Salem Monthly: What was your favorite album from 2007?
Tauren Blackman: The only album from local area band I know has came out in 2007 is Quandry ... but I'm more partial to Akuma's new recordings.

SM: Who is the most promising new act to debut in 2007?
TB: Akuma

SM: What was the most memorable music moment in 2007?  
TB: When Jason of Akuma jumped on the bar at the coffee house and continued to sing when the PA got turned off on him. A very metal moment.

SM: What album are you looking forward to in 2008?
TB: Still Dead ... ha ha!

SM: What is your prediction for the local music scene in 2008?
TB: More and more people are starting to pay attention to local bands. Local bands, I believe, are starting to get a little more diverse and better at what they do. My prediction and hope is for more of a local scene and support, although we have lost a main factor in that by losing Bone Daddy Kris ... RIP

SM: What was your favorite album from 2007?
PD: "2 EPs" by Mill Race

SM: Who is the most promising new act to debut in 2007?
PD: Soylent Sons

SM: What was the most memorable music moment in 2007?
PD: Mill Race's CD release concert in August

SM: What album are you looking forward to in 2008?
PD: I know that Breviamor is planning to record soon. I'm looking forward to that.

SM: What is your prediction for the local music scene in 2008?
PD: Mill Race and Nodding Tree Remedies will both become world famous, which will create a new reputation for Salem as a musical mecca.

Kid Espi

Hot In Pursuit

SM: Who is the most promising new act to debut in 2007?
KE: Hot In Pursuit

SM: What was the most memorable music moment in 2007?
KE: The Living Legends coming to Salem

SM: What album are you looking forward to in 2008?
KE: Jewelia Owens

SM: What is your prediction for the local music scene in 2008?
KE: I think different genres will begin meshing music together and venues will begin to appear that do all-age shows with 21+ drinking areas.

Kid Espi
"Hip Hop Music"
From the release "Satisfaction Guaranteed."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrgdxlC_C4c