King Eddie Expands His Kingdom

For his recent self-titled album, King Eddie frontman Justin Maike had the goal of creating something “as D.I.Y. as possible, while still sounding polished and nice.” So he made the album using the resources he had in front of him, from recording in a haunted house in Detroit to hanging blankets on the walls so Read More

Monty Luke and Black Catalogue

Recently we got together with Monty Luke, owner and curator of Detroit-based electronic music label Black Catalogue. Originally from San Francisco, Monty moved here several years ago to work with Carl Craig and Planet E Communications. We talked weather for a minute, winter’s like this can easily make someone think about goin’ back to Cali’. Read More

Keri Lynn Roche: American Idol’s Sweetest Detroiter

Ever since Kelly Clarkson was named the very first winner of the television contest on September 4, 2002, American Idol has brought millions of skilled vocalists out of their showers and onto the big screen.  And, as Americans, it has since become our job to use all of the basic knowledge of vocalism we’ve gained Read More

Detroit Bass Player interview “Ralphe Armstrong” interview

Big Ive sits down with the legendary Ralphe Armstrong for an up-close and personal chat. For those that know or have seen Ralphe know when he talks, you should listen! In 1973, Ralphe Armstrong – a 17-year-old Detroit kid just out of high school tried out for a gig with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. “The other Read More

DBP INTERVIEW WITH JAZZ GREAT ‘ROBERT HURST’

While not exactly sure how big the Bass-Mint is, this summit of upright bass players is impressive. Ivan “Big Ive” Williams chats with Jazz Great Robert Hurst, and friends. Robert Hurst has been one of the most in-demand bass players in jazz for the past quarter century and has done extensive stints in the bands Read More

A Fireside Chat with “The Jet Rodriguez” frontman, Cameron Navetta

Thursday, October 10th, 2013.  Raining innumerable domestic animals.  Inside the New Way Bar, loners, lovers, childhood friends, and withered businessmen merge with a love of two sacred things in common: music and baseball.  The Jet Rodriguez gets the crowd on their feet just in time for the Detroit Tigers to trample the Oakland Athletics with Read More

Saving R&B with B Williams

While only in his early thirties, Grammy Award nominee Brandon “B” Williams has been sharing music with us for a while. As a direct protégé of super producer Michael J. Powell, Brandon has lent his production skills to many artists: Janet Jackson, Pharoahe Monch, Bobby Creekwater, Vickie Winans, Jadakiss, Lin Rountree, Anita Baker, Jay Electronica, Jeymes Samuel, Read More

Funk Night Preview: A Day with Frank Raines & Rickey Calloway

Halloween morning started as bleak, gloomy and grey as Detroit Sounds Like This got ready to spend the day with Funk Night Records DJ and Owner Frank Raines and headliner for tonight’s return of Funk Night: Rickey Calloway. Rickey, having only arrived in Detroit a couple hours before, was up and ready for a mini Detroit tour Read More

An Interview With Saxappeal

When Detroit Sounds Like This sat down with LaDarrel Johnson for an interview, one of the first things to happen was a show-and-tell about his instrument, custom made and engraved with his ‘Saxappeal’ emblem.  A wealth of pride was evident on his face as he carefully handled his saxophone with loving attention and beamed with Read More

George Morris & The Gypsy Chorus

One minute and forty-eight seconds into a video for George Morris’ song, “Fuck It,” directed by Jesse Shepherd-Bates, the singer can be spotted standing in front of a wall, staring intently at the camera, and holding a baby in his arms.  I have seen this video probably 6,000 times and I have always been overwhelmed Read More

Forward, Deep + Sleaze: An Introduction to Disco in Detroit Part 1

When Detroit Sounds Like This sat down with DJ Jerry Downey Jr. (Sexual Tension Detroit & Bathroom Culture) we asked him to describe his parties and the music he spins in three words. His response: Forward, Deep & Sleaze Ever since my favorite monthly DJ party has come to a halt (Funk Night) I have Read More

Damon Warmack On Bass And Beyond

Chatting with born and raised Detroiter – “east side by the grace of God” – bass player Damon Warmack is always a good time. We get in depth with Damon about his musical journey. Unsurprisingly, Damon had aspirations to be a jazz musician. So the Fender Precision bass he first received just wouldn’t cut it. Read More

Discussion with Rocket McFlyy

I’ll be honest with you, the last time I wrote an interview was for my riveting high school journal. Therefore, I approached this “interview” as more of a discussion. Before this discussion happened, I had a chance to hear the band live, and have a listening session of their recorded music. Because of this, I Read More