Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Four2Three

Today I am hanging out with a set of guys that deserve some attention. These guys have an upbeat tap your toes attitude and match that with incredible writing. Not to mention their ability to sound like they just walked off the stage at Warped Tour. A group that brings talent, education, and drive to their music and lyrics I am sitting with Four to Three today.

Where did the name come from?

We used to play in a band called Waiting for April from 2002-2004 and there were four members. When the three of us started this band we called it four to three because we went from four members to three members.

How did you guys meet?

We all went to the same elementary and high school together.

How long have you all known each other?

Rob and Greg have been friends since the age of seven and started hanging out with Matt, who is two years younger, when they were seventeen and he was fifteen.

When did you realize that music was something you wanted to pursue?

In high school, after learning to play instruments and playing in front of people for the first time at talent shows we realized it was something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

Yes, we all have outside jobs to pay bills. Matt is a hair colorist at a salon. Greg works at a liquor store. And Rob is a substitute teacher.

Describe your genre in one word.

Energy.

Tell me the meaning behind that teddy bear.

The teddy bear has little to no significance to us. We asked our album artwork designer to create an album cover with a picture of us and some live shots. However, he completely ignored our wishes and took this awesome picture of a seemingly drunk teddy bear and we absolutely loved it.

Where are you guys originally from?

We are all from Franklin Square, Long Island.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

Our albums are available on our website (www. fourtothree. com), CDBaby. com, and iTunes.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

The largest crowd we’ve played for was about five hundred people.

The smallest?

At our first show, there were about 30 people there, although no one was paying attention to us. We also played a show where four people showed up.

Any tattoos in the band?

Matt and Rob have tattoos. Matt has a half sleeve of Link from The Legend of Zelda fighting Gannon on his right arm, and the TriForce in the middle of his upper back. Rob has the word DREAM on his lower back (tramp stamp), a cross on his right arm, the Chinese symbol for courage on his wrist, the Chinese symbol for Mother over his heart, the OM symbol on the inside of his left bicep, Rafael’s cherubs on his left arm with DESTINO under it, and a heart on his left ring finger.

Who has the most?

Rob.

Who designed your awesome MySpace page?

Aaron McCall, who also was the mastermind behind the teddy bear.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Ollie’s Point in Amityville, Long Island.

What would you be doing if not music?

The guy at Burger King with the little headset.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Plain. Maybe some sausage.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Recess.

If you could tour with anyone right now whom would it be?

Blink 182 reunion tour.

Let’s say you are about to headline at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?

The Beatles reborn.

What is your favorite song to play?

I’d Rather Eat Dirt off our new EP. And we cover the theme song from “Hey Dude.”

Ever forget the lyrics to your own tracks?

No.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

We all share the responsibilities of being in a band.

PC or Mac?

PC.

Any rituals you go through before a gig?

Just laughing a lot.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

A bowl of Golden Grams. A sesame bagel.

Do you sleep with that teddy bear? (Laughs)

We have actually never seen the teddy bear in person. We one day hope to meet and caress him.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Living in a van down by the river.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Being an actual band. Who records songs that they can actually play live. And who doesn’t follow the current musical trends.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Stop.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Scott Kline

I am hanging out today with a singer songwriter that deserves some attention. A local boy from Indianapolis, he brings talented vocals, educated guitar skills, and a passion behind his lyrics. Singing from the heart and providing an image that matches his sound perfectly he deserves to get wherever his talent will take him. Hang out with me today as I introduce you to Scott Kline.

How long have you been playing the guitar?

I have been playing guitar for 8 years; since sometime in my senior year of high school.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

We had an old guitar just sitting in our basement all-growing up just as decoration. I grabbed it and started looking up chords on the Internet, but I quickly broke a string and before too long I broke another one.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Most of the time it is just something that builds up and I write about whatever is on my mind. Still, I keep my notebook ready and write down a key phrase that I think could work for a song. Generally the music comes from a trick or chord I just learned and I put something together and just make up some lyrics based on whatever I might have been writing down over the past couple months.

Why are you taking your shirt off in that photo on your MySpace?

It was to go with the theme of the album. The new album is called “Strip Down for Cash Money.” The music is thirteen solo acoustic recordings taken in one attempt. The cover was to go with that, as if I were selling the shirt off of my back. But most people don’t seem to get that at all.

What is it like being from Indianapolis?

I’m not originally from Indianapolis. I grew up in Paoli, Indiana. I went to IU, and I moved to Indianapolis two and half years ago to pursue music fulltime. I have a couple friends that live hear and I tried forming a band, but it didn’t last. So I am here living in Indianapolis with the hope that I can use it as a home city and be within driving distance of a lot of other cities to perform in.

Do you think being from here helps your writing?

Being in Indianapolis has definitely changed the music that I write. The bands that I’m exposed to through performing and my job have directed my writing in a different direction. I wouldn’t say it has radically changed it, but as I mature it definitely affects everything I write.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

About 150 I think. I know I’ve been over 100 on several occasions, though most of the time it is more 30 to 75.

The smallest?

A handful, I don’t know exactly.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I don’t really have one. I have numerous least favorites, but I’ve yet to play at a venue where when I am done I can say, “this is home.”

Where can I get a copy of your latest album?

You can buy it at either Luna Music location or off of my MySpace page. My website should be working soon too, but at the moment I am still in the process of making repairs.

Do you have a job or is music it?

I work at Luna Music downtown part time, and as a music minister for Prairie View Christian Church in Fishers, but my main source of income is still performing at the moment.

Do you ever forget the lyrics to your own songs?

I do at times, the brand new ones and the older ones I haven’t performed for a while.

PC or Mac?

Mac, it seemed easier to do all the things I need for work. At the same time, I still have to work with PC people and so it is hard and there are many applications not available on Mac, though the ones that are usually are designed specifically for my needs.

What did you have for dinner last night?

Spaghetti and a peanut butter sandwich, usually it is either that or grilled cheese. I can’t afford much more than that.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Pepperoni.

Describe your genre in one word.

Mooditude; it was coined by my old bass players dad. I jump around through different styles with all my different songs, or mostly they express a mood or an attitude.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

If I could still perform anywhere and have a place to come home to; Assissi, Italy, Freiburg, Germany, or maybe Louisville to be close to where I grew up.

Ever thought of moving out to L.A.?

Thought about it, as my old saying goes, “New York steal your money, L.A. will steal your heart, and Nashville will steal your soul.” So I just stay here at the “crossroads” for a while.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Wes Montgomery, Goo Goo Dolls, Radney Foster, Nat King Cole, Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, Nickel Creek.

Ever written lyrics with anyone else?

My old bass player, Jordan Whitt, gave me a poem that I turned into a song we now call “Lights Out.” Other than that I write everything by myself.

How do you know Ryan Ahlwardt?

We met when we were still living in Bloomington. I met him through my friend TJ who later became my guitar player for a bit. Ryan and I lived only 2 streets apart and when I moved to Indianapolis we maintained our friendship for a bit. It’s a little tougher now since we rarely see each other, but we do sometimes get to play shows together and we send each other emails.

Let’s say that you are offered a $250,000 record deal. But the album is someone else’s lyrics and it’s a rap album. Do you do it?

No, I’d love to have enough money, but really I am doing this so that my music will be heard. If they offered me money to record someone else’s stuff; someone will eventually offer me money to record my songs.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

I got done playing at the Irving with a freezing cold room, as we finished the set a girl from the one of the other bands told me our music was “pretty.” Though I was less embarrassed after I heard her band. I understood the compliment.

What are you drinking on stage?

Coke no ice. Most people claim water, but it actually leaves my throat drier.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully, on a bus 9 months a year with a month at home with my extended family and a month recording something new. And a new smart car to drive around and relax in.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Songs that affected people’s life, but not just people our age, but the next couple generations too. And a life that had enough character that people respected or loved me.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

The hardest thing of what I do is staying positive and hopeful. It seems the more work I do, the more it all comes down to luck and who you know.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Vinyl

I am hanging out today with a band from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Vinyl brings a polished image to the front of the stage. With feel good lyrics, balanced instruments behind an educated voice, and a pure sense of success Vinyl is well on their way to wherever they want to go. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Vinyl.

Where did you guys all meet?

We actually met in Jail. We all got arrested for PI's on the same night and struck up a friendship in the slammer.

When did you know that music was something you wanted to make a run at?

As for me, the first time I heard the Beatles when I was 7 years old. I use to rewrite their lyrics with my own. It's still a tie on who wrote the better lyrics. John Lennon or I?

You guys all have other jobs or is music it?

Yes we all work day jobs as well. I'm opening up a mortgage brokerage so let me know if you or anyone else you know wants to refinance or buy a home!

What is it like being from Fort Wayne?

It's cold and un-inspirational. Many of the local bands sound like Creed up here and it makes me sad.

Do you guys head up to Chicago a lot for shows?

I go to Chicago to watch Spoon and Ryan Adams shows but we have not played there yet.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

3,000.

The smallest?

Our girlfriends and the bar tender. So five but I don't think our girlfriends were paying attention so basically one.

Any tattoos in the bad?

The guitar player has a bad one on his shoulder. If you're reading this remember "Lazer Removal".

Tell me about the other guys in the band.

Jim plays guitar like a Greek god with a bad tattoo. Andy plays the bass like an angel. Paul beats his drum like he hasn't had sex in years. Joe, the singer, is just one handsome devil.

What are you drinking on stage?

I really enjoy Makers Mark on the rocks or with a splash of tonic. It truly is a beautiful drink.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Anything can spark a new melody in my head but usually it is the darker and more sinister things that inspire me. Those are generally the things that I enjoy the most out of life. Its sweetness is my weakness.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

We all think we are the ringleaders. It works out well that way. Each person thinks they're the coolest but in reality we all four suck.

Where do you guys practice?

Drummer Paul’s basement equipped with our own bar, studio, vocal room, sound room, stage, and living room. I could live down there if he and his wife Jody would let me. "All I'm saying is think about it Paul!"

You guys ever tour?

This summer we have some open dates at Niagra in the east village in Manhattan so we'll probably set up a mini tour and makes some stops along the way out east.

If you could tour with any band currently playing right now who would it be?

I personally would like to tour with Greg Dulli from the Twilight Singers and The Afghan Whigs. I would like to open for them and play their own songs each night before they get the chance to just to piss him off night after night.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

I like spinach and mushrooms on my pizza. Pizza is like music, to each their own.

PC or Mac?

It is like a mullet really. PC is all business on the top and Mac is nothing but a party in the back!

If you could be one cartoon character which one would you be?

I'm not sure who I'd be but I'd do Jessica Rabbit.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

San Francisco with my girlfriend and band mates rocking the Bay Area.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Beatles and Nirvana first and foremost. Then in no real order and I'm sure I'll leave a lot out: The Animals, Jesse Malin, Dinosaur Jr., The Cure, The Replacements, The Afghan Whigs and the Twilight Singers, Duran Duran, The Sex Pistols, Bad Brains, The Cult, The Dead Kennedy's, Spoon, Oasis and many many more.

What is the most embarrassing thing to happen to you on stage?

I don't have much shame so I've never really been embarrassed on stage. I'm sure I should have been many times before but I'm too vain to recognize it when it happens.

If you could only play one cover song for the rest of your career what would you choose?

The Beatles " The Walrus".

What did you have for breakfast yesterday?

Blueberries, scrambled eggs, and some nuts.

Coke or Pepsi?

I'm not much of a soda drinker so either water or Makers Mark.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

The love we make baby (I'm going to leak out my own sex tape).

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Turn off the radio and check out some pure indie bands. And also, turn off your TV and read a book.