Interview

Interview: Marc Labelle of Dirty Honey

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Dirty Honey performs at MECU Pavilion on Sept. 22, 2019. (Photo by Chris Smyth)

Los Angeles-based rock and roll band Dirty Honey are beating the odds. As an unsigned band, Dirty Honey has overcome the obstacles that come with not having a major label in their corner, and the band saw their debut single, “When I’m Gone,” become a #1 US rock radio hit in late 2019.

Dirty Honey was supposed to be in Australia right now recording their new album, but the travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus have stuck the band in Los Angeles.

Lead singer Marc Labelle recently spoke with Parklife DC’s Chris Smyth about what it’s like to write and record in this time of coronavirus, the band’s relationship with Slash and Myles Kennedy, their upcoming European tour with Alter Bridge, and when we may see Dirty Honey make their first stop in Washington, DC.

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Interview: Raul Malo (of The Mavericks @ The Birchmere, 7/13/20)

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Raul Malo (foreground) fronts The Mavericks (Photo by David McClister)

(Editor’s note: This show was rescheduled from March 25 due to the coronavirus threat.)

Raul Malo is best known as the frontman of critically acclaimed band The Mavericks, who uniquely fuse classic honky tonk, rockabilly, Tejano, and pop, as well as his own Cuban background. He also released a number of well-received solo albums, mainly during a period of hiatus for the band.

Parklife DC’s Mark Engleson interviewed Raul in advance of his solo date at The Birchmere on Monday, July 13. They talked about his projects, his approach to production and songwriting, his musical background and influences, and the upcoming concert.

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Interview: John Cooper of Skillet @ The Fillmore Silver Spring — 3/8/20

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John Cooper fronts Skillet at The Fillmore Silver Spring on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Chris Smyth)

After rocking the city of Baltimore in the fall of 2019, Skillet returned to the area recently by playing to a jam-packed crowd at The Fillmore Silver Spring.

Mixing in hit songs “Feel Invincible,” “Hero,” and “Monster,” along with five tracks — “You Ain’t Ready,” “Legendary,” “Victorious,” “Save Me,” and “Anchor” — off their 2019 Album, Victorious, Skillet balanced a good mix of new and old music to keep the fans cheering throughout the show.

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Interview: Will Oldham aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy (@ Lincoln Theatre, 3/7/20)

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Bonnie “Prince” Billy (Photo courtesy The Billions Corporation)

Will Oldham, aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy, released I Made a Place, his latest studio album, last November via Drag City. He made the album with his wife while they were artists in residence in Hawaii, and the results are engrossing but also amazingly tranquil.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy performs with Jonathan Richman at the Lincoln Theatre on Saturday, March 7. Prior to the show, Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter chatted with Will about making the record and touring with Jonathan.

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Interview: Andy Frasco (@ 9:30 Club, 2/13/20)

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Andy Frasco (Photo courtesy Tell All Your Friends PR)

Andy Frasco releases his upcoming LP Keep On Keepin’ On via SideOneDummy Records on April 24. The album is a powerful musical snapshot of what’s going on with Andy, his band, and his fans. It’s hailed as a therapeutic helping of rock ‘n’ roll with powerful pop and Americana roots influences. You see, in writing the new album, Andy tackled his own depression and mental health.

Prior to the release, Andy Frasco and The UN appear at 9:30 Club for a show on Thursday, Feb. 13. Parklife DC Editor Mickey McCarter caught up with Andy via email to ask him about the approach to the new music and the healing power of performance.

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Interview: Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon (@ City Winery, 2/11/20)

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Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt (Photo by Bob Charmichael)

Vince Herman is one of the founding members of the Colorado “jamgrass” (bluegrass jamband) group Leftover Salmon. A guitarist and songwriter, Vince has, with mandolinist Drew Emmitt, formed the core of Leftover Salmon for 30 years.

In this conversation, Vince and Parklife DC’s Mark Engleson discuss the band, his influences, the band’s forays into Colorado’s marijuana industry, and his upcoming show with Drew at the City Winery in DC on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

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Interview: Fellowcraft (@ The Pocket, 1/10/20)

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Fellowcraft rehearses in The Pocket at 7DrumCity not too long ago. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)

Hard-rockin’ DC blues band Fellowcraft tells Parklife DC that they are transforming into a prog-rock outfit. Whatever the case, we like what we hear! Last year, the band made a transition in its sound with a new lineup, now consisting of Jon Ryan MacDonald (guitar, vocals), Brandon Williams (bass, vocals), Pablo Antón (guitar, vocals), and Zach Martin (drums). This year, the band plans a fourth full-length album, following Get Up Young Phoenix (2016), Fellowcraft (2016) and Three (2018).

The peculiar power of Fellowcraft lies in the camaraderie of the band’s four members. These guys love playing together and hanging out together. And they have the rare gift of making you feel like you’re part of the gang when you’re in the audience. That’s the special defining quality of Fellowcraft.

Parklife DC Editor Mickey McCarter met Fellowcraft at 7DrumCity recently to chat about the band’s future prior to a show at The Pocket at 7DrumCity on Friday, Jan. 10. Fellowcraft also perform at Pie Shop on Friday, Feb. 7.

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