We are so fortunate to be a place that artists want to play when they come through town. From Patty Griffin to Lyle Lovett, Jason Mraz to Ben Taylor, River artists come by and visit with us and play their music. This is the place to come for the behind-the-scenes stories and pictures from our River sessions at our Listener Lounge.
Rock stars. We love them, but what are these poets and muses REALLY like? Here is your backstage pass to the sights, sounds, even...smells...of the River in-studio sessions.
Most of the links are PODCASTS of the in-studio songs. Enjoy!
Our U.K. friends visit us once again, and spoil everyone with a free performance at The Record Exchange. Last time they were here, they made a surprise stop at Boise Rock School. The kids remembered them, and many were present at this in-store.
The band hit the ground running, as the stage manager tried to get them set up in the venue next door. We were lucky to grab them first. Jokes were made about the singer not really being vain by wearing his own band t-shirt, but he really just had nothing else yet that was clean to wear!
A friend and I arrived early for the show to grab some yummy food from Jimmy’s across the street. Jimmy always smiles and has a joke for everyone, he gives me a bad time if I don’t use chopsticks. As my friend and I had dinner, we heard familiar voices directly behind us in the private dining area. We were just a few feet away from Scars On 45! We laid low, and didn’t want them to think we were stalking them.
Their show that night changed the entire energy of the venue. Boise loves them, sang their songs back to them, and it seemed to energize the band. Aimee Driver looked, and sounded, angelic. She really has no idea how good she is. The people who did not know their music, craned their necks and said “who ARE these guys?!” The harmonies were lovely, and Aimee pulled out her Flip Cam to film the crowd as she sang. Luckily we can see the band again next month, as they open for The Fray at the Knitting Factory!
In-store, they surprised us with this cover from Rihanna.
We were looking forward to the Blind Pilot in-studio for weeks. There’s much buzz about this Portland band, the group has been on my home playlists since hearing of them. They arrived 90 minutes prior to set up their equipment, which included a full drum kit, vibes, stand-up bass, banjo, horn, ukulele, guitar, vibes, and a harmonium!
Their previous album “Three Rounds and a Sound,” has some great tunes, and the title track is awesome. That release reached #13 on the Billboard digital album charts. They also released an iTunes EP, and their latest is “We Are the Tide.” When asked their least favorite thing about touring, they responded with, “radio.” Everyone laughed, and later we learned that they had not yet done a radio interview until being in the Moxie Java Listener Lounge. They gave us a lovely performance, and a great show later at the Knitting Factory.
I'll admit for years, I had secretly wanted to take one of these sleigh rides. What scared me away I think, was the commercials? They used to have these over-the-top wild west accents. I pictured some fake shoot-outs, a night of twang country music, and no way to escape back down to the city. Thankfully, these were all misconceptions!
www.boguscreek.com is where you'll find all you need to know about Bogus Creek Outfitters. Stu and company have offered this great outdoor experience for years.
It was a beautiful night last weekend, when I experienced it for myself. Bogus had only been open a few days, and skiing had just ended. We were lucky to have the Nordic parking lot to ourselves as we waited for the sleighs to arrive. It was VERY windy that night, my best advice would be to dress warm, then wear twice as much as what you though you would need. Those hand warmer thingies came in real, well...handy!
2 sleighs arrived with beautiful ponies. One pulled by boys, one pulled by girls. I am not aware of the proper terminology for girl and boy ponies, so I will just call them that. A few other media people were on this ride, Big J from 100.3 the X has been a great pal and co-worker for years. He didn't recognize me under the layers of hats. Your precision weatherman Scott Dorval from Today's Channel 6 was there as well. He parked next to us, we watched a woman approach him and say, "hey, aren't you that weather guy?" He looked at us, rolled his eyes a bit, then left his car with a big smile on his face to greet them.
The ride takes about 20 minutes each way. Everyone cuddled up under blankets. I might suggest for the ride, a hot thermos of java or chocolate, or maybe a flask? :) Within minutes you are under a starry sky in the quiet mountains.
We all piled into the cozy lodge, where the crew has built up a toasty fire and prepared wonderful, hot food. Creamy broccoli soup in a fresh bread bowl helps everyone thaw out. The main course was tasty steak and unbreaded prawns. Dessert was a nice chocolate brownie. Coffee and hot chocolate were replenished, some chose to bring their favorite bottles of wine from home.
People of all ages and backgrounds sat together during the meal. One woman was celebrating her 79th birthday, and had also served our country. Several birthdays were honored with a ball of mashed potatoes (?) and candle.
Jokes and stories are shared, we tease Scott Dorval about his famous "3 Degree Guarantee," and his wife mentions how she hate's the Bobble Head he has of himself on the dashboard. Some internet digging finds this photo:
The cowboy poetry pleased a few, but I was most pleased by the live music. Douglas Cameron has performed in Boise for years, it was far from the country overload I had feared for myself! His voice is great, and he played a perfect mix of covers and originals. He knew how to sing in the background and let people chat, we hope he know how much he was appreciated. Years ago we did some work together on a Steve Fulton project, Douglas is such a nice person. He gave a handful of cd's to Scott Dorval, who was kind to share one with me and say, "Hey Rochelle, can you get Tim to play some of this stuff?" I said I'd do what I can. Meanwhile, please do hear him for yourself. www.douglascameron.net/musictest.html. Wait, what?! A little more research tells me Douglas Cameron is part of the opening music for our Scars on 45 show this Saturday night at the Neurolux. Anya Marina is performing too. This will be a stellar show!
Rested up, photos taken, laughter shared, tummies content, we all boarded the sleighs for our return to the Nordic lodge. Not much wind at all on the return ride, just sounds of the creaking sleigh. We are amazed at how much of the skyline our beautiful city takes up now at night, twice of what I remember from my last night view from Bogus. It's a great reminder of why we live here. Someone behind me tells a friend from a large city what the stars look like where there are absolutely no clouds in the sky. They have never seen stars like this. The overall night? Pretty freaking cool.
They have some great specials lined up for Valentine's Day, which will be sold out soon. Make reservations while you can, this sleigh ride will check one thing off your bucket list!
This is the group who opened up our Alive After 5 concert series in The Grove last year. All their hard work is paying off, and their tour and recording continues.
Join us for the interview, both on and OFF mic, as you learn more about Fitz and the Tantrums. They love the Moxie Java coffee and cookies, and the keyboard player makes several faces at me through the window.
Come with us behind the scenes during their interview. You'll learn who loves socks, who suffered a concussion when falling down the stairs at their Sirius radio interview, who just got hitched, and who quit smoking. You will love them, and so do we.
Here are ALL the videos from our last in-studio session of 2011. This is the second year for this local holiday release, Idaho Ho Ho is a collection of music that helps raise money for the Idaho Foodbank. Your purchase also gets you a cd, and a $5 Moxie Java Gift Card.
Proceeds from the sale of this holiday CD will benefit the important work of The Idaho Foodbank – the largest distributor of free emergency food in the state. Since 1984, The Idaho Foodbank has provided 100 million pounds of food to a network of more than 200 hunger-relief partners.
These talented local artists have come together and donated their music to support the Foodbank’s efforts to end hunger in Idaho.
1. Aaron Mark Brown - It Feels Like Christmas
2. Reckless Kelly - Lonesome Little Cowboy
3. Sue Leonard - It's Christmas
4. House of Hoi Polloi - Before It Melts Away
5. Andrew Coba - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
6. Beltane - A Soalin'
7. Rosalie Sorrels - Hot Buttered Rum
8. Frim Fram Four - The Magic Santa Clause (Santa Won't Ya Bring Me)
9. Boise Rock School - Christmas Break
10. Matt Hopper - Merry Christmas (Get Back on Your Skis)
Our first artist of the day was Andrew Coba. He has been performing a few years, playing piano and guitar. He goes to Arts West school, and is one of 30 finalists for the Grammy Jazz Choir. Andrew is 15 years old!
Matt Hopper spent some time in Kasilof, Alaska where he did some recording, and also had a tour of Europe. He was a great sport and had the most festive attire for our holiday performance. While at Wildherhood Studios, he had an idea for this holiday track.
“Merry Christmas, now go get your skis.”
Steve Fulton is our friend from the Audio Lab, behind the Visual Arts Collective in Garden City. He has mixed many of the groups on Boise, done movie scores, sound, light, rigging, stage management for many large bands, and collaborated with several local people, including myself! He plays more instruments than just about anyone I know, and he plays them very well. If you’ve lived here a long time, you know his group “House of Hoi Polloi,” later shortened to just “Hoi Polloi.” He’s also been in “Chakra Mission,” several shows with singer Christine Thomas, and had a couple of amazing “Words and Music” songwriter shows you would not believe. It would take pages to speak of his accomplishments and generosity. He has often provided us with keyboards for in-studios, and came to my rescue with a mic stand when we needed to record Amos Lee at the sound check party last summer.
**Some of the projects Steve has done have been filmed. I am asking Santa this year if he can give Steve the time to make them available to the public, as they are made of magic!**
Steve has always been willing to share his production knowledge and tricks with me, and no matter what is going on in his life, he greets me with a huge smile and hug. I cannot wait until our next chance collaboration or project. Thank you Steve, for all you do.
Here is his song “Merry Wishes.”
Todd Sloan is a member of Low Fi. If you haven’t seen this Boise group, you need to…and you’ll have that chance January 20th at Tom Grainey’s. This was such a sweet performance and lovely songwriting. Here is his song "Winter Wheat."
Finally, thank you to cellist Mark Doubleday.
When stringed instruments come into our studios, I jump for joy. I’d already decided someday I must have a cello, even if I’m not able to do much with it. The sound is beautiful and emotional.
Mark likes to layer his music with Final Cut Pro, and shares much of it online. Find more of his work on YouTube by searching “crazyhaircellist.” Here is a sweet cello track I had to share with you. Please enjoy, and happy holidays!
Jamie Scott from Graffiti6 stopped by just to play for us today. This soft-spoken British man was very polite during sound check, and he put a brand new set of strings on his guitar before the interview. We worked out a few issues during soundcheck, and I feel really self conscious and Idaho when he talks about the “BAT tree” in his pre-am, as I ask if he’s changed his (3 syllable) “BAduhree.” The 9 volt wasn’t the culprit, we’re not sure what was, but both the D.I. and the mic work, so I am happy.
Jamie started playing guitar at 7, and grew up listening to R&B, Carole King, and groups like Free, and Hendrix.
This song below is my favorite, and I will soon tell you why.
“Can you tell me about Geoffrey Drake?” I asked Tim to get Jamie into the production room to talk to me off-mic before he had to leave, because this song struck me as different as I caught a few lyrics. He smiled and seemed pleased that I would ask. “This song is about a serial killer.” NOW we’re talkin’! No wonder it seems cool, it’s dark and bluesy, melodic, and has some power. He tells me the name had to be changed, of course…but it’s about a murderer who was featured on a British reality show. This guy got all crazy and jealous, I think he said his wife was cheating on him. So the guy, AKA Geoffrey Drake, kills his wife…but when he sees what he has done, he kills himself.
He says to me, “Sometimes people come up and just hear the chorus, and say it’s such a sweet love song.” (All I want is a little love and tenderness). I joke with him that they never listen to the whole song, and we both laugh.
It’s a different world for Jamie now, he lives in L.A. and misses having seasons. He liked coming to Boise because it is cold, but no one told him to bring a coat. He speaks with great respect about his songwriting partner, Tommy D.
His songwriting is usually basic, done just with a Wurlitzer and a guitar. Songs like his single, the producer made very different. “I liked it after the 5th or 6th listen, it was novel to what my ears were expecting.”
Jamie is surprised how BIG America is, he has traveled so much while here. He made a cameo in the movie “Step Up.” Check out his other music, he is full of soul and we hope he returns soon for a show!
The EP of “Free” is out right now, with 7 songs. The full album “Colours,” will be available January 24th.
This is “baby G,” although some people are trying to convince Toni Childs to change the name to “Boise.” One look at those big eyelashes tells you why Toni would like this giraffe to be part of her home on Kauai, Hawaii. Her sister works at the Bronx zoo, and might have connections to get this beautiful baby to her property.
This was one busy day, we were all scrambling to run the required EAS emergency test at noon. This was the first time tests were done across the nation simultaneously, at all radio and tv stations. For engineering, it is a very big deal and involves tons of computers, cords, screens, and monitors. Rocky was busy hooking up needed wires for this AND helping set up for the in-studio. We opened the engineering door to hear a cacophony of apocalyptic sounds, like white noise, beeps, tones, voices sounding like an AM radio not quite tuned in…just a few seconds of all that created wide eyes and enormous stress for Tim and I. We were happy to close that door, and move on to the performance.
The acoustic performance turned out to be a full band with stacks of amps, drum parts, keyboards, electric bass…and as usual, Rocky adapted and made things work. The conference room, er, “Moxie Java Listener Lounge,” was stacked top to bottom, front to back, with equipment, mics, and winners. After the EAS test, we did a quick sound check with Toni Childs and her band, I was only hearing 10% of one of the guitar mics so we traded it out just in time.
“Why doesn’t Toni have a mic stand?,” I asked. “Because she’s requested to just hold it,” Rocky said. So when the door closed and we went live, and I saw Toni put the mic in her lap, my eyes went wide and to myself I said, “WHOA WHOA WHOA.” Toni sat down by the ambient mic on the table, we use this one for crowd laughter and clapping, and it’s UBER sensitive. I turned the hand mic off and turned the table mic up. It worked, but when the table was hit to make a point, the speakers went “POP!” Oh well, no way to let anyone know, so we rolled with it and turned the other mic up for songs.
Toni Childs is taking a break from her new album, “Citizens of the Planet,” to do some touring. She plays Pocatello, Ketchum, and a show in Boise this weekend. Listen to her strong pipes on this song!
Port of Subs fed us all lunch, and Moxie Java had coffee and cookies. They always make Rocky a special cookie.
Ken, bless his heart, said, “hey, where’s Rochelle’s cookie? Why doesn’t she ever get one? She’s here all the time too!” I am promised a custom cookie at next Wednesday’s “Graffiti 6” session at noon!
Toni Childs is loving life, creating amazing realities for herself, and still has such a unique and powerful voice. After the interview, she told us that she feels like a little kid in pain, that needs an outlet. She feels like an empath, and feels it in her whole body. She feels like she IS an acupressure point, and she sings to express it.
Speaking of Rocky…
Please take time to visit the Idaho Botanical Garden next month during Winter Garden aglow. Rocky has a reeeeealllly close connection to Kris Kringle, so make sure the kids get to go. Santa has that gig all month, especially near the weekends, and except of course, Christmas Eve! Rocky says that when the kids pull on his beard and realize it’s real, their eyes get REAL big! Rocky needs some fun, he's been through a lot lately.
It was great to have another artist in the Moxie Java listener lounge. Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin stopped in for some conversation, and great acoustic performances. He seemed a bit nervous before the winners came in. He did a small practice and vocal warmup, we let him chill out in another room while we got things ready.
I catch Tim sarcastically saying:
“I exude positivity.”
“I can’t say that with a straight face.”
“I can’t say anything with a straight face!”
We load people into the room and very last minute, Tim needs headphones. We are both running in the hallway, I had mine ready for him just in case and yelled, “Hey, dude!” (I have no idea why I chose to call him that at the moment, it seems so funny now.) We also realized we need to turn off our delay within the last few seconds, it’s new for us as most of our guests do not swear. We were the last ones in the building to install this machine, but if you forget to turn it off, it creates a nasty delay with live interviews. Rocky saves us just in the nick of time.
Andrew said he started writing when he was 9 years old, to deal with the death of a family member.
Our Operations Manager comes in during the interview, looks and listens, and simply says,
“I like this band.”
This is huge, he hears hundreds of releases every year. After a while with so much exposure to music, it sometimes really takes someone special to stand out and make an impression. This is good.
Andrew jokes about being a keyboard player at a point in time “when Nirvana broke.” Obviously, his sound and grunge, are light years apart.
His songwriting is very touching, as well his stories of being a Leukemia survivor. He’s been in remission for 7 years, and is full of energy. Check out his other music with Jack’s Mannequin.
When professional soccer player Danny Bemrose broke his foot, he must have thought his dreams had ended. Instead, he started a band.This U.K. group is right on the cusp of breaking worldwide. We were so lucky to once again have a show from Scars On 45. As we mentioned previously, Emmylou Harris helped name their band, based on a reference to scratches on records. Growing up she was always told, "Don't get scars on your 45's!"
We all packed up our things and met the band to board the Thunder Mountain Train Line by 11:30.It must have beenso early for them, and they did have a hard time adjusting to our Idaho heat. Our friends around us on the V.I.P. car were spoiled with excellent service from the staff, who happen to be somewhat famous for the Bloody Mary drinks. Sunday morning, chugging along the beautiful Payette River, we searched and searched but did not find...Motley Crue, Poison, AND New York Dolls!
Their song "Give Me Something" is number THREE on Amazon.com's Best Songs Of 2011 list!
The train ride was such a bargain for $35, it's unbelievable that people could get a concert, train ride, and lunch for such a price. We did this years ago with Serena Ryder, hopefully we will do it again soon. One couple on the ride was celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in one of the reservable train cars.
Our engineers had arrived early and set up a p.a. system, food was reader when people got off the train. Scars On 45 played a lovely short set, and then we boarded for our return trip. Tons of people were floating the river, filled with jet skis, kayaks, people playing baseball in the water and running slow bases. As far as I could tell, only one rafter decided to moon us, but most everyone else waved. Cars driving across the river honked and waved, everyone was enjoying the beautiful summer day.
Great news, Scars on 45 will return to Boise to open for Matt Nathanson Saturday, October 22nd. Get tickets here. They will have a new 4 song EP out end of September, and their new album comes out early next year. Things are only going UP for this band. THIS song will be included on the new Gray's Anatomy soundtrack!
