Ah, my sweet, beautiful Live Buzz. At last I (almost) return!
It's been so long since I've written here that I almost forget what to do, what to say, how to act, etc. I'm getting flustered.
But really, it's been far too long. As some...well, no, maybe none of you know, I've been abroad in jolly ol' London since the day after Finals Week (how's that for a break, eh?), but I'm finally heading home in less than two days. While I yearn for the sweet summer in Bloomington and my hometown, Akron, OH, I'm going to miss this place dearly.
So what was I doing over here? Music stuff, of course. Would you really expect much else?
I've been interning for two months as a part of the IU School of Journalism's Summer in London program (and taking a class, but that story is for a different kind of blog) at a music PR/Event company called Bang On, and it's been one of the better experiences of...well, my life.
My trip to London last year on IU's Beatles in London was more than phenomenal, and I couldn't expect to top it, but this trip was a different beast all together. Rather than feeling like a fun, music nerd's vacation, this was a music nerd's 9 to 5 (or rather, 10-6 for me). Can't complain, though, because it was still pretty damn cool.
If you glance through the Bang On client archive, you'd be amazed by how many of our current and former clients are bands that we dig so hard over in Bloomington (and at my lifeblood, WIUX). Imagine my glee when I found out I could work with them. Ugh, it was a dream.
I've learned a lot in my time here, and yes, I've been to lots of AWESOME shows for free. You can't beat that, right? But what's more exciting is discovering so much new music since working here. Although I knew quite a few bands coming in, I was constantly bombarded with up-and-coming bands that joined our ranks, and I've been exposed to some exciting stuff. I mean, aside from, you know, the "work experience" (which was, yes, immensely helpful and eye-opening), it was this immersion in music that confirmed that this is what I want to do with my future. Whether it's writing or editing for a magazine or blog or, perhaps, working for a PR company like Bang On (or maybe a record label, maybe radio promotions, maybe ANYTHING), I'll be happy, as long as I can indulge daily in what I love. Like Katie's post about music obsession, I suffer from the same affliction, but I don't want to be cured. I'm quite content, thank you.
So the highlights (musically speaking)?
I wish I could say that I went to Glasto and saw the Boss rock out with Gaslight Anthem, or that I was in Hyde Park last weekend to watch Paul McCartney join Neil Young for an encore performance of "A Day in the Life"--but I wasn't. Sad.
But I did meet a music idol (since age 13, tomboy, "punk" days, no less), Brody Dalle (of Distillers/marriage to Josh Homme fame) at a press junket for her new band, Spinnerette.
And Peaches at a jewelry shop!
And I sat two tables away from Flea and Patti Smith at a random, world music show.
*Sadly, no picture*
And I saw Kieran Hebden (AKA Four Tet) with jazz legend Steve Reid.
Moshed (embarrassingly enough) to crazy french electro duo Kap Bambino.
Went to a show by Strawhouses--nice lads from Liverpool!
Jammed to DJ duo CLP!
Payed tribute to MJ at the Trafalgar Square vigil.
Went to an album listening party for Tyondai Braxton of Battles (sounded fab, by the way, keep an ear out).
Sang along a bit too loudly for one of my favorite bands, Cursive. (How could you not? Look at that lovely Kasher face.)
Danced to the Hot Chip DJs!
Heard a Black Lips DJ set in Rough Trade East (AKA best record store ever).
Caught a bit of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.
So was it good? Oh yes. OH YES. I experienced more in my two months here than I ever could have hoped to. I only wish I can come back here again. (And apologies for my shoddy camera work, but hey, at least I documented the occasions, just like ANY roving journalist should!)
P.S. Remember, as the doting music director at WIUX and your loving Live Buzz commentator, I will be back on the B-town music scene come halfway through August! Can't wait. :)
-Kelsey McArdle
