Interview: KOLARS

With a musical style variously described as “Desert Disco”, “Space Blues”, and “Glamabilly”, you know that the husband-and-wife duo KOLARS isn’t your average band. But whatever you call it, it is clear that Rob Kolar (vocals/guitar) and Lauren Brown (tap-dance drumming) bring a diverse set of influences and a whole lot of fun into the mix.

KOLARS grew out of the group He’s My Brother She’s My Sister, which also included Rob’s sister Rachel. The debut KOLARS album was released in 2017 and received rave reviews, but one could argue that the real magic happens when you see them live.

This interview was for a preview article for noozhawk.com for the 2/23/19 KOLARS show at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara. It was done by email, with answers received on 2/11/19. (Cortney Armitage photo)

Interview: Kevin Barnes

Kevin Barnes is the mastermind behind the indie pop band of Montreal, which got its start as part of the Elephant 6 collective that spawned other notable bands including Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, and The Apples in Stereo. The latest addition to the band’s diverse catalog is last year’s Lousy With Sylvianbrian, which tilts in a more straightforward rock direction, making it arguably one of the band’s most accessible recordings.

This interview was done by phone on 1/9/14, and was for a preview article for the of Montreal show at The HUB at the University of California, Santa Barbara on 1/24/14.

Concert Review: Jeff Mangum at the Lobero

Review of Jeff Mangum, Lobero Theatre, 3/25/13.

Concert Review: Jeff Mangum

Review of Jeff Mangum at the Orpheum Theater, Los Angeles, 4/23/12.

Concert Review: Elephant 6 Collective

Review of Elephant 6 Collective concert at The Satellite, Los Angeles, 3/4/11.