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 CariRay

I am hanging out today with a lady that deserves some much needed attention. Her voice radiates absolute talent and her guitar playing is right there with her. Bringing a true sense of the word musician to the stage, she puts 100% every night into every song. Having seen her at a local bar not too long ago, I knew she had something. Sounding like a country version of Sheryl Crow, her voice stays consistent from song to song. Throwing in a few covers that you would have no idea were covers except for her telling you so, you get to see a range in her voice show after show. I am happy to be sitting with Cari Ray.


Is Cari Ray your real name?

As a matter of fact it is.

How long have you been playing?

Well, I’ve been singing in public since I was three and picked up the guitar in college. I wrote my first song my senior year.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad had a 1964 Gibson LG-O and I used to open the case and strum it when no one was around.

Do you have any jobs outside of music?

Yes. I am a marketing consultant.

Do you travel outside of Indiana very often for shows?

Not yet but I’m looking to set up some touring to promote the new record due out later this summer. I know it’s old-fashioned to call it a record but I like saying it better than CD.

I heard you were putting a band together?

When will we see that take form? Between work, solo shows and recording my plate is pretty full right now. So we decided to put the kabosh on rehearsals for now. I’ll likely roll out the full-band show once the CD is out.

Tell me about the people in your band.

All in good time...

What is your favorite venue to play?

So far, the Biergarten at the Rathskeller was pretty cool. I love outdoor shows. I like stinky old theaters with blood red carpet too.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Every word.

Have you ever co-written with anyone before?

No, but I have interest in doing so and have kicked the idea around with a couple of folks.

Who does all your graphic design work?

For now, me. I do have a degree in graphic design and since I’m bootstrapping this thing right now I save up and get help when I have to (like getting professionals to work with me on the recording) and do what I can myself.

When did you know you wanted to take a run at this thing called music?

Which time? From a very early age I knew music was “my thing”...wasn’t sure what that meant, but just knew it. Then I got older, went to college and made up that I needed to do something responsible...like get a job. This time around I think it hit me about a year ago that this was what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel like there are stories that need telling and I’m one of the people who’s meant to tell them.

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

About 3000.

The smallest?

At a pubic gig? 5.

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

Hell no.

Let’s get a pizza. What toppings?

Cheese. Mushrooms. Extra sauce.

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

Not clear about that as yet. But yes, I’ve been thinking in that direction. Am certain that I’ll need to tour to promote the record but haven’t figured precisely what that will look like.

How do you know Sheryl Hugill?

We’re members of a secret society. I’d tell you about it but it’s...well...secret.

Are you actively seeking a record deal?

The ad reads something like this: SWS/S ISO record label sugar daddy to coordinate promotion and pay the bills. Know any of those? Seriously though...no, not actively. But this is an ever-evolving thing. I’m trying to stay focused on the music and getting it heard by as many potential fans as I can. If I continue to make this about connecting with people (and am willing to work my ass off, of course) I think I have the best chance of getting somewhere. If a label turns out to be a good conduit, then so be it.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Patty Griffin. Lucinda Williams. Gillian Wlech. EmmyLou Harris. Willie Nelson.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

It’s usually a concept before it’s a song...a single line or musical phrase...sometimes they come in response to something but more often than not they seem to appear out of the void...the nothingness. My more prolific periods as a writer have definitely been associated with times in my life when I was able to spend adequate time sitting still. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t know how to be a songwriter, I just know I am one.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Creating something else.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

Love it. Hate it. There’s no question that, as an artist, MySpace and the myriad of other social networking sites are great place to reach out to fans and promote your stuff. The internet in general has undoubtedly made it easier for folks like me to be seen and heard. On the other hand, as a solo artist trying to get off the ground, trying to keep up with cariray.com, blogging, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Reverb Nation can be daunting. Not to mention YouTube which I have yet to do much with. Wow, I didn’t realize I had that much to say about it. But the work is just part of it...I guess that’s why they call it the music business and not the music vacation.

Describe your genre in one word.

Roots.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On stage.

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

Telling the kind of stories a person can plop themselves into and feel like they fit...comfortable or not. Life is awesome and awful. It’s worth telling the whole story.

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

Wow, the last word, I knew I liked you. This whole journey is fraught with uncertainty. Maybe that’s what’s intoxicating about it. Potential fans are just lovers waiting to be wooed. I’ve always loved the chase.