Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Matt & Kim

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the band that I am sitting with today. Giving you a definition of the word Indie, they have blown up with a new album called the Grand, and have captured my headphones with what I will consider the best song they will ever write, Good Ole Fashioned Nightmare. With a sound that is hard to compare to anything in the industry today, they have been climbing the charts. With a recent featured video on www.digg.com, and some national exposure they are putting themselves in the perfect position. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Matt and Kim.

So are your real names Matt and Kim?

That is us, yeah. Actually we are Mathew and Kimberly. My brother is Fletcher. I thought that as a pretty cool name. But my parents we, “Ah, Matt, that works. “ They didn’t want to think of a name again.

What made you decide to keep that as your band name?

We ended up with by accident more or less. We were convinced to play a show before we were officially a band. They just listed is as a nameless. We felt that Matt and Kim really fit. We are people as Matt and Kim. It is about putting everyone on a first name basis. There are no walls in between.

How long have you known each other?

I am thinking this fall will be like seven years. We met in the fall of 2002.

You have such a unique sound. Describe your genre in one word.

Oh gosh. One word? Sweaty. (Laughs)

Where are you originally from?

I am from Vermont. Southern Vermont. And Kim is from East Providence Rhode Island.

How did you guys meet?

The short answer is that we met at college. We went to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and Kim picked me up.

Do you prefer the East coast to the West coast?

I love the states in general. Being that we both grew up in the northeast, we don’t see leaving New York any time soon. We sometimes fly to LA in the middle of winter and we are wearing a t-shirt. That is kind of nice.

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

We travel a lot of places. Not that you can really judge a place after being there for 14 hours, or however long we are usually there, but we love New York. Chicago is a close second. Kim has a special spot for Rhode Island.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

As much as everyone wants to find a problem with it, it has been nothing but ever helpful with us. Even when we first started as a band and first made our demo in our practice space, we made a MySpace page, put the songs up, and did a tour. Our first time ever in San Diego, the furthest you could get from New York, there were people signing along to our songs. The only way they could have done that was to visit our MySpace pages. It was able to make a universal listening platform. Now if you want to hear a band you go to MySpace to hear them. Like just yesterday, seventy five thousand had listened to our music. That is in just one day. For bands there has been nothing that has compared.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Yeah, that is actually one of the first things that I have gotten into that we actually update. When you travel a lot you notice a lot of things and you can do all that from your phone.

Who does all your graphic design?

Mostly by Kim and I. We both went to art school and Kim has done our album covers. We have had other friends and we have had some friends do some stuff. One of our friends is a college teacher, a design class, and one of his assignments was to design a Matt and Kim shirt. And the winner got to have their shirt made into a Matt and Kim design.

Tell me a little bit about your new album.

It is the album that we wanted to make from square one. The first album we did in a week. We had no idea what it would take to make an album. And that was all we had budgeted. On this one we went for a totally difference experience. We tried to have all the time in the world to work on whatever we wanted. We started with twenty-five songs with the plans of a ten-song album. We wanted cohesion. We really wanted to make something that felt complete from the beginning to end. It was sort of in the movie sense, with some intro, highs, lows, and finale.

Is there any song that makes it into every set?

Yeah, a lot of our songs actually. Our song Yeah Yeah, out of the hundreds of hundreds of shows, since we wrote that song, we might have skipped it on one show. There was a song called Silver Tiles that has never technically been released, and we used to close all of our shows with that. We have been closing with Daylight recently. We have some songs that we play well and then some that we don’t. We will play 14 songs at a show, then people will yell for a song. But we literally have no other songs that we can play well.

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

I don’t know. I would say at some festival that we have done. We did a festival in Norway. We did Lollapalooza. Somewhere between ten and twenty thousand.

The smallest?

We have played just for the other bands there. We did one show, on our first tour; it used to be like only the bands showed there would be. We did a show where it was just us and no one else showed.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

We were lucky enough that we were able to just do the band. We had low overhead and we don’t eat much. We were just able to stop our other jobs early on. But now it has been the most financially stable job I have ever had.

You guys are playing a lot of festivals this year. Do you prefer those to smaller venues?

We really liked playing them. We like both, but if you compare a festival to a support act there is no contest. When you are supporting a larger band they are just there to see the headlining band. You are just time to seeing their favorite band. So you have to work very hard to winning over people. But at a festival people go open minded to see new music. We play a pretty accessible form of music and something you can catch on to on a first lesson. We have a lot of people coming to our shows that saw us at a festival.

Who does all the song writing?

It is a combined effort. We come up with a beat to begin with. All of our songs do that. Then I will put the melody over it. It is a bizarre collaborative effort and free word associating. She just writes down sentences and stuff that comes to mind. Then I will go through and start putting them together. Then, in the end, the song will write itself.

Tell me about the video for Lessons Learned.

It was a lot of convincing to get Kim to do the video. That was a big chunk of the preparation. We got a permit to shoot in Time Square. You cannot get a permit to shoot a music video; we got it to shoot an online promo. We did not let all the details out. It was February and it was damn cold. Kim was the one that thought she should get hit by a buss at the end. It was nice to have that twist at the end. It is the period at the end of the sentence.

Where can I get some Matt and Kim merchandise?

We do have a friend who has helped us for years who lives in Houston, Texas. He owns I Heart You Productions and he sells it through our website. He makes it, prints it; it’s a small, cool operation.

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

(Thinks) I don’t know that we have been lucky enough to tour with good people. We like to play fun shows that people want to go out and dance. Genre aside we did a tour with Against Me. I remember when I heard their first album I was twenty and it made me feel like I was 14. I wanted to show it to everybody. We did a tour with them. I really enjoy going to see Girl Talk shows. They are fun. People go; dance, and we have done a lot of shows with them. Kim would say T.I. That’s her favorite. Warped Tour has come up but I hear that it is difficult.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I think something we did smart early on was we never kind of made any assumptions of anything that would happen or of anything where we would be. I never would guess that we would bed able to do this as our job. But for three years this is all we have done. Sometimes if you set goals or expectations you are setting yourself up for possible disappointment. We have just enjoyed the ride. We have enjoyed playing shows and having people like our music. If we are still playing shows and writing songs I will be happy as a clam.

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

I would like to be remembered for a band that was real on stage. I saw that because there are so many bands that I see, and we see infinite number of bands, which are totally fake on stage. Whether they are acting completely bored; they are just so boring. Even if we are having a bad day we let t show. People seem to respond to it. Or the bands that let out the pissed off underlying stuff in their bones. I think that I want to be remembered for being band that was real.

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

What I have learned from boring bands is that people have to be real in life. People who you talk to, and you can tell being themselves, is more engaging and exciting. I think that everyone needs to be themselves.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with CariRay

I am hanging out today with a lady that deserves some much needed attention. Her voice radiates absolute talent and her guitar playing is right there with her. Bringing a true sense of the word musician to the stage, she puts 100% every night into every song. Having seen her at a local bar not too long ago, I knew she had something. Sounding like a country version of Sheryl Crow, her voice stays consistent from song to song. Throwing in a few covers that you would have no idea were covers except for her telling you so, you get to see a range in her voice show after show. I am happy to be sitting with Cari Ray.


Is Cari Ray your real name?

As a matter of fact it is.

How long have you been playing?

Well, I’ve been singing in public since I was three and picked up the guitar in college. I wrote my first song my senior year.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad had a 1964 Gibson LG-O and I used to open the case and strum it when no one was around.

Do you have any jobs outside of music?

Yes. I am a marketing consultant.

Do you travel outside of Indiana very often for shows?

Not yet but I’m looking to set up some touring to promote the new record due out later this summer. I know it’s old-fashioned to call it a record but I like saying it better than CD.

I heard you were putting a band together?

When will we see that take form? Between work, solo shows and recording my plate is pretty full right now. So we decided to put the kabosh on rehearsals for now. I’ll likely roll out the full-band show once the CD is out.

Tell me about the people in your band.

All in good time...

What is your favorite venue to play?

So far, the Biergarten at the Rathskeller was pretty cool. I love outdoor shows. I like stinky old theaters with blood red carpet too.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Every word.

Have you ever co-written with anyone before?

No, but I have interest in doing so and have kicked the idea around with a couple of folks.

Who does all your graphic design work?

For now, me. I do have a degree in graphic design and since I’m bootstrapping this thing right now I save up and get help when I have to (like getting professionals to work with me on the recording) and do what I can myself.

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

Which time? From a very early age I knew music was “my thing”...wasn’t sure what that meant, but just knew it. Then I got older, went to college and made up that I needed to do something responsible...like get a job. This time around I think it hit me about a year ago that this was what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel like there are stories that need telling and I’m one of the people who’s meant to tell them.

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

About 3000.

The smallest?

At a pubic gig? 5.

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

Hell no.

Let’s get a pizza. What toppings?

Cheese. Mushrooms. Extra sauce.

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

Not clear about that as yet. But yes, I’ve been thinking in that direction. Am certain that I’ll need to tour to promote the record but haven’t figured precisely what that will look like.

How do you know Sheryl Hugill?

We’re members of a secret society. I’d tell you about it but it’s...well...secret.

Are you actively seeking a record deal?

The ad reads something like this: SWS/S ISO record label sugar daddy to coordinate promotion and pay the bills. Know any of those? Seriously though...no, not actively. But this is an ever-evolving thing. I’m trying to stay focused on the music and getting it heard by as many potential fans as I can. If I continue to make this about connecting with people (and am willing to work my ass off, of course) I think I have the best chance of getting somewhere. If a label turns out to be a good conduit, then so be it.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Patty Griffin. Lucinda Williams. Gillian Wlech. EmmyLou Harris. Willie Nelson.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

It’s usually a concept before it’s a song...a single line or musical phrase...sometimes they come in response to something but more often than not they seem to appear out of the void...the nothingness. My more prolific periods as a writer have definitely been associated with times in my life when I was able to spend adequate time sitting still. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t know how to be a songwriter, I just know I am one.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Creating something else.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

Love it. Hate it. There’s no question that, as an artist, MySpace and the myriad of other social networking sites are great place to reach out to fans and promote your stuff. The internet in general has undoubtedly made it easier for folks like me to be seen and heard. On the other hand, as a solo artist trying to get off the ground, trying to keep up with cariray.com, blogging, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Reverb Nation can be daunting. Not to mention YouTube which I have yet to do much with. Wow, I didn’t realize I had that much to say about it. But the work is just part of it...I guess that’s why they call it the music business and not the music vacation.

Describe your genre in one word.

Roots.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On stage.

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

Telling the kind of stories a person can plop themselves into and feel like they fit...comfortable or not. Life is awesome and awful. It’s worth telling the whole story.

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

Wow, the last word, I knew I liked you. This whole journey is fraught with uncertainty. Maybe that’s what’s intoxicating about it. Potential fans are just lovers waiting to be wooed. I’ve always loved the chase.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with BenSem

I am hanging out today with an international should be super star. His sound belongs right next to the best in the business and gives me a Coldplay meets the Gin Blossoms sound. Hearing his honest and polished voice you would never think he was hailing from Wales. Matching a rugged rock star image with his experienced lyrics you have pretty much the whole package. Sit with me today, as I am happy to introduce to you BenSem.

Where does the name BenSem come from?

The name derives from the first bit of my surname Sem and Ben was a childhood alter ego, hence BenSem. We just say that BenSem means to find strength in yourself. Strange we know!

How long have you been playing?

Since I was 18.

Ever make it over here to the states?

We haven’t played there yet but I have been over there. Fingers crossed between you and I that should be changing soon.

If you could live anywhere else in the world than where you are currently living, where would you go?

Well it would have to be ether America or Japan! As a band we would love to be over in L.A.

Who did your MySpace design?

It was a joint effort between us and a great web designer.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes I write all the music, and then take it to the band where all the magic happens.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

No not yet. But I would have loved to collaborate with Kurt Cobain if he were still here.

Do you have any thoughts on a tour this year?

We are in the process of organizing a UK tour. And hopefully an American one in 2010 fingers crossed!

Where can I get some BenSem merchandise?

You can get all merchandise from www.bensem.com

Do you have an accent?

Well I m from Wales so I guess I have a welsh accent! Although Steve our drummer is from England so he has a very different accent! What's your accent like?

Tell me about all the guys behind you.

They are my brothers from others mothers. We argue, we fight, we laugh, we cry; a typical band really. We help each other out I couldn’t do this without them. Everyone has the same goals and the same dreams, and when your going for a dream like ours its hard, because it falls down a lot, and we all pick each other back up.

How did you get connected with the Bloom Festival?

Our manager was looking for some cool festivals and landed us the gig. I'm really looking forward to it.

I see you have bitten the hook on social networking. What is your favorite networking tool?

MySpace is amazing for getting out to people you can meet allot of music lovers. We have a huge fan base on there from all around the world we are bigger in the states than Wales (Laughs). It’s a great place to meet friends.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is a blessing for bands if you know how to use it properly. I think there are so many bands on there it really helps get the music out there. People don’t have to wait for a big label to turn around and do it for you, now we can do it ourselves.

Do you think it has helped or hurt your career?

Helped no question it has got our music to thousands!

What would you be doing if you were not playing music?

Good question! I really don't know i suppose if i didn't have music i would like to be a games designer. I love games.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Music is full time we have no other time. (Laughs)

If you could go on tour with any band out there right now, whom would you choose?

We would love to tour with John Mayer and Pearl Jam. As a band we think our music is well suited to there styles.

PC or Mac?

PC any day. Macs are too complicated.

Where can I get a copy of Western Lights?

Amazon, Itunes, Napster, Rhapsody, www.bensem.com.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Everywhere. My emotions play a big part how I feel is what the music says. I hope people can relate to them and enjoy them for there own reasons.

Are you a soccer fan? (Don’t yell, I know you call it football!)

Stevie loves Chelsea but that's it. I used to support Aston Villa but i have no time now. Everyone should go and watch a live sports event the atmosphere is amazing.

Any thoughts on getting that hair cut? (Laughs)

I do get my hair cut sometimes. (Laughs) Maybe it would be like Samson if the hair goes the music might go with, so for the time being its staying.

Where did you record your album?

The album was recorded in twin peaks in Breacon South Wales. (Laughs) Its a beautiful place check out the pictures and videos on YouTube (bensem)

You have a lot of street teams. How do you go about forming one of those in a new city?

On MySpace there are some people that I talk to every single day, and they want to help so they usually start the street teams. We support all our street teams as much as possible, without them and the fans we would be nowhere right now.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Playing music and traveling the world.

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

We want people to connect with our music and create memories that will stick in peoples minds.

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

Let it flow like a river!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Ronald Rip

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

What is your first memory of the guitar?

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

How long have you been playing?

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

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

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

Do you have a job outside of music?

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

What was it like working with Disc Makers?

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

How did all that come about?

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

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

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

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

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

Where are you originally from?

I'm originally from Caracas, Venezuela.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

I've played for a crowd of approximately 400 people

The smallest?

1

What is your favorite venue?

The next one ;)

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

London!

Is Ronald Rip your real name?

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

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes I do.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

On the act of swimming into my instincts.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

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

Who are some of your biggest influences?

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

What was it like working with MASIVA?

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

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

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

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

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

Where can I get some Ronald Rip merchandise?

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

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

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

Are you on Twitter?

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

Where do you see yourself in five years?

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

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

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

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

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

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jordan Ross

The guy that I am sitting with today is a singer and a songwriter that was brought to my attention from a coworker of mine. He was on vacation and saw this acoustic guitarist on the beach singing his heart out. Getting the chance to see this man play one last time before heading back to the Midwest he made a mention about Indyconcerts.com and how I was a writer. Long story short after getting to hear his music I immediately wanted to speak with this talent. So, after a few shared emails, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, Jordan Ross.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My grandfather gave me my first guitar, when I was about 13. It was a Harmony with an orange sunburst. Of course, I immediately gutted it an painted it ice blue because the band I joined was called Deep Blue Hero. We were awesomely bad but that's what it was all about in those days.

How long have you been performing?

Officially, I've been performing since 1998. So, a little over 10 years. That would put me as a freshman in high school. My first band, Deep Blue Hero, was Mark Winkeljohn (singer/drummer) and myself. I never sang. I didn't have the chops. I barely had the chops to play guitar, but I did it anyway.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Absolutely. Writing music is sort of sacred to me, because I had to write really bad material to learn what not to do. I wouldn't shy away from a collaboration, but at this point I've been around someone long enough to collaborate. I've been moving too often. Am I off the point? Lyrics are what should drive the song, in my opinion. After all, words are the only ingredient in a song that can be fully understood (or in the case of Bush, misunderstood).

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Life experience is always a good start for me, but I tend to wander off the beaten life experience path more often now than I used to. When I wrote Anywhere USA I was in a state of transition, living in Hilton Head and going to school at Miami of Ohio. It's an album about all kinds of different things seen while living that lifestyle.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

I've not, but I'd love to eventually. I think for me now, it's about finding my voice. Once my voice is established for me, I can feel comfortable writing with another voice. It's a lot like being in love. You can't truly be in love with someone if you don't know yourself, or what you're capable of. If I know what I 'm capable of lyrically, I can let those emotions fly in a session with more contributors.

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

Not this year. I tend to stick locally. Eventually, I'll consider a regional tour, or perhaps an East Coast Tour. But until then, I'm finding my voice and establishing some key players for an eventual band. Then the touring can begin.

What is your favorite venue to play?

It may be touristy, but my favorite venue by far is the Tiki Hut. It's right on the ocean. The atmosphere is electric most nights. In fact I'm playing there tonight. Hurray!

What is it like living on the beach?

It's pretty laid back. My wife and I live about 30 min from the Hilton Head beaches but we definitely jump at the opportunity to hang out there. Hilton Head is a magical time warp of a place. I highly recommend it.

Is that gorilla your logo?

It was, and is still. It was for the promo for Anywhere USA, and it kinda stuck. We did a show in my hometown high school auditorium (Rockford, OH. Population: 1,000) and sold T-shirts and stickers with the logo. It's still alive.

Who does all your graphic design?

John "Sketti" Kleinoeder designed the gorilla logo, with a contribution from Nick Zoffel. Both of these folks were friends of mine from Bowling Green, OH where we lived for a little over a year. The logo inside the gorilla was the work of Nicole Schweiterman, which is the official Jordan Ross logo.

Where can I get some Jordan Ross merchandise?

The best way to get Jordan Ross merchandise is to ask for it. I know it sounds dumb, but all I have is stickers. I used to have t-shirts with the gorilla logo in it, and they were the best, but I sold out and haven't had enough interest to make more. So, if anyone really, really wants a t-shirt with the gorilla logo, all the have to do is contact me via my website www.jordanrossimport.com or on Myspace at /jordanross.

What’s your favorite song to play?

My favorite cover to play is still Elton John's "Rocketman". That song is rangy, it's ballsy, its quiet, it screams, its every song balled up into one package. If I could play a one song show, that would be the song of choice. My favorite original right now is "Alison" off of Anywhere USA. It's a song about how I felt about my wife when I first met her. Those feelings sometimes are hard to capture when you first meet someone, but for me those emotions were so strong that I couldn't deny the song. It was there the whole time.

Is there any song that you play in every single set

I make it a point to play a new song of mine "Better Year" at the end. It's about taking the rough patches and turning them into a positive. I like to leave the audience with hope.

Do you have any pre show rituals?

Not necessarily, but I do notice that I have an alter ego. It's wild, but I'm usually a pretty quiet guy around the neighborhood. Then, when I get to a venue, I'm a chatterbox. I can't control it. I think after years of performing, the mind can switch to a mode that it knows is most suited to putting on a good performance.

Pepsi or Coke?

Water. Also, living in the south taught me that Pepsi is unacceptable, and the choice of Yankees.

If you could live anywhere besides Hilton Head where would you go?

Denver. No doubt. That city is magical. The atmosphere seems so alive and primed for anything. And you're next to the Rockies! What could be better?

Was that the first time that you met Peter Hart?

Yes. He was in attendance of a couple of my shows down here.

Do you play any instruments other that the guitar?

I do. I play the piano, bass, drums (I was in the percussion section throughout my school days. Read: I was a band geek), harmonica (does that count?). I did all the instruments on Anywhere USA except for the violin on "When I Met You" which was performed by Titus Monteanu, the drums in "Against the Ropes" which was performed by Justin Thomes, and the guitar solo in "Alison" which was performed by Lumen Sivitz.

How does someone make it to your top friends list?

They have to either be a close friend, someone I respect, or someone that can write great music.

Ever shared the stage with someone famous?

Kind of a long story, and I don't know how famous he is, but here we go.

A friend (Justin Steel) and I traveled to Athens, GA to see Seven Mary Three perform. At the time we were both working at a venue in Hilton Head called Monkey Business that was having Seven Mary Three two days later, so we figured we'd go to their show in Athens to actually enjoy the show. After a blistering set, they came to their bus, and we were standing out front and introduced ourselves. They were on their way to Hilton Head that night, so we told them if they really wanted to have something to do, they could catch one of my shows at a late night club the next night. So, thinking that there'd be no way they would show, I began the gig like any other, and lo and behold there they were. All of them. Even the tour manager and bus driver. So, after a set, I asked the lead guitarist Thomas if he would join me onstage. Of course, I told the audience he was my cousin, and he grabbed my guitar and played "Lucky". I sang the song while Jason, the lead singer, watched. It was an amazing experience.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I had odd jobs for a couple years, but I'm now fully at the mercy of the populace. I couldn't see myself being truly happy doing anything else. I've tried, but nothing comes close to the feeling of being on stage and sharing thoughts with strangers.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I'm a huge fan of Paul Simon, as well as Oasis. Their attitude is what got me to really want to play guitar. Paul can write about anything and make it sound appealing, poignant, and essential.

What is the best concert that you have ever seen?

Man, that's a hard decision. I'd have to say Angie Aparo in Columbia, SC on Aug. 18, 2005. There were about 30 people there, and Angie brought down the house. That was also the night I proposed to Alison.

So not staying single out there on the beach?

There was a time when I was single here, and it was fun, but I'm very happily married to a wonderful woman. In fact, we celebrated our 3rd anniversary yesterday. Being married has made me a better writer, and a better person. I have perspective now that I never had when I was starting out.

Tell me about the guys that are behind you when you are playing full band?

When I'm with a band, I would pick from a lineup that would include Titus Monteanu on violin, Julio Appling on bass, Mark Poseler on drums, and Lumen Sivitz on lead guitar. Of course, these guys are living throughout the US, but when I decide to do a tour, these are the go-to guys. Titus is Romanian-American living in Bowling Green, OH that is the most phenomenal violinist I've ever heard. In fact, he's so on point that he nailed three part harmony on "When I Met You" without missing a take. Julio is a great bass player living in Portland, OR with impeccable timing and great hair (fro-type deal). We played together for awhile when he lived in BG. Mark is a steady drummer with good vision for where the song is going, and is a good guy to have around. Lumen is an old college friend that can absolutely wail on the guitar. That and he's crazy. Controlled crazy is paramount to a great live show.

What is the biggest challenge of being a singer and a songwriter?

I'm not quite sure how to answer that, because I've never just been one or the other. But I will say the rub is you have to allow for people to remember you somehow. Whether it be a lyric that they can't forget, or a melody that's stuck in their head, or a performance that was spot-on. It's not the easiest job in the world, and I don't recommend it to anyone looking to make a quick buck, but it is by far the most rewarding occupation I've ever tried.

What are your thoughts on the Jonas Brothers?

Disney. Cookie-cutter songwriting. Kiss-ass live shows! I don't know. I've never really heard their music, but if they are within 50 yards of being on a Disney-type label, they don't get to write many of their own songs. That's how I judge an artist. If they don't have the gall to write and perform their own material, they are karaoke performers. Lots of people are sweet at karaoke, right?

Where can I get a copy of your album?

iTunes would be the easiest bet for anyone outside of the Bluffton/Hilton Head area. You could also go to CDBaby if you wanted a hard copy, but there's only 4 left of my first demo (spoiler: it sounds like a demo). You could also just cruise on over to my website at JordanRossImport.com and order from Big Cartel, which is a company that allows me to ship directly from my hands to yours. I handle the shipments. So, if you want a hard copy of Anywhere USA, do it that way.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

As happy and as healthy as I am now. Hopefully, we'll still be in this area of the world. I will have three more albums out (I have two ready for market now...just binding my time). Maybe have a beard.

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

That I knew what I was doing, and that a song of mine helped someone through a hard time in their life. I don't want to be famous. I want to be happy. Fame very rarely equals happiness. I do what I love, and love what I do. I want to be remembered as being the songwriter who wrote good music and lived a long, happy life.

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

I have a third album releasing soon. It's a coin flip as to which album I will release, but when it does I will let everyone in my world know. I'm very excited about the projects. I may just release them as a double album. I've yet to decide. Look for hard copies on my website at www.jordanrossimport.com as well as digitally on iTunes when they become available. Also, I'll be releasing an EP of harder rock exclusively on iTunes very soon. Look for those announcements in the coming months.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Hum.V

Today I am taking a step in the world of hip-hop and R&B as I sit with Gregory Thomas Humrichouser, also known as Hum V. I have known Greg for a long time and used to do work with him before he made his push as a solo rap artist. Having seen him numerous times both solo and with others on stage supporting him, he always brings a packed house and has an MTV sound. His lyrics could be mixed with some of the industries best. Let’s welcome Hum V.

So your name Hum V comes from your full given name, Gregory Thomas Humrichouser. Why the change? (Laughs)

First of all, Thanks for choosing to interview me Ricky; I’m honored and grateful. You’ve definitely been supportive of my career over the years, and I don’t take that for granted. Hum.v just developed from my last name (which NO ONE can pronounce correctly), and has always been what people called me. I guess it just stuck. People have always called me Hummer, Hum, or Hum.v, and I liked Hum.v the best. The V stands for volatile, ha. Plus, I now have this crazy huge buzz so changing my name is not an option.

So I remember the days of the Cleptoz. Are you still working with that project?

The Cleptoz are and always will be one of my main focuses in music. I love to look back and look at what we’ve accomplished together. There is a lot of hating and lack of respect in this Indianapolis hip hop scene (which is why no one has really made it), but at the end of the day, what we’ve achieved is undeniable. The following we’ve consistently had, the buzz, the radio love, the opening slots, the money we’ve made, the fans we’ve touched, and the two incredible albums we’ve released. Most groups dream of accomplishing the things Cleptoz have done with their career, and we did it. We didn’t talk about it, we went out, worked our asses off, and did it. We didn’t sit and talk shit about other groups, we didn’t listen these jealous local schmucks, we stayed focused and worked harder than anyone. We’ve been talking about dropping our third album “Trifecta”, and have recorded a few songs, but its just so hard to keep everyone organized. It’s the real world man, we are busy with real jobs and personal lives. It will come eventually.

Where does your motivation come from in your songwriting?

My real life experiences 100%. My father.

What would you be doing if it weren’t music?

Coordinating Logistics, which is what I do now as my day job. I’m sales manager. I love it.

Have you written or recorded with anyone outside of Indianapolis?

Yes, I’ve recorded music with people from all over, but I like to keep it local as much as possible.

Do you think that being from Indianapolis has helped or hurt your career so far?

Good question, I hear people say all the time “why don’t you move to LA or NYC? If you really wanted to make it, you’d move there”. People who say that are complete morons. Why would I move to a place where there is 10 times the competition? I can understand moving if it was 1985, but with the internet, mp3s, and email, I can reach all those record execs just as easily from here.

Any plans of getting out of the city?

Well not only have I played shows everywhere from Miami to Chicago, and everywhere in between for over 5 years. My single, Look In Your Eyes, is now syndicated on 10 stations, including Nashville, Louisville, Columbus OH, Lexington KY, and Cleveland. The Cleptoz and I have played more shows in more places than most folks only dream about. Milwaukee, Columbus OH, Bloomington, and Lafayette to name a few. I’ve definitely been getting ‘out of the city’.

I have seen your video where you are hanging out in a locker room. Tell me what it was like recording a video.

A lot of fun. Not only did we record that video at Butler University with Butler students, but the two kids we had playing us were awesome to work with. Did I mention that BC from the Cleptoz is one of my best friends ever? Love that dude. Pure fun doing anything with him. I love that song too.

Where can people see that?

MySpace, YouTube, the usual.

What’s the largest crowd you have played for?

We opened for Twista at the Egyptian Room, Opened for the Roots at Clowes Hall and in Milwaukee @ the Rave, Played with Common, Jurrasic 5, Gym Class Heroes, Radio Now Taste of Broad Ripple, and a slew of others. Basically, we’ve played Huge shows that I’ll never forget. However, for every huge show we’ve done, we’ve played two smaller one’s at hole in the wall dive bars across the midwest. I’ve played in front of 10 people before. We still kept the show good though☺

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Being successful and working hard. I know that sounds cheesy as hell, but that’s the truth. I’m always going to pursue my music career, that’s a given. Its in my blood. Regardless, no matter what I do, I’ll be happy and I’ll work harder than anyone else. I just got married, which is exciting. I love my job. I love my music. I can’t complain.

How do you handle being white in an overly saturated African American genre?

Well, I don’t think twice about being a ‘white rapper’, but apparently Capitol Records does. That’s one of the reasons the A&R Research Dept gave me? I see Grey. Its 2009 so I hope people are just judging music on music you know?

When did you first realize that you were going to do music for a living?

There were a lot of things that have happened throughout my career that have led me to take my music so seriously. When I first heard my song on the radio. When Capitol Records and Universal both called me in a two month span. When the Cleptoz and I started touring the midwest in college, and rapping basically became my only income. Lots of

What are you drinking on stage?

Anymore, I’m just drinking beer or water. Not real picky about that. Depends if I’m getting drunk or not I guess. I’m growing up now Ricky, so I don’t get smashed for every show like I used to….Ha.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My Father. Hands down. My father is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. He taught me that you can make positive music and still be effective. He also taught me that hard work is pays off, which is has. He taught me that the worst thing in the world is being lazy and unmotivated. He showed me that you have to constantly be setting new goals in life. He taught me to stay true to myself and not to think twice about people trying to bring me down. Also, that people trying to bring me down, are simply envious. I love my father more than anyone could ever know. May he rest in piece and look down on me with proud eyes.

You are headlining at Madison Square Garden. Who is your opener?

My opener is an artist who’s worked their ass off, but never been given the opportunity. My opener is an artist who is grateful for the opportunity and is a great person inside and out. Its anyone who makes

MySpace; good or bad?

I think MySpace and all that shit is dumb, but useful. I haven’t checked my own MySpace in ages. I hear Facebook is where its at, but I honestly would not know. I’m way too busy to be on computer networking sites.

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

All these jealous haters in this City need to realize that they just fuel my fire with their talking. Seriously, I think its so funny when I hear or read about someone new talking shit about me. I’m like “do they realize that they all know my name and I have no clue who they are? I’m obviously doing something right? I get paid to rap and they play for peanuts. I have a fan base and they play in front of family friends and spouses every show. I write hit songs that people outside of my circle of friends are actually going to listen to. Oh, you think I’m too pop and I write sell out songs? I write songs that I like. Songs that are catchy, clever, and well written. I like pop music and I’m not afraid to admit it. Most people who ‘hate’ on songs and artists on the radio, hate because they don’t have the talent as a writer to make a hit pop song. They also don’t have the networking ability to make it happen. I do. I’m so proud of the things I’ve accomplished with my music its crazy. If you would have told me that my songs would be spinning on 9 major market stations as an unsigned artist, I would have never believed you.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Lisa Loeb

The artist that I am with today is one that I am positive you have heard at one time or another. She has been hanging around the music industry for quite some time and with a recent move to the indie market she is back on her way to the top. Not looking a day older than she did when she first hit the scene years ago, her lyrics have gotten better, he voice has become more polished, and I am excited to see what it next for her career. This is a special treat for the Indyconcerts.com following. With her hit single Stay always ringing in my ears, I am pleased to introduce to you the lovely Lisa Loeb.

How long have you been performing?

Since I was like four or five years old. It was something I always did growing up. It was actually integrated in the school that I went to in Dallas. We had a lot of dance and singing classes.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a full time musician?

It was just something that happened. But the time that I was in college it was something I was just following into. When I was in high school it was something that I was just really in to. My friends and I would interview bands and I had a radio show on the FM dial. I played in bands and collected records. It was something that I was always interested in while taking music lessons. I committed to it after college and when I was trying to figure out what I was doing. I just wanted to continue it and make it a real profession.

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

I have played so many festivals. I would say 50,000. I played at Fuji Rock in Japan. I have played Madison Square Garden and some outdoor festivals that were pretty huge. I do not play for hundreds of thousand o f people normally.

The smallest?

I would say at someone’s home. People have hired me to play in their homes and offices. But the smallest shows happen with things like that.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

No; I did a lot of songwriting but I do a lot of my writing with other people.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I don’t know. It just hits me in different times and places. It can be at the grocery store or while I am driving. It can happen while I am sleeping, or even when I am sitting down to write a song.

Tell me about Camp Lisa.

It is a record that I put together that I wrote with some friends of mine in LA. It is actual summer camp songs that I used to sing when I was growing up. I just love summer camps and I wanted to share it with other people. I wanted to share it with those that go to or have never been to summer camp as well. I started an organization so that the produces go to benefit summer camps.

Do you have any thoughts on a tour this year?

I am actually spending a lot of time in LA. I am in the process of working on a number of projects. We are in the process of recording more songs for some kids books that will be out next year. I am also working on a regular grown up album. I am developing a couple of kids TV shows. I have some live shows coming up but to do all those projects I have to stay in one place.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great. It allows musicians to, and people, to connect with each other. It helps can help you share your music, develop an audience, find your audience, find other people and what they are doing. It is cheap. You can do things that used to take more time, energy and effort. I think it’s a great tool.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes, I am. I am lisaloeb4real. I guess it sounds like a fake name but it really is me.

So do you only have one pair of those glasses?

I usually wear one primary pair of glasses. I am designing a line so I have three prototypes of the glasses I am designing with me. I am also designing some sunglasses. If I find one pair that I like I wear them for a few years. But recently I have been working on the eyewear line so I am checking out colors, styles, etc. I look for the changes we need to make.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I remember learning Stairway to Heaven at summer camp. It is a fun funny song to learn but it is a good song.

If you could tour with anyone on the market today whom would you choose?

That is a good question. I have not thought about that. Coldplay is a great band. They have a good audience too. That is a really good question. Chris Isaac and the Indigo Girls all have great crowds. They are really great artists. They like to listen to the bands that they didn’t come to see. It is a good community backstage.

Tell me about your television show on E!

I did a reality show called #1 Single. I wanted to share the process of what it is like being a career person in her 30s balancing relationships and a career. We were able to put together some pilots to see if I wanted to do it. As one of the producers we were able to create a show that represents what people actually go through. It was a good story to tell.

What is like being from Dallas?

It was a variety of things. On one hand growing up in Texas is great because people have a dry sense of humor and are straightforward. But on the other hand in the 80s it was a conservative time. There were very conservative people there. I felt like a fish out of water. I am not a super conservative person. And although you knew when you were with your artist friends. I don’t know if we merited needing to be on the outside. When I moved to New York City, and went to college at Brown University I felt normal. Everyone was interested in a lot of things. It made it easier to do and be who I was without it being strange.

Tell me about Furious Rose Productions.

It is my production company. It is named after a song that I wrote called Furious Rose. It is also the name of a painting that a friend did for me. She discussed a painting called Furious Rose around the same time I was making the song.

Do you ever forget the lyrics to your own songs?

Yeah, I do. It becomes like riding a bike. You sometimes can’t remember what you are doing. It can be hard if you think too hard about it. They disappear from your breaking. Luckily audience members remind me of them. And there is always the jacket of the CD. Most of those have the lyrics on them.

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

That exact thing. I was on stage with a string group that I have put together. They were reading the sheet music and I was playing a few songs at a Lilith Fair one off show, and I had only been in London one day, and I was on stage and I was in the middle of the song and I totally blanked out. It was like slow motion. I was like, “Oh my gosh, where am I?” The string quartet kept playing but they were in a repetitive part of the song. It was very embarrassing. I am not sure anyone else even caught it. But for me it was bizarre.

Your huge hit, Stay, was in a major motion picture. Tell me what that was like.

It is cool. The first time that it happened was really exciting. It was the biggest thing that had happened in the commercial world. I had some on promotions, etc. It was the first big deal and they played the entire song. It was really exciting.

Who does all your graphic design work?

We choose different artists for different album covers. I work with Bill Merryfield who is the director. I sit down with him and talk to him about what I am looking for. I always have a specific vision of what I want for each album. I discuss which illustrators I want to work with. Each album cover had a different story. My second album cover was from a famous illustrator from the fifties and sixties. He changes one of his original paintings into me. We have taken photos and had people paint them. For the most recent one we had a 14 year old, who left summer camp, to help us out and do all the illustrations. We worked together on all of it is a collaborative process. We find it based on the kind of art work we are looking for.

So what did Bobby Flay make you for dinner?

I do know Bobby Flay. He has treated us at different restaurants in Vegas and New York. My favorite is his place in Manhattan. He does the beat seafood cocktails. They have three different ones and they are really delicious. He is really nice and always hooks my family up.

Are you a true Hello Kitty fan?

Yes I am. I actually just made rice in my Kitty Fan rice cooker.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

With kids and still making books. I think that I want to be very involved in nutrition and cooking and having kids.

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

For being a good person. I want to be considered a good friend, a good wife, and a good family member.

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

People should check out the music. People stop me all the time and ask if I am still making music. There are tons of video out there and you should check it out to see what is happeneing.