Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Corey Crowder

I am sitting here today with an artist that is this close to becoming the next big thing. Corey Crowder is making his way through the music scene and doing it the “right way” by building fans and taking his time knowing he will end up at the top. Matching that with great direction from another awesome individual in Steve Taylor as his manager, Corey is a powerhouse for a success. Sit back as I introduce a special treat to you today in Corey Crowder.

You are over 5,000,000 plays on MySpace. You are not sitting there hitting refresh are you?

I’ve been caught! No, just kidding. I don’t know how that happened. seems like one day I was at a few thousand plays and then before I knew it, I was over a million. Got to love MySpace word of mouth.

Where are you originally from?

I spent the first 14 years of my life in Lilburn, Georgia. I then moved about thirty miles away to a town called Loganville, Georgia.

Do you work or is music it?

I am the brand manager for a company called Merch Machine. So if your band needs merchandise shoot me an email.

What are the chances I can get you to Indiana this summer?

I’m there. Just say when and where.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

I played for several thousand people at a radio event in Clemson, South Carolina. I was the opening act for Elliott Yamin, Sean Kingston, The Rocket Summer, and Ali & AJ. So you can imagine how well my music fit in all of this.

The smallest?

I have played for no one but the other bands on the show before. Not my proudest moment.

Any tattoos?

One tattoo. Inner left arm. I plan on getting some more soon. But, I have to stick to my wife’s rule of one tattoo a year. Bummer.

Those are some awesome shirts. Did Steve design all those for you?

(Laughs) He wishes. The designers for Merch Machine do all of my work. They are extremely talented designers.

How did you and Steve meet?

I was a fan of a band Steve was in called Outsight. This was about in 2000 2001. I started going to a lot of their shows and hanging with Steve and his band.

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

Right now, I am excited about living back in Georgia close to family and friends. But I have a feeling that I would love living in Italy. My wife made a trip there with a friend last year and the pictures and stories were amazing.

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

This actually has happened more than once. It has also happened pretty recently. I forgot the lyrics to my own song! I totally butchered the song. I’m not sure anyone noticed. I hope not.

PC or Mac?

Mac. All the way.

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

Bob Dylan. He is one of the best writers of all time.

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

I try to turn my brain off when I write. I don’t want to force a song. I want whatever is on my mind to come out on paper how it needs to. Afterwards, I sort through the words to make a song. I find inspiration in everything.

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

Yes. Only if it was a rap album.

What is your favorite song to play?

‘Leaving You’.

Let’s say you can only play one cover song for the rest of your career. What one would you choose?

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams.

What are you drinking on stage?

Sweet Tea.

What is the last movie you saw?

Notorious.

Did you like it?

I loved it.

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

I’d have my buddy Mark Webb open for me.

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

I would be Doug from the Nickelodeon show Doug.

Do you think MySpace is good for musicians?

Yes. As much as I hate to admit it. There is no better way to make new fans for free. It also lets the fans help out by promoting their favorite artist by embedding a song on their page.

Tell me about the people playing behind you.

They are all really talented musicians. They all played on the record. Russ Chapman is on the drums and Logan Belcher on the bass. They have been with me now for several years and have become some of my best friends.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I will still be making music. No white picket fences and all that. Just living life.

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

Musically, I’d like to be remembered as someone who was “real” in his songs. If someone’s life was impacted in any way whatsoever from my songs that would be a great way to be remembered.

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

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” – Bob Dylan

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Noah East

I am talking with Noah East, Indianapolis based piano extraordinaire. Noah is a long time friend of mine and I have enjoyed seeing him play on numerous occasions. He is an incredibly driven musician and is in a great position to become the next big thing from the Indianapolis area. Noah is backed with some incredible musicians on his album and his quality of music speaks for itself. Mixed with his passion to produce incredible music and being extremely humble at that, Noah is a force to keep your eyes on. Noah, it’s so nice to be sitting here with you today.

So tell me, what has been going on with you and your music?

A lot actually. I have a new album, "Bird", which comes out in a few weeks. The new single is called "Oh Jenna!" It has received very pleasant responses from some radio stations that have already started playing it. I am just really excited about this record and getting out on the road and sharing it with as many people as I can.

You and Robert have done quite a bit of work together. How did you two meet?

We have been best friends since we were kids. It's very helpful to be able to make music with someone you have so much in common with and you have the same ideas for sons and really vibe well with musically. And having sang with someone for so long our voices really match well together and that really comes out in our live performances.

He did your graphic design work for your MySpace page, too right?

Yes he did. He also did my website as well. He has actually worked with a few other artists as well. He has designed MySpace pages for Eric Clapton, Sara Barrielles , and a few others. He is actually working on a new design for my website and MySPace. It is to better match the new album. He also did the album artwork for this and my last album.

What is your favorite venue that you have ever played?

The Dreamway Lodge in the Berkshires, IN Massachusetts. It is a venue, a ski resort, and a Bob Dylan museum. It is actually where they shot his last documentary. It's a very cool place. They have 5-star chefs, log cabins, and serves as just a cool place to play music and to simply visit.

Where does your motivation come from?

I think about a lot of things when i think about and write music. Colors, vision, shapes, textures, emotions. I then try to convey them in melody and sound. I I feel that anything you can see or feel can be expressed sonically.

Who is the biggest artist that you have ever played with?

Peter Yarro Peter, Paul, and Mary. He is a really cool guy, too. It was the last show at one of my favorites venues in the country. It is called "Camerata". It is located here in Indiana. He was very interesting and told colorful and had nothing but rich and wonderful things to say. I I enjoyed every minute of being around him. I have also played with Jon McLaughlin. I am not sure how big Jon is. I played with Michelle Branch once as well.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes. I do play some covers, but I think that music is a very personal thing. I wouldn't want to sing something someone else wrote for me because I didn't go through what they did to write the song and therefore it wouldn't be genuine. I write as a release of emotion, or catharsis, so I wouldn't want to sing something I didn't go through or that didn't mean something deeply personal to me.

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

""You Got It" by Roy Orbison. It is one of my favorite pop songs of all time. Just a timeless, classic tune with pop chord structure and the melody; it's beautiful. His voice is nearly unparalleled by anything in music history. I do a cover of it as a bonus track on my latest album, and it was some of the most fun I have ever had recording.

What toppings do you put on your pizza?

Pepperoni, green peppers, and onions. That is my all time favorite pizza. If you could add tomatoes and make it a deep dish we are in heaven.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Wow, hopefully five years from now I am on tour making music for a living. I will be getting paid much better for than I am now. But more than anything I want to just be enjoying life. I would like to get married but I'd need a girlfriend fist. I just hope I am happy and healthy and that my mom is still around to see me successful.

What are you drinking on stage?

Southern Comfort, straight, with a lime.

How many tattoos do you have?

Thirteen. I have not gotten any new ones in a year and a half. For various reasons I suppose, I just haven't had the time or the money. I have some ideas for some new ones this spring through. I am going to make up for lost time.

When did you first play a piano?

About three years ago and it shows. I am not very good. I am just good at making it look like I know what I am doing. I basically just play the bass notes with one finger on my left hand and the melody is handled by three fingers on my right hand. I don't read music so everything I play I have to either memorize or play by ear. I should really take some lessons. then I might be able to use both hands.

What was the defining moment that you knew music was your dream?

I went to see New Kids on the Block with my older sister when I was like six or seven years old. The girls just went crazy. They were crying, screaming, and they knew every word to every song. And the mus was fun and melodic. On the car ride home I turned to my sister and I said, "Now I know what I want to be when I grow up." And she said, "What's that? A musician?" and I said, "No, a New Kid on the Block." Like that was something you could just be. It was like being a cop or a doctor.

You are headlining full band at Verizon Wireless. Who is your opener?

I would want the best band in America to open up. That band is called the Damnwells. First choice. Then I would see if Bruce Springsteen was up for it. See if he wanted to join the set. I figure if I am headlining at Verizon I might be able to get in touch with him.

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

Either Johnny Cash or Roy Orbison. I imagine it would be like me what meeting Jesus would be for a Christian. I would just want to sit at a bar, have a couple of drinks, and just talk music with one of those for twenty or thirty minutes. They I could die a happy man along with them.

If you were not playing music, what would you be doing?

Probably a career as a second baseman and a lead off hitter for a minor league baseball team. Probably single A since I am a little guy with no power. But I can field with the best of them and I can put the ball on the ground and run it out and steal bases. My whole family is full of athletes so I would have to follow in their footsteps.

In keeping with tradition I like to let the artist have the last word. Go.

I just hope everyone listens to my new album when it comes out and gives it a chance. And if you like it support independent music and buy it. Go check out other great independent artists like Robert Mathison and the Damnwells. Check out Cameran McGill, Kathleen Edwards, and Bon Iver, and Josh Ritter. The people making the best music in the world are not people on television or working for the bix record labels. They are people who write and record and produce their own music and tour because they love sharing their unique voice with other people.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Margot & The Nuclean So & So's

I am sitting here with a band that has made quite a mark for them in the Indianapolis music scene. Bringing more than usual numbers to the stage and a feel and sound that we are just not used Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s have found a way to fit right in. Mixing an incredible stage presence with the know how to make it to the top I would like to introduce you to the folks of Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s.

Where did you guys meet?

We all met in different places. I met Andy at a bar. I met Tyler in a basement. I met Chris in a bar. I met Casey in a bar. I met Emily at a basketball game.

Why so many musicians?

We wanted to rip off Broken Social Scene and every other band with a bunch of musicians.

Where do you practice?

We don’t really practice anymore but when we did it was at our studio, “Queensize Twin Aire”.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

Hubert Glover.

Who did all of your graphic design?

Andy M. Fry.

Sum up your genre in one word.

Music.

You guys hardly ever play Indianapolis and you have two shows back to back in February.

Are you all still living in Indianapolis?

Most everyone lives in Indianapolis. I live in Chicago.

What is your favorite venue to play?

The independent in San Fransisco. The Empty Bottle and Schubas in Chicago are good too. Mercury Lounge or Bowery Ballroom in New York. Radio Radio and the Vogue in Indianapolis. It's a big list.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

47 people.

The smallest?

8 people.

Any tattoos in the group?

I think Andy and Casey have tattoos.

Who has the most?

I’ll say Andy. Or Casey. Andy’s look slightly better than Casey’s.

What are you all drinking on stage?

Beer and water mostly. Whiskey and girly drinks occasionally.

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

Vertical Horizon

Is MySpace good or bad for musicians?

It’s neither. Although in general, I’d say the Internet is bad for musicians and good for those who are selling the musicians music. And for bloggers. And it’s good for pornography.

Where does your motivation come from for new songs?

Movies and books and life. Pretty broad, I guess.

Who writes most of the lyrics?

Hubert Glover.

Everyone have jobs or is music it?

I have no idea. I don’t have a job.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I see myself making music and writing books of jokes. Maybe knowing how to cook more things.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

Crab legs.

If you guys could all hang out with anyone alive or dead who would it be?

Albert Einstein or Jesus.

Any thoughts of moving to L.A.?

Yes. We’re going to move there really soon.

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

Having size 12 shoes. Being able to make 7 free throws in a row. Being a hot wings expert. Having the resolve to embark on a smear campaign. Winning four games of ‘pass the pig’ in a row. Knowing how to train a rat. Being too cool for school. Being extremely ‘with it’. Giving it a real go. Knowing how to run an effective pick and roll.

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

Man: I'm gonna blow your brains out.

Man 2: I just took a shower.

Man: Give me your wallet.

Man 2: C'mon man, I just got paid.

Man: What's your shoe size?

Man 2: Ten

Man: Give me those too.

Man 2: Shit man, I meant six.

Man: You're gonna get shot if you keep this up.

Man 2: Can I give you my shoes and keep my wallet?

Man: This ain't 'Let's Make a Deal', motherfucker!

Man 2: You;'re just not being reasonable.

Man: I'm going to kill you.

Man 2: Go ahead. I don't want to live anymore anyway.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Red Moon

I have been a long time fan and friend of RedMoon and with a new CD release and some push on their live market it is great to have a chance to sit down and talk with them. This band brings a touch of adult pop to the Indianapolis music scene. They do not play a ton of shows in the area, which I think is a good thing for a local band that has extremely high hopes and ambitions of being bigger than just a local band, but when they do it is a trip worth taking. It is great to have the chance to sit and talk with these guys today. Allow me to introduce Red Moon.

So where did the name Red Moon come from?

(Cory) We we’re getting ready to play a show in California and we hadn’t come up with a name just yet. Sweating it the night before we had a good time, woke up on a balcony to this huge red sun over the ocean, quite taken back by it, and got us thinking. That night there was a full moon so we put them together and that’s what we had it; Red Moon.

Your new album is an incredible mix of great lyrics matched with a polished sound all around on the instruments. Where did you guys record this record?

(Jeff Sharp) Azmyth Recording Studios in the Broad Ripple area.

What are your hopes with this album?

(Everyone) We just want to get it in people’s hands, their iPods, their ears, etc. We made it so we could see where we’re at and to give people a product.

When should we expect a nationwide tour from you guys?

(Cory) Yesterday would be the idea but we’re trying to be smart about it and not just hit the road, go broke then say it doesn’t work. So, as soon as we can get some booking agencies involved, outside sources that know what would be a strategic plan for us, that’s the idea and then we’ll move on it.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

Red Moon has sold out Music Mill show during a New Year’s Eve show. (Cory) We got to play the side stage for Jimmy Buffett so there were a lot of people out there but they were not directly watching Red Moon like they were Buffett. But there were 1,000’s of people around.

If you could open for any one band currently in the industry who would it be?

(Robby) Right now the most popular band would be the idea. Kings of Leon, maybe?

How did you guys all meet?

(Cory) Lee and I played music in another group before starting Red Moon back in summer of 2005. Jeff and I went to high school together and I had to bug him a couple of times to get him out but once he showed up to practice he knew what he was doing. He’d basically learned everything within a week. (Robby) Cory called me out of the blue after their percussionist moved to Phoenix and within the first show I knew there was something here. (Cory) You made the right move, Robby. (Laughs)

Tell me a little bit about what each of you do outside of the music industry.

Robby is still in school learning how to learn. Cory does marketing for an automotive company and bugs booking agencies and managers to see what Red Moon is all about. Jeff works at a bank and loves cheese and Lee is a Jedi Knight. (Laughs)

Your shows always bring a certain type of crowd. How do you tailor the music you play to your crowd when you are on stage?

(Cory) You know, if we’re opening for a national act, we’ll try and play our more energetic songs, songs that hit you a litter harder. If it’s a long set, we’ll just set a groove and go with it. Through in some covers here and there to keep the simple splashy and Lee will take the bass line for a walk.

When you sit down to write a song, first off who writes, and secondly what is the motivation to write the type of songs you guys perform?

(Lee) Writing is 99% Cory. He’ll stumble his words till they make some sense and he’ll just start riffs but the group dictates where those licks end up. He’s writing all the time; day in day out, month in and month out. He sits in the basement and hits record and play on his recording equipment and creates. As of late though, we’ve all been more involved in the process. Cory may bring an idea but then again, Jeff’s brought some pivotal songs to the table and Robby always creates on the drums in ways that completely blow us away. I just come up with innovative grooves on the bass (fretless) and makes everything as smooth as can be. But yes, the words all go back to Cory.

Where do you see the band in five years?

Each year we’ve had bigger opportunities and have had the opportunity to play in front of more and more people each year. Hopefully in five years we’ll be playing over a hundred shows a year and playing year in and year out to bigger and bigger crowds.

What do you want people to remember you for?

Passion. Good intentions. Good vibes.

You are headlining a show at Verizon Wireless. The show is sold out. Who is your opener?

Keanu Reaves and his band. What were they called again?? Um, that’s tough. Sting?

If you could meet any one person alive or dead who would it be?

Too tough of a question. I would have to think that one through for another year or so. Maybe I haven’t met the person I’d like to meet yet tough. I just can’t say.

When you are on stage what are you drinking?

Lee will usually have Maker’s or some kinda whiskey or bourbon. I might have a beer or usually just water. Robby doesn’t drink much at all and depending on the venue. Jeff usually has a beer or two.

I like to let the band always get the last word in. Go.

We all wish that we were stronger swimmers. And those that can literally bend steel with their bare hands are not people you need to be messing with in the first place. Seriously, they can bend steel!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Josh Damigo

I am sitting here with an incredible talent. His voice matches that of any modern day super star. His guitar skills are tremendous. And when you mix that with almost genius songwriting you are just in store for an incredible artist. Josh Damigo, from San Diego, California, is sitting with me here today. Sit with me today as I introduce you to an incredible talent that does not come around very often.

How long have you been playing the guitar?

A little less than 10 years now. Wow…I probably need to practice more.

When did you realize that music was going to be your career choice?

After I blew out my knee in college.

How many tattoos do you have?

2 tattoos. I’m gonna get my sleeve after my brother finishes his apprenticeship.

When did you get your first one?

It was actually pretty random. My brother was home from deployment and said, “You wanna get a tattoo? I’m paying.” And we drove down and I got it that day. Never really wanted one. Now I’m addicted.

What is it like being from one of the nicest cities in the world?

You think San Jose is one of the nicest cities in the world? It’s all yours brother. I love living in San Diego, but I’m over the cost.

Do you surf?

I haven’t surfed since my knee injury. But when I get better I’ll be all over that again.

Tell me about your Boston Red Sox obsession.

Born in Maine and my pops bred me to be one until we moved to California when I was 5. I just kinda got stuck with it after that.

Why not the Cubs?

I like the Cubs, mostly cause I’m a fan of underdogs. But really? The National League? Gag me.

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

I usually tell stories. It will either be a personal experience or something I want to tell someone but don’t really have the cajones to say it to their face.

Have you written with anyone other than yourself?

Rob Deez, the Acoustic Rhyme Master Extraordinaire, (and my roommate) and Allegra Barley. Both of them are great musicians here in San Diego. I’ve been trying to write more with friends but I think a lot of people here in California are under a “lone wolf” mindset.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

Opened for Jonas Brothers at the Fair, and I had a pretty big show with Josh Gracin at Barona Casino. I also opened for Jason Mraz in Santa Barbara and that one was pretty packed.

The smallest?

(Laughs) Dude, I’ve had so many shows where it was just me and the Barista or me and a sound man. Growing pains.

What did you have for dinner last night?

Chicken Nuggets. I’m on a happy meal diet. I figured I could cut calories by eating a 6 Piece with the apples and apple juice. Plus I get a free toy.

PC or Mac?

I just got a mac this last year. I think it’s a must have for musicians.

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

Dude, good question. Either Captain Planet or Raphael from the Ninja Turtles.

Lets say you are headlining at the Madison Square Garden. Who is opening up for you?

Edwin Mccain or Shawn Mullins.

What is your all time favorite venue?

Lestats in San Diego. I’ve played there once a month for the last two years. There’s no place like home. The Mint in L.A. is a close second. The staff is really awesome and the shows have always been good.

Where can I get a copy of you acoustic album Pocket Change?

iTunes and CD Baby. My new Album “Raw” will be released in March or April.

You put a lot of pride in being real in your music. Do albums like Kanye Wests latest chart topper upset you that it was all done with computers?

No. He’s doing his thing. I like things real, personally, and my favorite music is just a couple dudes with guitars. But you can’t hate on someone for doing their style of music. Plus he’s great at sampling and his rhymes are legit. I’d play with him for sure.

I hear you are hitting the road this year. Coming to Indianapolis I hope?

Dude, you know I’m always down. My big goals this year are to build my fan base and get to a point that I can afford to get that far. I’m hoping my new album will help.

Who are you planning on taking with you on tour?

I’ve talked to a few people. One is my boy Aaron Bowen. I’ve played a few shows with Shawn Mayer from Nashville Star, and another girl named Sara Haze, who I think will blow up in the next couple years.


Lets play word association. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read these three words. Go.

Electric fence: Ouch…That sucks
Bubble gum: Stuck in someone’s hair
Tennis ball: Makes a great baseball for guys who can’t swing well

You have a new image that I am not used to. Cowboy boots?

Ya buddy. I’m actually a huge fan of country music. I bought a pair of Ariat’s last year when I made the top 30 for Nashville Star. They are the most comfortable shoes I own. Don’t hate.

You have shared the stage with some pretty big names. What was the most memorable experience?

Josh Gracin tried to get me drunk. That was pretty funny. My band are all marines and they almost got in a fight with a few guys from Justin Nozuka’s band. Well, It wouldn’t be a fight. More of a massacre. Those guys are nuts. I think it’s all good now though.

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

Kristen Kreuk. she’s my dream girl.

Pepsi or Coke?

Doo doo doo doo always Coca-cola.

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

Wonderful. I just want everyone to quit being shy and say hi to me on Facebook or MySpace. I want to get to know people so I have a reason to travel to other cities. Check for my new album in March or April, and say no to drugs.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Landon Keller

I am here today with an old college classmate Landon Keller. Landon has been hitting the Midwest pretty hard since his days at Marian College and now, currently living in Chicago, is spending his nights playing gigs and writing music. Landon exhibits a great sense of tact and follows all of that up with incredible talent. I have known Landon for a long time and it took running into him at a concert to reconnect. Sit with me today as we get to know Landon Keller a little bit better.

Is Landon Keller your real name?

Since the day I was born.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Indiana. I spent the majority of my childhood in Danville, Indiana.

What took you to Chicago?

Mostly I just wanted to get outside of my own box. I needed new experiences. I’ve lived a couple of different places in Indiana but that wasn’t far enough. I’d done quite a bit of traveling, but it wasn’t long enough. For better or worse I never thought of myself as someone who was always going to just stick around.

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

Wow…somewhere liberal and exotic.

Who did your graphic design?

That is one of my concepts that KT Moon put together for me.

What is the meaning behind your logo?

It’s one of many concept pieces for the upcoming album ”Impact”. It has a meaning but I’ll leave it up to the listeners to decide what it means to them. I like the idea of ambiguity, both in my music and artwork. It’s more meaningful, more personal, when left open to interpretation.

Where does your inspiration come from when you write?

Life. Nature. Nostalgia. The Cosmos. My Soul.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

Around 300 people but I’d like to play for a lot more.

The smallest?

I’ve been told I’ve been lucky. Shows I do usually have good turn outs. I’ll play for anyone though. I’ve played for campfire crowds of 10 people. Other then that open stages usually don’t have good attendance.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Coffee cake, coffee, and a cigarette.

PC or Mac?

Mac.

Tell me about the guys in your band.

I would love too. I am blessed to play in a band with my father and my brother. My dad is a second generation musician which makes Austin and I third generation. We’re like the Manning’s of music. My father, Bobby Keller, is my percussionist. He’s been playing the drums since he was five. He can and has played every type of music there is. He’s a bad ass.

My brother, Austin Keller, plays electric lead and groove. He’s one of the coolest cat’s you will ever meet. It’s indescribable playing and creating with your own blood like this. Meshing seems effortless most of the time, we just click. It’s almost like we can read each others minds. It’s something very special, something none of us take for granted.

Last but not least my bass player, Cory Davies. He plays upright and electric bass and just about anything else you put in front of him. He used to play for the local band Midwest Rhythm Exchange and is super talented. He has that natural feel for music that is hard to come by. We call him our brother from another mother. There’s a lot of love here.

How do you know KT Moon?

KT and I met about a year and a half ago. We met through mutual friends who are all a big part of the local Indy music scene. She is my manager and good good friend. The Indy music scene is lucky to have her and all of the rest of our Indy music group friends for that matter. There’s something very special about this group.

How old are you?

27

What did you study at Marian College?

What didn’t I study? I changed my major like three times. Mostly I studied the arts and social sciences.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On Stage.

Who is your biggest influence?

It’s impossible to single out one person here. I can tell you that right now, Ray Lamontagne has my full and undivided attention.

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

The Dave Matthews Band. They sell out 2 and 3 night shows and I’ve always wanted to hang out with Dave. In a perfect world I’d come back out and do a song with them during their set.

Are you right handed or left?

Righty.

What are you drinking on stage?

I don’t know Ricky, what are you buying me?

Powerade of Gatorade?

Gatorade…no contest.

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

Cereal: Cheerios
Alphabet: Soup
Forest: Green

If you were to star in any reality TV show one would it be and why?

Man vs. Wild. It’s the only reality TV show I watch besides Intervention and no one wants to be the star of that show. Besides, I think it would be fun to do all the things he gets to do.

What is the last movie you saw?

The Dark Knight.

Did you like it?

Heath Ledger was absolutely captivating.

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

There are so many but, if I only had a chance to meet one, it would have to be Jesus Christ. Come on, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Jesus for a day?

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

First of all I just want to thank you Ricky, and Indyconcerts.com for reaching out to me. Second I want to let everyone know we’re currently recording our second album “Impact”, due out this spring. You can catch up with us on MySpace or Facebook. Last but not least, go out and support local and independent music. If you don’t already know, there is an amazing amount of local talent right in your back yard. If you need help finding it, send me a message. And if you come out to see me, make sure you say hi. Cheers.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with 650North

I am sitting here with a rock band that deserves some attention. I have worked with 650North numerous times in the past, and every time I am given the chance to do so again, they continue to amaze me. Everything from their image, their lyrics, their pure rock and roll attitude, to their drive and passion for success, these guys know what it takes to make it in this industry. Sit back and let 650North tell you about what makes them who they are.

So before I get too far into this, you guys were just in Poland playing a show with Guns N’ Roses. I need to know all the details about that because I was in Poland for two months this past summer.

(Matt) Yeah. A few summers ago we had the opportunity to open for G N’ R in Warsaw, Poland. It was an awesome, whirlwind experience. (Andrew) We were only there about three days. We met lots of cool people, and had a great time.

What was it like meeting Sebastian Bach?

(Matt) Sebastian is by far one of the most intense people we’ve ever met. He is an absolute ball of energy and charisma, and is quite the storyteller. (Andrew) He treated us with total respect, and he couldn’t believe that a relatively unknown band from Indiana was in Poland. After the show he opened his cooler and partied with us all night.

Did you get to meet the guys in Guns N’ Roses?

(Andrew) We met some of the guys and spent quite a while hanging out with Izzy Stradlin, G N’ R’s original guitarist. He is originally from Indiana, too, and was happy to have more Indiana boys on the bill.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

(Matt) Though we didn’t get an official number there were an estimated 3,000 when we took the stage at the G N’ R show. As far as an official number there were 1,500 when we opened for 7 Mary 3 this past summer in our home town of Osgood, Indiana. We have a very dedicated local following.

The smallest?

(Andrew) Let’s see…the smallest show would probably be La Grange, Kentucky, about five years ago when we first started. I think there were about eight people and four were family members. (Matt) (Laughs)

Back to Guns N’ Roses. How did you get on this show?

(Matt) We were signed to an imprint of Warner Music Group at the time, and the label head, through his relationship with Axl, got us on the show. We have since parted ways with them and started our own label, Breakout Records.

Is that the first time you have played over seas?

(Matt) Yeah. We hope to go back soon in support of our new album.

Did you make any contacts with the band to do more shows in the future?

(Andrew) Our label at the time was talking with G N’ R about doing more shows in the US, but then the tour basically imploded. We have kept in touch with Sebastian’s band.

Tell me about your manager. He has been with you guys from the beginning right?

(Matt) Jerry, our manager, has enabled us take our music places. What sets him apart from most managers, to me, is that he has a genuine belief in what we are doing, in addition to being a great businessman.

Did your image come before the music or was it something you established along the way?

(Andrew) I would say that the music came first. Like our music and our sound, our image is constantly evolving. (Matt) We all have our own tastes, fashion and music-wise. While we aim for the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts, we are a group of individuals.

Who is the ring leader of the band?

(Andrew) Honestly, there is no real ring-leader. Everyone has different skills and important roles to fill.

Where do you practice?

(Matt) We rehearse in the garage at the Vollmer’s house. At least we’ll never forget our humble garage-band roots. (Andrew) (Laughs)

What are your plans for a nationwide tour in support of this new album?

(Matt) Currently, we are in the middle of a national radio promotion campaign for “Afraid of Falling”, the first single from our new album ‘Empty Drawer’, and are planning a national radio tour that will include live, on-air interviews and acoustic performances.

If you guys were playing at Verizon Wireless Music Center who would be your opener?

(Matt) It would probably be the Foo Fighters. Rami Jaffee, who played keys on our new album and is currently a touring member of the Foo Fighters, got us backstage passes to their show at Conseco this past summer. We hung out side stage all night and got to meet Dave Grohl. Everyone, including the crew, was very nice.

What toppings do you guys put on your pizza?

(Andrew) Cheese, of course, and pepperoni. (Matt) I like supreme.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Matt) Carbonated beverages, including beer, are a bad idea. Burping mid-song never comes off well. Still, we have the occasional beer, but usually stick to water, no ice.

Any tattoos in the band?

(Andrew) So far, no, but a few of us are thinking about it.

What is the one song you play in every set?

(Matt) Unless the set is too short, we always play the entire new album, plus a few new songs.

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

(Matt) It would probably be an arrangement we do of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”. However, we did a cover of U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” this past New Year’s Eve, and got a great response.

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

(Andrew) Obviously, our music. But second, we would like to be remembered for doing things our own way…for becoming successful by not following the beaten path.

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

Nickelodeon: (Andrew) Keenan
Sierra Mist: (Matt) Pop
Fork: (Andrew) Eyeball (Laughs)

Who are your biggest influences?

(Matt) Our influences are vast, from Silverchair to Creedence Clearwater Revival to Jimmy Eat World.

What is the capital of Alaska? And no, you cannot use Google.

(Andrew) Juneau

What did you have for dinner last night?

(Matt) Second to music, I enjoy cooking. I made turkey burgers and potato salad.

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

(Andrew) Check us out at 650north.com. While you are there, be sure to sign up for our street team/mailing list, The Movement. Also, check us out on MySpace. Be sure to add us as a friend and send us a message or leave us a comment. Our new album, ‘Empty Drawer’, is available on iTunes, Amazon, and 650north.com. Thanks to everyone in advance for taking a minute to check us out. You make what we do possible.