Dispatch from Around the Globe – Summer Quarantine Edition
telco is the NYC based solo project of Pennsylvania native musician/self-producer Michael Gilbride. The alternative rock / indie pop project began from the confines of Gilbride’s apartment as a collection of demos that eventually evolved into the project’s debut EP, “my name is not kaiser”, set to be released on September 4th. The project’s debut single, “Say Hello” (set to be released August 14th, 2020) seeks to examine the push and pull between the conflicting desire to be alone and the desire to share your life with someone you love.”
What’s your favorite song that reminds you of summer?
“Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I had their record on CD and it was one of the first songs I listened to with the windows down when I first started driving so it always conjures up that feeling for me.
We are always looking for new film and television to check out. What’s your favorite thing you’ve watched over the past few months?
This is embarrassing but “Love Island UK”. My girlfriend and I somehow fell down a reality TV rabbit hole since the quarantine started and Love Island has been my favorite.
Your vacation plans probably got thwarted due to the global pandemic. Where had you hoped to travel to this summer? Where are you planning to do some fun, summer things this year instead?
I was supposed to travel to California for a wedding. It would’ve been my first time on the West Coast which I was looking forward to. Instead we’ve been trying to visit some State Parks in Pennsylvania to do some socially distanced hiking/swimming.
Can you recommend a local, Black owned business that we should check out?
I’m from Scranton, PA and Westside Flava‘s is a great Black owned business to get some great food from. They’re right across the street from where I went to high school so it’s extra special to me.
What’s your favorite shore town?
Atlantic City, NJ. My parents used to take me and my brother to AC every summer. Something about the boardwalk and casinos is very nostalgic for me.
Lots of people have been releasing music over quarantine. What’s your favorite release that came out since March?
“The New Abnormal” by The Strokes. I grew up listening to The Strokes, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, etc and I think their influences are pretty apparent in anything I write.
What’s your favorite summertime tradition?
Cookouts with my family. We only get a few weeks of solid summer weather in Pennsylvania so my family always tries to make the most of them by doing some swimming, cooking, and drinking.
What’s your favorite summertime treat?
Ice-cream. It’s my weakness.
You’ve probably sharpened your cooking skills since quarantine began. What’s your favorite thing to make for a meal these days?
Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely hate cooking. Quarantine didn’t change that… Just give me something I can microwave.
Best summer concert you ever saw? What’s your favorite venue to see a summer concert in?
Bleachers played in my hometown (Scranton, PA) a few years back for a festival and it was just unreal. I’m a huge fan of Jack Antonoff so seeing him in my hometown was special for me. My favorite venue is probably the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. It was close by so I was able to see a lot of my favorite artists play there.
Favorite Philly bands right now?
Peace and the City Grease. My manager used to work with their lead singer and introduced me to them… they’re incredible.
Favorite non-Philly bands right now?
070 Shake was the last live show I went to. I’ve had her debut album on repeat all year. I’m also a big fan of Future Generations and Barrie, they’re two indie bands I saw a few times when I was living out in the NYC area.
Favorite Summer Blockbuster(s)? Did you see it in the theater?
“Jaws”. I get second-hand summer nostalgia for my parents from that movie. Unfortunately it was released just a bit before my time…
Current summer reading? All time favorite summer read?
I’m admittedly not the biggest reader… I think forced Summer Reading lists in high-school made me hate it. I remember frantically reading 5 books the week before school started and it still gives me anxiety.
What’s your favorite summer jawn?
Drinking some sort of cheap beer outside in the sun. There’s just no better feeling.
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