Name: Mark Simmet
What's your job?
I'm a Studio One Host (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday) and I also manage the music we play. I determine what gets added to the library and I book bands to play in the studio.
What was the very last thing you listened to today? Be honest!
Alabama Shakes' new album "Sound & Color". My first thought when listening to it was that Brittany Howard is an incredibly soulful singer. It blows you away at how soulful she is.
What album have you been listening to a lot lately?
The first Uncle Tupelo album, "No Depression". They're a pretty important and influential band. Jeff Tweedy is a member, so I'm prepared to see Wilco this summer.
What is your favorite song today?
ÜBerlin by R.E.M. It's catchy.
Who is your least favorite artist/band right now?
Matt and Kim. A lot of bloggers agree with me on this. They didn't try very hard on their new album.
What is your current musical guilty pleasure?
Early Black Sabbath--the first few albums. I probably wouldn't play them on Studio One.
What is your favorite new release from the last 30 days?
Probably Laura Marling's new album "Short Movie". I never noticed how good she was before. I'm adding her old stuff into the library now.
What was the last concert you attended?
Shovels & Rope at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City.
Favorite concert you've ever attended?
Neil Young and Crazy Horse on their "Rust Never Sleeps" tour in St. Paul, MN.
First concert you went to?
Blue Oyster Cult in the Twin Cities area. They had lasers. It was very cool.
Do you remember the first album you ever owned?
The Monkees Greatest Hits on vinyl.
If you could be any musician for a day, who would it be?
Bob Dylan in 1966. He seemed like he was having fun. He was also creating the musical world we live in today.
Who is an artist you know you're supposed to like, but you just don't?
Bon Iver. I just can't get into it. I don't get it.
Where is your favorite location to listen to music?
I like listening in my living room for the sound quality but I also like listening while driving, Driving down the road while listening to music just works.
Do you play any instruments?
I played trumpet in school band, but stopped early in high school. I know the basic guitar chords in Mel Bay's book. I also attempted to learn piano during a January term class.
What is the weirdest album you've ever heard?
We have a Christmas album in the library called "A Rubber Band Christmas" by The Rubberband Band. All the sounds are made with office supplies...
