Pheaturing Phile Alum Crissi Cochrane

Hey there, welcome to the Phile for a Monday. It's Leap Day, kids. Just so you know, all your New Year cliché are wrong... 2016 is a leap year. If you noticed a shift in the universe this morning, it may be due to the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar, all while saying some stuff about climate change. The only person almost as happy as Leonardo was Kate Winslet. Kate's evening of crying with joy for Leo began on the red carpet. It was a lovely moment. Then when Leo won, Kate was all "this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Kate was so moved she literally couldn't move. She's like a Grecian statue of a mother triumphantly witnessing her underdog son heroically come home from battle.
In what many regard as a surprising upset, director Tom McCarthy's Spotlight took home Best Picture at last night's Academy Awards, wrestling the award away from the bear-wrestling favorite to win. The film, based on the Boston Globe's 2001 investigation into a startling trend of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests, also nabbed a trophy for Best Original Screenplay. For whatever it's worth, horrible tragedy makes for compelling cinema. Many had their bets to win on box office hits The Martian or The Revenant to take home the big one, with Spotlight's $40 million gross making it the lowest earning Best Picture winner in decades.
The Academy Awards ceremony was visited by someone who's even better at working a roomful of people: professional politician Vice President Joe Biden, who introduced Lady Gaga's incredibly moving performance of "Til It Happens To You." It was a departure from the normal Oscars routine, and even the (hilariously) political nature of Chris Rock's hosting stint. The Vice President gave an impassioned talk about the prevalence of sexual violence on college campuses (the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary The Hunting Ground), and urged viewers to take a stand and to make a pledge at ItsOnUs.org. Arriving to the Indiana Jones theme, the Veep was greeted enthusiastically and had one of the lines of the night with "I'm the least qualified person in this room." Then, the spotlight turned to Lady Gaga, who gave one of her most emotionally impactful performances at any awards show. She performed "Til It Happens To You," the song she co-wrote with Diane Warren for The Hunting Ground and leaving the room full of A-listers with tears and chills. ItsOnUs.org crashed Sunday night from overwhelming traffic, but hopefully you can visit today.
The first Oscar blunder of the night happened before the award show even began. The website Total Beauty totally screwed up their red carpet coverage by tweeting out a picture of Whoopi Goldberg and saying it was Oprah. Never mind the fact that Oprah doesn't have tats or dreads or is a completely different person. Get it together Total Beauty! Oprah's not even at the Oscars, she's at home eating bread. The tweet was quickly deleted. Enough about the Oscars for now, let's talk about Leap Year.
So, I know Leap Day is confusing, but I will try and help you understand it. Basically, what it comes down to is that Earth, like the jerk it is, refuses to rotate 365 times during its orbit of the sun, and instead revolves 365.24219 times. This stubbornness puts our calendar year off by about six hours.
So Julius Caesar came up with a solution back in 45 B.C.: every four years, we have Leap Day, February 29th. The other three years, we just ignore "that extra quarter of a day." So if we didn't add an extra day every four years (Leap Day), because of the way Earth tilts (wow, get it together already, Earth) our calendar would eventually become out of whack with the seasons... Christmas would be accompanied by summer weather. Leap Year actually overcorrects the calendar just a smidge, so every hundred years, we skip Leap Year, and to make up for that, every 400 years, we skip skipping Leap Year. Oops, it just got confusing again. Back to the Oscars...
Okay, with Leonardo's win I couldn't help to think how quickly things have changed...

Actually, I don't think Leo really won...

Haha. One of my favorite parts of the Oscars last night was when this happened...

I say they should host the Oscars next year. By the way, BB-8 s so bloody lucky...

Okay, so I saw this on the news the other day...

It reminded me of something and then it hit me.

It's the same, right? I love the news... they never make mistakes.

So last week Facebook came out with new 'reactions." I think they are being just a little too specific...

You know who I'm talking about. Ever notice in some magazines they show you pictures of celebrities without their makeup? Well, I thought here on the Phile I should do the same thing.

For the last few weeks I have been showing you pictures showing why candidates shouldn't pose with kids. Like the time Rick Santorum joyfully touched a baby's head.

"Hahah, where's the Purell?" Speaking of candidates... or ex-candidates I am gonna miss Jeb's look of disappointment. Like the time he couldn't get "Book of Mormon" tickets.

Okay, so, every so often I like to tell you about...

Wine.

It's a lot easier to stumble to your front door to pick up a box than it is to stumble home from a bar.

Hahaha. If you spy the Mindphuck let me know.

Red Carpet
The red carpet is just another thing celebrities walk all over in their undying quest for one more fleeting scrap of attention.

Okay, today's Phile Alum is a fantastic singer whose new single "Sweet & Fine" is available on Bandcamp. Please welcome back to the Phile the lovely... Crissi Cochrane.

Me: Crissi! Welcome back to the Phile. I lost count on how many times you have been here. How have you been?

Crissi: I've been doing well, and keeping super busy! I'm working on a new album, and I started writing love songs by request for couples on Valentine's Day and have been totally swamped with requests ever since. It's awesome. Also, one of my songs (“Pretty Words”) went viral on Spotify, so that's pretty exciting.

Me: Very cool. I think myself and my readers are watching you grow up... haha. Since you were here last you were married, am I right? it's the opposite for me.

Crissi: Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Yep, I got married in August last year.

Me: What was your wedding like?

Crissi: Very small and lovely. We had the ceremony at my family cottage by a small lake in Nova Scotia. I spent all my summers there as a kid, and our families are pretty spread out across Canada, so it was pretty magical to have everybody together in this beautiful, remote place.

Me: Did you go anywhere on your honeymoon?

Crissi: We weren't expecting to have a honeymoon at all, but we ended up winning a trip to Cuba, so that'll be our belated honeymoon.

Me: You're from Canada, right? Do you still live there?

Crissi: Yes, I'm from the east coast of Canada but now live in its southernmost city, Windsor, Ontario, which is situated on the U.S. border, neighbouring Detroit. We have a pretty unbelievable view of the Detroit skyline.

Me: What is your husbands name? He is a musician in his own right in a band, right?

Crissi: His name is Mike Paul, he's both a solo artist and a bassist in a group called The Walkervilles.

Me: I have to have him on the Phile soon. When I interview him is there anything I should ask him? 

Crissi: I'm sure he'd love that! Ask him about his record collection, and how many albums he's been a part of. He's had a long creative career already, even for a young guy.

Me: Okay, I will. So, this year is the Phile's 10th year and the 8th interviewing people, and I am a big fan and you are always one one my favorite guests. I still am a big fan of "Little Sway," your last album. You must be proud of it, am I right?

Crissi: Thanks! I'm my own worst critic so I tend to cringe when I listen to myself, but when I do listen to it from time to time, it's usually better than I remember it being. I'm most proud of all the opportunity that has come from its release. I'm working on music full-time now, and I don't think I'd be in this position without "Little Sway" and all the kind people who listen to it.

Me: It came out two years ago, Crissi. Can you believe it has been that long?

Crissi: It's hard to believe, but I suppose a lot has happened and a lot hasn't happened... in that first year, I only wrote one song. Last year, I wrote a dozen, and in the first two months of this year, I've written almost 20 songs. I'm finally ready for a follow-up.

Me: You came a long way since your first album which was recorded in your bathroom, am I right? 

Crissi: That's right... "The Bathroom EP" in 2006. It was very do-it-yourself... I made the sleeves myself with poster-board, scissors and glue, and made unique collages with magazine pages on each cover. I loved arts and crafts, and still do, but I let the CD manufacturers do the work these days.

Me: How do you think your music has changed over the years?

Crissi: It's changed a lot. I grew up in a small community where most people my age played punk and hardcore music, so there was a bit of that angst in my early acoustic recordings. I moved to Halifax when I was eighteen, where there was a big folk community, and that became my thing for a while. I came to Windsor at age 21 and have been making jazzy, soulful music ever since.

Me: I love your new single "Sweet & Fine." That song is definitely not about me. Haha. What was the influence on that song, Crissi?

Crissi: My husband's band plays sexy music, so I wanted to try my hand at writing something like that. I always get a little embarrassed when somebody asks me what this one's about...! I guess the title is a bit of a nod to "Fine and Mellow," a great jazz standard (and one of the greatest live videos of Billie Holiday, if you look it up on YouTube).

Me: And now you're working on a new album...

Crissi: Yes, I'm in the pre-production and grant-writing stage... I had some great training in grant-writing when I went to school for Music Business in Halifax, so I'm putting in my funding applications and crossing my fingers. I'll make the album regardless, but it'll definitely turn out better and faster if I can pay people.

Me: Is it gonna be similar to "Little Sway"?

Crissi: It'll be the same musicians and engineers, but the songs are different... sassier and moodier. I've been listening to Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Lewis Taylor (an obscure guy who is seriously mind-blowing, just knowing about his music is like having a kind of secret super power). I was in a troubled place writing the album, and coming out of it, I wrote some of the most motivational and empowering music of my life. I'm pretty excited to share that with people.

Me: You're a big fan of Motown... is there somebody you really like more than any other musician? 

Crissi: Motown was my gateway into the past century of American popular music, but I think Billie Holiday is my all-time favourite musician. Last year was her 100th birthday, so I put on a special concert performing all Billie songs. It was a lot of work and I was so anxious, I got sick in the bushes up the street from the venue before the show, and had to go home and lay down until show time. It went totally fine, it was a sold-out crowd, and everyone was so nice to me, I almost wondered if somebody had told the audience what I had just done...

Me: Who do you get compared to the most?

Crissi: I hear Norah Jones a lot, and sometimes Billie, which makes me super happy.

Me: Have you been playing many gigs lately?

Crissi: Not so much... since the Billie gig, I realized I had to deal with my anxiety before I could feel that I was really giving audiences what they deserve without seriously taxing my health. For a while there, most shows were a kind of nightmare where I felt like I had the flu all day. I couldn't eat anything, and some nights by showtime, I'd be too weak to stand. I've had to cancel gigs because of it, and that's the absolute worst feeling. But I'm happy to say it's been getting better... I've adopted a healthier lifestyle and I've been doing a lot of private gigs and corporate events where I'm in a corner with my guitar, singing jazz songs for anywhere from three to six hours. It's hard to feel confident about something if you don't do it a lot, and having those long gigs on the calendar forced me to become a more disciplined performer. Now I'm looking forward to getting back on stage this year.

Me: I am sure you have a favorite gig you played, am I right?

Crissi: I had a really great show at the Shores of Erie International Wine Fest in 2014... that festival is a local tradition for us, we go every year and have such a great time. That year, I opened for Walk Off The Earth and played with The Walkervilles behind me, and there were two gigantic bumblebees mating on my set list, which I thought was hilarious and just the right amount of distracting.

Me: I don't know if this happened since you were here last, but you had one of your songs "A Damn Shame" on the show "Nashville." I love that show! Who sang your song and how did this happen?

Crissi: It was just a very brief little moment of music... Hayden Pannetiere's character was on a private jet, putting on headphones, and my music was what she was listening to. My lovely licensing team in Michigan scored me the spot.

Me: What did you think of this, Crissi?

Crissi: I thought, aside from being sung by one of the characters on the show, that's the best way they could have used my music. It's like, Hayden Pannetiere listens to Crissi Cochrane! Not really, but I wish.

Me: Is there a TV show you would love one of your songs to be in?

Crissi: I'd be pretty jazzed if Mindy Kaling or Tina Fey ever used my music in one of their shows.

Me: So, when you are not making music, what do you like to do for fun?

Crissi: There aren't many hours left in a week once you take out music and Netflix, but I like to visit Detroit, bury my nose in a good book, sew something (one year I made ten sundresses that I still wear all summer long), and paint my nails, which is totally a waste of time but I love it.

Me: This year on the Phile I am asking my Alum guests what they were doing 10 years ago in 2006, so what were you doing?

Crissi: Ten years ago, I was in the 11th grade in Nova Scotia, writing the songs that would make “The Bathroom EP," and working at a pizza place.

Me: Cool. So, will you come back when your next release comes out?

Crissi: Absolutely! That'll likely be early 2017.

Me: I'll see you here then. Thanks so much for being here, please come back again soon. All the best. Pass my info on to your husband.

Crissi: Will do! Thanks for having me!

That about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to Crissi Cochrane. The Phile will be back next Sunday with Benjamin Hackman from The Holy Gasp. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snake and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.

Not if it pleases me. No, you can't stop me, not if it pleases me. - Graham Parker

Pheaturing Phile Alumni The Breedings

Hey, kids, welcome to the Phile for a Sunday... Oscar Sunday! May Chris Rock's Oscar monologue unite all races in being horribly uncomfortable. Speaking of the Oscars, you don't need to look any further than #OscarsSoWhite to know that the Academy can be great at stirring controversy. Keeping with that tradition, they just released the transcript of a speech made by Walt Disney made at the 1942 Oscars... a speech that the Disney company has allegedly tried to keep out of the spotlight since then. When Disney gave his acceptance speech for the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, he publicly apologized for Fantasia. A bit of context is needed to understand ol' Walt's remorse over the movie. The innovative animated film is now regarded as a masterpiece, but upon its release during World War II, it was a tremendous flop at the box office. It failed largely due to its multi-million dollar budget (a staggering amount for any film at that time), because the entertainment industry was struggling to just keep afloat during the war. Fantasia actually tanked so hard that it threatened the very existence of the relatively young Walt Disney Company, which is likely why Walt Disney felt the need to apologize for it. It kind of makes sense why the Disney Company, which has since gone from animation pioneer to a multi-industry titan, would disapprove of a speech where the studio's creator dismisses one of its gems as a failure. As good as it may have been, it put the company's next 70 years of cultural domination in jeopardy. Even so, it's odd to think Disney, which now owns Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars on top of its own culturally ingrained body of work, could ever feel insecure about it. Relax, Bobby Iger! You're doing great! And Walt Disney's dead anyway! Either way, know that Walt Disney is very, very sorry for dancing hippos.
In a bizarre turn of events at one Pennsylvania high school, a student has been arrested after police confirmed he was actually a 23-year-old from Ukraine. Arthur Samarin was taken into custody on Tuesday, just a few months before his graduation from Harrisburg High School, where he attended for four years under the alias "Asher Potts" (which is in the "McLovin" realm of names not to use if you don't want people to know you have a fake identity). CBS News reports that "Potts" had a 4.1 GPA and a significant involvement in the school's National Honor Society, a student advisory board for a food bank, ROTC, and a Naval Sea Cadet program. This just goes to show that if you want to blend in at high school, put in the absolute minimum effort like everyone else. Sgt. Terry Wealand of the Harrisburg police says that Samarin had assumed the false identity after his temporary visa expired, and that he lived with people he had befriended throughout the four years. Despite his shock, the Ukrainian's classmate Marcel McCaskill had nothing but kind words about Samarin, and admitted students even joked about "Potts" being a Russian spy due to his accent. "It's totally mind-blowing to me. Honestly, he was a very respectable guy. He was the perfect role model, someone you would want your son to look up to." I now trust no one, and would like my readers to verify their identities  just in case. Haha.
Oh, no. The Internet is arguing about the color of this jacket...

Last year, a dress... #TheDress... drove the world into turmoil. Lion lay down with lamb. The falcon could not hear the falconer. And we were all consigned to a fiery lake of burning sulfur. But the Book of Revelation foretells that the apocalypse doesn't come as a great flood; it comes in waves. And so the second wave is upon us. Last week the Internet found another article of clothing with ambiguous coloring. "I hate to make a new blue/black white/gold dress meme," wrote the Tumblr blogger who first posted this image, "but my friend has this jacket and she says it’s white and blue but I see black and brown please tell me what you see." Darkness covered the earth.
Jennifer Garner seems like a pretty private celebrity most of the time, so the Internet is in love with her new interview in March's "Vanity Fair," in which she talks about her divorce from Gone Girl villain Ben Affleck. (He was the villain of that movie, right? That's the right reading of that movie?) She even addresses THE NANNY he was maybe cuckolding her with (allegedly). The lovely actress said that her time post-Bennifer has been a "year of wine." "It was a real marriage," she said. "It wasn't for the cameras. And it was a huge priority for me to stay in it. And that did not work." That's so sad! Don't you just want to reach out to Garner, hug her, and tell her that someday, she'll find another role that rewards her appealing mix of strength and vulnerability like Juno, "Alias," and 13 Going on 30 did? As for the nanny: "Let me just tell you something. We had been separated for months before I ever heard about the nanny. She had nothing to do with our decision to divorce. She was not a part of the equation. Bad judgment? Yes. It’s not great for your kids for [a nanny] to disappear from their lives." That comes close to a confirmation that Ben Affleck was cheating on her with the nanny (something he still denies, according to "Vanity Fair") without saying it outright. Tactful as fuck, Elektra! Still, Garner and Affleck are apparently still very close, which is kind of sweet (he even still lives on the same property as her... in the guest house). She called him "the love of my life," and said that if she had to go back in time, she'd still marry him. She explained, "It’s not Ben’s job to make me happy. The main thing is these kids... and we’re completely in line with what we hope for them. Sure, I lost the dream of dancing with my husband at my daughter’s wedding. But you should see their faces when he walks through the door. And if you see your kids love someone so purely and wholly, then you’re going to be friends with that person." But she still made fun of his horrible phoenix tattoo. "You know what we would say in my hometown about that? 'Bless his heart.' A phoenix rising from the ashes. Am I the ashes in this scenario? I take umbrage. I refuse to be the ashes." It's important to note that Garner is from West Virginia, where "Bless his heart" translates to "fuck you."
Kids say the most darned depressing things. Take these four little angels, for instance...

They were just trying to record a sweet birthday message for their dear grandmother (or "gia," as they call her... adorable), but one of them didn't know when to leave good enough alone. Instead, he brought up the elephant that's always in the room, where grandparents are concerned. Considering that this video found its way onto the Internet, it's presumable that the kids' parents (and by extension, gia) though it was funny, and were okay with it. Which is good. They wouldn't want to hurt her feelings, and then have to remember her that way.
Alright, I just mentioned The Dress, and now a jacket, but there's another version that is even better than those two...

What color is Han's jacket? I say blue. So, yesterday it was Pokémon's 20th anniversary. Did you know Pokémon is British and not Japanese? No? well, take a look...

Arse Badger. Hahahaha. That's great. So, in a weird shape of events in the political race where Chris Christie is now supporting Donald Trump there's a new capping poster...

Ha! Those crazy guys. Speaking of politics, I have been showing you pics of why candidates shouldn't pose with kids. Here's another reason...

"Aaaggghhh." Ha. I mentioned in the last entry I think it was now that Jeb has dropped out I am gonna miss seeing his face like the time he thought he'd finally found the bathroom.

Did you see this past week Facebook debuted five new emoji reactions? I think they are being very specific with them. Here's one of them...

Ha. That's sad. So, in a lot of magazines they like to show you what celebrities look like without they make-up on and occasionally on the Phile I show you the same thing. Check it out...

That's crazy. Alright, and now for this week's...

Top Phive Startling Similarities And Differences Between Thursday's Republican Debate And Tonight's Oscar Telecast
5. The entire production only features one black man.
4. The night's big winner: Leonardo DiCaprio.
3. Jeb Bush watching from home.
2. Its rambling, pointless speeches are mercifully cut short by the orchestra.
And the number one startling similarity and difference between the Republican debate and the Oscar telecast is...
1. Win or lose, it's an honor just to be nominated.

If you spot the Mindphuck let me know. It's pretty easy. And now for some sad news...

Sonny James 
May 1st, 1929 — February 22nd, 2016
The gentleman has gone south.

It's 11:16 am, 64°F and Kelly returned to "American Idol" to make everyone cry, including herself. Kelly returned to "American Idol" Wednesday night and performed her song "Piece by Piece." It was an emotional performance for Kelly, who won the first season (this is the show's final season). She brought J. Lo and Keith Urban to tears with her performance. She also brought herself to tears, which she blamed on pregnancy. But the raw emotional grit of this number was plenty of ammo to make anyone cry. Even Ryan Seacrest warned everyone that it would get emotional. There's a reason that she won the first "American Idol," and it's the same reason she can come back and bring down the house. It's nice to see people cry for a good reason on the show after years of contestants wailing backstage.

Okay, today's guest Phile Alumni and a brother and sister duo whose new single "Love Only You" is available on iTunes. Please welcome back to the Phile Erin and Willie Breeding... The Breedings.

Me: Hello, kids, welcome back to the Phile. How have you been?

Willie: Great! Thank you for having us back.

Me: You two are my favorite brother and sister musical act I have ever interviewed. Actually, you might be the only brother and sister act I interviewed... but I love you guys. I think I asked you this before but does anybody ever think you two are married?

Willie: Haha! Yes, fairly often. Both as a band, and as drinking buddies.

Erin: Open houses, bars, coffee shops, the mall… it’s happened everywhere. We must look nothing alike. Or hang out too much.

Me: I said this before on the Phile, I love my sisters but don't think I could ever work with them... how did you two decide you wanna be in a duo together?

Willie: Erin bought her way into the band. In all seriousness, I was looking into doing my third album, and it was suggested to try out her singing lead instead of harmony, and that got the whole thing going.

Erin: I was working full time in Boston, traveling to New York to sing back up for Willie. It was a crazy day when Willie called me at my office to propose a new way of doing things. But I said yes immediately.

Me: Willie, you started off as a musician first, before Erin, right?

Willie: Yes, I’ve always been a musician and the first Breedings album would have been my third solo record.

Me: Did you both sing and perform when you were growing up?

Willie: Erin more so than me. I’ve always primarily cared about recording, from my early teens on.

Erin: And I just wanted to sing. Wherever, whenever… like Shakira. Early on I used to sing on stage at our dad’s music venue during off hours... to an empty room, but I didn’t care. Sometimes he would pull me up on stage with him when he was performing. Or I’d sing at school functions. Karaoke. The school bus. Nursing Homes...

Me: Your dad was a musician like mine was. Is your dad still alive?

Willie: He sure is. I just got off the phone with him. Over the hour we talked we covered Lakota war tactics, cutting vs. reining horses for trail riding purposes, 1860 Henry vs. 1873 Springfield rifles, three point shooting, NCAA tournament seeding, guitars, the rise and (relative) fall of longhorn cattle, and vocal textures.

Erin: On our last phone call we talked about the Chevy Camaro, sanding wood floors, the history of the Breeding name in Kentucky, cats… we always talk about cats.

Me: What does he think of your music?

Willie: He’s generally pretty positive, but if he doesn’t like something he says so. Poor guy has had to hear every song I’ve ever written and that we’ve recorded.

Erin: He’s very honest, but he’s incredibly supportive. And if something we do moves him, he doesn’t hesitate to let us know. He’s proud of us. It’s a huge compliment.

Me: I don't think I asked you this before but do you two have any other siblings?

Willie: No. When I came along I truly completed the family, right, Erin?

Erin: Yep. Mom says that if Willie had been first, there would have been no other children. But I never thought she meant that in a positive way.

Me: You both have different tastes in music, right?

Willie: Definitely.

Erin: Completely. We almost listen to music for different reasons. But when we agree on a song or an artist, we geek out over it forever. We just saw Jenny Lewis at the Ryman and that was an incredible experience.

Me: What music did you listen to growing up, and what do you two listen to now?

Willie: I listened to a lot of Marty Robbins, Ian Tyson, Patsy Cline, and Aaron Nevilles version of “Everybody Plays the Fool."

Erin: That song is gonna be in my head for the rest of the day… When I was very young I loved Juice Newton and Billy Joel. I grew up listening to Top 40, sprinkled with years-long obsessions with Bette Midler, Queen, Heart, Shania Twain. Now I listen to all of that and anything that grabs me melodically. I don’t care about much else.

Me: You guys play all over the country, but didn't you perform in Europe or did you go there on vacation?

Willie: My father-in-law splits his time between Copenhagen and Italy. So I try to go once a year. I especially like Copenhagen. Hopefully more shows can happen there and all over Europe in the future!

Erin: We did perform at a private party once in Italy. But that was more an extension of the wine and good cheer than it was a “performance."

Me: Do you often travel together?

Willie: Pretty often, yeah.

Erin: If we can make it happen, it’s the 4 of us wherever we go. Man, that’s cheesy. But it’s true.

Me: You kids are from Kentucky, right?

Willie: Yes. We are from Madison County. Daniel Boone established a Fort there in 1775 on the Kentucky River. He humbly named it Fort Boonesborough. The land was “purchased” from the Cherokee in 1774, but in 1778 (during the Revolutionary war) the Shawnee took Daniel Boone as a prisoner and then attacked the Fort. He escaped and made it back in time to defend the Fort against Chief Blackfish, but was later court-martialed on account of his suspected sympathies with the British. Then Erin and I were born.

Me: Where do you both live now?

Willie: A mile apart in Nashville, TN.

Me: I am wearing my U.K. shirt right now, even though it's a bit worn. Willie, you're a Wildcats fan, right?

Willie: To hear this causes my heart to soar like a hawk. I am an avid supporter and armchair coach to the Kentucky Wildcats. Is Tyler Ulis the best to lace them up at Kentucky? He’s blown me away this year. I love him.

Me: Speaking of the Wildcats, did you hear the controversy that the new logo looks like two birds having sex?

Willie: I did, yes, and I firmly believe that if two birds are in love, or even just both attracted to one another and have the opportunity, they should be free to express themselves in any way they want. Just goes to show you the power of love. First, they were two little birds, then, through the power of love, they became a feared Wildcat. I salute them, and hope they are still together.

Me: Erin, are you a sports fan?

Erin: Not like my heritage suggests I should be. I’m a U.K. alum. Our mom and dad are, too. I’m probably the least concerned with the team. I followed sports way more when I lived in Boston. That’s probably a huge disappointment for some of my hometown people to read. And my family.

Me: Okay, Willie, I am gonna mention a few college teams, tell me what you think... the 'Canes.

Willie: They look great this year, led by 200-year ‘Canes veteran, Angel Rodriguez. He and Perry Ellis at Kansas have been playing in college since before I was born, I believe.

Me: The Gators?

Willie: I’ve only seen two games… The amazing game where they killed a very good West Virginia team, and the one where Jamal Murray hit eight 3s and we ran right through them. They seem very talented. Dorian Smith is really, really smooth. I think the new coach is cool, but it’s still weird not seeing Billy there.

Me: Crimson Tide?

Willie: Not much to say yet, other than one thing… Anthony Grant is the most beautiful man that has ever coached basketball, and a fine dresser. One of the few coaches who’s suit actually fits. Due to this, I openly rooted for them. I rooted against Kentucky in the recruitment of Trevor Lacey, I so wanted Alabama to be good. But goddamn he ran the most boring offense I’ve ever seen in my life. I don’t know if Alabama can ever be great, or recruit against U.K., or Florida, or fuck, even Bruce Pearl, but surely Avery will install an offense that delights more than Grant’s. Watching Lacey pass, pass, pass, jack up last second three hurt my soul. He balled at NC State alongside Cat Barber. Wish he would have come back for his senior season. I also the NBA pedigree and speaking voice of Avery.

Erin: Aren’t you glad you asked?

Me: Yeah, that was great. Okay, enough about sports, let's talk about your new single "Love Only You." I LOVE that song. Which one of you wrote it?

Willie: I wrote that song a couple years ago. It’s lived many lives. I’m happy it’s finally out!

Erin: Me too... it’s one of my favorites!

Me: Are you guys working on a new album?

Willie: Not at the moment, but we have a couple more singles to get out there.

Me: Are you gonna make a video for "Love Only You"?

Willie: Don’t think so, no.

Erin: I wouldn’t want to put something visual to that song... let it be what it is to people.

Me: Normally Erin sings lead, am i right? How did you two decide Willie was gonna sing lead on this song?

Willie: Yeah, she does, but even Liam let Noel sing songs sometimes! Knowing this, I bullied my way in. Usually, we know right away who’s gonna sing a song. Not sure if there’s ever even been a discussion about which one of us will sing a song, actually!

Erin: I don’t think so. It’s usually clear, and if we have to debate it, then likely it’s not a good song for us.

Me: Do you two ever argue about the music or anything business wise?

Willie: Probably more about music itself, but I’m sure about business too. She’s usually the patient and correct one.

Erin: That doesn’t win me any leeway when the argument itself is happening.

Me: So, do you think you'll continue playing together? I really hope so.

Willie: Of course!

Erin: We may play less live shows, but I hope for more time in the studio and more songs to be sung. We love it.

Me: I mentioned your dad before, and just found out that Erin, you and your dad have the same birthday. That's crazy. Do you celebrate together?

Willie: No comment.

Erin: We haven’t been together on the actual day in a very long time, but, of course, we always call and wish each other Happy Birthday. And then talk about all the aforementioned important life topics.

Me: So, what's next for you two?

Willie: Keep putting these singles out!

Erin: Maybe make more singles!

Me: Okay, so, I am asking my Phile Alum this year as it's the Phile's 10th anniversary, where were you and what were you doing 10 years ago in 2006?

Willie: Ten years ago I was drunk in Brooklyn, working at a studio in Manhattan. I also recorded my first EP and played my first show.

Erin: I was living in Boston. I had just started working at Iron Mountain, monitoring financial internal controls... Sarbanes-Oxley work, if anyone knows what that is. And I traveled to NYC periodically to sing with my brother.

Me: You weren't a duo then, am I right?

Willie: Not technically, but she sang at my shows and on my records.

Me: Thanks so much for being back here on the Phile. Please come back when your next release comes out. Go ahead and plug your website. 

Willie: Thank you!

Erin: Thanks, Jason, this is always fun! Thebreedingsmusic.net. But you’re probably better off following us on Facebook (facebook.com/thebreedings) or Instagram (@thebreedings).

Me: Continued success, kids, please come back soon.

Willie: Thank you, and anytime.

That about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to Willie and Erin Breeding. The Phile will be back tomorrow with Phile Alum Crissi Cochrane. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.

Not if it pleases me. No, you can't stop me, not if it pleases me. - Graham Parker

Pheaturing Phile Alum Jenn Bostic

Hey there, welcome to the Phile for a Monday. How are you? Well, Jeb Bush hasn't had an easy time of it this election season. What with Donald Trump mocking him mercilessly every chance he got, and the JebBush.com domain being redirected to Donald Trump's website, Bush's whole campaign was less "Jeb!" than "Jeb?" So after months of being a walking punch line, Jeb Bush announced Saturday that he was officially dropping out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. And much like a kid who strikes out twenty times before his mom finally lets him quit Little League and join the cheerleading team, he's probably going to be much happier. But we're sure going to miss getting to see faces like the time the DJ wouldn't let him play Jimmy Buffet.

The Meyer Middle School in River Falls, Wisconsin is nearly finished completing a new $100,000 fitness room, which was dubbed the Pride Fitness project early on. According to the "River Falls Journal," a large chunk of the funds came from the Royal Credit Union and the Roger T. White family. Chuck Eaton, the local elementary school principal and fundraising committee member, suggested a name befitting its major sponsors. After approval from the committee, the fitness center was officially named Roger T. White Pride Fitness Room as Presented by RCU. This is a bit wordy, so, as Eaton himself stated, the gym was likely to be referred to as the White Pride Fitness Room. Only after this name was publicized on the "River Falls Journal" Facebook page and people reacted did those involved realize that White Pride Fitness Room is a terrible name. “We can see and understand how the new name, ‘Roger T. White Pride Fitness Room’ could be viewed by some people as implying ‘white pride,’” River Falls Superintendent Jamie Benson said in a statement. Well, yes, it's pretty easy to see how "White Pride" could be interpreted as those exact words. The school has since decided to offer up two non-racist names for the new gym: the Roger T. White Wildcat Fitness Room or the Roger T. White Fitness Room as Presented by RCU. Students will likely best know the room as "the weight room."
You may never get hired as a panda hugger, but your hugs are needed for the next-cutest animal...  human babies. Adoption agencies are apparently looking for people to lovingly foster infants for a couple of weeks at a time before they go onto their new adopted parents, ABC News reports. The job sounds like the cutest (and possibly most intense) babysitting job imaginable. Says one volunteer, "My job is to make the baby feel safe and loved 24-7," she added. "I hold them all the time. I talk to them. I sing to them. We play music. And I get so much joy and pleasure. I feel so good when I'm with an infant that I hope that it does... something for them, too." Typically, volunteers take care of newborns for two to four weeks after undergoing a lengthy background check, according to ABC, and all the baby's expenses are paid for. And hey, if it turns out you hate dealing with a screaming baby for two weeks, if nothing else, it's effective birth control.
A San Francisco tech bro/entrepreneur wrote an open letter on Monday calling homeless people "riff raff" and saying that the city's poor, transient population is a huge problem... for "wealthy working people." Yup... without appearing to care much for the problems of actual homeless people, software developer Justin Keller bemoaned the trouble homeless people have caused him in a note posted to his website. "I know people are frustrated about gentrification happening in the city, but the reality is, we live in a free market society," Keller wrote in a letter addressed to San Francisco's mayor and police chief. "The wealthy working people have earned their right to live in the city. They went out, got an education, work hard, and earned it. I shouldn’t have to worry about being accosted. I shouldn’t have to see the pain, struggle, and despair of homeless people to and from my way to work every day." The whole letter is incredible in the worst way... "somehow during Super Bowl [sic], almost all of the homeless and riff raff seem to up and vanish," Keller writes at one point, optimistically (?!?)... and worth a read. (Keller later apologized for calling homeless people "riff raff" while also continuing to apologize for nothing else.) Of course, Internet mob justice came swift for Keller. The website of his start-up, commando.io, mysteriously went down. You probably won't feel too bad for him, though.
Prince tweeted his new passport photo last week, and he's still got it. Prince Rogers Nelson is 57 years old, but you would never know it from that picture. His gaze defies age. If Prince held that mesmerizing look for long enough, he could probably just teleport anywhere he needed to and wouldn't need a passport. But instead he blessed us with this gift...

Everyone hopes to travel the world and look that good in their late fifties. His beauty secret is cleansing himself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka and/or purple rain.
So, yesterday I told you that that the Republican's picked Kylo Ren from Star Wars to fill Scalia's seat on the Supreme Court. Well, the Democrats did the same.

The Wimpy Kid. Since he is only 11, his appointment should last until 2100 and he has a nuanced view of Affirmative Action. You know, I am gonna miss seeing Jeb Bush looking like he was disappointed in life like the time they brought him Pepsi even though he asked for Coke.

So, you know I love the last Star Wars movie, right. Well, one thing I didn't like about it was the meaningless product placement that made no sense in the Star Wars universe. Check it out...

What the hell? I saw this the pic the other day...

I wondered where I saw it before and then I remembered...

Haha. I wish I remembered what the Martin Short character's name was. Anyway, here's another photo showing why candidates shouldn't pose with kids.

"10/10 chance I just pooped." Haha. Ed Gimley! Ha! Thanks, Internet. Okay, so, you know I live in Florida, right? Well, there's somethings that happen in Florida that happen nowhere else in the Universe and I like to talk about them in a pheature I call...

It might comfort you to know that Uber does not allow their drivers to carry firearms. Unfortunately, they don't all follow that rule to the letter, as one passenger learned about his driver one night in Bradenton, Florida. On the way home with at least one friend, the victim asked his chauffeur, Patrick McDonald, to pull over because he felt like he might throw up. The driver obliged, but when the victim then told him he was fine to get back on the road, McDonald told him to get out of the car. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office report, the driver told the nauseous passenger that "he was not going to throw up in his $75,000 car." McDonald tried to drag the victim out of the vehicle, and they began to argue outside the car. At this point, McDonald apparently took "an aggressive fighting stance (clinched fist)," before reaching into his car and grabbing a black semi-automatic handgun and, according to the victim, pointing it at him. Another passenger got between them and no one was hurt. McDonald has defended his actions, saying he retrieved the gun but never pointed it at the victim. Furthermore, he feared for his life. From the report, "When asked how exactly he was in fear he said because they were talking about 'sticking dick's in his ear.'" Assuming the officer who filed the report made a small typo and the passengers were talking about sticking dicks in McDonald's ear and not something belonging to a man named Dick, either way, take a few valuable lessons from the story. Your Uber driver is a human being, he has ears to hear you, and he does not want dicks in said ears.

Ha! If you don't get this one there's something seriously wrong with you. Let me know if you figure it out. Okay, so, a good friend of the Phile wanted to talk about something that is dear to his heart. He's a singer, patriot, and renaissance man. You know what time it is.

Good morning, humans. Hmmmmm... since I had to quit all that other stuff that was killing me softly... looks like I've got to find some other way of risking my neck (what's life without a little salt?). Since I've lost all this weight and feel stronger than ever, I MIGHT as well go back to surfing. I haven't done so in several years, I miss it... I was good at it. It was a solitary pleasure that was a part of my daily ritual for many years. Just me, my board, the pre sunrise waves, music in my head or through duct taped to my ear Earbudz, watching the sun come up over my shoulder while gliding in. Wet suit, cup of coffee... maybe a small fire near your towels and shoes. Nobody... just me... middle of winter... snow on the sand... maybe a dog barking. I quit all that several years back because the good doctor told me I should. Asked if I preferred being a cool surfer or a guy who doesn't walk with a cane in his '50s. I quit... where'd all THAT smart thinkin' get me? Fuck it... Still got a nice board... now, I can fit in my old wet suit again... why not? I can't live like a monk... gotta have at least ONE vice... or six... okay, let's just say (for arguments sake) a dozen. I'll just ease into it. Not surf in the winter or during/just before/just after a storm and not after 7pm or before 5am. Besides... we're talking about puny little Long Island south shore waves... NOT Torquay Beach Australia, mate. What's the worst that could happen?

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer-songwriter, best known for creating the songs "Eat It," "Fat," and "Snack All Night" are based on.

Alright, today's pheatured guest is a wonderful singer and Phile Alum whose latest CD "Faithful" is available on iTunes. I am so glad to have her back on the Phile. Please welcome back... Jenn Bostic.

Me: Hello, Jenn, welcome back to the Phile.

Jenn: Thank you.

Me: How have you been?

Jenn: Things have been wonderful, I have a really good feeling about 2016 being the best year yet. 

Me: That's good. Before we start talking about you I have to ask you about Sir Terry Wogan who recently passed away. I have a pic of you and he I need to show.

Me: That's so cool. When I lived back in England from 1984 to 1987 he had a talk show  on TV which I watched every day Monday through Friday religiously. He was the first talk show host I got into before I got into Letterman and then Conan. Anyway, you met him and was on his radio show... which blows me away. When was this? How was he and have you heard of him before you were on his show?

Jenn: I was so sad to hear about Sir Terry Wogan’s passing. What a wonderful man. I had the privilege and honor of meeting him on St. Patrick’s Day of 2013, when he invited me to perform on his program. I performed my song “Jealous of the Angels,” as well as a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love,” with an English artist and dear friend, Emma Stevens. It was Sir Terry’s show that introduced me to Emma and her music, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Sir Terry was so kind. I remember walking into the studio and feeling as if we’d already met somehow. He championed independent artists and for his support I am eternally grateful.

Me: Another English DJ I used to listen to sometimes was Simon Bates... he used to read this sad letters on his Radio 1 radio show that listeners sent in. Anyway, it was because of Simon your single "Jealous of the Angels" and yourself got really well known in the U.K., am I right?

Jenn: Simon Bates is absolutely wonderful. He was the first to play and support “Jealous of the Angels,” which I found out about on Twitter. Smooth Radio also invited me to do a live performance from Nashville to the U.K. a few weeks later as part of Help for Heroes. My favorite memory of Simon Bates, was an interview that he arranged at St. Paul’s Cathedral. We took a private tour and recorded the interview in the crypt of St. Paul’s. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I remember crying tears of joy listening to the hour long program.

Me: How did this happen, Jenn?

Jenn: A wonderful woman named Tracey Harlow found “Jealous of the Angels” on YouTube, sent it to Smooth as part of their Our Tune program, Simon played the song with Tracey’s story and the rest is history. It became one of the top requested songs that week, which is when the Help for Heroes performance was arranged. It was an incredible blessing.

Me: Would you say you are more known in the U.K. or America?

Jenn: With the support both Smooth and BBC have shown my last two albums, I would say that my fan base is more widespread in the United Kingdom. However, there are so many beautiful communities around the U.S. that have been incredible supporters of my music.

Me: Where do you get recognized the most?

Jenn: My hometown of Waconia, Minnesota. I grew up in a really small town and I try to visit a few times a year to share music or work with the current middle and high school students. I know that isn’t what you were asking, but it’s the most honest answer.

Me: No, that's cool. You have done concerts in both countries... how do you compare the audiences? 

Jenn: I still remember trying to figure out how I might busk my way through Europe with a keyboard just because I wanted to travel there so badly, and then about a year later I was supporting Christian Kane’s tour in England and performing on "BBC Breakfast." God definitely blew my busking dream out of the water. So, thankfully I’ve gotten to perform in both countries and the audiences are both full of so much love. There’s a hunger for the emotional songs in the U.K. that I haven’t experienced before. I’ve connected with people around the world through my music, and I’m not sure I can really articulate it, but it’s different in the U.K.

Me: You're originally from Pennsylvania, but live in Nashville now I believe, am I right?

Jenn: Yes. I was born at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but don’t remember much of it as my family relocated about 18 months after I was born. I spent most of my childhood in Minnesota, studied music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and have now been in Nashville for 8 years. I do have a soft spot in my heart for PA though. So many great friends, food, musicians and architecture there.

Me: Do you like living in Nashville?

Jenn: I love it. The winters are mild, the music is everywhere, and I’m constantly being challenged and inspired by THE Music City. I’ve grown so much here, and have met so many wonderful people. I’m not sure I’ll be here forever, but I don’t plan on moving anytime soon.

Me: Did you move there because of the music scene?

Jenn: I did. While attending Berklee College of Music, I went on a spring break trip to Nashville which included panels by industry professionals and gave me a true vibe for the city. I enjoyed the trip so much that I spent 3 of my 4 college spring breaks in Nashville. (I snuck off to Florida for one, because who doesn’t need a beach vacay). Nashville felt like home. The thought of living in New York or Los Angeles was overwhelming for this small town Minnesota girl, and most of the music I was writing and performing at the time was country. It just made sense.

Me: Nashville is known mostly for country music, but I wouldn't call your music country, would you?

Jenn: The million dollar question. I love music. I love good songs. Some of my released tracks sound a little country, others don’t at all. My first album was definitely pop/country, however over the release of my last two albums the genre lines continue to blur. The songs are faith based, piano driven and could be categorized as adult contemporary pop or singer/songwriter. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from the Grand Ole Opry, and truly love country music. I like being versatile, and writing country music is one of my most favorite things to do.

Me: I was very excited to see that you played at the Grand Ole Opry. How was that experience? 

Jenn: Surreal. I absolutely love the Grand Ole Opry. I remember attending and watching the greats sing there thinking “I want to play there someday!” Then it happens and you have to keep pinching yourself to make sure you’re actually standing on that stage. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to perform at both the Opry house and the Ryman Auditorium as part of the Opry show, all seven times felt like the first.

Me: Were you nervous to play there, Jenn?

Jenn: Nervous? Not really. Excited? Yes. I believe that God doesn’t give us anything we aren’t ready for, so I wanted to soak in every second of being on that stage. In December of 2012 when I performed there for the first time, I remember about 30 seconds of that 10 minute performance, but I don’t think it was nerves. I think if I had actually soaked in what was taking place I would have bawled like a baby. There is something so special about that stage and the history behind that program.

Me: That's a place you have to get invited to play, am I right?

Jenn: Yes. It is an honor to be invited to perform there.

Me: Is that the biggest and best show you have played?

Jenn: That’s tough. Every show has beautiful moments, and some of the most intimate shows can touch your heart in the most significant way. The Opry is definitely one of the biggest shows I’m performed, but it’s tough to have a favorite/best show when they’re all so special to me. I did perform on the Opry stage with my brother last year, and it was his debut. Singing “Jealous of the Angels” together on that stage was definitely at the top of my list.

Me: I am not sure I asked you this before but your dad was a musician like mine, am I right?

Jenn: My dad was an incredibly musician. He was also the CEO of Nordictrack, but every spare moment he had was spent with his family, playing music. It was so inspiring to watch him sit down at practically any instrument and have it mastered. Our favorite song to sing together was “Sunny-Side of the Street.” Amazing how deep the meaning of that song is to me now that he’s gone.

Me: My dad was Lonesome Dave from Foghat, and unfortunately I don't have too much of a musical talent wither though I play the kazoo. I do write songs though. What did your dad play? He was in a band?

Jenn: My dad played everything. Honestly. One of his favorites was the accordion, and I loved to hear him play it. There’s a regional band based in Minnesota called Traveled Ground, and before I could even walk, I would attend their shows when my dad would sit in on accordion, and at sixteen the band leader, Clark Machtemes invited me to sing on their album. I’ve sang on every single one since and perform with them any chance I get. They’re an incredible blues, Americana roots band that took me under their wings after dad passed.

Me: Your dad as we mentioned before passed away when you were young, and your song "Jealous of the Angels" is about him. What do you think he would say about your success now? I bet he'll be well pleased.

Jenn: I contemplate that question a lot. My dad always wanted to play music, but also wanted to provide for his family. He always said that when he retired he would play music full time. However, he never got that chance. I think it would make him smile to see both my brother and I chasing our musical passions and dreams. It’s not always an easy path, but it brings me comfort to think on that. 

Me: And your brother is in your band? How did that happen and what does he play?

Jenn: Yes. He’s performed many shows with me, and has been the bassist in so many different bands. One of my favorites was a blues band called Blues is Blood. He released his first solo EP this year called “Believe” and it is awesome! He has an incredible voice, and like my dad can play pretty much any instrument he picks up. We’ve had the opportunity to play a few tours together as well. It’s difficult as he’s based in Colorado, but we make it work when we can.

Me: I should have him on the Phile as well. Are you too very close?

Jenn: We are, and continue to grow closer as the years go by. I’m lucky to have such a great big brother.

Me: And your husband... I have to say, you two make a good looking couple.

Me: Is he in the music business?

Jenn: Thank you so much. Michael is not in the music business, but loves music. However he is a creative and does some freelance photography and video work. While he’d rather take pictures of wildlife than artist shots for me, he has been kind enough to take countless pictures of me, including my “Jealous” album cover.

Me: Wasn't he in the video for "Faithful"?

Jenn: He wasn’t in the video for “Faithful,” but he does have a cameo at the end of “Missin’ a Man.” He picks me up and spins me around after a long trip to the U.K.

Me: Let's talk about your latest album "Faithful." Where was that album recorded, Jenn?

Jenn: "Faithful" was recorded in Nashville, Los Angeles and London, with 6 different producers. It’s absolutely the best music I’ve ever made. I learned so much and grew as both an artist and a person throughout the process. I had the freedom to explore different genres, and with the help of my Pledge Music supporters, got to release the album with a full band in London, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Me: I loved the video for the title track, with the story, Did you come up with that concept?

Jenn: I wish I could take credit for that but I can’t. The treatment was written by the director, Jon Danovic. He’s an incredibly talented filmmaker in Los Angeles. I was a little unsure about having dialogue in the song, but he made it work so well!

Me: Do you like making videos, or performing better?

Jenn: It’s all so much fun. I love watching a song come to life through performing it life and connecting with an audience, to bringing visuals in photos and videos.

Me: You make a pretty good actress... ever think about doing any acting for real?

Jenn: Haha, thank you. You’re too kind. I have thought about it but never really pursued it. I’ve always been a little intimidated to pretend to be someone else, especially after writing so many songs about staying true to who you are, but maybe someday I’ll give it a go.

Me: You make a few videos where you do covers, such as Adele's "Hello" which your version is a lot better than hers. How do you go about choosing which covers to do?

Jenn: Wow. Well, that’s very kind of you. I started recording covers as part of my Pledge Music campaign. I offered a “Jukebox Jenn” package where the pledger could request any song and I’d record a cover video for it. Friends and fans responded so well that I continued to record these covers after the campaign was over. Some have been requests, others have been favorite songs, I resonated with the Adele song immediately, which is why I decided to record it.

Me: You have a so many great songs of your own, Jenn, why record a cover?

Jenn: I’m so inspired by the incredible music in the universe, and it’s fun to arrange a cover to fit your style. It’s also a neat tool to get my original material out into the universe a little more. Fans of Adele might not find my music naturally, but if they stumble upon my “Hello” cover and enjoy it, maybe they’ll click the link to “Jealous of the Angels” or “Counterfeit.” I’m also constantly trying to grow as an artist, so sometimes covering great songs or singers helps that process along.

Me: Good point. Last December you platted some Florida shows... I was gonna go see you but didn't get around to it. Did you have a good time here?

Jenn: Absolutely. Florida in December is always a good idea. I met the owner of Songwriters Island Radio, Sam Densler, through a mutual friend, and he was kind enough to help me put a tour together. I became fast friends with he and his wife Gina, and can’t wait to make a return trip. There’s something about breathing in the ocean air while performing that I could really get used to. Hopefully I’ll see you next time around.

Me: Next time you come here I'll take you and your husband to Disney. Does he travel with you when you tour?

Jenn: That sounds amazing! I love Disney and would still love to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast someday. Perhaps that’s how I could play my acting role. Michael occasionally travels with me, however he works hard at a city job here in Nashville and vacation time is minimal.

Me: I have to ask you about Tiffany Thompson, a friend of yours who has been on the Phile many times. She's gonna be on the Phile again but under a different name. Have you heard about this?

Jenn: I sure have. It’s an amazing project called Danae that I’ll let her tell you more about. Tiffany is one of my best friends in the whole world, and I know this new project is going to be big.

Me: When I interview her, is there anything I should ask her?

Jenn: Ask her about our tour in Germany last June, and perhaps how much she loves me. Haha.

Me: I will. Okay, so, this year it's the Phile's 10th anniversary and I am asking my Alum guests what they were doing 10 years ago. So, what were you doing in 2006?

Jenn: Great question! I was studying music education at Berklee College of Music in 2006, as a sophomore. That year I joined my first country/rock cover band, DiggerDawg, and performed in Berklee’s Singer’s Showcase. I was most likely desperately trying to figure out who I was as an artist and panicking over straight A's.

Me: Jenn, thanks so much for being on the Phile. Please come back again when your next release comes out. Wanna mention your website?

Jenn: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me. All my new music, tour dates and videos can be found at jennbostic.com. Come say hi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr as well. Looking forward to the next time.

Me: Thanks again, and continued success.

Jenn: Thank you so much!!!

There, that about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to my guests Laird Jim and of course Jenn Bostic. The Phile will be back next Sunday with Phile Alumni The Breedings. So, spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.

Not if it pleases me. No, you can't stop me, not if it pleases me. - Graham Parker