The Power Popaholic Interview: Jeff Whalen of Tsar

So I was lucky enough to get an interview with the lead guitarist and vocalist of Tsar, Jeff Whalen. We talk about what happened after the debut, and the new EP that I reviewed early last week. Check out the interview here.


NEWS UPDATE:

Musicians from around the world will pay tribute to the words and music of the incomparable Elvis Costello on “Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello,” a compilation to be released in 2013 on Futureman Records.

Co-produced by longtime Costello fans Olivia Frain and John M. Borack, the collection will feature more than two dozen artists putting their own spin on both Costello classics and deep cuts. Listeners will be treated to everything from 30-something-year-old gems from the new wave era to musical infants from Costello’s more recent work. Proceeds from the release will benefit the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a non-profit organization that donates musical instruments to under-funded school music programs.

Why Elvis Costello? Well he’s a got a 35 year track record as one of rock’s most prolific artists, and Borack adds “There are just so many amazing songs in his catalog, and we wanted to hear what some of our favorite musicians could do with them.” See the Facebook page!

The Beach Boys Reunion

The Beach Boys, together with estranged sonic genius Brian Wilson for the first time in decades, have the brand-new reunion single “That’s Why God Made The Radio.” You can close your eyes and go back in time… “Tuning in the latest star/From the dashboard of my car/Cruising at seven/Push-button heaven” The song proves without a doubt proof that nobody can replicate their harmonies, even though thousands of bands have tried. This is vintage Beach Boys and with both Brian and Mike Love passing 70 years old, they figured it was now or never.

Listen to the song here with lyrics.

New Kickstarter projects for Cliff Hillis and Eric Lichter

Long time power pop fans know Cliff Hillis from his time with Starbelly and IKE , now his newest album is in process, he’s trying to get the legendary Brad Jones (Guilt Flake) to help produce it.

I haven’t heard of Eric Lichter before, but all you need to know is that he’s a Seattle musican and Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, The Disciplines, R.E.M.) has decided to produce it. He’ll travel to Ken’s Paris studio to make it. That’s enough for me.

Visit the “Help A Musician” page to see the videos.