'Black Man Can't Show No Pain': an interview with Sole2dotz on his album 'Misfit' October 16, 2018 In an exclusive interview with Jeffrey Bissoy-Mattis, hip-hop artist Sole2Dotz talks about his new album, 'Misfit.' With its autobiographical themes and its exploration of topics such as mental health, 'Misfit' -- and the artist behind it -- is at once vulnerable and strong.
A conversation with John Hiatt October 14, 2018 While in Nashville back in September, Bill DeVille met singer-songwriter John Hiatt at Black River Entertainment for a conversation about his latest album, 'The Eclipse Sessions.' Because DeVille and Hiatt have known each other for some 30 years, they also got to a bit of reminiscing as well. Listen to the complete conversation and read highlights from their chat.
Mary Lucia interviews Jon Langford October 9, 2018 Jon Langford is a true renaissance man: a musician, a visual artist, a producer. Founder of the Mekons and a student and propagator of Americana and roots music, the Welsh-born, Chicago-based Langford stopped at The Current for a fun and free-flowing conversation with Mary Lucia.
A conversation with singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe September 30, 2018 While in Nashville just a couple weeks ago, Bill DeVille met Ashley Monroe at Black River Entertainment for a conversation about Monroe's latest album, 'Sparrow,' and about what it was like to record at RCA Studio A in Nashville with producer Dave Cobb.
'In the moment, you just fly': Jon Batiste lets loose at the piano September 27, 2018 Batiste, the band leader for 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' sits at the piano and demonstrates his 'everything in the pot' style of playing.
Sting talks about his collaboration with Shaggy September 26, 2018 Sting -- formerly with the Police, a solo artist for many years, and a frequent collaborator with tons of artists -- has most recently collaborated with Shaggy on a new album, '44/876.' Ahead of their show at the Armory in Minneapolis, Sting connected with The Current's Brian Oake to talk about the album and its influences, and about working with Shaggy. 'Performing with Shaggy is a joy in itself,' Sting says.
Morris Hayes on '20Ten' September 22, 2018 Morris Hayes has it all: candor, a sense of humor, and musical chops that earned him the title of keyboardist, then musical director in Prince's band. He sat down with Purple Current host Sean McPherson for a marathon interview about Prince albums from 1995-2010, plus miscellaneous other stories he remembered as they went. Due to overwhelming demand, we're publishing the full interview album by album.
Morris Hayes on 'Planet Earth' September 21, 2018 Morris Hayes has it all: candor, a sense of humor, and musical chops that earned him the title of keyboardist, then musical director in Prince's band. He sat down with Purple Current host Sean McPherson for a marathon interview about Prince albums from 1995-2010, plus miscellaneous other stories he remembered as they went. Due to overwhelming demand, we're publishing the full interview album by album.
Morris Hayes on '3121' September 20, 2018 Morris Hayes has it all: candor, a sense of humor, and musical chops that earned him the title of keyboardist, then musical director in Prince's band. He sat down with Purple Current host Sean McPherson for a marathon interview about Prince albums from 1995-2010, plus miscellaneous other stories he remembered as they went. Due to overwhelming demand, we're publishing the full interview album by album.
Jessica Hopper on 'Night Moves,' Danez Smith, and being a 'geriatric' soul September 20, 2018 Jessica Hopper just released Night Moves, a love letter to friends, bikes, and Chicago night air. In advance of her Sept. 23 event at Milkweed Books in Minneapolis, she shared a conversation with The Current's Cecilia Johnson.