Kiki's Magical Music Reviews

*1. Where did the name of your blog originate from, and when did the blog start?*

My cousin Tony came up with the name when he set it up for me back in June of ‘03. I’ve always thought it was a tad silly, but I would never tell him that. The hip kids call it “KMMR.”

*2. What inspired you to start your blog?*

Tony asked if I would contribute to the family website writing about the thing I know the most about, live music. I said sure. I wouldn’t be here without him since I still have no idea how it works. Type it in, hit “publish,” and it’s posted. Magic I guess.

*3. What is the most rewarding facet of writing on the internet?*

The most obvious one is that it has led directly to all the “legitimate” writing I’m doing and have done in the past, from my current freelance gig with the Daily Page to the two and a half great years with Rick’s Café (moment of silence).

Perhaps not as obvious, well, unless you know me, is that it has allowed me to meet so many musicians, my absolute favorite people in the whole world.

*4. Describe the space you do your writing in.*

I used to be restricted to a computer desk in the corner of my dining room, but now that I have a laptop it can be anywhere from the bus to my bean bag chair. Though I have to admit I never get much done sitting in the bean bag.

*5. What do you do for kicks when you're not posting?*

If I’m not writing about music, I’m going to see music. I’m addicted to the live show. Unlike some blogs that seem to run out of steam, I have a constant supply of new material.

*6. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of **Madison**?*

Can I just keep answering “music” to every question? I have Rick to thank for my appreciation for the local music scene. Without him I never would have met people like Blake Thomas, Josh Harty and Dietrich Gosser. Not only are they some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen, they are also really terrific people. The Blueheels may be the greatest band on the planet, and half of them live here (the other half live in Neenah). And few things can make me as happy as the Motorz or the Shabelles do.

*7. Is there one thing about the city you wish was different or something the city is missing you wish it had?*

This one is pretty obvious. I wish Rick’s Café was still around. The reason the paper didn’t make it just emphasizes the lack of support for music in general. I see the same group of people at every show, not that I don’t love those people of course, but if even half the people in this town went to just one show a year it would make a big difference.

On a more personal level, I think this town needs me to have my own club and an unlimited budget to blow on all my favorite bands. If you win the lottery, call me OK?

*8. Where do you enjoy eating the most in **Madison**?*

OK, you got me here, I can’t think of answer involving music.

I’ve always been a big fan of Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. I also really enjoy Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace… he’s a musician you know.

*9. If you could replace the word "blogs" in the cultural lexicon, what would you replace it with?*

pancakes

I’ve never liked the word blog, it sounds kinda icky. Steve Frisbie (of the band Frisbie) said the same thing in his blog before saying he had to go because his ten month old son had blogged in his pants.

*10. Finally, name one person you wish kept a blog and what you think they would title it (can be living or dead).*

Justin Bricco of the Blueheels. It would definitely be called “Meow.”