JESSE MILLER (LOTUS)
What will you remember most about 2011?
Headlining Red Rocks for the first time. The Arab Spring.
What albums appear most in your iTunes or iPod?
In my case it would be my turntable. The Kills – Blood Pressures,
Siriusmo -_ Mosaik_, T-Rex – The Slider, Low – Drums and Guns, Neon
Indian – Psychic Chasms, Steve Reich -_ Octet / Music for a Large
Ensemble / Violin Phase_, Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest
What was the best musical discovery you made in 2011?
The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet ‘08 analog synthesizer.
What was your favorite show or tour of 2011?
Favorite I played: Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO July 1, 2011
Favorite I saw: Trans Am – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA Sept. 27, 2011
What musicians should readers look out for in 2012?
My favorite new group from this year was Shabazz Palaces so I’m hoping they reach more ears in 2012.
Are there any musicians you would like to collaborate with in 2012?
Four Tet, Burial, Caribou, Brian Eno
How do you plan to ring in the New Year?
We have a big Lotus show planned in Philadelphia in a heated tent on the Delaware River.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but I’d like to complete albums for Lotus and Beard-o-Bees (my solo project) in 2012.
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TODD ISLER (DRUMMER, MIKE GORDON BAND)
What will you remember most about 2011?
What I will remember most about 2011 is the loss of my father. This is both good and bad. Bad because he suffered for almost two years, and I miss him. Good because I’m left with his incredible legacy. He always loved and supported me. I feel super lucky to do what I do, and he got great joy from seeing me play music.
What album or albums received the most play?
My taste in music is pretty eclectic. One album that I played a lot is Contos by Leonardo E. M. Cioglia. The writing and playing on this disc is superb.
What was your favorite show or tour in 2011?
My favorite show on tour with MGB in 2011 was probably the last show of the March run at Higher Ground in Burlington.
What emerging band should readers watch out for in 2012?
There’s a band from Florida called Hip Abduction that I sort of discovered by accident. They blend elements of Afro Beat, Brazilian, and Funk that are very appealing to me and the vocals are nice. too.
What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2012?
My New Year’s resolution is to work hard on my site worlddrumworkshop.com. I want it to become a place where drummers and percussionists from all walks of life can go to for learning and inspiration.
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