Music | 7 questions with…

Every Tuesday at 6pm on The Bridge, local music writer and Middle of the Map Fest organizer Chris Haghirian and The Bridge’s Sarah Bradshaw shine a light on the people, music, and events in the 816 area code during “Eight One Sixty”. A regular feature, 7 Questions, gets to the heart of a musician’s passion, past, and… purchase history.
This week, to kick-off the 7 Questions debut on Flatland, we turned the tables on Chris and had him answer his own questions. How did he like them apples? Let’s see:

1. What’s the first album you remember receiving as a child/buying with your own money?

The first album I was given was Phil Collins’ “No Jacket Required” — my dad gave it to me in 1985. It won the Grammy for Best Album that year. The first CDs I bought with my own money were “Achtung Baby” (1991), Steve Miller Band’s “Greatest Hits” (1987), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Greatest Hits” (1993).

2. What was your first concert/first local band you remember seeing?

First concert I saw was Van Halen, July 27, 1993 at Sandstone. First local band I saw, Bawl, in St. Joe, MO with Sumo (Mike Bransfield).

3. What’s your favorite film that has anything to do with music?

“Almost Famous.” “High Fidelity.” Depends on the day.

4. If you could hop on a van/tour bus with any current touring band, who would it be?

The National. St. Vincent. Or Damien Rice. And maybe Sigur Ros.

5. What’s a KC band/musician that has heavily impacted you?

The Appleseed Cast — my gateway drug. I first saw them at The Brick on July 12, 2000; they opened up for Mates Of State. That changed everything for me.

6. What song do you wish you would have written?

Anything from Damien Rice’s “O” or The National’s “Boxer” albums.

7. Complete this sentence, “Without music I would be ______.”

Lost. It’s pretty much involved in every part of my life.

— This week’s podcast, with the full interview and song list, is available at Eight One Sixty.