Radio Free Astoria

Season 2 Episode 2: Annie Dressner - Live @ LIC Bar

2010-03-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey All!! It's Eric from Merrick coming back at ya with another episode of Radio Free Astoria.

I recorded this at LIC Bar on March 9th...can't believe it only took me 12 days to put it up on iTunes. :-)

Annie Dressner is a great musician...wonderful, sweet voice - catchy hooks - very real lyrics - and she's such a nice person in general.

And an added special treat - the great John-Flor Sisante backed her up, adding his signature style.

Enough of this jibba-jabba. On with the show!

Here it is - Season 2, Episode 1 Featuring Debbie Miller!

2010-02-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

After a ridiculously long interval between the time I recorded the show and interview and now, I have finally gotten the first episode of the second Season of Radio Free Astoria up on Screencast and iTunes.

I met Debbie in 2008 while attending the open mic night at Waltz-Astoria. I believe she was introduced to me by Brian Peterson of Liminal Space - whom I will hopefully also get the chance to record soon.

Debbie has done quite a few shows over the past couple of years in various awesome venues across the city - including a few gigs at Rockwood Music Hall, which is probably one of the best small venues in Manhattan.

Her music - although hard to classify into just one genre - is awesomely quirky, catchy, and tends to blend innocent-sounding melodies with sometimes not-so-innocent lyrics.

So, take a listen and decide for yourself. I think you'll find she's like potato chips...although the analogy I was about to complete doesn't really make sense in the music context. Just listen, she's really good. :-)

Here it is, Debbie Miller - Live at Rockwood Music Hall:

I Know, I Know...

2010-01-25T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'm slacking already. I know. I get it.

But...I recently recorded Debbie Miller at Rockwood Music Hall and will hopefully get the show up soon.

I had some MAJOR sound issues, but Debbie was kind enough to give me the recording from the soundboard, so here's hoping.

Just wanted to post and let you all know Season 2 - Episode 1 is on its way!

2/3 Goat...What's the Other Third?

2009-12-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

I guess "awesome musician"?

I had the privilege of catching this whacky and entertaining band at...you guessed it...Lucky Mojo's.

This very same night, Bobby Kane came back and played with his full band (maybe this was the August 1st show? haha). Bobby's set will probably be the next episode...but I might put one of my sets in because I'm a selfish prick.

But anyway, these cats are pretty cool. As I mention in my intro, I did not have the opportunity to interview them after the show, so this is just their full set in it's entirety (with some lulls edited out).

Enjoy:

The Man, Bobby Kane

2009-12-27T09:48:00.001-08:00

So I'm on a roll with editing these shows!

I recorded Bobby Kane at Lucky Mojo's in LIC shortly after I caught Rorie Kelly's show at Gizzi's last summer. You'll hear a couple of references to his upcoming shows...one of which was happening in August...obviously it's too late...and - sniffle sniffle - Lucky Mojo's has since closed. :-/

But let this first season of Radio Free Astoria be an ever-lasting testament to the once great venue that we all loved to play at, listen at, and eat at...yes, I know, bad grammar. Pshh.

The next 2 episodes also took place at Mojo's as well...stay tuned for more BBQ Sushi...

Six Months is Better Than Nuthin'

2009-12-26T13:55:00.001-08:00

Wow...so yeah, I recorded Rorie's show in July and I'm finally getting around to uploading it. I'm a doof, I know. But I have a new commitment to RFA and it starts today. Not only that, but I found an awesome new website to host on.

So here it is...Rorie Kelly & More of the Mess live at Gizzi's, in it's entirety...

Rorie Kelly and More of the Mess

2009-07-12T08:12:00.001-07:00

Went to go see Rorie Kelly and More of the Mess last night at Gizzi's Coffee on 8th Street (yes, in Manhattan).

She was awesome as always, and I think the sound quality on my podcast might have actually been a little better since it was a smaller venue.

The folks at Gizzi's were very kind to let me commandeer that table with all of my gear. Not like the jerks at Googie's Lounge (went there on Friday night to record Emily Schiavi, but the bouncer got in my face about it).

Hopefully I will have the show edited soon so you can get yourself a little slice of Rorie for your listening pleasure.

Stay tuned for Episode 2!

Here's What People Are Saying...

2009-07-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

We got our first testimonial!

This beautiful comment comes from Judy in California via Facebook:

I just listened three times and it is fabulous! It's great to hear D.B. Rielly LIVE!!! What a great idea! Your first episode is a huge success!!! It's really nice for us way out in California because we aren't lucky enough to be able to come to one of his shows in New York. Now in a sense, we can thanks to YOU!!

Radio Free Astoria - Season 1, Episode 1

2009-06-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here! The inaugural episode of Radio Free Astoria!

I'd appreciate any feedback. If you are a local artist or know one who would be interested in being a part of my next podcast, please shoot me an e-mail

You Know You Want It, I Know You Need It...

2009-06-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Yes...it's true...the first episode of Radio Free Astoria has been recorded and is currently being edited by yours truly.

The inaugural podcast will feature D.B. Rielly and his band from their show last Wednesday, June 24, at Lucky Mojos. Okay, I realize Lucky Mojos is in LIC, but Astoria is technically part of LIC, so suck it. :-)

D.B.'s band members on this particular night included Hiro Suzuki on guitar (he's beyond awesome) and Santo Mollica on all kinds of percussion (where would any band be without brilliant beats?). Sadly Bruce Gordon was not able to bring his sweet bass lines for this show, but normally he's there slappin' away.

My mic isn't great, but it adequately picked up the show and it sounds pretty dang good to me.

Stay tuned for the official launch!

It's Coming, I Swear...

2009-03-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I know it's been forever since I wrote my last post and there is still no podcast. Well, to be honest, the last few months haven't been too kind to this guy (with the two thumbs). But, I'm back on track...I got a job in one of the worst economies in US history, I got rid of the toxic girlfriend, and I'm ready to get on with the plans I've been putting off.

So, this weekend I will be putting forth my best effort to get rolling with the inaugural installment of Radio Free Astoria. Stay tuned, kiddies!

Radio Free Astoria...COMING SOON!!!

2008-10-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

For all you Astoria musicians and those who love them, there will now be a one-stop-shop for your listening pleasure! Coming soon is the Radio Free Astoria podcast hosted by yours truly (Eric from Merrick). Stay tuned!!!