Name: Tom Bastian (Sr. Staff Writer)

Age: 27

Hometown: Skippack, Pennsylvania

Occupation: Safety Professional for Pharmaceutical Company

College: Graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Occupational Safety

Music "Scene" Background: I guess I first "officially" got my start in the "music business" while in college. I was a DJ at the Millersville University radio station (91.7FM, WIXQ). For two years I was also the Music Director at the station. During that time I put on shows in the Lancaster, PA area as well. Towards the end of my college days I got involved with Decapolis and eventually became the Music Editor for the site. I’m now a Senior Staff Writer for Decapolis.

Interests Outside of Music/Decapolis: My wife gave birth to our son Elliott James on August 29^th, 2003. So he’s for sure been keeping us busy. Great kid! I also have a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. So when the weather is nice and I have the time I like to ride. Also enjoy movies, going out to eat with friends and basically just getting together with people to hang.

Favorite Bands: Beach Boys, U2, Brandtson, Pedro the Lion, Wilco, Nirvana, Alkaline Trio, Tom Petty, Jets to Brazil, Bright Eyes, Flaming Lips, Tool, Beatles, All/Descendants, Radiohead and the list goes on.

Bands I’ve Been In: None. Well actually that’s not true I played the Alto Saxophone in the Junior and Senior (until 11^th grade) High Band and the Tenor Saxophone in High School Jazz Band…although I was never that good.

City I See the Most Shows In: At this point it would be Philadelphia. During college it would have been Lancaster, PA. Rarely will I venture to DC, Baltimore or New York to see a show…because a majority of the bands play Philly shows anyway.

Favorite TV Shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (RIP) and Survivor. I’m also a big fan of the NFL (go Eagles) and MLB (Phillies).

Favorite Movies: Stand By Me, ET, Bottle Rocket, The Royal Tennenbaums and all the Star Wars movies…yes I said all of them, I enjoyed Episode 1 and 2.

Favorite Zine (online and/or print): I honestly don’t really read too many online zines. I sometimes check out Buddyhead and get a chuckle from their "gossip" section but that’s about it. Plus I like what they do at Pitchfork Media too. I also have to admit I read Rolling Stone (they definitely have some of the best Rock Journalist out there, even if they don’t always cover a lot of the music I’m into).  Blender has been covering some decent stuff lately also. I also enjoy reading Magnet, Punk Planet, and CMJ to try to keep up on whats going on in the scene as well.

Email Address: tombastian@comcast.net

Website: http://www.xanga.com/dignan_rocket