Downunder Detroit - TALL KIWI CHICK on assignment - Interview Gin Wigmore fellow Tall Kiwi Chick from New Zealand

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

Gin Wigmore is one of those artists that once you have heard one song live, you love her music intensely. She has such a unique voice, and I'm sure the boys don't mind that she is a hot blonde tattooed kiwi that is ridiculously talented!!

Being a Kiwi, I had heard her music previously, the whole of New Zealand has heard it!! She was here touring and supporting 'Citizen Cope' as she tries to break into the american music market and promote her album 'Holy Smoke'.

We got to go backstage after this amazing show to meet & interview Gin!!

(much to the displeasure of MANY of my NZ friends!! Muahahaha!)


TKC:I see you got 'The Cardinals' playing on your album 'Holy Smoke', How'd you swing that?!

GW: Michael Taylor from the Label A&R knew one of the members from 'The Cardinals' and hit them up, and said Gin really needs a band in 6 weeks to record her album, and thankfully they said Fuck Yeah! I was certain i wanted a band, rather than session musicians, because a band adds more soul to the recordings. Since then we've toured together and become so close!!

TKC: Who's in your current tour?

GW: Got the boys from Australia. I did have a full band, but I'm ruthless at the moment, and they were tearing me..so i fired them a few weeks ago. So we're down to a trio right now.

TKC: What country are you most well known in?

GW: New Zealand!! It's really cool, cos it feels like your family are saying 'Well Done'!

TKC: What's your favorite 'Holy Smoke' Track?

GW: Oh wow, that changes everyday! I'm in love at the moment so I'm in a good mood! So i think maybe it's 'Hey Ho' even though that's not a completely happy song.

TKC: For people that haven't heard your music, describe it, in 5 words.

GW: Fuck, i don't know...Umm 'A REAL MIXTURE'. Hahaha yeah.

TKC: What's your favorite thing about New Zealand?

GW: Our way of life. That we're so low-key and open to everything. We've got this beautiful integration between our native people, Europeans, Chinese etc. compared to Australia. Some of the comments & stuff that goes on there is gross.

TKC: Agreed.

Quick Q's

TKC: If you were in a movie and could choose your love interest, who would you chose?

GW: Ryan Gosling

TKC: Song you listen to when you're angry?

GW: 'Life on Mars' by David Bowie

TKC: Are you dating anyone right now?

GW: I am actually, this hot sexy man, he's Australian.

TKC:*coughs* No it's fine.

GW: But yes very happy he's a drummer and we geek out and talk about music. He's great!

TKC: Awesome!! Ok last question, Who would you go gay for?!

GW: Lake Bell. Yep. Look her up. She's really hot but not Hollywood at all.


Lauretta & I must apologize for mocking & giving (Gin's Australia Band Members and Manager) a lot of shit...Mate. It's in our blood. They get points for putting up with us..mate.


Check out Gin Wigmore's debut album 'Holy Smoke' today!!



Photos from MCB's Dan Sultana

Editor Note: One of our Downunder Detroit girls is heading back to the homeland on super special assignment so we wish Tasha a safe trip and hope to see her back in De'Twat ASAP

Her partner in MCB crime has been Lauretta (who brings that sidekick coolness) will be partnering up with MCB's Brett Lawrence while Tasha takes hiatus

There will be another get together at DickODows in Birmingham tomorrow (Wednesday night)in case you wanted to come and drink heavily with all of us wishing Tasha a safe trip home and a speedy return.


TALL KIWI CHICK RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND!

New Zealand is calling me back home earlier than planned. I'm truly sad to be leaving, because i've honestly had the time of my life here!!

Detroit/Michigan is such an awesome place. You have everything the big cities offer plus more! The pride i see within the people i've met here is overwhelming, but awesome!! You love everything you have to offer, and that makes us love it too. Some of my highlights have been.. I've been to a Basketball Game, The Heidelberg Project, DIA, Motown Museum, Belle Isle, Eastern Market, Roller-skating, Ford Field. I've signed the wall at Pure Detroit (Fisher Building). I saw Thomas Jane from 'Hung' and stalked down Kevin Smith. I've driven past Burnt out houses Downtown and seen the amazing colors of spring time. I've witnessed the beauty of winter after a fresh snowfall, and the hell it is to live here at the same time.. and Detroit, i've loved every fucking minute of it!!

I've had such a great time working for Motorcityblog, and i hope i've provided some sort of entertainment for you all....?

HUGE THANKS TO KIRK!!

MCB's editor, who gave me this opportunity after a chance meeting. I've met some super awesome people along the way including all the staff from MCB, and all the bands i've met/interviewed!! This will NOT be a time of my life i'll be forgetting anytime soon!!

Lauretta will be around and continue to still help out, so there will still be some Kiwi Flava at MCB! Plus I promise to keep in touch from NZ..

Bye Bye Detroit!!! I'll miss you more than you know. I've had a blast!! xoxoxo

(PS - Go Red Wings and Go Tigers!! ;))

TALL KIWI CHICK interviews THE BLACK SEEDS

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

After a year or so living in the states and running the streets for MCB
the gals from DOWNUNDER DETROIT reluctantly had to return to Christchurch NZ
but they have been reporting no various things KIWI from time to time
and will be visiting the motorcity again in November 

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

THE BLACK SEEDS INTERVIEWED

by Tall Kiwi Chick  

The Black Seeds

So a while back, I scored the opportunity to interview The Black Seeds!!

I turned up at the gig super early with my awesome side-kick to interview the band well before the gig. Unfortunately for me, the band had left the venue due to the fact that the gig was in a Marquee tent, and it was freezing outside, and they apparently left to warm up somewhere. Now, I took this in good stride, but I’d like to blame the band for me getting more than a little drunk that night. My reasoning behind the blame is because I didn’t end up having a face-to-face interview with them, I started drinking earlier than planned….

I also had a co-workers going away party on that night, so I headed there early to get my drink on. Many Beers & Shots later, I headed back to the gig, just in time for The Black Seeds to start. It was an awesome show, the crowd was into it, and I had a happy buzz going on. 

Afterwards when I returned to the bar. More drinks. Bouncers annoyed at me. Playfully punching my co-workers, and a big hole in my memory but I’m 95% sure I didn’t end up with my face down a toilet, so I'll take it as a win. 

Since I couldn’t get a face-to-face interview, I managed to score an email interview with Barnaby Weir, which is below for your reading pleasure, plus some photos from the show.  Check it out, and check THEM out. The Black Seeds are a great band, that I’m proud to call Kiwi!!

PS How did I miss that the Saxophonist is HOT?! Damn those drinks…

XXX

You've just gotten back from touring in USA/Europe, how was it?

Well..... It was an epic mission to say the least. We played heaps of shows back to back from L.A to N.Y, Canada and then a good stint in France and Germany and shows in Amsterdam, London, Edinburgh and Switzerland too. The crowds were really good and we met some fantastic people along the way too.

Gotta say I love the European hospitality and this time kept the cheese intake lower!

No major dramas really. we just worked our little kiwi asses off and got a good response all round.

Some of my fav gigs were N.Y, Berlin, London and Amsterdam

It's been a long time since Solid Ground was released, what's been going on?

I guess it's like when you are waiting for your bus to arrive and it feels like ages...well we are already on that bus and doing all kinds of stuff like....We toured a lot in 08', 09' 10',less in 11' put a lot in to our new album and gave it the time it needed. Most of the band had family duties too and we also released our 'Live Vol 1' album and the 'Specials' Solid Ground Remix album. Tour highlights included Europe,US,  Australia, NZ and New Caledonia.Everyone in the band also worked on their solo music or other bands to like 'Fly My Pretties' released 2 albums and did some touring and I released a solo album too. 

How would you describe your new album?

Quality sounds from a band that's been around the block but still has a huge drive toward freshness in their music.

What is your favorite track on the new album & why?

'Don't Turn Around' because it was very spontaneous the way it came together and because we had a lot of fun making it. 

The Black Seeds have been around a LONG TIME!! What advice can you give to new bands starting out?

Keep working at your band! Write as much as possible. Make it sustainable and not stressful. Make your show unforgettable, Persist.

Quickfire questions - (These really aren't meant for email interviews, as it's really supposed to quick answers without thought) OK

What comes to mind when I say 'Detroit'? "I need a Dollar, Dollar, Dollar...." 

What are you most addicted to right now? Tobacco, Brenton Wood the Soul artist.

Which actor would you like to play you in a movie? Dennis Hopper

Do you ever get wasted before a show? No, not for ages.

Tell me about your most craziest fan moment? ummm nothing you havn't heard before..

Who is the ladies man of the band? Everyone thinks it's them but no one actually is.

THANK YOU!!!

BARNABY WEIR

FREE VINYLS - SHOW REVIEW: Glen Hansard live in New Zealand by Tall Kiwi Chick

So our good ol pal Tall Kiwi Chick turned us on to to this great folk singer Glen Hansard recently and we were looking up his tour dates and sure enough nothing in Detroit so we said

"rack em girlie - you are flying to see him on the old MCB credit card!!!"

After the midnight run from Christchurch to Auckland she came back with some pics and a review and we convinced his label to give away a few vinyl records for your home listening pleasure as part of the promo and we hope to see Glen on this side of the world soon

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

After a year or so living in the states and running the streets for MCB
the gals from DOWNUNDER DETROIT reluctantly had to return to Christchurch NZ
but they have been reporting on various things KIWI from time to time
and will be visiting the motorcity again and again and again

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

So OH MY GOD. 

What a fucking AWESOME show!!!!

Glen Hansard with The Frames, and Lisa Hannigan supporting.

When I saw online that Glen Hansard was going to be playing at the Auckland Town Hall, I knew I had to be there. Not only is it a small venue, but when I checked my work roster, I had that day off!! 

I asked everyone I knew, and managed to talk my older brothers and sister in laws to fly up to Auckland with me for 1 night, so we could all go listen to Glen, (I also had secret plans to Marry him, but this didn’t happen once I realized he was far too short, but I still have very strong feelings for him).

(I am VERY tall so it probably wouldn't have work out anyway)

 

WELL BLOODY WORTH IT!!!

Now it seems Glen Hansard isn’t as well known as he should be. While I’ve been bragging to most people I’ve come in contact with lately, they haven’t had a clue. Unless their Irish. So let me run through this for you..

 

I discovered him when watching the movie “Once”. He is an Irish Singer Songwriter that has been playing as part of “The Frames” for the past 22 years. His voice is amazing, and when he sings, like very few other singers, it flows directly into my soul.  After the popularity from the Movie “Once” a Documentary was released called “The Swell Season” which gave a very interesting view of Life on Tour. I also recommend you watch this, if you can hunt it down! He also starred in “The Commitments” – I know, I’ve must rewatch that movie! And lastly keep a look out for The Frames Documentary being released soon!!

 

So back to this show… 4 Shots and 3 Beers before the show, along with my eldest brothers Disapproval, I was  READY for this!!

Lisa Hannigan, who I hadn’t heard of before the show, opened the show. Her voice was beautiful, and I was immediately consumed by her voice and melodic songs. She sang mostly solo switching between Ukulele & Acoustic Guitar. I have since downloaded her album “Passenger”. Turns out she’s been around for many years..  Damn secretive Irish…

 

Glen & The Frames came out around 9pm, and I was not disappointed!! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO HIM! He was amazing. He chatted at length between songs, showing us he was happy to be here & happy to play, which of course added to the goodness of the show. He sang songs with The Frames, he sang some songs acoustically,  

He even sang without a microphone for “Say it to me now” and HOLY SHIT it was amazing. He sang covers from Marvin Gaye & Gladys Knight, and played the longest encore I think I’ve ever heard! One of the many Irish people in the crowd handed him a huge Irish Flag, and so he sang around the stage with the flag around his shoulders. The drummer impressed me so much, especially at the end when he went Hard Out, that I vowed I would blow the dust of my own set of drums, and have a play. 

Glen at times also played his guitar so hard that the strings were noticeably breaking, but it sounded good! After each song during the encore, the cheering would start and Glen would say ‘One more…” you could see he did not want to leave the stage! He ended the show at Midnight (That was 3 hours of music!!) with Leonard Cohen's “passing through” and the whole band (And did I mention they had about 10 people on stage!) stepped off the stage and sang in a line right around the whole venue!! 

I left on such a high. It was one of the best concerts I’ve been too, and I’ve been to many!  And I can’t remember the last time I went to a concert that finished at midnight. Great at the time, but not great when I had to wake up at 4am to catch up flight back to Christchurch!

 

So PLEASE rent/buy the movie “ONCE”. That is all I ask.  Glen Hansard is AMAZING and it’s wrong that is not more well known.

Get to his website and buy everything!

http://www.glenhansardmusic.com/

Email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot at a fresh off the press vinyl

of Glen's latest release Rhythm and Repose

Album Review: The Black Seeds "Dust and Dirt"

Reggae from New Zealand does not seem to make sense to any degree. It’s difficult to picture a group of pasty, gingers (sorry terrible stereotype!)  laying down the reggae vibes in the mountainous terrain of New Zealand. However, The Black Seeds have been doing it for years and on their latest they add a bit of funk and disco to the equation to produce a hybrid of reggae that defies any cultural or continental boundaries. “Dust and Dirt” is the fifth release from The Black Seeds and it expertly shows their ease of grooving into reggae territory with easy flowing songs that are also brimming with danger and introspection. Some of the standout cuts include “Wide Open” and the opener “Out of Light” which reminds me of Shriekback’s slower material.  Later “Loose Cartilage” rocks out with a guitar heavy beginning that spills into a righteous instrumental jam.  As we ease into a season filled with warmer weather and road tripping, hiking or long walks, “Dust and Dirt” will make a fine travelling companion.

I can’t end this review without mentioning, Bret Mckenzie, from Flight of the Conchords (the other one - not Jermaine Clement), was once a member of the Black Seeds.

This Post by Mikel O.D. of

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
We convinced her to report for MCB and she was running hard
but all good things come to an end and she had to head back to New Zealand.
She will be chiming in from time to time because we miss her!

She loves music, men & drinking.

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

I am back on MCB...What's Up Bitches?!



STOP! Listen to this song real quick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZn10ZY4ZUQ

May is New Zealand Music Month. So you have no idea how proud I am to be here writing about one of New Zealand's coolest bands! Here in New Zealand, The Black Seeds are a household name for anyone under 40 who doesn't live under a rock. They've been around for 12 years, and have just released their 5th album which is available worldwide!!

Dust And Dirt is the fifth studio album from our multi-platinum selling group whose unique brand of reggae-funk fusion has seen their fan base spread around the world in recent years.

Song Pippy Pip, also on Dust And Dirt, offered fans a rare opportunity to become part of The Black Seeds' history. By following instructions on a YouTube video, budding musicians were able to send in their own vocal samples. Most of the 90-odd entries can be heard, in some form, at the end of the track.

Check out the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTqIHu5-RAk&ob=av2e


Now I know I'm here to talk about how awesome their new album 'DUST & DIRT' is... But hell, I want you all to start from the beginning!! These albums flew off the shelves here in nz when they were released.


'KEEP ON PUSHING' 2001
'ON THE SUN' 2004
'INTO THE DOJO' 2006
'SOLID GROUND' 2008

If you need more of a push to buy their music - Flight of The Conchords 'Bret Mckenzie' used to be a member for the first 5 years!  Check out this cool video clip of the making of one of their earlier music videos - featuring 'Brit' himself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGgVpnk8Fl4


The Black Seeds mix well with hot days, cold beers, good mates, road trips, parties, BBQ's, and when mixed well you get good times.

NOW PLEASE GO AND BUY THE BLACK SEEDS!!!!

http://theblackseeds.com/dustanddirt/
Now if only I could get tickets to there Christchurch show later this month I'd be one happy chick....
MCB says they can get me an in person interview....and from my work in Detroit I believe them!

xxx see you in November !!!
- Tall Kiwi Chick
reporting from Christchurch NZ

Downunder Detroit by Tall Kiwi Chick

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

So on Friday (19th) night, Lauretta & I headed over to PJ's Lager House

to check out The Satin Peaches & The Drags.

Now i was the designated sober driver this cold winter night in Detroit... which thankfully doesn't happen very often, but it does happen...and so I thought i'd take full advantage of being stone cold sober and actually give my full attention to the bands!!

Although in saying that, i must admit i do have a short attention span.

I'm ADD untreated baby.

'Dooley Wilson' started just as we arrived, good timing on our part which we planned down to a tee. Untrue. Their chilled blues made me want to be down south chilling on a balcony somewhere drinking beer in the late afternoon sun enjoying the music.

*sigh*

'Karalavara' were up next, and the volume went up and so did the rock!

Then it was time to see 'The Drags' for the second time, although in fairness the first time, i'd had a few drinks and had to interview 'The Matt Truman Ego Trip' during most of their set. Luckily they played the same set, and although Justin was sick, you couldn't tell cos the show was awesome! I look forward to when they release an album. Maybe i'll score it free? *wink* Their music is easy to listen to and enjoy, and it doesn't take long before you're humming their tunes on the way out the door!!!

Finally The Satin Peaches took the stage to play their new EP in it's entirety. Now i could only stay for the first 4 tracks, (it was nearing 2am and i had to still drive home, then wake up at 5am for a flight) but of what i heard, i liked!!

The only bone i have to pick with TSP is on their Facebook Invitation, they promised to supply us with a valentine... and i felt a little let down because that never happened... although come to think of it, maybe it's because i had to leave early...

And in their finale a whole bunch of paid hot tall male hookers erupted from the stage?

Or perhaps it was like an Easter Egg hunt, and I just didn't get the memo, and maybe i needed to search the whole bar for random valentines with 'V' written on their chests?

Boys, i'll accept an IOU *crosses fingers*.

The Satin Peaches have a release party for their new EP on March 19th at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. Be there, or flying monkeys might come and poke your eyes out...
Double bonus points awarded to Dave from the Drags for stepping up his game and buying both Lauretta & I drinks!! Andy offered, so he can have a point for the thought, but next time Andy, we'll take a Bud light..

Now i feel like i should be talking about something else that i've done recently that's interesting... but i'm coming up blank. I've been lazing around all week in Florida getting a tan and some well needed Vitamin D.

Sorry...

Next up we're going to be heading to the Metrotimes Blowout in Hamtramck.

I'm fully excited about going!!!

I'm heading over on the Wednesday & Friday nights, and hope to hook up with some hot bands for some interviews!!

FYI The Drags are playing during the Metrotimes Blowout in Hamtramck, on Thurs 4/3 @ The Baker's Streetcar at 11.40pm. Stop being so lazy and get yo ass there... you can do it!

Downunder Detroit by Tall Kiwi Chick

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends

and thick as thieves.

Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight

about good ol dietroit from someone with a bit different perspective

"Downunder Detroit"

is the new column written by our TKC

who is visiting Detroit for a while

from her homeland of New Zealand.

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

Detroit doesn't have the best reputation...
I think we can all agree on the that.
Most of my friends in New Zealand have responded with "Detroit?
Are you serious??
WHY??!!"
(Admittedly I'm staying in what you would class as 'Metro Detroit').
The thing most interesting to me is that the Detroiters
i meet here each day in various roles and places.., their responses are the same...

"Why HERE?".

Come on guys, where's the pride?!!

Happy to be American just not from Michigan?
I realize there are some areas of improvement needed..

the most notable to me is -

Where is your public transport and/or taxis?!

But ultimately i've found detroit to be really cool!!

The people here are really down to earth.

You have a fantastic music/arts scene,

an impressive selection of museums and attractions.

Compared to other places in USA i've visited,

i think detroit is awesome and I'm happy to be here!

------So my friend & I spent the night doing the rounds at the numerous halloween stores around town, looking for an outfit to wear on halloween. I'm really excited, since in NZ it's just not a big thing, you definitely won't find any stores dedicated only to halloween goods!! Here, just looking around at the millions of houses with over-the-top decorations you just know, it's going to be big!! At one of the stores we see a lady trying on a 'mile high airline' costume, She is ridiculously skinny with an obvious boob job, and i think to myself, if halloween is a bunch of girls like her dressed up in lame costumes i may end up splashing acid in my eyes and drinking till i throw up....

We walked out of that last store knowing we had to be way more original with an idea to make our own costumes. With halloween upon us we still need to finish getting our costumes ready, and work out where the good places are to hang out on the night, but ultimately, I am really excited about having a real halloween here!! I just hope the skanks don't bring me down..

----So Sunday night, we went Roller-skating @ Skateworld of Troy. I love anything that involves me reliving my childhood, so this was right up my alley. We had a great time skating round like little children. The only thing missing was one of my parents onhand for if i fell over and hurt myself.. Thankfully, no kiwi's were hurt or knocked down this night.
We were of course, the only people there that weren't completely awesome at skating, i guess i expected there to be more people like me wanting to goof around and have a good time.. What we did find though, was a mixture of old & young. The old people you expect to soon be needing help to cross the road, are over-lapping me.... backwards! I enjoyed watching the 5 or so young guys that skate around with some sort of in sync routine.

The thing i found most interesting, was there was more guys than girls!!

But i guess that's one of the many reasons i love michigan so much,

the guy to girl ratio seems to work in my favor.

Where are all the ladies?

NEXT UP FOR TKC:

I am interviewing the New Zealand band Bang Bang Eche

who play a show at The Magic Stick Detroit next Monday 11/2

Downunder Detroit - TALL KIWI CHICK on assignment hooks up w/ Mike Stanley

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

So last Friday night, Lauretta & I headed over to the Belmont, Hamtramck to check out Mike Stanley for a benefit show he and some other wicked guests were putting on to benefit a little girl called Breanna (learn more at http://www.helpbreanna.com/ ).

Opening was Matt McClowry, Nate Fridson & Jen House!!!

They were all awesome, and yes i pissed myself!!

No not literally... Gross.

All the comedians, including Mike, are from Detroit originally, which should make you all proud!!

YAY for good local talent!!! I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for any other shows by Matt, Nate, Jen or Mike because they were all fantastic and i want more!!

Mike now lives in Chicago, he moved around 5 years ago so that he could be more centrally located for midwest shows, and recently was voted 'best in chicago'.

After the show we threatened Mike until he sat down for a chat with us...

Kiwi Chicks - Have you been drinking?!

Mike Stanley - Yes

KC - I'm shocked

MS - I don't drink a lot before the show, i'll bring one drink up on stage but then afterwards.. i'll drink more.

KC - How long have you been doing stand-up?

MS - 5 years, yeah i love it.

KC - How'd you get into it?

MS - I've always been a fan of Stand-Up ever since i was a kid, my mom was also a big fan and we would rent George Carlin and Steven Wright videos. I knew that was what i wanted to do but i didn't really know how i would go about doing it. I took some time to work out where the open mics are and then eventually got into it.

KC - Were you always the funny guy within your friends?

MS - I think that's a question you'd have to ask them, but i think so.. maybe.

KC - Favorite thing about Detroit?

MS - My favorite thing about it is the honesty, it's a no bullshit town and people know who they are and what they're doing in the music, arts and comedy scenes here!! It's incredible, you have people like Glenn Barr, Niagara, White Stripes, Dirt Bombs, Detroit Cobras and Electric 6. The overall music culture, the grit of it and the honesty is my favorite part of Detroit.

KC -What are you looking forward to most this year?

MS - I'm really looking forward to my DVD coming out, i got signed to 'Stand up records', the number 1 distributor of stand up material. Lewis Black is on that label, and basically anybody that has put anything out in the past 5 years that is amazing, is on the label, and i got signed to it!! Yeah i am the lowest guy on the totem pole, no one knows who i am, but i'm on the label!! The DVD should be out in the next 3 months, there are just a few last touches that need to be added etc and it's going to be distributed nationwide, you'll be able to buy it at Best Buy and rent it on Netflix, i'm really excited!!

KC - Awesome!! Who would you not brake for, if you were driving down an isolated road?

MS - Oh, you want me to kill somebody now?

KC - I'm just asking.....

MS - That is a really strange question..

KC - It's good though isn't it!!

MS - Yeah *grins* ok.. Nazis. I would plough a Nazi down, and i wouldn't think twice about it either.

KC - Have you ever been beaten up by a chick?

MS - No I haven't

KC - We can organize that for you *threatening look*

MS - Really?

KC - Yep.

MS - Sounds pretty incredible, let's go do that now!! What are we even doing here?!

KC - Just give us 5 more minutes...

MS - I love your accents

KC - Thanks, we try really hard.

MS - Do you?

KC - No. So who is your favorite Detroit Comedian?

MS - Martin Butler. He's great on stage and we hang out all the time off stage, and he's the funniest motherfucker i've ever met in my life!!

KC - Will he hang out with us?

MS - I'm sure he'd love too.

KC - Who would you like to make out with?

MS - Natalie Portman because she's hot and amazing and intelligent and incredible.

KC - Good choice. I love her too.

KC - What's your least masculine habit?

MS - I'm pretty manly by nature, i am. Ummm Manscaping!! That's right, clean as a whistle!! That's all i'm saying ladies!! *winks*

KC - Ok this is the last question, and the most important question of the whole interview...

MS - Ok sure lay it on me..

KC - Who would you go gay for?

MS - Who would i go gay for?! *thinks about it*

KC - This is a 'if i had a gun to your head question..' i know you're not gay..

MS - Probably Johnny Depp, but i am VERY MANLY.. make sure you write that.. Yeah his body of work is incredible, and no i'm talking about his body, calm down girls!!

Mike gets 10 points for being an overall wickedly awesome guy and inviting us out with him & the other comedians for drinks after the show, and giving us a free DVD!!

Mike loses 10 points for not taking off his shirt when asked.. (Us kiwi chicks take male nudity very seriously!)

Mike is playing at Joey's Comedy Club in Livonia 2/17-2/20 if you want to see him, but he's around often, so don't have a break down if you can't make the shows.

We will be heading to The Satin Peaches @ PJ Lager House this friday night!!

Super excited to see my SP boys!!

Come out and buy us a drink and make them jealous!!

xoxo

Downunder Detroit - TALL KIWI CHICK on assignment

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created

"Downunder Detroit"

is the new column written by our TKC
who is visiting Detroit for a while
from her homeland of New Zealand.
She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

Brett Does Detroit
So i had my first Phone Interview last week, with Singer Songwriter Brett Dennen.
It could've gone better.. but that was me, not him.
I got nervous.

Mainly because i love him so much and hope one day we'll get married..

This may not happen now, since i came across as a clumsy uncoordinated loser.

Oh well, i still talked to him, and i'm happy!!

I came across his music, a few years ago, when 'Aint No Reason' was the Itunes free single of the week. I immediately started listening to the rest of his album 'So much more' and i've been a fan ever since. If you haven't heard his music before, you should check out 'The one who loves you the most'.

It's my favorite!

PHONE INTERVIEW
What's going on?
I've just arrived at the venue for our Boston show, it's foggy outside!

When did you start playing guitar?
I started learning when i was 13 at Summer Camp, i started learning the likes of Neil Young & John Denver

What would you be doing if you weren't a musician?
I'd be working as a teacher, or something more community based with kids, music, art and preferably outside!

I see you are helping promote some community non profit organizations on your website www.lovespeaks.org ?
I'm just using my influence to inspire people to be more aware of what is going on in their communities .

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would increase our compassion & love towards each other, which would be a stepping stone to solving some of the bigger issues going on.

Will you marry me?
Yes. I do!!
Ok, so maybe that last question didn't happen... outside my dreams....

Brett's show last Tuesday @ Saint Andrews was everything i wanted it to be and more!! From the moment Brett came on stage i was smiling! His uniquely different, amazingly beautiful voice sang every song i wanted to hear!! (except my favorite - but it was on the setlist - WTF?!) He danced and thrust his hips (Woohooo!!) with confidence and owned the stage. 'Wrong about me' & 'San Francisco' were my favorites from his latest album 'Hope for the Hopeless'. Brett's song lyrics are beautifully honest, with a message of Love & Peace. I left the show still smiling, wishing i had the time/money to follow brett around on tour, like a drug, i wanted more!

I hope Brett comes back this way soon, so i can get another fix...

So Thanksgiving week continued to be fun, went to my local pub on Thanksgiving Eve, the biggest bar night of the year.. which was good. We had been warned prior about what to expect..We showed up extra early, to avoid any line-ups, what they didn't mention is that most of the people at the bar would be around the 21 year old age,

and all the girls would be wearing tight little outfits.

That's Awesome..

My highlight was standing at the back door chatting to my bouncer/friend and watching the people try to skip the line out front, by coming in the back door. I felt great pleasure every time he told hot chicks to go around to the other door!!

My low-light was every time i went to the bathroom, i found groups of girls talking in that 'Valley-Girl-Irritating-as-Nails-on-a-Chalkboard' accent... I was so tempted to ask if they were from CA or MI.. Because unless you've spent time hanging out 24/7 with Paris Hilton, there is no excuse to talk like her when you're from MICHIGAN!

Thanksgiving Day was pretty low-key.

Us kiwi orphans had a Beef Roast dinner, which i managed to screw up.

Yes. I blame the meat entirely, it had nothing to do with me..

But everything else turned out well, and we had cake which was good! Someone asked why we didn't cook a Turkey? Turkey is ok as a sandwich filling, but not as the center of a dinner meal... The idea of roast Turkey is a little odd to us, maybe because we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in NZ? Although, in the grand scheme of things, i guess it tastes like Chicken anyway, which is good, so i probably should've just done a Turkey.. Maybe for Christmas?

Electric Six was on Friday night, back at Saint Andrews. I didn't realize they are from Detroit, So i was stoked to get to see them live in their hometown!!

They rocked it on stage!!

They played lots of songs from their latest Album 'KILL'..

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN!!
For a FREE COPY OF KILL - BY 'ELECTRIC SIX

BE THE 6th EMAILER TO MOTORCITYBLOG@EARTHLINK.NET

- ALSO BE THE 10th EMAILER

FOR A FREE 7" VINYL FROM

'THE MILLIONS OF BRAZILIANS' MOTORCITYBLOG@EARTHLINK.NET

Good Luck Guys!!!

NEXT UP FOR TKC

"the unknown show"

Downunder Detroit by Tall Kiwi Chick - METRO TIMES BLOWOUT 2010

TALL KIWI CHICK was a winner in one of our contests for free tickets

and of course we chatted it up a bit and met up with her and her crew at the show.

After knocking back a few cold ones we were fast friends and thick as thieves.
Anyway - we thought it would nice to get some insight about good ol dietroit

from someone with a bit different perspective so we created this column

She loves music, men & drinking

"She's Sweet As!"

DOWNUNDER DETROIT

BY Tall Kiwi Chick

photos/sidekick coolness by Lauretta West

So this was the first Metro Times Blowout for us, and i can honestly say i had a great time!! I loved the scavenger hunt vibe!! It felt like a race to get to every act we said we would see, before the night was over!

Wicked times.

Plus what a sweet chance to hear a variety of bands for one low price!! Wednesday night we made it out to the pre-party @ the Magic Stick. It was the busiest i'd ever seen the place, but i guess that's because most of the bands playing were in attendance to pick up their bracelets. Had a fun time chatting to people and drinking...and then drinking some more.

Then getting some pizza from downstairs, which was AMAZING!

On the Friday night, we started off seeing 'Spaceband' @ Whiskey in the Jar.

One word... Interesting.


From there we raced to the G of C Hall to check out 'The Sundresses'.

They were a 3 piece band consisting of Makenzie, Brad & Jeremy.

We stalked them down afterwards and demanded an interview...

Kiwi Chicks - Ok so this isn't going to be a completely serious interview, so i don't know what you're expecting but don't expect that.

Sundresses -Well we're not completely serious people.

KC - Sweet! So are you guys from Detroit?

SD - (Makenzie) I was born just outside Detroit, in Livonia, so that's our connection and the reason we could play here. We all live in Cincinnati now.

KC - How did you get the name? Did you boys used to wear sundresses all the time?

SD - HAHA no....we used to be called 'The Coats' and then we found out there was another band with the same name, so one day we were at practice, getting high on marijuana, i don't know if you guys have heard of it?

KC - Never.....

SD - HAHA i heard you guys have the best weed!! So anyway Makenzie was giggling and said why don't we call ourselves 'The Sundresses', cos it's the opposite of a coat. We all had a very big laugh and decided that would be our name!!

KC - OK so for you guys...Girl Next Door or Slutty School girl?

SD - Brad - Slutty School girl. Jeremy - Girl next door

KC - Makenzie, guy next door or man whore?

SD - Makenzie - Oh i don't know, that's a loaded question.. probably a man whore cos they know what they're doing!

KC - Ok last question which is the most important... Who would you go gay for?

SD - Makenzie - There are these 2 New Zealand girls.... i can't choose one, so i'll go with the combo deal!! (YESSSSSSS!)

Jeremy - Burt Reynolds, (younger Burt) Brad - Brad Pitt...He's a guy you'd wanna hang out with, and wrestle with, get drunk and smoke weed with him!! Plus he's dated some hot chicks so being with him, would be like being with them!!

Makenzie gets a million points for choosing us in the 'who would you go gay for' question.

Then we raced over to Smalls Bar to see 'Bars of Gold'. We just missed their show, but we tracked them down for an interview anyway. Since 4 of the 6 members couldn't be bothered hanging around until we'd finished the interview... Screw them!! (Marc & Brandon in their credit did stick around till the end) I can't be bothered writing anything further about them.

We drank more beer in the car and then rushed over to Paychecks so we could see 'Jehovah's Witness Protection Program'. They were energetic ROCK, and i really enjoyed them!! We gave them a wink and told them to meet us outside..lucky for us they finally agreed... JWPP is Anthony on Guitar & Vocals, and Jehan on Drums, Hailing from Ypsilanti.

Kiwi Chicks - Best thing about playing at the blowout?

JWPP - It's the coolest day!! First of all, it's a lot of bands we know. Then it's all these bands coming together in one spot, and i don't think there are many things like that. It's a good energy too, we have friends playing at a couple of different places right now, and even thought we're not seeing them play, we know they're playing and it's a good feeling to know that there's a lot going on right now!!

KC - How long have you guys been together for?

JWPP - Dec 2006 we played our first show, it was just kind of on a lark, and then we started playing shows later in 2007. Originally we just did it for fun. Are you still having fun? Yeah i'm still having fun! I just like Jehan a lot. I like Anthony a lot...

KC - Are you guys gonna make out now?

JWPP - Do you want us too?

KC - Fuck yeah!

JWPP *both boys lean in and get very close to each other*

KC - *squeals with excitement* *sigh* Fakers!! You guys totally didn't make out i saw!!!!!!

JWPP - Anthony to Jehan..Your beard is pokey

KC -*touches both their beards* They feel the same. Ok last question..Who would you go gay for?

JWPP - Anthony - David Bowie. Jehan - Anthony from JWPP.


Jehan gets bonus points for being really really hot. But loses them all for not taking his shirt off when we asked!! Oh wait...i'm not certain I verbalized that question..

Fine....he can keep the points.

Finally we got to our last destination... The Atlas Bar to see 'The Satin Peaches'. The bar was hot and crowded but i liked it. Show was awesome, and I was super stoked to hear 'Still Sour' which is one of their older songs i've been dying to hear them play live, but since they've been focusing on their new music recently i hadn't had the chance, so YAY for us! Jesse was gangsta tonight, i liked it!!

We found Jesse, George & Jeremy and enticed them away with us, with a little breadcrumb trail & the promise of a house made entirely out of candy...... Sadly Aaron was MIA.


Kiwi Chicks - So you guys have a new EP released soon, what's the deal?

The Satin Peaches - It's called 'The Arsenic EP' and is released March 19th at The Magic Bag. Doors @ 8pm.

KC - How was the recording process? Any interesting stories?

TSP -It was easy. The bulk of it was done in 2 days. There is a diary on our Myspace.

KC - Oh yeah i saw that, but I haven't read it, what'd it say?

TSP - *shocked voices* Oh really, god, wow, jesus..

KC - *super whiney drunk voice* I was busyyyyyyyy....why are you guys so meeaaannnn to me?! (FYI I have since read the diary and it was worth it..I'm sorry peaches..)

TSP - Do you even know what our band name?! Ok, i'll tell ya Tricia we did it in our top secret bunker, it was very fast, around 2 days, the mixing process has been the longest part.

KC - Interesting stories from the studio??!! Who got naked!!??

TSP - George - I took my shirt off..yeah... i did most of my vocals with no shirt on!! *wink*

KC - *winks back* How are people going to feel when they hear your new EP?

TSP - They're actually going to have an orgasm. Guy & Girls, everybody. Guys will actually have their first multiple orgasms. A few people will be married..by the EP. The population will increase exponentially when the EP is released MARCH 19th!!! (PS - The Kiwis want some...EP's!!)

Jeremy gets points for taking his shirt off to show us his tattoo... and that baseball explanation was magical.

NEXT UP FOR Tall Kiwi Chicks is to video interview

CAGE THE ELEPHANT @ St Andrews Detrioit