Diego Souto is our featured SSR Interview this time around.Diego hails from Buenos Aires and is a former chemist.One listen to the uncanny blend of grace and violence in his music and you will quickly realize the connection between his musical visions and his alchemist sensibilities.But don't let these terms pigeon-hole his art; Diego's musical journeys invite us all to explore the wonder and beauty of life and truth.And ,like Diego's music,they are often filled with unsuspected surprises...  SSR: What made you pick up the Stick in the first place?  DS: Music made me do it, I believe... She makes a requests and sees which one of us is ready to respond.More than one musician playing together in perfect communion becomes possible within one single body... The ying and the yang united by a purpose.... That is the reason for The Stick to exist and that is the reason I picked up this particular instrument.  SSR: Have you studied music theory?  DS: Yes, I've...

The featured interviewee for this installment of the SSR Interview is none other than Don Schiff.A true veteran of the Chapman Stick,premier exponent of the NS/Stick,an incredible bassist,and in-demand session and touring artist.His albums "Timeless" and "Wait by the River" are jaw dropping forays into the many sides of the Stick and NS/Stick.His work with  Lana Lane  and Eric Norlander are no less exemplary.His "resume" reads like a who's who of Rock 'n' Roll (Elvis Presley,Tina Turner,Sheryl Crow) and an "A" List of stage and screen's elite ( Bob Hope,The Muppets,Rachel Welch,Sammy Davis). Don has even managed squeeze in a little acting,and is a contributor to  NS/Stickist.com ,the  Stickist.com  companion site.But, let's let the man speak for himself.Brace yourselves!I am sure Don has had his coffee today.... SSR  Howdy Don! Hope that the Holidays went well for you and that your  family is doing fantastic. Manny Tau fro...

Originally published circa 2005 Welcome to our first ever Strada-Sphere Radio Interview.We have chosen Stickist.com webmaster and all around cool guy Manny Tau for our maiden voyage.His Authorized Stickist.com site is the busiest Stick related site on the web (after Stick.com) and he has done it all without any sponsorship and completely profit free. Those of you who may not know Manny outside of his Stickist.com activities will enjoy his personable candor and humble attitude.  SSR: Tell us a little about yourself.  **MT: Hi Juan.Let's see, a little about myself. I'm Chinese,born in Queens, New York City. I actually spoke Mandarin with a Yiddish accent until about age 12, losing the accent after moving to Southern California around age 7. I'm married to a wonderful wife, Ann, and we currently live in San Clemente, CA. For the "serious" stuff, I'm a clinical and forensic psychologist specialized in threat assessments and active threat management (...

"Stickistas:A compilation of the art of Hispanic Chapman Stick players and composers" Various artists/The Stick Center In a recent e-mail correspondence with Emmett ,we discussed the Stick Center release of the compilation CD "Stickistsas". This is a collection of 22 compositions by various Stickists from the Hispanic/Latin/Chicano community. I will quote directly from the e-mail and also add a bit more "spice" here and there and lend this "re-review" a bit of journalistic flair. Guillermo Cides' Stick Center in Spain has done much to promote the Stick and it's artists in the Spanish speaking countries of all continents and the release of "Stickistas" is just on facet of proof on a diamond of passionate evidence. The "Stickistas" CD is outstanding! The variety and scope of styles is what I like about great compilations,and this is no exception.I am particularly interested in what the Stick Bassists are up to.I,...