Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Galactic

I am hanging out today with a band that brings a mixture of feeling, instruments, and beats to the stage. These guys mix a funk soul with a touch of hip-hop attitude and an incredible sense of how to write a song. You are immediately on your feet dancing when any one of the songs hit the airwaves and you are humming their beats when it is over too. Sit with me today, as I am proud to introduce to you Galactic.

Where did you come up with the name?

It was originally Galactic Prophylactic, but we shortened it after a couple of years.

How long have you guys been performing?

For about 14 years.

Where did you all meet?

In college in New Orleans.

How old are you all?

19-20!

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

Probably last summer at Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. It was for about 40,000 people.

The smallest?

2 people in Winston Salem, NC on out first tour. They were Jeff’s relatives too!

What is your favorite venue to play?

Tipitina’s in New Orleans.

How many albums do you guys have?

7 and we are about to release another one this fall.

Where do you get the inspiration for a new song?

Anything that grooves.

Who does all the writing?

We all share in the writing process.

Is there a ringleader in the group?

I guess I kind of am.

Describe your genre in one word.

Funk.

Where can I get some Galactic merchandise?

http://www.galacticfunk.com.

You sell panties. Why? (Laughs)

We funk it so hard that sometimes people poop themselves!

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

Manu Chao.

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

Screwing up the bass break down with Mavis Staples sitting in.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

No, thankfully.

Let’s say that someone offered you a $500,000 record deal but the lyrics were written by someone else and it was a country album. Do you do it?

Most likely not.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Meters, James brown, and Led Zepplin.

I love your MySpace design. Who did that?

Our managers hooked that up.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I think it is a great way for people to easily check out people’s music. Though I do think it can be kind of strange how much information people put out there.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Pepperoni, black olives, and mushrooms.

You guys ever thought of living over seas?

Yes, we always think about moving overseas as a band, though it would be too difficult,. Anyways, we love New Orleans too much to leave.

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

France.

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

That I am a solid bass player who came up with some great bass lines and hopefully left an influence on music.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Doing the same thing—gigging, recording and living life.

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

I couldn’t be happier to play with my friends every night. In Galactic, we are very close—and that makes achieving all of this so much more gratifying.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Matt & Kim

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the band that I am sitting with today. Giving you a definition of the word Indie, they have blown up with a new album called the Grand, and have captured my headphones with what I will consider the best song they will ever write, Good Ole Fashioned Nightmare. With a sound that is hard to compare to anything in the industry today, they have been climbing the charts. With a recent featured video on www.digg.com, and some national exposure they are putting themselves in the perfect position. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Matt and Kim.

So are your real names Matt and Kim?

That is us, yeah. Actually we are Mathew and Kimberly. My brother is Fletcher. I thought that as a pretty cool name. But my parents we, “Ah, Matt, that works. “ They didn’t want to think of a name again.

What made you decide to keep that as your band name?

We ended up with by accident more or less. We were convinced to play a show before we were officially a band. They just listed is as a nameless. We felt that Matt and Kim really fit. We are people as Matt and Kim. It is about putting everyone on a first name basis. There are no walls in between.

How long have you known each other?

I am thinking this fall will be like seven years. We met in the fall of 2002.

You have such a unique sound. Describe your genre in one word.

Oh gosh. One word? Sweaty. (Laughs)

Where are you originally from?

I am from Vermont. Southern Vermont. And Kim is from East Providence Rhode Island.

How did you guys meet?

The short answer is that we met at college. We went to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and Kim picked me up.

Do you prefer the East coast to the West coast?

I love the states in general. Being that we both grew up in the northeast, we don’t see leaving New York any time soon. We sometimes fly to LA in the middle of winter and we are wearing a t-shirt. That is kind of nice.

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

We travel a lot of places. Not that you can really judge a place after being there for 14 hours, or however long we are usually there, but we love New York. Chicago is a close second. Kim has a special spot for Rhode Island.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

As much as everyone wants to find a problem with it, it has been nothing but ever helpful with us. Even when we first started as a band and first made our demo in our practice space, we made a MySpace page, put the songs up, and did a tour. Our first time ever in San Diego, the furthest you could get from New York, there were people signing along to our songs. The only way they could have done that was to visit our MySpace pages. It was able to make a universal listening platform. Now if you want to hear a band you go to MySpace to hear them. Like just yesterday, seventy five thousand had listened to our music. That is in just one day. For bands there has been nothing that has compared.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Yeah, that is actually one of the first things that I have gotten into that we actually update. When you travel a lot you notice a lot of things and you can do all that from your phone.

Who does all your graphic design?

Mostly by Kim and I. We both went to art school and Kim has done our album covers. We have had other friends and we have had some friends do some stuff. One of our friends is a college teacher, a design class, and one of his assignments was to design a Matt and Kim shirt. And the winner got to have their shirt made into a Matt and Kim design.

Tell me a little bit about your new album.

It is the album that we wanted to make from square one. The first album we did in a week. We had no idea what it would take to make an album. And that was all we had budgeted. On this one we went for a totally difference experience. We tried to have all the time in the world to work on whatever we wanted. We started with twenty-five songs with the plans of a ten-song album. We wanted cohesion. We really wanted to make something that felt complete from the beginning to end. It was sort of in the movie sense, with some intro, highs, lows, and finale.

Is there any song that makes it into every set?

Yeah, a lot of our songs actually. Our song Yeah Yeah, out of the hundreds of hundreds of shows, since we wrote that song, we might have skipped it on one show. There was a song called Silver Tiles that has never technically been released, and we used to close all of our shows with that. We have been closing with Daylight recently. We have some songs that we play well and then some that we don’t. We will play 14 songs at a show, then people will yell for a song. But we literally have no other songs that we can play well.

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

I don’t know. I would say at some festival that we have done. We did a festival in Norway. We did Lollapalooza. Somewhere between ten and twenty thousand.

The smallest?

We have played just for the other bands there. We did one show, on our first tour; it used to be like only the bands showed there would be. We did a show where it was just us and no one else showed.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

We were lucky enough that we were able to just do the band. We had low overhead and we don’t eat much. We were just able to stop our other jobs early on. But now it has been the most financially stable job I have ever had.

You guys are playing a lot of festivals this year. Do you prefer those to smaller venues?

We really liked playing them. We like both, but if you compare a festival to a support act there is no contest. When you are supporting a larger band they are just there to see the headlining band. You are just time to seeing their favorite band. So you have to work very hard to winning over people. But at a festival people go open minded to see new music. We play a pretty accessible form of music and something you can catch on to on a first lesson. We have a lot of people coming to our shows that saw us at a festival.

Who does all the song writing?

It is a combined effort. We come up with a beat to begin with. All of our songs do that. Then I will put the melody over it. It is a bizarre collaborative effort and free word associating. She just writes down sentences and stuff that comes to mind. Then I will go through and start putting them together. Then, in the end, the song will write itself.

Tell me about the video for Lessons Learned.

It was a lot of convincing to get Kim to do the video. That was a big chunk of the preparation. We got a permit to shoot in Time Square. You cannot get a permit to shoot a music video; we got it to shoot an online promo. We did not let all the details out. It was February and it was damn cold. Kim was the one that thought she should get hit by a buss at the end. It was nice to have that twist at the end. It is the period at the end of the sentence.

Where can I get some Matt and Kim merchandise?

We do have a friend who has helped us for years who lives in Houston, Texas. He owns I Heart You Productions and he sells it through our website. He makes it, prints it; it’s a small, cool operation.

If you could tour with anyone in the industry today who would you pick?

(Thinks) I don’t know that we have been lucky enough to tour with good people. We like to play fun shows that people want to go out and dance. Genre aside we did a tour with Against Me. I remember when I heard their first album I was twenty and it made me feel like I was 14. I wanted to show it to everybody. We did a tour with them. I really enjoy going to see Girl Talk shows. They are fun. People go; dance, and we have done a lot of shows with them. Kim would say T.I. That’s her favorite. Warped Tour has come up but I hear that it is difficult.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I think something we did smart early on was we never kind of made any assumptions of anything that would happen or of anything where we would be. I never would guess that we would bed able to do this as our job. But for three years this is all we have done. Sometimes if you set goals or expectations you are setting yourself up for possible disappointment. We have just enjoyed the ride. We have enjoyed playing shows and having people like our music. If we are still playing shows and writing songs I will be happy as a clam.

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

I would like to be remembered for a band that was real on stage. I saw that because there are so many bands that I see, and we see infinite number of bands, which are totally fake on stage. Whether they are acting completely bored; they are just so boring. Even if we are having a bad day we let t show. People seem to respond to it. Or the bands that let out the pissed off underlying stuff in their bones. I think that I want to be remembered for being band that was real.

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

What I have learned from boring bands is that people have to be real in life. People who you talk to, and you can tell being themselves, is more engaging and exciting. I think that everyone needs to be themselves.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jordan Ross

The guy that I am sitting with today is a singer and a songwriter that was brought to my attention from a coworker of mine. He was on vacation and saw this acoustic guitarist on the beach singing his heart out. Getting the chance to see this man play one last time before heading back to the Midwest he made a mention about Indyconcerts.com and how I was a writer. Long story short after getting to hear his music I immediately wanted to speak with this talent. So, after a few shared emails, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, Jordan Ross.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My grandfather gave me my first guitar, when I was about 13. It was a Harmony with an orange sunburst. Of course, I immediately gutted it an painted it ice blue because the band I joined was called Deep Blue Hero. We were awesomely bad but that's what it was all about in those days.

How long have you been performing?

Officially, I've been performing since 1998. So, a little over 10 years. That would put me as a freshman in high school. My first band, Deep Blue Hero, was Mark Winkeljohn (singer/drummer) and myself. I never sang. I didn't have the chops. I barely had the chops to play guitar, but I did it anyway.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Absolutely. Writing music is sort of sacred to me, because I had to write really bad material to learn what not to do. I wouldn't shy away from a collaboration, but at this point I've been around someone long enough to collaborate. I've been moving too often. Am I off the point? Lyrics are what should drive the song, in my opinion. After all, words are the only ingredient in a song that can be fully understood (or in the case of Bush, misunderstood).

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Life experience is always a good start for me, but I tend to wander off the beaten life experience path more often now than I used to. When I wrote Anywhere USA I was in a state of transition, living in Hilton Head and going to school at Miami of Ohio. It's an album about all kinds of different things seen while living that lifestyle.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

I've not, but I'd love to eventually. I think for me now, it's about finding my voice. Once my voice is established for me, I can feel comfortable writing with another voice. It's a lot like being in love. You can't truly be in love with someone if you don't know yourself, or what you're capable of. If I know what I 'm capable of lyrically, I can let those emotions fly in a session with more contributors.

Do you have any thoughts on a nation wide tour this year?

Not this year. I tend to stick locally. Eventually, I'll consider a regional tour, or perhaps an East Coast Tour. But until then, I'm finding my voice and establishing some key players for an eventual band. Then the touring can begin.

What is your favorite venue to play?

It may be touristy, but my favorite venue by far is the Tiki Hut. It's right on the ocean. The atmosphere is electric most nights. In fact I'm playing there tonight. Hurray!

What is it like living on the beach?

It's pretty laid back. My wife and I live about 30 min from the Hilton Head beaches but we definitely jump at the opportunity to hang out there. Hilton Head is a magical time warp of a place. I highly recommend it.

Is that gorilla your logo?

It was, and is still. It was for the promo for Anywhere USA, and it kinda stuck. We did a show in my hometown high school auditorium (Rockford, OH. Population: 1,000) and sold T-shirts and stickers with the logo. It's still alive.

Who does all your graphic design?

John "Sketti" Kleinoeder designed the gorilla logo, with a contribution from Nick Zoffel. Both of these folks were friends of mine from Bowling Green, OH where we lived for a little over a year. The logo inside the gorilla was the work of Nicole Schweiterman, which is the official Jordan Ross logo.

Where can I get some Jordan Ross merchandise?

The best way to get Jordan Ross merchandise is to ask for it. I know it sounds dumb, but all I have is stickers. I used to have t-shirts with the gorilla logo in it, and they were the best, but I sold out and haven't had enough interest to make more. So, if anyone really, really wants a t-shirt with the gorilla logo, all the have to do is contact me via my website www.jordanrossimport.com or on Myspace at /jordanross.

What’s your favorite song to play?

My favorite cover to play is still Elton John's "Rocketman". That song is rangy, it's ballsy, its quiet, it screams, its every song balled up into one package. If I could play a one song show, that would be the song of choice. My favorite original right now is "Alison" off of Anywhere USA. It's a song about how I felt about my wife when I first met her. Those feelings sometimes are hard to capture when you first meet someone, but for me those emotions were so strong that I couldn't deny the song. It was there the whole time.

Is there any song that you play in every single set

I make it a point to play a new song of mine "Better Year" at the end. It's about taking the rough patches and turning them into a positive. I like to leave the audience with hope.

Do you have any pre show rituals?

Not necessarily, but I do notice that I have an alter ego. It's wild, but I'm usually a pretty quiet guy around the neighborhood. Then, when I get to a venue, I'm a chatterbox. I can't control it. I think after years of performing, the mind can switch to a mode that it knows is most suited to putting on a good performance.

Pepsi or Coke?

Water. Also, living in the south taught me that Pepsi is unacceptable, and the choice of Yankees.

If you could live anywhere besides Hilton Head where would you go?

Denver. No doubt. That city is magical. The atmosphere seems so alive and primed for anything. And you're next to the Rockies! What could be better?

Was that the first time that you met Peter Hart?

Yes. He was in attendance of a couple of my shows down here.

Do you play any instruments other that the guitar?

I do. I play the piano, bass, drums (I was in the percussion section throughout my school days. Read: I was a band geek), harmonica (does that count?). I did all the instruments on Anywhere USA except for the violin on "When I Met You" which was performed by Titus Monteanu, the drums in "Against the Ropes" which was performed by Justin Thomes, and the guitar solo in "Alison" which was performed by Lumen Sivitz.

How does someone make it to your top friends list?

They have to either be a close friend, someone I respect, or someone that can write great music.

Ever shared the stage with someone famous?

Kind of a long story, and I don't know how famous he is, but here we go.

A friend (Justin Steel) and I traveled to Athens, GA to see Seven Mary Three perform. At the time we were both working at a venue in Hilton Head called Monkey Business that was having Seven Mary Three two days later, so we figured we'd go to their show in Athens to actually enjoy the show. After a blistering set, they came to their bus, and we were standing out front and introduced ourselves. They were on their way to Hilton Head that night, so we told them if they really wanted to have something to do, they could catch one of my shows at a late night club the next night. So, thinking that there'd be no way they would show, I began the gig like any other, and lo and behold there they were. All of them. Even the tour manager and bus driver. So, after a set, I asked the lead guitarist Thomas if he would join me onstage. Of course, I told the audience he was my cousin, and he grabbed my guitar and played "Lucky". I sang the song while Jason, the lead singer, watched. It was an amazing experience.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I had odd jobs for a couple years, but I'm now fully at the mercy of the populace. I couldn't see myself being truly happy doing anything else. I've tried, but nothing comes close to the feeling of being on stage and sharing thoughts with strangers.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I'm a huge fan of Paul Simon, as well as Oasis. Their attitude is what got me to really want to play guitar. Paul can write about anything and make it sound appealing, poignant, and essential.

What is the best concert that you have ever seen?

Man, that's a hard decision. I'd have to say Angie Aparo in Columbia, SC on Aug. 18, 2005. There were about 30 people there, and Angie brought down the house. That was also the night I proposed to Alison.

So not staying single out there on the beach?

There was a time when I was single here, and it was fun, but I'm very happily married to a wonderful woman. In fact, we celebrated our 3rd anniversary yesterday. Being married has made me a better writer, and a better person. I have perspective now that I never had when I was starting out.

Tell me about the guys that are behind you when you are playing full band?

When I'm with a band, I would pick from a lineup that would include Titus Monteanu on violin, Julio Appling on bass, Mark Poseler on drums, and Lumen Sivitz on lead guitar. Of course, these guys are living throughout the US, but when I decide to do a tour, these are the go-to guys. Titus is Romanian-American living in Bowling Green, OH that is the most phenomenal violinist I've ever heard. In fact, he's so on point that he nailed three part harmony on "When I Met You" without missing a take. Julio is a great bass player living in Portland, OR with impeccable timing and great hair (fro-type deal). We played together for awhile when he lived in BG. Mark is a steady drummer with good vision for where the song is going, and is a good guy to have around. Lumen is an old college friend that can absolutely wail on the guitar. That and he's crazy. Controlled crazy is paramount to a great live show.

What is the biggest challenge of being a singer and a songwriter?

I'm not quite sure how to answer that, because I've never just been one or the other. But I will say the rub is you have to allow for people to remember you somehow. Whether it be a lyric that they can't forget, or a melody that's stuck in their head, or a performance that was spot-on. It's not the easiest job in the world, and I don't recommend it to anyone looking to make a quick buck, but it is by far the most rewarding occupation I've ever tried.

What are your thoughts on the Jonas Brothers?

Disney. Cookie-cutter songwriting. Kiss-ass live shows! I don't know. I've never really heard their music, but if they are within 50 yards of being on a Disney-type label, they don't get to write many of their own songs. That's how I judge an artist. If they don't have the gall to write and perform their own material, they are karaoke performers. Lots of people are sweet at karaoke, right?

Where can I get a copy of your album?

iTunes would be the easiest bet for anyone outside of the Bluffton/Hilton Head area. You could also go to CDBaby if you wanted a hard copy, but there's only 4 left of my first demo (spoiler: it sounds like a demo). You could also just cruise on over to my website at JordanRossImport.com and order from Big Cartel, which is a company that allows me to ship directly from my hands to yours. I handle the shipments. So, if you want a hard copy of Anywhere USA, do it that way.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

As happy and as healthy as I am now. Hopefully, we'll still be in this area of the world. I will have three more albums out (I have two ready for market now...just binding my time). Maybe have a beard.

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

That I knew what I was doing, and that a song of mine helped someone through a hard time in their life. I don't want to be famous. I want to be happy. Fame very rarely equals happiness. I do what I love, and love what I do. I want to be remembered as being the songwriter who wrote good music and lived a long, happy life.

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

I have a third album releasing soon. It's a coin flip as to which album I will release, but when it does I will let everyone in my world know. I'm very excited about the projects. I may just release them as a double album. I've yet to decide. Look for hard copies on my website at www.jordanrossimport.com as well as digitally on iTunes when they become available. Also, I'll be releasing an EP of harder rock exclusively on iTunes very soon. Look for those announcements in the coming months.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Lisa Loeb

The artist that I am with today is one that I am positive you have heard at one time or another. She has been hanging around the music industry for quite some time and with a recent move to the indie market she is back on her way to the top. Not looking a day older than she did when she first hit the scene years ago, her lyrics have gotten better, he voice has become more polished, and I am excited to see what it next for her career. This is a special treat for the Indyconcerts.com following. With her hit single Stay always ringing in my ears, I am pleased to introduce to you the lovely Lisa Loeb.

How long have you been performing?

Since I was like four or five years old. It was something I always did growing up. It was actually integrated in the school that I went to in Dallas. We had a lot of dance and singing classes.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a full time musician?

It was just something that happened. But the time that I was in college it was something I was just following into. When I was in high school it was something that I was just really in to. My friends and I would interview bands and I had a radio show on the FM dial. I played in bands and collected records. It was something that I was always interested in while taking music lessons. I committed to it after college and when I was trying to figure out what I was doing. I just wanted to continue it and make it a real profession.

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

I have played so many festivals. I would say 50,000. I played at Fuji Rock in Japan. I have played Madison Square Garden and some outdoor festivals that were pretty huge. I do not play for hundreds of thousand o f people normally.

The smallest?

I would say at someone’s home. People have hired me to play in their homes and offices. But the smallest shows happen with things like that.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

No; I did a lot of songwriting but I do a lot of my writing with other people.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I don’t know. It just hits me in different times and places. It can be at the grocery store or while I am driving. It can happen while I am sleeping, or even when I am sitting down to write a song.

Tell me about Camp Lisa.

It is a record that I put together that I wrote with some friends of mine in LA. It is actual summer camp songs that I used to sing when I was growing up. I just love summer camps and I wanted to share it with other people. I wanted to share it with those that go to or have never been to summer camp as well. I started an organization so that the produces go to benefit summer camps.

Do you have any thoughts on a tour this year?

I am actually spending a lot of time in LA. I am in the process of working on a number of projects. We are in the process of recording more songs for some kids books that will be out next year. I am also working on a regular grown up album. I am developing a couple of kids TV shows. I have some live shows coming up but to do all those projects I have to stay in one place.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great. It allows musicians to, and people, to connect with each other. It helps can help you share your music, develop an audience, find your audience, find other people and what they are doing. It is cheap. You can do things that used to take more time, energy and effort. I think it’s a great tool.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes, I am. I am lisaloeb4real. I guess it sounds like a fake name but it really is me.

So do you only have one pair of those glasses?

I usually wear one primary pair of glasses. I am designing a line so I have three prototypes of the glasses I am designing with me. I am also designing some sunglasses. If I find one pair that I like I wear them for a few years. But recently I have been working on the eyewear line so I am checking out colors, styles, etc. I look for the changes we need to make.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I remember learning Stairway to Heaven at summer camp. It is a fun funny song to learn but it is a good song.

If you could tour with anyone on the market today whom would you choose?

That is a good question. I have not thought about that. Coldplay is a great band. They have a good audience too. That is a really good question. Chris Isaac and the Indigo Girls all have great crowds. They are really great artists. They like to listen to the bands that they didn’t come to see. It is a good community backstage.

Tell me about your television show on E!

I did a reality show called #1 Single. I wanted to share the process of what it is like being a career person in her 30s balancing relationships and a career. We were able to put together some pilots to see if I wanted to do it. As one of the producers we were able to create a show that represents what people actually go through. It was a good story to tell.

What is like being from Dallas?

It was a variety of things. On one hand growing up in Texas is great because people have a dry sense of humor and are straightforward. But on the other hand in the 80s it was a conservative time. There were very conservative people there. I felt like a fish out of water. I am not a super conservative person. And although you knew when you were with your artist friends. I don’t know if we merited needing to be on the outside. When I moved to New York City, and went to college at Brown University I felt normal. Everyone was interested in a lot of things. It made it easier to do and be who I was without it being strange.

Tell me about Furious Rose Productions.

It is my production company. It is named after a song that I wrote called Furious Rose. It is also the name of a painting that a friend did for me. She discussed a painting called Furious Rose around the same time I was making the song.

Do you ever forget the lyrics to your own songs?

Yeah, I do. It becomes like riding a bike. You sometimes can’t remember what you are doing. It can be hard if you think too hard about it. They disappear from your breaking. Luckily audience members remind me of them. And there is always the jacket of the CD. Most of those have the lyrics on them.

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

That exact thing. I was on stage with a string group that I have put together. They were reading the sheet music and I was playing a few songs at a Lilith Fair one off show, and I had only been in London one day, and I was on stage and I was in the middle of the song and I totally blanked out. It was like slow motion. I was like, “Oh my gosh, where am I?” The string quartet kept playing but they were in a repetitive part of the song. It was very embarrassing. I am not sure anyone else even caught it. But for me it was bizarre.

Your huge hit, Stay, was in a major motion picture. Tell me what that was like.

It is cool. The first time that it happened was really exciting. It was the biggest thing that had happened in the commercial world. I had some on promotions, etc. It was the first big deal and they played the entire song. It was really exciting.

Who does all your graphic design work?

We choose different artists for different album covers. I work with Bill Merryfield who is the director. I sit down with him and talk to him about what I am looking for. I always have a specific vision of what I want for each album. I discuss which illustrators I want to work with. Each album cover had a different story. My second album cover was from a famous illustrator from the fifties and sixties. He changes one of his original paintings into me. We have taken photos and had people paint them. For the most recent one we had a 14 year old, who left summer camp, to help us out and do all the illustrations. We worked together on all of it is a collaborative process. We find it based on the kind of art work we are looking for.

So what did Bobby Flay make you for dinner?

I do know Bobby Flay. He has treated us at different restaurants in Vegas and New York. My favorite is his place in Manhattan. He does the beat seafood cocktails. They have three different ones and they are really delicious. He is really nice and always hooks my family up.

Are you a true Hello Kitty fan?

Yes I am. I actually just made rice in my Kitty Fan rice cooker.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

With kids and still making books. I think that I want to be very involved in nutrition and cooking and having kids.

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

For being a good person. I want to be considered a good friend, a good wife, and a good family member.

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

People should check out the music. People stop me all the time and ask if I am still making music. There are tons of video out there and you should check it out to see what is happeneing.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Keaton Simons

I am sitting here today with one of the most talented voices, guitar players, and performer that I have ever met. Hailing from the far west coast Keaton Simons has made a name for himself atop some of the biggest names in the industry. Having been signed recently by CBS Records and touring the country in support of his latest album Can You Hear Me, Keaton has taken time out of his incredibly busy schedule to speak with you all today.

You had quite a busy year last year. Tell me a little bit about getting picked up by CBS Records. I love CBS Records!

They really believe in me and support me.

How does living in L.A. effect your music?

It’s hard to say because I’ve lived in L.A. my whole life.

Where do you write when you are hit with inspiration for a song?

Wherever I am when inspiration strikes.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

I’ve played on TV and radio shows to millions of people. My largest live audience is probably around 10 thousand.

The smallest?

I’ve played private concerts for as few as 1 person.

What was it like playing on the Craig Ferguson Show?

It was so much fun! It was right at the end of a nice long tour so we were all really warmed up for it.

Was that Trey Lockerbie behind you on guitar?

Yes it was! Trey is one of my best friends and an extremely talented singer / songwriter.

You recently toured with Pete Francis. What was that like?

Super fun! I love Pete and the whole crew.

What is your most embarrassing moment you have experienced on stage?

I was making fun of my friend for slipping on the ice outside of the venue. Which would’ve been fine if someone else hadn’t (unbeknownst to me) slipped and had to be rushed to the hospital with serious injuries that same evening. I felt horrible when I found out after the show.

Tell me what it is like on the Rock Boat.

The rock boat for me is all about music and community.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career, what would it be?

Probably CURRENTLY but that is one of the hardest questions I’ve ever been asked.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Health food hippie cereal with almond milk.

What are you doing on a typical Friday night?

If I’m not performing then I’m usually at home writing or just watching TV and hangin’ with my dogs.

How many tattoos do you have?

I have 7 tattoos and plan on getting lots more.

When did you know that music was going to be your career?

I was quite positive by the time I was about 14 years old.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

That is way too hard to pin down. I find inspiration all over the place.

What is on your iPod right now?

Way too many things to list!

What are you drinking on stage?

Always water.

If you could live anywhere else outside of L.A. where would it be?

Probably somewhere tropical like Tahiti or Hawaii.

What would you be doing if it were not music?

Something artistic or scientific.

What toppings are on your pizza?

I don’t really eat dairy so I only have pizza at vegan restaurants. So, usually soy cheese, veggie sausage, bell peppers and spinach.

Let’s play word association. Give me the first thing that comes to your mind when you read these three words.

Heroes: Lennon
Volleyball: Spike
Tanning Bed: Cancer

What is the one thing you want to be remembered for when you are gone?

I want to be remembered for my love of and contribution to music.

MySpace. Good or bad?

Definitely good.

Who is a better dancer? You, Todd Carey, or Curtis Peoples?

Definitely not me! (Laughs)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

On the road playing sold out shows for huge crowds.

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

Just want to thank everyone who makes it possible for me to continue to do what I love more than anything in the world.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Trevor Hall

The guy that is with me today is a voice that you cannot afford not to listen to. A guy that matches unparalleled vocals with near genius from the heart lyrics with a skill set on the guitar that makes him fit with the best in the business, he deserves to be anywhere this industry takes him. Mixing hard work and a drive to succeed, he radiates pure talent. I am proud to introduce you to Trevor Hall.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My first memory of playing the guitar was when I was in 4th or 5th grade. There was a music store close to my house and I would always bike there with my friend. We would pretend we knew how to play.

How long have you been playing?

I've been playing for maybe 7 or 8 years.

Where do you get inspiration for new songs?

I get my inspiration from everything. Inspiration has no limits.

I saw you open for Matisyahu a couple of years back. What is it like sharing the stage with him?

Sharing the stage with Matisyahu is a great blessing. He is like my big brother. He has done so much for me. Whenever we are on stage together it is like electricity. It is pure joy.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I don't really have a favorite venue to play, but I love small tight rooms where the crowd is really close to you. It makes it more intimate.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

I was fortunate enough to do some shows with Stevie Nicks. We would play for a few thousand each night.

The smallest?

One time we did a tour through the south and played for about 2 to 10 people a night. Every club was totally empty.

I like the new hair cut. Do you prefer it long or short?

Long.

Any tattoos?

I have 10 tattoos.

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

I one time was on tour with Los Lobos. We had just finished a show with Los Lonely Boys. When I was thanking everyone, I accidentally thanked Los Lonely Boys instead of Los Lobos. The whole crowd booed at me. It was not fun.

Who would win in a pillow fight? Keaton Simons or Tyrone Wells?

(Thinks) They are both so nice, I couldn't imagine them fighting or competing. :)

Tell me why every time I see you perform you never wear shoes.

I never where shoes because one, it is more comfortable. Two, the stage is a place of worship with me; kind of like a temple. We take our shoes off before going into a holy space.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is a great way for musicians to spread their music. It has been good to me.

Where are you originally from?

I am from South Carolina.

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

India.

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

No.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

I am a vegetarian so lots of veggies; but no garlic, onions, or olives.

Your lyrics are truly a collection of 3-minute stories. Tell me a story right now.

One time I dreamt that I was playing in a smokey room in Kentucky but then found out it wasn't a dream. You can check it out at: http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=ez49laxC8ns.

Where will I be able to get a copy of that album?

I just recently recorded a new record in January of 2009. I recorded it with producer Marshall Altman. It was a wonderful experience and I was fortunate enough to have had a lot of people come and sing on it, such as Matisyahu, Colbie Caillat, and Krishna Das. It should be out around summer time and will be available in stores and on iTunes.

How old are you?

I have spent 22 years in this body.

Tell me what it is like working with Geffen Records.

I don't work with Geffen Records anymore. I am now a Vanguard recording artist.

Who is the most memorable person you have shared the stage with?

Matisyahu.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Bauls of Bengal, Bob Marley, Matisyahu, and Neem Karoli Baba.

What was it like having a track in Shrek the Third?

It was wonderful to have a song in a big movie like Shrek the Third, although it was the last song of the credits! It was funny though; I got a lot of emails and message that said something like, "Hi my name is so and so and I am a janitor in the movie theater and I heard your song as I was cleaning up the theater."

What are you drinking on stage?

Water.

What was it like filming the video for Liquor Store?

Filming the Liquor Store video was amazing. That was actually a photo shoot. I called my friend to have him just film the event and he made it into a video. It was really a spiritual experience to have and elephant paint me. I can't really describe it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

By God's Grace, I see myself still playing music.

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

That is up to the people.

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

Love Everyone, Serve Everyone, and tell the Truth.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with AutoVaughn

Having first seen these guys in a small venue in Broad Ripple I knew right away that they had potential to make it in this industry. They have been making their way through this competitive market and have been sharing the stage with some of the industry’s finest. Getting ready to rock the stage with Indyconcerts.com favorite, the Last Good Year, I am happy to introduce to you AutoVaughn.

Where did the name come from?

Word Salad.

How long have you guys been performing?

For about four years.

Where did you guys all meet?

We all met here in Indiana.

How do you guys like it living down in Nashville?

It’s awesome. There’s a great community of artists here. Nashville has a pretty progressive attitude but still keeps it’s small city / southern charm feel.

Where are you guys all from originally?

Three of us are from Indiana and one of us (Ben) is from Ohio.

Do you guys write all your own lyrics?

Indeed we do.

Who is the ringleader of the band?

It depends on what needs to be done. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. If it is a transportation or touring issue Andy is usually on it. It it’s a press thing, I, (Darren) am usually on it. So it all depends.

Where do you guys practice?

At a rehearsal space called Diamoind Studios in Nashville.

How do you guys know the guys from the Last Good Year?

(Thinks) I knew Ryan Burnwell from my previous band where he played drums for a few shows before Andy stepped in full time. I know a couple of other guys now from seeing them around shows and living La Vida Loca in Indiana. Their new drummer, Darren, is also a good friend of mine.

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

Is it an exclusive deal? I’ll do it as long as I can keep AutoVaughn as a number one priority. Side projects are fun sometimes.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Radiohead, the Police, Prince, the Beatles, and Nirvana.

Where do you get inspiration for new tracks?

Everywhere. Sometimes from a book I have read or something I have seen on TV or online. Sometimes from science, philosophy, religion, current event, etc. We like to say that we are just recording observations in the form of music.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

At www.autovaugn.com or any of our live shows.

Tell me about the Fender Road Worn Competition.

It’s a competition that we would really like to win. The winner gets $15,000 cash, a new tour vehicle, a trailer, all new amps, guitars, drums, and a $1,500 gas card. Winning this content would be amazing because we would be able to hit the road again without having to worry about all of our shit from breaking down. Visit www.getroadworn.com if you don’t mind!

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

(Thinks) Maybe 6,000 people.

The smallest?

The soundman.

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

A lot. The Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana is one. The Walnut Room in Denver, Colorado. Belly Up in both Aspen and San Diego, California. The Canal Room in New York City. The Earl in Atlanta and the Social in Orlando. The Vouge right here in Indianapolis. The Double Door in Chicago. The list just goes on and on. It’s easy for us since we enjoy touring so much.

Do you guys have any thoughts on a nation wide tour this year?

Most definitely. We’re writing and recording over the next couple of months and then we will start touring heavily again.

Is there any song that appears in every set list?

Not really. Well, I guess Hell of Place usually makes an appearance unless it’s a really short set.

Who designed your MySpace page?

One of our managers does it all. Although, as you read this, we have a new graphic designer designing us a new page.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water and occasional beer or whiskey.

Let’s say that you guys are head lining at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opener?

Cage the Elephant.

PC or Mac?

Mac.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I think it’s great. It’s a little slower with everyone jumping over to Facebook and Twitter but it’s still the best source for bands to promote themselves.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Yep. www.twitter.com/autovaughn.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Playing music somewhere.

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

I would like to be known for a band that worked extremely hard to better themselves and to keep revolving and to challenged the current trend of “pop music" both musically and lyrically.

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

"Believe those who are seeking truth, doubt those who find it" - Andre Gide

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Latex Novelties

I am hanging out with a band that should need no introduction. These guys bring a certain sense of entertainment to the stage and match that with some incredible musicianship. These guys have been rocking the Indianapolis scene for quite some time and are worth taking a listen to if you have not already heard them. With a feeling of British pop rock and a look to match that with every chord, it my pleasure to introduce to you Latex Novelties.

How long have you guys been playing?

The Latex Novelties were formed in 1978. Over time there have been changes in the band’s members so there is no one time that includes all of us. However the core of the band has been together for 25 years. We sorely miss our friends Peter Pills and his brother Mo Geek who both succumbed to heart failure. Both were original members of the band.

How did you guys all meet?

Pills, Geek, and their cousin Randy Creep, of course, were all related. Mango and Tufty Scrog joined the band in 1979 to complete the line up. After a hiatus the band added new members in 1984. Tufty had gone on to other projects and Mo Geek moved to California. I (Davey Cretin) was working at a downtown bar with Pills and when it was time to reform the band was offered the drum spot. G. Noxious had worked with Creep in another band, the Vibrato Fetish, and became the second guitarist.

Who designed your MySpace page layout?

I (Cretin) create all of the graphic art for the band. I have worked in desktop publishing and it seemed natural that I would do it. It’s nice to be able to have an outlet that reflects your ideas and a platform to express yourself. It’s not work for me. Its therapeutic.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Radio Radio.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

It’s hard to give an exact number but we set the attendance record at the old “Patio” on Halloween 1985 or ‘86. Even if there was a bigger crowd somewhere, sometime, that was the show that sticks out the most. It was like a party with hundreds of friends. Great!

The smallest?

We did a show as a favor to a friend who was opening a store. There were less than 30 people but all of them were friends.

Who is the ringleader of the band?

In some way each of us have an area where we are the go to guy. Noxious keeps the rehearsal schedule and really is the one who makes sure we are all at the right place at the right time. Mango has the recording and mixing equipment necessary to give life to song ideas. He works hard to develop and arrange the song ideas that the band puts forth. Justin Sider is the energy and face of the band. He is the youngest member and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I (Davey Cretin) got the ball rolling by landing the European record deal with Rave-Up Records as well as the US label Pelado. Our friend and manager Marvin Goldstein was instrumental in securing the deal with Zodiac Killer Records.

You guys all have jobs outside of music?

Well, we have at one time or the other. Steady is not the word to describe our outside employment.

Tell me about your relationship with Radio Radio.

To describe the relationship with Radio Radio is to recall the many years we have known and worked with owner Tufty Scrog. This is a relationship that includes 30 years of friendship and shared experiences. He is, of course, a former member of the band and had a hand in writing a good number of our songs. He is working on one for us now as a matter of fact. Tufty’s Radio Radio has the best place in town for live music and really knows the business. We probably don’t have a better friend than Tufty.

Who writes all the lyrics?

There is not one person who writes lyrics. Many of our songs lyrics were penned by the late Peter Pills. It depends on the situation and who has the idea for the song. We try to put our ideas out and have everyone give input.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Inspiration is something that is hard to nail down. It can come from the need to express our opinion and say what needs to be said, as in our song “Kiss and Make Up”. It can come from a phrase that sticks in your head, or a situation we may have experienced or want to experience. There is no one place that you can look to. It’s not that simple.

Where do you guys practice?

G. Noxious has the perfect place. No hassle with neighbors and easy to get to for all of us. I’m not telling where it is however.

If you could tour with anyone in the market right now whom would you choose?

I would say we would be a good fit with the New York Dolls or the Vibrators.

Tell me what it is like working with Zodiac Killer.

ZK has been really easy. They have offered us a few options on releasing our next project and are more than a one and done label.

Do you guys have any thoughts on a tour this year?

We think about it all the time. In truth, we are focusing on finalizing the songs for our next release. When we have them recorded and released on ZK Records we would then like to go out and promote the record. To look further than the recording project is to put the cart before the horse.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Ramones, the New York Dolls, the Vibrators, the Clash. We have been fans of the 1970’s New York scene since day one.

Describe your genre in one word.

Wow, one word. I want to preface by saying that what is considered punk now has evolved from what was punk originally. As one would expect it’s just not the same thing, which is fine. So for me to say it’s punk would be misleading in that light. How about a hyphenated word like “retro-punk”?

Where did the name come from?

In 1978 it was next to impossible to get jobs if your band was named “the Dildos”. Latex Novelties was just different enough that it slipped through, even though it means the same thing.

PC or Mac?

Both.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Cheese.

If you were offered a $250,000 record deal but it was someone else’s lyrics and it was a rap album do you do it?

Of course. We’ve all done much worse for much less. If we could put that kind of money behind the band it would pay off tenfold in the end.

You guys play very much outside of Indianapolis?

Not lately. Though we have of course. Much of our time the past few years has been into releasing and distributing our records and CD’s as well as working on new material and securing another record company to get it released. I feel that by doing so it is much more likely that we could do a bigger and much more successful tour. You have to have a product and be known.

You have a ton of promotional posters. Who designs all of those?

I do all of the posters, flyers, web art, t-shirts, etc. I have all of the computer equipment and experience so that it’s not near the hassle it would be for someone else. I’m glad that people seem to like it.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

It’s so hard to predict anything when it comes to the music business. It’s the kind of thing that often makes no sense and follows no pattern. Ideally we would have at least one successful record that would open the door and give us the opportunity to make a name for ourselves.

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

I think most of all we would like to known as a band that stayed true to their vision. One that kept the sound and attitude of our generation and genre true to its roots. And that we made a buttload of cash doing so.

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

We went against the norm in playing punk music in Indy in the 70’s and 80’s when the only thing most clubs and patrons wanted was redone radio tunes. We were called every name you can think of and had our share of hassles for doing what we wanted musically. Our costumes and stage show were like nothing seen in Indy before. We made no money and most clubs wouldn’t even think of booking us. It is very gratifying to see that there is a great punk and alternative scene in Indy now. It was worth the trouble. I want to say to all the bands out there that you can sound different. Take advantage of this cool music scene. It isn’t necessary to fit into a niche. Finally, a reminder that screaming fuck into the microphone over droning cacophonous guitars and million mile an hour drums doesn’t make you a punk or show what a rebel you are. Break away and make your own sound. Like it used to be.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Saul Ashby

The first time I saw this man’s album cover I knew that it was something I wanted to listen to. Ignore the stereotypical answer that you cannot judge a book by its cover. When I opened this album and began to listen to the pure genius it held I was very impressed. Matching a distinct voice with honest lyrics and a dash of piano and guitar overtones, you have a complete package. He provides an image to fit his music perfectly. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Saul Ashby.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad's old Levin acoustic. He got it when he was a kid from one of his friends' sisters in the 60s. He gave it to me when I was 13. It's worn to pieces, cracked and falling apart, but it's probably the only thing I treasure.

How long have you been playing?

I used to sing along to records when I was little. I started playing drums when I was around 9, which I loved, but a few years later I really wanted to write songs. That's when my dad gave me that guitar.

When did you know that you wanted to take a run at this thing they call music?

I'm not sure. I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else.

Where are you originally from?

I was Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but I grew up in London. My parents were flat broke, and I think my dad owed some guys a lot of money. We came to London with two suitcases. As kids, he'd tell my brother and I the story of how he went back to pay off his debts with a bag full of cash, a pistol in his pocket and one in his sock. I imagined him being like Clint Eastwood. I loved that story.

Is Saul Ashby your real name?

It's what most people call me.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

I've recently started to co-write a little, but up until a couple of months ago I hadn't written with anybody else. Writing lyrics for me is a very special thing. It's when I feel at peace with myself, like I'm listening to what I have to say.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I carry around a little notebook that I'm always writing in. Observations, bits of conversations...anything really, though it's usually something that's happened or the way I'm feeling that walks me over to wherever my guitar is lying around.

You seem to be a storyteller in those lyrics. Tell me a story.

There's a spider that lives in a hole next to the bathtub in my flat. The spider is huge and has only been sighted a couple of times. I imagine him to be a sweet talking Frenchman, who plays guitar like Django, tempting passersby into his lair with his silky voice and seductive gypsy jazz.

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

I'm quite happy in London for now. I recently moved back from New York. I loved it there, but I always felt like I was an outsider, just visiting. I'd like to spend some more time in France, but I'd drive myself mad there.

What are you drinking on stage?

Scotch.

How did you get hooked up with Disc Makers?

Hooked up implies that they gave me something. I appreciate the free publicity, but I'm not in the pocket with them.

If you could tour with anyone in the market today whom would it be?

Someone I really respect like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman; anyone who could teach me a few good life lessons.

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

A couple hundred people. I haven't played any enormous shows yet.

The smallest?

I'm happy to play to 3 people if they're listening. I'd rather do that than play to a packed room who aren't.

What is your favorite venue to play?

At the moment, it's the Bedford in Balham, South London. There's always a great crowd who love music and come just to hear new acts. The same goes for the Living Room in NYC.

Who designed your album cover?

It was designed by my very talented friends Alex Merto, and Chad Cheverier, who shot the picture.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

You can't, I'm afraid. I sold them all, and it's not getting re-printed. It's still available for download all over the net though, including iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.

Staying single while out there on the road?

There's someone I love, but I think I'm too late and I've messed up too bad.

I love your MySpace design. Who is responsible for that?

A company called Parallel designed it.

Any thoughts on a tour this year?

It would be great, but not just yet. I need to work on my new some some more first.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I worked in a second-hand record store, but I got fired.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you choose?

Probably Bender from Futurama.

Let’s say that you are offered a record contract but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

I've always wanted to be a hype man on a hip-hop track, just shouting: "Yeeeahhh. What!! What!!" or something like that. But me as a rapper? Don't think I could pull off the swagger.

PC or Mac?

I just got an iPhone, and it's really impressive. I'm not very good with technology though.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great, but I can't really be bothered with all that. I use Twitter a lot, (@saulashby). It better suits my attention span.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you'd asked me this question five years ago, my response would look nothing like where I am now. So let's just wait and see.

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

Making honest music, and hopefully making a few people feel better. Or at least not alone.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Annabella

Where did you guys all meet?

Terri and I met in 1996 at a rock show my band was playing.

Where did the name come from?

We kind of modeled the name after Mazzy Star, we wanted a pretty girl name that described the mood of the music.

How long have you all been playing?

(Tim) I have been playing since I was a young teenager. (Terri) For about ten years.

Who is the ringleader of the band?

Tim is definitely the ringleader. Terri is definitely the talent!

Who writes all the lyrics?

(Tim) Terri used to let me write some lyrics. Now, Terri writes all the lyrics.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Depends.

Where are you all originally from?

We are all from Texas.

You guys are currently unsigned. Any leads on a label any time soon?

Although we aren't signed we do have a couple of labels that help us out: Popsicle distributes us in Scandinavia, and Six Gun Lover records distributes us in the U.S.

What is the largest crowd that you have played for?

One to two million.

The smallest?

We played a show in Jackson, Mississippi to the opening band. So, two people.

Ever been booed off stage?

Nope.

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

Terri for many years had all of the lyrics written and taped to her Fender Rhodes piano. She still takes notes and lyric sheets, just in case, to shows.

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be?

We are already cartoon characters.

What super power would you hold if you could only have one?

Telepathy would be fantastic. You would always say the right thing and you would always know what the other person / people were thinking.


Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Pixies, The Sundays, Innocence Mission.

Where can I get a copy of your latest album?

Lots of places. To name a few: CD baby, Apple iTunes, Amazon, emusic, Independisc, Popsicle.

What was it like being featured in a Disc Makers catalog?

The best promotion a band could get. We have had a lot of people come to our shows because of that catalog. It definitely didn't hurt our career!

How did you guys get that connection?

They helped us with our first record, too. When I sent them our new record, Say Goodnight, they asked us if they could use the artwork for their new catalog. Lauri (Combest) Johnston has done all of our artwork stuff. She is awesome!

Do you have any thoughts on a tour this year?

We already toured for the new record. Just playing a few shows while we complete our new record.

Who does all of your graphic design?

Lauri Johnston.

Is there any song that you play in ever set?

Sun is King.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Sundays, The Pixies, the ocean, the mountains, red wine.

Do you guys all have jobs outside of music?

I am a professor at Austin Community College and UT. I teach audio engineering. We also own and operate a recording studio. Terri recently started working full-time again. Indie rock bands don't pay the bills!

Is there meaning behind “terri+tim+andy= 3x-4”?

Wouldn't you like to know.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

Still writing, playing, putting out records.

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

For putting out some consistently fine, mellow, and beautiful music.

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

Annabella is about good relaxing vibes and friends. Terri and I are married, our guitarist was our best man, and our bass player is one of our best friends, too. Speaking of, Anderson Bracht plays guitar live with us and Joshua Zarbo often plays bass.
Finally, CHEERS!