Tag Archives: Artist interviews

Larry Robbins: A Poet Musician

Larry Robbins has been making music for most of his life. He started his career in nightclubs playing cover tunes on his guitar. He then moved to the corporate world where he discovered an ability to write songs for products he was marketing at corporate events. This broadened his songwriting skills into composing songs that were more personal, thoughtful and inspiring.

Indeed, when you listen to a Larry Robbins song you will feel inspired and informed, and have your spirits lifted. His songs and style are undefinable, running the musical gamut from pop, rock, reggae, and country, to any genre you can imagine. More than anything else however, his songs are thoughtful. You can’t hear a Larry Robbins song without it touching your heart and fortifying your soul.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste visited with Robbins via Zoom. They discussed how he got into songwriting, what inspires his songwriting, and his greeting card line. Larry also shares some insight into his upcoming album collaboration with Kerry Patrick Clark (another musician very familiar with listeners of KC Cafe Radio), and plays for us two songs that have quickly become KC Café Radio favorites.

Watch the interview here:

Steve Wood’s Junk Drawer is a Treasure Trove of Songs

Steve Wood is an award-winning composer, musician, singer, songwriter and an amazingly talented nice guy. He has been writing and performing since his teens and worked with legends like Paul McCartney and Sting. His latest album, Junk Drawer, is a collection of Steve’s favorite songs. Included are collaborations with his favorite collaborator, his wife, Beth Fitchet Wood.

Recently KC Café Radio Music Director, Kathy Forste had the wonderful opportunity to spend some time chatting with Steve via Zoom. They discussed how he got started playing music in the 1960’s, how this led to his composing music for over 25 IMAX films, which then led to working with Kenny Loggins and the Pointer Sisters. Kathy and Steve also discussed the meaning behind some of the songs on Junk Drawer and why they are so important to him as a songwriter.

Watch the interview here:

David Petry – The Great Get Gone

David Petry – The Great Get Gone

David Petry is a writer of novels, history books and songs. The Great Get Gone is the moniker David uses when he records. With his newest studio project David Petry has recorded a musically and lyrically engaging album titled Rescue Me.

This is David’s third album recording as The Great Get Gone. The album was recorded during the pandemic which afford him the opportunity to work with Dean Dinning from Toad the Wet Sprocket who helped produce the album. Up and coming singer Lois Mahalia added her vocal talents and accomplished musician Zach Madden helped to bring the musical energy to the album.

Recently KC Café Radio Music Director, Kathy Forste had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with David about The Great Get Gone. They talked about how the name of the band came about and how he came to work with Dean Dinning and the other members of the band. David shares some insights on writing the songs on Rescue Me, and his upcoming plans for the next year.

Watch the interview here:

David performs “Get Gone”

David performs “End of the Road”

David performs “Summer By the Sea”

It’s Gonna Be Beautiful with Anna Karney

Anna Karney

Karney is a Bay area artist whose appeal is universal. Anna Karney’s newest album Gonna Be Beautiful has found fans around the world and been a top 20 artist on KC Café Radio for the last several months.
Anna Karney doesn’t like to put her music in any specific category. Her eclectic style borders on rock and folk but also touches on the genres of blues and country. Gonna Be Beautiful was recorded in Oakland, California and co-produced with Michael Rosen, who is known for his work with heavy rock artists. Anna’s musical influences include icons like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith. Her lyrics offer messages of hope, social justice and issues facing people today.
Recently KC Café Radio Music Director, Kathy Forste chatted with Karney from her home in the Bay area. Anna played three songs that are new to KC Café Radio listeners, and she shared her approach to writing and what inspires her to write a song. She also shares what songs she likes to cover and her thought process on which songs to cover. We also learn about her future musical plans.

Watch the interview here

Aarythmers Nation

Aarythmers are an eclectic band whose Rock, Blues and Americana sound make you think, feel and listen. The seven-piece New Orleans based group’s debut album, Below Sea Level is a sort of concept album that looks at how relationships progress.

Recently KC Café Radio’s Music Director, Kathy Forste had a chance to talk with Guy Wall via Zoom. Guy is a founding member and co-leader of the Aarythmers. They talk about how he and Vince Marini started the band. Why the name Aarythmers and how they work together and found the other members of the band. Kathy and Guy discuss the concept behind the album, Below Sea Level. They also talk about Guy’s writing process. And Guy shares how he edited together the wonderful video for the song Trust. Guy shares who his musical influences are and where ideas for songs come from.

Watch the interview here: