CPOV: Autographs

For the 50th episode of Autographs, Matt welcomes back a guest you might remember from Ep. #8: solo rapper and founder of the rap group ThoughtCriminals, Mikal kHill. As of today, his brand new record Human Disaster is available on Bandcamp, an album long in the making, the details of which kHill shares with Matt in this episode. kHill also discusses his other projects, including two weeks notice, the ThoughtCriminals, and a song from his previous record The Snuggle Is Real called “light of day” (featuring Jesse Dangerously). Experienced in beat production, he also discusses what went into producing Adam WarRock’s latest record Gifted Student. And so, from the artist’s future plans to a delightful tangent on the game Skyrim, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Mikal kHill.

Next Interview:

w/ Zeiss

Today Matt welcomes Dangrrr Doll, a burlesque performer, producer, and cosplayer based in Brooklyn, NY. Dangrrr Doll is the producer of the Comic Con Vixens, the official burlesque show of NYCC. She is also the producer of RAWR! Burlesque and of the Nerdlesque Festival. With Matt, Dangrrr Doll chats about her start in burlesque, what goes into the process of creating some of her acts, and the difference between performing and producing. Touching upon her future endeavors (and her grand vision for the future of burlesque), she explains how confidence plays a role in her art, and how it’s been the fuel that propels her towards her next act. So without further ado, let’s propel ourselves towards Matt Storm and Dangrrr Doll.

Dangrr Doll and Dangrrr Cosplay (Captain Marvel) Photos by Ben Trivett Photography

Next Interview:

w/ Mikal kHill Returns!

Today Matt welcomes Brooklyn burlesque producer & performer Anja Keister. The producer of D20 Burlesque, Anja is the first Crash Chords “crossover guest” in that she has now appeared on both the Crash Chords Podcast and on Autographs. You can hear us tackle her album pick, Beat the Champ by The Mountain Goats in CCP Ep. #161. Today is a special episode of Autographs because Anja is coming on to promote her upcoming show: D20 Burlesque Tribute to Podcasts. Matt (a.k.a. DJ Stormageddon) will be a special guest DJ for this event. Hear Anja discuss the inspiration for the show and the kinds of podcasts Anja listens to. Also hear about the performers, about some of Matt’s favorite acts (and how they came to be), and about Matt & Anja’s work in the 2016 Nerdlesque Festival. The host of performers for the D20 event will include Anja Keister, Iris Explosion, Seedy Edie, Triple Jay, Fancy Feast, Mx Macabre, Ravenessa, Legs Malone, and a special duet by Mary Cyn and Johnny Caligula with go-go by Taylor Sweet — and, of course, your host DJ Stormageddon manning the sound board!

Next Interview:

w/ Dangrrr Doll

Today, Matt welcomes Austin Aeschliman of Smashy Claw, an experimental rock duo from Longmont, Colorado consisting of guitarist Austin and keyboardist Nathan Long. A veritable engine for new ideas, Smashy Claw is currently engaged in a year-long project to release a new song every week, each accompanied by a brand new YouTube video. Presented for general entertainment (and to spur public interest in the group), these songs are currently compiled into Smashy Claw’s newest record, Claw Machine. With Matt, Austin discusses the band’s name & its inception, his early influences and what spurred him to start writing, as well as the band’s writing process. Also touching upon the band’s primary sources of inspiration, Austin discusses plans for the future of Smashy Claw and their involvement with The FuMP, of which former Autographs guest Insane Ian is also a member. Filled with macabre imagery, surrealist overtones, and brought to life by its talented animators, Smashy Claw’s YouTube channel won’t disappoint. So go ahead, check it out, and support the project.

Next Interview:

w/ Anja Keister

Today Matt welcomes Doc Wasabassco—fake doctor, but real burlesque kingpin, hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Doc is the host and producer for a burlesque company which he’s come to emblemize. On his humble beginnings in burlesque and the origin of Wasabassco entertainment and showcases (which is closely tied to Andy Heidel and The Way Station), Doc chats about how he had to overcome tremendous stage fright and how he wasn’t always comfortable behind a microphone. He chats about the variety of shows and themes that Wasabassco has tackled over the years, the NY burlesque community, as well as the Agents of Wasabassco (a tight and supportive community within the company). Finally, with a word or two on Matt’s involvement with Wasabassco as a DJ, and some gabbing about movies and comics, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Doc Wasabassco.

*Photo credit: Mo Pitz for Doc Wasabassco’s headshot

Next Interview:

w/ Austin Aeschliman of Smashy Claw

Today, Matt welcomes the lead singer and bassist for The Dollyrots, Kelly Ogden. The Dollyrots’ newest album is a live album called Family Vacation: Live From Los Angeles, released alongside a DVD of the same name! The album is essentially a live greatest hits of the band’s 16-year long career. Hear Kelly and Matt chat about how the band has evolved over the years and where it’s headed in the future. She chats about her life as a rock n’ roll mom, and how that’s affected her writing, touring, and especially scheduling. She also chats about why the band decided to release a live album instead of a new LP, why they included the cover of “Brand New Key”, and what that song meant to Kelly specifically.

Next Interview:

w/ Doc Wasabassco

Today Matt welcomes singer/songwriter Khaled Dajani from New York City. Recently having released an EP under the moniker Songs for the Birds, called Volume 1, and an album called Luci under his given name, Khaled chats with Matt about his early influences and when he first started writing. They dive into the evolving NYC music scene, into how social media can be both a blessing and curse for the modern musician, and into his versatility and love for all—or most—genres. He even tells us of the origin of his band name Songs for the Birds.

Next Interview:

w/ Kelly Odgen

Today, Matt welcomes fellow Brooklyn resident, content creator, and internet personality, Mike Rugnetta. You might know Mike as host of the Idea Channel for PBS Digital Studios, or as host of the podcast Reasonably Sound. He’s also a composer (among other things). With Matt, Mike discusses the origins of the Idea Channel, a YouTube series self-described as examining “the connections between pop culture, technology, and art.” He talks about the show’s development, the origin and impact of his uniquely thorough Comment Response videos, and the active community surrounding the series. He also talks about his work with Reasonably Sound, along with his background in theater, music composition, computer science, and critical theory, all of which inform his many projects. Finally, with some inevitable asides on comics, movies, and video games (not to mention a brief hosts’-hat switcheroo), here’s presenting Matt Storm and Mike Rugnetta.

Next Interview:

w/ Khaled Dajani

Today Matt welcomes Ayron Jones, the guitarist and frontman of the rock band Ayron Jones & The Way. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the band’s latest releases are the singles “Boy from the Puget Sound”, and, as of this February, “Lay Your Body Down.” They also have a full-length album from 2013 called Dream. Hear Ayron chat about what it was like growing up in Seattle during the grunge movement and how it affected his musical development. He also talks about what it was like working with Sir Mix-A-Lot and having him produce the album Dream. Enjoy some final notes on Ayron’s love of playing live as well as his hopes for the band’s next tour.

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w/ Mike Rugnetta

Today, Matt welcomes Jared Sochinsky, lead singer of the band Parade Grounds.

Fresh off an EP released last July called The Wait, hear Jared chat with Matt about how he got his start in music. Also hear him discuss his experiences performing in New York, how children have affected his music & writing, and the music video shoot for the title track of his new EP. Also addressing Jared’s major inspirations, and some plans for the future of the band, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Jared Sochinsky.

Next Interview:

w/ Ayron Jones of Ayron Jones and The Way