A Chat With Gomez’s Ben Ottewell
Ben Ottewell is one of three singer-songwriters in Gomez (he’s the guy with the raspy voice). Ben has just released his first solo album entitled Shapes & Shadows. The 13th Floor spoke to Ben recently about the making of Shapes & Shadows and got some news about a new Gomez album in the process. […]
Leon Russell Interview
Leon Russell has been making music for almost 50 years, first as one of the premiere LA session players, then as a singer/songwriter and performer. His piano playing can be heard on classic hits by The Byrds and The Beach Boys while his live performances in the early 70s electrified audiences. He has also written […]
Meet Ruthie Foster: 13th Floor Interview
Texas-born blues singer Ruthie Foster will be performing in New Zealand in April as part of the Grass Roots Festival.
Aaron Neville Interview
Aaron Neville has one of the most beautiful voices in popular music. He has been recording either as a solo artist or a member of The Neville Brothers for over 50 years. In preparation for his appearances in New Zealand with The Blind Boys Of Alabama and Mavis Staples, Aaron spoke to The 13th […]
Michelle Shocked Interview
During the 1980s Michelle Shocked established herself as one of music’s loudest political voices. Along with British counterpart Billy Bragg she fused traditional folk with punk attitude. In true punk tradition, her first album, The Texas Campfire Tapes was recorded and released almost by accident in 1986. Now, Michelle is touring New Zealand in […]
Derek Trucks Interview
In addition to being a member of The Allman Brothers Band, slide guitarist Derek Trucks has been touring with his own band for a number of years. Last year he teamed up with his wife, singer Susan Tedeschi, and recorded a new album that will see its release in the next few months. Derek […]
Doobie Brothers Interview
With a new album out (World Gone Crazy) and a show coming up at the end of March in Auckland, it seems like a good time to talk to The Doobie Brothers. The 13th Floor spoke to singer/guitarist Pat Simmons about making a new album with an old friend, and how they keep that […]
Queens Of The Stone Age In Auckland
Well, Josh Homme and band rolled into Auckland for their first show since October. Activities got underway early in the day. At 12:30 they gathered at Real Groovy Records for a press conference. All five members of the band were sitting at a table while about 20 “journalists” and a crowd of fans asked […]
Rodrigo y Gabriela interview: Music for Pirates
Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela have been taking a few months off touring thanks to stress injuries to Gabriela’s hands from playing so hard. They will make one of their first appearances since their hiatus at this year’s Grass Roots Festival, Easter Weekend in Auckland. I spoke to Rodrigo while he was holed […]
Martha Wainwright interview Feb. 3, 2011
Of all the Wainwrights, Martha is my favourite. I’ve had the good fortune to talk with her a few times already. This time around we talked about her upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. She also talked about the new music she’s been writing and how the death of her mother, Kate McGarrigle […]
Ian Hunter Interview
As many of you know, my all-time favourite band is Mott The Hoople. So one of my biggest musical thrills was travelling to London in October of 2009 to witness the 5 Mott reunion shows at the Hammersmith. Just before the reunion I had a chance to talk to Mott front man Ian Hunter. Listen […]