tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72268522330976013582024-03-13T10:41:21.060-07:00Crankbox-musicCrank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-78495113930845013292013-03-28T06:58:00.000-07:002013-03-28T06:58:20.638-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Belwe Cn BT', serif; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-size: large;">McClain
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<span style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers. Images/song courtesy of McClain Sullivan</i></span></div>
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<b>Where do you</b> see the roots of your music? <br /><br /><i> My music is deeply rooted in Jazz. My father constantly had a jazz record on when I was a kid, and though at the time I didn't fully understand it, the music itself felt like home.</i> <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What are your</b> plans for 2013?</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> So far this year has been amazing. I've found a new full band, and am putting out my first full length at the end of the year. Shows keep popping up in New York, and I'm just trying to keep it all balanced. So basically...super stardom. </i><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> see music? Please pick one and explain your choice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a) a remedy.<br />b) perfect media to meet new people. <br />c) my true passion. <br /><i><br /> C. I truly can't imagine my world without singing. It has been the one constant in my life, and no matter how frustrating the business has been, music has never let me down. I wake up thinking about it, and love every second of it. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>What do you</b> love most while performing? <br /><br /><i> It's this insane high. I've always been a tad socially awkward, but on stage I feel so comfortable. I could live up there. </i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How did music</b> change your life?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> Ha, it's hard to think how music didn't change my life. <br /> Let's just say I was a bit of a "bad kid", and music kept me focused. Music determined where I went after school, it changed my career, it ended relationships, it started them, it put me in front of thousands of people, and at times made me feel completely alone. I think music has been my life from the beginning.</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How important is</b> online marketing/social media-networking for you?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> Ack, it's so important. Frustratingly important. I never thought when I picked this career that I would have be good with computers. I always say now that promoting a show online is like having a birthday every week, you end up thinking "I hope people like me!"</i><br /> <br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What kind of</b> venue do you prefer? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> <br /><i> When you have been performing for this long it come down to two things. Do you have a stage, and how angry is your sound man?</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> describe your music, your style to someone who has not heard of you yet?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> Soul Music is what I am currently rolling with. It's the biggest box I can put myself in :)</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> favorite song?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> Gigantic by the Pixies. Wow, I didn't think that would be an easy one, but boom, there ya go. </i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find and purchase your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> You can get all of my music currently for free on <a href="http://www.mcclainsullivan.com/">http://www.mcclainsullivan.com</a><br /> I know, mind blown.</i></span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-80545925792647108032013-03-28T02:50:00.000-07:002013-03-28T07:23:43.536-07:00<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdWpfFk4ttx01oPbY_VswQCjDgUZYUf4PwPcmlg0V-2PO9iSRFGDyUMHlyQ7hSgTxTkPItELxLVfVreGbW2oV5taVwYJ1l7LKc8fcjOoTS5QSh_uCaA0uide4vWCMhk0NX_t6bA4TQqg/s1600/DR1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdWpfFk4ttx01oPbY_VswQCjDgUZYUf4PwPcmlg0V-2PO9iSRFGDyUMHlyQ7hSgTxTkPItELxLVfVreGbW2oV5taVwYJ1l7LKc8fcjOoTS5QSh_uCaA0uide4vWCMhk0NX_t6bA4TQqg/s320/DR1.JPG" width="284" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The profound interview by Chris Koppers. Images courtesy of Diana Rose.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is your</b> current project?<br /><br /><i>I am currently working on starting up a campaign via Indiegogo.com in order to raise funds for my very first Christian album. My first 2 albums (Debut self titled and my You're Enough CD) both had some hints of my Christian background in them, with just a couple of tracks that centered around God.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>However,...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> over the past couple of years I've really been feeling the urge to put out an entirely Christian album. All of the songs are written, but we will need to wait to start production until after we raise enough funds to get the project going. I'm super excited about this project because all of the songs that are going on the album are very personal for me. Some of the songs were written specifically for my daughter, some for my nieces and nephews, and some are just very personal worship songs. I can't wait for my fans to hear my latest work, and since I don't have the start-up funds for this project I'm relying on my fans (and hopefully some of the people they know!) to get on board with helping me fund this amazing album. </i><br /><br /><i>One thing I'm particularly excited about with regards to the campaign is that the song I am using (with a corresponding video) to launch the campaign. It's a song that is very near and dear to my heart. It's called "When It's My Time." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This song was written in loving memory of my dear sister-in-law Jennifer Lynn Murphy, who tragically passed away at age 31 due to complications with the disease Cystic Fibrosis. She passed away in September of 2010 and our family has felt an emotional void ever since because of her absence. The song "When It's My Time" came to me not long after Jen passed away, and was inspired by the graceful and peaceful way in which she chose to leave this world. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>She was totally accepting that this was her time to go and was incredibly grateful for the time she got to have on earth. Even though she had to leave behind her loved ones, including my brother Dan, and her beautiful twin baby girls, she was so thankful to have gotten the time she had with them, and with all of us. I thought, "wow, I hope to have even half the grace and peace she when she took her last breath." It was the saddest, and yet most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed in all my life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This song, and the whole campaign is being produced in honor of Jen, as my personal thank you to her for teaching me not only how to live, but how to die. 10% of all the proceeds from this campaign will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in order to help them find a cure. Hopefully we can help save the lives of people who suffer from this terrible disease. The campaign will launch late-April 2013, so look for a link on my website for that! (it will also be on youtube, and of course in the search box on <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/">www.indiegogo.com</a>)</i><br /><br /><i>A completely different side project I'm working on is actually related to my sophomore album, entitled You're Enough. I recently was given the opportunity to create a music video using one of the songs from that CD. The song is called "Everything I Got," and I wrote it a few years back with my dear friend Andrea Jeitz.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I absolutely love this song, and I always enjoy performing it. It's a song about giving your passion everything you have, and not making any excuses as to why your life isn't turning out the way you want it to. It's about taking control of your own destiny and making the changes you need to in order to reach your goals. I still listen to it, at least weekly, to remind myself of what's important. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Be sure to check out that video once it reaches my website in a couple of weeks! You can find that, along with the rest of my music available for streaming and/or purchase at <a href="http://www.dianarosemusic.com/">www.dianarosemusic.com</a></i><br /><br /><b>What do you</b> believe is your core message/mission when it comes to your music?<br /><br /><i>My core mission with my music is to inspire people to be the best version of themselves possible. I am obviously a creative spirit through and through, and I've decided to use my songwriting as my way of communicating all kinds of things with the rest of the world. I write about everything from life, to love, to loss, to faith...and everything in between.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> I really enjoy tackling challenging subject matter (such as with my song "Silent," which is thankfully not an autobiographical song, but a song about a person who was a victim of domestic abuse. These types of songs should exist in my opinion to raise awareness of the things in our world that really need to change.) My song about my sister in law Jennifer who passed away is another example of my tackling hard subject matter...it's not easy to handle a topic as delicate as death and dying, but I like rising to the challenge, and in doing so I create unique songs that other people are too intimidated to attempt to write. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My songs aren't all serious though...while much of my material will likely make you cry, I have quite a few songs that are just fun-loving, and some that will inspire you, and some that will motivate you to get off you your butt and do something meaningful with your life (like "Everything I Got!") </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />My website puts it this way, and I think this sums up my mission/message pretty well... "Diana likes to think of her songs as stories woven together with carefully selected words, melodies and harmonies; these stories all share the same purpose: to speak to the human soul. Diana's constant goal is to leave people feeling uplifted, inspired, and empowered when they hear her music."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How would you</b> see yourself within the music industry? What are your challenges?<br /> <br /><i>I guess I see "my place" in the music industry as a few things...first and foremost a songwriter, very dedicated to writing the very best songs I possibly can. Although the music market is going to demand certain types of songs at different times as the years go by, I am committed to not conforming to what the market wants just to make a buck. Rather, I feel it's of utmost importance that I write from my heart. Always. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If what I write happens to appeal to the masses or what the song pluggers or publishers are looking for, awesome. If it doesn't I believe at some point it will, and I'll just have to wait until the timing is right to get my songs into the right hands. I also see myself as a singer and performer in this industry, but my goals with performing as an artist aren't as huge as my songwriting goals. I love to perform, don't get me wrong...but I have a husband and beautiful baby girl who are my world right now, and I don't feel that my lifestyle is very conducive to being a touring artist. I'd like to perform when and where it's convenient for me to do so, but </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I have no plans to be a famous singer who sells out large arenas for 300 shows a year. No thanks. I value my time with my family far too much to get into that! God love all the musicians who commit to that lifestyle, because it's hard work, and although it comes with some great rewards, it's not always as glamorous as it seems. At this point in my life that about sums up my "place" in the industry. I have hopes to be a household name as a songwriter, and get some big cuts with amazing touring artists. For me, it's all about the song:) Perhaps down the road I'll think about being a publisher for other writers to connect with, but that's more of a long term possibility rather than an immediate goal. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you tell </b>us somewhat about your song "Inside the lines"? How was the making of?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Sure! The lyrics to my song "Inside the Lines" actually came to me as I was watching a documentary on TV, about a girl whose father was quite opposed to her pursuing a career in art, specifically being a tattoo artist. I found her story to be really inspiring, because although she had the utmost respect for her father, she just couldn't follow the path he had paved for her life. She instead decided to follow her heart and pursue her dreams. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I really could relate to this girl. My parents have been really supportive of me pursuing my music career, but like many parents of "starving artists" they also worry for my safety and financial security. My dad would often ask me, "are you going to get a real job?" While I appreciate his protectiveness, I just couldn't seem to get him to understand that I would rather have a life of excitement while I follow my songwriter dreams, than have a cookie cutter life that is predictable, boring, and safe. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Give me risk before safety" any day I used to say! Since having my own child, my tune has changed a little. I understand now the importance of having a secure financial future, of making sure you do have income you can count on. So my husband and I work our tails off to make sure that our daughter has all she needs and that our future looks bright. We both have other jobs, while I pursue music with any free time I have. Of course my family (especially my baby!) comes first, so they get to have first dibs on my time and attention, and music comes in a close second after that :)</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> plan for the upcoming summer?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i><br />I'll be recording the Christian album this summer, and hopefully attending some music songwriting conferences as well. I'd love to get a trip or 2 to Nashville and/or LA as well, because I really enjoy writing with friends in both those cities. We shall see if there are funds to do so. Fingers crossed :) Of course playing with my baby girl (she will be 1 year old by then!) will be at the top of my summer to-do list! They grow so stinkin' fast!!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How did your</b> career start? What was the "ignition"?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I guess my career started when I was in my first year of undergrad at Augustana College in Rock Island IL. I was majoring in Art and Psychology at the time...two subjects I find interesting. Although I loved my friends at the school and was enjoying my classes, I was feeling that urge to bust out of there and pursue a career as a singer. I was really only going to a 4 yr college to appease my parents. I wanted to move to Nashville right after high school and be the next Shania Twain!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But my dad insisted that I have a 4 yr degree...something to fall back on. I'm happy I went to Augustana. I made lifelong friendships there, and I ended up finishing 2 years before finally decided to get serious about the music. I met with the vocational guidance counselor at the college, Kristen Glass, who helped me to make a plan for reaching my goals as a singer. I will be forever grateful to her. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>She told me about a school which was then called Musictech, now called McNally Smith College of Music. She told me her brother went there and that they taught contemporary music. It`s the kind of school you want to go to if you're serious about a career as a singer, a touring musician, a music manager, a writer... I saw the website and was immediately salivating. It took a lot of convincing my parents to make this a go, but sure enough, I auditioned for the program, got in, and had an AMAZING 16 month journey of learning at that school. Those teachers taught me more than I ever thought possible, and most importantly they taught me to be a lifelong learner. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They taught me that in the music business it is so much more about networking and on-the-job training than book smarts. They taught me that you can have all the talent in the world, but if you don't have drive, determination, a strong work ethic, and a really thick skin, you won't make it in this business. Lesson learned...again and again and again!! After finishing the program at McNally Smith (they actually changed the name of the school during my attendance there)...I was able to transfer my Augustana credits and my McNally credits to Augsburg College. I studied for 1 year at Augsburg just to finish up my BA in Music. There, my parents were happy. I got the piece of paper that was my "safety net."...but at the end of it all I really had to thank them for making me go to college. I learned more than I ever would have had I not invested those 4.5 years of my time. After college I got started right away teaching piano lessons for extra cash (which I also still love doing by the way)...and got to recording my first 2 albums. Those were self funded, so they set me back financially quite a bit, but I don't regret those projects. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The songs on those CDs are glimpses into the past. They are snapshots of the girl I was, and it helps me to remember that it's really a journey we are all on!! I am still working hard on new projects, and my passion for songwriting is more alive than ever. I'm so thankful I listened to that urge inside of me...that "ignition" as you call it...that said "maybe you COULD have a career in music..." Just goes to show, a journey of a thousand miles truly does begin with a single step. Love that quote!</i><br /><br /><b>How are your</b> feelings whenever you enter the stage?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I love the stage. Everything else melts away and it's all about delivering a message. It's not even about me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I don't honestly care if people remember me, or my name, or any of that. But if they walk away from the performance having been moved inside, having been affected in a positive way, then I've done my job. I love the rush I get when performing. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>While holding my baby girl, Malia, is definitely when I feel most happy, I have to say that I think the stage might be where I feel most alive. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purhcase your music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> My music can be purchased on itunes, cdbaby, and of course my website... <a href="http://www.dianarosemusic.com/">www.dianarosemusic.com</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a new music video on her webpage - check it out!</span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-60277951296618527752013-03-25T00:54:00.000-07:002013-03-25T00:54:38.208-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Amanda Silvera - Preview</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers. Photographs courtesy of Amanda Silvera</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It</span> seems people are conditioned to only receive/digest music when its fed a certain way. I can't give you everything all at once.. Its like a relationship in that way... I have to keep you wanting more.. We as a people seem to be ignoring our hearts, and intuition far too often.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a name='more'></a><br />Its as though we can't make our own decisions anymore.. We let others tell us what we like.. I'm not saying everyone is that way. It's just frustrating making music for Facebook likes, twitter followers and youtube hits... Those things didn't exist when I began this journey.. I just wanna make music. I wanna make it, and put it out. I don't mind if it only gets 50 views. And I definitely don't mind if I get a million. I just want to get things off my chest the best way I know how to..it feeds my soul. and when/if people vibe to what I end up with... That's a bonus..that's desert - Amanda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Interview</b><br /><br /><b>What are your</b> goals for 2013?<br /><br /><i>2013 is the year I follow through. I want to get this business up and running!. DCT, Syncing, the youth project. <br />The release of the album is pretty monumental for me.. obviously. I've waited my whole life not knowing that This.. was what I was waiting for. I was waiting for my heart to let me know I could begin it's translation.. lol. sounds weird. but I think a lot of writers can relate to that. We need music to translate for our hearts, our souls..only once we've written, and read over our work, do we begin to understand ourselves. <br />That's what Syncing is about. It's about letting it flow, releasing, having faith in letting everything all pour out.. then diving in...</i><br /><br /><b>Looking retrospectively</b> at 2012, how was 2012 for you? Can you name us some highlights? <br /><br /><i>2012 was a tough year. I was really lost.. confused, detached.. pretty depressed.. I made the decision to start the album after pretty much hitting a bottom. <br />I needed to just get it out of me.. so that maybe I could begin to understand. </i><br /><br /><b>What will be</b> happening for upcoming summer? Any gigs?<br /><br /><i>The Album is due in Sept so summer will be full of last minute tweaks and all that fun stuff. I will absolutely be gigging too. Tour dates and any upcoming gigs will be up @ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/amandasilveramusic">www.facebook.com/amandasilveramusic</a> and <a href="http://www.amandasilvera.com/">www.Amandasilvera.com</a></i><br /><br /><b>Do you forsake</b> all the bad events in 2012 or do you take them for further songs (working with depressive feelings for new lyrics)?<br /><br /><i>I don't plan what I'm going to write.<br />It's hard to explain.<br />I prefer to pick a beat, write and record in one session so that the feelings that inspired the song are still running through my veins when I record it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Amanda.<br /></span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-55361781448064610292013-02-23T23:25:00.000-08:002013-02-23T23:27:01.086-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is the</b> mission behind Asphalt Green?<br /><br /><i>Our mission to is bring back Rock and Roll to its loud, raw, and exciting routes. Hard-rocking riffs, catchy melodies, and driving rhythms intended to capture attention of the listener. </i><br /><br /><br /><b>What can be</b> expected for 2013? </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>The band is working hard in the studio on our second album release, a four-song EP tentatively called "FORGETMENOT", which is going to sound fantastic when it's done. The record is going to be a great step in the evolution and maturity of the band.</i><br /><br /><b>Please tell us</b> more about your album entitled ‘Sinners, Tricksters, Killers & Saints’. <br /><br /><i>S,T,K &S is our first album which was recorded over a long, two-year period at Trading 8s Music Studio beginning in 2010. The album was released in the Spring of 2012, and was our attempt to reintroduce people to the concept of a full-length record. The songs are based around the central themes of Sin and Redemption, and is a very dynamic recording covering many genres from Hard Rock, Punk, Acoustic and Blues. </i><br /><br /><b>What are your</b> ingredients for a perfect song?<br /><br /><i>I think a perfect song needs to be a balancing act, appealing to multiple kinds of people. The music needs to be polished, and have a driving momentum to capture your attention. The lyrics need to tell a story, as any good work of art should, and should take the listener on a journey. In my opinion though, melody is arguably the most important ingredient, especially on a chorus. Many people can't tell you the lyrics to their favorite pop song, but if you ask them to hum the melody, they can almost always do that. Also, a kick-ass guitar solo can never hurt!</i><br /><br /><b>What do you</b> like most? Recording in a studio or being on stage?<br /><br /><i>That is a tough question, isn't it? I think it really is two separate ways of life for a musician. On stage, in front of a crowd is one of the most exhilarating experiences that can come to mind. The energy, the passion, and the volume create this intense feeling that cannot be replicated. In the studio however, you can gain a whole different appreciation for your music as you put your songs onto tape. You can hear all of the intricacies, and truly understand the songs, warts and all. You'll never be able to capture the energy and passion of a live performance, so it's important to recognize that you might need to change your perception of how a song sounds.</i><br /><br /><b>What are your</b> plans for the upcoming summer?<br /><br /><i>We're looking forward to a busy busy summer! The upcoming EP will be out by the Spring, and we're excited to tour as much as we can to promote ourselves and our music. Asphalt Green will also be featuring a lot of new merchandise in the form of T-shirts, posters and stickers in the near future. A world tour in a private jet might be just around the corner!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?<br /><br />You can find our album "Sinners, Tricksters, Killers & Saints" as well as our upcoming releases on iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, and all other major online music stores. And you can find even more and see when we're playing next by staying in touch with us on <a href="http://facebook.com/asphaltgreenband">facebook.com/asphaltgreenband</a></span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-62288458822202086432013-01-13T03:59:00.000-08:002013-01-13T04:00:04.445-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jessica Mellott </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jessica Mellott</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Are you looking for a refreshing and energic voice? Jessica shall be your first consideration. Please learn more about her music.<br /><br /><b>What is your</b> current project?<br /><br /><i> The "Christmas in Love" EP is my most recent release, in Nov 2012. I wrote and recorded a new holiday ballad as well as 2 pop/rock tracks.</i><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> plan for 2013?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>2013 is going to be a great year! I have some exciting online features coming up, and will be releasing new songs as well, along with some brand new music videos.</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How was it</b> back in the early days of starting a music career?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I wanted to be a singer since I was a little girl, and was always a musical theater/classical singer. I started penning my own songs and singing pop when I got into middle school, and knew that being a pop artist was my ultimate goal.</i><br /><br /><b>How would you</b> describe your style?<br /><i><br />My style is pop/rock. I have been influenced by so many artists, including Tina Turner, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Whitney Houston, etc.</i><br /><br /><b>What do fans</b> love most about your music?<br /><br /><i>I find my fans love the honesty in my music the most. I like to write about topics that include relatable lyrics for all ages.</i><br /><br /><b>Where do you</b> get your inspirations from?<br /><br /><i>Usually I get a melodic idea first. It just pops in my head and then I think of something that's been on my mind lately and an idea for lyrics. So, usually my songs start with one lyric/melody line, and then I complete the rest of a chorus, before moving on to the verse.</i><br /><br /><b>Please</b> complete:<br /><br />My music is..<i>my life.</i><br /> Being on stage is.. <i>an amazing, thrilling rush of adrenaline.</i><br /> My fans are.. <i>the BEST!</i><br /><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?<br />iTunes (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jessica-mellott/id579511967">https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jessica-mellott/id579511967</a>)<br /><br />Amazon(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B00AAZOF5Q?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Jessica%20Mellott&index=digital-music&search-type=ss">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B00AAZOF5Q?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Jessica%20Mellott&index=digital-music&search-type=ss</a>)<br /><br />CDBaby (<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jessicamellott">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jessicamellott</a>)<br /><br /><i>My music is available on these sites! I also have a website, <a href="http://www.jessicamellott.com/">www.jessicamellott.com</a> for more information, and you can download my song "Christmas in Love" for free on my site.</i></span><br />
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-33253260459442909092012-12-13T04:25:00.000-08:002012-12-14T00:15:06.785-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Danielle Miraglia</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Todd Lehmann (top) and Claire Folger (bottom)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Her passionate music appeared with the song "See the light" and it captured my attention. Danielle got a fully loaded portfolio that indulges your senses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a true pleasure for getting some time with Danielle for a free spoken interview!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What was/is</b> your main motivation for composing your music? <br /><br /><i>The short answer is impulse. When I first started writing music regularly, there was no plan and I never consciously said, I'm going to write music. I was writing a ton of bad breakup induced poetry. I had just graduated from Emerson College for Creative Writing, but had put my guitar down...</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for most of those years aside from the occasional "Play Bobby McGee!" at a party. I started picking up my guitar again and the words and the music seemed to merge effortlessly. It was pure catharsis at the time. Listening back to little recordings I did back then, the songs were awful and my voice hadn't quite found its style or pitch yet. It took some time to find my voice and build the craft.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Now writing is less impulse and more thought out for better or for worse. When I had a 9 - 5 day job that I hated, I would take every free opportunity to be creative. I was co-writing twisted comedy songs a line at a time back and forth via e-mail with my friend. I was writing in notebooks on the subway and during lunch breaks. Scribbling on the backs of envelopes and any blank surface I could find. Now that I have time to write, I have to sit down and make a conscious effort. </i><br /><br /><i>Over time, the purpose has become somewhat less self-serving. One of my favorite Kurt Vonegut quotes is “The function of the artist is to make people like life better than they have before." That states it perfectly. If you can make someone feel better even for the two and a half minutes they are engaged in a song relating and not feeling alone, then you've done something of value. </i><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> favorite song you have performed so far? Can you tell us why? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>That's a tough one. It can vary by my mood or by the night. There are songs I enjoy performing because they are fun to play and I can get a nice groove going where my fingers are at one with the strings and I'm just feeling it. But the same song on a different night might just not do it for me. <br /><br />Then there are songs that if I can feel the words are moving people, there's nothing better than that. </i><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> describe your style? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>For some reason this is the hardest question for any musician to answer. It's like trying to tickle yourself. Maybe it's the fear that if you name a style, you are then committed to that one style for life. When people ask me this question at a show if they haven't heard me play before, I usually just say "Folk/Blues" as a way of avoiding a longer answer. Musically, I'm mostly straddling those two genres, but there’s also a lot of rock influence in there and even a little pop at times. My influences range from old acoustic blues like Mississippi John Hurt and Big Bill Broonzy to Songwriters with a capital S like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, to the musical golden age classic rock -The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, to the stuff I grew up on like Prince, Cindy Lauper, Guns n Roses etc. I’ve been influenced by all kinds of popular music over the years, so to narrow it to one style doesn’t do those influences justice. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> current project? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Right now I'm gearing to keep a pretty light gig schedule in Jan and Feb for writing and recording a new full length album. </i><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How did it</b> all start? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Once I had a couple of full songs written, I decided I'm either going to do this or I'm not. I looked in a local music rag for area open mics and found one listed on Wednesdays at The Kendall Cafe' in Cambridge, MA. I didn't have the guts to just go and play, so I stopped in to see what it was all about. The first open miker I encountered was a horrible human, so my first impression was negative. There was a small staircase that lead from the bar down to the performance area. People would pile up their guitars in the narrow space above the steps. This guy's guitar had fallen from the pile and started sliding down the stairs. I grabbed it to keep it from crashing and he said "Give me it! You're holding it wrong!" Needless to say, this guy turned out to be pretty awful on stage too and I never saw him again after that. (In retrospect maybe he was just nervous…a nervous horrible human.) </i><br /><br /><i>I spotted a friendlier face soon after and asked "How do you do this?" PJ Shapiro, who remains a friend I see around town to this day was much warmer and explained the sign up process. I came back the next week to play and it seemed I had found my tribe. From there, I never looked back. The first impression couldn’t have been more wrong. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What are your</b> plans for 2014? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Ideally, I will be touring and promoting the album after my next album…that’s if items in Question number 7 work for me in the coming year.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where do you</b> get your inspiration from? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It can be something that happens to me or something I see or I could be listening to a song I haven't heard in a while. I almost always end up writing something when I go into a deep listening to a lot of Dylan phase. There's so much to draw from there. This can also happen just from reading or hearing an interview with an artist - not just musical, but any kind of creative human. And speaking of creative humans, it helps to be surrounded by them. Creative energy is contagious. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>My web site has all the links to iTunes, CDBaby or PayPal direct. http://www.daniellem.com/products.html</i></span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-20360070604644693102012-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:002012-12-03T09:15:48.250-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Die Nasties</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of The Die Nasties</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Katie Kerkhover, Tim Craven, Michael Blakemore, and Andy Grooms are The Die Nasties from Nashville, TN. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is about damn time to learn more about this outstanding band that combines punk rock with a whiff of pop diva vocals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you pick</b> one of your songs that is able to describe you best (your performance)?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i></i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It’s hard to pick one song that best describes our live show. If we had to pick, it would probably be a combination of “Piece of You” and “Three Days Dirty”. Piece of you is a hands in the air, shake your thang song and Three Days Dirty is well… Dirty! It’s where we can all be the person we wish we had the nerve to be in our daily life. We like to keep things fun and straight up in your face. We get down and dirty on stage and as our guitar player Michael Blakemore says, a Die Nasties show is “like a nail gun in the face!” We want our fans to have as much fun as we do and we always have a blast! You have to see it to believe it! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Speaking of songs</b>. Are you working on new material right now? What can your audience expect? <br /><br />Yes, we have been writing the last couple of months and are getting ready to head back into the studio in January 2013. With titles like “Psycho Thriller” and “Sticky Sweet” the new material is a mix of dirty rock, guitar riffs, hooky melodies and a lot of spice. We’re really expanding our sound by incorporating new guitar sounds, almost like sound effects into our already dirty rock sound. We’ll be sure to send you a link once they are out in the world! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Do you schedule</b> a tour within the next months? Where will be your destination? What venues? <br /><br /><i>We are currently in the writing / recording process but are working on a tour in 2013. Dates and venues will be posted at <a href="http://www.thedienasties.com/">www.thedienasties.com</a> </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you tell</b> us something about the following? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /> The past, the present, the future:<br /><br /><i>Tim Craven (bass/vocals) and Katie Kerkhover (lead singer /guitarist) recorded their first project together (“Blister”) in 2009. Over the years, they became Katie Kerkhover and the Die Nasties. After going through a couple of band member changes, they finally found the right combination of members in drummer Andy Grooms and lead guitarist Michael Blakemore. They started writing together and sparks began to fly. From the kick you in the face sounds Michael creates with his “mother ship” pedal board, to the rock steady rhythm from Andy, Tim and Katie finally found the missing pieces to the band puzzle and it was finally the right time to become “The Die Nasties.” They are currently working on a 2nd EP to be released in 2013. </i><br /><br /><b>Where do you </b>get your inspiration from? <br /><br /><i>We are inspired by everything. It doesn’t just come from one source. Our life events, movies, books and the emotional rollercoaster that is the music business inspire us. J You just never know when it will hit you. The voice memo functions on our phones are our best friend! </i><br /><br /><b>What is the</b> story behind "Three days dirty" Can you tell us somewhat about the process? How much fun was involved? <br /><br /><i>We watched “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and Katie was immediately drawn to Mara Rooney’s character, Lisbeth. (She’s such a bad ass!) If you’ve seen the movie, or read the book, you know there’s a pretty intense scene where Lisbeth takes her revenge on an abusive man. This scene sparked a writing session and 3 days dirty just kind of fell out. We wanted it to represent Lisbeth Salander and her emotions . We thought, if she had a theme song, what would it be… Three Days Dirty. The writing and recording process was fun because we felt like there weren’t any limits and we got to experiment with different sounds and feels. Three Days Dirty is probably the most fun we have on stage. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can find Die Nastie Nation at </span><a href="http://www.thedienasties.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.thedienasties.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Our new EP is available on iTunes. And we also have a free mobile app you can download from the app store on your iphone or android phone. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedienasties">www.facebook.com/thedienasties</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thedienasties">www.twitter.com/thedienasties</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/thedienasties">www.youtube.com/thedienasties</a></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time. </span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-42057606914036787292012-11-29T04:12:00.001-08:002012-11-29T04:12:11.215-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jillian Ann</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jillian Ann</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jillian's home is called media. She makes an impact, even outside the music business. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She supports human and animal rights and she persues her vision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please welcome the adorable Jillian:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where do you</b> see yourself in today's music world? <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><i>I am a singer songwriter, producer , performer and DJ in Electronic music mostly EDM but i also have released downtempo ambient and other genres . <br /><br />I have always had a foot in the underground and yet one in the more corporate world and I feel the fusion of vision and invention in music art and culture is needed for inspiration and progress of our society. </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> describe your unique style? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I was classical trained so I love bringing in timeless elements like strings and pianos, vocally I have a more unique style which I love to experiment with <br /><br />I got into experimental and underground electronica long before dubstep glitch hop really became mainstream and have always liked to sonically paint with a broader pallet. </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Can you name</b> us your plans for the upcoming months? <br /><br /><i>Touring, Releasing a new album, Releasing my Clothing line Ritual, and doing as many collaborations as possible sleeping working on my tantra and meditation practice and taking ten days to stop everything and meditate. Creating new album artwork music videos and other such things and seeing some other musical works I did come out which is always exciting. </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do you </b>like most when it comes to perform your music? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I love the connection with the audience be it a dj set or singing a song, but its about that moment when I know I've connected and in that moment were one. </i><br /><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> main motivation to compose your songs? <br /><br /><i>They compose themselves and haunt me I have no choice. </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Can you tell</b> us somewhat about your controversial music video "Confess"? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How much fun was involved? </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Lots of fun, but I have always been bi sexual and wasn't thrilled when yet again it was illegal for lesbians or gays to marry, I dont feel its ok to say who we can or can't love leave that to the divine to figure out. But I do not believe spirit knows gender and so although to some it may seem controversial to me it was just stating what I believe in why should loving a girl be any different or love being expressed with passion and play or even s&m elements. I feel as children we are allowed to play and the older we get the less freedom we have and for me I was just creating something i believed in for reasons I believe in even if it got me disliked or banned because of the content. But I believe in creating what i believe in despite the fact some people may not like or approve of it.</i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You have seen</b> some spots around the globe so far - Does it help you to get new ideas while traveling? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I love traveling and until recently I only felt I was at home or had a home when traveling so I loved it but now i feel like i have a home and sometimes it I miss it now. But I feel the more one travels the more ones eyes are opened to how vast beautiful and expansive life and the world can be and how our realities are built out of choices we make and we can chose to change that often by just getting on a train and or plane. The world is our playground filled with limitless potential if we just believe in it and take a chance to explore outside of where we are comfortable.</i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music? <br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.djjillianann.com/">http://www.djjillianann.com</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.beatport.com/artist/jillian-ann/171427">http://www.beatport.com/artist/jillian-ann/171427</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://jillianann.bandcamp.com/">http://jillianann.bandcamp.com</a></i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time and happy touring, Jillian. </span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-56252447404202956092012-11-25T06:15:00.000-08:002012-11-25T06:15:44.840-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Control The Storm</b></span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images and mp3 courtesy of CTS</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Passionate and unfiltered, please welcome Control The Storm from the UK. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gareth Arlett, the man who controls the drums, had some moments to tell us more about Control The Storm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"As for our plans for the future.........up until the end of 2012, as you can see from the biography, we are really busy with live shows across the UK and we are hoping to continue this well into 2013.</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are building a nice nucleus of fans who communicate with us regularly via Twitter and Facebook and, who turn up to our shows......wherever they happen to be. We want to continue growing this fan base as well as help build a larger fan base for female fronted metal in the UK in general. There are some awesome bands in the UK that get little to no recognition because they wouldn't fit on extreme metal bills or promoters don't see that female fronted bands would pull a crowd. We aim to change that.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />It would also be nice to get on one of the bills for a bigger, European act next year and maybe even venture across and play some show in Europe. We all recognise that this form of Metal is incredibly popular in Europe and that the majority of the bands flying the flag in this genre are European (Scandinavian or German). Therefore, to continue to build our name we should aim to get out and spread as wide as we can. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We already have fans in Germany, Holland and Sweden! We will also start looking for a new 2nd guitarist sometime over Christmas to bring us back up to a full complement of 6 souls. <br /><br />We aim to start demo recordings of some new tracks in the next month or so with a view to recording, perhaps, another 3 track CD or 5 track EP to go along with the recent re-brand and the t-shirts we have had done recently.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>All in all we hope to still be working hard for the next 6-8 months building the name and reputation of the band and getting to a point where hopefully we would be signed"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The interiew:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>How would you</b> describe your music? What is the typical feeling after listening to Control the Storm? <br /><br /><i>Control the Storm is a female fronted metal band. We use the terms Power Metal or Melodic Metal but we have so many influences, on an individual basis, that contribute towards all elements of the song writing that it does is quite difficult to pigeonhole us to one specific genre. Melodic is probably the closest we come to a specific ‘term’ as melody is a big part of our songs but there are so many bands out there classed as ‘melodic’ that sound completely different to what we are doing and vice versa! <br /><br />We would like to think that after listening to Control the Storm, whether that is live or from a recording, any fan would not be disappointed with what they see or hear. Each person will interpret the music, lyrics and images in a different way to the next so I guess we hope that the typical feeling is that they have enjoyed it and feel energised towards what we do.</i><br /> <br /><b> How would you</b> describe your performances on stage? What can your audience expect from your band as soon as start playing? <br /><br /><i>We like to put as much energy into a show as we possibly can. We want the crowd to enjoy the show as much as we enjoy playing the songs. We like to the crowd as involved as possible whether that be clapping along or banging their heads. At this stage in our musical journey that can be quite difficult given the sizes of venue and the stages (or sometimes lack of them) we play on.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rich (Guitar) is very influenced by the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and all the guitar virtuosos so he likes to bring a bit of this into the live shows which is sadly missing now across the scene. Most bands we come across just stand still giving little or no energy to the crowd so we want to hark back to the likes of Iron Maiden where the term ‘show’ meant just that!</i><br /> <br /><b> How did you</b> meet the other members of your band? How was the progress in "in the early days"?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> I met Rich and Raedon (Keys) a few years back when I joined a band that they were in called Neverwinter - very much more a symphonic band than Control the Storm. Daryl (CTS’ original rhythm guitarist) also plays guitar in my other band (Gore Metallers Amputated) and he suggested that I join as they needed a drummer. The band lasted about another year and then split with all of us going our separate ways.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Then in 2010, after a drunken night out with Daryl, I decided to tap up Rich and Raedon again about reforming. We all sat down and talked about it and decided that, as we were older and wiser, it would be worth a shot however we agreed that we didn’t want to go down the symphonic metal route. We wanted to use heavier riffs incorporating more melody and progressive elements, using Evergrey (Swedish Metal band) as a template. We had plenty of ideas and semi written songs left over from the Neverwinter days that we could work on and these mutated quite quickly and it wasn’t long before Becky and Hayley (Lead Vocals) joined to bring us up to strength. <br /><br />Once we had a full line up progress was quite rapid and before long we had enough material to record and to fill a 35 minute set. We included 2 covers but quickly ended up dropping one unless we were asked to play longer sets. In 2011 we recorded and released our Demo EP which has 3 tracks on it and this started to get us noticed via Internet Radio however gigs were pretty hard to come by…..the UK is not a particular hot spot for female fronted metal. However, the hard work paid off when we played the New Blood stage at Bloodstock Open Air this year. Since then we have teamed up with a number of other, similar bands so that we can all gig together and showcase the talents of all the bands on the UK scene. </i><br /><br /><b> Can you tel</b>l us somewhat about your upcoming songs? <br /><i><br />We are continually writing new material or new ideas and are already working on some new songs that will hopefully see the light of day sometime in 2013. We also play a number of songs live that we haven’t recorded yet. Hopefully, these will also be part of an upcoming CD release in 2013 as well. We are currently recording ‘Frozen’ originally released by Madonna that we are going to release as a free download track as we have had many people asking us to record our version of this song. We play it live and it’s always well received.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> We also may put out some teasers for people once new tracks are demoed and we are happy with them however, at the moment, our gig calendar is pretty full so this is taking a back seat. As with any band still in its infancy, the music is always mutating and the newer songs we are working on are more composed, however that is not to say that they are a complete departure from what we have made Control the Storm now.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We like to challenge ourselves with what we play and with the broad range of influences each of us brings to the band one idea very often transforms into something else once the drums or the keys are added. </i><br /><br /><b> What do you</b> need to compose a stunning full length album with the "Control the Storm" factor? <br /><br /><i>Every band would like a multi-million Euro budget like Nightwish have had but that isn’t particularly realistic for us – hopefully it will in the future, who knows! At this moment in time we are quite realistic with what we could achieve with modest resources. Ideally, we would want to work with a studio and Engineer/Producer that understands the genre and can ensure that the recording is powerful yet crisp sounding……not just loud guitars, loud vocals and everything else getting drowned out! We are our own worst critics so we would need to be 99.9% happy with any recording that we expected fans to buy. </i><br /> <br /><b> How do you</b> see the future of Metal? <br /><br /><i>I can see it getting bigger on an international level….not necessarily becoming mainstream (unless you go for the whole Blackveil Brides thing) but growing in popularity. We already see it within Europe and in America with bands gaining bigger fan bases and the number of festivals increasing, but in the UK the scene is shrinking. More and more venues are either shutting down or are not willing to put on Metal gigs of any description. It’s quite a sad state of affairs when we have to say in interviews that ideally we want to be playing in Europe but that is where the growth continues to be. <br /><br />On the whole, I think the future of the Metal genre is bright and that is only a good thing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks a million for taking your time, Gareth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Special treat for you, my lovely readers: </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">No chance at all</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by Control The Storm (click the video and enjoy listening).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get' em on the net!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">www.myspace.com/controlthestorm</span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-6927986509114551812012-11-19T04:49:00.000-08:002012-11-19T04:49:07.872-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWk0bMQzn6-YrIrr5A7oewiINS3YO_eXSoqkD6egY1jW_5BdPF1Ra_QSObX-KtkWgipSeshPf9PZYQ2K87JLBlu6Sa_NGDw3LFk0QJzVYvBv4KkUdBYkqSAhBCX_FHtvqwkl4I0XlNKM/s1600/JK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWk0bMQzn6-YrIrr5A7oewiINS3YO_eXSoqkD6egY1jW_5BdPF1Ra_QSObX-KtkWgipSeshPf9PZYQ2K87JLBlu6Sa_NGDw3LFk0QJzVYvBv4KkUdBYkqSAhBCX_FHtvqwkl4I0XlNKM/s200/JK1.jpg" width="133" /></a><b style="font-size: x-large;">Jess King</b></div>
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<i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jess King</i></div>
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Please welcome the amazing Jess with her sultry voice that will captivate all your senses within a second. My rating scheme gives her 8 stars (0 - 5 stars), because of her entire performance. </div>
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Jess had some moments to share with us:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a name='more'></a><br /><i>I've been having an incredible time recording and performing in Paris over the last year plus. As we're in the<span style="font-size: large;"> final stages</span> of defining my musical universe in the studio, I’m now very excited to see this "labor of love" come together. Of course I still love and miss New York at times, but I know Paris is the right place for me now. I've been kind of intoxicated by the creative inspiration here, just walking around and breathing in the <span style="font-size: large;">beauty</span> of this city. It makes complete sense to me why this city as attracted many artists.</i><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you tel</b>l us more about your genre "From the heart"? What is the mission behind it?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>My musical genre is best described as "from the heart" because it is just that: each song flows directly from my heart to yours. <span style="font-size: large;">My goal</span> is to touch you emotionally with each song, to transport you, to make you feel. Connecting with others is the reason I write and perform music. My mission is to create something meaningful and <span style="font-size: large;">personal</span>, and that will resonate with many people.</i><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you reveal</b> some details regarding your upcoming songs and videos?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Each of these<span style="font-size: large;"> songs</span> has “her feet on the ground”, as one person described it to me. They are grounded in something real, personal, and easily relatable. Videos will be released as well early in the new year with these songs; however, I'm not able to <span style="font-size: large;">reveal </span>details just yet. Please stay tuned.</i><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How is it being</b> a gifted female musician who combines two worlds (NYC and Paris) with her music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>There isn't one day I don't feel <span style="font-size: large;">blessed </span>to live in two of the most amazing cities on the planet. New York is still home and will probably always be "home" (or at least feel like home). Paris inspires me in a different way, partially because it feels fresh and new, and partially just because it is so intensely<span style="font-size: large;"> beautiful</span>. I’ve even lost my breath a few times walking around this city at times, because the beauty can be that overwhelming. It's a blessing to be between these two places.</i><br /><br /><b>Where will you</b> see yourself in 2013? <br /><br /><i>Okay, I’ll answer this question simply :-) and say: I see myself <span style="font-size: large;">affecting</span> many more people with my music in the coming year. I’m sure this will happen, but I aim to have the opportunity to do this on a grand scale. If I’m on stage a lot in 2013, I’m sure this will be a fantastic year, as I’ll be <span style="font-size: large;">connecting</span> often with the public. (It goes without saying I will continue to song-write a lot in the new year!)</i></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> main motivation to move on?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>My motivation is to<span style="font-size: large;"> touch </span>people with my music. Writing songs in my greatest love, and performing them is the ultimate way of connecting. And <span style="font-size: large;">everybody</span> needs to have the songs to listen to on their playlists, so the recordings need to be out there as well.</i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What do you</b> believe what your fans love most about your songs?<br /> <br /><i> Fans who appreciate my music tend to relate to my song lyrics and the <span style="font-size: large;">feeling</span> in my voice. A song might remind them of something or someone in their past, or a problem they're dealing with at the moment, so my song is able to emotionally connect with them. They also hear and feel the sincerity in my voice, and feel a sense of optimism even in a<span style="font-size: large;"> heart-breaking</span> ballad. At least this is what I've been told by some fans, and also what I'm hoping to do.</i><br /><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?<br /> <br /><i> My music will be available early in 2013. Please be patient a few more months, and I <span style="font-size: large;">promise</span> it will be worth your wait. And if you're in New York on Thursday, January 3rd come on out and check out a<span style="font-size: large;"> live show</span> at Webster Hall.</i></span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-89754070496684652852012-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:002012-11-17T08:23:01.833-08:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD0RpDpsNqi3_QNhksOK6I46vTH8KrZgWYL4R8YXdP7Zu_lSge1164Q0k4qz8XgUsG4G5rE9cm0BQr4CBNIXzLsOs8ELo6McSQemGa9iKimUsVR9jynJBDlYq4UEyMnTLydDRpzzrfUg/s1600/ErinIveyZilkerPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD0RpDpsNqi3_QNhksOK6I46vTH8KrZgWYL4R8YXdP7Zu_lSge1164Q0k4qz8XgUsG4G5rE9cm0BQr4CBNIXzLsOs8ELo6McSQemGa9iKimUsVR9jynJBDlYq4UEyMnTLydDRpzzrfUg/s320/ErinIveyZilkerPark.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Erin Ivey</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Erin Ivey</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Smashing hits like "Sorrow no more", "Sing out", "Chocolate" and many, many more will bring you to one charming lady: <span style="font-size: large;">Erin Ivey</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erin had some minutes for sharing her world with us:</span></div>
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<b>You certainly hear</b> that numerous times a day, but your songs are like a bomb. An incredible voice with smooth tunes. <br />How would you describe your style within the music industry? Have you found your niche/destination? Or do you still look for your spot in the world of music?</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><i>I describe my music as <span style="font-size: large;">Urban Folk</span>, or sometimes as Downtempo Folk. Although, we as people are constantly growing and changing. I am influenced by and interested in so many different types of music and states of being that it would be<span style="font-size: large;"> impossible</span> to stay in one place. The niche that each artist carves is his or hers alone and we become more ourselves for and through music every day.</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Your latest release</b> "Broken Gold" received tremendous feedback. Can you tell us somewhat about the entire "making of" process. Can you name us the magic behind it?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>There WAS <span style="font-size: large;">magic</span> in that project and that magic is accessible to anyone willing to make improvisational music. The band (The Finest Kind, an R&B/Dub organ trio) had rehearsed all these new songs with me a couple of times in order to perform a live show at The Rollins Theatre in The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin. The show went so well that we decided to record some of those songs at East Austin Recording (EAR) studio a couple of weeks later. None of the arrangements were determined in advance. The tracks were cut live to tape and most of the album is first or second takes. The magic comes from playing together and listening and communicating musically every moment to create<span style="font-size: large;"> unique</span> arrangements, trusting that would take us to new and exciting places, which it does.</i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Do you work</b> on another stunning album? What can be expected then? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Right now, I am working on a new live album called <span style="font-size: large;">Dreamy Weather</span>, Live at the Cactus Cafe. It had a very successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign and will be released to the world at <a href="http://www.erinivey.com/">www.erinivey.com</a> very soon! This album is a bridge between my older work and brand new songs that may be on my next studio album. It was recorded earlier this year and is mostly just me and another Austin guitar player at a really vibey venue. It is very dreamy and ethereal. Very different from <span style="font-size: large;">Broken Gold </span>in style, I'd say.</i> <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do your</b> fans say when they see you performing?</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How is it being on stage? What are your thoughts and feelings?<br /><br /><i>I love to hear when people <span style="font-size: large;">connect</span> with a song or something in my voice. Live performance is a wonderful way for us to connect and share... it's an exchange of energy that can be really invigorating and inspiring for all involved. Music is an easy vehicle for creating transcendent experiences that we don't <span style="font-size: large;">often share</span> in our day to day lives. <br /><br />Being on stage is kind of like therapy, because you can lay all your<span style="font-size: large;"> bull[censored]</span> bare before people and they can see right through you and see themselves reflected as well. Its a very intimate experience. I try to turn all my energy and thoughts to the music so I can get out of the way and be a channel for whatever needs a voice. I don't always <span style="font-size: large;">succeed</span>, but it's a very rewarding practice, like a meditation. </i><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> describe your relationship with your music? Is it like dealing with a good friend? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>That's a <span style="font-size: large;">cool</span> observation. Music is like the most steadfast, patient, fun, and understanding friend. As they say, "the deeper you go, the <span style="font-size: large;">deeper</span> it gets."</i><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> favorite song you have performed so far. Why?<br /><br /><i>My favorite songs to play are usually the ones I've <span style="font-size: large;">written</span> most recently, because they're still full of the very emotion or thoughts that made the songs in the first place. Although, the older ones can take you back to <span style="font-size: large;">places </span>you were in the past, which is cool, too. Tough question!! :)</i><br /><br /><b>Where will you</b> see yourself in 2014?<br /><br /><i>In 2014, I'd like to be writing and collaborating in the <span style="font-size: large;">studio</span> more, letting other people take over more of the administrative work of being an indie artist. I always want to be traveling and writing, connecting with people who are<span style="font-size: large;"> passionately</span> in love with music. </i> <br /><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4x5VZfizjv5ceb3jy5Le5wog3NRP_isPDHTEpOGLA_7f9Bl7GMVEZlgMjQ12WA87xanGuvrAWr1SKyxQ1ZgqIb-VCaqVI8IBr1FpZrm8TgSauve_j4zsEjQtN_UecnkBd85K41HZOG4/s1600/Erin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4x5VZfizjv5ceb3jy5Le5wog3NRP_isPDHTEpOGLA_7f9Bl7GMVEZlgMjQ12WA87xanGuvrAWr1SKyxQ1ZgqIb-VCaqVI8IBr1FpZrm8TgSauve_j4zsEjQtN_UecnkBd85K41HZOG4/s200/Erin1.jpg" width="173" /></a><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for asking! My music is <span style="font-size: large;">available</span> at <a href="http://www.erinivey.com/">www.erinivey.com</a> and at iTunes (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken-gold/id419159373">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken-gold/id419159373</a>).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Erin. It was my pleasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The above mentioned songs can be checked here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.reverbnation.com/erinivey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and since you are there, become a fan of her :)</span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-34647394836986868182012-11-15T05:11:00.000-08:002012-11-15T08:03:49.343-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqPMXmTd74fU_mbmYNOkJL-LQRmsdq1l8X86KGvj0nafQqo-OIvoX9z8EZAkQv-wD6VrzLaDobBmgaNoCfgHL4Df1oYXUoEBAJE1EQIbw7V6Lzn6-v9oevkBcYerjZaISXudAwMM3gjw/s1600/Jess+King+Live+in+Paris+-+May+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqPMXmTd74fU_mbmYNOkJL-LQRmsdq1l8X86KGvj0nafQqo-OIvoX9z8EZAkQv-wD6VrzLaDobBmgaNoCfgHL4Df1oYXUoEBAJE1EQIbw7V6Lzn6-v9oevkBcYerjZaISXudAwMM3gjw/s400/Jess+King+Live+in+Paris+-+May+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Crankbox-music highly recommends:</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fabulous</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jess King</b></span> will perform at Webster Hall in NYC on Thursday, January 3, 2013: starting around 9pm. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Featuring: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gerry Sung on cello.<br />Andra Voldins Dix on viola.<br />Rohin Khemani on drums.<br /><br /><br />Get your tickets NOW:<br /><a href="http://tickets.thestudioatwebsterhall.com/">http://tickets.thestudioatwebsterhall.com/</a><br /><br />This dreamy event will be presented by Big Mountain Entertainment.</span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-21583116058780416712012-11-12T02:00:00.004-08:002012-11-12T02:00:48.382-08:00<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrtmjHp8C5yiv74v5qbSHlADMXvR4DF5Exs8cAq38yiqBTNc3H3vSDjwkBOq6j4doi2FbptQ_JSRD45mbF5IbUjA9FOOnqyHe0_athZnC01ZlP56xSY0ZkToZBF52wK1fJu4MN1DuKPI/s1600/ZA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrtmjHp8C5yiv74v5qbSHlADMXvR4DF5Exs8cAq38yiqBTNc3H3vSDjwkBOq6j4doi2FbptQ_JSRD45mbF5IbUjA9FOOnqyHe0_athZnC01ZlP56xSY0ZkToZBF52wK1fJu4MN1DuKPI/s320/ZA2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Zoe Ann</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Zoe Ann</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Zoe is an exceptional singer/songwriter from Dallas and she has been reigning the Indie charts for a certain time, but wait...there is more to tell - her musical journey will undauntedly follow the next higher level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Please tell us</b> somewhat about your latest and bombastic release " Better Than Revenge"? </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>My latest single 'Better Than Revenge' and my just released EP 'Zoe Ann' were very important for me to write. I wrote those songs while recovering from a very difficult year. I was going through some really tough things, and it came out in my writing. The music on this EP comes from the heart. And I love performing it, and sharing my thoughts with my audience. </i><br /><br /><b>According to your</b> current schedule, you have some gigs in Texas. What venues will you hit in the near future? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a name='more'></a><i>I've gotten to play some amazing places so far. Coming up this month in Dallas, Tx I will be playing The Curtain Club and The Hard Rock Cafe. We are setting a date in Jan for a show back at House of Blues in Dallas, too. </i><br /><br />What do you need for a perfect gig that dears your heart?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Honestly, it wouldn't matter where it was, but my biggest dream is to see a huge crowd of people, singing along to my lyrics, having the time of their lives at my concert. To me, that is a massive accomplishment. </i><br /><br /><b>How would you</b> see yourself within the music industry? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>I see myself as an artist who can relate. I write my songs from my personal experiences, they all come from me. I hope that my songs can be a help to people going through similar things. I want to be someone that people can look up to. An artist that is honest, and works hard to accomplish what she has. </i><br /><br /><b>What are your</b> plans for 2013? Tours, releases, etc.?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>We are currently planning my first actual TOUR for 2013! I am beyond excited. I'll be posting the dates and venues as soon as I get them set in stone. So everyone keep up with my sites for updates. My show dates are always linked on my website. <a href="http://www.zoeannmusic.com/">www.ZoeAnnMusic.com</a> </i><br /><br /><br /><b>What do you</b> believe your fans love most about your music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>That I write my music. That I write from a relatable point of view. That I don't just stand there at the mic, I play guitar, keyboards and ROCKOUT with my audience!</i><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> favorite song you have performed so far? Can you tell us why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>So far my favorite song that I've written is off my newest album "Zoe Ann". The song is called "Wake Me Up". I wrote it at my lowest point, and I love playing the piano and singing it live. Our set is so upbeat and rocked out, which I love. But this song gives the audience a chance to see me the way I started. At my piano, singing my heart out! </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>You can find my music on my sites linked here <a href="http://www.zoeannmusic.com/">www.ZoeAnnMusic.com</a>. You can purchase my music on Amazon and iTunes under Zoe Ann and also at <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/zoeann">www.ReverbNation.com/zoeann</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Zoe. </span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-66681215059753507552012-11-09T03:28:00.000-08:002012-11-09T03:34:52.148-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jordan Corey</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jordan Corey</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jordan got what it takes. She delivers the finest Indie/Soul/rock tunes in town!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please learn more about her outstanding music:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is your</b> current project for the upcoming months?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>In the upcoming months I am gigging like a madwoman. Playing all around LA & the Southern California area rockin out & promoting my album, "<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/do-me-wrong-ep/id505181361">Do Me Wrong</a>". I also JUST (literally just) got out of the studio cutting my second EP, which I am incredibly excited about! </i><br /><br /><b>How would you</b> describe your style? What are the key elements for your music?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>If I had to put my music into a genre it'd have to be something like indie/rock/soul. My style. Now thats a tougher one. I would say my style is to deliver honest music in a badass take-no-prisoners kind of way. Is that considered a style? haha The key elements for my music would first and foremost be the content - what is being said in these songs - lyrics are incredibly important to me. I really like to take my time crafting them. From there, its creating an arrangement that is just as powerful as the words being said. I want my music to have a heartbeat, I want people to be able to hear the sweat. So for my record, a key element was having real people come and play real instruments. If you hear a B3, its a B3. The wonky mellotron sound is actually a mellotron and so on. I love the imperfection in music because that, in itself, becomes something perfect. Here is a link to my EPK as well :) <a href="http://youtu.be/IvnFcwIOrfU">"Making Of 'Do Me Wrong' "</a></i><br /><br /><b>How did all</b> start? What will be your plan for 2013?<br /><br /><i>It all started when I was 14 and started writing music, but it wasn't until I was 18 that I chose to make this my career and pursue it with everything I had. My plan for 2013 is to keep playing, keep writing, keep grinding, and to release my second EP :) </i><br /><br /><b>Can you tell</b> us the story, the making of, behind your song "Heart of Stone"?<br /><br /><i>Dan Dixon and I co-wrote this song together. So "Heart of Stone" started as a dope midi-instrumental with some drone-y "heyheyhey" parts (which are now coincidentally the chorus of the song) that Dan sent over. Once I heard it, I fell in love & the rest was history. "Heart of Stone" was actually the first song we wrote together and the first official song that we put on the record. At the time when I was writing this I had been seeing someone for quite a while, but for some reason I was growing gradually unhappy in the relationship. So "Do Me Wrong", and this song in particular, stemmed from those feelings - the journey of a relationship that was not meant to be. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What are your</b> today's challenges in the music world? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I would say the entirety of the music industry is a challenge. As we are witnessing today, the "old model" that the music industry has been functioning on since day 1 is collapsing. Social media and the power of the internet have turned the industry on its head. While the power of the internet has made it easier for artists to create & market their music more freely without the restrictions or necessity of a label, it has become independent artists' greatest challenge. There is SO much music out there and it is the artists' job to get through the clutter and get their music to audiences across the web. By far the biggest challenge in the industry is spreading artist awareness and getting your music on the national/global stage. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><b>What do you </b>believe your fans love most about your music? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>That is tough to say because music is interpreted differently through every individual. However, based on the feedback I have gotten, fans love the attitude, the production, and the authenticity of my music the most. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><b>Do you have </b>a specific music artist you like to collaborate with? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I love collaborations - two heads are always better then one. As far as artist collaborations go, I can't say I have one specific artist in mind. I find that the best music comes from the most honest and random of places. From the Stevie Nicks' to the unknown independent artists - I'd consider them all :) </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music? </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can purchase my music on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/do-me-wrong-ep/id505181361" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">iTunes</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as well as </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B0034XTOMA?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Jordan%20Corey&index=digital-music&search-type=ss" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">amazon</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I also have a handy button on my </span><a href="http://www.jordancorey.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that allows you to purchase the record straight through my site! And of course you can listen on </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/jordancoreytruth" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as well as my </span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/jordancorey" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">soundcloud</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Otherwise you can stream my music on my </span><a href="http://www.pandora.com/jordan-corey/do-me-wrong/good-love" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pandora</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> station and/or </span><a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/7fVAMCPyWtZf1yx92YTBmJ" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spotify</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - there are also a slew of other streaming sites such as </span><a href="http://www.earbits.com/play#station/rock" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">earbits.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that are playing my music. The record is a google search away haha! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Jordan. </span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-32105687497467601382012-10-31T09:00:00.002-07:002012-10-31T09:04:03.790-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Val Halla</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Story and interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Val Halla</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Val conquered the musical territory from her hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of 17, Val’s determination led her to Vancouver, British Columbia. For this time period, she was in hot pursuit of getting her music next level. Val’s incredible talent was printed in several well known music magazines. Endorsed by hard-hitting, high-velocity success, she continued her way and opted to return to Regina – where she started touring all over Canada and the United States.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />Val is that kind of a musician who actually lives, in that case, her latest release ‘No Place’ – she is constantly on the road or being on stage – for her fans and for her music. Val is an authentic and frisky young lady with a passionate thrill to perform her music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She embodies two genres: Grunge and Country. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Her style may invented the new vernacular</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a la “<em>Gruntry</em>”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Val had some time for an interview for crankbox-music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your guitar teacher</b> had a huge impact regarding your musical skills. How was it, back in the days, when you were taught to play guitar?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i> Well, I only ever had 2 guitar teachers. The first one was for maybe only a year, but I started with learning a lot of 90's grunge music. A lot of it was just straight power chords so it was great for a beginner because once you learn the power chord shape, you are off and running on a whole lot of songs, and that keeps it pretty exciting when you are just starting out. My second year in of taking lessons, I started taking from a guy who introduced me to the blues. I still don't have a great grasp on theory and scales and the like, but I am still actively trying to work on that, improve, and constantly learn more. It wasn't so much that my teacher gave me any kind of in depth blues exposure, but rather, it was just enough to start the wheels in motion. He wrote out a Stevie Ray Vaughn song for me to learn, a Jimi Hendrix song, and a bunch of random blues licks to try out and get a feel for it. I don't consider myself a "blues guitar player" per say, but I'm probably one of the biggest blues fans you will meet, so obviously there is no escaping that in the music that I write. My goal is to one day be a great blues guitar player, even if I don't get there until I'm 60.</i></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; line-height: 115%;">What is your</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> current
project?<br />
<br />
<i>I'm currently working on my next group of recordings. I came off the road
last November, after two years straight of touring, and had to rest myself back
to health after catching pneumonia in October and trying to keep touring
despite being ill. At the advice of those closest to me, I decided to cancel
the final two weeks of the tour and finally get healthy again. Two years
straight of touring can leave your body, mind, and soul in quite a bit of
disarray. I've got somewhere between 30 to 40 songs now that I have written in
the last 10 months, and I've just finished doing demo recordings of them all.
Next step is to find the right producer/engineer and musicians to work with for
another recording. I may end up releasing two separate albums, I may end up
releasing a bunch of consecutive EPs. How they are delivered is not the number
one priority for me right now. I just want to get the songs down, with great
performances, and great energy, and then let the songs themselves dictate the
work flow after that. Nothing is more important than the songs themselves, and
I hope that I'll be releasing them to the public in early 2013.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">How was your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">time in Nashville,
TN? What did you learn from there?<br />
<br />
<i>Nashville is a great city, with a great energy. There's musicians
everywhere, and the focus of so many like minded people in one place, really
worked as a positive for me to keep me inspired and motivated, and work really
really hard. Even though a lot of people say Nashville can be a bit of an
"old boys club", i think there are a lot of things changing
EVERYWHERE in the music industry right now, and it is even starting to change
things up in Music City. The most successful artists these days are the wild cards.
There are so many girls who would love to be the next Carrie Underwood, but the
world doesn't need another Carrie when we've already got her and she's still
doing a great job singing and belting out the hits. Its the people who go into
Nashville with their very own vision, and pursue that, whom often times come
out ahead. At the end of the day, talent, hard work, character, and street
sense are going to rule out over everything... but even with all those things
you also just need a little bit of luck on your side.</i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">I'll never forget the 3 years I had calling
Nashville home, because for me it symbolized a time in my life where it went
from music being a dream I've always had since I was little, to becoming daily
life and a reality. I'm sure it would be fantastic to one day have a number one
hit, or an internet break through, or some kind of moment when suddenly more
and more people are finding out about, listening to, and enjoying my music. But
what I've learned in the last few years is that, even if that moment never
comes for me, I'm enjoying the journey itself so much, I don't really have time
to stop and be disappointed that I haven't arrived at the conclusion yet. As
far as I'm concerned, if the pursuit never ends, that's just fine with me!</span></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QZL2F4NJBO46aaUicakuaLj1t1jp5TBcxWfwvQ3s1rh3qqHf0mTs6-ipsoztW-jSA8EkjCGj9jdykiwCHjwWPKhqOl2BFhcW_EVvpj4Iqb_KdXO-HAg3R51PyizuP0Qhyphenhyphen1SXprd9iB4/s1600/ValHalla5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QZL2F4NJBO46aaUicakuaLj1t1jp5TBcxWfwvQ3s1rh3qqHf0mTs6-ipsoztW-jSA8EkjCGj9jdykiwCHjwWPKhqOl2BFhcW_EVvpj4Iqb_KdXO-HAg3R51PyizuP0Qhyphenhyphen1SXprd9iB4/s320/ValHalla5.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">It seems you</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">are a tough lady.
There is no chance to classify your music into a certain genre. Please tell us
what are the ingredients to create your lyrics/melodies – the Val Halla-factor?<br />
<br />
<i>I try to just be honest and write from heart. That's the reason I started
writing songs in the first place, was to express myself and what I couldn't
always just SAY to another person, or even SAY to myself. There are things I've
acknowledged in songs, that I'd probably still be in denial about if another
person was to ask me to discuss it in regular everyday speech. So I know that
at least my take on things, or the way I might write my verses and lyrics will
probably stand unique because it is from my own perspective as a singular human
being. It sounds really obvious, but yet look at how many Top 40 songs all seem
to sound like each other, or sound redundant or flat. As easy as you would
think it would be to tell people they truly do have something unique to offer
through honesty, so many people still choose to copy, imitate, lie, mask,
embellish, and pose when it comes to their music.</i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%;">I don't know that there is an easy answer to the
genre question for me, but I don't want to be that person saying "well you
can't define me, because i'm not like anyone else, because I do something
unlike anyone ever has done before". I mean, at a really simple level
maybe that's true to some artists, but even though I my write from my UNIQUE
perspective, doesn't mean it is unlike anything ever done before. Influences
come out, the more fanatical you are about your musical heroes, and I think
that is a good thing. I love John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, The
Guess Who, Joni Mitchell, Ted Nugent, Rage Against the Machine, Eric Clapton,
Jimi Hendrix, CCR, and UK rock group Skunk Anansie (just to name a small few).
Though all these artists differ from each other tremendously, I know they all
come through a little bit in the music I make.</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">And that is an important part of my sound. I have loud driving rockers
that are somehow still slightly blues influence, with some country flair and
some soul type feelings in there too. I guess if I need to narrow it down to
try and explain, I'd say I aim and strive for following a path like Neil Young
did. Sometimes you need to turn your amp way up, let a guttural few yelps out,
and show some anger or some angst or some freedom to rock the F out. But
sometimes you need to pull back, sit infront of a fireplace or stare out a
window on a country highway, and sing softly and longingly about regret or love
or something that lies deep in your heart. Before anything, before being a
vocalist, or a guitar player, or a piano player - first and foremost, I consider
myself a songwriter. I can change up the style of a song or the way we deliver
it as a band depending on the vibe of the occasion or specific venue or bill.
What can't be changed is the message or true sentiment behind a song. If you
come and see us live, regardless of whether its a heavy rocking night or just
me with an acoustic guitar, you're going to walk away from the show feeling
like we just sat down and had coffee and gabbed about our lives for a few
hours. You'll know a lot more about who I am by the end of a show, and I
usually come to know a lot more about an audience and other people's lives in
general from performing. Its a back and forth night of sharing and
communicating, and it doesn't matter if the guitars are distorted or not. I'm
sorry to say that, because i LOVE a good rock show, and a good LOUD AND FILTHY
guitar... but when it comes down to it, THAT is not what makes or breaks a good
live show. It just isn't.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Even Led Zeppelin knew that all those years ago. You won't find a top
touring rock act these days that at the height of their careers are just going
to completely change their sound, head off to India for awhile, and come back
and make a great folky acoustic rock album. Everyone is too concerned with
their next paycheck and staying in the limelight at this point, to think to
experiment with the idea of what rock n roll is anymore. One of the greatest
heavy moments in a rock song to me, is in Rage Against the Machine's
"Killing in the Name Of". I feel like the use of profanity in this song
really was relevant and THE ONLY WAY they could have expressed the sentiment of
"I won't do what you tell me". And that's an important message for
all human beings at a certain point in our lives. Whether if its with peer
pressure, or bullying, or constraints put on us by parents, schools, society,
or the government, or whatever. Its a necessary human condition we all at some
point in our lives will find ourselves in. However, even with its heavy
distorted guitars, and high intensity energy, you simply cannot convince me
that it is necessarily a better rock n roll song than Bruce Springsteen's
"Atlantic City". The lyrics of Springsteen's song are equally as
heavy, though a simple acoustic guitar is his instrument to pour his angst
into. That song always spoke to me as a way to get through the dismal and
weighing feeling life can put on us sometimes. "Everything dies baby,
that's a fact". We are all faced with the reality that all we know in this
world so far is life, and though we have no experience of death to rely on, we
all must face it. It can be a disheartening truth to face at times, especially
when we lose someone we love.</span></i><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">But Springsteen puts all the feelings and emotions of that
uncertainty into focusing on the magic life's small things can leave us with
when faced with the unknown. "Put your makeup on and fix your hair up
pretty, and meet me tonight in Atlantic City". We're all trying to find
our way through this life, and yes it sure can get dismal at times, but then
you come to seeing the small joys, while you can, and find the only hope their
may sometimes be in the darkness. As long as you can find that small joy, or
that small hope, you survive. That's rock n roll. So forget genre in reference
to how loud or distorted the guitars are... what is the sentiment? Rock n Roll
is the survival against all odds of those who the world has been less than kind
to. Its resilience, passion, determination, defiance, anger, love, strength,
and its surviving our weakest and most vulnerable moments. Even when I write
country sounding songs, or blues ballads... I believe I'm writing Rock N Roll.
Its a spirit and a way of life, not a genre of music.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
<br />
<b>Imagine you are<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>about to
draw a picture about your songs. How will that picture look like? Vivid colors?
Picturesque sceneries?<br />
<br />
<i>It would be just a split image. On the left would be the famous portrait
"The Scream", on the right would be "The Mona Lisa." That's
the ying and yang of life I think. There is either struggle or the overcoming
of it, or both at the same time, in every one of my songs</i>.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
<b>What can we</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>expect from
you in 2013?<br />
<br />
<i>New music, more touring, and I'm working to raise funds as well as supplies
and resources for a rock school in Kabul, Afghanistan. To see a short video on
what the school is up to and how it is positively effecting the musicians in
Kabul please go here:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cSWR_aSfY"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-cSWR_aSfY</span></a></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
<br />
<i>if anyone would like more information or to help out in some way please
contact me atval@valhallaonline.com<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or
contact the school's founder Robin Ryczek atrobinryczek@hotmail.com</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Val.</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-10121164650210006262012-10-25T10:44:00.000-07:002012-10-25T10:45:31.152-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Carly Jo Jackson</b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Carly Jo Jackson</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>Dedicated to music? The full program? Songs with the whole range of emotions? Your choice should be Carly Jo with her passionate music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Carly Jo tells us about her thoughts behind the songs she composes, she reveals what she likes most when entering the stage, and what destination she opts for time traveling - no worries, there is more to tell. This interview covers it all.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Can you tell us</b> somewhat about your songs "wildflower" and "just another game"?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are stories behind them (composing lyrics, the making of process, etc.)?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<i>The whole creation process of my two songs Just Another Game and Wildflower were so different and as a result they have a completely different feel.<a name='more'></a></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />Just Another Game is about the “beginning of the end” of a long relationship. The boy and I had gone from being so sweet to each other in the beginning to constant fighting. I couldn’t express my feelings to him because it would start another fight so I turned to my “therapy” of putting my thoughts into music. I intentionally used a happier upbeat sound for the guitar to contrast the solemn lyrics in order to reflect the roller coaster feelings I was experiencing at the time. I think it makes the song more bitter-sweet. I wrote the song while in class in high school because I wasn’t able to focus on anything but the troubles with my relationship. It was one of those writing sessions where I had the lyrics completed in one sitting, by the end of the class (apologies to my teacher). Letting it all out at once was key, because the best time to speak your mind in music is at the height of emotion. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Later that day, I quickly put together the guitar accompaniment and by that night, I was singing my new tragic love song. I found that the process of creating, writing, and singing the song helped me gather my thoughts about the situation and gradually get through it. I was in the middle of recording my first CD when I wrote this, and we decided to make room for it on the CD. The recording team added the thunderstorm effects to further capture the feeling of the tumultuous relationship.<br /><br />Wildflower developed much differently and was not as quick of a process. I initially wrote the song on my ukulele during my first semester of college at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. I vividly remember lying on the couch in the study room of my dorm strumming my uke until I hit chords that struck me emotionally…it sounds corny, but the music was what started the process of writing the song. It was a minor chord that really spoke for the way I was feeling at the time. I had been going through a lot of emotional stress being away from home at college for the first time, dealing with a long distance relationship, working on developing new friendships, feeling like I didn’t fit in and all the while time flying by so quickly that it made me doubt and question who I really am and where I was going. It’s challenging being misunderstood, so I came up with the thought of being a wildflower to represent being different from everyone else. A wildflower isn’t a perfect rose, but it is still a unique and beautiful representation of life. With this, I began to sing the first line or two of the song off the top of my head, then took the songwriting to my dorm room to complete. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It took more than a day, but by my next live performance I was belting out my new song about my new look on life. Towards the end of that first year in college, I had the great fortune to get the opportunity to provide vocals on a demo project being developed by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional. Since I helped him with the female vocal parts for 2 of his songs, he returned the favor by helping me rework Wildflower and record it on guitar instead of the ukulele. We went through several of my new songs but he chose Wildflower because he was drawn to the lyrics. I worked with him and his recording team of Jonathan Clark and Benjamin Homola over the course of three full days to get the song right. The song was changed from my original ukulele tune but for the better, and it still holds true to my feelings of coping with my feelings of being an outcast and different from everyone else. I intended this song to not only speak for me, but to speak for all people who struggle in accepting their own uniqueness and the power it holds. I hope I am speaking for all of the wildflowers out there.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Speaking of your</b> songs. What is your favorite? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It is such a hard decision to say what song is my favorite! It is hard to choose because I wrote each at such a different time in my life and with different emotions. They all evoke different memories. However, if I have to choose, I would pick my newest jam The Blues. I like it because it is more upbeat and it is something I can’t possibly sing sitting still. It is about dealing with bad news in a positive way. It’s also my favorite because I have been striving to find my unique voice and sound and I believe this song is more reflective of the direction I am going with my music. I do a lot of inflections in my voice which makes it a lot of fun to perform. I’m always writing new songs so I am sure that my favorite will always be changing but for now I can’t wait to be able to record The Blues soon and share it with my fans!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do you</b> like most when you enter the stage?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Greeting the audience is my favorite part upon entering the stage. You can really gauge an audience in that first moment and seeing the magic of music drawing their attention to me and my songs is just the greatest feeling. It’s almost indescribable. Entertaining an audience is what I live for – the live performance -- so being able to see and greet them, make them smile, and earn their attention is a satisfying accomplishment. No matter where or when, seeing the audience makes it all worth it.</i><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How do you</b> see your future? More gigs, tours, etc.?</span></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I try to keep a positive outlook on my future and keep my focus on always improving, always taking things another step towards achieving my goal of making it to the top. In the near future I would like to start working with a band to back me up and to complete my first tour, hopefully a college tour; I feel my biggest fan base is my group of peers so I would like to start there. In the more distant future, I hope to see my name in lights. Making it as a performer has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I feel like I also owe it to my family who has loved and supported me along the way. They have done so much for me, more than anyone could understand, so I need to achieve my dreams because it is also their dream for me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>One of my</b> "picture this" questions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Time traveling is available for you. What is your destination? Who do we meet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If time travel were available, I would go back in time to two different places. One to meet the Beatles at their height and do a songwriting session and a gig with them and the other would be to myself when I was 10 years old. When I was 10, I would literally cry about my desire to be a singer. I wanted to be a successful artist so badly, that it would stress me out worrying about whether I would achieve my dreams or not. I would love to go back in time to myself at this age to calm myself down and tell myself that I will get so much done. I will write so many songs, learn to play many instruments, and make my family and audiences very happy. I still have so much farther to go, but at least I could assure my younger self that the dreams are within reach.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Please complete:</b></span></div>
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<b><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" /></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My lyrics are ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My upcoming songs will be ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My fans are ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My lyrics are… figuratively a look into my diary, except I don’t keep a diary anymore, I just write songs on any loose piece of paper I can find. They are all an emotional outpouring, capturing moments in time and lessons learned in my life. They are real, personal, and they are me.<br /><br />My upcoming songs will be… still very personal but with a more defined sound as I continue to grow and find myself as an artist. I am now focusing on what makes my music unique in order to catch the hearts of the world. If I achieve this goal, I believe I can make a name for myself.<br /><br />My fans are... my world. The only way an artist can accomplish anything in the music business is to capture the hearts of their fans. My fans give me confidence as an artist by cheering me on and believing in me and my music, and they can are also the reason for continuous improvements. Without someone to listen, there is no reason for music. They are like an artist’s best friend, the friend who I am sharing my most personal secrets and emotions. I value them so very much for being there for me and believing in me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where do you</b> get your daily inspiration from?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I get my daily inspiration from life and its quirkiness. Life is full of emotions and experiences, giving me so many reasons to write my thoughts. Whether its love, hate, indifference, or curiosity, every feeling has the potential to be embodied in a new song. Look around you, there is so much to sing about.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My music is distributed by CD Baby and is available through all the sites that work with them including I-tunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic, Spotify and dozens more. Just go to those sites and search for me by name or you can find my first CD World At My Feet at<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/carlyjojackson">www.cdbaby.com/carlyjojackson</a> and my single Wildflower at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/carlyjojackson1">www.cdbaby.com/carlyjojackson1</a>. Links to all my websites can be found at <a href="http://www.carlyjojackson.com/">www.carlyjojackson.com</a>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Carly Jo.</span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-89012191597648750512012-10-21T08:03:00.001-07:002012-10-21T08:03:47.745-07:00<span class="hP" id=":t4" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lauren Lucas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/image courtesy of Lauren Lucas</i></span><br />
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<span class="hP" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I noticed Lauren and her exceptional talent on youtube: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXffMexkKA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXffMexkKA</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My short 5-question-interview should provide you all the essential information about her remarkable music. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC3d7jsaVoxHck6FBkg7rX0RL2wKONHPkP0kSb01V1B8s3RqiAdR-wq1B3P7D04WZ34eu19igRPeVrZ8hUdWRGh2v1_jX7NTLaB5ihma_E3cn0Wa-Mffzvpxf4JfXDJTPHbzeASH19oM/s1600/Lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC3d7jsaVoxHck6FBkg7rX0RL2wKONHPkP0kSb01V1B8s3RqiAdR-wq1B3P7D04WZ34eu19igRPeVrZ8hUdWRGh2v1_jX7NTLaB5ihma_E3cn0Wa-Mffzvpxf4JfXDJTPHbzeASH19oM/s320/Lauren.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span class="hP"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What</strong> are you working on right now?<br /><br /><em>At the moment, I am concentrating on writing for other artists and touring to support my latest project, On With the Show. I am a staff writer for a publishing company called Eleven Eleven Music Group, so I feel really lucky to have a day job where I get to write songs.</em><br /><br /> <strong>Your voice</strong> is pretty remarkable. I would say block-busting. How would you define your music? What are the key elements?</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="hP"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /><em>Thank you! My music has evolved over the years from having a country/soul edge to a more pop sound. I was influenced early on by Bonnie Raitt, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Keb Mo, and The Judds. As I've gotten older, I really enjoy listening to other styles of music and have been influenced by bands and artists like Ben Folds Five, John Mayer, Jonatha Brooke, and Sara Bareilles. My voice has a natural low timbre, which I think gives it a distinct sound, and my default button is usually a bluesy, soulful, country sound. But I've had fun over the years experimenting with how to use that sound with different instrumentation and melodies, and not always hitting that same default button.</em><br /><br /><strong>Please</strong> pick one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being on stage...<br />a) is my favorite.<br />b) is cool, because I can be close with my fans. <br />c) is my destiny.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Is my favorite.<br /><br /><strong>Where</strong> will you see yourself in 2013?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I hope to have a few cuts under my belt as a songwriter and a hit on the horizon for a blockbuster act! I'd also like to think about recording a new project for myself in 2013... not really sure what it will be like. I've been writing a ton and I'd like to see what songs rise to the top and then probably choose a music direction. I'm really allowing my songwriting to dictate the musicality of what I'm doing right now.</em> <br /><br /><strong>What</strong> is your favorite song among your own composed ones?<br /><br /><em>Well, it's a running joke in the songwriting community that our favorite song is the one we just finished. As a songwriter, it is hard to choose just one because we tend to hold different songs close to our hearts for different reasons. Among my favorites, I'm really proud of writing "Follow the Leader" with my long time cowriter and friend, Chuck Jones. That song was the inspiration for my latest record and it means a lot to me.</em></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please visit her websites for more information:</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.laurenlucas.com/">www.laurenlucas.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/laurenlucasmusic">www.facebook.com/laurenlucasmusic</a></span></div>
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</span>Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-40168257729856898422012-10-16T10:40:00.001-07:002012-10-16T10:40:59.677-07:00<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Shastina Eloff</b></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interview by Chris Koppers</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please welcome one of Hollywood's shooting stars on crankbox-music - Shastina.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please ensure you get the hottest news on your plate by reading the interview: </span></div>
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<b>"Boy toy" is</b> your first single. Can you tell us somewhat about the making of?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Was it a thrilling moment for you seeing it available for everyone?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>The making of Boy Toy was difficult. This was my very first time being in a studio. I didn’t know the language I didn’t understand the difference between live singing and studio singing. And I didn’t like resigning the same line over and over. I was very frustrated. Studio Timing was difficult for me to pick up on. All in all I was excited when I was done and the song was finished. Then I waited weeks for it to be on iTunes, and then it was…and just like every artist you think BAM its iTunes watch it sell. It was then I realized all the hard work I had in front of me…</i></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> current project?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Currently, I am working on recording my whole album. Not sure how many songs will be on the completed album. I am working with Music Producer Teddy Sandman, he is a very wanted man and does music for a lot of other artists specially bigger artists. He has produced a total of 5 tracks for the album and he may end producing more for the album as it is very difficult finding dependable talented Music Producers. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How is it being</b> a Pop Electronica Dance musician? What do you want to achieve?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>I want to achieve things like most people want to achieve; singing in front of 70,000 fans, touring the world, hearing my music, on the radio, in clubs, on TV. I do want to use my music and grow to the top, but I also want to use my voice for humanitarian purposes. I want to start my own charity that really helps give back to the American people. I want to try and use my voice to bring out the best in people. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your </b>plan for 2014? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>By that time I better have my album finished and I am already working on tour dates for next year…hoping to branch out worldwide. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How did your</b> career start?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>My career started at a very young age… I was a “HAM” as my parents called me, and they got me into Musical Theatre right away…and from there I really took my career in a successful direction.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Editor's note: please find her biography here: </span><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/shastinaeloff"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.reverbnation.com/shastinaeloff</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Who supports you</b> most when it comes to your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>My family and my fans!</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where do you</b> get your inspiration from?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Life - we all have good days and we all have BAD days.</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Do you like to</b> work with someone (music artist) for a stunning release? Who could that be?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Honestly, I would like to work with Justin Bieber. I love his music and think he and his team have really made and great artist out of him. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>I’m worldwide but iTunes is the biggest! </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shastina-eloff/id437470898">http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shastina-eloff/id437470898</a></i></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-26314055912091359222012-10-14T01:54:00.000-07:002012-10-14T01:54:22.899-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Darling Parade</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/image courtesy of Darling Parade</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1TogGyox2Az9XSsuLkAvwRCapy-8SOTuaxHe8Sr2OlY-Sys_V8w9FJIZYIV2-lQh0COZQKbpXywqlzmZOPLjw6DU3-FSdzMTeV8iVksdcOFE1rYLECo-nRLNzpZ7gJV1MT6UKP74Kn4/s1600/Darling+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1TogGyox2Az9XSsuLkAvwRCapy-8SOTuaxHe8Sr2OlY-Sys_V8w9FJIZYIV2-lQh0COZQKbpXywqlzmZOPLjw6DU3-FSdzMTeV8iVksdcOFE1rYLECo-nRLNzpZ7gJV1MT6UKP74Kn4/s400/Darling+Parade.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pop/Rock from Nashville, TN?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A female fronted group with cool sounds? Your quest will end here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Darling Parade got what you need to please your music player and the folks around it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristin of Darling Parade had some moments for us:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Darling Parade, a Rock/Pop band</b> from Nashville, TN. What can I expect from you as soon as I participate one of your gigs? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We always try to mix it up. Sometimes we have funny intros, and we constantly change our set to make it new and different for our fans that come see us every time we play in their city. You can expect that we will rock your face off, too. </i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>How did it al</b>l start? What is your long term goal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Most of us were in different bands before and were always the committed ones. Eventually, we found each other:) we are determined to make music our lifetime career, one way or another. I've never met people more determined than my band mates. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You have released</b> several EP's so far. Can we expect a full length album soon?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Yes! We have been In the studio for 3 months working on our first full length. We will have a release very soon:)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><b>How is it being</b> the front lady of Darling Parade?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's awesome! I always get props for playing guitar. Trying to set the bar for female fronted acts:p </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How is the music</b> world treating you? Can you name us the source where you get your motivation from? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Music is my motivation, but it always helps to remind myself when I have a rough day that it could be much worse. I love hearing success stories from bands that make it far without having a single thing handed to them.Fans are also a huge motivation. It keeps you going when you hear someone tell you that your music has changed their life. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How important is</b> social media for you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's very important. It keeps us connected with our fans!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How do you see</b> your personal future? More gigs? Tours? Even through Europe or Asia?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We would love to tour overseas! I would say for now we want to cover as much ground in the us as possible. We want to tour year round. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Who supported you</b> in the early days of Darling Parade?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Our family and close friends have encouraged us from the start. Without them, it would have been really hard to constantly push forward.</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we </b>find/purchase your music?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You can find our music on iTunes, amazon, or by coming to a show.</i></span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-30939576522457099342012-10-12T04:39:00.000-07:002012-10-12T04:43:01.947-07:00<h4>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Kristy Lynn</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Kristy Lynn</i><br /><br />Determined to make her dreams come true, Kristy simply converts her dreams into reality. The physical outcome is "Dream" - a dreamy album.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please learn more about her mission, her first music video, and what might happen in 2015 with her: </span><strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you tell us somewhat about your recent release 'Dream'? How much fun was involved?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The recent "Dream" Album was a demo CD made in Nashville TN at Omnisound studio in the year 2009, My most recent is a single that my mom and I wrote about my. Uncle Doug he is an amazing man who survived a 18 wheeler wreck . He lost his eyes and 1 leg also hearing in 1 ear . This is a man I look up to he is a star in my eyes.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>He is the reason I started learning to play the guitar he has played his whole life and he still plays today . This song was written with our heart. Amazing was recorded at sound Emporium & vocals at Omnisound studios both in Nashville, TN.</em><br /><br />“<strong>If</strong> People Never Dreamed” is the title for your first music video. How was the 'making of' process? Did you enjoy it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The video If people never dreamed was so fun to do . "Glenn Switzner" was amazing he produced ,directed and set up everything he help make the song come to life.If people never dreamed is a song that jumped out at me it speaks to my heart .I wanted to do a video on this song because of the meaning behind the words . Sometime all we can do is dream that's what keeps us keeping on . I've never done anything like that before it was a true adventure. My little niece Ariania was great in the video I wanted her to be in it because she is a little doll and she helped mad the video come to life.</em><br /><br /><strong>Who</strong> is your most supportive person when it comes to music-related matters?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /><em> I would have to say my Mom she has been there from the start telling me that one day the world will see you shine the way that I see you shine.<br /> My mom and Dad have always said your a star in the making but you will always be our star. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><br />My mom wrote me a little note one morning and she said this " I don't need to go outside to see the stars at night all I have to do is look at you that has stuck in my head and always will. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><br />I have some of the greatest fans ever they always pick me up when I am sad and always say the sweetest things to me some have sent me gifts and have drew pictures of me and have made me beautiful things I love all my fans I thank God for each one of them.</em><br /><br /><strong>Where</strong> will you see yourself in 2015?<br />
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<em>Wow, I will be 28 years old then, I would like to see myself to have a whole album finished with songs that my mom and I have wrote. I hope my band and I are out traveling around singing . I would love to get a record deal but I don't know what road God will lead me, but I know it will be the best for me God never leads us wrong .</em><br /><br /><strong>Please</strong> pick one and tell us why.<br />Performing my music is...<br />a) the final step after hard working. <br />b) my "thank you" to all my fans.<br />c) never-ending fun. <br />
<br /><em>b) I say that because where would I be without my fans ? They are the ones who stands beside me and helps me to get my music out there on facebook and myspace they share my music with there friends and help spread the word about my music I have a lot of great support from my fans and family I am a lucky girl to have that kind of support.</em><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Please pick one </b>and tell us why.<br />My fans...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />a) get what they deserve: my finest music.<br />b) are like my family.<br />c) should come to my gigs and I can tell them "thank you".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>b) My fans are like my family because they are always there to pick me up when I am down and sad . I really get to know them through facebook and myspace. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>What is your</b> favorite song?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I really don't have a favorite song there is so many great ones out there. </i><br /> <br /><b>Where do you</b> get your inspiration from?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I would have to say God first then from a lot of different singers , fans, & family they all keep me going strong.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kristy, thank you for taking your time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get more of her music here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.myspace.com/brushgirlkristy</span></div>
Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-42840457342350021272012-10-11T05:55:00.001-07:002012-10-11T05:58:33.721-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mila Falls</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Mila Falls</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />Mila comes up with some fresh air for the music industry. She was the one who supported Ringo Starr and his tour. She is the one who is ready to be the first musician performing on the moon. Please welcome Mila on crankbox-music and please learn more about the phenomenal Mila:<br /><br /><b>What is it</b> that you are working on right now? Please tell us something about the essentials of your debut album. What can we expect?<br /><br /><i>The album is going to be MAGIC! The album takes you on journey through POP, from dance floor hits to pop-stompers. The producers I’ve worked with on the project have previously worked alongside some pop legends including Tinie Tempah, Britney Spears and Outkast! As an aside (just so you know) all the producers on the album have earned themselves Grammies for their previous work...here’s hoping ;)!</i></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How was it</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to be the support for Ringo Starr's UK tour back in 2011? How much fun was involved? Would you love to be his support again?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Ringo Starr tour was incredible. On the way home from one of the shows I played a gig in the middle of the night on the motorway (as in the middle lane with a Polish lorry driver lighting up the "stage" with his full beam!). A show I’ll never forget. You can watch it here:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/milafalls">www.youtube.com/milafalls</a>. It was an honour to support a Beatle and was totally awesome to have a chinwag with him!</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What are your </b>key essentials when it comes to your lyrics? How would you describe your "Mila Falls" brand?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />What makes me stand out from the rest is my lyrical content about Robots and spaceships. My lyrics are inspired by TV shows like Button Moon and Red Dwarf. My first single “PARTY IN THE STARS” tells the tale of me traveling about in a rocket “coz we’ve partied out this planet”. I don’t know about you but have you ever heard a song with the lyric “ALIEN HOE-DOWN”?</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Please complete:</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />My music is ... <i>BIG and FLASHY</i><br /><br />I have no time for ... <i>slackers and mini moaners!</i><br /><br />My fans are ... t<i>he best in the world! GO #MILABOTSJ</i><br /><br />I would love to ... <i>fly to the moon one day</i><br /><br />Being on stage is like ... <i>totally awesome, it means I can wear a bright pink lyrca jumpsuit and a glow in the dark headpiece and not get locked up!!</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where will you</b> see yourself in 2014?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>In 2014 I’d hope to be making album number 2 and playing lots of electrifying shows!</i><br /><br /><b>How important is</b> your fanbase? Do you have time to meet your fans on a regular basis?<br /><br /><i>Without people enjoying what you’re doing, you have nothing! I am a chatterbox so I always talk to everyone at my shows.</i><br /><br /><b>How is it being</b> a British female Pop musician? How does an ordinary day of your life look like?<br /><br /><i>It is awesome how the UK fully embraces Pop Music. A day in the life of Mila Falls involves song writing, band rehearsals and live shows… oooo and designing stage outfits, I’m having some custom-made Mila Falls jackets created at the moment! Very exciting…!</i><br /><br /><b>Can you reveal</b> us the sweetest moments of your career?<br /><br /><i>I shot my debut music video a couple weeks ago. That was SERIOUSLY one of the best weeks of my life. A 48-man crew (who were super amazing) built my space rocket and life-sized moon set, designed space alien costumes and we made something super magical. I can’t WAIT to show everyone!</i><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> main motivation to move on?<br /><br /><i>I always say that you don’t choose music, it chooses you. I’m simply addicted to music !</i><br /><br /><b>Where can we </b>find/purchase your music?<br /><br /><i>We are releasing a free text download next month. (Follow me on twitter @milafalls or <a href="http://facebook.com/milafalls">facebook.com/milafalls</a> for the link)<br /><br />My debut single and album will be out late this year / early 2013. In the meantime I’m playing lots of live shows around the UK. Check out teasers of the album on <a href="http://youtube.com/milafalls">youtube.com/milafalls</a> and live dates at <a href="http://milafalls.com/live">milafalls.com/live</a>.<br /><br />Also, I will be having a VIP screening for my first music video soon. We are running a competition for free tickets so check the Mila Falls facebook and twitter for updates. It will be super spacey!<br /><br />Find me online at:<br /><br />www.milafalls.com</i></span>Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-77800298624885806892012-10-08T03:37:00.001-07:002012-10-08T03:39:09.571-07:00<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Renée Wahl - Wild Living</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Renée follows an unconventional and powerful path of Alternative Country/Roots music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Renée shared some of her thoughts with crankbox-music:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>You are currently working</b> on your latest and greatest album "Wild Living" and we would like to learn more about it. Are you able to tell us about the songs, the making of process, and your personal impressions?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why did you name your upcoming album Wild Living?</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>The album is named for the title track of which the working title was 'Wild Living (South Street Story)'. It’s a snapshot of a time in my life when I lived in Philadelphia, PA and it felt right for that to be the subject of the album. Plus, the artist who created the artwork for 'Cumberland Moonshine' (Jenni Hecker) agreed to do the artwork for this album as well, so we thought she could come up with a great piece of art to represent it. It’s not complete yet, so I can’t give you any insight into that. But she’s such an amazing artist that I’m sure it will be beautiful! <br /><br />It’s still very early in the process and I’m still deciding on which songs will make it, but I’m very excited about the songs we’ve chosen already. Since this is my second project, I feel much more comfortable and better prepared. 'Cumberland Moonshine' was a self-released debut and there was a lot of learning as I went through that process so I’m even more excited about working on 'Wild Living'!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>For my readers</b>, who have not had the opportunity to listen to your recent album "Cumberland Moonshine" - What can they expect from the album as soon as they hit the play button? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How much fun was involved for composing Cumberland Moonshine? <br /><br /><i>Romance, murder, and sinister southern humor! The music fits into the Americana genre and the songs and production pull from country, rock, and blues. They can also expect to hear some of the best musicians from Fats Kaplin to Kenny Vaughan to Bryan Owings.<br /><br />This was my first full album so it was a new experience to have an actual project in mind when writing and choosing songs. I had a blast working with the musicians and being exposed to the whole process.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You were featured at</b> the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN - Can you tell us something about it? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>For those who aren’t familiar with The Bluebird Cafe, it’s a legendary listening room. It has such a great history of having major artists and songwriters, such as Garth Brooks, play there before they were signed to record deals. It’s also been featured in the River Phoenix movie, “The Thing Called Love” (and I’ve got some inside information that it plays a role in the upcoming television series “Nashville”).<br /><br />Needless to say, a lot of songwriters from all over the world want to play there and the audition process is tough. They hold auditions 4 times a year and less than 10 percent of those who audition move forward. Then you can expect to spend about a year playing the Sunday Writer’s Nights before you have an opportunity to play your own show. So, when I got the chance to play the Sunday Spotlight (an infrequent opportunity to play with a full band versus with 3 other songwriters) I was excited! It was also a bit intimidating knowing that people come there because it is an institution and they want to really listen to the music. Plus, people line up for hours before the doors open just to get a seat…no pressure! People can check out the video of it up on Youtube. www.Youtube.com/reneewahlmusic</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>No doubt, your music is</b> powerful and stunning and there is no wonder that your songs are aired in European countries. Do you plan a tour through Europe? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Thank you so much! I don’t currently have a tour planned in Europe, but am working on a tour for next year in 2013. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How would you</b> define success? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Success for me is being able to write and play music that affects someone on a personal level, and for them to be entertained when seeing a live performance. I think the best part of what I do is when I see someone singing along to one of my songs and having that connection with them. (And the ability to keep my dogs and cats surrounded with toys…they’ve been fighting for my undivided attention since I started this interview!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Please pick one</b> and tell us why.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I would love to perform my music ...</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a) in Germany. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">b) on the International Space Station</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">c) for a non-profit organisation that helps to fight cancer</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>How about "in Germany for a non-profit organization that helps fight cancer"? I’d love to play in Germany since some of my family came to the US from Germany (in addition to Ireland and Italy). But I’d also love having the opportunity to help a non-profit that researches cures for cancer as well as to help emotionally and financially support the patient and family.</i><br /><br /><i>I conveniently left out the ISS since I have a feeling that, while I would love the experience to be in space and on the station, I may be too sick the whole time from the trip. Maybe when human teleportation becomes a reality...!</i><br /><br /><b>Where will you </b>see yourself in 2014?<br /><br /><i>In Europe, of course! By then, I see myself on a regular touring schedule in the United States and in the process of writing for the third album…maybe even on a tour with a great music artist or band.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Do you have</b> a specific music artist in mind you would like to work with? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Chris Isaak. He is the one artist that I’d say I look to the most as the model for my own career. I would like to collaborate with him on a project or work with him on tour. I would also love to work with Cyndi Lauper. She’s such an amazing artist!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do you</b> miss in today's music industry? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Originality and experimentation. It still exists, I just don’t think the artists and musicians that are creating some of the best music get the exposure they could or should have because they don’t fit into the right box. And I know that’s not nearly the case outside the US as it is inside. But that’s why I love groups like the Americana Music Association. They work tirelessly to create more awareness of the type of music that wouldn’t stand a chance of making it to major radio stations in the US.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>People can connect with me via the links to all my social sites (facebook, twitter, Reverbnation) on my website at www.ReneeWahl.com <br /><br />My music is sold directly through my website as well as through Amazon, itunes, and CDBaby.</i></span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-61236829895851470922012-10-06T09:42:00.000-07:002012-10-06T09:42:59.452-07:00<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jasmine Cain - "Modern Day Gypsy" out now!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jasmine Cain</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jasmine is a true talent, but moreover, she got the "never stop" attitude. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She provides "Rock 'n' Roll for the gypsy soul" on the highest level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Learn more about her style, her outstanding music, and her mission: </span></div>
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<br /><b>So far, you have released</b> three albums. Is there a particular album you love most?<br />What can we expect in the near future?<br /></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Actually, we just released our 4th album "Modern Day Gypsy". It's all acoustic and really showcases the real talent of the band, vocally and instrumentally. It was released in August of this year. But my favorite album is really hard to define. It really depends on my mood. When I feel like the odds are against me, I put in "The Inside" because it was my first album and I was really angry and motivated during that time. It fuels my fire. When I'm reflecting and in somewhat of a dark mood, I put in "Locks & Keys" because those songs are real and I was hurting when I wrote them. It's like having a close friend that can relate to you. "Highway Prophet" is the best when it's time to hit the road because it's a true rock album. It gets the blood pumping and the energy is high. You feel like you can accomplish anything. I listed to "Modern Day Gypsy" on Sundays after the rush of the weekend to be calm and enjoy the day. My mood can change quickly, and so does my CD choice. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You are a stunning</b> lady on solid ground. How would you describe your success?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How was it in the early days? <br /><br /><i>Thank you very much! I would describe my success as hard earned. Nothing was handed to me. I worked my ass off to get to where I am. Countless hours of working and worrying brought me to where I am today. It was calculated and spontaneous all at the same time. We took chances and risks when we felt like we had a chance of making it. They were somewhat calculated decisions, but a total shot in the dark all at the same time. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br />The early days seem impossible. I'm not sure how we survived. We were starving to death. I think I was like 83 pounds and you could see every bone in my body protruding from my flesh. My family would cry when they saw me. Everyone was against us and spent a great deal of time trying to ruin any chances of success we might have coming our way. Just when it would seem like we would catch a break, the rug would get yanked out from under us. It was exhausting and frustrating and I cried alot. We would leave town and perform 5-6 nights a week on the road for 4 hour long bar shows and visit our house like once every 5 or 6 months. We didn't bother buying furniture because we were never here to enjoy it anyway. We slept in the truck a good bit of the time and occasionally we would camp out so it felt like we were on vacation. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I miss those days to some extent because we were more like a family. It really was a matter of survival and we knew we couldn't do it alone. We needed each other and we treated each other with respect. The guys in the band then (Rikk Legions & Brian Hobaugh) really had a lot of respect for me. I never heard them say a bad word about me and if anyone else ever did, they were quick to step in. It was the first time in my life that I felt like somebody had my back.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is your</b> latest project? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>"Modern Day Gypsy" is our latest album. It is a collection of songs that include a few of the more popular cuts from previous albums like "Help Me" and "Sweet Euphoria" but also has several new songs like "The Kiss" and "Hole" just to name a few. After many years of performing "Bobby McGee" at the end of every show, I finally decided to include it on the album as well. We recorded that live at Ohio Bike Week with 40,000 people singing along. It was really magical. <br /><br />We have a new music video for "Highway Prophet" which you can see on YouTube. We have had somewhere around 15,500 view since we released it in March and we feel really good about that. <br /><br />We actually cut a new video for an older song "Fade" this year as well as a tribute to the men and women who defend our freedom. We are still in the editing process with that because we have to make sure it's absolutely perfect. I expect to have it finished by the 1st of the year. Maybe a New Year's Eve present. </i><br /><br /><i>This winter I will be taking on the biggest undertaking ever by building a stage and putting together a 100% all original Jasmine Cain show with HUGE production. It will include video, special effects lighting, circus performers, a full symphony, a choir, and a unique acoustic section that will showcase our new album somewhat. There is so much to plan for something like this and I'm completely overwhelmed by it, but I can't rest until it's finished. It will be recorded by multiple cameras and we will be releasing it on DVD next year complete with all of our music videos, video skits, and footage from live shows across the country and interviews with the band. The best stuff is always the backstage footage and video of us on the road. Hilarious. I know everyone is gonna love it. The band has always been filled with characters who were wildly entertaining. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do you believe</b> what your fans love most when it comes to your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>It's real. They can relate because it's real. The lyrics, the music, the performance, the emotion....it's all real and they feel it. I think they love the high energy of the show and the fact that it's (literally) hand-on. We need them to make the show great. I mean, if I climb 25 feet in the air and jump off a speaker stack into the crowd and nobody catches me, then we have a problem. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where will you see</b> yourself in 2014?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>I know we're supposed to have a roadmap of this stuff, but I take it one day at a time. I would love to be on a national tour. I would love to have excellent management. I would absolutely love to have a bus and driver so I didn't have to do it all, but I'm capable and willing and I'll do it if I have to. I think our songs are every bit as good as anything you hear on rock radio and adult contemporary. I think we can stand on a stage with the best of them and hold our own. And until the right people come along, I supposed that's just what we'll do. </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What are your requirements for successful songwriting?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Honesty, sincerity, and emotion. It doesn't matter how complicated the guitar riff is or how badass the drums are (although that helps). When you break it down to just one instrument and a voice, does the song hold up? Ask yourself that question. And if the question is yes, then you've got something. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Can you name us</b> some of your sweetest moments of your career? What happened?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>In 2009, there was an awards show here in Nashville called Just Plain Folks. They receive over half a million submissions of albums all over the world and hold an awards banquet to honor the best. Performers fly in from all over the world. We were touring promoting our "Locks & Keys" album and we won 6 awards that night including "Song of the Year" and "Female Artist of the Year". Songwriters who had written hit songs for some of the greatest artists in music were shaking my hand and complimenting me on a great album. That was amazing. <br /><br />In 2005 we opened up for Rob Zombie (by accident). The metal band that was supposed to be there didn't show so they took us off the stage we were performing on and put us up in from of Rob Zombie. I am a huge fan of his, but I knew our band was nowhere near metal. At that time we couldn't even be convincing. John 5 was watching from side stage and Zakk Wylde was there. The crowd wasn't responsive at all. We pulled out the hardest stuff we knew. One guy was standing in the front heckling me about how girls don't belong in metal. I knew I had to do something so I threw my guitar down and took a running jump off the stage and nailed that guy in the face. Security pulled me over the fence and I left the stage. John 5 and Zakk Wylde said that was the coolest thing they'd seen. That was awesome. <br /><br />In 2010 we opened for Heart. I have always been amazed by those 2 girls. I cried during the whole show because it was so surreal. They are true rock stars and total class acts. I love them. Best part was a few months later we were totally on the other side of the States and they were playing in NJ and so were we. We finished our show and drove to their concert and their band invited us on the bus and backstage to watch Def Leopard from side stage. Amazing stuff. </i><br /><br /><b>Who is the most</b> supportive person in your life?<br /><br /><i>I have several. My boyfriend has been my friend for many years. We've only been dating for a little over a year now, but he's always been helpful and supportive of my career. He's an attorney of trademark and copyright and some entertainment law, so he is totally helpful in the things that I have a hard time keeping up with. He also put himself through law school by being a front of house sound engineer so whenever we're dealing with a sound problem in the middle of the show, he's on it. He's amazing. <br /><br />My best friend here in Nashville is another rocker girl named Goldylocks. I love her because she's not your normal girl. We can both get dolled up and blow people's minds, but this is a straight up, real chick. She works out in her underwear, she cusses like a sailor, and has no problem telling people off when they deserve it. We are alot alike. It's cool to have a friend in the business because most people are so cut throat. There are no back stabbing issues here and that's super cool and incredibly rare. </i><br /><br /><i>My Mom & Dad have put up the loan for 3 of my 4 albums and I pay the bank back, but without them offering me that, I don't know how I would be able to do it. They have become increasingly more supportive of my career and proud of my successes. <br /><br />My Aunt Nina is kinda like me and Goldy. She doesn't take any shit from anybody. So when I'm having a bad day, she usually cheers me up. I can count on that. I just picture her in her "You lyin' Sum Bitch" tank top with a cigarette in one hand and Black Velvet drink in the other and I have to start laughing. She's awesome. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>All of my family is awesome and supportive. It's completely unlike cattle ranching, but they know it's what I was meant to do. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Currently, my music is available online at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/">www.cdbaby.com</a> and at shows. You can download the songs at iTunes and Rhapsody or if you just feel like listening, you can find us on ReverbNation/jasminecain or Spotify. We will have our online store up shortly at our website <a href="http://www.jasminecain.com/">www.jasminecain.com</a> so keep an eye out for that. The best way to see what the band is up to is to follow us on Facebook/jasminecainrocks or Twitter @jasminecainrock. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> I'm updating constantly. I can't sit still. </i></span></div>
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Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-72367998632349794812012-10-06T00:58:00.000-07:002012-10-06T00:59:19.424-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The NowhereNauts</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images and video courtesy of The NowhereNauts</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another gem from New York City: The NowhereNauts are about to launch </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">their latest release "Warned you". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get the full story here and learn more about the magic behind the amazing band:<br /><br /><b>How would you describe</b> your upcoming release "Warned you"? What are the specials? <br /><br /><i>Anders: Our upcoming release is loud, fast, and raw, yet melodic, lush, and </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sweet all at the same time. The album really came together; we had an </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">awesome team working with us to gather everything sounding exactly the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">way we wanted it to. </span></i><br />
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<a name='more'></a><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sofie: The new album is something we’ve put our all into. The sound is a lot bigger and fuller than some of our previous stuff. I feel like the music is very danceable, with strong beats, but also has some really dynamic moments. It’s kind of rock that borders on pop, but then again, what does any of that mean? I think you just have to listen and take it in, and hopefully enjoy it. <br /><br />Hunter: I would describe Warned You as an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. It is a powerful record, lyrically and sonically, that the listener can connect to.<br /><br />Tony: Well, it's a big step forward for us as musicians, first of all. Listening to "Warned You" and our debut self-titled album back-to-back is kind of funny, because they're just so different, yet they both have the same appreciation of our roots, which is writing nice melodies and creating dramatic bouncing rhythms. The specials are the songs "Warned You" "Insomnia" "Spaces" and "Until You".</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWn4dQj5DyMHqkFX57t_BJ5m3CkoA2ofWAZ9FBf-pg66AU3VSDazM9r3HgUWKrSUlfU0eo-rK-tMLBI_ahffUd4umgFJABdxkD7oLzbKbUrdP1QTCYzk8Kal836g1GyKT14GXqHBvbbg/s1600/the-nowherenauts0122_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWn4dQj5DyMHqkFX57t_BJ5m3CkoA2ofWAZ9FBf-pg66AU3VSDazM9r3HgUWKrSUlfU0eo-rK-tMLBI_ahffUd4umgFJABdxkD7oLzbKbUrdP1QTCYzk8Kal836g1GyKT14GXqHBvbbg/s320/the-nowherenauts0122_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>You contemplate yourselves</b> as the voyagers from nowhere. What is your destination?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Anders: Your hearts and minds.<br /><br />Tony: Well, you can look at that kind of like "We're from Nowhere, but we're ready to go to wherever we end up". It's kind of like a constant change where we appreciate where we came from (i.e. the first album), but we're ready to move on and show you our new stuff. And at the time, we didn't know what "Warned You" would sound like, so it's hard to say we have an exact destination, but rather that we're always moving on from where we were.</i><br /><br /><b>How would you describe</b> the last year of your music career and efforts?<br /><br /><i>Hunter: The last year has been a whirlwind. We have put so much time, effort, and passion into the new record and are incredibly excited to share it with the world. <br /><br />Sofie: The last year has really been an attempt for us to polish up and record the album, as well as play as much as we can. We’ve been doing what we can to get ourselves out there in the universe. <br /><br />Tony: Hectic, exciting, strange, just a mix of a lot of things. We put way more effort into recording "Warned You" this past year than anything else we've ever done, so there were a lot of new experiences which made the process even more crazy.<br /><br />Anders: It's been really hectic and rocky at times, but we're all really</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">looking forward to the release. I know all of us are ready to get our</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">music out there, given how hard we worked on it for the past year.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone is doing everything they can to make sure the band goes as</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">far as it can on this new music, and I'm really excited to see where</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it can go.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Please complete</b>:</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />Hunter:<br /><br />a) <b>Our music is</b> ...<i> powerful and passionate.</i><br /><br />b) <b>Being on stage is</b> ... <i>the most fulfilling part of being in a band.</i><br /><br />c) <b>Today's music industry is</b> ... <i>in shambles.</i><br /><br />d)<b> Our inspiration is</b> ...<i> emotional experiences, movies, and books.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Tony:<br /><br />a) <b>Our music is</b> ... <i>A refreshingly familiar Coca-Cola with a shot of Bacardi 151.</i><br /><br />b) <b>Being on stage is like</b> ... <i>the same feeling you get when you lock eyes with a hottie on the street.</i><br /><br />c) <b>Today's music industry is</b> ...<i> stubborn.</i><br /><br />d) <b>Our inspiration is</b> ... <i>LoveHateDreamsLifeWorkPlayFriendshipSex.</i><br /><br />Anders:<br /><br />a) <b>Our music is</b> ... <i>what you make of it!</i><br /><br />b) <b>Being on stage is like</b> ... <i>the best sex you've ever had.</i><br /><br />c) <b>Today's music industry is</b> ... <i>a really difficult place, but to get<br /><br />heard you have to make some noise.</i><br /><br />d) <b>Our inspiration is</b> ... <i>our friends, family, and fans that have been </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">waiting so long and patiently to hear what we're going to do next.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><br />Sofie:<br /><br />a)<b> Our music is</b> ...<i>stratospheric.</i><br /><br />b) <b>Being on stage is like</b> ...<i>riding a bike. Walking (I’m afraid to ride a bike in NYC).</i><br /><br />c) <b>Today's music industry is</b> ...<i>confused and confusing.</i><br /><br />d) <b>Our inspiration is</b> ...<i>people.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What do you like</b> most when it comes to your music?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>Sofie: I like that I can get immersed in our music and become a different person for a while. I hope other people can get that feeling too. <br /><br />Hunter: Our harmonies and the way the vocals, guitar, bass, and drums move together.<br /><br />Tony: Sofie has a super-unique, strong, and awesome voice. There are some bands that have mind-blowing instrumentals, but the singer can't live up to the expectations that listening to just the instruments might bring when you first listen to the song, you know? That's probably why electronic music is getting popular, because it's just the instruments without a sea of crappy singers. You can count on us to deliver both good instrumentals, and a kick-ass singer. That's why we're confident about our music.<br /><br />Anders: Much more than any specifics; how all the individual members come</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">together to shape our sound. Tony is a beast on the drums. Without </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">him, I think it would all fall apart. He is the glue that holds us </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">together. The guitar parts Hunter comes up with are ridiculous, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">unconventional, and innovative and I often find myself trying to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">emulate her when I pick up a guitar. And Sofie, my sister, has an </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">incredible voice. She's never been one to rest on her laurels, and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">she's constantly pushing the boundaries of what she's capable of and I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">really admire that.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I read your constant</b> change and evolution are just two key elements for composing your music. Can you explain us the message behind your band?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>Hunter: We make music that we love and are passionate about.<br /><br />Sofie: For me I feel like the band is constantly evolving and attempting to improve. If we were stagnant we wouldn’t be accomplishing anything, and we’d be bored. I think we try to stay true to our sound, but we always want to push it to the next level. That’s why we’re all so excited about the upcoming album. The sound <br /><br />Anders: We're constantly striving to reinvent our sound and place in the world of music. "Warned You" is a huge departure from our previous album.<br /><br />Tony: Sure, it's as simple as this: We just want to make good music. We're following what we love, and you should too. Everyone changes and evolves, so we try to make music that changes and evolves along with us, as well as our fans.</i><br /><br /><b>For my readers</b> who may not heard of your music: How would you describe your music? <br /><br /><i>Hunter: Our new album has been described as a "punch in the face!" (laughing) We are influenced by a lot of bands from the late 80s/early 90s. <br /><br />Tony: Tough question. Our sound is like up-tempo indie rock, but that's very vague... How about, combine Warped Tour with Stadium Rock bands from the 80's? That might work as a fair description. The NowhereNauts started as Anders, Sofie, and Hunter. They recorded our self-titled album, then I (Tony) joined; we recorded the upcoming record "Warned You", and BAM. Present-day.<br /><br />Anders: The best description of our music I've ever heard is "The Long Blondes</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">covering Pavement songs." Our music is loud and fast, but it can</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">seduce you at the same time. We have some really interesting harmonic</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">structures going on in the context of pop song forms. </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /><br />Sofie: I would describe our music as danceable rock with some pop influences. I could say indie but I don’t really want to. </i><br /><br /><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?<br /><br /><i>There are a couple of sneak peeks of the new album out there at college radio, and on the internet. The new album will be released in January 2013, and our single “Warned You” will be available on iTunes in days. We’re also releasing videos the first week of November. Our last self-titled album, "The NowhereNauts" is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon, streaming on Spotify, and streaming for<br /><br />free on our website, HYPERLINK "http://www.thenowherenauts.com" www.thenowherenauts.com <br /><br />You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! </i></span><br />
<br />Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226852233097601358.post-80278517924532271422012-10-04T03:50:00.000-07:002012-10-04T03:51:36.263-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Becky Kelley</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Becky Kelly</i><br /><br />Slamming into the music scene, Becky pleased millions of youtube viewers with her song "Where's the line to see Jesus".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please learn more about Becky, the exceptional music artist:<br /><br /><b>Can you tell </b>us something about your new release? I was told you would like to produce some music videos pretty soon. What can we expect?<br /><br /><i>Yes, we are in the beginning talks of shooting a video for "Send an Angel". It's definitely one of my favorites off the new album. We will be using the same team who shot "Where's the Line to See Jesus", so I'm excited to see what they come up with. </i><br /><br /><b>How would you</b> describe your style from the early beginning until now?</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>THE question was: what type of album would I be coming out with after the Christmas single. Not many people start with a Christmas song! :) Some of the songs on my new album were actually written 12 years ago, and some of them just a few months before they were recorded. My style has always been the same, but I can see how it's different for sure than "Where's the Line" in some ways, as that was written by my dad and producer in St. Louis. I've always written about my spirituality, but I also love to write love and break-up songs. Mix that with a country-pop sound, and that is me in a nutshell.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What are the</b> ingredients for your songs? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Oh I have many! ha! I want a good story and the music has to be good. So many people ask where my stories come from and I pull them from everywhere- my relationships, friends relationships, struggles I'm going through or I've seen others go through. Song writing is a release for me and I've done it since I was a little girl. My folder is FULL and gets added to all the time. Melodies come to me in my head sometimes, or I just play around on the piano or guitar until something hits me. Figuratively, not literally... unless my kid throws a shoe at me or something. :)</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What will be</b> your plan in 2013? Tours? New releases?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><i>2013 is starting to take shape, and I'm excited. I basically took a year off, because I had a little boy last August. I just met with my producer here in Nashville last week, and we are going to start things off *hopefully* with a big showcase in January or February to work together with the release of the new video we are also hoping to have done by then. There is also talk of possibly starting work on a Christmas album...Could be a great year!</i><br /><br /><b>What is your</b> key motivation to move on?<br /><br /><i>That is something I actually think about a lot. Why do people do what they do? For me, I honestly want to help people. I have to take a step back and look at what I'm doing and ask myself if it is for any good. If not, what's the point. I definitely have songs that are thrown in there just for fun and that are written just to be enjoyed, but others I really do hope they help people with what they're going through. Life can be so rough, and if I can help someone get through it a little easier, then that motivates me. By people telling me they are inspired, they in turn inspire me. It's a great circle. </i><br /><br /><b>Who is the</b> most supportive person for your music?<br /><br /><i> Oh, I have so many positive supporters. SUCH a great team around me. I would have to say my husband, my dad, and my producer Pat here in Nashville. My husband helps me keep everything together and reminds me of what I need to hear when I need to hear it. Dad is just always there for music. Always. It's in our blood and he will always support me and give his opinion whether I want it or not. ha! Gotta love dads! Producer Pat has been told by me that he has "ears of gold"... he's truly amazing. If you don't know Pat Flynn, you must google him. He has done AMAZING things in country music and I'm thrilled to be working with him. </i><br /><br /><b>How do you </b>see today's music industry?<br /><br /><i>Today's music industry is HARD to break into. On any given night just in Nashville, there are probably 100 bands playing all hoping to get noticed. Everyone in the industry wants to give you advice, and I don't think there's any magic formula to "making it". I want to make good music and hope that it gets to as many ears as possible. </i><br /><br /><b>What do you</b> prefer? Being on stage or being in a studio?<br /><br /><i>Oooh, I love them both. I've missed performing- it's actually something I really enjoy. I just performed at a private event for 400 people this past weekend and had the best time. With that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the studio. It's just so fun. I've brought a few people in before and they can never believe what all goes into even just one song. </i><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Where can we</b> find/purchase your music?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I'm on iTunes and also at</i></span><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.beckykelleymusic.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.beckykelleymusic.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" /><br /><a href="http://www.beckykelleymusic.com/store.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://www.beckykelleymusic.com/store.html</a><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sweet-life/id488089641?i=488089670&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sweet-life/id488089641?i=488089670&ign-mpt=uo%3D4</a></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for taking your time, Becky.</span><br />
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<br />Crank Box - C. Koppershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12165137957195948561noreply@blogger.com10