Icon Fetch

Jim McGorman is currently on tour as Avril Lavigne's guitarist in support of her latest record, Goodbye Lullaby.  The multi-instrumentalist was also a part of the house band for both season's of the CBS show "Rockstar" (INXS & Supernova).  He's toured with a variety of people, including Cher, Shakira, and Paul Stanley of Kiss.  In addition, he also makes music of his own.  Icon Fetch talks with the Philadelphia native about his multi-faceted career - how he got hooked up with Lavigne, helped put together a made for TV band, and manged to continue to be a much-sought after instrumentalist.  He also shares some great stories of being on the road. 

Guitarist Joe Robinson won Australia's Got Talent back in 2008 when he was only 16 years old.  He's also  been named "Best New Talent" by Guitar Player Magazine.  Now he's heading out on the road for his first-ever tour of the United States.  Icon Fetch catches up with the young virtuoso to talk about his experience becoming a TV star in his homeland, recording his latest CD, and where he gets the wacky titles for his songs.

Ivan Julian has played with everyone from Matthew Sweet to the Clash. He was also a part of the seminal mid-Seventies punk band Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Surprisingly, the Naked Flame marks Julian's first-ever solo record. Icon Fetch sits down with the influential guitarist and producer to talk about why now was the right time for his solo debut, plus the inspiration behind many of the songs, and how he feels about the current crop of new bands.

Our RETROactive Eighties week concludes with Thomas Dolby, best known for "She Blinded Me With Science," an early New Wave hit on MTV. But, a quick listen to any of his studio albums reveals a much deeper melodic sense than that quirky synth hit. Dolby took a great deal of time off from the music business to concentrate on developing new technology (he actually created the synthesizer that plays ringtones in most cellphones!). Now, he's back with a brand new EP called Ocenea, a preview of a full-length album called A Map of the Floating City, due in the summer. Dolby talks with Icon Fetch about why he's concentrating more on organic sounds these days, his unique studio built out of an old life boat, and the early days of MTV.

The Motels were one of the biggest bands of the early days of MTV, with hits like "Only the Lonely," and "Suddenly Last Summer," all led by the smokey vocals of Martha Davis. Icon Fetch sits down with the singer to talk about those early days, and what she's been up to lately, including recording a jazz CD. Davis also shares her unique insight into the music business.

Our RETROactive Eighties week kicks off with Mr. Big, who had a worldwide smash with their ballad "To Be With You" in 1992. After taking some time off, the band is back with a brand new album called What If... that is full of their signature blend of technical prowess and melodic sensibility. Icon Fetch talked with drummer Pat Torpey about the recording process, the story behind "To Be With You," and getting to play with Robert Plant and the Knack.

Guitarist Ian Moore has just released his seventh studio album entitled El Sonido Nuevo, an album that finds him returning to the more guitar-driven music of his earlier records while maintaining the excellent melodic sensibility of his recent work. He's chosen a back to basics approach, with just Moore on guitar accompanied by bass, drums, and Beach Boys' like harmonies. Icon Fetch talks to Moore about what inspired the "power trio" approach, the inspiration behind many of the songs, and the breathtaking artwork that adorns the cover.

Jason Reeves co-wrote "Bubbly," the 2007 smash from Colbie Caillat, as well as many of the songs from her first two albums. He's also collaborated with country duo the Jane Dear Girls and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Reeves has recently unveiled "Sticks and Stones," a single from his forthcoming album, The Lovesick, slated for a summer release. Icon Fetch talks with the young songwriter about leaving his small town in Iowa for the big city, how he met Caillat, and the lost art of the pop song.

John Waite is best known for a couple of #1 hits "Missing You," and "When I See You Smile" (with Bad English) from the Eighties. He's just released a brand new disc called Rough and Tumble, which returns him to the rock roots of his late Seventies band the Babys. Icon Fetch talks to Waite about the bare-bones approach he took with the new album, collaborating with Kyle Cook, guitarist for Matchbox Twenty, and the inspiration behind "Missing You."

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Handful of Luvin's new CD is called Life In Between. The four-piece band's secret weapon is Andrew Joslyn, who plays the violin with the fire of a guitar virtuoso. The band mixes elements of folk, reggae, and even Celtic influences into their rock sound. Icon Fetch talks with singer / guitarist David John about recording the new CD, the impressive artwork that adorns the disc cover, and including excerpts of English philosopher Allan Watts in a couple of their songs