DECODED

 THE JOY OF PAINTING

Amazing Garage Pop Band from Nashville Tn
Scroll down after interview to watch live video of them preforming there song
"No Bones"

FREE EP see link below





Band links
http://thejoyofpainting.net/
http://www.facebook.com/joyofpainting
http://twitter.com/#!/JOPband

Band Interview Questions

What is the origin of your band name or the story behind it?

A: Well, we were originally called hands&knees. We nixed that since it was being used by a popular Boston-based band. After weeks of deliberating we settled on the Joy of Painting, a dedication to the old TV show. Kyle, our keyboard player, came up with it. It was the only one that 4/5 of us agreed on.

 
Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

A: Elvis Costello, the Strokes, Weezer (big time), Dr. Dog, Dr. Manhattan, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Butch Walker. I could go on, but we just dig rock and roll and having fun.

Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

A: I had a serious AC/DC phase as a kid. I never realized how much they influence me until I pulled out their Powerage record. I guess I listened to it so much it was ingrained into my subconscious.

 Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

A: Honest journalists, my family. Women (two in particular).

 What is your most memorable live performance?

A: We played this show in December ’11 at the walnut house. There was an ass ton of people there and it was rowdy and fun. It was a total mess but it was too fun.

What are the best and worst venues you have played?

A: We love the Basement and the 5 Spot and the End in Nashville.

 Do you have any crazy fan stories?
A: Fans?

What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

A: Our new song Charades is far and away our favorite song. “Try Try Try” is the crowd favorite. Also, our cover of “Blister in the Sun.” People flip out about that song for some reason.

 What does the future hold for you/your band?

A: Music. Fun. More shows. New Friends.

  How often do you rehearse?  What is a typical rehearsal session like?

A:  Once a week. We just sort of either tighten up old stuff, slowly comb through new ones or crank out cover songs we’re learning for a wedding reception.

 

  As a band how do you write together? What inspires you to write music?

A: I write the core of the songs and I just let the dudes play with it. It’s hard to just let them do whatever, especially when I have a certain idea of what I want. But I trust them, they’re smart guys.

 
  Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet?  Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

A:  Yeah. Charades, Tongueless and The Mercy Blues. A few songs we attempted before we went into the studio but fell by the wayside due to lack of interest. Those songs I think were “Tennessee Girls” and “Tonight I’m Gonna Fall Apart.” Maybe a few others. I’ve got a huge back catalog of shit for us to try.

   What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

A:  Dr. Dog. 10,000 times over. They’re my favorite band right now. So incredibly talented.

 What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

A: “A Scene from an Italian Restaurant” - Billy Joel. Wish I played

 

Have you had any major fights/disagreements as a band? Who won? J

 A: Yeah. One time one of our guys wanted to print shirts with Bob Ross’ face on it. The other guys were sort of neutral and I hated it. I thought it was tacky and cheap. Normally it’s democratic but I brought the hammer down and refused to let it happen. I lose a lot of fights though so I wasn’t letting this one slide. 

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?  Did you overcome it or still working on it

 A: Our schedules are insane. I’m have school, work and an internship. The other dudes are in other bands and trying to survive. It’s really hard.

  Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

 A: Funny. My dad and I were SCREAMING at each other about this the other day. I think free music is a good thing for exposing you in an over-saturated market. I prefer physical music (vinyl) and I think that buying mp3s is sort of ridiculous (unless it’s the only option). Spending ten bucks on an LP with that big artwork, liner notes and all is way worth it. The cost of 1’s and 0’s is not at all worth it.

 
  With so many great bands out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

 A: In an age of sleepy folk-driven music, rock and roll is something of a novelty again. I think that a lot of bands refuse to have fun and focus only on looking cool. I grew up in a scene where nobody gave a shit about that, they cared only about making friends and memories and great music to connect with. Too many bands are shoe-gazing. Why don’t they look up form the ground and connect with the people in front of them? Anyways, that’s what were trying to do: to have FUN.

 
  Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

 A: I love documentaries and coffee and beer. Also me and my roommate nerd out about sitcoms. Seinfeld 4ever.

  

Would you do a gig in my backyard?

A:  Sure. If we can fit, we will play.

Anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?

A:  Damn. My parents are brutally honest and super supportive. All the friends in Murfreesboro and Nashville who come out to see the same set over and over before we got anywhere near tight as a band. Chris Payne for pushing us to be better. The internet for making a career out of an addiction. Last but certainly not least, my roommate, Garrett Thomson, for keeping me and the band from falling flat on our face.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us insight into your band.

http://tara-themusicilove.blogspot.com/

Mat Burke

Meet Mat Burke
His music is FOLK ROCK. His songs tell a story that only leaves you wanting to hear more.  Amazing interview and listen to this song "Blood Stained Blues"  that will be COMING IN DEC :) on the EP
Tattooed Skin and Broken Vinyl    










http://www.mat-burke.com/index.html

   http://www.facebook.com/matburkemusic

            http://twitter.com/#!/matburke                           

http://www.youtube.com/matburkemusic




Musician Interview Questions

1.       How did you decide on the title for your last EP?

The New Ep is going to be called "tattooed skin and broken vinyl" It’s a lyric in one of the tracks called "blood stained blues" Sometimes i just feel like that’s all i am in life. Some tattoos and broken fragments of a record.

2.       Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

The artists that influenced me the most have to be Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Bruce springsteen, Rancid, Black Flag, and the clash

3.       Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

Growing up I pretty much only listened to Punk Rock. Groups like NOFX, Choking victim, The Clash, Bigwig , Black flag, and the suicide machines then I heard Dylans "Like a rolling stone" for the first time and it changed everything. I bought a guitar, a harmonica, and four of his records the next day.

4.       Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

. I am influenced by so many people outside of the music world. Clint Eastwood for one was always like a super hero to me. I can remember watching all his old westerns growing up and just being dumbfounded by how cool he was. I am really into the wizard of oz and all the characters in it, I think it would be near impossible for someone not to be able to relate to some of the values and lessons in that film. And last but certainly not least Starwars.... It’s a defined good and evil, its hope for the hopeless, it’s the ultimate underdog story, and who doesnt feel like a underdog from time to time?

5.       What is your most memorable live performance?

Its hard to say Just one. I think playing the basement in Nashville TN for the first time was a huge honor. So many great musicians have played there justin towns earl, Metallica, The avett brothers and so many more. I was so pumped to play then Tommy Womack walked into the room (one of my fav Nashville songwriters) and i got so nervous. I jumped on stage and did my thing and even got to meet him after it was a pretty good night

6.       What are the best and worst venues you have played?

Some of the best places I’ve ever played have to be World cafe live in philly, Rocketown in nashville, The taste of syracuse festival, the Nick In birmingham and Emos in texas but my fav shows have to be basement shows just punk rock in a dirty sweaty basement haha it takes me back. Some of the worst hahaha well I’m not going to name names but I am not looking forward to ever going back to Jackson anytime soon.

7.       Do you have any crazy fan stories? Not really It’s still crazy to me to see kids sing along, recognize my face or ask for photos. I think the thing i get most is "i didn’t realize how tall you were

8.       What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

I loooooove playing my new song "buicks & Caddilacs" It realy represents where i am in my life right now. And as far as a fan fav I would have to say "When it rains it pours" or "Sold my soul for the rock & roll"

9.       What does the future hold for you?

A lot of shows, beer, good friends, new records, and new adventures

10.   As a artist  how do you write? What inspires you to write music?

Nothing does to be honest. I never really sit down and say I want to write today, infact that doesn’t work for me. It just sort of comes. Ill wake up at 4 am and need to write, or ill be in a bar scribbling on a napkin. It comes and goes when it pleases kind of like a stray cat. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing but it’s what i got so i try and make it work.

11.   Do you write best when left alone or do prefer having someone to collaborate with?

alone hands down. I don’t even like to practice when people are around. I think that just stemmed from me playing solo for so long now it’s just kind of a habit

12.   Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet?  Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

Yes my last Album "kill or be killed" had a secret track and i played with a punk-ish band for a while. We recorded then broke up so the Ep can be listened to here http://www.myspace.com/the911pilots I also plan on releasing a album of unreleased stuff soon called "sad songs, bad songs, and b sides"

13.   What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

The Hold steady I think they are just amazing and are very underrated

14.   What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

Purple rain by prince or dont stop me now by queen.... But it’s like a unwritten rule you just don’t cover those guys haha

15.   What has been your biggest challenge as a musician?  Did you overcome it or still working on it?

I think just being a musician is a challenge. People constantly judging you, expecting things from you, venues taking advantage of you. I could go on and on but I wouldn’t trade it for the world I can’t even think about doing anything else with my life.

16.   Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

I think it is doing both. People in Alaska can hear my music and that’s pretty damn cool. But at the same time instead of seeing a live band people can youtube it or stream it through other means. so there is that. As far as stealing music yea its an issue but if someone wants to steal my record Its cool that someone will do something that’s against the law just to listen to what i have to say.

17.   With so many great musicians out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

I’m not about to say hey listen to me because (blank). I’m just like everyone else im an honest guy with everyday struggles and probly a slight drinking problem. I think people dig what i have to say because they can relate and I’m not singing about my BMW, hoes, and weed

18.   Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

I brew beer... Watch a ton of movies..... not really much else. If I’m not playing a gig I’m writing, booking shows, or going to shows

19.   Would you do a gig in my backyard?

Hell yea give me a time and date and a couch to crash on and I am there!

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us insight into your band.

http://tara-themusicilove.blogspot.com/

Tara Shehorn and Jessica Payne J

STYLUSBOY




Meet this artist on twitter. He has amazing talent. The music will  just makes you happy :)
  Would like to thank him for taking time to do this interview ! Make sure and watch the video "Whole Picture" after the interview

The title ‘Whole Picture’ came from the title of the first track on the Ep. I also liked the imagery that the phrase whole picture created in my mind. The song is about my daughter and wanting to guide her in her life but not always tell her what to do, i.e. not tell her the whole picture. The image I wanted to for the artwork was for a pathway, a little like the pathway we journey on through our life. I was fortunate enough to have contact with a very talented young artist called Cheyenne Bristow who drew the wonderful cover art for me.

2. Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

Recently and around the time of recording the Ep I had been listening to alot of Laura marling, Mumford and sons and William Fitzsimmons. I was very keen after my last Ep, ‘Fingerprint’ to really strip back the sound and take out lots of extra tracks that just weren’t really needed.

3. Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

I have always grown up listening to music as my dad was and still is a huge music fan. People like The Beatles, Bon Dylan and Neil Young were often played around the house. During my teenage years I was very much into louder rock music like Nirvana, Idlewild, Ash and people like that.

4. Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

My family as a huge influence on me and often inspire me to write songs. Life and the journey we are all on is a big influence too. Some of my songs ask questions about life but also explore hope and love.

5. What is your most memorable live performance?

I loved playing the mainstage of Godiva Festival, my home town festival, a couple years ago. It was amazing being a such a massive stage! Just me and my guitar. The house shows I have played more recently have been pretty special too. Last night I played on a gig in a candle lit allotment which was pretty special.

6. What are the best and worst venues you have played?

The best venues are the ones where people listen when I'm playing and also where people are friendly, this is why house shows are so much fun. I guess the worst venues are the ones where people just talk or the sound isn't great. It's always pretty difficult if I get booked on the bill with loud rock bands, though this doesn't happen very often really!!

7. Do you have any crazy fan stories?

Not really. My fans often become my friends. With things like Twitter and Facebook I'm always in contact with people. In the band I was in a few years ago my phone number used to be on the fliers and used to get quite a few random texts! I don't put my number on anymore!

8. What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

I really enjoy playing ‘Whole Picture’ live as I often see people tapping their feet along or starting to dance a little if they are standing up! A Song for Noah is also another favourite to play as it's so quiet and the lyrics resonate quite a lot with people.

9. What does the future hold for you?

Currently I am about to start work on writing some new material. I am also hoping to release some of my live recordings at some point. The future just holds more creativity! I will also be playing more screen gigs which is where I stream a gig live from my kitchen! Have a look at http://www.stylusboy.co.uk/screengigs

10. As a how do you write? What inspires you to write music?

I often just write lyrics about whatever might inspire me. This can be a range of things from my family, things I have seen or read about or something that has happened. Sometimes I will come up the song title or the main chorus line. Sometimes the opening line comes first. It always varies alot!

11. Do you write best when left alone or do prefer having someone to collaborate with?

Again this is different with different songs. ‘Beyond the Flags’ was written with my friend Rachel, both lyrically and musically. Other songs I have written on my own. Having someone to write with is interesting as you can try things and ask for ideas or feedback. On my own I just take the song where ever it feels most natural.

12. Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet? Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

Most of my music has been recorded and is online. My most recent recordings are on this Ep Whole Picture. I recently wrote a song for my sisters wedding which hasn't been recorded yet, but it will be! I have also begun writing some new songs which I'll record demos of soon!

13. What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

I think Laura Marling is a stunning songwriter so I'd love to work with her. I also think Guy Chambers who wrote alot with Robbie Williams as few years ago would be amazing to work with. I'd also love to work with someone like fFaithless because they're amazing and completely different to anything I do myself.

14. What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

I do play quite a few covers. A few months ago I released a series of Friday covers on YouTube and as free downloads from www.stylusboy.co.uk/livecovers My covers have include Katy Perry, Goldfrap, Idlewild and loads of others!

15. What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Did you overcome it or still working on it?

I think one of the challenges for me is to constantly improve my songs and performances. Usually playing as a solo performer I always want to improve things. I do have alot of very support but critical friends!

16. Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

I think sites like bandcamp are fantastic for music! They are helping to get smaller and under the radar acts out there. It is so great that you can decide price and then collect email address. I contact every person that downloads my music for free or for a price. iTunes just contains so much music that smaller artists can just get lost in the mass!!

I don't worry about people stealing my music really. I offer some of my music for free as download so I guess I actively encourage stealing!!

17. With so many great musicians out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

People should listen to me if they like melodic acoustic pop with a folkish feel to it. During my live performances (in person or online) I really try to make each performance personal and intimate. I try to play as honestly as I can too and communicate the emotion in the songs. I hopefully stand out for my optimism and hope that I often write about.

18. Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

I spend alot of time with my family. I also love bike rides, taking photos (I'm doing an photo a day project this year on http://www.theboystylusandhiscamera.tumblr.com ), listening to new music, reading. All sorts of things really.

19. Would you do a gig in my backyard?

Yep! If we set up the tickets I'll fly right over!!

20. Anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?

My family and friends. As I said earlier many of my fans have become friends through twitter so come and follow me. @stylusboy or ‘like’ my facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/stylusboy

Thanks a lot for asking me these questions. Please check out my website http://www.stylusboy.co.uk

HANDS 


Geoffrey Halliday
Ryan Sweeney
Sean Hess
Alex Staniloff
I ran across this band looking for new music and was amazed by what i heard. They have quickly became a band i listen to daily
Check them out :)
http://www.handssounds.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/handssounds
http://www.twitter.com/handssounds

look after interview for videos !



Interview

1.       What is the origin of your band name or the story behind it?

Geoff: I was laid up after a pretty bad car accident and spent a few weeks in the hospital not able to play music in my normal capacity. I started writing music using my laptop and a small MIDI keyboard in my hospital bed. It dawned on me pretty quickly that my hands were the only way I had to make music at that time, and for whatever reason that became a really poignant moment in my life.

2.       Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

David Byrne, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Animal Collective, Yeasayer

3.       Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Gorillaz, Pavement, Fugazi, R.E.M.

4.       Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

Ryan: Family and friends

Geoff: Bacon and eggs

5.       What is your most memorable live performance?

We got the opportunity to open for DeVotchKa at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles. The show was sold out and when the curtain dropped it was the most terrifying and exciting feeling ever.

6.       What are the best and worst venues you have played?

We loved playing the Henry Fonda Theater here in Los Angeles.  What a great venue!!  Worst venue… let’s just say a certain hometown venue is cursed.

7.       Do you have any crazy fan stories?

At SXSW this year somebody stole an entire bag of ours containing merch and some clothes among other things. I’d like to think it was a fan and not somebody who needed a black tote bag. Maybe not that crazy, but definitely annoying.

8.       What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

An unreleased track of ours called “Think Back.”  I think it’s a crowd favorite. As far as playing, I think that changes from day to day.

9.       What does the future hold for you/your band?

We play Culture Collide and DeLuna Festival in October, then we are off to CMJ. We’ve just finished up our first EP and are in the process of figuring out a release situation.  Definitely trying to just focus on writing more music. What else can a band ask for?

10.   How often do you rehearse?  What is a typical rehearsal session like?

3 days a week although we seem to be playing shows left and right so it is hard to tell.  A typical rehearsal consists of about 20 minutes of conversation.   We will fill each other in on our lives and talk about new music we hear, then a few hours of music and topped off with some more conversation.

11.   As a band how do you write together? What inspires you to write music?

It is a very collaborative process.  We all write music on our own and bring the ideas to practice then each member weighs in.  I think we are inspired by our current surroundings mostly. 

12.   Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet?  Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

We recorded an EP in May at Kingsize Soundlabs that is yet to be released.  It consists of 4 new tracks and 2 new recordings of old demos.

13.   What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

Austin Peralta.  That guys arrangements are mind-boggling… Or our friends Pepper Rabbit… Or R. Kelly.

14.   What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

Maybe something by Violent Femmes. They have amazing style and it would be a fun challenge to approach one of their songs.

15.   Have you had any major fights/disagreements as a band? Who won? J

Our major fights consist of where to eat before practice, usually our drummer and bassist win.

16.   What has been your biggest challenge as a band?  Did you overcome it or still working on it?

Surviving.  All of us work full time jobs but the passion for music keeps us going. We’

17.   Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

Music online is the new word of mouth.  I’m not too concerned with people stealing music, I like that people go to these lengths just to listen to a band they like.

18.   With so many great bands out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

We care about writing music that speaks to people. I think some bands want to embrace the “I write for myself” ideology and that is completely fine. Of course, we try to write music that makes us happy and fulfilled, but it’s important for it to communicate outwardly as well.

19.   Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

Eat!!! Hang out with friends, go to lots and lots of concerts. We recently did a day-trip to a water park that was definitely one of the more enjoyable outings this summer.

20.   Would you do a gig in my backyard?

Absolutely! 100% but keep in mind; you will have to feed us.

21.   Anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?

Our families and friends.

Hands - "Warm Night Home"
 



HANDS - "Magic Fingers"








The Forties









     Was very excited to do this interview. The new EP  "For the Night"  just came out and was truly a great piece of work from these boys . Amazing Rock band and hope you check them out
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheForties
www.twitter.com/theforties
www.youtube.com/theforties


Alex Wehri
Beau Patterson
David Carlson
Mike Rist
 



INTERVIEW

     Was very excited to do this interview. The new EP  "For the Night"  just came out and was truly a great piece of work from these boys . Amazing Rock band and hope you check them outAlex WehriBeau PattersonDavid CarlsonMike Rist 

What is the origin of your band name or the story behind it?

We were coming up with all kinds of names for the band and came up with Forty different names, but we couldn’t decide on just one of them, so Beau was like “How about The Forties?”

We hint and disguise some of our other names we came up with in the names of our songs, EP’s, and lyrics. It’s cool when people try and figure out the list of the different names.

Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

On a personal level Chris Martin of Coldplay has been a huge influence on my song writing, he is more about the feel then that actual lyrical interpretation, which is something I am still trying to master.

Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

My mom is a big fan of The Beatles and The Police, so I listen to them all the time when I was a kid. However, my first favorite band was BUSHl. I still wish I was cool and had a sick name like Gavin Rossdale, with that kind of a name your born to be a rock star.

The band that really got me into music and wanting to play an instrument was Incubus. They have been my favorite band since their 1^st Album S.C.I.E.N.C.E., and have played a big part in helping me get through the grind of life and to where I am today.

Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

My mother.

What is your most memorable live performance? 

Playing a sold-out show in our hometown of Columbus at the Newport Music Hall. When we first started the band it was a dream to even just play at the Newport, let alone a sold out show.

What are the best and worst venues you have played?

On tour with Sammy Adams we played a sold out show at the famous Majestic Theater, talk about a beautiful venue. However, we have ALWAYS loved playing here in C-bus at the Newport Music Hall. Everything about that venue is great in my opinion.

Do you have any crazy fan stories?

Yes, but we will leave those as our little secrets.

What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

“Fallen” is definitely my favorite to play, the song means a lot to me personally and every time we play it live I always get put back in the state of mind that I was in at the time I wrote it.

I’d say the crowd favorite would be “One Night”, it is an anthem and sounds great live. Plus the song is about living in the moment and having that one great night, so it fits well with being at concert.

 What is a typical rehearsal session like?

We rehearse anywhere from 2-4 times a week for 6-8hrs at a time, depending on how many shows we have coming up, and what type of show we are playing.

As a band how do you write together? What inspires you to write music?

We will each bring something that we have been working on to rehearsal, either a riff, lyric, or sometimes even a whole song, and then we will each add our touches to the song. We record it live, take it home with us, and come back with more ideas to improve the song. This process can go on for a while, until we feel the song is perfect.

I am inspired usually by other artists, and new songs that I may hear for the first time, I will hear something in a song and be like “damn that is awesome,” and I will try and recreate it and put my own touch on it.

Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet?  Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

Actually, yes. We have a few bonus tracks we did not release on this latest EP. We are probably going to roll them out sometime in the beginning of September, and let me tell you they rock.

What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

Chris Martin of Coldplay. He is a music and lyrical genius in my mind, I would give anything to write an album as good as “Parachutes” or “Viva La Vida”. I seriously memorized how to play on the guitar and piano every song from both of those albums. 

What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

“Where the streets have no name” by U2. I would freak if we could pull this off, its just hard to replicate that guitar riff of the Edge, and the timing is all crazy too.

Have you had any major fights/disagreements as a band? Who won? ?

I once called Beau a bad name related to the color of his hair and we “took it to the streets” as they say. I’d like to think I got a few good swings in, but he basically kicked my ass without out a doubt. (just kidding)        

            No but really we tend to get a long well, we spend a lot of time together and have learned how to deal with each other, and there is also a strong level of respect amongst us that keeps us in check.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?  Did you overcome it or still working on it?

            Our biggest challenge has probably been defining our style of music, we get people telling us we sound like U2, telling us we sound like the The Killers, and seriously all kinds of different bands. If you ask us, we play Rock Music, its pretty simple.

Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

We make music so that everyone in the world can listen to it, and hopefully enjoy it. The Internet has allowed us the opportunity to share our passion with people all across the world. It may hurt record sales for bands like U2 and Coldplay, but it can also have unseen benefits; a person who may never buy their music, could download a song free, love it and then become one of their biggest fans, which I can attest too because I have had that happen for me.

With so many great bands out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

Our new live show is insane. We have taken the mindset of making our performance like a movie and created a show with a high level entertainment. We have bought all kinds of L.E.D. lights, strobes, fog machine, and brought on our friend VJ Oz to perform live video vj’ing on a big screen while we play. We want people leaving our show to think, “Damn! I have to see that again”, just like after you see a great movie in the theater.

Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

I love watching movies, doesn’t matter that genre either, if it has come out in the last 15 years, I’ve seen it. I’m also a computer nerd. I love learning how to use new types of software and keeping up to date with my favorite company, Apple.

Would you do a gig in my backyard? 

Of course, only if you promise to feed us.

Anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?

It goes without saying, but we of course have to thank our fans for always supporting us and helping spread the word about us. We have the best fans in the world.

Also, as we say in every interview and at every show, we would be nowhere if not for the continued love and support of our Family and friends. They have been behind us since the very beginning, and I’m pretty sure there hasn’t been one show where you one of our family members or friends were there in support.

     Was very excited to do this interview. The new EP  "For the Night"  just came out and was truly a great piece of work from these boys . Amazing Rock band and hope you check them outAlex WehriBeau PattersonDavid CarlsonMike Rist 

WE KILLED VEGAS






This has to be the best interview ever. Go Check
them out 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/wekilledvegas

www.wekilledvegas.com

BAND INTERVIEW 

1. WHAT is the origin of your band name or the story behind it?

Well, about a year and a half ago, we were going through a tough time. We had money problems, woman problems, issues with our families…if there was any kind of problem, we had it. We needed to get out. So we got on our motorcycles and rode out to Arizona and New Mexico. While we trekking across the desert highway, one of our bikes broke down. We didn’t have any money or cellphone and didn’t know what we were going to do. While we’re just sitting on the road, a figure mysteriously appeared across the hot desert horizon. As the figure grew closer, we immediately recognized him as a Navajo medicine man. He didn’t speak English, but he wrote using pictographs in the sand that we could stay at his home tonight.

Around a fire we told him of our lives, our dreams and our pasts and futures. He listened attentively while he casually smoked from a pipe. He then told us that we should take a journey into our own selves to overcome the demons we were battling. He passed the pipe to each of us and instructed to turn completely around and walk away from the fire as far as we could.

The next morning, we all woke up scattered about the desert floor. None of us have any recollection of what happened, but we felt changed. All of our worries were gone. We found the medicine man’s hut and our bikes were there repaired and ready to go. He gave us each a special necklace made of bear claws and eagle feathers and told us that wherever we went, the great mother spirit would follow. As he put a necklace on each of us, he then told us that we shall forever be known as “Those Who Killed Vegas”. Then we got on our bikes and rode home. And that is the story of our name.

2.       Who are the artists that have influenced your music the most?

There are so many to name. Our biggest influence would probably be Stevie Wright with the Harry Vanda and George Young duo. Not so much on our first album, but their influence is strong in our new material. The first album was heavily influenced by the greats like AC/DC and The Stones with a little bit of Billy Squier and The Who thrown in. We weren’t exactly sure what we were doing with that album. All we knew was that we wanted to play rock and roll and that was the best we knew how. We’ve changed since then with a clearer vision of our sound and have even progressed greatly as musicians. We’re even taking a few pages from The Beatles.  Our new style has more dynamics as far as song structure, the guitar is more lead based and the drums are more jazz influenced with fluidity, similar to Jon Bonham and Keith Moon.  Some of it could be compared to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. We’re excited about it. So far, the songs we have released live have gone over very well with the crowds.

3.       Who are the artists that you listened to the most growing up?

Wow. That’s a toughy. Both of us grew up in very Christian homes so the music we listened to was limited. It wasn’t until high school that we both began to find our own taste in the music we listened to. We’ve both went through major music progressions over the years because of teenage angst, relationships, and high school, but we’ve always had a soft spot for classic rock and the oldies. I think everyone who plays an instrument does.

4.       Who has been your biggest non-musical influence?

Besides the relationships and breakups that most of our music tends to be written about (insert laugh here) we would say life in general has been the biggest influence. We could never accept a life that we didn’t truly enjoy living and would rather die than live a 9 to 5 job, working toward retirement, a big screen TV or a Jag in the driveway.  That just ain’t us, man. Life is what you make of it and we’re trying our hardest to make the most out of ours.

5.       What is your most memorable live performance?

Probably our first show as a two piece at The Edge in Big Stone Gap, VA. It wasn’t a big show but we were still nervous. We started out the first song and screwed up so bad at the chorus we had to restart. Then, at the solo, my guitar strap just came off and I had to do the guitar solo sitting on the floor with the guitar in my lap. There are pictures on our Facebook. We get pretty wild during our sets and at one point I nearly killed myself on my cable. Next thing I knew, my cable decided to fall out of the input and onto the floor. Dwayne tried to save us by doing a drum solo so I could plug back in, but I didn’t catch on so I danced to his solo. Then he stopped and yelled at me. Despite the mishaps, the show was a lot of fun.

6.       What are the best and worst venues you have played?

We’ve played a lot of great venues. Actually, most of them have been great. But as far as worst goes, The Elbo Room in Chicago takes the cake:

So, we were on tour and in order to get to Chicago, we had to drive seven hours. Upon entrance to the city, we had to go through THREE tolls which ended up costing us almost seven dollars. Then, we get into the city and all of the red lights on the street we were on were out….IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO IN A SIXTEEN PASSENGER VAN. We somehow survived and we arrived at the venue a little early so we decided to check in.  We found the office and they were flat out rude to us and told us that load in wasn’t until 7 and we should wait outside. We were cool with that, but it kind of put us off wondering what we were getting ourselves into with the attitude they had toward us. There were 4 bands that night: us, If Birds Could Fly who were touring with us, a local, and some Disney Channel sounding pop band. We had booked this show 3 months in advance, sent flyers and everything. We walk in and you know where our flyer was? On a bathroom stall. One of the bands playing with us had booked a week before the show and their flyer was on the front door. We were cool with this. We know how it works. We knew what kind of venue this was.

We were third in the line-up, behind the local band and If Birds Could Fly and before the band that had booked a week before. When we got up there, no one was there. The local band’s crowd was their family and friends and they all left as soon as they were finished. You see, Dwayne and I can’t play to just few people. I hear bands saying all the time, “We’ll play for one person!” We just can’t do it. If we don’t have a crowd to connect with at a show, we can’t connect with the music. So Dwayne and I are playing our set pretty rough and the last band (that we will now call “Disney Channel”) is sitting in front of the stage. I’m trying to make the five people there and myself comfortable by making jokes, but no one is laughing and it ends up just being awkward.  Disney Channel starts chastising us by saying things that sound like, “You’re doing good,” or “Sounds good,” but translates to “Bless your heart, you’re trying to be a real musician like us.” We shrugged it off. We see little touring bands all of the time with egos. It’s pathetic, but normal.

So they get on, and we tell them good luck and what have you, but they don’t care. We don’t care, either really. It’s that southern courtesy we have, I guess. But you know what happens? About 20 or so people show up for them. Apparently, they told everyone their exact time on the stage instead of the actual show time. And then they played. We had to walk out. It was the biggest disgrace to music we have ever heard. They’ve got fake smiles on their faces, synchronized dances, and their music was so polished we could swear to you right now we think they were robots; wannabe Disney Channel, money-making, soulless, pop-star robots (with no affiliation to the Disney Channel and money-making). We never talk about bands this way. This was just unbelievable.

So after they finished, we found the door guy for our payment. He then proceeded to tell us that the venue asks people at the door what band they are there to see and keeps a tally of it. We had four, which we thought was pretty good considering we are from 14 HOURS AWAY WITH A FLYER ON THE BATHROOM STALL. Turns out, you need 10 to actually get paid. So, we gave him a few choice words, left our trash in their parking lot and got out of Chicago as fast as we could. Luckily and mysteriously, we missed the tolls on the way out.

Worst. Show. Ever.

7.       Do you have any crazy fan stories?

Well. We’ve had/have some crazy stalkers…but we’ll end that one there. On a different side of crazy fans, we’ve started passing around a tip jar at shows and have found 50 and 20 dollar bills in there at almost every show. It has been blowing our minds. We’ve started making more in tips from the fans than the actual shows themselves. That’s crazy to us.

8.       What is your favorite song to play? What is a crowd favorite?

If we had to pick one, I would say our favorite song to play would be “Love Without  Love” with our Sonics cover in close second. When we’re in the right mood, that song can explode and really get us going, especially if the crowd is feeling it.

As far as a crowd favorite, it seems that one goes to “This Ain’t No Pity Party”, our little sing-a-long honky-tonk type tune. A lot of people come up to us after a show and say they enjoyed it, especially the older folks at bars and such. We like the song and we love playing it, but we feel that song doesn’t suit us anymore. We are really looking forward to the new album so we can stop playing it.

9.       What does the future hold for you/your band?

Right now, we are currently writing our second album to record in October and preparing to do our fall and winter touring. We were recently signed to White Strings Records out of Florida and now we’ve really got a lot on our plate. Somehow, playing music has transitioned from “something we do on the side” to our full time jobs very quickly; almost without warning. It feels good to know we are making progress, but at the same time it can be overwhelming.  We know the future can only hold great things and we very excited about it.

10.   How often do you rehearse?  What is a typical rehearsal session like?

We rehearse nearly every day with the exception of a few “skip a days” or any special events one of us needs to attend. Our rehearsals right now are mainly all about writing new material.  A typical rehearsal for us starts between 5 and 6 and we like to start off by walking to the store for a coke. When we come back, we have a sit and talk about what we need to work on over a cigarette.  Usually, we play through the current set list at the time to warm up before we start throwing in some of the new stuff we are working on. Most times, we get so caught up in the new material that it is literally exhausting. We call it getting “brain fried”. When that moment hits, there isn’t much you can do. This tends to happen between 10 or 11. And that’s a typical rehearsal for us.

11.   As a band how do you write together? What inspires you to write music?

Writing for us can happen in two ways. Sometimes, Davie will write the better part of a song and we will get together, add drum parts, tweaks and “somewhat” finish it. We won’t call song finished until we’ve at least jammed on it for a few weeks and a lot of times in front of a crowd. Some songs can seem awesome at the time, but then you come back to them and you start thinking, “What in the world were we thinking?” It’s also good to step back away from song for a few days and then come back and listen. Your perception of the song can change greatly and this can be for the good or bad.

Other times, our songs come from jams that we play randomly. One of us will be playing a riff or drumbeat and the next thing you know we’ve wrote a song.

Our biggest inspiration has merely been the challenge of playing in a band. You begin to feel yourself climbing and once you’ve felt it, you just want to keep climbing. It’s like an addiction to see how high you can get. So you start trying harder, pushing yourself, playing more, learning more; anything to further advance yourself along. 

Another inspiration of ours is to live life without any regrets. This is what we want to do with our lives. We want to play music. We want to see the world. We want to try and do new things. Because in the end, each and every one of us will be laying on a deathbed, no matter what you did in life or how you lived it. We just want to look back and be able to at least say, “we tried.”

12.   Do you have any music that we haven’t heard yet?  Recorded earlier or secret tracks?

Tons of it. “Knock It Off” was originally supposed to be a nine song demo. We couldn’t afford to actually make it that long so a few got snubbed.  We also record all of our songs ourselves first as we write them and before we go into the studio. I’d say we’ve got at least 10 or 15 unused tracks on the computer. Some of these songs may make an appearance soon. We have made many talks about them.

13.   What current artist/band would you most like to work with?

We’ve been pretty excited about The Darkness coming back and are looking forward to their new work. We’ve been “daydreaming” about how cool it would be to play a show or two with those guys. Real rock n’ roll has been slowly making its comeback here lately and there are many other new and current artist we would love to work with like Rival Sons, The Booze, The Biters, The Blue Van, and Jet to name a few.

14.   What, if any, songs would you like to do a cover of?

We’ve been talking about covering “Have Love, Will Travel” by The Sonics. We already play it live as an extra. It really gets the blood flowing and the crowd always loves it. A few bands including The Black Keys have done it already, but our version is unique on it’s own. Other songs we’ve considered are “Come See Me” by The Pretty Things, “Good Times” by The Easybeats, and “Barracuda” by The Standells.

15.   Have you had any major fights/disagreements as a band? Who won? J

Surprisingly, no. Sure, we get pissed at each other sometimes (a lot), but we’ve both learned to comprise and accept our differences because we both are after the same greater goal. We joke all of the time about how it almost seems like we are married. We know when we are on each other’s nerves and when we need to keep our distance. Besides the business aspects of the band and writing and recording, we don’t take shows, touring and traveling too seriously. We believe that to be the key to our success so far. We come to the shows for a good time, just like everybody else.

16.   What has been your biggest challenge as a band?  Did you overcome it or still working on it?

Our biggest challenge has been trying to find a replacement bassist and compensating for not having one. It has put a major strain on us. Our previous bassist left us right before our summer tour and we ended up having to re-work nearly everything in a very short time frame to fill in the space of not having a bass.  Not to mention, writing our new album without bass is also just as challenging. (Actually, if you are reading this, love rock and roll and play bass, get in touch with us.)

Another challenge we’ve faced was right after recording our first album and preparing for tour. We spent everything we had on our record and were flat broke. We spent nearly two months saving to hit the road. We couldn’t afford to spend anything and life was hard.  No going out. No dates. Not even a random candy bar at the store.

17.   Do you think that selling music online is helping or hurting the music industry? Are you concerned about people stealing music?

The music industry is slowly coming around again. If anything, the internet has helped music. We can easily find 10 new bands a day to suit any mood we are feeling at the time.  Before the internet, the only thing people listened to was what was on the radio or playing down the street.  We gave our first album away for free online (and it’s still available on our website) and it was one of the best things to happen to us. It’s the record labels, producers, and venues themselves that have ruined the industry. They’ve all been trying to make an easy buck by signing or getting bands that have a million Facebook fans, wear meat dresses, and/or are YouTube sensations.  They put no soul into these bands so why should their fans? The people are starting to realize this and we are getting sick of it. Slowly, but we are.  True music with soul and talent is making its way into the open again and you can see it with bands and artist like Adele, The Black Keys, Raphael Saadiq, Jet, Semi Precious Weapons, etc. That’s mainly what we’re all about, too. We want to change the way things are. We write music that we want to hear, rather than what everyone else wants to hear. True fans come from that.

18.   With so many great bands out there, why should I listen to you? What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

You aren’t planning on listening to those same great bands for the rest of your life, are you? Dwayne is what makes us stand out of a crowd. He gets all of the ladies. We should actually call ourselves “Dwayne Killed Vegas”.

19.   Outside of music related stuff, what do you do for fun?

Before we were broke we liked to go bowling, go to movies, Chinese food, concerts, nights about town, etc. Non-money required things we now enjoy are walking, free online games, cheap VHS tapes at thrift stores and foosball…and we pride ourselves in our foosball skills, too. If it ever came down to us being flat broke and trapped in a city, there is no doubt we could hustle our way back home on a foosball table.

We have also been practicing our two part bluegrass harmonies on the road. Not a joke.

20.   Would you do a gig in my backyard?

We’ll play anywhere.

21.   Anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?

Our families and friends have been our biggest support. Without them we wouldn’t have done many of the things we have done.  They’ve helped us out many times without us even having to ask. We owe them everything. Some of our fans have done the same, as well. We also owe it to the many people in our area and all around who have and continue to have faith in us. It really is what keeps us going.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us insight into your band.

http://tara-themusicilove.blogspot.com/

Tara Shehorn and Jessica Payne J