Honor though it may be, it’s hard to call a phone interview with Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch a “pleasure.” The man is as unassuming as they come. Words like “icon” and “elder statesman” roll off of the Idahoan without causing so much as a ripple, and one gets the feeling he can’t figure out why what he does for a living is any more fascinating than whatever the next man does. In fact, the dude is so chill, he took a piss while we were talking. Really. It’s in the story.
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I went to the gym with Jason Derulo and all I got was… oh, right, a delightfully silly Billboard cover story about fitness fanaticism, fake romance, and pop fandom. Also, the quotes from the Game might be my favorite part of the entire article. Shout out lava cakes everywhere.
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I also spoke with Meghan Trainor in honor of the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. She passes on advice from Ariana Grande, and recalls her first brush with Bey. Photo by Smallz + Raskind.
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Not a euphemism. Not in the least. The Fall Out Boy bassist shared a few awards show memories (shout out Wavves and Kanye) ahead of the BBMAs. Photo by Brigitte Sire.
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That dude that sings in a grizzled old voice about “Budapest” is actually a baby-faced youth only just old enough to drink in America. Good thing he’s from England. Photo by Amanda Friedman.
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Coachella is right around the corner and good grub awaits. I talked to Short Order chef Christian Page and Sweet Clementine’s pops boss Layne Eiler about the relatively fresh phenomenon of fine dining and epicurean snacks coming to a music festival near you. If you’re actually going to Coachella (I am), look for the next hot Buzz Bite while some band plays in the background. :/
I banked a bunch of live reviews for Diffuser down in Austin for SXSW, but I also had a few chats. Interviewed Avid Dancer’s Jacob Summers about the marines, drumming, and Christian rock. Spoke to the men of Mew about their long hiatus and new LP. And talked to Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel about his new band Lieutenant, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Dave Grohl.
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As part of their “Double Threats” cover story, Billboard had me chat with Jack Black. It’s only a shame they couldn’t run the whole transcript. I mean, he told me how to cure cancer, end war, and beat all video games by stroking a guitar, but I guess that doesn’t transfer to the page.
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Music is weird. Prince Royce is a huge star in the Spanish-language market now eyeing crossover success with English-speaking audiences. The thing is, he was born in New York. Spanish is his second language. English is Royce’s mother tongue, but career-wise, he’s starting from scratch. Well, unless you count that Snoop Dogg collaboration and the army of label handlers stressing over his every move. Somehow, they let me go to vocal lessons with the guy.
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Stow your preconceived notions of what makes a pop star. These five young women of color broadcast a message of inclusion, plus have hit singles (“BO$$”, anyone?) and Barbie dolls made in their image. We met up in a Hollywood hotel, then at their dance rehearsals the next day.
Chris Writes Things 