Check out my album review on cornershopstudios: TEEN DREAM.

[that is the album cover art.]

Check out my concert review on cornershopstudios: MARCUS FOSTER.

At the steps of la Sala Rossa, on a wintry cold night, Marcus Foster lost his scarf. Genuinely abashed and candid, he humors us with pipeline stories and touring tidbits. On stage, aged beyond his years, the artist [...]]]> [ Tune in for the video interview with London's MARCUS FOSTER.]

At the steps of la Sala Rossa, on a wintry cold night, Marcus Foster lost his scarf. Genuinely abashed and candid, he humors us with pipeline stories and touring tidbits. On stage, aged beyond his years, the artist serves up a timeless rasp simmered in a bluesy brew, gingered to the métier of a man enchanted by his guitar. But backstage, his charm and quirky laugh is an affable breath of fresh air from archetypal, moody and sullen, indie artists. Next time he hops across the pond to tour America though, somebody please bring the blood(?) a scarf.

[ More on the docket, my concert review of Marcus should be on cornershopstudios soon. ]

South West England’s Bobby Long describes his guitar-laced warbles as “drops of rain on a bull fighters back like punches breaking through a Windy Gail.”  And though he might have taken his first actual stride into the limelight by being the cohort of famed Rob Pattinson and co-penning Let Me Sign on the Twi-crack soundtrack, [...]]]>

South West England’s Bobby Long describes his guitar-laced warbles as “drops of rain on a bull fighters back like punches breaking through a Windy Gail.”  And though he might have taken his first actual stride into the limelight by being the cohort of famed Rob Pattinson and co-penning Let Me Sign on the Twi-crack soundtrack, he stands on his own two feet, licking the wounds of a young man aged in story-telling years with the breath of whiskey-laced prose.  A raspy whirlwind borrowing from old folk tradition, Long’s forlorn twang invokes yesterdays, yesteryear, regrets and ambivalent longings.

Full name, age and nickname.
Bobby Long, 49, Bobby

(I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say that Bobby isn’t really 49.)

What time is it as you fill this out and where are you?
Bobby: I’m in Memphis eating a biscuit and I can smell perfume. I don’t know the brand.

Your music sounds like…
B: Sounds and words.

What’s your upcoming EP title and tentative release date?
B: That’s tricky perhaps next summer.

And your music influences?
B: Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Band, Leonard Cohen, Elliott Smith.

Favorite read, and if you could, what question would you ask the author?
B: Alexander Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo. I would ask him what Paris was like when he was living there.

Name a hidden gem.
B: Memphis, Tennessee.

Something you hate or loathe…
B: I hate interviews, but I like this one.

Tragic hero(es)?
B: Me.  I’m a tragic hero, and also The James Brothers, Frank and Jesse.

If you could tour with any music act, who would it be?
B: I would love to tour with Leonard Cohen even if I just held his bag.

You moved to London a few years ago. What’s it like?
B: It’s a great, great city and it takes time to find your space but when you do it’s wonderful.

What fascinates you?
B: The making of jam.

Describe yourself as a person using three words.
B: Ready. Steady. Go.

Tell me something most people don’t know about you.
B: I don’t know myself sometimes and when it gets to Sunday the cloudiness starts all over again.

What makes you weak in the knees?
B: Someone being weak in the knees.

Long has taken to the open road, sitting on the porches of America with his guitar this November and December. Albeit, Bobby has yet to churn an album to comfort us through a stormy night; there’s something about the calm after the drops of rain, something hushed and clean.  And so, in the stillness, perhaps all we can do is wait.

www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong
www.bobby-long.co.uk/the-artist/

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST:  SAM BRADLEY

A much anticipated self-titled EP was released on Sam Bradley’s 23rd proper birthday.  This overnight Americanasoulful folk singer is crawling out of the Twilight shadows and proving himself as an artist one show at [...]]]> [Words with Sam the man as was posted on VEHEM MAG by simply ONE of the masses]

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST:  SAM BRADLEY

A much anticipated self-titled EP was released on Sam Bradley’s 23^rd proper birthday.  This overnight Americanasoulful folk singer is crawling out of the Twilight shadows and proving himself as an artist one show at a time.  He was on tour this summer without even an EP in hand.   Bradley hails from London England, but recently calls Vancouver headquarters.  Having met the artist in person during an underground twitter-spread concert, he candidly joked and mingled with his fans.

Because of his songwriting talent and unmistakably quick wit – Bradley’s warranted the spotlight as Vehem’s Breakthrough Artist.  Here’s what he had to say about himself, his EP and R. Kelly… as he sat in Nashville trying to record.

If you had to describe yourself, not as an artist, but as a person, what would you say?

Sam Bradley: I would say that I am unaware of the talent… I am not allowed to talk about (being an artist) for this answer. Oh (then)… I’m ugly.

Obviously, the guy doesn’t know that he has us all smitten by his British accent and tousled rock star hair.  He’d win anyone at “hello.”

If you could tour with any music act, who would it be?

S:  I would want to tour with R. Kelly

No one doubts that R. Kelly is talented in his own genre, but both artists’ disparate style differences… Well, I guess it would make for an interesting show.

Do you have a favorite read? If you could, what question would you ask the author?

S:  I like ‘On The Road’ by Jack Kerouac. I don’t need to ask him anything. I would just listen and because he is human he would too.

Classic musician pick centered on adventure and the open road.

And here’s the question…Most embarrassing moment?

S: I shat myself and then had to ride the school bus home. I was young and said I threw up and that is why it smelt. When my mum picked me up at the bus stop, I collapsed from the stress and embarrassment. THERE is honesty.

What’s still on your to-do list, unrelated to music of course?

S: Everything.

What is your kryptonite?

S: Toilet Paper for without that…

You have to admit the guy is quick.

Any personal heroes or musical influences you’d like to comment on?

S: Jamie Fox playing Ray Charles. Joaquin Phoenix playing Johnny Cash and of course James Franco who I’m sure will play Jeff Buckley.

You heard it here first.  Bradley puts his two cents on who should play the infamous legend that is Jeff Buckley. May he rest in peace.

What’s your biggest fear as a performer? And as a mere mortal?

S: I would hate to throw up on stage. I am (also) not ready to Die.

What’s the oddest thing a fan has ever done for/to you?

S: You can see things as odd or kindness or appreciation. Tattoo my lyrics on their body.

If there was someone or something you wanted to promote who or what would it be? Another singer, a brand of socks, a bistro, basically anything will do…

S: I would like to promote my very good friend. I have noticed a dip in his profile over the last couple

months. Sooo, if you haven’t heard of Rob Pattinson go check him out. He is amazing.

I’m genuinely impressed by his sarcasm and sense of humor. Kudos.

To unwind, what do you do?

Sam: There is a real answer… But what I’ll say is have a cup of tea.

Oh dear.

I’m a child of mad libs. Just say “no” to _______.

S: Just say no to everything. Protect yourself!

Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

S: I’m a Virgin.

Ah…he’s a difficult one to read – I won’t comment on whether this is true or not. Either way it’s brilliant marketing.

I’m always interested in knowing this (about all singers). What tops your personal playlist?

S: Unfortunately (embarrassed) I do but that’s because I am in the final stages of the recording process.

I saw your video announcing the release date of your EP.  Are there any stories behind any of the songs you’d like to share?

S: No, you should listen to the songs for now while I work on the stories!

And with that plug, Sam Bradley’s EP was out for the masses August 29^th.  And when the folk-rock singer hits the stage in your vicinity, buy him a Whiskey Soda.  I’m told that’s his favorite drink.