Ep. #117 – Feat. Hazel Tart

On this episode of Autographs, Matt chats with the incomparable drag and burlesque badass, Hazel Tart. Hazel talks with Matt about how she got her start in the drag scene, her discovery of burlesque, her love of a variety of nerdy pursuits, as well as what goes into building a performance. They also discuss the great lengths to which Hazel goes in order to craft unique narratives in those performances. Finally, Matt and Hazel dive into Hazel’s hiatus from performing — and why she felt she need to take a step back.

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Ep. #111 – Stormageddon’s 2018 Year In Review

This week on Autographs, Matt goes in depth on…his own life! This highlights episode kicks off with with a deep dive into Matt’s favorite art, media and performances from 2018. Then Matt shares some landmark moments of the year, from new projects to special events. Finally, he closes out the show with a few very special Thank Yous. We hope you enjoy this new annual tradition, and remember: Music is life, and life is good!

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Ep. #107 – Feat. The Return of Insane Ian

In this episode, Matt welcomes back nerd, comedian, game enthusiast, and musician Insane Ian! The two catch up on Ian’s life since his last Crash Chords appearance 3 years ago. Their conversation ranges from Ian’s appearance with Beefy (“I Don’t Get It”) on Vince Vandal’s latest record, FNFII: Advanced Friends & Fandoms, to his project with fellow comedy musician TV’s Kyle called Scooter Picnic and their latest song “This Groove (Is Too Dope For Us).” They also talk about Ian’s upcoming solo work, his YouTube series “1st Ian-pressions,” as well as how recent life events have affected his focus and his music.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #22

This week’s recommendation is a band that I’ve grown to truly love over the years. They are always at the pinnacle of engaging pop punk and rock. The bandI’m talking about is of course Paramore. My favorite record of their’s is easily their self titled record from back in 2013. The first song I ever heard by them was “crushcrushcrush.” I’ve always loved their mix of punk, pop, heavy rock, 80’s synth and more. They have always had a diverse sound and have grown in skill and content from record to record. Listening through their discography is like going on a journey of growth and self discovery along with the whole band. The song I’m recommending from their catalog is the song “Hard Times” from their most recent record, After Laughter, which came out in 2017.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #20

This week’s recommendation is the 2015 album from Made In Heights called “Without My Enemy What Would I Do” This album is a brilliant mix of pop, electronica, and synthwave. It flows in a way that just takes you on a journey. Kelsey Bulkin’s vocals are beautiful and dreamy throughout most of the record and they just wash over you. My favorite song off the record and the one I’m using for the playlist is the single “Murakami.” At 2 minutes and 28 seconds it has one of my favorite instrumental breakdowns ever. Go listen to this album immediately. You’ll thank me for it.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #18

Recommendation time! This time I’m recommending the newest single from Panic! At The Disco called Say Amen (Saturday Night) from the upcoming album “Pray For The Wicked.” I’m a relatively new fan of them and was really hooked by their previous record “Death Of A Bachelor.” The new song is infectious and upbeat. I’m a huge fan of front man Brendon Urie’s vocals. Solid pop fare here. It will keep your head bopping with every listen. The video for this song is a hell of a lot of fun too. t’s a Bondesque adventure that has lots of action, thrills and silliness. “Pray For The Wicked” hits shelves on June 22, 2018.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #17

This week I’m recommending the new single from one of my favorite contemporary artists. It’s the song “Humility” by the coolest animated band around, Gorillaz. I’ve been a long time fan of them since I accidentally stumbled across the video for “Clint Eastwood” watching MTV in the late hours back in 2001. This new track is so cheery and light. Catchy grooves and smooth vocals by Damon Albarn as 2D. The music video for “Humility” features a delightful cameo by Jack Black who hams it up in the best way. Definitely my new summer jam and I’m excited to hear what else the band has in store for their new record “The Now Now” when it comes out later this year on June 29th.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #16

Today’s recommendation is the latest release from Weezer, which is their cover of the 1982 classic “Africa” by Toto. Covers are super important to me. They show many things about the artist doing said cover. It displays influences, likes, dislike, and more. I’m always intrigued by the earliest decision a band makes when covering, should it be an homage or make it more original to ones own style. I personally like both kinds of covers but many music listeners prefer one over the other which is OK too. For me this cover specifically important because I love Weezer a lot and “Africa” is one of my got to jams from the 80’s. It’s a fusion of two things I love very much.

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #15

This week I’m recommending one of my all time favorite songs by Peter Gabriel which is of course “Sledgehammer.” There are so many reasons to love this song, the vocals, the lyrics, the instrumentation and so on. For me thou it’s the incredible music video. Between the stop motion, claymation and incredible costumes it is a delight to watch from start to finish. Considering this came out in the mid 80’s the effects are just stunning and I don’t think to this day I’ve ever seen anything quite like it. This song is from his highly acclaimed 1986 release, “So”,…

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Stormageddon Recommends… Week #14

For this week’s recommendation, In honor of the Bohemian Rhapsody, I’m recommending my favorite band of all time and one of my biggest influences and idols. I’m of course talking about Queen and Freddie Mercury. What is there to say about this band that hasn’t been said. Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest showmen and singers to ever live. Queen as a band defied genres and expectations. They were more than just their music. They were a theatrical experience. Picking one song of theirs for the playlist was tough. In the end I went with “Another One Bites The Dust” from their 1980 release “The Game.” This was one of the first songs I remember from my childhood and the first song I ever heard by them.

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