Interview Gary Van Miert

Gary Van Miert has been a fixture around the North Jersey/NYC Music scene. His band, The Sensational Country Blues Wonders play an eclectic mix of Country Blues, Gospel and Rock & Roll.

We connected via Skype for a really engaging interview!

Their new album, which includes Gary's original tunes, has been getting lots of attention on various music charts and many spins on radio stations all over the world!

Download and preview the new album "The World Will Break Your Heart" on CD Baby, Band Camp, Spotify, iTunes and wherever you get your fine music!

Interview With Sean Hagerty of Shakespeare@

Did you know that Jersey City has it's own Shakespeare Theater Troupe? In fact, they are in the middle of a three part performance of Richard II. The final episode airs Sunday, July 19th at 7pm, and all episodes are available for streaming and download here:

https://www.shakespeare-at.org/

I had an engaging conversation with Sean Hagerty about the star studded cast, Radio Plays and Podcasting and how he fell in love with Shakespeare plays.

Interview With Trai1n

Every once in a while, I hear a Hip Hop artist that really excites me. Tra1n is currently that artist!

The adept writing, smooth singing, jazzy, soulful music and his brilliant, bassy delivery make for an amazing mix, and the production is phenomenal!

I was able to have a really intriguing socially-distanced conversation with Tra1n at Friggin Fabulous Studios.

You definitely want to add this one to your iTunes and Spotify play lists!

Sid Whelan is an enthusiastically and unapologetically old-school and eclectic songwriter, singer, bandleader and guitarist who has earned praise for his well-crafted lyrics and his harmonically rich guitar voicings. He has studied songwriting with Grammy-winning artists Steve Earle and Chely Wright.

He was also lead guitarist with various world music acts including the Lijadu Sisters and later Afroblue. 

I had the honor to master his new album, "Waiting For Payday", and the pleasure to sit down with him for this two part interview!

Chrissy Roberts Interview-1/17/20

Chrissy Roberts has been enchanting audiences in NYC and New Jersey for many years and has recently played Stanhope House in Stanhope, New Jersey, White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, The Bottom Line in NYC and many other clubs.

She’s also been a featured performer at the NJ Folk Project.

Her new album, "Songs on the Fire Escape" is a sweet potpourri of Folk, Rock, Jazz and more and it's one of my favorite albums of the year.

Buy it now at CD Baby!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Hagarty of Shakespeare@

Artistic Director Sean Hagerty is pleased to announce the inaugural season of Shakespeare@, launching with a production of HAMLET, with performances beginning Thursday, March 28th. Opening is set for Sunday, March 31st at Grace Church Van Vorst (39 Erie Street, Jersey City - a five-minute walk from the Path Train). Directed by Sean Hagerty, HAMLET is set against the stunning architecture of Grace Church Van Vorst, offering a suspenseful reverence, aided by the masterful storytelling of a cast of veteran and rising stars of stage, television and film. Tickets, priced at $25, are available at shakespeare-at.org.

Critically acclaimed author, Gray Basnight is a good friend of mine and a former co-worker in NYC News Radio.

His new novel, "Flight of the Fox" is a fascinating "run for your life" thriller that tells the story of College professor Sam Teagarden, who stumbles upon a decades-old government cover-up when an encoded document mysteriously lands in his in-box, followed by a cluster of mini-drones programmed to kill him. 

Gray and I talk about his writing career, legalization of Marijuana, the current state of affairs throughout the world and more!

Download his "Flight of the Fox" and all his other works here:

https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Fox-Gray-Basnight/dp/1946502618

I've been a fan of Sylvana Joyce &The Moment for years now.

I booked them at Path Cafe and The Algonquin Seaport Theater in Manhattan a while back and I finally got a chance to play on stage with them at my Birthday Bash at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on 4/6/18.

I sat down and talked to Sylvana about her new album, Heavy Head, her "Grand" showmanship, songwriting while walking, the current live music scene and lots more.

Check SJ&TM on Spotify, iTunes and anywhere else you find great music!

Terry Haman Interview-11/12/17

I rarely get to interview musicians who's albums I've played on and mastered, so sitting down with Terry Haman was a real thrill!

Terry has been a staple in the Jersey City music scene for many years now, and is one of the most talented singer/songwriters in the NYC/North Jersey region.

I met Terry about 10 years ago when he came to play at my open mic and we quickly became best friends.

He started out as a solo artist, but now has an incredible band with the likes of Ralph Capasso, Josh Mizrucchi and Jeff Sutton.

His new album "Suburbia Drive" is a masterpiece. I suggest downloading from CD Baby as soon as you're done reading this blurb...

The first time I heard the Sun Berry Tonics I couldn't email them fast enough to get them to play one of my shows.

These young ladies have an immense amount of soul, incredible harmonies, wonderful originals and a command of the standards.

I suggest checking out this Brooklyn duo live whenever possible!

Ross Sandler is one of the funkiest and funniest Mofos I know-not to mention super talented! 

His new album "Don't Stop" is guaranteed to make you move your feet and is good for the soul as well.

The songs are brilliantly arranged, thanks in no small part to Ross and John Roccesano. I had the double pleasure of mastering this project and sitting down with Ross.

You can purchase this stellar EP here:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rosssandler

Jersey City is one of the most culturally diverse and ever expanding cities in the country, but did you know that it's home to one of the most amazing original music scenes?

This play list was created for "JC Fridays" a quarterly, city wide, muti-event showcase of local artists, musicians and other creative types and featured some of the most talented song writers and performers in JC.

It's all brought to you by 107 Bowers Gallery and Art Space at 107 Bowers Street in Jersey City, Art House Productions (among others) and Friggin Fabulous Productions:

http://www.frigginfabulousproductions.com/

Episodes Below! Enjoy!

Friggin Fabulous Best of Jersey City-Playlist 1

Friggin Fabulous Best of Jersey City-Playlist 2

Friggin Fabulous Best of Jersey City-Playlist 3

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Oslo, Norway native, Mari Solberg at Friggin Fabulous Studios recently to talk about her Gorgeous new EP, "Do It Again." 

Mari's haunting melodies and angelic voice along with her thoughtful lyrics make this EP something really special! Buy her EP on iTunes, CD Baby, Spotify and More!

I've seen her several times live and her performances are mesmerizing!

https://www.reverbnation.com/marisolberg

Francis Falls Live From Caffe Vivaldi-4/23/16

I had the honor of introducing this super talented dude as "Francis Falls" for the first time at the Friggin Fabulous Brunch Showcase at Caffe Vivaldi.

His hauntingly beautiful songs tend to get stuck in your head (in a very good way).

Mississippi Cotten also did a couple of songs during this set, which was an unexpected treat!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011541675459&fref=ts

*Download the Friggin Fabulous Radio app in The Amazon App Store!

Nicole Bozzuto is an amazing singer/songwriter happily entrenched in the NYC and North Jersey Original Music Scene, when she's not on the road, that is!

Many of her superbly crafted original songs are about the road and the many people and places she's encountered along the way.

She's played Caffe Vivaldi many times and this is truly one of her best sets!

Ben Grayson is one of the most talented, up and coming singer/songwriters in the NYC Folk and Rock scene.

His album "Mary Whispers Grace" is a collection of thoughtful and wonderfully arranged songs.

I sat down recently with Ben in Winston Churchill Park in the West Village of Manhattan to talk about his music and lots of other stuff.

Ben can be seen performing at venues such as Caffe Vivaldi in NYC and always puts on an incredibly engaging show!

You can download his music from CD Baby, iTunes, Band Camp, Spotify and more:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bengrayson1

*And a big shout out to Cat Valero who helped out with the production!

Those Sensible Shoes Interview-3/14/16

Those Sensible Shoes are Anthony Mulcahy and Rachel Stern. 

They formed in the summer of 2014 after meeting at a Big City Folk event and started writing and performing together soon thereafter. Beginning with a cover of Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National, recorded in the backroom of a Brooklyn bar, they soon moved on to writing their own original music. They experiment with intricate harmonies and unique lyrics, inspired by their own distinctive backgrounds. The concept of a duo is key to Those Sensible Shoes, and their music emphasizes the beauty of two voices together.

Those Sensible Shoes perform all over New York City as well as performing at music festivals in Ireland.  Their debut self-titled album released on October 1st 2015 has already had radio play in Ireland.

It was a pleasure to sit down and interview Rachel and Anthony in the comfort of Anthony's car, parked in front of Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village of Manhattan.

Suzy Brandtastic Interviews Nick Ciavatta, Voice Actor-6/3/15

Suzy Brandtastic, aka Susan Newman, had a really nice radio chat with Nick Ciavatta, Voice Actor, Promoter and Musician on her radio show recently. They talked about the Voice Over business, how to get work in that industry, Nick's band, Sea of Otters and more.

Susan Newman is a brand visibility designer, web specialist and environmentalist. She is the CEO and founder of Susan Newman Design, Inc and Frogs Are Green, Inc. Susan is the host of Suzy Brandtastic and believes that branding and consistency are the keys to a thriving business and gaining a following.

http://suzybrandtastic.com/

Jon Lundbom is one of the best and most interesting guitarists and arrangers I know! His band Big 5 Chord is a cornucopia of hauntingly beautiful Jazz.

If you like John Clotrane, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman and the like, you're going to love Big 5 Chord's new album, "Jeremiah!"

http://www.jonlundbom.com/audio/

I met Paul Fairall at The Red Lion on Bleecker street a few years back when we were on a bill together and I've been a huge fan ever since! He played some great shows for me at Path Cafe over the years and it was an honor to have him on the bill at the inaugural Friggin Fabulous Brunch show at Caffe Vivaldi!

He writes songs with his wife, Linda Danz, author of "A Birdhouse In Brooklyn" which is another great segment you can check out at Friggin Fabulous Radio Dot Com.

Download the Friggin Fabulous Radio app in the Amazon App Store or at Podcast Box for iPhone and iPad.

Award winning NPR reporter, Carole Zimmer, sat down with Linda Danz, author of "A Birdhouse In Brooklyn" for Friggin Fabulous Radio. Carole and Linda discuss Linda's novel, which takes place in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001, and is a story of the lives of disparate people brought together by circumstance.

They also talk about the book publishing industry, how to self publish, age discrimination, how to re-invent yourself and more!

http://www.amazon.com/Birdhouse-In-Brooklyn-Linda-Danz-ebook/dp/B00ODD5GD6

http://abirdhouseinbrooklyn.blogspot.com/

I sat down with Helene Stapinski, author of "Five Finger Discount, A Crooked Family History" at Word Booksellers,123 Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City.

I read "Five Finger Discount" a while back and wanted to read it again as soon as I was done! It chronicles her experiences with her family growing up in a gritty Jersey City in the early 1970's as well as the political corruption over the years and lots of other history.

Helene is also raising money for a documentary version of the book.

The Kickstarter campaign is over, but you can still contribute here:

http://fivefingerdiscountfilm.com/

ArtMgt helps consumers and businesses rent and purchase more than 700 original works of art. Founded by New York City artist, David Andrew Frey, the NYC-based company is reinventing the way we shop for art by bringing highly curated artworks straight to users’ computer:

https://artmgt.com/

I sat down with David Andrew Frey of ArtMGt for what turned in to a fascinating discussion about this innovative concept.

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Andrew Foys, vocalist and guitarist from the band, Tapebenders, and it turns out that we are both extemely "Audio Obsessed!"

"The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based 6 piece forges a distinct sound from a variety of sources, ranging from majestic progressive rock, classic and contemporary psychedelic, bluesy riff-rock, textured modern rock, concise pop, indie rock, metal, and shards of shoegaze and post-rock. Since the band embraces such a panoramic stylistic perspective, the group has garnered favorable comparisons to such diverse artists as The Replacements, The Dandy Warhols, The Stone Roses, Built to Spill, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Flaming Lips among others."

http://tapebenders.com/

Check out their new album, "Chasing Ghosts", and make sure to check out Cyber PR, who has many amazing bands in their stable:

http://cyberpr.com/

Michael Lally Interview-Part1

I recently seat down with award winning poet, actor, musician and consummate wise ass, Michael Lally, and we chatted about his storied poetry and acting career, NYC, LA, his work on Law & Order, Jag, NYPD Blue, LA Law, Deadwood, his album "Lost Angels" and a whole lot more.

You can check out his blog, "Lally's Alley" here:

http://lallysalley.blogspot.com/

Michael Lally Interview-Part2

I recently seat down with award winning poet, actor, musician and consummate wise ass, Michael Lally, and we chatted about his storied acting and writing career, screenplays, Hollywood, the internet, his album "Lost Angels" and a whole lot more!

You can check out his blog, "Lally's Alley" here:

http://lallysalley.blogspot.com/

*And you can purchase "Lost Angels" at CD Baby.

A native of Washington D.C., Ben came to New York in 2011 and has been a regular at the Path Cafe ever since. For him, the song always comes first.

Ben is truly one of the most talented Singer/Songwriters to grace the Path Cafe stage and we hope he keeps coming back!

Justin Layman Live From Path Cafe, NYC! 6/3/14

Justin Layman is a Singer/Songwriter from Sarasota Florida. He plays guitar and performs a unique style of music combining Folk, Rock, and R&B. Justin has been performing since 2004 in original bands as well as cover bands all around the state of Florida. He has Recorded three albums ("Almost There," "02 03 Ten," & "You Shouldn't Look Like That") and has collaborated with Sara Nelms on songs like "My Own Way," and "When We Dance". Justin moved to Brooklyn, NY December of 2013. You can see where he is playing next on the "Justin Layman" App available FREE or at www.JustinLayman.com.

He played an amazing set at Path Cafe for the Friggin Fabulous Showcase which happens every Tuesday at 7pm!

Sterling Rhyne Live From Path Cafe 2/15/14

Sometimes you happen to be in the right place at the right time and when that happens it's great to have and audio recording device with you. February 15, 2014 at Path Cafe, NYC, was one of those times for me because I got to do sound for and record Sterling Ryhne who's style and voice is up there with the best of the best.

If you like Macy Gray, Phoebe Snow and Amy Winehouse you're really going to dig this unforgetable set from Sterling Ryhne!

Gerald Lucas is a best-selling author, accomplished musician and singer-songwriter who has performed at both Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Gerald is a classical violinist, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, founding member of ‘rhythm rock’ band, Mutagenic (http://mutagenicmusic.com/) as well as Funk-Fusion band, GMJ Groove.

I've had the pleasure of working with Gerald as a music promoter, band mate and more and he's one of my best friends! His new book, "Dare To Succeed" (co-written with Jack Canfield) is a must read for any entrepreneur artist or otherwise inspired and driven individual.

Lovisa Stahl Interview-12/3/13

I first met Lovisa Stahl at Path Cafe, NYC, where I was blown away by her amazing voice and solid guitar chops. I did a Skype interview with Lovisa, who is from Sweeden and it was an absolute pleasure!

Her music is a mix of blues, country, soul, folk and bossanova.
In the world, and all it contains, is where all her songs will be found…

Her new album, #2 is an eclectic mix of Fabulousness! Pick it up at iTunes, Band Camp, etc. and check out her new video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a019FQ48nGQ

Jim Petrie is one of the amazing regular performers at Path Cafe, NYC. Listeners get lost in his bluesy, folky, funky brand of Americana. His songs invoke images of diverse and wonderful landscapes and tell the stories of sea captains, lovers and hitch hikers.

Check out his Reverb Nation page:

http://www.reverbnation.com/earnestmister

We had a blast in Friggin Fabulous Studios one night in July 2013 when America's Sweetheart and Patchwork Alchemy stopped by! It was our first live edition of "Friggin Fabulous Femme Fatales" featuring some of the best female Singer/Songwriters, Front Women and All Girl Bands! America's Sweetheart rocked the house with their eclectic mix of Funk, Punk and Rock!

Also check out Part 2 with the amazing duo, Pathchwork Alchemy from the same show!

Dogs on Main Street Live From Path Cafe-12/15/12

I fell in love with the songs of Dogs on Main Street while doing sound at Path Cafe, NYC, and recently had the pleasure to play at Ceol in Brooklyn with Mac Rowe. If you like Nebraska era Bruce Springsteen, Bill Janovitz, The Gaslight Anthem and Bob Dylan, you're going also going to fall in love with Dogs on Main Street. Like Dogs on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dogsonmainstreet

Android and Kindle Fire Owners! Please check out the new Friggin Fabulous Radio App from the Amazon App Store.

You'll love it, I promise! Let me know what you think! Thanks!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Friggin+Fabulous+Radio&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AFriggin+Fabulous+Radio&ajr=0

Android Owners! Please check out the new Friggin Fabulous Radio App from the Amazon App Store. You'll love it, I promise! Let me know what you think! Thanks!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Friggin+Fabulous+Radio&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AFriggin+Fabulous+Radio&ajr=0

Jasper Lewis performed an amazing set as part of the Friggin Fabulous Showcase at Path Cafe, NYC, on 10/9/12.

Jasper's new album, "The King of Ideas and the Weirdo Kid" just came out and it's incredible!

E. W. Harris recorded and mixed it at Scifidelity in Brooklyn and it was mastered at Friggin Fabulous Studios:

http://www.frigginfabulousradio.com/audiovideoservices.html

Jasper's album can be downloaded at CD Baby:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jasperlewis

This is truly one of the most fascinating interviews I've ever had the pleasure to host. Derek Webb tackles one of the topics that many of us have been thinking about lately-the human/technology relationship and all the pros and cons and craziness that goes along with said relationship.

On Ctrl, Webb places his acoustic axe in the service of his most ambitious project to date. It tells the tale of an unnamed character that melts the lines of physical and virtual realities until it's hard to tell man from machine, the digits from the DNA.

Here's how Webb explains it: "It's an album about one man's desire for something he cannot have because it isn't real, the journey he goes on pursuing it, and the costs of that journey. But essentially, 'Ctrl' is both personal autopsy and cultural observation about how we use technology to try and control our lives, and my concern that it could ultimately have more control of us."

Download the album and get more info here:

http://derekwebb.com/home

Jo Kroger is not a big fan of writing bios and I quote: "i hate writing bio lines. but i love you."

Jo is actually an amazing singer songwriter from NYC, LA and everywhere in between. She is one of those perfomers that I'm mesmerized by every time I see her play. She is truly an amazing talent. Check it out!

Malcolm Marsden has had a long career as a musician, starting in New Haven CT, where he played with former and future members of Rocket From The Tombs, Miracle Legion, and Dumptruck. He is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, who performs his original compositions solo, and rarely-heard songs from a broad folk-rooted pop and rock repertoire in a trio called In The Dreamlife.

Malcolm has been active in promoting North Jersey's music scene, hosting open mics at Hat City Kitchen in Orange and Highland Place Bar & Grill in Maplewood, while appearing regularly at many others in the area.  Malcolm has performed in recent months at Tapastry Restaurant in Montclair, PATH Cafe and Gizzis Cafe in the West Village, NY, and Boca Grande and Lucky 7 Tavern in Jersey City.

In 1966, Randy Burns was dropped off on the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal Street, with a bag over his shoulder and a guitar in his hand…ready for anything  Randy had gotten his start a year earlier at The Exit Coffeehouse in New Haven, Connecticut but soon left to join the Urban Folk Revival in Greenwich Village.

It was an honor to have Randy play the Friggin Fabulous Showcase at Path Cafe, NYC!

Gerald Lucas is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, violin and has an amazing voice.

His songs are so well crafted and truly original. He's currently in the studio working on a new EP.

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with the amazingly talented singer/songwriter, Rachel Epp, at Path Cafe in NYC.

Her songs invoke imagery of ghosts, graveyards, trains, the country and the city. Her new EP Rosary has been on auto play on my iPod all week!

I suggest you get a copy as soon as possible!

http://www.rachelepp.com/