Every now and then I feel the need to
take a break from watching the news. Let's face it - any hardworking,
productive member of society has the right to tire of hearing about the
latest scams and crimes facing our society today, not to mention the
self-important celebrities who seem to be the biggest scam of all. But
lo and behold... Right around the time I fall in to the trap of feeling
sorry for myself and all the other poor working saps in this world, I
always seem to stumble upon a story that renews my faith in the human
race as a whole.
Special Education Teacher Michael Monagan and The Kids of Widney High
happen to be such a story.
We have each been dealt a hand of cards upon our entry into this world
of ours. Most of us hold average cards. Some lucky fools are dealt four
aces, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a 2005 GTO for their sixteenth
birthday. Depending on your perspective, you may think the Kids of
Widney High have been dealt sour hands. After all, who really wants to
spend life in a wheelchair or with a severe learning disability? All I
know is this - The Kids did not choose the cards that were dealt, but
are seemingly doing the best they can with them.
These young adults do not want our sympathy or special favors. They just
want a chance to rock ya. Well Kids, you got it. Mr. Monagan and group
member Matty were kind enough to share a slice of their story with me
one evening. Step aside Doobie Brothers, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and
Sacred Reich. The Kids of Widney High are taking the stage.
XMFan: Going back to your
beginnings as a young music fan, well before your teaching days, what
kind of influences did you have in music?
Michael: I would say
Jimi Hendrix is right on top of
the list. I'll never forget the first time I heard Purple Haze, and how
it seared into my brain and stayed there. I can't tell you how exciting
it was last week when my thirteen-year-old daughter who plays the bass
asked me if I'd teach her the song. The
Beatles and the Stones
were two others - at the time we were led to believe there was a rivalry
between the two groups, and I came out on the side of the Stones. At the
time there was lots of great guitar-driven music, so learning to play
guitar made sense.
XMFan: When did you realize
teaching and music would intersect in your life? Michael: When I started teaching
special ed I realized there was more freedom in terms of a curriculum. I
was able to incorporate a class that not only used music, but was also
about writing music and songs. That was something I loved doing anyway
and I was able to incorporate it in to my teaching.
XMFan: Matty, how does it feel to
perform on stage in front of an audience? Matty: It feels good and I like
it very much. It feels like you are enjoying yourself while helping
other people with their lives.
XMFan: Were you scared at first
when you sang in front of all those people? Matty: No, I wasn't scared at
all. Basically, you release your stress when you sing.
XMFan: Walk us through the early
stages of getting this program started. Michael: We had a teacher at
school years ago who did plays with the students, and my first year
there I watched their spring production. I enjoyed the play but felt it
could use some songs. I thought it would be fun to collaborate on a
project, and the teacher liked the idea, so we talked to the principal
about putting together a songwriting class. He also liked the idea, but
the drama class only did one play a year. The class didn't even pick a
play until the first semester was almost over, so we had a whole
semester to talk about the concept of writing an original song. The kids
had a wide reign over what to write about, as nothing was specific at
that point. The kids came up with all these great ideas - writing songs
about insects, cars, throwing away the trash...
Towards the end of the year, after writing songs for the play and just
for fun, I decided to take the kids to the studio and record an album.
We had a fundraiser at school to pay for the studio time, and a friend
who owned a studio gave us a good rate. So in the springtime that first
year we recorded the first album, which is on Rounder Records.
XMFan: I know each child is an
individual, but what kinds of changes do you tend to notice in the kids
after several years of working with them?
Michael: This class is something
they really like. When you're doing something you like, you tend to be
more motivated and much more interested in being part of the group. Even
someone who is kind of a wise guy will generally want to stay there and
do what he or she has to do to stay - even if it means curbing his or
her delinquent tendencies. (Laughs)
One of the things I love about all this is seeing how the class affects
the kids as a group, and how they become a cohesive team. I suppose it's
kind of like a sports team, where the kids look out for and take care of
each other. It's very rewarding for me.
XMFan: Matty, what are you
feelings towards Mr. Monagan? Matty: I think he's a cool
teacher, and we love him a lot. He helps us a lot.
XMFan: What are a few things
people have told you about your group? Matty: People think the group is
a good thing that helps teach us. They enjoy everything.
XMFan: What are some other things
you like to do for fun? Matty: I like to go outside.
Listening to the radio. I'm in a program for the disabled that gives us
lots of things to do.
XMFan: I've heard other
journalists mention several well-known names who are fans of The Kids.
Have you actually spoken to any of these celebrities? Michael: I've heard about most of
them second-hand. One example is when we were playing at the Vans Warped
Tour. A guy came up to me after the show and told me
Kurt Cobain was a big fan of
ours. He said Kurt had a Kids CD that Courtney then gave to the drummer
in his band and now he has it. I don't think he had any reason to make
up a story like that, but I can't say for sure.
XMFan: This will be an
interesting thing to put in the interview... Michael: Well, people who are in
a position like Kurt Cobain are never the most popular person in their
class. Whether it's Kurt, Michael
Jackson, or whoever, I think they feel different than most people
for one reason or another. I think when they see and hear the Kids'
music it's certainly not part of the mainstream. They feel connected to
it, so it makes sense to me.
XMFan: Is there a general formula
on how these songs come together? Michael: Not particularly. I
guess it usually starts with a lyrical idea, then we'll brainstorm
thoughts that have to do with that topic and the angle we want to take.
Usually from there I'll get an idea from the kids on which type of
musical style they want. We'll build a track from there using sequencing
software, a guitar, and keyboards. A melody will either come from one of
the kids singing something, or maybe by playing a simple one-finger
melody on the piano. Of course, some songs are finished quickly while
others take a much longer time. Some songs are just a dead end.
XMFan: Which artists and music do
you like, Matty? Matty: Everything, really. I like
pop and rap, a little heavy metal.
Eminem is my favorite rapper. XMFan: Any favorite TV shows? Matty: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
If I could meet one person it would be
Will Smith.
XMFan: As far as your future with
the Kids is concerned, do you plan on sticking around for a while? Michael: Well, I've got quite a
ways to go before retirement. (Laughs)
XMFan: What's your overall ball
o' wax feelings concerning the past fifteen years with the Kids? Michael: It was totally
unexpected. I guess it's kind of a tribute to the idea that you do what
you love and good things will happen. It's been a gratifying,
educational, wonderful eye-opener. It's also very humbling and has been
a great ride.
XMFan: Matty, how about your
feelings about your time with the group? Matty: Singing has helped me as a
person. I have confidence. We've gone to a lot of places like the House
of Blues and The Knitting Factory, and I feel good about myself.
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 43: Faith Hill 31 July 2008, 1:36 pm Faith Hill performs and talks about her future in this remarkable career-spanning edition of "Artist Confidential." The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Faith Hill can be heard all day on Monday, 8/4 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 42: Trisha Yearwood 31 July 2008, 1:33 pm Trisha Yearwood and a small band of musicians rock Studio A at XM's Jazz at Lincoln Center studio. Trisha answers audience questions and weaves together with a beautiful mix of songs, old and new. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Trisha Yearwood can be heard all day on Monday, 8/4 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 41: LeAnn Rimes 23 July 2008, 2:29 pm Nearly everyone remembers when LeAnn Rimes broke onto the music scene and what song she did it with. "Blue" was a runaway hit when LeAnn was 13 years old. It made her the youngest artist to ever win a Grammy award and the first Country artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Now at the ripe old age of 25, she's sold over 30 million albums, is fully established as one of Country music's leading ladies, and has no plans to slow down. She's been kind enough to visit XM several times over the years, and XM is happy to have her in a brand new Artist Confidential! She talks about her move to an album of all-original songs (the 2007 album, Family), where she wants her career to go, and singing on Kenny Chesney's tour this summer. And of course, she'll sing some of her hits exclusively for the XM Nation! The full one-hour Artist Confidential with LeAnn Rimes can be heard all day on Monday, 7/28 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 40: Randy Travis 17 July 2008, 3:18 pm Born in Marshville, North Carolina, Randy Travis has been one of the most distinctive Country artists for nearly 25 years. The 1980's established Randy as a return to traditionalism in Country music with hits like "Forever and Ever, Amen." In the late 1990's, Randy shaped his musical focus to include Gospel music as well. In 2003, Country and Gospel blended in his CMA Song of the Year, "Three Wooden Crosses." In addition to music, Randy Travis has over 40 TV and Film credits; but music is always first in his heart. Randy Travis joins XM for a special Artist Confidential - he plays requests from the SuperFans in the audience, discusses his life in music, and tells all about his latest project, Around the Bend, which was just released in stores and via download. Randy Travis - a modern country legend, on Artist Confidential! The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Randy Travis can be heard all day on Monday, 7/21 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 39: Night Ranger 9 July 2008, 2:49 pm Night Ranger formed in the early 1980s with five guys from the San Francisco Bay area. Their uncommon blend of pop melody with a hard rock edge earned them a large fan base quickly - and in 1984, the song "Sister Christian" alone gave real meaning to the term "Power Ballad." This year marks the 25th anniversary of Night Ranger, and they're set to release their first studio album in 10 years, called Hole in the Sun on July 15th. Join XM's George Taylor Morris for an Artist Confidential with Night Ranger, as they talk about getting back to the studio, what it takes to keep a band going for decades, and why they keep up such an intense tour schedule (proving you can always "Rock in America"). You'll also hear exclusive performances of some of their new material before you can buy it, along with some of their hits you know and love. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Night Ranger can be heard all day on Monday, 7/14 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 38: Foreigner 2 July 2008, 4:49 pm When they formed in 1976, the band consisted of 3 British musicians and 3 Americans that inspired the name: Foreigner. The band charted major hits starting with the debut album in 1977 and continued for 10 years. The list of hits reads like a who's-who of dashboard anthems: Cold As Ice, Feels Like the First Time, Head Games, Jukebox Hero, Urgent, I Want to Know What Love Is, and many more. Foreigner is still rocking millions of fans on tour more than 30 years later, and they talk about their journey through Rock & Roll history with George Taylor Morris on a brand new Artist Confidential. They'll play some of their hits, a brand new song they've included in a Greatest Hits anthology that's coming out on July 15th, and tell some exclusive stories about a band that's sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Foreigner can be heard all day on Monday, 7/7 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast