Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Elf Power

I am hanging out today with a band that I insist that you fall in love with. Bringing a sense of energy that is hard to find to the stage, and a set of lyrics meshed with professional instrumentals they impress with the start of each new track. Having a genre that is hard to define and even harder to compare, and throwing a name that makes you nothing but curious, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Elf Power.

Where did you guys come up with the name Elf Power?

Through divine communication.

How long have you guys been together?

We have been together since the first record. It was titled "Vainly Clutching at Phantom Limbs" was recorded in 1994.

Where did you all meet?

In Athens, Georgia. It is where we live.

Where do you find inspiration for new tracks?

Through general life experiences and observations. In art, books, music, and film

You guys are on a pretty substantial tour right now. You guys toured like this before?

Yes we have been touring a lot since 1996.

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

Just music.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I would say the Emmaboda Festival, in Emmaboda, Sweden. It is a festival out in the forest in rural Sweden.

Where can I get some Elf Power merchandise?

Record stores, the Internet, orangetwin.com, and rykodisc.com.

What was it like sharing the stage with Gnarls Barkley?

It was great. They're a fantastic band

Tell me about working with Rykodisc / Orange Twin Records.

Orange Twin is a record land/conservation community run by members of Elf Power. We release records by lots of great artists including ourselves, we reissue out of print obsure folk and psychedelic records from the 1960a and 1970s. Orange Twin is also a conservation community 5 miles outside of Athens where artists live and work.

Where can I get a copy of your vinyl album?

In record stores or on the Internet.

What was the reason behind putting out a vinyl record?

Rock music to me sounds best on vinyl. All of our albums have been released on vinyl.

Any tattoos in the band?

I have a full back tattoo of a monster truck being impaled on an upside down cross, set against the backdrop of the Canadian flag, with a Concord jet airliner bursting out of the scene, coming towards you.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Iately I’ve been listening to Robert Wyatt, Misfits, Boris with Michio Kurihara, Nico, Incredible String Band, Buzzcocks, Sweet, and Slade

Where are you guys all from originally?

Athens, South Carolina, Cleveland, Louisiana, Virginia, New Jersey, and Syracuse.

You guys are playing a ton of shows over seas. What was the breaking point into that market?

We have been going to Europe pretty regularly since the late 1990s

Do you have a lot of fans over there?

Yes, in certain areas more than others. We play Spain and Scandinavia a lot.

If you could play with any band in the market right now whom would it be?

Jandek.

How do you guys know Vic Chesnutt?

From around town here in Athens.

What are you guys drinking when you are on stage?

Water or alcohol depending on the night.

I love the design of your website. Who designed that?

Kelly Ruberto.

You guys have a ton of albums. You ever forget the words to your own songs?

Yes sometimes I do, but I can fake it pretty good when that happens.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Playing music.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Records Record Records

I am hanging out today with a special treat to the Indianapolis music scene. These guys bring pure talent in voice, writing, instruments, and stage presence to the stage every night. Playing very few shows in the city (which I love by the way) these guys are a show not to miss when you get the chance to see them perform. Hitting every corner of the country they are well on their way to the top. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Records Record Records.

So where did the name come from?

My best friend Vincent and I were looking to start a faux label to put on our MySpace when my last band fizzled and I was going to do solo stuff. I was throwing “Recording Records” around and Vincent just blurted out, “How about Records Record Records!” I loved it. Then when the band got together we were sitting around trying to come up with a name and Vincent very slowly and deliberately said, “How about Records Record Records?” And there it is!

How did you guys all meet?

Drew used to open shows for my last band and I always loved his stuff. I was doing a solo show the band was supposed to do and Drew came to open. Afterwards I told him thought I’d be cool if we joined up. Padraig I knew when he was drumming with another band. Our old bands used to play together. We were a 3 piece for a month or two doing the open mic night at Spin. Jimmy was there by chance and approached us after our set. He never really auditioned, just learned the songs.

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

For me it was in high school. I was awful and had no talent but lots of drive. My closest friend in high school and I started a little band and I fell in love with the idea of making music and the fantasy of playing for hundreds or thousands of screaming fans.

Any other jobs or is music it?

I’m a bagel sandwich artist.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Regularly the verve in Terre Haute for sure! Ever I’d have to say the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

Intimately it was at the Music Mill on NYE when we opened for the Why Store for about 900 people. I played at the F-1 with another band in front of 30-35,000

The smallest?

The bar staff of the venue we were playing.

You guys have a strong relationship with The Verve in Terre Haute. Tell me what you like about that venue that keeps you going back.

The Verve is an awesome intimate venue. First off the owner, Connie, and the staff are wonderful people. They’ve become friends now outside of playing there every 4-6 weeks. The crowd is appreciative. They go there to hang out with good people and listen to the band, and hear new original music. Once you earn a fan base at the Verve, you’ll have them forever. They’ve come to Indy to see us play!

Describe your genre in one word.

Magnetic.

I love the retro look of it. Who did your MySpace layout?

Jimmy did our MySpace layout. All of our other artwork is created by Vincent, the name giver of the band. He’s a creative genius.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Personally: the Beatles, the Killers, Phish, Pink Floyd, anything thoughtful and catchy.

Tell me a little bit about Blue Pumpkin.

It’s a subsidiary of Universal with distribution, promotion and marketing done all through Universal.

If you could tour with any band currently on the market right now whom would it be?

The Killers, Jon McLaughin, or Maroon 5.

Any thoughts on a tour this year?

We’re in the beginning stages of booking and routing our spring summer tour. April & May, coast to coast.


If you could live anywhere else in the world outside of Indianapolis where would you go?

The world!? Ah, I need to see the world before I make the choice. In the U.S., I’d say either NYC, L.A. or Miami.

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

It was one of RRR’s first show and it happened to be at the Verve. After a song I said, “Thank you very much, we are Austin Bridges!” The crowd booed then laughed at the mistake and the band laughed, I was very uncomfortable!

Coke or Pepsi?

Niether.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Experiences and the news.

Is there a ringleader in the group?

We all have a niche in the group, front man? Me.

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

Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnope

I have seen a major turn around for you, Davey, in not only your sound and vocals but also the number of instruments you play. What prompted that change?

I was left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth after Austin Bridges broke up and I was tired of playing guitar. I’d always wanted to play piano and keys so I went to Goodwill and bought an old Hammond organ, you know, the one everyone’s grandparents have in some room their house and taught myself how to play. I bought it in Dec of 07’ and played my first show in January on keys.

What should someone expect from a live show?

Consistency. We’re not recreating the wheel with our genre but I believe we do it in a unique way. We’re creative songwriters and can consistently come up with hooks and catchy melodies. We don’t have a guitar hero or a badass keys player but our drummer is a human metronome and we all play the songs the way they’re supposed to be played. We don’t show off we just play every song in every show to the best of our ability and it always turns out well.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Not here. I don’t like to speculate. Hopefully somewhere warm, safe and happy.

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

That we were able to be successful and happy in a hard-nosed world and business. We’re all hard workers and believe in what we do and in the music. I want fans and critics to believe like we believe that we wrote great songs and influenced / changed the way people listened and or made music.

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

The Killers.

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

This is a tough, if not the toughest, business to be successful. I want to see bands, artists and fans unite to promote each other, not beat each other down. There are so many opportunities just waiting to be used and I wish the best to everyone. I feel lucky to be playing with the guys I am and to be friends with the bands I am. Nate Davis and the Franchize, Twin Cats, Mardelay, The Vigrin Millionaires, Henry French, Win With Willard, and several more are all great guys and wonderful musicians. Support these guys and us and anyone else throwing themselves out there for the pure love of it.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Chad Mills

I am hanging out today with an Indianapolis based singer songwriter that has experience in his jeans and talent in his lyrics. Having played shows at nearly every venue that I can think of and every time I see him he just impresses the hell out of me. Having vocals that need to be placed right at the top of the charts I am pleased to introduce to you Mr. Chad Mills.

What is your first memory of playing the guitar?

That would be in 8th grade music class when we had to choose an instrument to learn. Unfortunately, that was the last time I’d touch a guitar for a number of years.

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

When I found out the music I played could have an impact on people.

What is your favorite venue to play?

That’s a tough one. Really any place where people will listen. I played my first show at Big Car Gallery recently. People were seated in chairs amidst tall columns strewn from floor to ceiling with white Christmas lights. There were thirty or forty people there and all 100% attentive. It was perfect.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

Largest? 30,000 people but none of them stuck around to listen. I guess they were more interested in finishing the Mini-Marathon.

Smallest?

A couple bartenders.

Have you written with anyone beside yourself?

To some degree, yes. I laid down some lyrics for others in the past. But to actually sit in a room with someone and collaborate on a song or project, no. It’s something I’d love to do someday, though.

Where do you look for motivation in new songs?

I think motivation finds me. I’m never very successful when it’s the other way around. When I’m moved by something. When I hear a story that should be told. When I have something to get off my chest. That’s when new songs are created.

PC or Mac?

I grew up in the PC generation. I bitch and moan almost every time I have to use a Mac. “Where’s Cntrl-Alt-Delete on this damn thing!?!”


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

I’d like to sit down and write a song with Eddie Vedder, play a round of golf with Tiger Woods, and have a beer with Jesus. I know I’d learn a lot from each of them.

When you play full band whom is behind you?

I’ve had a rotating cast over the years but Bob Stewart has always kept the beats for me, Chris Welch is typically on the bass, and my sister Megan provides killer harmonies.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Aggh...you hit a sore spot with that one. Unfortunately, yes. I’m a civil engineer by day.

What are you drinking on stage?

Generally Bud Light or anything people buy me!

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Hostess cupcakes and a Mt. Dew.

You been in Indiana your whole life?

Almost. My first job out of school was in Cincinnati. Loved the city, but couldn’t stand the work. Wrote a song called “Goin Back in My Mind” cause I missed Indiana. Then I returned a year later.

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

Seriously? For someone who prides himself on the variety of music he plays that question sucks. Dude, I think I’d quit.

What is your most embarrassing experience being on stage?

Any time I miss a note...forget the words...or pass out.

Ever get nervous?

Yeah, whenever I do interviews. Or when I come home from a gig at 3 in the morning! Oh, and when I get pulled over for speeding. Or when I climb something really tall. Oh, did you mean on stage? I get nervous when I have to talk. Like between songs. I hate public speaking.

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

Hell yeah! You should hear me spit rhymes. It’s sick yo. Seriously though, there’s not a lot I wouldn’t do for that kinda’ money. Hmmm…maybe you shouldn’t print that.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Bob Dylan, David Gray & Eddie Vedder are the big three.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m having a hard time deciding between:

a.) strung out on heroin, doing interviews for VH-1’s “Behind the Music”
b.) living off the land in Alaska
c.) married, three kids, day job, and playing music at kids birthday parties.

Probably “c.”

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

Definitely my heart. Whether it’s the way I care about family and friends, the manner in which I treat people, the words in my songs, the delivery of my voice. It all comes from the same place. I’d love to be remembered for having a good heart.

Let’s say you are about to headline at Verizon Wireless. Who is opening for you?

The Avett Brothers.

What are three things you cannot live without?

Family & friends (let’s count that as one), music, and beer. Can you make it ‘four’ so I can add pizza? Please?

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Amy Duke

I am sitting here today with a fresh young talent located right here in the heart of Indianapolis. Bringing a sound of modern day country mixed with a set of lyrics you appreciate word for word, Amy bleeds talent and passion. You can hear the honesty behind her words and you know that heartache and true love has inspired her lyrics. Sit with me today as I am happy to introduce Amy Duke.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad was constantly playing the guitar, mainly James Taylor tunes. He was very musical, so I was brought up around the guitar and piano my entire childhood.

How long have you been playing?

Guitar isn't really my thing, to be honest. I think piano is a far more beautiful instrument. It's like having a full orchestra right at your fingertips. I've been playing guitar since I was 16 or so, and same with piano.

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

My dad heard me singing an Amy Grant song in the car when I was a freshman in high school and said, "Wow I had no idea you had a good voice!" So we went home, he played it on the piano and had me sing and told me I should really pursue it. He bought me my first guitar that Christmas and I took his advice.

Any other jobs besides or is music it?

I'm actually studying education and dance at Anderson University. I'm a senior, and also teach ballet on the side. I also work for a drug prevention program in Anderson community schools called Youth Jam. I am on the fence between teaching and pursuing music full time. Obviously music is the more desirable choice, however, teaching is safe and secure for me.

Tell me how you know Jason Gaskins.

I met him through a singer-songwriter who went to Anderson as well, Jessica Sonner. He did some photographs of her that I thought were breathtaking and I e-mailed asking him if he'd like to set up a photo shoot. We did a photo shoot in Bloomington. He had me sitting in a field of (little did we know) poison ivy. I got it all over my body and it didn't go away for about 2 months. But, he's a great guy.

Did he write all over your hand or did you?

I did. He had this idea for me to write something from one of my songs or something that reflects my personality and wanted to close up on it and have me in the background. I thought "give me the sky" was appropriate for my idealistic, adventuresome personality. And it was also a song lyric.

If you could live anywhere else but here where would you go?

Nashville, hands down.

PC or Mac?

PC, unfortunately.

Describe your genre in one word.

Amy.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

Well I played at Carnegie Hall with my high school orchestra, so that was pretty huge. But as a singer-songwriter I've probably played for about 200 people.

The smallest?

Ummm I played at the Rock Lobster once with my former band, Tea and Sympathy. They put us in this back bar area, and for parts of it we were playing for the bartender. Just the bartender. Throughout the night, 2-3 people would wander in and out periodically. Great night.

You learned to play the violin at a very young age. Do you still play?

I love to play. However there aren't a lot of opportunities for me right now. I've been asked to play a lot in full-time country bands and that's just not something I'm passionate enough about to devote my time to. I record violin parts on my songs a lot, but I can't sing, play piano / guitar, and play violin at the same time unfortunately.

Is it still dorky?

Absolutely not. It is an amazing instrument and I would encourage any young person to play an instrument, especially a string instrument.

Where do you practice?

I actually practice a lot in the practice rooms at Anderson. I have a keyboard but it doesn't sound like a piano, so I hate it. And my piano at my mom’s house is painfully out of tune. So, thanks to the school of music I get my practice time in.

Any thoughts of branching out of the city of Indianapolis?

I've always wanted to move to Nashville and try the music thing out. Other thoughts are New York, Chicago or L.A.. but I want to make sure I'm prepared, have enough quality material, have a financial plan, etc. before I just up and move.

What is your favorite venue to play?

I really liked the bluebird in Bloomington but I have only played there once. On a consistent basis, my favorite place is probably Birdy's. People who go there really appreciate original music and that is hard to find these days.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

James Taylor is big. I love quirky songwriters like Regina Spektor, Feist and Rosie Thomas. Carole King, Patty Griffin, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, etc. Some other ones like Radiohead, Damien Rice, Zoey Keating. I really try not to be directly influenced in my music by any one artist, so that I know my music is truly my own. This is why I listen to country; rap, techno and other stuff that sounds nothing like me.

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

Ohh I really hate this question. Probably Abe Lincoln though. He was awesome.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke. But otherwise, Pepsi products. I love Mountain Dew.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Either plain cheese, or everything on it. Black or white.

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

Sara Bareilles. She is a legit songwriter, has a perfect crowd for me, and seems really down to earth. She's kind of about the girl-power thing, but not in a crazy feminist way. It's perfect. I'd love to tour with her.

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

People. Just watching people, being in relationship with people, loving them, hating them, etc.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

That is too impossible. Being the black and white person I guess I am, I'll either be a married with 3 kids teaching 1st grade, or I'll be on the road touring and having a blast. We'll see how it goes.

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

Being genuine, and real in every sense.

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

Music is the reason time still exists.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Ladymoon

I am hanging out with one of the most talented bands in the area. This is a band that is pretty new to the scene and is making their mark by an incredible stage presence and raw talent behind it to back it up. Playing shows all over the Midwest make sure you take a chance to catch these guys rock your night. Sit back and relax as I am proud to introduce Ladymoon.

Where did you guys all meet?

Kris and I have known each other since we were eight years old. We grew up on in the same neighborhood on the north side of Indianapolis. We met George Mallers at a show in Fort Wayne about six years ago and re-met him when he was playing with a band the Franchize. I met Nick about six years ago with I did a pick up gig with the Mitchell Street Band.

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

I have always wanted to perform. But I have realized recently that this is the right lineup and could be a band that could finally break for me.

How long have you all been together?

The original lineup was in college between 2001 and 2003 with Kris, Mark McKowen, and myself on drums. We took a few years of and played in different groups. In September of 2007 we reunited and just this past August Mark got married and decided to stop performing. We picked up Nick and George about three months ago and have been rehearsing and performing ever since. We are about to record a new record this week.

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

We have played a few festivals in the past for quite a few people.

The smallest?

The bartender and the doorman.

Any tattoos in the group?

Kris has a tribal looking tattoo on his arm.

PC or Mac?

I use a PC and Nick and George use a Mac. Kris doesn’t know what a computer is.

What are you drinking on stage?

We have been trying to get everyone to drink water but you may see the occasional PBR.

What is your favorite venue to play?

That’s hard to say. One of my favorites was the Buskirk Chumley In Bloomington.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

There are many. I will mention a few. Beatles, Phish, Allman Brothers, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Zappa, etc. etc. etc.

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

Not sure.

Ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly?

PB and J.

Where would you live if money was not an issue?

Somewhere warm.

So your bass player and I share the same last name. Are we related?

Uncle dad? Not sure. I would have to ask him.

What were some of the worst nicknames Potts has brought you?

Sizzle Chest, Brownie (from Nick), P-Dick (which is what we call Nick). I think it’s silly when someone calls Kris Potsy.

Where do you guys see yourself in five years?

I think we can do what we intended on doing. We will have a good amount of success in the music industry in the next five years.

Where does the inspiration come from in a new song?

That could be anything. Some of the best songs that I have written happened in five minutes. Just spontaneous. It seems the ones you dwell on too much end up sucking.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

(Ryan) That would be me.

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

Some say I resemble Shaggy. But not sure that is whom I would choose. You ask tough questions.

Let’s say you are about to headline at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opener?

There are so many. I have always imagined that if I was in the position to choose then we would have our favorite band in every town we play in open. Like say we were in Oklahoma City and the Flaming Lips open. Not that they ever would but you get the idea. Let the big hometown band open.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Anything but anchovies or anything that simply does not belong on a pizza. Meats and veggies are always good. Nick would just say meat because he is a carnivore.

You guys all have jobs or is music it?

George, Nick, and I teach music. Kris is a stay at home Dad.

What is your favorite color?

Clear.

Thoughts on the Jonas Brothers?

Who are the Jonas Brothers? I don’t know much about them. But they seem to be made up in a Hollywood Studio.

Is MySpace good or bad for musicians?

MySpace is great. It is a free website that let’s you expand your fan base.

When should we expect another album?

Spring of 2009. Spread the word. We start tracking this week.

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

Never put your coat in an oven at a late night party. Someone may end up turning on said oven and igniting your coat. It ends up making the house smell terrible and you have to walk back home cold and drunk.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with TelluRide

I am hanging out today with a band that is new to the music scene. Being called a “band to watch” TelluRide is an incredible group of individuals. Bringing a ridiculous set of talent matched with industry quality lyrics and a style that fits their sound to a T TelluRide is here with me today. Sit back and enjoy some time with a band that might just be the next big thing. It is my pleasure to introduce to you TelluRide.

How long have you guys been playing music?

As a band, 2 years, 3 months, and 4 days.

Where did you guys all meet?

We all met in Nashville, except Adam and Ryan (they’re cousins).

When did you know that music was a career choice?

(Brian) I have always wanted to be a musician.

Any jobs in the band or is music it?

(Jimi) Music is it for us. The way I look at it when you rely on music as your sole income, it motivates you a bit more to be successful.

What is the biggest crowd you guys have played for?

(Adam) We sang at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for a NASCAR event. It was on ESPN, so 2 million. As far as live concerts, 5,000.

The smallest?

(Ryan) A bartender 2.5 years ago. And he left early.

You guys play what is a mix of rock, pop, and some killer country. You guys just can’t pick one genre? (Laughs)

(Brian) Each guy brings different styles into this group, so it’s only natural to incorporate them.

What is your motivation every night when you get on stage?

(Jimi) I guess knowing that we get to do what we love in front of new and old fans is a pretty constant motivating factor.

Ever get nervous?

Well it’s a live show, so there is always a nervous excitement in the air. We just use it to get hyped up.

Tell me about TelluRide TV.

It’s the chronicle of TelluRide as we travel from town to town; a lot of fun, some trouble making you know, guys being guys.

Tell me what it was like working with American Roots?

It’s been great. We get to play on our own record and much of our album consists of songs we wrote.

If you could tour with any band on the market right now who would it be?

Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, and the Zac Brown Band

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

You know, we really would want to take in as much of that experience as possible, so we would just open up for ourselves.

Do you think that MySpace is good or bad for musicians?

It’s great. You have your music, bio, tour dates all on one page. You also get feedback from your fans.

Let’s say you are offered a record deal but you have to sing some one else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

If Rick Rubin produced it, The Heartbreakers played with us on it, we all get to wear parachute pants, Adam gets a fade haircut, Ryan plays the ?? and we get a lifetime supply of Fruit Roll-Ups… then we’d consider it.

How long have you been with InTune Entertainment?

2 years.

Where are you guys all from?

(Adam) We’re a coastal band. Jimi’s from South Carolina and the rest of us are from Washington state.

What is on your iPod right now?

Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee [Adam] Pat Matheny Group, Nickel Creek [Ryan] Levon Helm, Supertramp [Brian] My iPod was stolen, but I was listening to Prince and Ellis Paul [Jimi].

Kenny Chesney or Toby Keith?

Keith Urban

You have an awesome album cover. Who did your graphic design work?

Wahoo Designs. Kim is great to work with.

What did the exposure of the Country Weekly article give you guys?

It gave a great excuse to walk up to some girl in a grocery store and say, “Hey! That’s me!”

Now you guys played the National Anthem at a NASCAR race. Do you watch NASCAR?

Well, we are going to perform at Daytona next week on February 13th, and we are pretty excited about that!

Tell me what it was like working with Rex Schnelle on your debut album.

Rex is an amazing person and extremely talented. Working with him was a great experience for us.

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

Washington coast [Brian] The west coast or Maine [Maine] L.A. or Madison, GA [Ryan] Anywhere that I could own plenty of land [Jimi]

Any tattoos in the band?

Brian & Jimi.

Who has the most?

(Jimi) Brian for now, until I get some more.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Doing this still.

What do you want to be remembered for when it’s all said and done?

For always creating good music.

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

Four Square Miles is just the beginning. We’re all in this for the long haul. We all feel blessed to be able to share the stage together night after night. By the way, our album “Four Square Miles” is available for purchase online so buy it! Thanks.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Dan Bern

I first heard the man I am sitting with today in a *parody song about one of my idols. I was looking for (a long time ago) songs that were associated with Tiger Woods. There are not very many out there by the way. And I came across this song actually titled Tiger Woods my curiosity was pecked. I will leave the rest to your imagination but the song talked about items being big as grapefruit and pumpkins. Yes sir. However, still hanging around the music scene and with my ears still tuned, I am happy to introduce a pure singer and songwriter at heart in Mr. Dan Bern.

What is your first memory of playing the guitar?

My sister had one. I kind of stole it out from under her.

Where are you originally from?

Iowa but I've lived in Chicago and L.A. and New York and New Mexico.

When did you know that music was a career choice for you?

When I sold my car, got a van, turned in the keys to my apartment and went on the road. That was around 1995.

Do you work or is music it?

You mean, "Do you have a job besides music," right? The artist is a member of the working class, Jack! Since 1995 i have not had jobs other than music-related.

What is your real name?

Skuzgayo Broznichke Fun Bernsteinn Sandwich. Fun is my middle name. Dan Bern is easier to say.

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

I usually don't sit down to write a song. I usually am driving, riding a bike, walking around. It can come from anything, anytime, anyplace.

You like it out there in California?

Yeah, it's pretty good. I liked New Mexico a lot. That is where I lived the last few years before coming back here. Only thing is in L.A. there's a lot going on as far as projects and stuff. And that's what I like to do the most, right now.

I love the design of your website. Who did that?

That is the work of my assistant and longtime loyal underling, Miki.

So tell me about you and Walk Hard.

Jake Kadan, the writer and director of that film, is a good friend and told me about the movie and that they'd need some songs. So I started writing with Dewey Cox in mind. For probably close to 2 years most every song idea I had got filtered over into Dewey. Later on I teamed up with Mike Viola, who had been writing for Dewey also. And we wrote a bunch more Dewey songs. I liked doing it so much that i decided to come out to L.A. to do more stuff like that.

You make short films huh? What are they about?

One is about how tough life on the road is, how you're always getting booed. That one's called "Booo." One is about my quest to hit with Rafael Nadal. That one's called "Nadal y yo en Madrid." One is kinda like 2 short stories, kinda 'franny & zooey'-like. It's called "An Odd Dutch Reaction & the Confession of Vleer Vleegens." One is called "Gentile Athletes of the 60s and 70s." It's kind of like an old newsreel. They're all on YouTube. These are my first ones. I have more planned.

Do I see a career in acting for you?

I don't know. Do you?

Your song about Tiger Woods was quite hilarious. I still listen to it all the time. Did you ever think he would become as popular and successful as he has since you wrote that song?

Well, i knew he was gonna be something. For a little while T thought maybe I actually have the power to make someone a world-class athlete just by writing a song about them. So I wrote one about Elmer Harrelson, my neighbor at the time. Nothing happened. So I think Tiger Woods is probably pretty special.

Are you a golfer?

Not particularly. Par-3 courses; I can handle that.

Play any sports growing up?

All of them when I was a kid. Tennis is my game.

Where do you practice?

I usually have some kind of studio set up. Nothing fancy with a ton of gear. Just someplace I can make noise. In New Mexico I had a big commercial space. Right now I have the garage. If I'm playing with a drummer, it's usually their place.

Is it all solo or is there a band behind you?

Plenty of both. I'm playing with some new guys right now. I think it's gonna be pretty good.

PC or Mac?

Macintosh. Bang bang bang.

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

Space ghost.

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

Antarctica. If I could just make a go of it, put down some roots, hold out awhile; 3 or 4 generations down the road, you're looking at sweet beachfront with a nice mild climate. My descendants will thank me.

You write stories as well. Does that help your song writing?

To me it's all kind of a flow. I wrote some sports columns in New Mexico. I paint. Starting to make films. They all kind of talk to each other. There's more than one way to get from A to G. I've had people say, 'Why do you do these other things? Why don't you just write songs?' You might as well say, 'You'll never eat like kobayashi; why don't you just stop eating?'

Is that maybe why you have so many albums? You just have a lot to say?

I don't know about that. But songs keep coming. What are you supposed to do with them?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Living in the Playboy mansion. As a permanent guest. My family can visit.

What was the hardest subject for you in school?

Science. I think it was the way it was presented. Cutting up plant stems and things. If they had said, "Wow! It's a hundred gazillion miles to the next star and that one's really close, as stars go! Get a load of that!!!!!!!!!' It might have been different.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Bowery Ballroom's fun. But I kinda feel like my favorite venue is one I haven't played yet.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

No toppings. Stuffed. Thick. Chicago style.

Any chance we will see you in Indiana anytime this year?

I'd put the odds at 15% for '09 and 75% for '10.

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

Solving the Israel-Palestinian deal. Easing world population and thus the climate change problems. And that World Series title I piloted the Cubs to in 2017.

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

*'Tiger Woods' was not a parody. A parody is a take-off on another existing song. 'Tiger Woods' was its own song. Thanks for the conversation. Let's have coffee again sometime.