The Whispertown 2000

With their free flowing melodies and harmonies, The Whispertown 2000 are a four piece based in Los Angeles; made up of Morgan Nagler, Tod Adrian Wisenbaker, Vanesa Corbala, and Casey Wisenbaker. They mix retro classic sounds with a twist of folk to create their own sound. Their first album - Livin' in a Dream was released in 2006, while their current record - Swim, was released in 2008. Morgan was kind enough to take some time to give us a peak into The Whispertown 2000.


1. How is a song created and what sort of approach do you take?

Usually, I write the song on guitar and bring it to the band, where it then tuns into what it is by everybody's shaping and morphing.


2.Do you prefer to play to a smaller or larger audience or venue?

I like a little room packed in where I don't know anybody.


3.Having known Blake and Jenny, what kind of advice did they give you as far as writing and preforming goes?

Well it was Jenny that somewhat insisted that we move forward and unlock our dreams, as she's done in all aspects of my life, and both her and Blake have been extremely supportive .. Just do it


4.Who are some people or bands you look up to as inspiration or influence?

Jenny Lewis, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Benji Hughes, and Bill Murray


5.What do you enjoy most about performing, or even least about it?

I enjoy feeling like the soundtrack and connecting to people, I do not enjoy messing up and if no one likes it. :)


6.How did Whispertown 2000 start?

Jenny insisted I started performing and brought Tod and I together, the 3 of us played a few shows together, then Tod and I continued acoustic through mountain and valley and ended up in a family affair with Casey, Tod's brother on bass, and Vanesa Corbala singing harmoniously, getting tambourine bruises.


7.On the road, what did you discover that you weren't quite aware of before?

California really has the best produce.


8.Do you do much preparation for a show?

Most prep work goes into writing and arranging new stuff, then we just need a run through or 2 :) So we think..


9.Who would you like to go on the road with?

Bob Dylan, The Black Lips, Dr. Dog, The White Stripes, Lucinda Williams...


10.What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Benji Hughes, The Black Lips, and The Staple Singers

Some old favourite records?

John Prine-John Prine, John Prine,-The Missing Years,Tom Waits- The Early Years Vol. 1 and 2, Built to Spill- Perfect From Now On, Townes Van Zandt- Flin' Shoes, Paul Simon- Negotiations and Love Songs

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

Michael Runion's new record

Last vinyl purchased?

Neva Dinova- You May Already Be Dreaming.... a diamond in the rough

Last Movie you saw and show you went to?

Role Models, She and Him



www.myspace.com/whispertown2000

Mika Miko

Infusing sounds and clashing noises, Mika Miko are a five piece band based out of Los Angeles California. The band includes guitarist Michelle Suarez, bassist Jessica Clavin, drummer Seth Densham, and duel vocalists Jenna Thornhill (also saxophone) & Jennifer Clavin (also guitar). Their music combines influences and beyond to create a wild ride of ruckus. With a new album to be released soon, Michelle took some time to answer some questions about what makes up Mika Miko.



1. Can you tell us how the band came about, where everyone is from and the drummer changes..

The band came about in 2003, sometime. We are all from southern California. Our dummer...is new! And a boy. It's a boy!!!


2. Who or what are some influences for the band?

We all really appreciate music. All of us have different influences: people, music, food, clothing, books, etc.


3. What is the songwriting process like for you guys?

Usually one of us comes up with a riff and we piece it together at practice. Piece by piece, brick by brick.


4. What is your favourite song to do live and why?

I like doing Business Cats because sometimes people know the words and it's really something to see people sing along.


5. How would you describe the band to someone who had no idea what you were about?

I hope that they would believe me when I said...A PARTY! AN AWESOME PARTY.


6. Besides this band, are you involved in different projects?

I think we are all doing our own thing. It's a mystery. I do not really know my bandmates.


7. What's the best & worst part of touring?

Sometimes, the worst makes for a great story. And the best is when you have enough money to go eat at a restaurant together and brush your teeth in the restroom.


8. Apart from the band, what do you do for fun, do you have separate jobs?

We do all kinds of things. Some of us are working outside of home, and some of us work from home.


9. Are Mika Miko currently working on any new material?

We are releasing a new record very soon. Mayish, I believe. It's getting mastered today.


10. What are some bands you are currently listening to?

Currently, I am listening to Stickmen with Rayguns.

Some old favourites/favourite records?

Old favorites....Misfits. Definitely.

Anything you're looking forward to being released?

The Remo Voor 7". I heard it's going to be really good.

Last cd/vinyl/digital purchased?

I got a copy of the SCREAMERS demos LP with red ink, not blue. But really the last record I bought was for someone else. For Jennifer's birthday, I gave her a Barracudas record.

Last movie and/or show you saw?

Last movie I watched was Beethoven's 2nd. It was really retarded but cute. I also just started watching Lost and it is REALLY COOL!



myspace.com/mikamiko