ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 24, 2022 By Steve Newton On the phone from her home in Santa Monica, Chaka Khan ponders the question of when she first discovered her love of music. It doesn't take her long to decide that she can't remember, exactly. "I must have been born with that," she says. "I think … Continue reading Chaka Khan says you have to follow your heart, and trust it
Category: american made
That time Chaka Khan sang me a bit of Emily King’s “Georgia” because she couldn’t remember her name
By Steve Newton I interviewed legendary soul-funk vocalist Chaka Khan last year before she played the PNE in Vancouver, on a double bill with Patti LaBelle. As the conversation wound down I asked Chaka what she'd been listening to in her spare time lately, a question she seemed to have some trouble with. At first … Continue reading That time Chaka Khan sang me a bit of Emily King’s “Georgia” because she couldn’t remember her name
Ben Harper found a way to deal with loss on Bloodline Maintenance
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 24, 2022 By Steve Newton The cover of Ben Harper's latest album, Bloodline Maintenance, appears to be a photo of a little kid poking the relaxed, shades-wearing Harper in the chest with a blue toy shovel. But when Harper calls in for an interview from Paris, France, where he's just finished … Continue reading Ben Harper found a way to deal with loss on Bloodline Maintenance
Fanny: The Right to Rock shines a light on underdogs from the ’70s
By Steve Newton Fanny: The Right to Rock, a music documentary currently streaming on Crave, gets the inside scoop on the very first all-female rock band to get signed to a major label. If you've never heard of Fanny, don't be too surprised. The way the groundbreaking quartet was overlooked in the history of rock … Continue reading Fanny: The Right to Rock shines a light on underdogs from the ’70s
Hammond B3 organ ace Delvon Lamarr doesn’t worry about mistakes
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 15, 2022 By Steve Newton Here's a tip for young entertainment journalists just starting out: before you interview musicians who might be headed to your city for a gig, check out their tour itinerary. That's what I did before calling up Delvon Lamarr of Washington State's Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, and … Continue reading Hammond B3 organ ace Delvon Lamarr doesn’t worry about mistakes
Midnight Oil’s inspiration helps Seattle’s Candlebox to ignite with chart-topping debut
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 15, 1994 By Steve Newton In 1983, Midnight Oil released an album called 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, which included a song called "Tin Legs and Tin Mines". Within that tune was the lyric "boxed in like candles", which struck a chord with a young Seattle rocker by the name of Kevin Martin. He decided … Continue reading Midnight Oil’s inspiration helps Seattle’s Candlebox to ignite with chart-topping debut
That time Martha Davis told me that the Motels lost 60 grand a week on their last tour
By Steve Newton I wasn't a huge fan of new-wave music in the mid-'80s--I was too busy banging my head to Maiden and Priest and Scorps and such--but for some reason in November of 1985 I sat down with Martha Davis for an interview that was never actually published. She was promoting the Motels' fifth … Continue reading That time Martha Davis told me that the Motels lost 60 grand a week on their last tour
That time I asked Richard Marx if he was hoping to sell nine million copies of his followup to Repeat Offender
By Steve Newton When I interviewed Richard Marx back in November of 1991 he was one of the most popular singer-songwriters around. His self-titled 1987 debut album had sold three million copies, and his 1989 followup, Repeat Offender--the one with "Right Here Waiting"--had moved six million copies. So, doing the math, I asked him if … Continue reading That time I asked Richard Marx if he was hoping to sell nine million copies of his followup to Repeat Offender
If he doesn’t start making some money, 20 Miles’ Judah Bauer will wish he’s in Blue Explosion
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, NOV. 6, 2003 By Steve Newton 20 Miles doesn’t seem like the most appropriate name for Judah Bauer’s band. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist—also known for his six-string work with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion—should be in a group called 2,000 Miles, as he always seems to be covering … Continue reading If he doesn’t start making some money, 20 Miles’ Judah Bauer will wish he’s in Blue Explosion
Oh man, this video of the Beat Farmers doing Neil Young’s “Powderfinger” is bloody awesome
By Steve Newton I always thought the Beat Farmers were one of the world's most underrated rock 'n' roll bands. Their club gigs were legend. But when I usually think about them I picture the latter-day lineup that included dual guitarists/vocalists Jerry Raney and Joey Harris. Lest we forget how incredible the band was before … Continue reading Oh man, this video of the Beat Farmers doing Neil Young’s “Powderfinger” is bloody awesome
The Beat Farmers’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
By Steve Newton One of the most underrated rock bands of all time. 20. "Selfish Heart" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 19. "Lost Weekend" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 18. "Big Ugly Wheels" (Van Go, 1986) 17. "Happy Boy" (Tales of the New West, 1985) 16. "Baby's Liquored Up" (Viking Lullabys, 1995) 15. … Continue reading The Beat Farmers’ 20 best songs, from wicked to freakin’ awesome
Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 17, 2003 By Steve Newton Inside Flea Market, the latest CD by Bay Area jam band Vinyl, there’s a gatefold reproduction of a painting by friend Neil Osborn (not the 54•40 guy) that depicts the titular open-air bazaar, with hippie types setting up shop in front of old … Continue reading Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market
Kelly Joe Phelps is in awe of Steve Dawson’s slide-guitar playing
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 30, 2003 By Steve Newton Over the course of his first four albums, Kelly Joe Phelps made a name for himself as a singer-songwriter who, according to music critic–turned–film director Cameron Crowe, “speaks to the soul of each and every listener”. Along the way he also gained a … Continue reading Kelly Joe Phelps is in awe of Steve Dawson’s slide-guitar playing