Born on the outskirts of Motown and raised in the shadow of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Joe has been writing about rock music since interviewing Shudder to Think's Craig Wedren for his high school newspaper -- back when bands like Shudder to Think were recording for major labels. He's written for the Cleveland Free Times, Alternative Press, the Village Voice, SuicideGirls and a variety of other online publications and blogs, some of which have not existed in years. He started with Townsquare in 2011 writing for Loudwire and Ultimate Classic Rock, and has been with Diffuser.fm since it launched in spring 2012.
Joe Robinson
10 Bands Influenced by Ray Manzarek and the Doors
Jim Morrison's deep, bellowing baritone was the voice of the Doors, but it was Ray Manzarek's signature Vox Continetal organ playing that was the heart and soul of the band's sound.
Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon Discusses Split From Thurston Moore, Breast Cancer Bout
We're not going to say "we told you so," because, well, we never went on the record to express our personal opinion on this subject, but privately, we had our sneaking suspicions that the breakup of Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon in late 2011 was caused by infidelity on the part of the former. Turns out we were right, and that a "starstruck woman" from the indie co
Dropkick Murphys Raise $65K for Boston Marathon Bombing Victims
Boston natives the Dropkick Murphys have always been closely associated with their hometown, and the band has used that connection to help raise $65,000 for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and their relatives. The Murphys raised the loot in less than 15 hours by selling a Beantown-themed t-shirt through the merchandise section of their website.
Daft Punk Premiering New Album In Small Australian Town
Daft Punk have selected Wee Waa, Australia -- a rural town with a population of 2,400 located about 250 miles from Sydney -- to host the world premiere of their new album, 'Random Access Memories.' Thousands of fans are expected to join locals for the "global album launch party," which will take place outside, among the sheep and cattle of the Western Plains during sunset on the evening
Unseen Kurt Cobain Suicide Scene Photos Published
We thought for sure that by now, on the 19th anniversary of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's death, every last shred of documentation regarding the iconic rocker's suicide would have been unearthed. Turns out we were wrong.
Courtney Love To Judge TV Reality Contest?
Why didn't we think of this? When Diffuser.fm unveiled our picks for Rockers We'd Like To See As 'The Voice' Mentors last year, Courtney Love was nowhere to be seen. But in retrospect, the walking drama magnet is the perfect choice to appear as a personality on a reality TV singing competition, and apparently, she's in talks to do just that.
Mona Discuss New Single, ‘Goons (Baby I Need It All)’ – Video Premiere
"Frank Sinatra, when he was talking about rock 'n' roll, referenced the genre and the people who listened to it as cretinous goons," says Nick Brown of Nashville-via-Ohio rockers Mona, explaining in the above video -- which Diffuser.fm is pleased to premiere -- the story behind his band's new single, 'Goons (Baby I Need It All).' " if Sinatra was born later, he would've been a roc
Lollapalooza 2013 Lineup Confirmed: The Cure, Mumford and Sons, the Killers and Nine Inch Nails Headlining
The Cure, Mumford and Sons, the Killers and Nine Inch Nails have been confirmed as headliners for Lollapalooza 2013, which takes place in Chicago's Grant Park on Aug. 2-4. The four monsters of alt-rock top a bill featuring dozens of artists, with Phoenix, New Order, the Postal Service and Vampire Weekend among the other top-tiered acts.
Vampire Weekend, Steve Buscemi March in Easter Parade Together
Possibly trying to regain some goodwill after the bizarre public relations nightmare that ignited over the decision to torch a few Saabs in their new 'Diane Young' video, Vampire Weekend recruited beloved character actor Steve Buscemi to march with them in yesterday's (March 31) Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York City.
Members of Pearl Jam, the Stooges + More Holding Benefit Auction for Guitarist Frank Ruffino
Members of Pearl Jam, the Stooges, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Black Flag, Rancid and many other bands are teaming up to raise money to help guitarist Frank Ruffino -- founder of the influential Orange County, Calif., punk band China White -- get the liver surgery that may save his life...
Vampire Weekend Perform ‘Diane Young’ + Other New Songs on ‘QTV’
The Internet was aflutter this morning thanks to Vampire Weekend's appearance on the Canadiann show 'QTV,' where they played three songs from their forthcoming album 'Modern Vampires of the City.' Ezra Koenig and the boys tore through lead single, 'Diane Young' (watch above at 6:20); 'Unbelievers" (below at 19:09); and 'Ya Hey' (below 43:34). The videos also include rather in-depth interviews
Foxygen Cancel European Tour Dates Citing ‘Creative Health’ Concerns
California-based indie duo Foxygen have cancelled a slew of upcoming U.K. and European tour dates in support of their new album, 'We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic,' insisting that their "creative health" is contingent on them not continuing with the scheduled gigs.