Flogging Molly...and Amanda

I was living in Seattle [in 2005], across the street from the Space Needle...in the shadow of the Space Needle, really — no sunlight, and rain to boot; it made me want to sleep a lot. It was Bumbershoot weekend; that’s a huge outdoor music festival every year at the Space Needle. I was chilling in my apartment, thinking about a nap before I had to emcee later when — holy hell — the loudest and rowdiest band in the universe was blaring through my window! I would have been annoyed if they had not been so amazing.

Flogging Molly literally got me off of my arse and pulled me across the street to see one of the most memorable live shows of my concert-rich life. Infectious and charismatic do not even begin to describe it. I was envious of the energy these guys and gal could emit for such an incredible length of time. Every song was instantly likable and out-of-control good. They even have a real Irishman to add to the authenticity. Not to mention a line-up of phenomenal musicians. Combining traditional Irish music and full-on punk and making it sound so good gave me chills. I will never forget that day.

When I get off the air at 2 a.m., Flogging Molly’s the only thing that keeps me from swerving off the road when I drive home at ungodly hours. After chilling for four hours [playing cuts for the Big Sonic Chill program], I need a good dose of Irish punk. Give me a mandolin and fiddle mixed in with some good punk and I’m a happy kid.

DJ: Amanda Thorne

Station: FM 94/9

Shift: 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Sunday–Friday