From East to North
From West to South
Everyone wants to be
Interviewed by Little Mouth!
hello i am called little mouth
that's because i have a little mouth
whenever i go out
the people always shout
there goes little mouth
Artist: William Steffey
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
Post Modern Rock: electronica, honest hard rock, and 70s FM
songwriting. I tend to make the music that I'm not hearing on the
radio yet. There hasn't really been a sensible culmination of prior
decades. It's all so sporadic, don't you think?
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
Thomas Dolby, The Smiths, Steely Dan, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots,
Bjork.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
see #2. Also storytellers like Harry Chapin, Suzanne Vega, and Jim
Croce. 80's masters like New Order, Duran Duran, and Def Leppard. And
naturally guitar heroes like Eddie, Joe, and Steve.
4. How long has your band been playing?/
How long have you've been playing
I started recording when I was 12. At that time, my dad was a rep for
several audio gear companies (e.g. Tascam, Shure, JBL) so I got a
factory sample 4-track recorder when I was just a pup. Started on
trombone in 4th grade. Guitar in 7th, keyboards, bass and drums
quickly followed.
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools
you played in, other bands you were in.
Basically self-taught. Played brass in concert band in junior high,
then jazz-band on guitar at Deerfield High School for several years.
These jazz band members would later create 'Captured by Robots', 'Blue
Meanies', and, well, William Steffey. Not to mention kick-ass trumpet
teacher Ross Bergseth and yoga master Steve Emmerman. Must have been
something in the water...
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I could play the "well, they're all like my kids and I love them
equally" game, but in all seriousness, they're all like my kids and I
love them equally. (stage whisper: 'waterside' from silver nitrate cd.)
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it
take complete a song?
Shortest song about 3 hours, longest 4 years. I'm trying not to ****
around so much though... I should be focused enough to complete things
within a week or so. I did a cover tune for a friend's birthday
recently and it took me only 3 days. I thought to myself- okay... you
can do your own tunes in 3 weeks tops if you apply yourself. I just
have to assign my priorities as such.
8. How did your band come together?/
How did you decide on your career?
Oh man, I wanted to be in a band since 3rd grade. I made up little
pretend bands around that age. I wanted to be famous since forever.
Then I was deathly afraid of fame. Now I don't know what the hell is
going on! My center says... 'William... you must make music...' so I
just follow that.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
On the surface, the love I have for women I'm close to. They tend to
be my proverbial muses. But I think that even if I'm writing a love
song that social commentary tends to come through all over the place.
So much in fact that sometimes I feel that "the love song" is actually
my medium.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most
symbolizes you and why?
LOL. My friend Lis equates everybody to some element on the periodic
table. The elements on the left are unstable... need to bond.
Everybody is evolving, drifting to the right... toward the independent
noble gases which occupy the far right column. What am I really? I'd
have to say Helium because it's a noble gas but it's still a little
tricky.
Additional: William Steffey is our first artist interviewd! Way to go!
Artist: Cling
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
Susi: Slick, Sonic seduction with Haunting vocals
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
Gerald: So many and so much music has changed my life but I think one of the biggest
influences was a CD that I picked up in a record shop in London about 12 years ago. It was
called the Starseed Transmissions and it was some of the most intricate, organic
electronica that I have ever heard, it gave me something to aspire to.
3. What bands/artists are your favourite?
Susi: Massive Attack
4. How long has your band been playing?
Susi: since 2004
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools Bands you played in,
other bands you were in?
Gerald: When I went to school music was not something that was taught in the way it is now,
all of what I have learned has been since leaving school. Some of my other projects back in
the 90`s were Oktober Project,Lightworker and Newton's Clockwork World. I produced different
types of music Oktober Project was quite minimal techno,Lightworker Ambient and Newton's
Clockwork World Drum and Bass, I still have all of this music on DAT so maybe one day I will
get it transferred and put it on MySpace.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favourite?
Susi: Abandoned, because we saw a rainbow in the sky as we were writing it, a beautiful omen.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it take to complete a song?
Gerald: That is a hard question to answer because our songs seem to go through some pretty
strange processes and life goes on in between. A lot of the time I will come up with an idea
using just a basic piano, Susi will then write some lyrics and then I will record the vocals
with the piano and then take the piano away and totally change the original chords and
structure of the song (a bit like a remix of a song that doesn't exist yet) and then proceed
to build an atmosphere to support the vocals. Then comes a lot more programming and
processing, most of our songs have taken about 2-3 months to complete but we do have to do
other stuff like administration and promotion which is very necessary but also very time
consuming. Clingmusic.co.uk has now become a record label and our music is now distributed
Digitally by Kudos Distribution on a world-wide basis so we also have run the business side
of things.
8. How did your band come together?
Susi : It was a natural progression of the love and respect that we have for each other,
Cling is our lovechild.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
Susi: It is all around us and deep inside of us.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most symbolises you and why?
Susi: H2o It is fluid and refreshing, able to transcend into different forms and shapes whilst still retaining its originality
Additional: Cling was the second artist to give us their music, thank you Cling!
Artist: DotMig
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
It’s an exuberant rollercoaster of genre’s that has many facets of everyday reality.
With no borders & no rules just individuality.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
The bands that influenced my creativity where the heavy hard hitting classic rock band’s
of the 70’s that produced compilations & rock opera’s. As music changed into the 80’s
heavy metal grew & absorbed a lot of attention, acts like Ozzy Osbourne
Judist Priest & AC/DC, as they hypnotized us with their blazing guitars & their razor sharp
lyrics that made you run for cover, for a new genre to emerge. The Sugar Hill Gang & Young
Mc, that
sparked a creative writing formula that possessed a new style of creativity.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
The Who, Santana, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Coldplay, David Bowie, Kid Rock & Madonna
4. How long has your band been playing?
The band has been playing 1 ½ years.
How long have you've been playing?
There is no time table on this,music has been built in my whole life.
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools
you played in, other bands you were in?
Concerts, musicals & small venue showcases & dance club track acts.
Guitar, none, MPK (Indie Band)
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I am going to narrow it down to 2 of my favorites.
SEXY-N-LEAN is #1, because SEXY-N-LEAN is the love of my life
“She’s my muse” ties together with #1, Shakespeare’s quote “only a king that the God’s can
stage for a princess to act & set you free”.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it
take complete a song?
About 2 months to finish a song.
8. How did your band come together?/
How did you decide on your career?
Exclusive producer DOTMIG slowly but surely formed the band, one recording at a time.
Engineer Guido Diaz auditioned his skills on guitar during a recording session & was
immediately inserted into the band & is a diamond in the rough when it comes to musicians.
SEXY-N-LEAN who is co-producer & co-writer with DOTMIG, helped form the rest of the band.
With hired musicians for particular tracks.
Harmonica – Felix Cabrera
Keyboards – Ricky Gonzalez
Background vocals – Erica Diaz
Drums – Matteus, Sean Patton & Ralph the professor
Bass – Mino Class
I decided on my career from my teenage years this has always been an aspiration for me. Also,
to write, produce & entertain. When the timing became right I was able to make it a full
time career.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
Life experiences, interaction with individuals, nature, my two beautiful dogs, my gorgeous
Muse & what’s inside of my heart.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most
symbolizes you and why?
Mercury – it separates in all different directions, then will always come together.
Additional: DotMig is the latest addition to our lineup!
Artist: Running Home
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
Suzanne: An extension of my feelings based on personal experiences
that cannot be put into just words.
Elizabeth: I really have kind of an adventurous personality, and I
guess my music reflects that. I love to listen to all kinds of music, so I
like to try to write in different styles and genres.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
Suzanne: Emmylou Harris and Allison Krauss are the main ones that come
to mind for me. I am impressed with their ability to write beautiful
lyrics and music.
Elizabeth: Hmmm...definitely Allison Krauss. She's one of my
all-around favorites. Dan Fogelberg, too. I really respect musicians that write
and play their own music. Kate Bush has been a big influence, too. I
really like that she tries all different musical styles. Dolly Parton,
too. She's an excellent musician and business woman.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
Suzanne: Led Zeppelin has been my favorite rock band for 30 years. I
also grew up listening to old country music: Willie Nelson, Waylon
Jennings. I really like Linda Rondstadt and Emmylou Harris, and Dolly
Parton. Ray Charles, too. And the Cajun artist Nathan Abshire. In the popular
music genre, I think Christina Aguilera is extremely talented.
Elizabeth: I grew up listening to old country music, too. My dad
played his Eddy Arnold album over and over. Definitely the Allman Brothers.
They're my favorite rock band. I looove Queen Latifah and Mary J.
Blige, Ann Savoy, Tom Waits, Rich Mullins. He's an all-around favorite,
too. Nina Simone and Louis Prima. Most of the old classics. Chaka
Khan. Oooh, and Etta James.
4. How long have you've been playing?
Suzanne and Elizabeth: We have been playing together since 1998 after
we met in our church choir.
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools
you played in, other bands you were in.
Suzanne: I started piano lessons at age 6 and took them until I was 18.
I learned clarinet in junior high school and tenor sax in high school.
I can play a few chords on the guitar and mandolin, too. I was in a
high school band called phaze, and I was the only girl in an all-guy
band. We played high school cotillions and dances. Elizabeth and I also
play in a bluegrass group called the Cajun Angels.
Elizabeth: I started guitar lessons at around 11 years old, but that
was only for a few months. My teacher was a high school student, and I
think he graduated and moved on shortly after that, so most of my guitar
is self-taught. I just recently started taking lessons again so that I
could learn theory and the right way to play things. I'm really
enjoying it, but it's not so easy. I also took piano lessons for about 6
months, and still try teach my self every now and then. If you need
someone to fill in on "When the saints go marching in", I'm your girl.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
Suzanne: I don't know if I have a favorite. They're all special in
their own way. The songs I write are like my kids, in a way. They have
their own special memories and feelings attached to them. When you hear
them, it brings you back to that all over again.
Elizabeth: Yup, I was going to say that, too. Each one has its own
special meaning. I'll hear the songs and be going, "oh yeah...."
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it
take complete a song?
Suzanne: The quickest I ever wrote a song was about 20 minutes. Others
have taken several days to a week. My inspiration comes in waves, and
some of the fastest ones that I've written have been after particularly
emotional times in my life.
Elizabeth: Well, that's a little tricky. a lot of times, I'll have an
idea brewing in my mind for several days, so by the time I put pen to
paper, it's pretty much done. Sometimes I wake up hearing the song. The
average, though, is around a week, because I'll polish and tweak for
awhile after I have the basic structure in place.
8. How did your band come together?/ How did you decide on your career?
Suzanne: Well, Elizabeth asked me if I wanted to play on her demo tape,
and then we added vocals, too. After we sent it out to record labels,
some people told us we should just release our own CD.
Elizabeth: Right, I'd been writing and performing my own songs for
years. Oh yeah, I forgot that part in the early question. I used to play
everywhere from coffee houses and parties to bible studies. Soemtimes
I would talk the performers at clubs into let me perform my songs on
their breaks. One time I got thrown out of a club because I got more
tips than the headlining band. Anyway, I was working on another demo
tape, and suzanne and I played together in the church choir. I just loved
her piano style. She's one of the most expressive keyboard players
that I know. When we worked on the demo, we found that our voices just
blended together. Just one of those really serendipitous things.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
Suzanne: From my faith, my children, my marriage, friends and family.
Nature is very inspirational to me. Sometimes seeing a really pretty
sunrise will inspire a phrase or a melody. This is going to sound crazy,
but sometimes listening to the birds when I'm sitting out in the yard is
inspiring, maybe because that can bring a sense of peace to me. Also,
Working with my roses and seeing the beauty and smelling the rich
perfume. And seeing a pretty lake or the ocean. Moving water is really
beautiful. It makes it's own music.
Elizabeth: Pretty much the same things. I try to keep a child-like
awareness of everything around me. Not to be confused with child-ish,
however, but that creeps in too, sometimes. :) Really, all of those
things that Suzanne said, but I also tend to be a more "confessional" kind
of writer than she is. I like to explore the nuances of relationships,
especially new, scary ones. I also like to try different exercises to
stretch as a musician and writer. So, sometimes I'll say, "This is
going to be a Cajun song", or "I'm going to write from the perspective of
(fill in the blank)."
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most
symbolizes you and why?
Suzanne: I like oxygen. Everybody needs it and I like to be needed.
Elizabeth: I like Mercury. Except not the toxic kind. I'm the
pet-friendly, kid-friendly kind. I like the idea of being changeable and
fluid. Not too rigid or unyielding as other elements.
Artist: Kalidas
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
I play devotional chanting music that is intended to get one into a more relaxed meditative state of consciousness.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
I've pursued my education by listening in on the chants that happened at the spiritual communities I lived in.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
It's hard to say. Mainly I like people who play authentic devotional music, not overproduced productions
4. How long has your band been playing?
About 2 years. I've played for over 6 years
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools you played in, other bands you were in.
Mainly I'm self taught. I play harmonium, an instrument used for Hindu devotional practices.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
My best CD is "Back to the Mother". I think it's pretty solid given what I had to work with.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it take complete a song?
It varies in length from the time I hear a chant to the time I actually play it for people. It could be a short time or years.
8. How did your band come together?/
How did you decide on your career?
Right now, we're small. Mainly I had the audacity to think I have something to offer. It's either audacity or confidence.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
IJ Dee-Vo has inspired me more than anyone. I mean, come on, look at the guy-he's amazing!
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most symbolizes you and why?
Hmm-tough one.
Additional: This is by far the greatest and smartest man ever to be interviewed
by Little Mouth. IJ Dee-Vo really is an amazing guy and finally it's about time someone
relized this..Kudos Kalidas!!!
Artist: Christopher K. G. Hagadone
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
Well I used to make a lot of spiritual songs…. But have decided to record and produce stuff…. Not so spiritual…. Like on my album “Expression” It was an album kind of breaking away from all that…. How I would describe “Expression” would be a multi genera CD ranging from easy listening, pop and rock with a good vibe.....and a story behind it.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
On “Expression” I was practically on my own I really was “and am still kind of” so mixed from what’s the newest and latest…. What’s popular what’s not……… but I was listening to a lot of rock….. O yea!!… and the whole Gwen Stefani and Akon stuff I was excited about to…. “Whaaa Whooooooo”
3. What bands/artists are your favorite? Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Alisha Keys… Matchbox 20, Coldplay, Leona Lewis….. I like pop a lot… The vibe of…. Light and free “drama-not-incorporated” stuff…… /I like good song “period”
4. How long has your band been playing?/ How long have you've been playing
I’ve been playing piano/keyboard for 10 years….. Played turntables for 3 years then stopped………. And have been songwriting for 10 years…….. And producing and engineering music for 10 years…. My new project is mastering which I’ve been doing for 1 year…….
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools you played in, other bands you were in.
I started playing on turntables and a microphone… recording to a tape deck….. I was making a lot of songs over other peoples beats…. When I learned it was illegal if I wanted to sell them legally….. so I bought a cheap cheap keyboard… and started learning piano with my “aunt a piano teacher” right when all the computer music programs where coming out I bought “Fruity Loops 3” now on it’s 8th edition… then buying a The “Korg Pro X” a discontinued product of Korg now but was a workstation I fell in love with…. I do a lot of solo stuff…… but have worked and played around with friends a lot.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I love the song “I Am Born Free” I sent it to “Music for Troops” through sonicbids and they put it on a compilation CD called “All States All Stars” with 50 other artist from each state where they sent it out in 2007 to men and women serving in uniform……. I love that song and have sung it personally to a couple of people serving…. I don’t perform live…. But when I had the chance to share that song I did.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it take complete a song?
For me it could take months, to weeks, to days or “a day”… It just depends where I’m going with the song… “If anywhere” ha ha!!! I love to make songs!!!
8. How did your band come together?/How did you decide on your career?
Well I just made a lot of songs and gave them out…… then my website came and a lot of other stuff came my way……. Today I own a music publishing company and record label and me as an artist doing a lot of work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A lot for free but… But hay!!!! Success never was achieved without work……..
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
I find it in inspiring books… inspiring people….. Through the trees on a walk…. A friend, friends…… Talking to people……. Through family/my Brother, Sisters my Mom my Dad…… and extended family………… love them to death….. And through out living life…..
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most symbolizes you and why?
On the Periodic Table I do say I am 78 (Pt) Platinum 195.08/I believe I’ve got good work……
Artist: THE MOURNING SICKNESS
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
We are members of the Denver Art Rock Collective (D.A.R.C.
www.denverartrock.com), so I should probably call our music “Art
Rock.” It is more like “Progressive Punk.” Progressive, in that
we like to push the boundaries of what is considered “Rock” music
(odd time signatures, unconventional song structures and subject
matter). Punk, in that we have a very aggressive do-it-your-self
mentality, we like the rough edges, and more importantly, we do not
let our limitations as players hold us back.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
My biggest influences right now are the other members of D.A.R.C.
On a larger scale, I am very fond of 60s-70s psychedelia, 50s-60s
American blues and British blues/rock. Bands like early Pink
Floyd, Frank Zappa, The Yardbirds, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Jimi
Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Black Sabbath, as
well as early punk bands like X, The Clash, Sex Pistols, and the
Minutemen.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
My favorite bands always change. One that never changes is Frank
Zappa.
4. How long has your band been playing?/
How long have you've been playing?
The Mourning Sickness has been around since 1992; in its present
configuration for about 10 years.
I have been playing guitar since around 1980. I recently have
taken up the violin as well (1 ½ years).
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools
you played in, other bands you were in.
I began playing guitar on my own. Both my older brothers played.
They loaned my guitars and amps, but they never showed me anything.
I quickly learned that I could not play other people’s music very
well, so I began composing straight away.
In high school (early 80s) the idea of The Mourning Sickness
formed, I bought a used ’72 Fender Telecaster Custom (which I still
own and play), but the band really do not get rolling until after I
finished college. I did, though, play guitar in the high school
jazz band.
In college I had a class in music theory, but other than that my
paying was restricted to recording my own material on an old reelto-
reel tape recorder
Around the same time I was getting The Mourning Sickness together,
I joined a hard-core punk band with my nephew as the drummer. The
band was (is) called Self Service. Self Service gigged a lot, and
being in that band really helped to get my chops together. I quit
Self Service in the mid 90s to work on The Mourning Sickness
fulltime.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I am very proud of our most recent CD, A Daydream on Oak Street.
There is a lot of good music hidden away in there.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it
take complete a song?
Some songs come together in rehearsal. When that happens, we can
get a song up and ready to perform in a couple of months. Most of
our material, however, I write on my own. It can take months just
to get the ideas, lyrics, and arrangement out. Then I’ll make a
demo. It is up to the band to learn the material, and that can be
quick, or painfully slow.
8. How did your band come together?/
How did you decide on your career?
The current line up came together gradually. I went through two
drummers and a bass player before I found the guys that like the
music we make, and have the discipline to make it happen.
I never decided to become a musician. Since I was maybe six or
seven, music is the one thing that I never stop thinking about.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
I try to create things that I have not heard before, or that I have
not been able to do before. Inspiration comes from moving forward.
Plus, there are so many things about the world that raise strong
emotions in me. Music is a way of getting those things out.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most
symbolizes you and why?
FE – Iron. Iron is tough, durable, hard, but it will rust if you
leave it in the rain. I am also really fond of the F-E chord
progression.
Artist: a'tris
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
If R.E.M. and Radiohead had a lovechild we hope that child would be a'tris.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins, Eddie Izzard, R.E.M, Terry Gilliam, Metric, Death Cab, Radiohead, and Monty Python
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
All of the above
4. How long has your band been playing?/
How long have you've been playing?
a'tris has been around for about four or five years now. The guys and I all started to play our instruments at an early age.
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools you played in, other bands you were in.
All of a'tris' members are Berklee College of Music alums. We've each done studio work and some solo projects, however this is the first time we've combined our interests.
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I'm very much a person who lives in the present. At the moment the guys and I are touring behind Lensing and I'm extremely proud of this record. I feel that Lensing demonstrates our musical growth and takes the listener on a journey unlike anything we've done before. Next month I am excited to continue this with the intial recording sessions for our next record. We will be working with the legendary producer Geza-X on this project. Geza-X was an instrumental figure in the punk movement in LA. It's going to be exciting to see the direction that our work with him will take!
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it take complete a song?
This can vary dramatically. Some songs can be written in hours while others take days, weeks, or even months. It's always a wonderful feeling to have a clear vision and take a song from start to finish in a short period of time. However, oftentimes I find the best work is the result of a lengthy magpie approach.
8. How did your band come together?/
At Berklee all students are required to take a writing skills course. This course, much like Harmony and Counterpoint, brings musicians pursuing different majors together. I was fortunate to attend a class led by the late Frank Withey. Frank encouraged me to share some of my original material before class meetings. Mike, a'tris' producer and my co-writer, at the time was a classmate of mine. One day he approached me about setting up a meeting. Before attending Berklee Mike had studied ethnomusicology at Cornell. He graduated from Cornell with a degree in business. When discussing my goals with Mike I was surprised by how aligned our interests were. That meeting led to a series of sessions which gave birth to a'tris.
How did you decide on your career?
I don't feel like I had a say in that matter. I've just always wanted to pursue a sustainable career in this industry by writing and performing. In some ways that's made life a little difficult for me. But things could be worse. I'm glad that I was not moved to be an accountant.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
I frequently look to current events for inspiration. When not looking I also seem to find it in other avenues of the arts.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most symbolizes you and why?
Fluorine. It's been awhile since I took Chemistry but, if I'm not mistaken, fluorine is the most reactive element. a'tris is always looking to bond with other artists in the hopes that these pairings will further our ability to express ourselves creatively. We aim to make our music current and adaptable while still obtuse enough to be singularly unique and memorable.
Artist: Opal Candy
1.In your own words how do you describe your music?
melodic rock with a hip hop and metal flare…
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
Alice in Chains, Gov’t Mule, Perfect Circle, Incubus, Mos Def, Willie Nelson…the list is endless
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
Personally….it changes a lot and there are too many to mention….but I am kind of an Iron Maiden freak….
4. How long has your band been playing?/
How long have you've been playing
The band has been together in one form or another for almost 8 years. I’ve been playing music in one form or another since I was 5
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools
you played in, other bands you were in.
I started taking classical piano lessons right before I turned 6….I did that for 8 or 9 years. Picked up the guitar when I
was 13 after I heard my dad’s Led Zeppelin albums….so…I guess I’ve been playing guitar for 19 years now. Played in some
garage bands in highschool..nothing serious. Started playing real gigs when I turned 18 and went to college…I’ve played
with a lot of different bands of all different styles since then….everything from Motown to classic rock to surf to blues/jazz…even
a little country here and there. I like all types of music and enjoy trying to become versed in different styles…..”jack of all
trades, master of none” has kind of been my approach…
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
Hard to say…I definitely have some songs that I enjoy more than others
among stuff we’ve done, but not sure if there is one definitive song we’ve done that is far above anything else. I will say
I’m very proud of our most recent EP, “35mm Craze”. I really enjoy the direction we’re going and
I think our song writing is continuing to improve…we’re still just scratching the surface…
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it
take complete a song?
Overall, it can take awhile because it’s often hard to please everyone….sometimes we get a song 80% done
very quickly, then spend weeks trying to get the final touches to everyone’s liking. We all come from various musical backgrounds
and have different tastes, so oftentimes each person has a different vision about what direction the song should go. Eventually, though,
we come to an agreement….it may just take months before that happens J There have been some rare occasions, however, where
someone has brought a song to the table that doesn’t get chopped apart too much….when that happens, we can put something together pretty quickly.
8. How did your band come together?/
How did you decide on your career?
Our bassist and original drummer had started playing together when they were in highschool in Springfield, IL. When they moved
up to Chicago they put out an ad for guitarists….I answered the ad and met with the guys and it was all good from there. We went
through a couple other guitarists as well before meeting CK towards the end of 2001 or so. We’ve had a few lineup changes with
vocalists and a drummer since then , but our current lineup is pretty solid and we’re excited to keep the train rollin’…
As far as a career…I still have a day job, as do most of the other guys (only our drummer is a fulltime musician right now). I spend a lot of time
on music and related activities, but I like eating more than once a day and having health insurance, so I figure I’ll keep my other job for now J
I could envision turning to other musical related business activities for making a more steady income doing what I love (teaching, songwriting, wedding bands…whatever), but right now I have the luxury of being able to focus on playing what I want to play because I have another source of income….I’m happy to stick with that for the time being.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
Other musicians, my friends/family. I think people who know exactly what they
want to do and what they believe in, and then work towards those goals, are pretty inspirational to me. I give anyone a lot of credit
if they are willing to lay it on the line to do what they love and what makes them happy…as long as it doesn’t hurt others of course.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most
symbolizes you and why?
Platinum……that’s what we want our albums to be :)