Valentines Day Music

Eilen Jewell's "Bang Bang Bang" (video above) is a new favorite song of mine for Valentines Day. Panelists Bob Hinkle and Fred Mills talk about their favorite love songs, what goes into making a classic love song (the twisted "I Hold Your Hand In Mine" by Tom Lehrer and "No More Hot Dogs" by Hasil Adkins also get nods), and ideas for making music a key element in romance.

Check out the full conversation in our Podcast downloads or in Episode 213, linked in the right column. May your Valentines Day holiday be filled with much love and wonderful music! -Joe Kendrick

An Interview with Ani Difranco

Ani Difranco played solo at the Orange Peel in Asheville this week and took time to talk with host Joe Kendrick by phone about the state of protest and consciousness music, including her take on the Dixie Chicks speaking their minds when the Iraq war started, as well as her work with western NC's Creative Allies and the music scene in her new home town of New Orleans.

Download the podcast from our page, linked above, or you can find it in our iTunes episode #210. As always, we look forward to hearing your comments so that we can continue the conversation! You may comment here or write us at whatitis@wncw.org

Ani is pictured here playing in front of the Capitol building at the March For Women in April 2004

#Nowplaying: The Explorers Club

What It Is welcomes Charleston SC band The Explorers Club to our studios in Spindale to talk about their upcoming album, their love for the music of Burt Bacharach, the Charleston music scene and much more. Jason, Justin, Dave, Kyle, Paul and Wally are pictured below outside WNCW stuidos 1-14-12                                                                                

Backstage Week on What It Is

We have had a great week of conversations with Alabama Shakes (pictured to the right: yours truly with Brittany Howard, Zac Cockrell and Heath Fogg) backstage at the Orange Peel as well as with panelists Daniel Coston and Greg Lyon in studio about their experiences and observations of the inner sanctums (which often resemble a dank closet) that artists inhabit behind the scenes. You can hear my conversation with Brittany, Heath and Zac of Alabama Shakes here in our Podcasts (episode #204) and our lively talk with Daniel (who has a new article and photo spread of many notable NC & SC musicians in Southern Cultures) in episode #205 "Backstage Observations and Anecdotes". As always, we look forward to getting your thoughts about these or any other shows, your ideas for future conversations, and backstage anecdotes in our comments section or by emailing whatitis@wncw.org - Joe

Now Playing: Daniel Coston and Greg Lyon

Daniel Coston (left) and Greg Lyon (right) in WNCW studios 12-9-11.

Daniel came back to the show for the second time, joining Greg for his debut on the WNCW airwaves. They join host Joe Kendrick in a series of conversations ranging from favorite concerts and records of 2011 to the return of Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel to talk about the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees (where once again Rush isn't nominated), stories of backstage experiences and much more.

Download these shows from our Podcast link above and feel free to comment on these or any other What It Is episodes. Your comments complete the circle of conversation, so thanks for being a part of the show!