Q and A with the Dolls_ Piera Boston

'Music and Your City'

Precursor: I have a weird taste in music...

.Whats the best part about the city you live in?
boston is an AWESOME college town. it's young and lively, something to do all the time. Variety of bars, sports events, easy transportation to get to all of them.

.What was the last concert you went to?
 Last concert was technically all of our friends' band (Culprit), but mainstream was I believe a Nas concert held at Brandeis.

.What was the first concert you went to? Who went? N*SYNC!!! Maggie went (it was her birthday! 14 i think?) and a couple other friends from junior high: Samantha, Sarah, Taryn, Gorney.

.Which Bands/Artists shaped your taste in music?
Well people say I like a certain type of music and a term is used that isn't exactly PC. I love pop and hip hop, but my go to for the everyday (walking around, chillin in the car, studying) is a mix of Radiohead, Muse, Elliot Smith, few Coldplay songs... to get me amped: BRIT! or techno (the euro trend...Rio, David Guetta, some Cascada...)

.In your opinion what is the best spot in your city? Newbury Street or the North End. Newbury street has awesome shops (when the funds are available), but the North End has the best Italian food (it's the Italian section) and an awesome pastry shop called Mike's Pastries. to die for. 

.Favorite season in said city? Spring. I hate the cold, so to have 60 degree weather after months of 30-40 degree weather accompanied by rain and snow, makes 60 feel like the 80. Perfect weather, for me, is where you can have a light sweater/jacket on and a t-shirt underneath, but be comfortable with or without the sweater.

.What is your favorite venue to hear music in the city?
I haven't been to a concert in Boston, but one of my favorite restaurants in Watertown (called Not Your Average Joe's) always plays Jack Johnson which makes me super happy.

.Any places you have yet to go to that you want to visit there?
Have yet to go to Fenway Park to see the Green Monster, and REALLY need to get to a Celtics game. I also want to go to the Modern Art Museum and the Isabella Gardner Museum.

.Top five artists/bands of the moment?
Oasis, David Guetta, Maroon 5 (ALWAYS), Radiohead, Elliot Smith

.Any releases you're excited for?
At the moment, not particularly.

.Has music shaped your life in anyway?
I never got into music until high school. I had a guilty pleasure for light rap/hip-hop in junior high and my dad never let me listen to it in the car. I think it resulted in suppressing my music endeavors, but once high school hit and got my own car, I made sure I had the latest releases.

.Do you play any instruments? I use to play the recorder and clarinet in elementary school. Those were the days...I really want to learn how to play guitar.

.Favorite Boston institution? Boston's museums are great. Most people dread museums, so my second favorite place to the MFA is probably this restaurant called the Union Oyster House. Ever since my recruiting trip to Brandeis, my dad and I have gone to the Union Oyster House to have clam chowder and oysters on the half shell before we go to Durgen Park by Faneuil Hall for lobster. It's a tradition.

.Where do you go to hear or find about new music?
While at school I don't get to listen to the radio and keep up on the newest releases. So, I search iTunes for the free music, new releases, and top downloads.

.I feel like music has a way of inspiring art in all forms, how has it (if at all) influenced your chosen art form?
There's certain music I listen to when I write versus when I study, but also when I'm relaxing or drawing/painting. Freshmen year I took a painting class. Everyday I would have to paint, and I always listened to the same mix. For some reason, it made me concentrate and I felt I painted better: Oasis, Radiohead, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Fleetwood Mac, Mars Volta, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle, Bright Eyes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Citizen Cope...to name a few.

.What in your opinion is soo Boston? ex: jews and retirement homes in florida.
(No response)

Any artists/bands you wish would shut up?
(No response)

.Compile a 6 song long playlist of songs that you're feeling at the moment.
So Rich, So Pretty- Mickey Avalon
Sexy Bitch- David Guetta ft. AkonHey
Soul Sister- Train
In the Waiting Line- Zero7
Undisclosed Desires- Muse
Swing- Ministry of Sound