Jen Cray discusses brainwashing, politics, war, and even a little bit of music with Rise Against drummer Brandon Barnes.

How do you dethrone the “King of Pop”? Let the current king disappear to Bahrain and get sued for $7 million by an Arab sheik; take your kaleidoscopic and playful songs to California’s Westlake Studios where Michael Jackson recorded Thriller; or simply be a boy named Pop. Pop Levi goes 2 of 3 and emerges with Never Never Love, an album shot through with the ghosts of Prince, MJ, and R. Kelly. S D Green and the musical shape-shifter talk the process of Pop.

Oneida is one of the most adventurous bands in one of the most adventurous cities: Brooklyn, New York. P. McEver catches up with drummer Kid Millions between installments one and two for a few words on performing, creating, and bodily functions.

In today’s music world, great new musicians are few and far between. Add to that a stunning sense of humor and a heart of gold and you’ll find none other than Nashville singer/songwriter Dave Barnes. Lynn Wallace talks to the musician about his new album, touring, and how he manages to be so freakin’ funny.

Shelton Hull refers to the feminist vision of the inimitable Lydia Lunch as “seminal” and lives to tell the tale.

Chris Catania gets cozy in a fishy alley with Tim Fite , who isn’t Gallagher and doesn’t wear stretch pants.

Operating in a genre dominated by paint-by-numbers R&B, Zaki Ibrahim paints soul – outside the lines – with a purple paint brush. S D Green talks to the emergent Canadian soulstress about globalism in her sound, the unlikely influence of Tom Waits, and why critics refuse to believe Canadian artists have soul.

With the recent release of a career retrospective, pioneering hip-hop producer and sound collagist Steinski will no longer be one of the genre’s best kept secrets. Chris Catania gets the story from the man himself.

In an era of technological power in the hands of the masses, Lucky Dragons stands as a vivid testament to the power of people. Penny Duff asks Dragon Luke Fischbeck how?

After an unusual Orlando set, Portugal. The Man’s talented John Baldwin Gourley stepped outside for a chat with Jen Cray.

Thanks to a Dark Night of freelance unemployment that brought her Weezer, Gail Worley brings Ink 19 an interview with Pat Wilson , who totally rocks.

With material co-credited to Paul McCartney, Jean-Philip Grobler’s Kites has caught the attention of music industry luminaries. However, he’s intent to make music his way, in his own time, resulting in his current EP You and I in the Kaleidoscope. Three years to make an EP? Grobler talks about that misconception, and promises his next shot of arena rock won’t take so long, but warns it might include a full orchestra in St. Paul’s Cathedral. S D Green tries to harmonize with the former South African choirboy.

Matthew Moyer gets all dreeeeeeeamy with Portland’s upstart dreampop army, pacific UV. They’ve just released an album that rivals Sigur Ros for lushness - what’s next?

Peter Himmelman’s longevity in the music business is proven, and his reggae-flavored The Pigeons Couldn’t Sleep showcases the versatility and range his success is built on. Ink 19 is pleased to speak with Peter about his new project, his past, and his future.

S D Green peels back the tuxedo and gets an earful – about celebrities living in cardboard boxes, Carrot Top pooing into a trunk, and even a little bit about Hamburger’s new album, Neil Hamburger Sings Country Winners.

Chris Catania has a candid talk with Daniel Johnston , musician, artist, and most recently, the inspiration behind Infernal Bridegroom’s rock opera, Speeding Motorcycle.

Kyrby Raine shares a wee teeny chat with Needfire’s main man, John Cleghorn, about the Texas-based band’s blending of Celtic rock with the jukebox hooks of the British Invasion.

Driving guitars need a driving beat, and for almost 50 years, two Taylors have pounded the skins for the world’s greatest instrumental band, The Ventures. Steve Stav talks to Leon Taylor about the band’s Hall of Fame induction, touring in Japan, their upcoming 50th anniversary, and his father’s musical legacy.

From Strapping Young Lad to Death to, um, Dethklock, metal drummer Gene Hoglan is one of metal’s scarce renaissance men. Gail Worley sat down with the great one to talk shop.

Matthew Moyer talks with atmospheric metal mastermind Per Gustaffssons, aka Bergraven about creating music in isolation, the genius of Lindsey Buckingham, and what makes metal an ideal form of expression.