music community

FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWSMUSIC NEWS

I Believe in a Thing Called The Darkness 

My passion for the British rock group began back in 2003 when I first heard the single ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’, off their debut album Permission to Land.  Now singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins, his brother guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, and drummer Rufus Taylor (son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor) are back with their eighth studio album. If you know anything about The Darkness, then you know about a high level of intensity when playing live gigs.  As the band first emerged on the scene there was this inkling that they were some kind of joke band.  That they were spoofing the 1970’s hard and glam rock scene, but those ribbings were quickly left by the side of musicality road.  This band is absolutely enthralling.  Listeners and critics alike fastly found themselves realizing the technical fortitude of this sonically reverent band. 

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

Bully Packs A Punch at The Blue Room

I was back at The Blue Room again in Nashville to cover the Bully show with Jawdropped supporting on the second evening of a two-show engagement.  You know you spend a lot of time at a venue when you walk up to the ticket person and they say, “Oh, it’s you again”.  I laughed.  Live music venues are my happy place, so I was certainly glad to be there again.  This would be my third time seeing Alicia Bognanno and her band.  “Bully” refers to her “inner bully” or the “inner demons” she confronts in her music and life. The name Bully also represents the initial band she fronted a decade ago but later became synonymous with Bognanno herself as the sole member.  

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

Arts Fishing Club Drops Lines in Blue Room Waters 

Their sound is hard to root down and that’s why I am excited about their future.  You can say they are this or that, but their ability to play just about anything is evident in their music.  At the core, Arts Fishing Club is branded as an indie-folk rock band, but I am not sure that’s the best descriptor of what they are about, although I am not sure how I would list them if I had to.  The music is fun.  The band plays tight.  It’s fast when it needs to be but slows down with all the right accents tapping directly into all the listeners emotions. They keep it light between songs too, letting the audience know just how much fun they are having.  On this Thursday, in the dimly lit architectural aqua-bowl of a room, our guiding light was AFC. 

Read More
FEATUREDLISTSMUSIC NEWS

Top 10 Ozzy Moments

Today we mourn the loss of a metal giant and the man known as the Prince of Darkness to his fans. Ozzy Osbourne will be remembered eternally… that I have no doubt about. Ozzy was one of the greatest frontmen of all-time and he gave us some of the grandest bangers in Rock and Roll history. He was also well known for his crazy antics both on and off the stage. Ozzy has passed over on this, July 22nd 2025 and his legend is etched in the annuals of music history. His family has graced us with this note:

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” the statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Read More
FEATUREDMUSIC NEWS

Matt Cameron is Leaving Pearl Jam

After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam. Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, one filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter. I am forever grateful to the crew, staff and fans the world over. It’s been an incredible journey. More to follow. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. 

Read More