Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Andy Mac

Today we have a treat for the Indyconcerts.com readers. Instead of me sitting with the band, as we are all familiar with, it is time to let someone else have a swing at it. Today we have guest writer Erin Forst as she will be speaking with the one and only Andy Mac. So sit back and let Erin introduce you to Andy Mac.

Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you first pick up the guitar?

No, when I was a kid I wanted to be a history teacher. That was my major in college. But I left school to do music full time. And I actually started playing drums before anything else. For me, it went drums, guitar, piano. I stared drums when I was about 12, guitar at about 16, and piano when I was about 24 or so.

You have performed with your dad and sister. Is there anyone else you would like to collaborate with someday?

Well of course there's tons of producers and writers I'd love to work with. Ethan John for one. It'd blow my mind to do an album with him. And of course T Bone Burnett. He's amazing. Artists? Wow, way too many to list!

The track Sara with no h..is there a real Sara?

Maybe there is, maybe there isn't.

I love your approach for finishing your next album; tell us about it?

Well, basically I had a website set up where friends, family and fans can donate money to the cause. It's by no means an original idea to be honest. Many artists have done it before me. But I went in thinking, 'Anything I get is more than I'd get if I DON'T ask'. And we've raised just shy of $8,000!

Who are some of your influences?

I have John Lennon tattooed on my left arm and Brian Wilson on my right if that helps you at all!

Drink of choice on stage and off?

It depends on the show, but both on and off stage would be Jameson if I'm drinking, and water, root beer or coffee if I'm not. I know, not too exciting!

Favorite place to play in New York?

So far, that'd be Rockwood Music Hall. It's intimate, the sound is great, the staff is great, and people really listen.

When you start touring nationally (and notice I said when b/c it will happen) where is somewhere that you would love to play and why?

(Laughs) That's kind of you to say. I'm working to make sure you're right that it WILL happen. I would LOVE to play in San Francisco and in Seattle. San Fran because I've never been and I hear it's amazing, and in Seattle because there's a woman there named Alice who has been SO kind to me. I mean like ridiculously kind. I want to meet her face to face and say "Thank You". And play for her, of course!

You're having a crappy day and pop in a DVD. What is it?

Wow, THAT'S a loaded question. Crappy cause I'm sick? That'd be either The Simpsons (any season) or The Ninth Gate. Crappy cause it's just crappy? That'd be Cheers or The Golden Girls. Stay Golden.

Who's playing in your iPod right now?

The Swell Season, Matthew Perryman Jones, The Cascades, Brandi Carlile, Doo Woop Classics.

What do you think of artists that hit it big at a young age?

I don't really care when an artist hits. If it's deserved, I'm happy for them. If it's not, I just can't support them OR keep my mouth shut when others do. It's been a bit of a problem for me in the past. And sadly, the split now is about 80-20 with the undeserving WAY ahead. But, I have faith.

One of the tracks off your new CD is titled "The Right Place." This is something many people, including myself, are searching for. Do you think you've found it?

Oh hell no! That's one of the hidden points of that song. On that EXACT moment, on that EXACT day, I noticed I was where I was supposed to be. Without a doubt. And it was one of the most beautiful mornings of my life. I woke up, went into my music room, and wrote that in a matter of minutes. Your best songs are (almost) ALWAYS in a matter of minutes. They're just "there" for you to pluck out of your heart and mind. So no, I don't think I've found it at all. My recent severe anxiety issues definitely show that I haven't found it. But that morning, I was there.

If someone offered you a free plane ticket to fly anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Wow. (Thinks) This answer would change day to day. Right now, I would go back to Ireland.

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

Plant and Krauss. Good God.

Do you do any covers when you perform live? Do you have a favorite?

I do indeed. My favorite to do is this version of "Midnight Train to Georgia" that I do. It's just such a great song.

We always let the artist have the last word. Go

Bellbottoms.

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 7 Days Away

I am sitting here with a band that has made an immediate impact on the national sales front and on the big screen with a track on the Punisher soundtrack. From a small Indiana town this hard rock band has made their image stick with a solid professional sound and industry standard lyrics. Writing songs from the heart and for the radio all the same 7 Days Away is just one of those bands that will make it based on pure talent. Mixing that with management that has worked with some of the biggest names in the business they are a force to be reckoned with. Sit back and let a band that you are about to fall in love talk about what makes them who they are, 7 Days Away.

So tell me a little bit about Connersville. Where is Connersville, exactly?

Connersville is a small town where everybody knows everybody. But it's a nice town with good people for the most part.

How has being from such a small town affected your music?

There are good things and bad things about being in a small town. We wouldn't change it for anything because we love our fans from our hometown.

Who writes all your lyrics?

Jay writes all the lyrics.

How did you guys all meet?

We are all from the same town with the same interest and we just came together and we stuck. (Laughs)

What was the motivation to start a career in music?

Our main motivation comes from our fans.

What would you be doing if it was not music?

A lot of us have different interests. It's hard to say because our only passion is music. So it have to be something to do with music!

Do you all have full time jobs or is this it?

We have part time jobs, but music is our life.

I see a lot of tattoos. Did they come before the music?

Yes, a lot of our tattoos came before the music. We love Ink!

Who has the most tattoos?

Either our vocalist Jay or our guitarist Zach.

How did you meet your management?

We met our management through winning the "Punisher Warzone" Contest. Also through MySpace.

What is the largest group that you have played for?

3,000 people.

What about the smallest?

12.

If you could play with one band who would it be?

Breaking Benjamin or Tool.

You are playing at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opening act?

Any band that wants it as bad as we do.

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

There are to many to pick. (Laughs)

If you could meet anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?

Johnny Cash. We just think he would be a awesome guy to hang out with. (Laughs)

Who are some of your biggest inspirations both personally and musically?

Tool, Breaking Benjamin, A Perfect Circle, Killswitch Engage, and so many more!

What toppings are on your pizza?

Pinapple!

What are you drinking on stage?

Jack and Coke or a Coors Light.

What is your favorite song to play?

We all have different inputs so its hard to say.

You are on your way to your next show in London. Your plane crashes and you swim to a deserted island. You are allowed to save three things from the wreckage. What do you take with you?

Guitar / Beer / Food.

Let’s play word association. You say the first thing that comes to your mind when I say these three words.

Grey’s Anatomy: Boring.

Elton John: Um...no comment.

Family Guy: Peter Griffin's side boob

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Breakfast? Who eats breakfast?

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

7DA would love to thank Ricky Potts and Indyconcerts.com for taking the time to interview us and we also want to thank the fans for always standing behind us! We will see you all on the road!

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 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.