Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Kate Linné

I am sitting with a girl today that brings a whole new meaning to the word Indie rock. She matches an awesome sense of fashion with an a voice that will send chills down your spine. She has a certain look about her that sets her apart from most singer songwriters. Currently living in Nashville, Tennessee, she is slowly making her way to the top of the charts. I am proud to introduce to you Kate Linne.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up right outside of Louisville, Kentucky in Oldham Country, which was the ultimate ultra-vanilla white suburban experience. We were very sheltered; you can’t even buy beer inside county lines. It’s a nice town, but I spent the majority of my high school experience counting the days until I could get out of there and move someplace where something actually happens.

Do you like living in Nashville?

I love living here however, it’s a little bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to music. Everyone here is a musician, which is one of the best things about it, because it makes Nashville such a supportive and creative community. The flip side of that, though, is that it’s hard to find people who are simply fans. Nashville audiences always watch any performance with a critical eye; this is a bit disconcerting, but I think it ultimately makes you a better musician.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a performer?

When I was in kindergarten, there was a teacher named Mrs. Edwards who played the piano during all the school plays. I thought she was the hippest lady around, and I wanted to be like her. So, one day I came home, all serious and grown-up feeling, and was like, “Mom, I have made a decision about my life. I want to learn how to play the piano.” Of course, this only lasted for about 8 months, but it was a good start.

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

One of my best friends is a dedicated world traveler, and she has always told me that London is my ultimate dream city. I’ve never been there, but I would love to go.

Describe your genre in one word.

“Smartpop.” Like Orville Redenbacher.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes, I write all of my own music and lyrics. Lyrics are really important to me, so I’m a stickler for quality control as far as that’s is concerned. I think one of the biggest challenges that writers face is figuring out how to express the same emotions that all people have (and have been having for years) in fresh and unique ways that really grab the listener. I’m not saying I knock it out of the park every time, but I certainly always try.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

Yes, I’ve done some co-writing, which is always a fun experience. It gives you the chance to see how other people approach the creative process, and how they work through the conceptual roadblocks that pop up during the writing process. This year, one of my goals is to really branch out in my writing and explore all kinds of new genres. The other day, I even wrote a country song, just to see if I could do it. There are certain words that you can add in there to make any song sound more country....like “ain’t,” “mama,” “truck,” and “Jesus.” And if you ever say “guitar,” you have to say, “GEE-tar.”

What is the largest crowd that you have played for?

Probably about 100 people.

The smallest?

30 people. But they were all close friends, so it was still a really fun show.

Do you have a favorite venue?

I really like the Mercy Lounge. It’s in an old warehouse close to downtown Nashville. The sound is good there, and the backstage area has all of these Christmas lights. It’s very vibe-y and cool. Plus, the drinks are cheap. Very important.

How do you pronounce your last name?

My last name is pronounced “Linn-Ae,” with two syllables. It’s a Swedish family name. Very few people EVER get that right, and I’ve just stopped correcting people. It’s gotten to the point where sound guys come up to me and say “Caitlin?” and I’m just like, “Yeah, yeah, just tell me where to plug in.”

Who does all of your graphic design work?

My artwork was done by Aaron Rayburn, one of my friends in Nashville. I think it’s actually still featured in the DiscMakers catalog. I’m the “eco-friendly packaging” girl, which makes me proud. I always try to do what I can to help out the planet, so it makes me feel good to know that when people rip my CD into iTunes, it’s OK if they throw the packaging away...it will biodegrade nicely without killing any small animals.

I am absolutely in love with your MySpace header image. Who came up with that design?

That was also a product of Aaron’s genius graphic designer brain. That image is actually a photo with a pencil drawing overlaid on top of it in Photoshop. I don’t really know how he did it, but I do know that it’s very cool.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

(Laughs) I can never answer this question in a short and concise way, so get ready for the long answer.

We’ll start with the lyrics. Usually, whether I mean to or not, I end up writing about my own life. I have noticed that I end up writing WAY too much about love...either being ecstatic and head over heels in it, or being depressed and hopelessly out of it. This past year has actually ended up being very dramatic for me in that department, so I have definitely had a ton of material. One of the best feelings in the world is when you can take a bad experience and turn it into a good song, so I feel very driven to write for that purpose. It’s completely involuntary...it’s the only way I know how to deal with the really hard times in my life. I just write.

As far as the music goes, I get a lot of inspiration from songs that I fall in love with that other people have written. Sometimes I’ll hear a chord progression or a riff that just really grabs me, and I’ll immediately sit down and figure out what it is and why I like it. Then, I usually get an idea for a melody while I’m playing through the progression, and all of a sudden it develops a life of its own, and turns into a song that is completely different than the one that inspired it.

Sometimes, also, things will just pop into your head and come out on paper without any effort. And from my experience, these are usually the best songs or the weirdest ones. You know, the ones that you write and you’re like, “Well, this is cool, but what the hell IS it?”

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

Actually, no. I usually go over my own lyrics about a million times before I feel like I have the final version, so those suckers are burned into my brain FOREVER.

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

Once, in the middle of a show, I was playing “Letting Go”...I got to the part where everything drops out and it’s only piano, and I looked down at my keyboard, and I was like, “Wait a minute...so...there are no lights on. Oh no.” So I hit a chord, and NOTHING happened, at which point I thought to myself, “Fuck.” Then, without being able to stop myself, I just started laughing hysterically. You know how you’re supposed to play it cool when stage emergencies happen and just keep going like nothing is wrong? I have discovered that I am apparently REALLY terrible at that, and instead I just laugh uncontrollably like a giant idiot. But, oh well...I guess there’s always one more thing you can work on, isn’t there?

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

I would probably still be working in the music business, somewhere. I have always had such an irrational obsession with music, and I can’t imagine ever getting to a point in my life where I’m not involved with it in any way. I mean, even if things really go south, I’ll still probably end up as a janitor in a recording studio, lovingly dusting all the racks of expensive gear with those special electrostatic cloths.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

You can order the CD from CDBaby, and download all of the songs in iTunes. It’s also available on Rhapsody and a bunch of other download services.

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

I just started working with Brian Waymire at Dreamscapers International (www.seethemusic.net) for college booking. Hopefully I will get to do a lot more traveling in the Fall semester of 2009.

Tell me about the guys behind you?

Ryan, my guitar player, played on my record. I went to high school with Mike, the bass player, who got Jake, the drummer, on board. They’re really fun to travel with...we can spend hours in the van together without fighting, which is amazing.

Tell me about working with Dual Nature.

Dual Nature is my publishing company that I would love to turn into a multi-artist operation one day. But for now, I am entirely focused on my own career...trying to get my own music career off the ground is an endeavor that has taken more dedication, creativity, and business smarts than any other goal I have ever tried to accomplish. The prevailing stereotype of musicians as space cadets or irresponsible partiers is so funny to me, because if that’s who you are, the likelihood of finding success is probably very slim. In the short time I have been doing this, I have learned that you have to bring your “A” game strategy 100% of the time if you want to get some attention from the industry. You have to prove there’s a market out there for what you do.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I think MySpace is a good way to communicate with fans, but as far as social networking sites go, I think it’s on the way out. It seems like a lot more people use Facebook and Twitter.

Are you on Twitter?

I just signed up. Find me at www.twitter.com/katelinne.

How do you think social networking has helped your career so far?

I think it’s a great way to get in touch with fans, and give people the opportunity to see you as more than just a musician. It’s a cool way to put more of yourself out there, and get to know people without having to be in the same state or even the same country. I fully support it.

What is Moda Boutique?

MODA is a great boutique in the 12th South district of Nashville...Meredith, the owner, is a riot. She uses me as the model in her ads around town, and sells my record in her store. Check out her website at www.modanashville.com.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Wow, that’s a tough question to answer. If I’m lucky, I would get to wake up every day, grab a mocha, and spend the next 8 hours writing songs. I would also like to have produced a few records for other artists, and be in the beginning stages of expanding Dual Nature into a real publishing company that works with other pop songwriters. I’d love to sign the next Kara DioGuardi. Actually, I’d really like to just BE Kara DioGuardi. She’s had a cool career.

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

I would like to be remembered as someone who writes pop music that ISN’T fluff...I would like to be the poster girl for entertaining music that is also meaningful. Pop doesn’t need to be a dirty word.

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

I was going to try and think of something funny to say here, but I think I’m going to go with something serious instead. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how navigating the unpredictability of the music business has definitely been an exercise in optimism and perseverance...so, I would like to share a quote that might resonate with the rest of America, now that even those of us who took the safe road are currently facing a future that is equally uncertain:

“Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” - Kurt Vonnegut

It’s a good quote. Stick that on a post-it in your car. I guarantee you’ll have a better day.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Ronald Rip

I am sitting with a guy that I first saw in an issue of Disc Makers. What immediately jumped out at me was the graphic design work that was done for his album cover. Then, after venturing to MySpace to hear his music, was hooked immediately. He brings a European pop sound to the stage with polished instrumentals and an experienced feel in his lyrics. Sit with me as I am proud to introduce to you Ronald Rip.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I used to watch videos and hear Steve Rothery from the legendary Scottish band Marillion play awesome riffs on his strat and get lost in some of the guitar patterns, when I heard that guy playing I understood the power of that instrument.

How long have you been playing?

Not for so long, maybe 4 years now, I've played drums since I was 14, I consider it my main instrument but being in the front puts me on the spot of playing guitar and I love it!

When did you realize that you wanted to make a run at this?

Honestly it was like a message from God, I left the music scene for a while to focus on producing events in Miami, then I received a divine call or something, a very interesting voice inside of me said I needed to go back to the art of creating music and writing songs

Do you have a job outside of music?

Yes! I work producing and promoting events in Miami Beach's club scene

What was it like working with Disc Makers?

It was awesome! The staff is very friendly and efficient , I even sent a personal e-mail to all the people that were involved in my project to say thanks because it was a great experience.

How did all that come about?

I really wanted to have a CD recorded and manufactured, I heard Disc Makers was the best option to go and that they provided and excellent costumer service, it was all true!

Have you seen increased numbers at your shows because of it?

Yes! People like to have an image and a product they can touch, they buy my EP and they enjoy having in it on a physical format

I have to know whom did your graphic design work for your album cover.

I knew that! (laughs) Honestly image is everything for me, you won't believe it but to find the perfect image for the album cover was a very difficult task. I returned the design several times , I was not satisfied at all, then I contacted my friend Cindy Jimenez who is in charge of all designs on my promotions and in one single day she created the concept so well I couldn't complaint at all. She did a great job

Where are you originally from?

I'm originally from Caracas, Venezuela.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

I've played for a crowd of approximately 400 people

The smallest?

1

What is your favorite venue?

The next one ;)

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

London!

Is Ronald Rip your real name?

Rip is my nickname created by my childhood buddies. They called me Rip because of "ripping the waves"; I used to surf a lot on my teenage years! Ronald is my first name and yes I have a last name!

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes I do.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

On the act of swimming into my instincts.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

"Tales On An Airplane" is the only song I co-wrote with the guitarist of my old band Single Dot Howard Garrao, he provided the lead guitars and those great riffs, we created the music together and I wrote the lyrics.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

My influences are mostly from UK, being Mr. Peter Gabriel the first one on the list followed by bands such as Coldplay and The Cure, although I always wanted to create my own sound. I think that I still can (laughs).

What was it like working with MASIVA?

Masiva is the record label I created to record my own material and work with some DJ's and new artists in the city of Miami, we are doing very well!

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

I'm making contacts with some people up in New York I travel a lot finding deals with booking agents and hopefully by the end of this year I will be touring the United States.

Do you always play solo or do you have a band as well?

I've been playing solo most of the time, always wanted to put a band together and create a collective consciousness in music creation but I think life took me to this path of creating music by myself.

Where can I get some Ronald Rip merchandise?

At the moment we have not work on merchandise but that's coming for sure I will let you know.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

Undoubtedly, MySpace has been a way for the indie musicians to show the world about their talents, I admire the way new artists promote themselves and I believe new music and should be heard in every corner of the world and MySpace has showing us how to do it.

Are you on Twitter?

Oh Yes! http://twitter.com/Rtwitt

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself more involved in the process of music creation collaborating a lot with new and big artists sharing musical ideas and touring touring and touring.

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

I'd like to push new artists to show their talents and pursuit their dreams in music. Impossible is nothing!

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

I'd like to thank Indycocerts.com and Ricky Potts Jr. for giving me the opportunity to express myself on this interview, and to help artists grow in the industry. These sites are necessary for people who love music and to help to make human kind come back to earth and to appreciate music as one of the most sublime arts of all time. I also thank you "the fans" for reading the words I say here, and to hear my music. You can visit my page and take a listen www.myspace.com/ronaldripmusic, I'm in the process of recording an entire album after the release of Premiere. Keep rocking!

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 Four2Three

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

Where did the name come from?

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

How did you guys meet?

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

How long have you all known each other?

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

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

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

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

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

Describe your genre in one word.

Energy.

Tell me the meaning behind that teddy bear.

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

Where are you guys originally from?

We are all from Franklin Square, Long Island.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

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

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

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

The smallest?

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

Any tattoos in the band?

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

Who has the most?

Rob.

Who designed your awesome MySpace page?

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

What is your favorite venue to play?

Ollie’s Point in Amityville, Long Island.

What would you be doing if not music?

The guy at Burger King with the little headset.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Plain. Maybe some sausage.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Recess.

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

Blink 182 reunion tour.

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

The Beatles reborn.

What is your favorite song to play?

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

Ever forget the lyrics to your own tracks?

No.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

We all share the responsibilities of being in a band.

PC or Mac?

PC.

Any rituals you go through before a gig?

Just laughing a lot.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

A bowl of Golden Grams. A sesame bagel.

Do you sleep with that teddy bear? (Laughs)

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

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Living in a van down by the river.

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

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

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

Stop.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jascha

I am sitting here today with local singer songwriter Jascha. Having worked with him numerous times in the past I felt it was only fitting to have him tell you guys a little bit about what he is doing in the industry these days. Jascha brings a very distinct sound to the stage and you feel warm inside and feel that you need to be next to the fireplace with your soul mate when he is singing. His lyrics have meaning; they are deep thoughts that is hard to find in a musician these days. He has a lumberjack appearance but an industry standard voice. Let’s take a few moments to learn a little bit more about Jascha.

It has been a long time since you and I have talked. How are you doing these days?

At the moment, I'm just coming out of my winter hibernation. Releasing some new demos, starting to play shows around and out of town more. Still a little frozen, but warming up.

I see you have some shows coming up in New York. Are you trying to branch out of the city of Indianapolis and become a traveling musician?

You know, it's funny you put it that way. I actually got my start playing shows on the road - a few years ago I was working as a detective and sort of felt my life falling apart around me. I had a few songs, a demo CD recorded in a friend's living room, and two shows under my belt at United States of Mind in Indianapolis. I threw everything in my car and took off for California, playing at open mics or any show I could set up along the way. I didn't really have a plan, or a route, I was just doing it. On my way out there, I got an offer to play a show in Massachusetts at The Dreamaway Lodge; a venue Bob Dylan had played. I couldn't pass it up, so I added an East Coast leg to my travels. On my way back to California from there, the brakes on my car exploded in Ohio. I sort of crash landed back in Indianapolis. I've done a few tours around the country since then, but I always wind up back here. As a rule, I don't actually ever book any shows; if I'm asked to play, I do. I've performed out in Jamestown, New York a few times before, and they keep inviting me back. I guess they must like my music a little bit. It's one of my favorite cities.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Somewhere over 800 people is what I'm told. A Katrina benefit a few years ago with a national headliner.

The smallest?

Including myself? (Laughs) Probably 3.

If you were headlining at Verizon Wireless Music Center who would be opening for you?

As tempted as I am to name one of my favorite popular artists, I'd like to think if I make it that far and have anything to say about it, it'd be one of my friends that deserve some recognition - Paper Route, or Christian Taylor.

What do you put on your pizza?

Well, that depends on my mood. Ham and pineapple, or black olives usually. But always, always extra cheese. I love cheese.

What are you drinking on stage?

Am I getting paid? Whiskey. Preferably a golden Kentucky bourbon more than 10 years old. But I'm not picky.

Where does your inspiration come from when you sit down to write a song?

That's actually a trick question for me, and it's got a trick answer. I've only ever sat down and written one song. The normal process of songwriting for me generally involves a single line - from something I hear, read, see - being written down in a notebook. There's usually an immediate idea for the melody of it.

Sometime in the future; a week, a month, a year; another line or idea comes into my head. I add it. After that, it's usually only about five or ten minutes for me to finish the rest. I type it up on my typewriter, and play it with the music already in my mind. If it seems to go, it's a song. At this point, I've never really sat down and said "I'm going to write this song", although I've heard that's the way to do it. I'd like to try it sometime. I'm interested to see what comes out.

Are you a PC or Mac kind of a guy?

Mac. Unequivocally. Although I don't at this point in time own a computer. On tour in 2006, someone in St. Louis took a crowbar to my car window while I was playing a show and made off with my laptop, and a lot of pedals and other gear that I still sorely miss. I have habitually avoided St. Louis since then.

Do you think MySpace is good or bad for musicians?

For me, it's been good. Being as reluctant as I am to self-promote myself, or to book shows; it's been nice being able to just put something out there and have a medium for people to find me. I've gotten a lot of shows and fans through the site, and made a lot of friends. It puts me in touch with a lot of people who otherwise would have no clue who I am.

So is Jascha your real name?

It is.

Did you just want to be like Cher and Seal sticking with one name?

You know, I was thinking more like "Jesus", or "Charlemagne", but essentially, yes.

Who are your biggest influences?

I'm going to answer this in a more general sense than I assume you've asked it in, because I think that influences for a musician extend far beyond just what music you listen to.
My family is my biggest influence. My mom's side is extraordinarily musical. My cousins were the ones who got me playing guitar in the first place. My brothers serve as my filters and nonchalant managers.

I'm also extremely influenced by things I read - Jack Kerouac, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Ernest Hemingway, Douglas Adams - I'm a huge sucker for murder mysteries, like Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, or Rex Stout.

Music I listen to is a list that never ends: Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith, My Morning Jacket, a host of my friends that no one knows. I'm not even sure where to begin. Lately I can't stop listening to a song my friend Erik wrote.

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

Wow, that's probably the toughest question on here. I love playing "Lack of Color" by Death Cab; there are some Rocky Votolato songs I wish I'd written. I'm going to go with "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" by Bob Dylan. I don't think I'll ever get tired of that song. Cake's "Frank Sinatra" is a close second.

If you were offered a $250,000 record deal but you had to sing someone else’s lyrics and it was a country album would you do it?

No. Although, I admit being tempted. That kind of money would do a lot for me. But while it might be fun to stretch into another genre for a bit, ultimately I wouldn't be able to handle hearing myself sing someone else's words over and over again.

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

Animal Planet: Monkeys.
U2: Tyson.
Swordfish: Nero Wolfe.

What is your favorite color?

Green. Although my wardrobe contains a suspicious amount of baby blue t-shirts.

If you could live anywhere other than Indiana where would it be?

Somewhere warm year-round, but with mountains close. I'd like to die in Montana.

If you could meet one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Someone who could shed some light on ancient human history. Someone from the Olmec tribe. I'm extremely curious about it.

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

Well now, that's a tough one; so many to choose from! Last year, I started singing a song in a completely different key from the one I was playing it in. That was more personally disappointing than anything. I also played a show where a policeman came up to the stage and confiscated a flask that I was drinking from - unfortunately because of his accent, I couldn't understand what he was saying! It turned into a little bit of a hassle.

Have you ever forgotten your own lyrics?

Yes. Very recently. Fortunately there were so many people singing along, I don't think anyone noticed.

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

First of all, thanks so much for the interview. The site looks great, and I hope I can steer some more people your way.

Second, I'd like to make everyone in Indy aware that Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights at the Red Eye cafe there is live music that shouldn't be missed - Christian Taylor, Lovely Houses, Kendall Ludwig, Jesse Lee - and those are just the local guys. I'm usually down there hanging out, having a beer, sometimes playing; I'd like to encourage people to come check it out.