POLICY. I love it.
My Favorite Song of Hers: "Must It Be EitherOr"
IMOGEN BINNIE
Location: Oakland, CA
Have I Seen Her Live?: Only as a member of Strictly Platonic, but that'll do for now.
Do I Own Any Albums From Her?: Oh hell yes. I got a copy of OH MY FUCKING GOD A TRANSSEXUAL LET'S ALL FREAK OUT the day it was released.
My Favorite Song of Hers: "Fuck This"