Michele Reverte

Michele Reverte

Freelance writer, photographer, proofreader and editor.

LAist •

Catching Up With Eddie Izzard Before He Takes Over The Hollywood Bowl

Nothing seems to be impossible for Eddie Izzard. He once ran 43 marathons in 51 days for charity. He performed his current show, Force Majeure, in three languages in three hours. And in five years, he'll be running for public office in the United Kingdom. His acting career has included roles in Hannibal, The Riches, Ocean's Twelve and Thirteen and Velvet Goldmine. But he's probably best known for his comedy specials, and whether he's in "boy mode" or "girl mode," the experience is both hilarious and insightful.
LAist •

Johnnyswim Showcases Their Chemistry on Debut Album 'Diamonds'

When Abner Ramirez invited Amanda Sudano to write music with him in 2005, his primary intention was to get some alone time with the hottest girl he'd ever met. But as they spent time singing and writing together, they realized their musical chemistry was something pretty special. The years that followed saw them form the band Johnnyswim, release three EPs, get married in 2009 and move from Nashville to Los Angeles. Their debut full-length album, Diamonds, was released in late April, and the 12 tracks traverse genres and reveal the complementary talents of this duo.
LAist •

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers' Benmont Tench Takes Center Stage With Debut Solo Album

Even if his name doesn't ring a bell, chances are you're familiar with Benmont Tench's talents. As a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers—and a member of its predecessor, Mudcrutch—his keyboard work is unmistakable. Add to that his contributions as a session player on albums by the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Fiona Apple, U2 and scores of others, and his presence is near-ubiquitous. Earlier this week, he reached a major milestone with the release of his first solo album, 'You Should Be So Lucky.'
LAist •

PAPA Talk About Their Debut Album 'Tender Madness,' Drumming Barefoot & How They Got Their Name

Even though their first full-length album, Tender Madness, won't be released until October 8, L.A.-based band PAPA has already established a presence as commanding as the capital letters in their name. LAist recently sat down with Darren Weiss (drums and lead vocals) and Danny Presant (bass)—who have known each other since childhood—to get the scoop on the new album, their must-watch video for "Young Rut," and the dangers of drumming barefoot.
LAist •

Record Store Day at Origami Vinyl to Feature Silversun Pickups, Nick Waterhouse and 10 DJs

Vinyl aficionados have been counting down the days to Record Store Day on April 20, when independent record stores around the world hold one simultaneous party—complete with exclusive releases. As usual, Origami Vinyl in Echo Park has an incredible lineup for Saturday's event, including a Silversun Pickups performance. LAist sat down with store owner Neil Schield to learn more.
LAist •

Singer Tift Merritt On a Lifetime of Making Music, What's On Her Mixtape, and Her Favorite Spot In L.A.

Tift Merritt's fifth studio album, Traveling Alone, proves that she's a musician at the top of her game. Whether revealing the certainty in subtlety, or the question in a foregone conclusion, Merritt's music is arresting in the best possible way. In spite of the album's title, Merritt—who grew up in North Carolina and lives in New York—didn't go it alone, and she recruited musicians such as Andrew Bird and Eric Heywood to lend their talents to these tracks.
LAist •

Musician Blake Mills Talks About Opening For Fiona Apple, Getting Half A Manicure And His Favorite Local Guitar Spots

During a recent flight, we had the chance to sit next to a writer for a well-known music publication. When we asked him who he thinks will be the next big thing in the music industry, he said, "In the next couple years, it's going to be all about Blake Mills. No question." It's not hard to see why. A musician from a young age, Mills has honed his skills to the point that he's become one of the go-to guys for both guitar and producing expertise.
LAist •

Folk Musician Ben Howard Talks About His Stunning Debut Album 'Every Kingdom'

When UK-based musician Ben Howard released his first album, Every Kingdom, he figured it would likely be a few years before he'd get to play larger venues and tour the United States. But word of his singing, songwriting and guitar skills spread quickly. Within months of its release in the UK last fall, the album went gold. Then, following Every Kingdom's US release in April, Howard sold out his first-ever L.A. shows at the Troubadour on June 5 and 6.
LAist •

Catch 'Voyageur' Kathleen Edwards at the El Rey Tuesday Night

Canadian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kathleen Edwards wrote her fourth album, Voyageur, in the wake of an unraveled relationship and recorded it as a new one blossomed. As a result, these 10 songs stick with the listener as they traverse roads both familiar and less traveled. Voyageur's guests further testify to the strength of Edwards' music. The lineup includes everyone from Norah Jones to co-producer (and Edwards' boyfriend) Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.
LAist •

China Forbes Previews Pink Martini's New Year's Eve Shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Any evening with Portland-based "little orchestra" Pink Martini is a party, and their two New Year's Eve shows at Walt Disney Concert Hall will be the perfect way to welcome 2012. The band, which is known for its genre-traversing music, released two albums this year—A Retrospective, the perfect compilation for longtime fans as well as those new to Pink Martini, and 1969, a collaboration with Japanese vocalist Saori Yuki. Yesterday, LAist spoke with Pink Martini lead vocalist China Forbes—whose gorgeous voice is a force to be reckoned with—to discuss her recent vocal cord surgery, why she loves L.A.'s music venues, and what to expect on New Year's Eve.
LAist •

Lisa Hannigan Returns to L.A. With Stunning Second Album, 'Passenger'

Dublin-based musician Lisa Hannigan has crafted a sophomore album just as strong as her first. Passenger explores themes such as travel, home and the passage of time—and no matter where you listen to the music, this album will make you yearn for the home Hannigan describes. Following years of collaboration with Damien Rice, Hannigan released her first album, Sea Sew, in 2008. Among other things, the record earned a Mercury Prize nomination and led to an appearance on "The Colbert Report."
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