I believe that Daytrotter has been one of the greatest contributions to the indie music world in the past two years. They bring in fantastic bands to their studios in Rock Island, Illinois and record four songs, sometimes those songs are new, unreleased, or covers. They then release these songs to the public for no cost at all. Don’t you wish you would have thought of it? Well, Sean Moeller did think of it. He started it in 2006 and since then there have been many fantastic sessions by bands of many different genres. My favorite sessions have included both Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin sessions, Ra Ra Riot, Death Cab for Cutie, Delta Spirit, Grizzly Bear, Islands, Spoon, and the list goes on and on. I got the chance to interview the man behind Daytrotter and ask him where he got the idea for the site, his most memorable sessions, and what the future of Daytrotter holds.
http://www.daytrotter.com/
What were you doing before Daytrotter?
I was working full-time as a sports and entertainment writer for the Quad-City Times, a daily newspaper here in town. I was also doing a lot of freelance music writing for various magazines across the continental United States.
Where did you come up with the idea for Daytrotter?
I think I was out on a run, listening to the Kings of Leon or Ted Leo or something like that when I came up with it. Just thought I could make something happen here in town with our close proximity to all of the big Midwestern cities. I thought it could work. So far, so good.
What has been your most memorable session?
There are way too many to single out. Every band that I invite in, I like so there have been a lot of memorable ones. We have had some really fantastic sessions with Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog and The Walkmen. There are hundreds more that could and should be mentioned.
Who are your favorite bands that you have not done sessions with?
This would be a long list too. I'd say that I'd love to have Joanna Newsom, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Willie Nelson, Masters of the Hemisphere, Radiohead, TV on the Radio and Brian Wilson in here.
Why did you decide to offer the songs for free?
It just made the most sense. And, doing it that way eliminates a lot of hassle. We aren't trying to be MySpace Music or something like that. We wanted there to be no barrier to people checking out these great bands. We want these to be bands that everyone hears. People are stubborn when it comes to ponying up and not just stealing all the music they can get their hands on.
Why do you think that Daytrotter has blown up like it has?
Have we blown up? I don't really know. I think we're just doing something really true to heart and for the right reasons. We try to do things the right way. I think we have good taste and we do good work. Maybe that's it. Who knows.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't have any spare time. My wife and I have a couple of little girls. That keeps us busy. I do enjoy me some books though. I'm a runner. That's the life.
What is your favorite food?
Burritos and spaghetti.
What has been your favorite concert you have ever been to?
Either when I saw Spacehog play at the Madison Theatre in Peoria, Illinois or when I saw The Darkness play at The Double Door or when I saw Weezer for the first time at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Or...there are great moments at every show I've ever been to. It's sad to me when I go see a great band and the place isn't full. There have been few experiences in my life that compete with the thrill and creative inspiration that I get when I'm at a live show. It's discouraging to think that people would rather stay at home and play video games like lame-o Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Go see a fucking show!! A real show.
What is coming up for Daytrotter?
A whole bunch more great sessions. We've got some surprises.
1 comment:
awesome!
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