Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Hum.V

Today I am taking a step in the world of hip-hop and R&B as I sit with Gregory Thomas Humrichouser, also known as Hum V. I have known Greg for a long time and used to do work with him before he made his push as a solo rap artist. Having seen him numerous times both solo and with others on stage supporting him, he always brings a packed house and has an MTV sound. His lyrics could be mixed with some of the industries best. Let’s welcome Hum V.

So your name Hum V comes from your full given name, Gregory Thomas Humrichouser. Why the change? (Laughs)

First of all, Thanks for choosing to interview me Ricky; I’m honored and grateful. You’ve definitely been supportive of my career over the years, and I don’t take that for granted. Hum.v just developed from my last name (which NO ONE can pronounce correctly), and has always been what people called me. I guess it just stuck. People have always called me Hummer, Hum, or Hum.v, and I liked Hum.v the best. The V stands for volatile, ha. Plus, I now have this crazy huge buzz so changing my name is not an option.

So I remember the days of the Cleptoz. Are you still working with that project?

The Cleptoz are and always will be one of my main focuses in music. I love to look back and look at what we’ve accomplished together. There is a lot of hating and lack of respect in this Indianapolis hip hop scene (which is why no one has really made it), but at the end of the day, what we’ve achieved is undeniable. The following we’ve consistently had, the buzz, the radio love, the opening slots, the money we’ve made, the fans we’ve touched, and the two incredible albums we’ve released. Most groups dream of accomplishing the things Cleptoz have done with their career, and we did it. We didn’t talk about it, we went out, worked our asses off, and did it. We didn’t sit and talk shit about other groups, we didn’t listen these jealous local schmucks, we stayed focused and worked harder than anyone. We’ve been talking about dropping our third album “Trifecta”, and have recorded a few songs, but its just so hard to keep everyone organized. It’s the real world man, we are busy with real jobs and personal lives. It will come eventually.

Where does your motivation come from in your songwriting?

My real life experiences 100%. My father.

What would you be doing if it weren’t music?

Coordinating Logistics, which is what I do now as my day job. I’m sales manager. I love it.

Have you written or recorded with anyone outside of Indianapolis?

Yes, I’ve recorded music with people from all over, but I like to keep it local as much as possible.

Do you think that being from Indianapolis has helped or hurt your career so far?

Good question, I hear people say all the time “why don’t you move to LA or NYC? If you really wanted to make it, you’d move there”. People who say that are complete morons. Why would I move to a place where there is 10 times the competition? I can understand moving if it was 1985, but with the internet, mp3s, and email, I can reach all those record execs just as easily from here.

Any plans of getting out of the city?

Well not only have I played shows everywhere from Miami to Chicago, and everywhere in between for over 5 years. My single, Look In Your Eyes, is now syndicated on 10 stations, including Nashville, Louisville, Columbus OH, Lexington KY, and Cleveland. The Cleptoz and I have played more shows in more places than most folks only dream about. Milwaukee, Columbus OH, Bloomington, and Lafayette to name a few. I’ve definitely been getting ‘out of the city’.

I have seen your video where you are hanging out in a locker room. Tell me what it was like recording a video.

A lot of fun. Not only did we record that video at Butler University with Butler students, but the two kids we had playing us were awesome to work with. Did I mention that BC from the Cleptoz is one of my best friends ever? Love that dude. Pure fun doing anything with him. I love that song too.

Where can people see that?

MySpace, YouTube, the usual.

What’s the largest crowd you have played for?

We opened for Twista at the Egyptian Room, Opened for the Roots at Clowes Hall and in Milwaukee @ the Rave, Played with Common, Jurrasic 5, Gym Class Heroes, Radio Now Taste of Broad Ripple, and a slew of others. Basically, we’ve played Huge shows that I’ll never forget. However, for every huge show we’ve done, we’ve played two smaller one’s at hole in the wall dive bars across the midwest. I’ve played in front of 10 people before. We still kept the show good though☺

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Being successful and working hard. I know that sounds cheesy as hell, but that’s the truth. I’m always going to pursue my music career, that’s a given. Its in my blood. Regardless, no matter what I do, I’ll be happy and I’ll work harder than anyone else. I just got married, which is exciting. I love my job. I love my music. I can’t complain.

How do you handle being white in an overly saturated African American genre?

Well, I don’t think twice about being a ‘white rapper’, but apparently Capitol Records does. That’s one of the reasons the A&R Research Dept gave me? I see Grey. Its 2009 so I hope people are just judging music on music you know?

When did you first realize that you were going to do music for a living?

There were a lot of things that have happened throughout my career that have led me to take my music so seriously. When I first heard my song on the radio. When Capitol Records and Universal both called me in a two month span. When the Cleptoz and I started touring the midwest in college, and rapping basically became my only income. Lots of

What are you drinking on stage?

Anymore, I’m just drinking beer or water. Not real picky about that. Depends if I’m getting drunk or not I guess. I’m growing up now Ricky, so I don’t get smashed for every show like I used to….Ha.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My Father. Hands down. My father is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. He taught me that you can make positive music and still be effective. He also taught me that hard work is pays off, which is has. He taught me that the worst thing in the world is being lazy and unmotivated. He showed me that you have to constantly be setting new goals in life. He taught me to stay true to myself and not to think twice about people trying to bring me down. Also, that people trying to bring me down, are simply envious. I love my father more than anyone could ever know. May he rest in piece and look down on me with proud eyes.

You are headlining at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?

My opener is an artist who’s worked their ass off, but never been given the opportunity. My opener is an artist who is grateful for the opportunity and is a great person inside and out. Its anyone who makes

MySpace; good or bad?

I think MySpace and all that shit is dumb, but useful. I haven’t checked my own MySpace in ages. I hear Facebook is where its at, but I honestly would not know. I’m way too busy to be on computer networking sites.

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

All these jealous haters in this City need to realize that they just fuel my fire with their talking. Seriously, I think its so funny when I hear or read about someone new talking shit about me. I’m like “do they realize that they all know my name and I have no clue who they are? I’m obviously doing something right? I get paid to rap and they play for peanuts. I have a fan base and they play in front of family friends and spouses every show. I write hit songs that people outside of my circle of friends are actually going to listen to. Oh, you think I’m too pop and I write sell out songs? I write songs that I like. Songs that are catchy, clever, and well written. I like pop music and I’m not afraid to admit it. Most people who ‘hate’ on songs and artists on the radio, hate because they don’t have the talent as a writer to make a hit pop song. They also don’t have the networking ability to make it happen. I do. I’m so proud of the things I’ve accomplished with my music its crazy. If you would have told me that my songs would be spinning on 9 major market stations as an unsigned artist, I would have never believed you.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jethro Easyfields

The guy that I am with today is a local legend of sorts. Having first met him at the Indianapolis hot spot for local and undiscovered talent, Locals Only, I knew immediately that he had talent that I had to share. Bringing a sound that Springsteen fans will fall in love with and a set of lyrics that come from nothing but real life experiences, he matches it all with a folk rock attitude. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Indianapolis based Jethro Easyfields.

So is Jethro Easyfields your real name?

If Jethro Easyfields was not my name I believe I couldn't answer these questions honestly.

How long have you been performing?

I have been performing since 1985-1988. These were my breakout years. I used to do mock live shows for my family using my Casio keyboard and sing songs like, "Why Don't You Stop Buggin' Me?" and "I Love Potatoes" then in 1988, I started performing at the Troubadour Lounge at St. Francis College singing songs like "Skate Like An Alien" and "Killer Bees Killed My Lover"...by 1990 I was playing in bars in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Where do you get inspiration to write a new song?

Writing a new song is like channel surfing or driving without a map and arriving at a place you never expected to be. Inspiration is something to catch. It's there for the taking and sometimes it happens so fast. I seem to be finishing a song minutes from the seed of creation.

Have you written with anyone else in the past?

In fact I have collaborated with folks for quite a long time. It might be 20% of my output but the different perspective from others can give songs a broader landscape and soundscape.

Tell me about your connections to Locals Only.

I knew the owners from the Hideaway on Hillside and they were to open Locals Only Art and Music Pub. I presented to host an Open Stage dedicated to original music. This will be our fifth year doing this public service.

Do you ever travel outside of Indianapolis for shows?

I have played all over Indiana and this region. Smaller towns and bigger cities from Culver to Bloomington to Evansville to Danville. Although while living in New Orleans and Phoenix I branched out to surrounding places as well.

What would you be doing if you were not playing music?

Usually when I'm not playing music I'm having sex.

Do you have a job other than music?

Usually when I'm not playing music I'm having sex.

You seem to be quite the storyteller in your lyrics. Tell me a story.

(Thinks) So much to tell so little time to type.

One recent story had me playing at Lazy Daze Coffeehouse in Irvington here in Indy. Nice small place to play an acoustic show. The night before I stabbed myself with a knife opening an avocado. I passed out from the pain, my head hit the sink and my girlfriend revived me. I was a bit weary to play the next night and my hand was stabbed, although I pressed to play.

The two hour show included the promoter / booking lady having to leave the show before it started because of her cat was dying, some of our uncles outside drinking beers and coming into the shop asking for price checks on the artwork. I played for about and hour or so and faithfully took a break. I was still dizzy from the night before stabbing. I had some fans show up late and I tended to play longer than I should so I threw out a few risky songs like, "Harely Davidison Ryder" and "Tribute to Herb" not knowing in the other room (out of view) there was a Pastor writing a sermon for Sunday. I was later told a few "daze" later (by the promoter with the heavenly cat) that the Pastor and a few others were mortified by some of my lyrics and that I would not be performing there again and that I was banned from the Coffeehouse! Only did I receive a nice email from the owner sating everything was fine and I could play anytime but no cursing. I'd rather be banned I replied and now I have a avocado slicer for safety.

What is the largest crowd that you have played for?

I believe 100,0 or more. There was a mosh pit and kids were playing "smashing musical chairs".

The smallest?

Every day in my kitchen with just my Bassett Hound Chelsea.

Describe your genre in one word.

WOOD.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, the Stones, Elvis Costello, the Velvet Underground, Charley Patton, Sun Ra, Woody Guthrie and Beck.

What was the last movie you saw?

The Onion Movie. The Onion Movie is a comedy film written by The Onion writers Robert D. Siegel and Todd Hanson along with the NY-based writing staff of the paper.

Did you like it?

It was similar to the Kentucky Fried Movie and Prime Time. They are odd enough to enjoy.

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

Huckleberry Hound by day and Woody Woodpecker by night.

Are you actively pursuing a record deal?

The pursuit of happiness and active role I have in life can not be determined as deals and promises but I might change my mind in a minute.

Have you lived in Indianapolis your whole life?

I swore after having open chest surgery at Riley Hospital at 13 years old that I would never live here in Indy. Although I have a scar nipple to nipple and I have lived in Indy off and on from 1999-2009.

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

I have been writing and recording a rap album since 1989. The time is now to release the flow, give me the cash and I will put on the flash.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Ray Charles at Jazz Fest in New Orleans 1995 or maybe, Jerry Lee Lewis at Solder's Field in Chicago circa 1979.

Do you play any instruments besides the guitar?

Yeah, I play the piano, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and coffee can.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Shrimp, tomato and onion.

If you were to headline at Verizon Wireless Music Center who would be your opener?

I believe I did this before when it was Deer Creek and the opener was Cinderella.

PC or Mac?

OK, these questions are starting to get personal.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hanging out with Micheal J. Fox on some Delorean Hovercraft.

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

My music sounds like "wood" and my voice sounds like a coyote in a chicken coop or maybe I should be remembered as that guy who stabs himself and gets torretts.

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

Only you can make a difference with a voice, a guitar, a canvas, a camera, a saute pan...light the fire and control the heat the best you can. You can get burned but you shall heal. Cheers! Jethro Easyfields and the Arrowheads new CD ELIXIR can be purchased at Luna Records and Indy CD and Vinyl in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Blackberry Jam

I am proud to introduce to you today a band that I have had the chance to see perform numerous time and become a big fan of over the last few years. These guys bring nothing but raw talent and a funk and soul attitude to the stage when they perform. Offering something to get you out of your chair and dancing and the beats to get you tapping your toes all night long, they have everything it takes to make a great party band. They are energetic, full of passion, and heart, and skilled in every sense of the word. I am proud to introduce to you Blackberry Jam.

Where did you guys all meet?

We met by being into the same types of music and being in Indianapolis.

How long have you all known each other?

The band consist of a nucleus of four people including Poncho Hedrick who is our bass player and our musical director. Solar P who is out MC an on background vocals and our tambourine man. Stacia Murphy is on the trombone and is our administrative guru. And then we have Jumbo Shrimp who is our front-man, lyricist, and lead vocals.

Solar and myself, I am Poncho by the way, are brothers with over 30 years of sibling ship (if that's a word). We've known Jumbo Shrimp going on 10 years and we've all known Stacia for 5 years.

When did you realize that you wanted to make music a career choice?

I started Blackberry Jam in late fall of 1996. From the very start of the band's existence it was a goal to do music as a career; however bills have to be paid, money has to be made, and all that good stuff, so it's up to the higher power to say when. All BBJ can do is be true to the cause.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

None of us are making a living just playing music. At least not with Blackberry Jam. (Laughs)

How long have you guys been together?

We had our long-time guitar player and drummer leave just weeks apart from each other to pursue other money-making schemes. 3 months going strong the four of us left in the band still haven't bumped into a reason to "Throw in the towel" yet. You can't stop a well oiled machine that has been moving since 1996

Is there a ringleader of the group?

I am but I prefer to be called "Huckleberry".

Where did the name come from?

Although not in the band at the time Solar came up with the name Blackberry Jam. It's a cool name for us as a funk rock outfit because either you think blackberries are good or they are nasty; however nasty has a positive meaning to it in the "Funk World', and that's the dealznik.

What should someone expect when they come out to a show?

Hopefully we throw people of guard with something unexpected that jams hard.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

A crowd of 400 or so is the most.

The smallest?

There have been a couple of shows where the size of our crowd was bigger during our sound checks. (Insert sad face here.)

Any tattoos in the group?

Solar and myself were raised better than that; however Jumbo and Stacia have between the two of them about 3-4 tattoos on there bodies, and they are located on their backs and arms. They are nothing too crazy.

Who has the most?

I think Jumbo has two or three tattoos. It's a front-man thing.

Describe your genre in one word.

FuRoul(Fu/nk,Ro/ck,So/ul) We get FuRoul on those fools.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I would say everyone that we heard that has a message with great music behind them are who we are influenced by...totally.

What is your favorite venue to play?

We play at Locals Only a lot. The Vogue will always give us a sense of stardom whenever we play there. There is no favorite venue; except for the room we are rocking at the time, so we are fair and appreciative to any venue that allows us to play.

If you guys could live anywhere other than Indianapolis where would you go?

Atlanta, Georgia is a cool and musical city that we could make as a second home very easily. The scene down there seems to be booming with enough boom to go around and around.

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

We don't get embarrassed any more. It's FuRoul music son.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

We don't eat beef or pork so chicken with extra cheese and some veggies is the pizza of choice. Sorry Ricky no pepperoni. (Insert another sad face here.)

If you could tour with anyone in the market right now who would it be?

Rage Against The Machine, U2, Prince, Common to name a few we'd love to tour with. Oh! TV on the Radio is a group we admire and pair well with; and we (Jumbo and I) actually met those cats when they came to the Vogue the first time, and they were very cool people, so we definitely can't forget them. Our image came after certain songs were written. These songs all have a rather raw feel to it along with socially charged lyrics. Some people would suggest that we are political; however none of us in BBJ are running for office, so we aren't political. We do see some things going on in society that we like to touch on in our music. The best way to get ones attention is with the raw BBJ flavor.

You guys are still unsigned. Any leads to a record deal?

We aren't signed yet; however we feel once we can finally record a record it will be worthy of some attention. We can't really afford to release anything but our hottest material; so the process of deciding which tunes to work on and release is the hardest task as of yet with this band, and actually we have been approached by a representative of a major rock label after seeing us perform live. At our shows we play our songs with intensity; so it's not uncommon for the crowd to get drawn in, and catch the vibe we help create, so it was one of those moment where the label rep witnessed and has been into us from that point on. We actually like the idea of being signed and having a deal that allows us to have make some noise and be able to make music for a decent living.

Where in the world did the name Jumbo Shrimp come from?

It means "big little man".

Do you guys have any thoughts on a tour anytime soon?

We will hit the road with force as soon as the recordings are done.

Where can I get some Blackberry Jam Merchandise?

Right now we are in the process of working on a project which fully represents what we are about musically. When it's available to purchase you will be one of the first to own a copy.

Do you guys actually eat blackberry jam?

Those berries are for the patrons only.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Being in our 5th year of intense rock stardom.

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

The truth is BBJ's fire was lit to provide the light so we can see where we are going. We have grown accustomed to having this fire. The fire allows us to never be denied. It's that simple.

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

Thank you Mr. Ricky Potts for giving a damn and to the music lovers around the globe. Peace.