SoundStage1520

Singer/songwriter Liz Longley stops by the SoundStage studios for a quick chat.
Whenever I play one of Liz's songs on the radio, someone inevitably stops to ask me, 'Who's that singing? She has such a beautiful voice."
Yes, that's Liz Longley. Beautiful voice, excellent songwriter, super nice.
She is joined in this visit to SoundStage by friend Sarah Zimmerman. Liz and Sarah went to high school together. Both are wonderful singer/songwriters.
Liz goes to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, majoring in songwriting. She's touring alot this summer with one of her professors, Livingston Taylor.
Songs played in this interview include, 'Overdue', 'Lonely', 'Ain't Too Good to be True', and a cover of Joni Mitchell's 'Circle Game'.

Singer/Songwriter & Rock-n-Roll philosopher JD Malone stops in to the SoundStage1520 studios to play some songs and talk about his music (although he prefers his music do the talking).
JD writes songs that are true, performs solo and with his band The Experts (his preference)has been part of what some would call 'the big time' and plays solo gigs at local watering holes.
All the time spent improving his art, and helping those around him create and improve theirs. Good stuff from JD Malone. Songs performed live on the show include 'Spark', 'I'm Not The One', and 'Black Yodel'.
For more on JD, go to http://www.jdmalone.com

Singer/Songwriter Hezekiah Jones made a return visit to SoundStage1520 as he was getting set to release his Bread of Teeth EP.
Joined in the Studio by Kiwi Jones (Kiley Ryan) on violin, Hez plays several tunes from his catalog live in the studio and we play a couple from his CD 'Says You're A-Ok' and one from the new one Bread of Teeth.
His songwriting and performance is amazing. You should try to catch him in concert. To keep up with what Hezekiah Jones is up to, and where to go see him, check out: http://www.myspace.com/hezekiah11 and find him on Facebook as well.
Thanks also to TJ Stewart of http://www.the13skulls.com for always supplying the news at the top of the hour. Check out TJ at his site and on Facebook.

Steph Hayes, long time fixture on the Philly music scene, stops by the SoundStage1520 studios to talk about the music and play some songs.
Steph's been in many bands and is still playing in multiple bands in and around Philly. The list is long and Steph plays different roles in each. The Good Problems, Slo-Mo, Chris Schutz and the Tourists, Two and a Half Chicks, Shooting Ropes, Stargazer Lily, and others. Along the way, Steph's traveled the country, been signed to Arista Records, and released multiple CDs. Steph's recording a new CD at the time of this interview, and plays some songs from that forthcoming CD.
As you'll hear, Steph is socially conscious and willing to take stands in this day and age, that is refreshing), and uses the music as a platform to express an opinion, regardless of whether it's a popular point of view or the accepted line of thinking.
For more on Steph, go to www.myspace.com/thegoodproblems

Singer/Songwriter Nancy Micciulla visits SoundStage1520. Nancy just released her first full length studio CD 'The One To Shine' and has been playing cool local venues like the Tin Angel in Philly in support of it.
Nancy has a strong voice that comes through in her writing as well as in her performances. She is a songwriter who deserves our attention. Check out the songs 'Wait', 'Wildflowers', and 'Passenger Seat' to see what I mean. Then tell your local radio station they should be playing Nancy Micciulla's 'The One To Shine' CD.
For more on Nancy, go to http://www.nancymicciulla.com

Singer/Songwriter Christopher Bohn visits SoundStage1520 to play some songs (Victoria, Amen; Wolf Cub; Vineland; Run Rabit Run) which are all amazing by the way. Christopher talks about his music, the interaction with his fans that he enjoys through various forms of social media, and The Universe of Song, a four day songwriting retreat he takes part in to sharpen his songwriting skills and work with others who also seek to improve their craft. Check out more on Christopher at http://christopherbohn.com and on myspace and facebook.

Singer/Songwriter Carsie Blanton comes by the SoundStage studios at WCHE to talk about her music and her upcoming CD release 'Buoy'.
Carsie has a playful way with words which is evident in her song writing.
She debuts some songs from her upcoming CD (and we're honored that she chose SoundStage on which to do that) and plays some songs live in the studio as well.
Thanks Carsie for coming in. If you get a chance, see Carsie perform live, and by all means, pick up her CDs 'Buoy' and 'Ain't so Green'.

The modern electric americana group (their own description) Sounds From Atlantis, visits SoundStage1520 to talk about their music, new EP and DVD, and play some tunes live. Great group to see live and amazingly good in an acoustic setting as you will hear during their visit to the studio.
For more on Sounds From Atlantis, check out their myspace.com page:
http://www.myspace.com/soundsfromatlantis
These guys rock!

Singer/songwriter Sean R. Smith from the band Brownpenny stops by the SoundStage1520 studios for a visit and to play some songs live in studio. Listen for 'Comfort and Torture' and 'Empty Apologies' amongst others. To find out more about Sean and Brownpenny, like where they're playing or how to buy music, visit http://www.brownpenny.net
Thanks Sean, for filling in at the last second. You're a good guy.
Please check him out folks!

Mason Porter out of West Chester, PA visit SoundStage1520 on the eve of their first full length CD release 'Thunder In The Valley'. To say Mason Porter rocks in an understatement. To be fair, you don't often hear that said about a bluegrass outfit, but Mason Porter is more than just that. Known as much for their vocal harmonies and solid songwriting as they are for their excellent musicianship, the live Mason Porter experience is a joy to behold. They'll be touring the East coast January through March in support of 'Thunder In The Valley' (which you can get through their website http://www.masonporter.com )
So if you see them coming to your hometown, make sure you get out to see them for yourself.

Singer/Songwriter Jared Costa stops into the SoundStage1520 studios to play some songs and talk about his music. You'll find a deep appreciation of the highs and lows of the human condition in Jared's songs.
Much of the music he performs is actually a meditation on the highs and lows that he's experienced and if one song about giving it all up gets you down, don't fret, because the next one will give you a hand back up again. Songs performed live in the studio include, 'Take It All', 'Love', 'Back Home', and 'While The City Sleeps'. For more on Jared go to http://www.jaredcosta.com

Wilmington, Delaware based Singer/Songwriter Kyle Swartzwelder returns to the SoundStage1520 studios to play some new songs and talk about his plans for a new recording.
Kyle's songs always display a strong emotional perspective and never fail to pull at the heart strings.
This is a songwriter that deserves to be heard by a much larger audience. So if you see and hear this podcast, please tell a friend about Kyle.
Check out more about him at http://www.kyleswartzwelder.com

Songs played live include: 'Our Home In Yonder Field', 'Mexican Wine', 'The Best Of Things', and 'The Way I Should Be'.

The Rose Project from Kennett Square, PA drop by the SoundStage1520 studios to play some songs and talk about their music.
Bill Rose and Dick Van Scoter, both originally from the Pittsburg area, are the Rose Project and they are about to release an EP and go on a tour of the east coast and south.
Check out their blend of accoustic folk and social commentary. Songs played live include 'September', 'Old Ghosts', and 'Washed Away'.

Tom Curtis Jr from the Philly suburbs visits the SoundStage1520 studios to share some of his music and spread the word about his upcoming CD release 'Lie To Me'. Good stuff from a young guy who cites his dad along with Damien Rice, Noel Gallagher, and the Fray as major musical influences. Check out Tom's CD release concert at The Barnstormers in Ridley Park, PA on December 19.
Songs played live in the studio include, 'Then There Was You', 'So Much', and 'Forever And A Day'.

Singer/songwriter Graham Brown visits the SoundStage1520 studios to sing and talk about his music.
Don't let his age fool you, he's got the chops to write and sing some serious blue-eyed soul.
You'll hear what I mean when he sings some of his stuff for you. He even covers Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice' and makes it his own. We also feature tracks from his CD Fire. Good stuff from this young man.
Take a listen and hear Graham Brown for yourself.

Three local singer/songwriters from the Delaware Valley visit SoundStage1520 to showcase their talents.
John Galla and Chris Jones feature the blues and soul from different perspectives, and Amber Penniston writes and performs classic acoustic folk/rock in the vein of Sandy Denny (at least that's the way I hear it).
I met all three at open mics in the area and wanted to share their art, flair and creativity with you.
Enjoy!
Amber Penniston and John Galla can be searched on myspace.com. Look up Chris under his band New West on myspace.com

Singer/songwriter Eric Barbuscia from Ardmore, PA stops into the SoundStage1520 studios to talk about his music, give us insights into what his songwriting process is, and play some songs from his forthcoming CD 'Backroads'. We feature some exclusive tracks from that forthcoming CD, and songs Eric plays live include: 'The Salt and the Sea', 'Another Reminder', and 'Ghost from Yost'.

Singer/songwriter Jason Mundok from Lancaster, PA stops by the SoundStage1520 studios to talk about his music (he just released the CD Order's Up) and play some songs.
Strong songwriting and large personality feature prominently in Jason's songs, which you will hear in the songs he plays live and in the tracks we feature from his CD.
For more about Jason Mundok go to www.jmundok.com or find Jason on myspace.

Bass player Phil D'Agostino visits the SoundStage1520 studios to talk about his varied music projects, his almost unbelievable gig schedule (including his residency) to go along with all of those projects, and what it is like being at the center of the Philadelphia music scene.
Whether playing upright bass with a bow, finger plucking, or plugging in with an electric, this man loves his music.(and judging by the sheer number of projects, partnerships, and gigs, the Philly music family loves him back)

Philadelphia singer/songwriter Suzie Brown makes her return appearance on SoundStage1520 ahead of her CD release concert at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia on September 12.
As always, Suzie's talent and enthusiasm shines.
Please get out to see her on Sept. 12, and make sure you pick up her CD 'Side Streets'.
Songs performed live on SoundStage1520 include, 'Peace Of Mind', 'That Fence', and 'Side Streets'.

The band Adrienne's Cousin (Ty Smith guitar/vocals , Andrew Anglen guitar/vocals, and Ray Guy percussion) stops by the SoundStage1520 studios to play some songs and talk about their brand of what I would call 'Relaxed Rock'. Built around songwriter Ty Smith's songs, and the band's easy interplay, Adrienne's Cousin is a great band to catch live.
And don't think 'Relaxed Rock' means easy listening, especially with the fire in the engine room that is Ray Guy.
Look for their CD 'Birthday Boy' available now.
You can find more info at http://www.myspace.com/adriennescousin

Singer/songwriter Dawn Iulg (pronounced you'll) stops into the SoundStage1520 studios to play some of her songs and talk about her music.
Dawn is also a teacher, but for now she's 'Fun Summer Dawn'.
She's played at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Kimmel Center, and even spent some of the summer touring the mid-West.
Now she's back home and working on some songs for a new CD.
Look for her CD that's out now called, 'the Waking Hours'.
Songs performed live on SoundStage1520 include 'Farther On', 'Quake', and two new songs, 'Tic Toc', and 'Jealous Mind'.

Hezekiah Jones stops in to the SoundStage1520 studios to play some songs and talk about his music.
He's just gotten back from a tour that ran from his hometown in Philadelphia down through Alabama and up through the midwest.
You'll hear why he is so popular here in the Delaware Valley and is also able to travel the country and find new fans wherever he goes.
The music has a soft and subtle surface, but there's something going on underneath that will grab your attention and not necessarily reassure. Good stuff.
Check out the CDs 'Hezekiah Says You're A-OK' and 'Come To Our Pool Party'.
Songs played live in the studio are:
'Albert Hash', 'Cupcakes For The Army', 'Agnes Of The World', and 'Hildebrand'.

Andrea Carlson stops by the SoundStage1520 studios to talk about and perform some of her 'old-timey' jazz music.
She studied as a classical guitarist in Chicago at the American Conservatory of Music and played in several jazz bands in the Chicago area.
Her vocal style is all her own, but is influenced by 1930's styles with a hint of blues.
She recently moved to the Philadelphia area and was a winner in a 2009 Philadelphia Songwriters Project competition and will be playing at the annual Philly Folk Festival. Songs played live in studio include 'Cryin',
'I've Got You On My Mind', and 'Consider Me'.

Singer/Songwriter Joel Rakes from Delaware stops by the SoundStage studios to talk about his music, musical family, Christmas music, and iPhone addiction. Joel's music is informed by his faith, although it is definitely not 'Christian music', and is generally upbeat and life-affirming.
His father is a Pastor of Worship in Dover, and is a composer and performer of contemporary Christian music and was an early musical influence on Joel.
We feature a few tunes from Joel's CD 'Sudden Change in the Atmosphere', and Joel plays 'Grampa Grady', Dutch Blitz', and 'It's Okay in Spring' live in the studio.
You can find Joel playing in Philly at places like World Cafe Live and The Tin Angel.

According to vocalist/guitarist Jack Byers, Wissahickon Chicken Shack is not quite a Bluegrass combo, not quite country, not quite rock... They are a 'Creeping Love Grass' outfit.
Popular in the Delaware Valley and beyond not just for their sound, but for being available to play in others' projects and for being good and loving their craft so much, you can hear it when they play.
And in this visit to SoundStage, they play alot. Thanks WCS!
Listen here folks, go see this band. Buy their CD 'Long Way From Sunset' and enjoy.

For over 10 years now, the local duo David Fiorenza and Wayne Dowlin have been playing together at small stops in the Chester County PA area.
10 years is longer than most marriages last. How do they do it? Find out in this episode of SoundStage1520.
Songs performed live include 'The Water Is Wide', 'Of Surety (or Thankfulness)', and 'New York City Dreaming'.

The Orphan Trains' Amanda Birdsall and Wolff Bowden make beautiful music together.
Wolff has a background as a poet and visual artist (by way of a possible medical career) as you'll hear, and Amanda has a background in psychology and social work which tends to inform her songs.
Their words are paired with an acoustic folk accompaniment which beautifully compliments their heartfelt lyrics.
Songs performed live include 'If I Was Away', Jenell, 'Independence Day'. and 'Long May You Live'.

Wilmington, DE based Singer/Songwriter Kyle Swartzwelder stops by the Soundstage1520 studios to talk with host Charlie Silvestri about his music.
There is great feeling found in Kyle's words and music, along with deep introspection.
Kyle talks about making music, performing, traveling, and hosting open mic nights at Burlap & Bean coffeehouse, for other up and coming musicians.
Kyle's songs performed live in the studio include, 'Hard Times', '6x1x1', 'The Way I Should Be', and 'The Best Of Things'.

Jangle-Pop indie artist Cliff Hillis stops into the SoundStage studios to play some songs. Cliff also talks about winning the Chillis Baby Back Ribs jingle competition,
guitar teching for Patty Smyth and Scandal, meeting John McEnroe, and doing production work on Paul McCartney tributes... This guy gets around!
But it's his music that's amazing. If you like your power-pop jangly, with lots of great harmony vocals, then Cliff Hillis is your man.
Pick up his latest CD The Long Now! It's awesome! No really, I'm telling you, it's great.

Suzie Brown comes to songwriting from a unique direction. By way of cardiology. Yes, she is a doctor, but the calling of making her music was too much to ignore. She has the need to write and sing and perform.
She's taught herself guitar, sang with a gospel choir at a summer songwriting camp at Berklee in Boston, and has finished her fellowship in cardiology.
Now the true life's work has begun as she embarks on her musical career. Playing to appreciative crowds at places like the Tin Angel in Philadelphia. She's come a long way in a short time as you will here when Suzie Brown visits SoundStage.

Singer/Songwriter/Mistress of Funk, Laura Cheadle stops by the SoundStage studios for a performance/interview.
She's joined by her father and keyboardist Jim Cheadle.
Songs performed live include 'Perfect Design', 'Bright And Beautiful', 'In The AM', and 'Live On' the title track of her new CD.