Sacha Levine
The sous chef of FnB says, "I don't just love food, I effing heart music as well."
When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? It's kinda always set to NPR. Occasionally, there are really fantastic interviews with obscure, worldly, and mainstream music artists. I feel the art form of radio performance and music has been lost.
What's the first record you bought? I bought a lot of random records in high school to make art from the covers, but I suppose those don't really count.
What's the first concert you saw? I was a die-hard Garbage fan at the ripe age of 13. My BFF and I saw them at the House of Blues in Vegas at the height of the Version 2.0 album. I couldn't really handle it and was quickly ushered to the back. How lame, in hindsight.
What's your favorite concert you've ever been to? By far, Le Tigre at the Marquee right after Bush got re-elected. The energy and the crowd were so sincere and so angry, it was absolutely electrifying.
What's the last song played on your portable music player? By portable music player, you are referencing the Discman I've got rigged to my lighter to play CDs in the car. "Measuring Cups" by Andrew Bird was the song I exited the echo from.
What's your favorite CD? Probably a CD I've had for years and still play. Maybe Squirrel Nut Zippers, Perennial Favorites.
Who is your favorite singer or band? To narrow it down to one is too difficult. The Cold War Kids for transcending music to art. Gossip, Le Tigre, and Gravy Train, for being so gay and political. Cake and Beck for continuing to be so dynamic. The Thermals for being the best garage punk, Portland-based band ever!
What was your favorite new or new-to-you album from 2010? 2010 musically was very disappointing for me. Matt and Kim, The Thermals, and the Cold War Kids all put out new over-produced albums. On the other hand, my super-rad music aficionado girlfriend introduced me to such girl talents as The Blow, Thao + The Get Down Stay Down, Mirah, and Kristen Allen-Zito. So that in itself was a good year.
What one song would you play if you had a worldwide radio audience? Well, that's easy! "Suck My Left One," by Bikini Kill.
What is your favorite local music venue? Definitely the Rhythm Room. The shows are cheap, and so is the booze. In addition to this, you are so close to the act, you can taste their sweat.
Who is your favorite local band? The Venomous Pinks. Hardcore punk chicks with a Laverne and Shirley cover; how could you go wrong?
What is your favorite music video? Santogold has this rad video ("L.E.S. Artistes"). It seems violent, but in actuality it's just people jumping on watermelons and such.
