Back by an all-star cast, including Aaron Sterling (studio drummer for Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson and Brandi Carlile), Ryan Freeland (engineer Aimee Mann, LeAnn Rimes and Natasha Bedingfield), producer Timothy Young and her husband Mike Chiaburu, Kristy Hanson is releasing her newest album Into The Quiet at the end of this month.  Her release was funded largely by her fans and marked a transition in Kristy’s artistry from singer/songwriter to collaborator. She also put her input into the production, making the album truly her own. So without further ado, I give to you the very charming Kristy Hanson…

What has been the best part of making the new album?

I think the best or at least most exciting part of making an album, for me, is the recording itself. Getting Mike, Tim, and drummer Aaron Sterling in the studio with Ryan Freeland, our engineer, was fantastic. We had such a great energy and camaraderie, and I just LOVE recording. I love studios, generally  Gavin Lurssen‘s studio (our mastering engineer) is awesome, too. I could, I would spend all day, every day, in a studio, particularly with those guys!

But it was also wonderful to collaborate with Tim Young and Mike on those early demos over at Tim’s house, too. The collaborative process was sort of new to me, and I learned and grew so much as a result of it. So it’s kind of tie between that early collaboration and the recording itself!

How does this one differ from your last release Already Gone?

The fact that I co-wrote some songs with Mike and Tim and invested more time in the production makes it feel different for me, and maybe more sophisticated. Sound-wise, Into the Quiet is a little bit heavier than Already Gone, in that there are layers of electric guitars and more of a rock sound on a lot of songs. There’s also definitely more pop and country flavor in there.  I’m also extra-proud of my vocals on this album, because I really poured my whole heart into them. I hope people respond to that!

You did something very interesting to raise money for this recording, can you explain that?

Inspired by a number of artists who have turned to their fans for support, including the hilarious and wonderful Jill Sobule, I decided to launch a fundraising campaign before the recording of Into the Quiet. My fans donated $5,000, which was vitally important to the making of this album. I actually gave all donors the chance to vote on my album’s title, and I’ll be having a special listening party for my donors to thank them. I hope that my donors feel as proud of the album as I do, and that they feel good to have played a role!

You’ve played shows all over the US, what is your most memorable tour moment?

Oh boy…probably my most memorable BAD moment on tour was when we got stuck in a snowstorm in Wyoming (in the middle of APRIL) and had to stop in Laramie rather than continuing on I-80. It added an extra day of travel, but we made it just in time for the first gig in Chicago.

But it’s so hard to pick, Cleveland was memorable because I was born there and had dear friends in the audience (which was also a great audience), and I also really loved Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. I love touring generally…even (or perhaps especially) the mishaps because they become part of the stories you can tell later.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?

Hmm,  I’d say Joni Mitchell, although Lord knows I might be too intimidated to actually collaborate! I would love to work with Grant-Lee Phillips, an amazing songwriter and singer based in LA. And Aimee Mann. And I also find myself singing Michael Penn’s harmonies a lot…I would settle for merely being his back-up singer for sure. I dreamed about collaborating with drummer Jay Bellerose, and then it happened, so you never know!

What song on Into the Quiet is the most personal? And why?

My songs always come from a very personal place, although most of them on this album are not directly autobiographical. I think that the song “Into the Quiet” itself feels most personal to me. Which seems a little odd, because the lyrics are probably also the most abstract. But a lot of it has to do with what I’ve been through over the last several years, and what Mike and I have been through together  and how at the end of the day all I want is to be in a peaceful place, and sharing that peaceful place with him. So I guess, yes, that’s pretty personal. 

Keep a lookout for Kristy’s newest release Into The Quiet. The official release date is March 31st and if you’re in Los Angeles, swing by Molly Malones for the album release show. Also, be sure to check her out on MySpace and Facebook.

-Sheena

I really enjoy it when an artist creates their own buzz in the blogosphere. Derek Jordan did just that with his last release Identity and is getting ready to release his newest psychological rock beast entitled Humanist. By taking one look at him, you’d never guess what intellectual and existential discussions were taking place beneath the surface. Luckily, Humanist is that one porthole into the soul that is Derek Jordan.

What was the moment when you decided you wanted to make a career out of music?

I decided I wanted to make a career out of music pretty much the second I stumbled across an old guitar in my grandparents’ attic.  I was fascinated by it.  I fell in love with it.  Sure it started as a boyhood dream, but that dream never left.  Music has always been on my mind 24/7 ever since.  I love it and your career should be what you love.  There’s nothing more to it.

You are currently finishing up your second EP Humanist how have you grown since you last release Identity?

Identity was very raw and had a lot of space.  In Humanist I’m putting together songs that are more orchestrated and with less cut-and-paste structures.  I love to solo on guitar, but Humanist only has one solo.  I’m branching out from predictable song structures.  It’s very important for artists to grow with every recording.  Art is expression through a medium and must not be contained or become stagnant.

Some have referred to you as “the king of individuality.” Do you agree with this and why?

I’m on a mission to promote individualism, to wake people up from society running their lives.  It’s so important to grasp life and squeeze everything out of it.  Much of society has lost its individualism and has now become just one big protocol.  You shouldn’t live how you’re told but decide for yourself.  The catch is, many have forgotten or never learned how to decide for themselves.

Who are some of your influences, both musical and non-musical? Where do your ideals come from?

I have lots of influences.  Most of my musical influences come from non-musical sources.  I’m inspired by stories in history, personal tales, social psychology, desperation and triumph.  These non-musical influences consist of Winston Churchill, Napoleon, Geronimo, Achilles, and Einstein.

I’m very influenced by some athletes too, like Sidney Crosby, who became such a talented hockey player at such a young age. It wasn’t due to his talent. It was because of the mentality, attitude, and work ethic that developed so early in his life.  He leads by example and is actually my biggest inspiration in the world.

As for music!  Led Zeppelin, Chris Cornell, Stone Temple Pilots, Eddie Vedder, MUSE!  I also like film score composers like Hans Zimmer.  I grew up on a lot of classic rock but I think we are SO fortunate that there is so much good music coming out right now, more than ever.  In the early 2000’s, people were starting to wonder if new music had lost its creative and artistic edge.  That’s not the case now!  I love discovering new music.

Can you explain the concept behind the red handprint?

The red handprint originates from my individualistic mindset.  No two handprints are the same.  So no matter how society has shaped you, your handprint remains unique.  I wear my handprint on my chest because it is my identity.  Everyone should strive to leave their mark in history.

You talk about social psychology, how has that shaped you as an artist?

Most of my songs are about social psychology.  I’m fascinated with how society thinks and moves as a whole and the psychology behind it.  It goes back to individualism and identity.  We are raised on these agreements of how to live because it is what we are taught from our parents and society.  They didn’t decide on these agreements, they were taught from those before them.  So in reality, no one decides on their own philosophy unless they are aware of social psychology.  Instead, mostly everyone just does what they are told.  And that is flat out wrong.  There is a book called, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.  If you haven’t read it yet, it will open your mind and change your life.

What are you looking forward to most in 2010?

It’s mid March right now and Humanist is weeks from being released.  The CD release party will be at the Joint at 10pm on April 15th. I’m looking forward to doing more touring.  I went to Germany as part of the Tryxo Indie Invasion Tour last June.  I’d love to go back again soon.  Yet, the thing I’m looking forward to MOST of all, is becoming a full-time musician. I believe this transition will occur this year because that’s what I’m working towards and that’s what I’m determined to do.

I encourage you to listen to his music on MySpace and become a fan on Facebook. Oh, and Derek was kind enough to answer these questions and more in a video on YouTube. Go check it out.

–Sheena

You know, what started out as a few simple interviews is now an exploration of what it means to be an artist. When people think of a musician, most people think of the stereotypical rock star type covered in tattoos or something along those lines. What I’ve discovered it that artists are very diverse and each one has their own obstacles to overcome,  their own unique audience, and a different experience as a musician.

My most recent interview is with Thomas King who developed a whole universe to organize and better communicate his values. I’m in love with his latest single “One Nite Stand” very GaGa-esque. Listen to it at  www.thomaskingmusic.com and look out  for his new album coming out soon.

How is being a musician in the United States different from being a musician in Austria?

The main difference is the amount of opportunities. I always say “For every single opportunity in Austria, you get a thousand in the States.” Austria is a country with a great classical music background, and all the world-famous classical musicians come to Austria.

In contemporary music, you reach a plateau pretty quickly and there is no where to go, especially if you are doing original music. Another difference is that Americans are a lot more excitable and supportive when it comes to music and new ideas.

Your Kingtom ideology is very unique, can you tell us what it is?

The Kingtom is my universe in space—my kingdom of high-energy pop music. It consists of six planets brought together by and gravitating toward logical center, LOVE. I call this center the ‘Great Uniting Star’. I invite my audience to enter my universe and through my music, experience  the power of freedom, excitement, beauty, passion, joy, peace and love.

Which element of the Kingtom is the most important to you?

The Great Uniting Star because it is an expression for what I stand for as an artist. I believe that music has the great potential to unite people and bring out love, excitement and happiness in them. This is why I chose the yin yang at the center of my logo that is partially rotated to form a heart. This powerful body then sparks a fire, which reflects the passion I have for music, generating a majestic light and energy needed to keep my universe in rhythm and the audience dancing.

Who are your musical influences?

My two role models that I adore musically are Michael Jackson and Prince. Both are phenomenal entertainers and performers, who in my perception, have always focused on the artistry and music rather than on making money.

Do you have a musical family?

I must have inherited my creative side from my mum because my dad is a businessman. I have played music and have been on stage pretty much all my life. At the age of four, I got my first drum set and started playing drums. At the age of nine, I had become a child actor for  theatre, and in high school, I joined a ballroom band as a singer and toured all over Austria.

You are a very high energy entertainer, have you studied dance or theatre?

I have never studied dance or theatre, but as I mentioned above, being a child actor made me failiar with the at age at a young age. I haven’t abandoned the stage since and probably never will. I guess my high-energy nature comes from my passion for what I am doing. On top of that, I love to dance. so you will rarely see me stand still when you watch me perform.

Tell me what your newest release is going to be about.

I tried to incorporate different elements of my personality into the songs. “The King Lives On” is about spreading my message to the world. In “One Nite Stand” I show that I am not afraid to  show my feminine side. “Do You Believe” portrays my theatrical side in which I am seducing a girl to join my Kingtom. “In the Dark” is an intimate ballad about feelings that have been left in the dark for a long time, and finally “Make It Loud” is a straight up feel good rock tune.

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

Madison Square Garden in New York City. That place is magical. And the big soccer stadium in Vienna, Austria, because it is always great to come home.

Your stage performance is very theatrical, what do you plan on doing on stage for this new album?

The stage show will be a spectacle. A blend between a traditional show and a musical, with dancers, animation, and explosions. When the beat fires up, I’m in the zone and hopefully my audience will join me on this ride.

Check out his music at www.MySpace.com/ThomasKingOnline or www.ThomasKingMusic.com

-Sheena Felix

Suffice it to say that I was wrong. I used to think that people should stick to what they do. Actors should stick to acting and singers should stick to singing. Well every once in a while a truly creative individual comes along that is blessed with the ability to channel their creative energy into everything that they do. Maggie Baird is one of these people. Her touching interview is inspiring and befits a person with such a charming demeanor.

You are both an actress and a musician, which role do you like playing best?

I really love acting and have been lucky enough to work on some great roles, but music has been on my mind more lately. I really need a creative life and the hard part about being an actor is you can’t just “act” whenever you feel like it, other people have to cast you. With music, if you are compelled to write a song in the middle of the night or play guitar or sing…you can just do it. You may not have control over who eventually hears it or cares about it, but the part you do for yourself is almost always available to you.

What song on We Sail is most personal to you?

I would have to say “The Sun Came Up Today” because it is a sentiment that I have faced fairly often in my life. My mother died when I was in my mid-twenties and my father died 9 years ago. Over the years, many of my friends have died too. When a close friend’s father died a couple of years ago, I was so sad about it and concerned for him and his family. I was deeply in the space of knowing what it is like when someone you love dies—you can’t believe that the whole world is just going on as if nothing has happened when your life is completely changed. I wrote “The Sun Came Up Today” for my friend, but it came from my personal experiences.

How did you get involved with writing music for Groundlings Comedy and Improv Company?

The Groundlings is a company that you find yourself in after rising through the many levels of the school.  In The Groundlings everyone writes their material and performs in pieces other people write. Each show usually needs some musical pieces too, for variety and entertainment value, so I often wrote something for those occasions. I wrote mock musicals about various scandals and newsworthy events etc. I once did a musical playing Martha Stewart in embroidered Denim shirt and fishnets for example. That was long enough ago, the director of the show at that time actually said that she didn’t think enough people knew who Martha Stewart was.

I wrote a lot of songs into my character bits when they were appropriate and I did a lot of improvisation. It was really fun and was kind of a breakthrough for me in terms of singing for an audience. When the audience labels you as an “opera singer” or a “country singer” and you have to not only instantly sing like one, but make up the song at the same time, that is truly a good time.

What has been your favorite role that you’ve played as an actress?

As far as television is concerned, I had a pretty fantastic part on Six Feet Under which was especially fun because I was one of the opening death sequences. On stage, I’ve played some really nice parts. I loved playing Brooke in Noises Off which was a really funny role and I did a play called And a Nightingale Sang playing the main character Helen, which I really loved.

What are your biggest song inspirations?

Ever since I was a teenager, my way of coping with my feelings was to write songs about them. I wrote a song to sing to my husband at our wedding; I wrote lullabies when my babies cried; I wrote a song when I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and didn’t know who the hell it was. It is how I cope with things, good and bad. Everyday kind of things that everyone experiences are primarily what I write about. Of course, sometimes I just write a song because I get a funny idea in my head.

Who is your greatest musical influence?

I have thought a lot about this and if I had to pick only one, I would have to say Joni Mitchell. When I was young I wore her albums out playing them and I think every songwriter today is indebted to her.

Since your album is called We Sail, where would you sail to and who would you go with?

I use sailing as a metaphor of course, and given that, I guess I am happiest voyaging through life with my beautiful family. I love to travel, but the people I want by my side the most are right here in my home. I guess I live in a houseboat after all.

You can listen to her music at www.MaggieBaird.com or www.myspace.com/MaggieBairdMusic.

Cheers,

Sheena

Recently, I got to chat up Edison Sunrise about their newest EP Lifer. I got to ask them about their songwriting process and how they came up with the name Edison Sunrise. There is a lot of great new talent coming out of Canada and this is proof. Check out their music at www.EdisonSunrise.com

What is the origin of the band name Edison Sunrise?

I came up with the name “Edison Sunrise” after hanging out in a friend’s basement. His father had an old Thomas Edison record player, that played some of the first ever recorded music.  I was very impressed by the antique record player because it doesn’t need electricity to play. You simply wind it up and it plays the music on the record. Someone mentioned that The Edisons would be a good band name. I had never been interested in being a “The” band so I used my wits and put together Edison Sunrise.

Who are some of your greatest musical influences?

Some of my favorite artists are Blind Melon, Bob Dylan and Oasis. They all have their unique style and sound and they all genius songwriters. I rely heavily on my songwriting to get me ahead and open up doors.

You are about to release a new EP, what song are you most excited to play live?

The third song on my EP called “Life Forms” is always fun to play whether in practice or in a show. The song is short, catchy and packed full of energy. It is the perfect song to play if you want to leave the audience wanting more.

What is the Edison Sunrise songwriting process like?

It tends to not take that long at all for me to write a full song. I tend to drop a song if I am struggling to write it. I have always felt my best work flow through me with ease when I am “in the zone.” I have stuck with this formula and I have managed to write over 40 originals thus far.

What are the main themes or topics that influence your songs?

Society and equality is a big one for me. I am a free spirit and I try to encourage people to think outside of the box and not judge people.

I like to sing about the dangers and shadiness in the world. The world isn’t all butterflies and beautiful flowers you know! There is evil at work.

I write about friends and memories. I can’t forget about all the good times and friends I have made along the way. Everyone needs a song to remind them of the people in their life.

How has your music evolved since you first started playing?

Being able to write lots of songs in a short amount of time has given me an edge. I have written everything from country roots to heavy rock and hip hop. I am constantly changing. One of the most compliments I get it that all my songs are different from one another and I have a unique sound.

What’s the best part about being a musician in Canada?

I currently live in a beautiful mountain town, Banff AB.It is vast and inspiring and people their really dig their music.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?

Having an EP for sale worldwide through digital download and having a much more experienced mindset. I have been learning and working hard at getting better at my craft. I feel that in 2010 I will finally start getting the recognition I have been working toward.

Recently, I had a chance to talk to the up-and-coming Hip-Hop duo RIBKAT AND JOSY B. They’ve already had a placement in the Oscar-nominated film the The Wrestler, a 2008 Hollywood Music Award nomination and an Effigy Award for best Hip Hop song in 2009 under their belts. They recently released their latest album Theory of Addicts and it looks like 2010 is going to be a good year for Tak and Josy B.

The chemistry between the two of you is undeniable, how did you meet and what made you start performing together?

I wrote a song called “Redrum” and I really wanted a female to sing the chorus I had written, and then, what do you know? With the snap of a finger, I was introduced to a cute, vivacious Puerto Rican girl with amazing vocals that went by the name of Josy B. Shortly  after the recording, I realized our chemistry was so magnetic and decided to release the song as our first single, which did great overseas, and we continued to work together from that point on

What is the first song you ever wrote together?

It was a song called ‘Reveriez” which happened to be our first single from our new album Theory of Addicts. You can get a free download of our album at www.RIBKATANDJOSYB.COM. I strongly encourage all you folks out there to come join us and get yourself a free copy!

Tak, you’ve been in the game a long time with groups like Styles of Beyond and Fort Minor, how is RIBKAT AND JOSY B. different?

For starters, I’ve never done an entire project with a female. Another is I got a chance to reinvent myself and showcase my music production and songwriting ability in a way the fans have never heard or would ever expect. Our sound is more electro-pop tip with a fusion of 80′s music and early 90′s Hip Hop in it’s prime. I never considered myself to be a rapper for the most part, but more of a songwriter who was always intrigued by the art of storytelling, with the soul of a musician.

Josy B., you’ve had the opportunity to work with the legendary Dr. Dre, tell us about the experience.

It was an awesome opportunity and a great learning experience. At the time, Dre was doing the soundtrack for a movie called El Diablo and we worked together to write some lyrics in Spanish for a track that was used for one of the scenes. The song turned out great! He was a really fun and down-to-earth guy and it was an honor to have worked with the Dr.

Josy B., you seem to love fashion, does your style influence your music and stage persona?

Fashion is my love!!! I’m addicted to accessories and colorful bags. What I wear is who I am which has a lot of influence not only with the music that I do but on stage as well. I don’t try to think too hard about what I’m going to wear when I perform. I’m very versatile with my visions and mood and sometimes I throw something together spontaneously, so you never know what I may be wearing when I come out!

Your new album Theory of Addicts was just released, what tracks are you most excited to perform live?

To be honest, we get excited to perform all of our songs because we love our album! We don’t use profanity in any way and we strongly believe in unifying a nation of people young and elderly through a positive medium of enjoyable music with an innovative energy behind it.

If you could collaborate with any other artist/s who would it be?

A man-made android combining the DNA of Culture Club, Talking Heads, Human League, Huey and the News, Tears for Fears, Public Enemy, Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J., Leaders of the New School, with a splash of Michael Jackson.

What’s the game plan for 2010?

To infect the world with a plague called “Good Honest Music”

–Sheena Felix

Guest post: “Lets give a warm welcome to Sheena Felix. Sheena is librarian that is infatuated with rowdy music. She enjoys sticking it to the man, refuses to listen to commercial radio and loves all things Indie. Sheena is always on the lookout for music that is unusual and a bit weird.”

Allow me introduce you to an album that has been in my regular rotation the last few months by the name of Being Awesome. Being Awesome is the first full-length release from Amy Heffernan.

What I love about Amy Heffernan is that she makes pop music that I can admit to liking without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. The whole album is addicting guitar-driven pop and great for singing along to without making you feel as if it was made for a teenager. Read the rest of this entry

In this episode, not only will you hear great acoustic music and get a great tip on how you can legally rob a bank BUT you will also find out what it is that I am doing with a Horny Goat.

You better listen now before your imagination gets the best of you…

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Yep, you read that right. Sir Elton John is going to be doing a tune with Alice In Chains on their upcoming album “Black Gives Way To Blue”. For the record I usually don’t do a ton of press release stuff but this is above and beyond Musicgoat worthy. I mean think about it, Elton John and Alice In Chains? I couldn’t have made it up if I tried. Can’t wait to check it out.

Anyway, here is the rest of the press release with some statements from the Jerry Cantrell. Read it and let us know what you think in the comments below… Read the rest of this entry

Well I have a few gems for you this week.  I have a new metal band that I have been listening to for the past month (and should’ve told you about long before today). And an artist who was on a previous podast that has released a masterpiece of intimate and inspiring acoustic rock. Here ya go.

Deflagration “A Call To Arms” (Metal)

This stuff is damn heavy and breaks some new ground ta boot (I can’t quite pinpoint it but you’ll see what I mean). I’ve been listening before and during my workouts for over a month now and this stuff gets me really – and I mean REALLY – jacked up (which reminds me, try not to listen around your buddies that drink whiskey, unless you are looking to break up a fight).

Anyway, they kind of remind me of the band Pro-Pain (I think its the singing). Oh and don’t just take my word for it. I’ve shared their stuff with some of my live and bleed metal buddies and here are their comments;

Mark on Facebook – “Dude! I checked out Deflagration and it was awesome! Thanks!”

Bob on Facebook – “I like them. They sound different. I like the sound though. I might have to get the CD.”

My favorite tunes are “Split Wide” and “Color and Ash”. Bottom line, if you are a metal fan, you are gonna like these guys. These tunes will fit nicely in a playlist along side Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Metallica, Slipknot and many of the newer bands of that ilk. Check them out on MySpace or CDBaby.

Rob Anthony – “While the World Sleeps” (Acoustic Rock/Americana)

Speaking of metal, Rob Anthony is an ex-thrasher who has learned how to turn it up by turning it down. He has crafted a great acoustic album.

Even though I know it’s borderline heresy in the indie world, I’ve been listening a decent amount of top 40 rock, country and adult contemporary lately as part of my songwriting self-education. The stuff on this release could EASILY go toe to toe with almost anything on the pop charts. The top-notch songwriting is both timely and timeless.

His performance is very personal and very intimate. He will tap your psychy and bleed the emotion out of you on nearly every tune.  There is really no way to pick a few favorites because I love pretty much every tune on the disc. And for all of you cover tune nuts, you will want to check out his take on the DePeche Mode tune “Personal Jesus”.

Bottom line, if you haven’t heard him, you are missing out. Check him out on the official Rob Anthony Site or on CDBaby. Then tell everyone you know because he deserve to be heard. Oh and be on the lookout for an interview with Rob in the near future. We’ve been in contact and are trying to find some time in our schedules.