To celebrate God Is In The TV’s 20th birthday, we’ve been reflecting on the last 20 years.
Behind the scenes of God is in the TV is a team of talented writers with a passion for all things music related – and we thought that it’d be nice to put them in the spotlight.
Some of our writers recently sat down to answer a series of questions about the last 20 years in the music – covering their favourite albums, memorable live performances and much more.
Today we’re chatting to Mike Turner, who has been writing for the site since 2015.
What was your first review for God is in the TV?
It would either be a bandcamp round up feature or R.E.M. Reckoning.
What’s your favourite album?
That’s a real hard one. I’d say it’s a toss up between the second self-titled Tindersticks album, Pylon Gyrate, Clinic Internal Wrangler, Pixies Doolittle, or Siouxsie & the Banshees Peepshow. It’s really too hard to pick a single album, hell I could list 20 that I love equally.
What’s your favourite review that you’ve written for God is in the TV?
R.E.M. Reckoning or The Cure Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.
Which artist has had the biggest impact on your life?
This is another tough one. It’s a toss up between Olivia Tremor Control as that is how I got involved in Elephant 6, Pylon as that’s how I ended up moving to Athens or Tunabunny as that band reignited the fire in me with my own record label.
What’s the best show that you’ve attended?
There is no way to pick just one. So I’ll do my top five. Nirvana / Breeders 1994, Olivia Tremor Control 1998, Pylon 2004, Daniel Johnston 2007, the Mummies 2018.
What’s the most memorable show that you’ve reviewed for God is in the TV?
I’ve never done a show review for God is in the TV.
What’s the most disappointing show that you’ve attended?
The Shins in 2005. They seemed like they really didn’t want to be there.
What’s been your greatest musical discovery writing for God is in the TV?
Basside from Miami, Florida.
What’s your favourite soundtrack?
I don’t own any soundtracks, but the soundtrack to ‘Basquiat’ is pretty solid.
Which artist have you seen the most?
Outside of bands I’ve tour managed like Tunabunny or Eureka California, that would be either Deerhoof or of Montreal.
What’s the furthest that you’ve travelled to a show?
Athens, Georgia to Derby, UK for Indietracks.
What’s your favourite venue?
Most house shows I’ve been to, you can’t beat that feeling.
Is there a show or a tour that you missed, which you bitterly regret?
Electrelane and Broadcast.
Do you have a favourite collaboration?
The His Name Is Alive / Pale Saints collaboration under the name ESP Summer is amazing.
Who’s the most impressive support act you’ve seen?
Elekibass opening for of Montreal in 2000.
What’s your favourite music video?
‘4th of July’ by Galaxie 500 is great, but there are too many to list and I can’t pick a favorite so let’s say that one, or maybe the Pixies ‘Velouria’.
Who do you think is the most underrated artist?
So many countless rosters of great indie labels, but if I was going for a pop artist let’s say Dee-Lite.
Who do you think is the most overrated artist?
I have no idea, but let’s say Mozart. He’s dead so no way he’s gonna read this.
Has your music taste changed?
It’s changing every day, which I find exciting.
Have you met any musicians? If so, what was your favourite encounter?
Running a record store, tour managing, and working at the world famous 40 Watt Club I’ve met a lot. Most down to earth and just all around good people would go to the Breeders.
