Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jake Newton

I am sitting today with a voice that deserves some major intention. Proving himself a true storyteller in his lyrics, and a polished guitar player with a honed voice to boot, Jake brings talent and style to the stage. Take a minute to check out his melodies as he sings from the heart in every track he records. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Jake Newton.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad played a 71 or 72 Guild D-35. He still has it. He used to play us to sleep with it.

How long have you been playing?

Since I was eight or so. I really started deeply investing in it when I was about thirteen.

When did you know this was going to be a career choice?

I can't recall a definitive moment that I chose to be a professional musician, it always lingered in the back of my mind as something that I couldn't live without. I still get incredibly nervous before shows, I pace the floor, can't focus on what people talk to me about, sweats galore.

Any other jobs besides music?

I've had a few acting jobs here and there. During the recording of the EP I worked construction during the day and recorded at night.

Where are you originally from?

Northern California mostly. A small town outside of Yosemite National Park who's main exports are firewood and venison jerky.

What is it like living in such a competitive city?

Well it has its positives and negatives. There are so many people doing what I'm doing here, but the great thing about that is that it keeps me sharp and hungry.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I love the Hotel Cafe for the atmosphere and the people.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

Around 1200 or so.

The smallest?

When I was first starting out I played a show at Room 5 here in L.A. where there were three people in the crowd, and I'm counting the bartender in that number. About two songs into my set she walked up to the stage and said that she was calling it an early night, and could I please get off the stage so they could close.

Any tattoos?

To fickle to commit.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water water water. I get dry mouth when I sing, and my lips get stuck on my teeth making me look like Jim Carey's Fire Marshall Bill.

What is your favorite place to play?

I like playing to a crowd that knows nothing about me. It's challenging trying to win them over, but when you do, it feels like you earned their love.

Any thoughts on a tour for this year?

I'd love to, I'm trying to plan something for when the next record gets finished. But I love the road. You'll see me out there maybe summer or this fall.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

A lot of the 70's folk artists that were my father's record collection. During early high school I really started getting deep into bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids, and Elliott. At home we played a lot of country and a fair bit of bluegrass, so those two worlds were always working in tandem within me.

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

Homestar Runner for his boundless positivity.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Veggies, but no pineapple. Things should have their place.

PC or Mac?

Mac. A PC is just an expensive lesson in frustration and heartache.

Where do you get the inspiration to write a new song?

When I read a lot the ideas come faster. In the past a good breakup has always done the trick. Now that I'm older and am seemingly calming down, it seems the ideas come more from the subconscious than from literal experience. So I try to constantly feed it with good books and movies, quiet repose is virtually nonexistent in the 21st century, but if I give myself a couple of techno-free hours a day my writing creeps up on me more.

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

There is no hell quite like a job motivated purely by monetary gain. Whether it's making an album you don't want to make or pumping septic tanks. That being said, who's lyrics am I rapping to? Cause if it's The Gift of Gab's words I'm totally in.

What was the last movie you saw?

Frost/Nixon and Frank Langella was incredible and Michael Sheen proves that even werewolves can act.

Did you like it?

Absolutely. Go see it!

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I really love the fact that so many people can get their music out to the public, the downside is that so many people can get their music out to the public.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Northern California in a remote cabin with a few more records under my belt, and hopefully a fuller beard.

Pepsi or Coke?

Coke

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

To name a few; Beirut, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Alison Krauss, Feist, but I'd really love to tour more with friends like Cary Brothers, William Fitzsimmons, Josh Radin and that crew, cause then it just feels like a road trip with buddies.

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

Oooh, hard one, pick one of the names from the last question I guess.

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

For positivity, for light and love. I never want to be accused of phoning something in. I want to dig into the heart of the collective subconscious and bring out pearls from the brine of all our trials. and I want great hair throughout my career. pure and simple.

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

Obsequious, how's that for a word?

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Thriving Ivory

I first heard about this band in the back of a Rolling Stone Magazine. I saw advertisements numerous months in a row and I was immediately intrigued to what the album was going to sound like. Having not been released yet I was forced to wait patiently for what proved to be a big surprise. The wait was worth every minute. When their album was finally released I immediately went out and bought what I hoped was the first copy. The album has been playing nonstop in my iPhone for last few weeks. I am happy to be sitting with Clayton Shoope today, the lead singer of this incredible band. I am pleased to introduce Thriving Ivory.

How long have you been performing?

We have been performing as a group for about six and a half years. I met Scott and the rest of the guys in Santa Barbara where were all going to school. We started playing in the college community to about 20,000 kids. It was a built in audience for the music. We then started playing L.A. and San Francisco where a couple of us are from. It has not been until last year when the record came out when we started touring nationally. This is our 4th time out around the country. We have a good sense of how we want to play live. We are more than comfy with one another touring and on stage.

Where did you meet the others guys in the band?

Yeah, I met them all through school. One at a coffee shop, one at a party; we stole our bas player from another band. It was a small community. It was cool and crazy at the same time. The first shows were massive. They were like Animal House parties. We still get emails from people saying that they were at our first show. We had speakers on beer kegs.

Tell me a little bit about them.

Brett is sleeping and his ass crack is peaking out. Drew is on the phone in another interview. Everybody is similar. We are all similar in the fact that we all have a common vision and how we want to sound. Everyone’s influences are fairly different. You would find different stuff in everyone iPod. Everyone brings a different element to the music. Scott is our piano player and songwriter. He listened to a lot of Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and musical type stuff. I grew up listening to more of the classic rock from my dad, like Bad Company and Foreigner. My perception of the term ‘rock singer’ came from that stuff. Also, everybody dresses cohesive. I was looking at some old photos and we used to look like a bunch of idiots. (Laughs)

What is the largest crowd you guys have played in front of?

(Laughs) we opened for Journey a long time ago. Not our crowd but there were probably like ten thousand people there. We did a show with Third Eye Blind. There were about five thousand people at that one. This is our first headlining tour. These are some of the bigger headlining shows. We did seven hundred people in Mobile, Alabama last night. That blew us away. We are really starting to see the radio take off and people at a lot of shows in a lot of places we have never been. This whole process is a trip. It has been gradual but really cool.

The smallest?

Oh dude, 0. We did a show in northern California at some bar in the middle of nowhere. Literally the sound guy left. He set the levels and took off. There were zero people in the club. That is smallest you can get.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Singing I would say the more powerful front men. Musically, in general, we are really big U2 fans. We really like the big, larger than life anemic sound that those guys bring live. To a certain extent we go for that. We are big fans Keane and Muse. We listen to a lot of Coldplay. Anything that is powerful and emotional we really like.

How did you get hooked up with Lee Ann Womack for her video Last Call?

(Laughs) She saw our video and liked the look or something. She called and asked if we wanted to do it. It was funny, they called, and she is much older than me, and I am supposed to be her love interest in the video. I showed up with this caveman beard. They told me not to shave for a week. But it was a cool experience. It was country but whatever. They didn’t make me play a banjo or fiddle or anything.

Who did your album artwork?

That picture was taken in the same photo shoot we did the back of the cover. The house is in Malibu. It is the same house at the end of Terminator 2. The one they blow up. It was done by one of the art directors at the label. They put it against some white background. She was 6’2 with these crazy wings on and she just showed up at the shoot.

What are you guys drinking on stage?

I am drinking water. Scott writes the songs in the key of X so I have to keep chugging the water. I have to be able to hit the highs and the lows. Most of the guys keep a mellow during the show. The tours, especially this one, have been so grueling as far as a lot of shows in the row and promo the next morning and then travel. We learned really quick you can’t survive partying every night. Especially singing, my voice will get fried really fast if I am drinking and smoking cigarettes. The more success you get the crazier it gets. For us it’s the opposite. We want to make sure we deliver. People come to hear something from the record and they expect to hear that live. We want to bring it. No Axl Rose moves.

Tell me a little bit about working with Wind-Up Records.

It has been a dream. We showcased for Sony and so many different record companies. Major labels mostly. One flew us out to New York three times just to say no. We were never thinking about being on an indie label. In hindsight I am really glad that it worked out again. Given the state of things and how the major labels are doing, I feel lucky to be on Wind-Up. They tick with their artists and they are behind us 100%. It is a small enough of label and you can call the president. It is awesome. You really feel like you have a team behind you that believes in the music. The support feels really good.

You guys have a very distinct image. Did that come before or after the music?

With the label we have gotten access to better clothes and better photo shoots. It is being around each other all the time you start sharing clothes. Everyone starts to look alike anyway. We are not going for the 70’s retro look. We do not want to be pigeonholes. We try to keep it rock. What we can pull off, you know. I am not at the leather pants stage yet. But when I can wear leather pants on stage on stage and no one cares then I know I have made it.

What has been the reception from your latest single Angels on the Moon?

It has been crazy. It seems to be a song that I think the lyrics are general enough that people are able to make their own interpretation of it. Their own interpretations seems to be deep and emotional. It is crazy. Last night people were crying and people calling the radio station to request it. They are all getting emotional about the song. It is hard for us. We try to never say what its about. It is a hopeful song in general but the lyrics are open to interpretation. The reception is awesome. It has been really gradual. I feel lucky because we are competing Akon and Beyonce for these radio slots. To hear the word #1 song is pretty trippy for me. I am excited. It is going to be a good year.

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

Everything starts on piano with Scott. Once it is 50-70% done we work out the rest of the melodies and arrangements.

Where are you originally from?

Four of the five of us are from the San Francisco area. Scott is from the O.C. But we all met in Santa Barbara.

PC or Mac?

Mac. The only reason now is because we all got robbed in Montreal and Wind-Up Records, the cool label they are, went out and bought us all Mac Books. We are sporting the new Mac Books now. It is better for media and recording software and stuff.

Where do you guys practice?

We have been touring so much we haven’t had any practices. We have played so many shows. Our normal practice spot had always been Drew’s basement. We recorded 90% of the record there. Angels on the Moon was recorded there. We tried to redo it in a full studio and we liked the basement version better. Kind of trippy when radio programmers and people on VH1 hear that the song was recorded in a basement it trips them out.

What is your favorite venue to play?

There has been a lot of really cool ones that we have done. I would say the Midland Theater in Kansas City is an awesome one. We are doing the Bowery Ballroom in New York. I hear it is really cool. The Murray Theater in Salt Lake City is awesome. It could be a dump and there is a 1,000 people there and it will be the best venue of all time. There are so many places that we have never been. We are going to a bunch of theaters in this tour. There will be some good ones.

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

A Thriving Ivory cover band? That’s a tough one. Maybe we will be nice to the guys and will let U2 open the show. They might be able to sell a few tickets too.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

Either recording a third album or touring. I really get the sense that the fans that we are getting on this first single and the touring that we are getting right now are fans that will be there for the long run. We try to make the personal message or by signing everyone’s CD after the show. We are trying to make that personal connection to ensure some life long fans. We want to tour and play great shows whether we have single out.

Pepsi or Coke?

Coke, I think. Although I have been working with this vocal guy to maintain on the road. There are foods that I would have never thought of that I would never have to eat. I am not allowed carbonated drinks, caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes. Basically I have the diet of rabbit on tour.

What is it like being featured on VH1’s You Oughta Know?

It is crazy. There have been some radio stations that have been behind the song. They have been playing the video for over 30 weeks. We feel really fortunate to be part of that family.

What was it like performing on Jimmy Kimmel?

That was one of these surreal moments. It was like shooting the video or signing the record deal. It was a milestone. It was a trip. Of course everyone’s family is tuned it. It was way cool. He was really nice. We also got to meet Randy Jackson.

You guys won the Yahoo! User Choice Who’s Next. You were up against some incredible talent. What does that victory mean to you?

It was huge. It was nice to have the support of Yahoo!. We are on their homepage for their music last week. With MySpace and the net there are so many places you can reach potential fans. It has taken a lot of hard work and a lot of time and everything we get we acknowledge and appreciate.

Is MySpace good or bad for musicians?

I think it is good. It is a great way to connect directly to fans. That is if you use it. We try to answer as many messages as you can. They find bands, even the people that don’t listen to the radio. We have been averaging almost a million plays a week. That is pretty insane. We couldn’t be happier. If people like the music enough they get the record and come to the show.

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

I think we want to be remembered for a great live band. That is the most important thing to us. A great live band that people are excited to see. Whether we are 25 or 45 we want to be doing this when we are old and grey.

Where did the name Thriving Ivory come from?

Everything sounds stupid when you are trying to come up with a name. We are going to start making up stuff for interviews. Say we were on some African safari hunting elephants.

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

We are just really excited about this year and turning on the country to Thriving Ivory. We want people to get out to the show. We are going to battle and we will see you on the road.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Todd Beauchamp

I am sitting with a musician that has every ounce of talent to get him wherever he wants to go in the music industry. Mixing an educated set of lyrics filled with stories and heartache with an incredible sense of the concept of hard work, Todd Beauchamp is here to stay. Sit with me today as it is my pleasure to introduce you to Todd Beauchamp.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I don't remember my first guitar memory, but I do remember what inspired me to play one. I originally played drums, and I switched to guitar the second after I realized the guitar players wrote all the songs and got all the girls. I also really liked piano, but those are harder to carry around.

When did you know that music was going to be something you wanted to pursue?

I remember being transfixed in music class when I was in third grade. I also remember that it came naturally to me from a very early age.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in LA, but I grew up in Chicago and New Jersey. I returned to the homeland in early 2002, and this time I'm here to stay.

What is it like living in L.A. in such a competitive market?

It's definitely a competitive market, but it's also the place with the most work. As long as you are good at what you do, easy to work with and willing to learn, there are lots of opportunities here. We could sit for days and discuss this single question. I love this city, but Los Angeles can be a very cruel mistress too.

See any celebrities lately?

I went over to Tyler Hilton's house for gumbo yesterday. Does that count?

Who is that singing “Hey La La” behind you?

That would be the lovely and talented Tara Naomi. We played a show together in Atlanta where I was making my record, and she had a day to kill on the road. I suggested she kill it singing on my record, and she was nice enough to do it. That woman is scary talented, and you can tell her I said so.

PC or Mac?

Both. I own 4 macs for making music, and one PC that I play video games on. I do love the video games.

How many tattoos do you have?

Three. My favorite one is usually the one on my shoulder that I got in Thailand. It's a really ornate dragon, and the dude did it with a bamboo stick. Yes, it hurt like a motherfucker, and it took 5 hours.

You are a storyteller. Tell me a story.

Last night at my friend's birthday party, one of the guys there got so drunk that he accidently left the party and wandered off into Hollywood. We called his cell phone as soon as we realized he was gone, and a taxi driver answered it. He had gotten in a cab, and asked to be driven to San Francisco where he lived. The cab driver said no, so he got out.

We went to the Police Station. We called every hospital. We actually looked behind dumpsters for the guy. Around four in the morning it became clear we weren't going to find him, so we called it a night, and went home to wait for a confused drunken phone call.

It wasn't until this afternoon that we finally got word that he had gotten another cab to take him to the airport, where he slept on the floor before getting on a plane and flying home.

Moral of this story?

When your friends get so drunk they loose the power of speech, you do everyone a favor and stuff them in the fucking limo.

So what should I know about your studio?

It's the most relaxed place you'll ever record. Vienna Circle Studios is based on the premise that making records should be a collaboration and a celebration, In the last year I've worked with Mitchel Musso, Josh Kelley, Tyler Hilton, Dave Yaden, Leland Grant, Andrea Marchant and Micah Levenson and they've all been a blast to work with. I have never loved a job as much as I love helping my friends make records.

If you had to describe your genre in one word what would it be?

Excellence.

Where does the inspiration come from when you sit to record a new song?

Generally the way it works now is an artist will come over to my place, and play me every song they've ever written. Then I get to pick which ones really knock my socks off and record those. Inspiration is easy when you only record the songs that inspire you.

Do you think MySpace is good or bad for musicians?

Both probably. It makes connecting with people and bands on the road a lot easier. I filled in a bunch of empty nights on my last tour by emailing bands that sounded like me in cities I was gonna be in and offering to trade gigs. On the other hand, I can't remember the last time I was added by a band I didn't already know who didn't suck.

How do you know Dave Yaden?

We made a record together, played hundreds of shows, and gone on two tours together. We are as brothers.

What impact did you have on his latest album?

"Bear Me Up" was one of the most collaborative projects I've ever worked on. I produced, mixed, and played something on every song (except one). I also co-wrote "My Angel" with Dave and Josh Kelley. Making that record was one of the great joys of my life, and I'm so glad that people are listening to and loving it.

You just moved, right? All unpacked?

Yes! And it only took three months!

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Mushrooms, black olives and chicken.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Lately, I've been having a lot of fun at the Roxy playing guitar with Leland Grant.

Any thoughts on a tour for this new record?

I would love to, but I'm so busy in my studio I don't think I can get away anytime soon. To be honest, I prefer it that way.

What is currently on your iPod?

Right now, I'm really enjoying the Fleet Foxes record. It didn't grab me at the first listen, but the more I listen, the more I love it. I'm currently entering the "why don't you marry it" phase.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully doing exactly what I'm doing now, but better.

Who would win in a pillow fight? Keaton Simons or Curtis Peoples?

I think Curtis wins on speed, but Keaton's got brute strength. I put my money on Keaton. Now if it was a potato sack race, I'd bet on Curtis every time.

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

Teddy bear: Teddy Grahams
Blood: Dexter
Stomach: Alien

What was the last movie you saw?

I watched Gran Torino today with my girlfriend. We both loved it.

Let’s say you are offered a record deal for $250,000 but you have to sing someone else’s lyrics and it was a rap album. Would you do it?

It depends on if it's good music or not. I'd kill to be on a Jurassic 5 record, but there isn't enough money in the world for me to do a P-Ditty cover record. As a producer it's different too. I get demo projects every now and again from bands I wouldn't want to be in. In those cases, I focus them on the aspects of their music I like. So in the end, I always end up with music I really dig.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I find most of my inspiration in the artists I work with. People take their music very seriously, and I am honored they let me play in their sandbox. I live for the "I can't believe I sound that amazing" moments from my artists.

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

I'm an Atheist, so it would have to be Jesus. I would love to hear his thoughts on how people have interpreted his teachings. I bet he'd be pissed.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all over?

I hope some of my work will be remembered, but I don't care if anyone knows it was me who made it.

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

Snausages.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with New York to Nowhere

I am sitting here with a band that has made an immediate impact on the Indianapolis music scene. Throwing a voice that you would see on Warped Tour with instrumentals that you expect to see on MTV tossed together with original industry standard lyrics is where you will find New York to Nowhere. Playing very few shows in Indianapolis (which I love by the way) make sure you take a chance to see these rockers the next time they come to town. I am pleased to introduce to you New York to Nowhere.

Where did you guys all meet?

(Caleb) Jeremi and I went to school together. Grant met us through my brother Wesley who was the original drummer and one of us three founding members. About a year ago Wes decided to leave the band and after about a four month search and Nesta came on as the current drummer. (Nesta) Thanks to Al Gore and the internet!

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

(Jeremi) I think it was when I wrote this song for my dad and he told me I should find away to make this my full time job. (Caleb) I remember riding in my dad's pickup listening to Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison when I was pretty young. I think that started it, but I didn't start playing in a band till I was 20. Only after my younger brother Wes started playing with Jeremi did I really get serious about it. (Nesta) When I was probably 5 years old. I grew up in a family of musicians. (Grant) My parents made me take piano lessons for years when I was a kid and I never enjoyed it. I was playing a lot of classical music that I wasn’t really interested in. When I was 18 or so, I started listening to a lot of 3 chord punk rock. I picked up a guitar and wanted to play music that was as far from classical as I could get: Loud, fast, and hard. Looking back, I wish I would’ve practiced the piano a lot more and definitely wish that I would’ve paid more attention to music theory!

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

(Grant) We definitely all have full time jobs but only because we like to live in houses and eat food. (Nesta) If you can call being a liquor monkey a job. (Caleb) Yes, I’ve been working in graphic design for 13 years.

Nesta is not your real name is it? Because if it is, can we trade?
[More...] (Nesta) No it's not, and no you can’t have it! It's a nickname I acquired when I was a kid, and almost legally changed my name to it.

Where did you get the name New York to Nowhere?

(Caleb) Jeremi and I were headed somewhere in his car, still trying to figure out what to call ourselves after a bunch of really ridiculous attempts. We were listening to MxPx and their song New York To Nowhere came on. I said, "Hey, how bout this?" (Grant) I always thought “Nowhere” was a reference to Morristown. Go figure.

Have you ever been to New York?

(Grant) I have, but the last time I was there I stayed at the World Trade Center Marriott. So it’s been some time ago. (Caleb) Nope, always wanted to go though.

Where in the world is Morristown, Indiana?

(Grant) I’m pretty sure it’s between BFE and the middle of nowhere. It might be in Ohio? Regardless, it used to be an hour each way for me to drive to practice. (Caleb) Morristown is 25 minutes east of Indy on highway 52. Sort of between Greenfield and Shelbyville. Super small, not even a stop light.

I want to see you on Warped Tour. Any thoughts on a tour this year?

(Caleb) We wish, but not a chance. Right now we are playing fewer shows and writing for the next album. (Nesta) If or when we are ever offered Warped Tour, I'm sure the answer will be a resonating, Yes.

Let’s say you are headlining at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opening act?

Katy Perry or Nickelback. Doesn’t matter how drunk we get, after that shit, we'd still sound amazing.

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

(Nesta) Bob Marley. (Caleb) Hunter S. Thompson. Ho ho! (Jeremi) I think I would like to meet the late Rod Serling the creator and main writer for the Twilight Zone.

Describe your genre in one word.

(Caleb) Rock, I guess. This question comes up often and we never really know what to say. (Jeremi) Bottlerocket!!!

What should I expect in a live show from you guys?

Total awesomeness and complete badassery.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

(Grant) For me, it was our CD Release party for “A Sense of Urgency” had between 200 and 300. Not huge, but it was definitely a fun show. (Caleb) 500. We hosted an outdoor concert a few years in a row in Morristown when we were still a 3 piece.

The smallest?

(Caleb) We used to play at a little place called the "Festivilla". It was an awesome place for an under 21 band, but every once in a while, you would be playing only for the owner. (Grant) If you play on a weeknight in Indianapolis, you are guaranteed to get a few shows where you can count the number of people on two hands.

Any tattoos in the band?

(Grant) Yes, but Nesta has them all. He just got his drum kit outlined on his side and stomach. It’s going to be incredible when it’s finished. (Caleb) Nesta has a few tattoos, but they are all of butterflies and unicorns. Just Kidding! (Grant) Aren’t they all on his lower back?

Tell me about Asbury Records.

(Caleb) When we wanted to release the first album "Punintended", we thought it would be great to release it under our own label. Fake as it may have been, we lived next to Asbury Cemetary, on Asbury road, so...

Who are your biggest influences?

(Nesta) Social D, Bad Religion, Fugazi, Metroschifter, Sonic Youth. (Caleb) It varies widely. Started with Buddy Holly to the Replacements, Black Keys, Brand New, Rancid and new bands like the Cold War Kids, Bloc Party and the Killers. (Grant) I’ll borrow a few of theirs (Social D, Rancid, Bloc Party) and add a few (Silversun Pickups, AFI, Alkaline Trio) but I think it was Nirvana that made me want to play guitar as a teenager.

What is your favorite venue to play in the city?

(Caleb) Birdy's is our unofficial home, but we also love to play the Melody. (Jeremi) Birdy's is the best place to play in Indy by far. They have the best sound and best stage. (Grant) I always have bad luck with equipment failures at the Melody but its still fun. I always liked Thursday nights at Rock Lobster.

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

(Nesta) Leicester Square, London. (Caleb) Haven't figured it out for sure, but I am thinking warm with good food and drink. Not that picky. (Grant) I’d probably split time between somewhere in the mountains with great snow for snowboarding and somewhere warm and sunny.

What did you have for dinner last night?

(Nesta) Pancakes and a 40 of OE. (Grant) Nothing exciting. Just a cheeseburger at the bowling alley. (Caleb) A well rounded baked chicken, potatoes and green beans. (Grant) It would seem that all of your food groups are well represented!

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

(Caleb) Hopefully still playing, writing and having fun. (Jeremi) Hopefully still writing and playing music with the great band I'm in now. (Grant) Awww. (Wipes tears)

What do you want to be remembered for when its all over?

(Caleb) I would like for someone to find one of our discs after it’s all over and think "they weren't that bad".

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

(Grant) I just want to tell everyone to continue to support local music in Indianapolis. Hopefully we can make the scene here stronger! Also, thanks Ricky for asking us to do this interview!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with eMOTION@LARGE

I am sitting here with a band that I myself just came across. A band that can not decide if they want to be from the L.A. area of the desert in Phoenix I introduce to you eMOTION@LARGE. Despite their name is something that I have never seen in an act before, once you hear their sound you will be blown away. It shocks me that I have not heard of these guys. They are a talent that truly deserves to be heard. It is my pleasure to introduce you to eMOTION@LARGE.

How in the world have I not heard of you guys?

(B-tek) We barely heard of us. (Roba) We just started jamming out these new tunes during the summer of last year. So, once this new record comes out this spring hopefully more people will hear of us.

How did you guys meet?

(B-tek) Exploring music in college. We put our first band together. Rob was a drummer, and I played the guitar. (Roba) Back in the days of UCR.

So what genre would you say your sound fits into best?

(Roba) Rock mixed with electronic mixed with down tempo. We definitely have the 90s rock influence (when we started writing / playing together) mixed in with an electronic techno sound. (B-tek) Some of my favorite from the MySpace list are Ghettotech, Chinese Pop and Zouk. I don't even know what they are. Many artists pick absurd genres as a protest against being classified. The truth is we have trouble sticking to one genre. We have eleven songs on our upcoming album. We use acoustic guitars, bass guitars, clean and distorted guitar, funky envelope filters, plenty of cascading delays, multiple synthesizer patches, fender rhodes, electronic and acoustic drums. There is funk, rock, electro, acoustic ballad, dance, drum n bass, down-tempo and pop. We are not trying to impress anyone with the variety but rather satisfy our need to express ourselves. This in not the way to achieve commercial success, but then again we are not really looking for that.

I cannot get over how similar your voice sounds to Billy Corgan. Have you heard that before?


(Roba) Actually, I usually hear the comparison to Dryden from Alien Ant Farm. I guess a lot of artists I've heard over the years have taken a role in shaping the way my singing sounds. Ultimately, I'd like people to recognize my voice as Roba from eMOTION@LARGE. But, if people can make comparisons to other singers, that's cool, too! (B-tek) (Laughs) I love Smashing Pumpkins. And by that I mean the band, I don't torture fruit.

What was your decision to move into this rock and roll meets techno sound?

(B-tek) We got tired of only playing rock and are both fans of electronic music. However we can't kill the the rock roots. We can't pretend to be Chemical Brothers either. So you end up with a fusion of both. (Roba) I've always been drawn to electronic dance beats. They just have this primal feel that makes your body move. So, we thought it would be cool to mix in these beats - like drum and bass - together with the rock sound that comes naturally to us.

Where do you find motivation for new tracks?

(B-tek) It's random. Sometimes I wake up with a melody in my head, sometimes it just comes out from messing around with the instruments. At times I can go for weeks without producing anything new and sometimes come up with several songs within hours. (Roba) I write my lyrics based on my own personal life experiences: love, relationships, and emotions at large. Coming up with melodies, for the most part, is instinctive when I hear something. Working with B-tek, he almost always writes something that stirs the musical soul within me to create what I do.

What are the plans for a tour?

(B-tek) First we want to hit up the major metropolitan ares in the southwest: San Diego, O.C., L.A., San Bernardino, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Then this summer hopefully the northwest: San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. (Roba) I just want to play whenever and where ever. I feel the more people that can hear, see and feel our message / energy, the better for all.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

(B-tek) Fifty people if you include the staff in the count. (Roba) I've played in other rock bands, probably a few hundred people.

The smallest?

(B-tek) My mom. She was getting something out of the fridge in the garage. (Roba) His mom.

What did you have for dinner last night?

(Roba) Pastrami and a cheese bagel. (B-tek) I had some Thai food.

PC or Mac?

(Roba) I like Macs; they're pricier, but you get what you pay for. (B-tek) Macs are nice but PC's are a better deal.

So why Phoenix and L.A.?

(Roba) Los Angeles is my home, and Phoenix had a calling for B-tek. (B-tek) I shipwrecked in Phoenix.

Where did you come up with a name like that?

(Roba) I like it for all the words that you find within our name. We have emo for emotion, and then L.A. for Los Angeles. Also, for the cyberphiles out there, we have eMOTION for electronic music set in motion. (B-tek) It's hard to come up with a name that's not already taken these days.

If you could tour with any band out right now who would it be?

(Roba) Ghostland Observatory. (B-tek) Muse.

When did you guys decide to pursue music as a career?

(B-tek) We already have careers. Music is our passion. (Roba) As B-tek said we have jobs to pay the bills. I've been singing and performing in other various projects for the last 10 years or so.

Any plans on an album anytime soon?

(B-tek) March 2009. (Roba) Be sure to get your hands on one - they're gonna go like hot cakes!

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

(Roba) Some sleepy beach town off the Amalfi Coast in Italy. (B-tek) Tokyo, Japan.

What are you drinking on stage?

(B-tek) Carb-free Monster, Vodka and splash of OJ. (Roba) Water and wine, in no particular order.

Ever been in a car wreck?

(B-tek) No, but I had few close ones. (Roba) I was in one in High School. There's a section of road on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles heading west towards Pacific Palisades called Dead Man's Curve. My friend was emulating the driving style of Emerson Fittipaldi. We were going about 70 on a 25 mph speed limit and slammed right into a huge oak tree. Thank God we were wearing our seat belts.

Any tattoos among you guys?

(Roba) One tattoo - eloh. Eternal life of Happiness. (B-tek) Do scars count?

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

(B-tek) Alive - Michio Kaku (the crazy looking physicist from the Science Channel). Dead - I would love to smoke a bowl with Nostradamus. (Roba) I would want to meet Albert Einstein to pick his left brain, and Prince to dissect the right side.

What is on your iPod right now?

(B-tek) I'm actually a satellite radio listener. Most of the time I listen to the indie, underground and chill electronic channels. (Roba) I'm a musicphile. Lately it's been Willie Nelson and Ghostland Observatory.

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

Piggy bank: (B-tek) Hammer. (Roba) Drug Money
Carrot: (Roba) Lipstick (B-tek) I rather not say, the image in my mind is quite obscene.
Hair spray: (B-tek) Flame thrower. (Roba) Donald Trump

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

(B-tek) It's a site that people love to hate. The reality is that MySpace did a tremendous service for independent artists. What really deserves the hate is the corporate radio. (Roba) MySpace is the future of entertainment and how people can get their hands on new, unfiltered art - whether it be audio, video or written. I like how it evens the playing field for everyone who wants to get their message spread.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(B-tek) Hopefully still doing the music thing with the same level of passion and creativity. We hope to have a dedicated cult following around the country and thus have a core base of fans and friends at our shows. Make enough money to pay for tours, recording and equipment. Put out a new album every year and always push the envelope. (Roba) Still singing and performing. I feel that I will always have something in my heart and mind to express to the world.

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

(B-tek) Well, first of all I want to thank indyconcerts. com for the opportunity. We are very critical of what we do so it is nice to know that someone appreciates our efforts. For anyone out there reading this, look out for our new album. We appreciate all comments and feedback. (Roba) Special thanks to all the people who have taken an interest and vibe with our music. Just go out and have fun. There's a time to be serious, and there's a time to be free and let loose. We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Matt Pond PA

I am hanging out today with a group of guys that I have been listening to for as long as I can remember. Having more albums you can count and an incredible set of lyrics, vocals, and instruments to back them up, Matt Pond PA always impresses me. Their Indie attitude and vibe is evident in their sound alone and their live shows just bleed passion and dedication. I have had the chance to see Matt Pond PA a few times in concert and they are a sight to see. Sit back and hang out with me today as I introduce to you Matt Pond PA.

Where did the name Matt Pond PA come from?

It comes from my misguided attempt at cleverness. I do not love the name. I'd prefer something with a little more rock and roll girth to it. Meat Hammer? Smash Mouth?

Where did you guys all meet?

The band was from Philly. Then I relocated. So it reformed in Brooklyn with Dan Crowell. Right now it' me and Chris and Dan. With appearances from Eve.

How long have you been playing music?

Of and on, my whole life. But I hated it until it somehow showed up as the center of my life.

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

No. Never. This is a pleasant mistake. Sometimes unpleasant. But mostly pleasant.

Any other jobs besides music?

Many, many jobs. I am an excellent furniture mover.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

The largest of our own was selling out the 9:30 Club in DC. We've done a few larger shows opening for other bands. The more people there are, the more electric it is. All that murmuring. That said, we've never under-played for any under-sized audience.

The smallest?

I mean. We've played to no one. I'm sure. There's a lot of humility being handed out in rock and roll.

Any tattoos in the group?

Yes. Eve has some beautiful tattoos from an amazing artist in Maine. I have one. It is the only one I'll ever get. And it's a secret.

Who has the most?

Eve.

Tell me what it is like working with Altitude Records.

Altitude, Polyvinyl, File-13. They're all great little labels. Just trying to figure out how to make it work in the strange evolution of the music business. But all of them have stood behind me, let me do whatever I want.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

John Lennon, Jarvis Cocker, Neil Young, and Walker Percy.

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

Neil Young. Because he's always stayed true to his ethics of what it is to create music. And yet he'd never pretend to be perfect.

Any thoughts on a tour this winter?

Nothing for a bit. We've got to get this darn record done.

What is one song you guys play in every set?

There's nothing that's always been there. Too many songs. I like KC, Measure 3, Halloween. People tend to know those.

Who does all your album cover art work?

Julie Ruiz did the last few. She's both a genius and an angel.

Let's get some pizza. What toppings?

In these vegetarian times, I stay a purest and have my pizza plain.

PC or Mac?

Mac. But I'm not a computer discriminator. They all do the same things. To argue about the vehicle would be to obscure the journey and the purpose.

Why do you guys release so many EPs?

I'm not sure. Maybe because they reduce the unwanted scrutiny of a full-on album. Sometimes we'd like to let the music speak for itself. As they are species of thoughts unto to themselves. Maybe I'd like to leave them wild and undisturbed.

Tell me what it was like filming the video for People Have A Way.

We stayed up all night having beers and talking about the way nobody really listens to Pete Doherty without coming down on his persona and drug addiction. Then went out at dawn, with white outfits and angel wings, and walked around Brooklyn with peacefully wielded weapons.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Peacefully farming apricots.

If you could be any cartoon character which one would you be?

Meg Griffin. So that I could be voiced by Mila Kunis. Or anyone from Metalocalypse.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I love the Bowery. But I don't really discriminate against venues. It is the people at the shows that make them worthwhile. (for real and word)

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

Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands. Yep.

You have a very polished image that matches your sound perfectly. Did that come before or after the music?

I am what I am. We are what we are. I can neither take credit or criticism for that.

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

It is part of the human condition that's swelled over time -- worrying about what goes on in other people's minds, wondering about our legacy. Personally, I wouldn't ever want to dictate what people think. And when all is said and truly done, I will be too far away to care.

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

I won't be uttering my last words for at least a few hours. Not until after lunch.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Skyler Stonestreet

[Skyler Stonestreet]

I am here today with a talent that you are bound to love. Skyler Stonestreet (how cool is that name?) is a Hollywood based musician that sounds like a mix of Enya, Elisa, and a dash of Sia. She belongs on an Apple commercial and has recoded with numerous up and coming artists. But being an up and comer herself I wanted to take this chance to sit down to hear things from her point of view. First having heard her on a hit single from Dave Yaden I knew this woman was going to go somewhere. Take a break and listen as Skyler and I talk today.

I love your name. Want to trade?

Hmmmmmmm maybe but I might miss all of the jokes about me living on a stone street but sure. My new name will be Potter and yours can be Sky Sky.

So has anyone ever told you that you belong on every single Apple commercial ever made?

Well you have and that is very nice of you! I hope more people including Apple will tell me that someday! I like those commercials.

You have a very unique image. Did that come before or after the music?

I don't know, I have had some very weird phases, and gone through some different looks, but I just wear what I like! I am definitely a fan of thrift stores.

Are you from Hollywood originally?

I grew up in Santa Barbara, so it was really different moving to Hollywood! It was like beach town; too loud, busy city, and my street smelled really really bad, which was fine with me!

What is the biggest crowd that you have played for?

The biggest crowd would probably be a couple thousand. I played up north at a folk festival which was crazy! People were dancing and it was super hot outside, and I couldn't believe so many people were out, because they were frying!

The smallest?

Oh wow. I'll say it; zero! It's happened more than once, well actually the number is one, because whoever I'm with gets their own show!

How can you not like wasabi?

OK, the secret is out. I am starting to like it a little. Like one teeny dab on a sushi roll, teeny tiny. I am being swayed by wasabi!

How do you know Dave Yaden?

I actually played a show with Dave a few years ago, and I was like man this guy can play! So I went up to him after, and asked him if he could make me play piano better, and he was super nice. I went over for a lesson and after a couple we ended up writing songs instead!

What was it like working with Todd Beauchamp?

Todd's studio is awesome and it was great to sing on "Sure of Us" because I recorded it for my record too, and that song is so meaningful. Todd is great, and super talented as well!

Who are your biggest influences?

OK, so I kind of love James Taylor. I really do. I think growing up with that, and Carole King, Rickie Lee Jones, etc., has really stayed with me. I don't really think it comes through in my writing, but I love listening to that kind of music. I also love Marvin Gaye mucho mucho mucho! There are so many amazing artists, so it's super hard to narrow that down!

What did you have for dinner last night?

This chicken thing at Pei Wei, and we went there for lunch today. I am not in California at the moment and I don't think California has them. It was Kung Pao chicken with brown rice (laughs), I need to get something new!

What are your plans for a tour this year?

I just got off the road with Brian Benham, and we drove across the whole US and stayed out about 3 months. Lately I have just been getting ready to record a new EP and I will be touring the west coast a lot up until summer, and then I want to hit the road again!

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

My opener? Wow I feel like a big shot in this question. My answer is Jay Z. No noooo. I don't know! I would say someone I like but I don't want to seem like a jerk and say they are an opener! So I guess Britney Spears could do it. That would be totally fine with me, and secretly great.

Are you staying single out there in L.A.?

Well currently there is someone special, but they don't live in LA! They should though! Let's pressure him! Just kidding. There is someone special though, I am very happy about it all.

Do you work or is music it?

When we started touring last fall, that was it! I really want to try and make this what I do. Even though I could use the extra cash. I want to work hard and put everything into this!

When did you know that you wanted to make music your career?

I started writing at about 15, and trust me you don't want to hear those songs, but anyways when I was in high school I really thought about it and made the decision that this is what I wanted to do.

What is your affiliation with Sunrise Promotions?

They actually designed skylerstonestreet.com, which is currently being redone and updated, and they are doing it! They have done some promotion stuff in the past too, they are great to work with!

What are you drinking when you are on stage?

Definitely water. Maybe too much water. And someones a little whiskey? Whoops! It's true though! With a lime please!

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

Maybe Gumby? He is green, and can change into any shape and has a best friend who is a pony so; that's pretty hard to beat.

PC or Mac?

Mac! I have a Mac so I am siding with it, and I say it like it is a person. Weird.

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

Usually I just get a feeling that I need to write, something can happen or I will just be thinking of something or someone and just need to get it out!

If you are offered a $500,000 record deal but you have to record someone else’s lyrics and it was a rap album would you do it?

Probably not, but let's say the deal was the same and I had to do only one rap song preferably with Snoop, then I would because it would be ridiculous and so much fun.

Peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese?

Peanut buttahhhh, no jelly though, banana maybe, or just the peanut.

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

Salt: Luck
Raptor: Pony (What is the deal with ponies today?)
Balloons: Gumball

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

At this point I would probably go anywhere but the top places would be Spain, Greece, and I want to go to an island that is not popular, like a hide away jungle lord of the rings lots of trees place? Yes.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to be doing what I do now but much greater. I want this to be my job and I really want to travel and have the freedom to travel a lot and I want to sell a billion records? (Laughs) No but really, that would be fine with me.

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

I want to be remembered as a real person! I want people to remember my music as being honest, and I want to share as much of me as I can through that. I am not going to be a typical in the box writer / person, and I want people to remember me for actually being myself!

What is your take on the Jonas Brothers?

They are so freaking big! I can joke about them all I want, but they are taking over the world, and maybe one day they will wake up and want to share that, with me? (Laughs) No, it's crazy! I was in the Disney store the other day (I don't know why) but anyways the merchandise was insanity! Good for them, seriously!

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

Bye! :)