Hey, guys! I grew up listening to classical music, opera and musical theater, but somewhere along the way, discovered rock and metal. Hearing bands like Nirvana, A Perfect Circle, AFI, RED and Seether opened up a new world to me, and I’ve worked in the music business ever since. I graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Theatre from Michigan State University and started working as a reporter for Gannett Michigan. I also scored my first radio job on an alternative station in Michigan. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Corgan, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Metallica's Kirk Hammett and many more. Fun fact: I don’t like going to the movies. I can't sit still that long! Thanks for listening, and God bless!
Anne Erickson
Dirt Fest Band: Art of Dying, ‘Die Trying’
Dirt Fest is a little over two months away, and the annual Birch Run music festival will feature an array of killer rock and metal bands from Michigan and the national scene.
Canadian rockers Art of Dying were recently confirmed for this year’s run. Who can forget their breakout jam, ‘Die Trying?’ Check out the video below.
Show Reminder: Candlebox at the Machine Shop This Wednesday
This Wednesday, Candlebox will make a stop at the Machine Shop, and it's a show unlike any Candlebox concert you've likely seen. The band's self-titled debut album turns 20 years old this July, so the guys will play the album, front to back, at the show. "Far Behind" is found on the debut album, and check out the classic video for the song below.
Aaron Lewis – Upcoming Machine Shop Show
Everyone knows Aaron Lewis as the frontman of post-grunge rockers Staind, but for the past few years, Lewis has devoted a lot of time to his country solo project. Lewis brings his solo act to the Machine Shop on June 5 and 6, and while the June 5 date is sold out, tickets for the second show are still available. Watch Lewis' video for 'Country Boy' below.
Candlebox to Play Debut Album at the Machine Shop
It's hard to believe, but Candlebox's self-titled debut album turns 20 years old this July. In honor, the guys are touring the country, playing the album in its entirety at various venues, and the Machine Shop is one of them! Get nostalgic with me and watch the video for 'You' below.
10 Years, ‘Shoot It Out’
Dirt Fest is coming up on Aug. 10 (my birthday!), and the first lineup announce is out. The annual Birch Run music festival will feature a wide range of rock and metal bands, both local and national.
Knoxville, Tenn.-based alternative metal act 10 Years will not be at the show, and they never disappoint live. Check out the band's video for 'Shoot it Out' below.
Slash On Velvet Revolver, Kings of Chaos Project + Cinematic Origin of ‘Anastasia’ [INTERVIEW]
There’s no doubt Slash is one of the greatest hard rock guitarists of all time. From his work in the ‘80s with Guns N’ Roses to Velvet Revolver to his current, solo project, Slash’s guitar lines and solos carry a course, high-octane voice, packed with raw emotion, speed and technical know-how.
Song Flashback: Taproot, ‘Again & Again’
Taproot, of course, is no stranger to the Machine Shop, but it never gets old to see these Michigan boys back in town. Catch the band May 25 at the Shop with Boy Hits Car.
What makes this show extra special is that the guys are performing their debut album, 2000's 'The Gift,' in its entirety at this show. 'The Gift' is basically the album right before Taproot broke big, and hardcore fans know ever
Tonight: RED hits the Machine Shop
Christian hard rockers RED hit the Machine Shop tonight, and anyone who has seen RED live will tell you they put on a brutal live show. It’s a style they’ve developed over years of touring with statesmen of the heavy music genres, as they explained in a recent interview.
Now Playing: Depeche Mode, ‘Soothe My Soul’
When I heard Depeche Mode was coming out with a new album, I didn't know quite what to expect. I kind of missed the '80s alternative and New Way-flavored music era, but really appreciate what bands like Depeche Mode did to change the sound of rock music going into the '90s.
Long story short, the band's new song is pretty catchy. Watch the video for 'Soothe My Soul' below.
Follow the Banana on Twitter!
On Twitter? We are! You can follow the Banana on Twitter via @Banana1015radio and get all kinds of random updates from the station, tweet requests at us and more-- you know the drill.
Now Playing: Young Guns, ‘Bones’
One of my favorite new songs and bands are the U.K.’s Young Guns. Their current single, ‘Bones,’ is so infections, and the song is doing crazy-well on the charts. Have you checked out the video for “Bones” yet? Watch it, below!
Trapt at the Machine Shop Tonight
Hard rockers Trapt are celebrating 11 years together this month, and they're playing the Machine Shop tonight as part of the festivities! One of my favorite classic Trapt tracks is "Still Frame," off the band's self-titled 2003 debut. Check out the video below!