So I’m not sure what the haiku rules are for numbers, so no haiku for this week. This band is called 930 and it’s made up of a couple of kids. Way cool that kids are getting into music that young and writing their own songs.

What is the significance behind the number 930?

Becca: September 30 is a big day in our family, so that’s how we came up with the name.

Matt: Yeah, my and Becca’s birthday is September 30 and our other twin siblings were also born on the same day 9 years later!

In your family, which set of twins do you think has the strong twin bond? Any examples?

Matt: The other twins are only 6, so they haven’t really gotten to a point where they realize that they have that kind of connection, but I’m sure they will pretty soon. Then we’re really in trouble! (laughs)

Becca: Matt and I have definitely been in situations where we can just look at each other and be like “Yeah…right? Yeah” and know exactly what the other is thinking. We spend a lot of time together too so I think that’s part of it. Even though we don’t like ALL the same things like music and hobbies – Matt is more into comedy and acting and stuff than I am – we’re still pretty similar in a lot of ways.

930 is a band that actually write their own songs, who writes the lyrics and who writes the music?

Becca: We both do, although I write more of the lyrics. I also write songs that are not necessarily right for 930 because they’re more acoustic or quiet, but I really like being creative and expressing myself with music.

Matt: But we both come up with ideas for songs and talk about it.

What generally inspires you to write a song?

Becca: It can really be anything, although I think songwriting is a really great way to express an emotion – good or bad.

Matt: Right, like when you’re upset about something, it helps to have a release and a way to tell your side of things. And with a song like “Live It Up,” we were inspired by just that happy, exciting party atmosphere – like, “Yeah, let’s have a great time!”

930 are big supporters of the anti-bullying campaign, what made you get involved with this?

Becca: Matt and I both had to deal with a lot of bullying in middle school. So we wrote the song “Get Out of My Way” as way to say like “You don’t get to tell me if I’m cool or not.” It was important to us to tell other kids that bullying and teasing really hurts.

Matt: Right, and we know how hard it is to stand up for yourself and have self-esteem when you’re being bullied. So we wanted to have a way to say to other kids in the same situation, “It’s OK, be proud of who you are.”

As twins who double as musicians and actors, who are your some of your role models in each category?

Matt: I love comedy and funny stuff, so my acting role models are people like Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell. For music, I really like Jason DeRulo and 3OH3! My dad and I always used to sing Daniel Bedingfield’s “Gotta Get Thru This” together.

Becca: I really look up to people like Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez because they do it all: acting, singing, dancing. And I really like Hayley Williams from Paramore because she has a such a cool style. Taylor Swfit writes amazing songs and always inspires me to be a better songwriter.

Would you rather tour with the Jonas Brothers or Demi Lovato?

Becca: The Jonas Brothers. I saw their concert and the stage sets and everything were so amazing. They had waterfalls inside the arena! It was just a great experience to be there.

Matt: I would pick Demi Lovato. Because I just love her.

Who are your celebrity crushes?

Becca: Definitely Nick Jonas. I think he’s super talented, and I love that he writes his own songs.

Matt: Demi Lovato and Hilary Duff. And Hayley Williams from Paramore, she’s amazing!

Check out their music at www.930music.com

Ok I know what your thinking, “Here he goes again, pimping himself and his music”. Ya, ya, ya I don’t blame you for thinking that because you are at right – at least partially. But hear me out.

Along with sharing my indie music experiences with you, the main reason I wanted to share this interview is to introduce you to a new podcaster/musician friend of mine, Eric and his podcast Songwriter Synergy.

Before conducting the interview I listened to a few episode and I really liked the subject matter. Stuff like songwriting, equipment, live performance reviews, etc.

Anyway, stop by and check out my interview, then subscribe and listen to all of the others Eric has to offer.

Go listen to the interview with Corey Koehler on Songwriter Synergy.

Who loves John Nagle?
Pop, jazz, and suave voice lovers
But what’s not to like?

Introducing Singer/Songwriter John Nagle

Your new EP comes out this summer, how long has it been in the works?

It’s been on and off the back burner for about 3 years now. Yes, that is a long time for any project but it was a necessary learning experience for any independent artist. It’s a good time to mention that my new album, Distractions, has been in the works since June. My good friend and fellow artist Nahneen Kula is producing on the project. She’s a genie. We expect it to be finished by December.

What song on the EP are you most proud of and why?

I can say that the most enjoyable experience in the recording process was for the song “Deeper.” At that point I had finally started to get a sense of how a song should be brought to life in the studio. It’s hard to think of it in terms of pride. I have no real control over what my musical urges are going to be like over the course of time. So I can only feel grateful when a song magically falls into place.

What made you transition from band to solo artist?

The transition came on more as a necessity than a choice. Keeping a band together was not easy especially in LA. I decided that if I could not get it together on my own I would never get it together.

You cite Fleetwood Mac as one of your greatest influences, who do you think fronts the band the best?

They are all great. Even counting the days of Peter Green. It’s kind of tie between Lindsey and Stevie. Honestly some people are born to front but Fleetwood Mac is all about the chemistry.

What has been your experience with trying to make it as a pop/jazz artist in Los Angeles?

Since LA I’ve spent most of my time learning the recording process and working on my material. “Making it,” to me, means two things out here, having a viable product; and delivering it. I have my product now and I’m ready to start delivering. The pop/jazz title is just a way to give people an idea of me without hearing me.

What was your favorite toy as a child, how old were you when you finally put it down?

I liked guns and swords and lasers. The answer to my prayers was, The Eliminator TS-7, or so I thought. In those days kids everywhere were looking for a way to combine the power of laser with both the power of gun and sword. A lethal combination that would change my life. I finally put it down when I realized no man, or boy, should harness such a force. It was about doing the right thing. Plus, when you’re 26 it makes it hard to keep girls around.

(I dunno ’bout that, I’m a girl and I’d be super impressed…)

If you could trade places with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why?

Umm… totally invade the private life of any well known person for a day? So many to choose from. So many ways to ruin some one’s life in one day. It wouldn’t really matter who, because I would use them to do something unorthodox or potentially evil. To be fair, I’m not ready for this kind of power as was the case with my Eliminator TS-7.

Check out John Nagle on Facebook

Empowering Youth
What Jonathan George does best
He makes future stars

Introducing Jonathan George,
award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer, and photographer.

As a producer, you work with a lot of young, developing artists, would you consider that your specialty?

I develop all styles and ages but young artists are definitely my specialty. I have always worked with youth and I seem to understand how to pull the best out of them.

You have won a lot of awards, which was the most exciting for you to receive?

Winning the title Grand Champion on Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star back in 2001 was probably one of the most exciting moments of my life. Ed McMahon and his wife Pam became good friends and he even served on my board of directors for my non-profit organization. It opened a lot of doors for me.

What made you make the switch from artist to artist developer/producer?

I have always worked with young talent ever since I graduated with a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education in ‘96. After 9/11, there was a shift in the music business so I took everything I learned as an artist and put it into the talent I worked with. I believe in going with the flow of things and this is where my path has led me and I feel blessed. I miss the stage but if it is meant to be…it will happen again!

What is your favorite part about working with young acts?

Young acts have such great attitudes and are willing to experiment with their gifts. They are not jaded nor do they have the weight of the world on their shoulders….so they always bring a breath of fresh air to their sessions. They are so fun to work with…never feels like work!

You also do motivational speaking, what are some of your favorite topics to cover?

I always work to build high self-esteem in youth. A low self-esteem is the basis for most all of our problems in youth and it is something that we have all had to deal with at some point in our life.  If you can love yourself then you can love and accept others! Self-love and acceptance is the key to a healthy self-esteem which transcends to all aspects of the community.

If you could work with any artist on a song, who would it be?

Give me an artist with drive, talent, and a great energy and I will be there to work with them. But if there was one person I would love to work with, it would be Garth Brooks. I know he isn’t a young artist but he is my all time favorite!

In 2001, you sang an original song “Losing All My Pride” on the Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star show, what inspired you to write that song?

“Losing All My Pride” was the first song I ever wrote. It was about 3 in the morning and I wrote it in about 13 minutes. I was going thru a break up and the words and music just poured out of me. It was the best therapy I have ever had! lol

To learn more about Jonathan George and JG Entertainment go here

I’m having a good time with these haiku’s so I’m going to keep writing them, plus they’re tweetable.

Bingham Willoughby
perceives more than mere mortals
His songs freeze beauty

Introducing Rock Poet: Bingham Willoughby

Your new album is called Maybe Not Today, Maybe Tomorrow, are you a big procrastinator or is there another significance to the title?

On one level, you could say that there is a slight essence of procrastination, in the title. But my intentions, speak to more of an anticipatory feeling–as if you might say, “maybe not today, maybe tomorrow…but soon.” I wanted the title to evoke an impression, more akin to having overheard a snippet of conversation, versus some grand mission statement. And on a personal note, I think I’ll answer the question of being a procrastinator, a little later on…

You have a new video out for your song “What If You’d Chosen Me” what is the significance behind all of the nature shots?

The concept for the video was to explore the interaction between the idea of traveling and the various surroundings you’ll encounter. The traveler responds to these situations, and yet what he sees remains unchanged. The viewer is the traveler. The various natural and urban backdrops are silent witnesses. The notion of looking through moss covered branches, points to a starting point for reflection. The traveler is then confronted with images of the guitar scuttling across the forest floor, a snare filling with sky, and Spanish moss springing to life to try on a Da Vinci shirt. The images from nature; the swaying flowers and trees all asking, “What If You’d Chosen Me?” Humans are moving and nature is moving; these images reflect the song’s sentiments: “I don’t know if I’ll ever have the strength to plan again. Say what you have to, you can’t stop this from happening.” We’re asking the questions and searching for answers–in moody, mysterious nature.

If someone were to play Bingham Willoughby in a movie, who, dead or alive, would you want that actor to be?

It might sound like a funny choice, but Orson Welles. Not just because, I like his acting, but mostly because I credit him with performing one of the most bizarre musical numbers, ever committed to film (in Citizen Kane). In fact, some day I’d love to do a shot by shot remake of it, for one of my songs. If I was forced to choose a living actor, I’d have to say Philip Seymour Hoffman (currying favor, with the interviewer).

Your music sounds very reminiscent of Lou Reed, is he an influence of yours? Who are your other influences?

I definitely feel indebtedness to Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, and certainly, some of the ways I approach song writing are heavily influenced, by what I perceive to be some of their methods. In particular, I’ve always been a huge fan of Reed’s ability to manifest, not only evocative images, but also real emotional urgency. Any writer, who wants to try and speak “of the moment,” owes Lou a debt. In terms of playing, I think any person who utilizes, at times, a reductive approach when playing and ranging, also owes a debt to The Velvet underground.

I have a lot of other influences. Just a few, off the top, would be: The Smiths (Johnny Marr), Lloyd Cole and Neil Young. Even Rockabilly greats, like Eddie Cochran are an influence. When it comes to lyrics, I’m drawn to that turn of phrase that resonates. In my own listening it’s something I always look for, and I’ve discovered it in many varied sources, from Cole Porter to The Shins. I’m always looking out for something that entices me.

This album was truly a solo project, from the music, the recording, and the lyrics; what are the best and worst parts of recording an album alone?

The best part about recording alone might in some ways be the worst part as well. If you have an idea, you can implement it, without consultation, somewhat streamlining the process. However, you also can’t benefit from several great ideas being offered at once, and then crystallizing into one grand idea. That is one of the huge benefits of a group process. The solitary approach fit perfectly, for the way I was feeling about this group of songs. Additionally, from a musician’s standpoint and recording standpoint, there are times when you are actively seeking this form of challenge. You’re trying to make the correct decisions that are going to be right for the songs.

You look like a mixture of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Andy Warhol, what is your favorite Hoffman movie and Warhol piece?

I’ve never been compared to those two people, at the same time before, though I do see the resemblance. I’m a huge fan of both of them, to tell you the truth, so I gladly take the compliment.

I’m a fan of Philip Seymour Hoffman. He’s definitely one of the best character actors working today. I think it would have to come down to a tie between Happiness and Capote, but let’s face it, he’s great in everything he’s done (even Along Came Polly.) Todd Solondz’s, Happiness, is classic Seymour Hoffman and Solondz: equal parts compelling and disturbing. I think one of the greatest things about Philip Seymour Hoffman, is that he somehow elicits a humanity from his performances that allows us to see a little piece of ourselves in his portrayals. Songwriting, aspires to the same goals.

As for Warhol, I am a huge fan, even to the point of having made the pilgrimage to the Warhol museum in Pittsburgh, (and yes, t-shirts were purchased). 5 floors of Andy including some of his taxidermy collection. Well worth a look. As for my favorite Warhol works, I have to throw down another tie, between his Flowers series from the early ’60’s, and a sentimental favorite, Elvis 1 and 2.

…as for being a procrastinator. If I was, Maybe Not Today, Maybe Tomorrow, would have ended with the title.

Find him on Facebook or elsewhere…

So, I notice that I’ve gotten into a bit of a rut when it comes to introducing bands. Frankly, I’m quite bored with the whole thing, so I thought I’d try writing up a new kind of intro, maybe a haiku? You may be asking “Why the sudden change, eh? I kinda like your intros” to which I might respond, “Thank you, you’re really much too kind, but after reading True Margrit lyrics and blog posts, I’ve decided to step it up and be a better writer. And also haikus are awesome.”

Margrit from True Margrit sees the world through her own bent kaleidescope and effortlessly churns out curious little sentences that look to be right out of a novel.  Her imagery and sophisticated insight on Seaworthy and The Juggler’s Progress (the two albums I’ve listened to) show off her writing talent and quirky voice and are a grand departure, when you want to try something new. So True Margrit, this one’s for you:

Forget what you thought
True Margrit’s not seaworthy
They are hear-worthy

You guys are currently on a west coast tour, what has been the best city so far?

We love every show as though each one were our only child. But with that said, this time through Eugene, Oregon really showed the love with a cool write up in the Eugene Weekly, two radio shows, and awesome dancing fans at the gig.

True Margrit was invited to play the International Pop Overthrow Festival in LA, how did you get involved with them?

Who hasn’t heard the legend of IPO, the world’s best independent pop fest, and David Bash its founder?? He has been a staunch supporter of True Margrit and we are super proud to participate. This year we have a cut on the IPO compilation CD, “Syllable” from The Juggler’s Progress.

Your new album, The Juggler’s Progress was released early this year, how did you come up with the title?

Haha, speaking of juggling metaphors…I wanted to mash together the (possibly discordant) themes of evolution, mountain climbing, and somehow incorporate a bunch of Shakespearean themes/references, so the title seemed to cover all those necessities…

Can anyone in True Margrit actually juggle?

Gary juggles potato pancakes, Andrew juggles drumsticks (both chicken and the kind one hits a drum with), and I juggle metaphorical clouds

On August 8th the band will be performing in San Francisco at Bottom of The Hill, we hear you’ll be unveiling a new music video, any funny outtakes we should know about?

Haha. There might be some footage of me climbing on the keyboard which didn’t make it into the video. And …footage of the three giant meals we ate during the 12 hour video shoot.

Why is Gary’s nickname “Cupcake,” what are Margrit’s feelings on the unique spelling of her name, and is Andrew related to Kevin Bacon?

Gary bakes a mean black bottom cupcake. I feel good having a more phonetic streamlined spelling of Margrit (and we like making a cinematic reference to the film True Grit, which, by the way, is being re-made by the Coen brothers!) Andrew is sometimes related to Kevin Bacon—when it serves his evil purposes—but technically, he’s not, no.

You just filmed a video for “Opposite Man” can you explain the story behind the song?

“Opposite Man” is that rare breed of song, a rueful anthem about making bad choices that really worked out for the best after all.

What is next for the band after the tour?

Finishing up new songs for the next recording, booking the next tour and then we’re back on the road  in October, mostly in Northern Cal, but maybe a few dates in LA. Stay tuned and rock on!

Find them here or on Facebook

Producers are artists in their own right, able to mold someone else’s idea into exactly what the artist envisioned. Artists that sometimes need an extra little push, know how important the right producer can be. If the chemistry is there, then the magic surely follows and a great song will likely ensue. Eugene Shakhov is one of these talented producers who is able to do it all, from string arrangements to laying down a perfect vocal track, to polishing a mix, to writing a symphony for an entire orchestra. He’s a musician in his own way. You are very picky with who you work with, can you explain that to us a bit?

Artists are the ones who create the future. Artists are the ones who dream the dreams that becomes a reality so it’s important to me what this future is going to be like. My purpose as an artist/music producer is to change the current culture for the better.

Would you like to live in a society full of drugs and violence? Would you like your children, family and friends to live in it? I don’t think so. So this is why I’m ” selective” with whom I work with.

I’m not an idealist though. Don’t get me wrong. If you need to say “f@$k”, say it, but when the entire message of the song is “getting high on dope” or “shaking your bootie” well… then my kids would be living in the world where you can buy crack in a grocery store and the moral values would be something like “how many girls you can screw in a week.”

I work FOR the artist. I am there as a tool to get their ideas clearer, their music better and, eventually, to make their dreams come true, whether it’s sign a record deal or impress their girlfriend, whatever their dreams might be.

In your bio, you cite Dr. Dre as being the main influence from switching from classical music to hip-hop, what was it that stood out about Dre?

Dre is real. He talks about things for what they are. He’s no fake. Dre brought street culture to the masses and made it commercial, but mostly what makes him so incredible is that he did terrific music productions. Terrific. Stunning. Timeless.

Even after 10 years, I still consider Dre’s 2001 album as one of the best hip hop productions and I can assure you, it will be that way 10-20 years from now and will continue to be that way afterwards. He also had a brilliant eye for new talent and it is mainly because of him that we now have Snoop and Eminem. One of these days, I’m going to produce an album with Dre to create another classic for my grandchildren to listen to for a long time.

As a producer you work with many artists, who has been one of your favorites?

Each and every artist that I personally have worked with. Some are easy to work with. With others it could be troublesome sometimes or pain in the ass, but each and every one of the artists I worked with has inspired me in many ways and I always learn from them, always.

Vocals are a huge deal for you, what techniques do you use to get the best vocals out of a singer and what programs do you work with?

First off, I work with an artist in the studio, trying this and that, asking him to do this and that, coming up with new ideas and finding other ways that their performance could be improved.

The next step of the production would be vocal editing. Sometimes I use over 10 different takes to compile just one line, to make sure it sounds just right! Everything is important, delivery, pitch, pronunciation, clarity, communication, etc. And of course, I work separately on pitch.

The funny thing is, that at the very end the artist usually never knows how it was done. Everything sounds just right to him/her and he/she thinks that this is exactly how he/she performed it! Lol. But that’s the beauty of it.

I mainly work with Logic Pro. But for vocals I use Melodyne. Honestly, without Melodyne it wouldn’t be possible. The German engineers who created this program are simply geniuses. Hats off to them. Well done and thank you guys.

The video “Alien Love” was for a song you did. Tell us your involvement with that project.

This song has a very interesting story. Once upon a time I created a music track for a song. Then I thought, why don’t I do a contest where I would just offer this track to anybody who is interested in basing a song on it. So, I did a post on Craigslist about it, offering free music production and a free music video to the winners.

The response was overwhelming. I received over 180 requests from the artists to whom I sent this track to. 32 of them sent me their demos back and out of these 32, I chose the best 3 songs. One of them was “Alien Love” by The Trade.

I picked this artist because of the way he flows and because of his creativity with words and delivery. I also finished another song for this very same track. It’s called “Cash Out” and I am in progress of creating a music video for that song as well.

To my regret, I still didn’t get to finish the last song that I’ve chosen. The good news is that this artist contacted me recently saying that she played this song for Snoop Dogg’s manager and they said they are interested in it, so I guess I have no choice now but to complete it It’s called “Single, single.” You’d love it if you heard it! Well…when I’ll manage to finally complete it!

In your opinion, how can an artist make a song great?

Be sincere and honest as an artist. Be real and be yourself. Then add interesting and memorable lyrics and interesting and memorable music.

If you can’t sing the song after you just heard it or whistle it, then it’s usually not a great song. But also, what’s very important as well is, did you get anything out of the song? Did you learn something new? Did you experience some emotion? Did it move you? Did it make you go and do something? The list could go on, but I think you get the idea

Besides Dr. Dre, who do you think is one of the greatest producers out there today?

There are many great producers out there—many. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with some. The one who I didn’t work with is Quincy Jones. Yes, I know, he’s not as active today as he was, say, 20-30 years ago, but nevertheless, his productions still stand out today. Out of the ones that I did work with is Emanuele Ruffinengo who is one of the greatest and most talented guys that I’ve met.

If you happen to need a producer, visit Eugene here or on Facebook.

How to make a diverse band: start with an ex-choir nerd and mix in a piano-playing former missionary, toss in a wannabe metal rocker, add a rhythm guitar songstress (an absolute must) and a marching band drummer boy, then BAM! season the whole thing with a bass player who has an affinity for prescription sunglasses, and voila! You have Good Morning Milo. Bands that lack diversity suck, luckily Good Morning Milo is not one of them. They make the kind of music that slyly evades a perfect genre classification, in other words, they make the best kind of music, music that moves forward.

Who are some of your collective influences and what draws you to them?

Anberlin for their dynamics and killer melodies, they have a way of doing both softer heartfelt songs and edgier stuff that makes them very versatile; Muse, they have such amazing stage presence and musicianship; Paramore for their melodic use of the guitar as well as incredible drum writing; Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Gibbord is an incredible lyricist and also writes some of the most interesting bass lines; and we have to mention The Anniversary for influencing Johnny’s synth style so much.

I hear that you perform acoustic sets to support organizations. Can you tell us what causes you support and how you got into that?

The cause we have dedicated the most support to and that really must be mentioned is Invisible Children. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the war in northern Uganda and are a voice for the children who are abducted daily and forced to be child soldiers as a result of this war. More than just an organization, they are really a family, which is how we were able to get involved in such a great cause. The mission of our band is to write good, uplifting and inspiring music for good people. We’ve always felt it’s important to give our audience more credit than the music industry typically does. And that’s exactly what Invisible Children does; they call people to action in a way that expects more from them as human beings. It’s an honor to be able to offer them our support.

Your songs have some interesting titles, who thinks them up and where does the inspiration for them come from?

Well Milo thinks them up, of course, he is really all the inspiration we need.

One of your songs is called “Pickup Lines,” do you have any good lines that actually work?

Well, we have plenty of lines, but none of them work.

How is it being a part of the San Diego music scene?

Really the true joy of being a band in San Diego comes from our fans. We have an incredible group of fans who always seem to make it to every show we play. We’re very blessed that way.

Ren, what is it like being in a band full of dudes?

This seems like a loaded question haha. But in all honesty, I love it. These are a great group of guys, and musicians for that matter. I’ve always felt like I fit right in, I’m just one of the guys which is so much fun. They’re like brothers to me in a lot of ways. We poke fun at each other and sometimes I find myself rolling my eyes. But the most important thing is that while we have our moments, in the end we all work extremely well together and have a lot of respect for one another, which is just so crucial to a good writing and performing atmosphere.

Since you’re from San Diego like Anchorman Ron Burgundy, if you were all newscasters, what line would you use as your sign off in place of “Stay Classy San Diego?”

Peter Says “Stay sexy San Diego!”
Ivan says “Uhh I thought you we’re gonna pick me last I can’t think of one.”
Dallen says “Can’t the new drummer answer this question?”
Weston says “Probably an everyday phrase I could trademark and make money off of.”
Ren says “Stay in school San Diego.”
Johnny says “You be good San Diego.”

Check them out here or on Facebook.

Betty Navas is one of the lucky working musicians who doesn’t need a day job. Playing music is her day job. Betty began with piano and singing in the Miami’s Children’s Chorus and eventually directed her dedication to the guitar. Since then, she has made a career out of performing at casinos, getting to play every night and doing what she loves. See…art can pay. To further follow her passion, Betty has released her own album Superqueen to inspire other people, especially girls, and show them that a career as a musician is possible, without the struggling part.

Superqueen is the name of your album. Why did you choose that name and how does one become a Superqueen?

“Superqueen” is the second song on the CD. The song describes a woman who feels that on every level she is in charge of her own life. She (Superqueen) feels that she can be, do or have anything that she wants.  She has a sense of complete freedom and there are no limits to her choices or directions in life. A Superqueen, by my definition would be one who feels and moves in the direction of independence and freedom.

Who are some of your biggest music influences?

I listen to a wide variety of music everything from E.S. Posthumus to Eric Clapton. Being a guitarist, I love listening to guitar-oriented music and that is my biggest influence. I am very influenced by guitar-driven groups and artists like Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and Foo Fighters.

According to your MySpace, you are constantly on the road, what is your favorite city to play?

I don’t have a particular favorite, but if I had to pick one it would be Ontario, Canada. It’s closer to my home in L.A. and the people there are really great.

A lot of your events are in casinos, what has been your biggest win to date?

I don’t gamble in the casinos. My biggest win so far is achieving my goals as far as becoming a professional musician full-time.

You made a music video for the song “Love Is,” what’s the story behind that song?

I wrote that song while I was taking a course on Protools. As part of the course, we had to learn how to add music to video and film clips. I wrote the song and soon after shot the video in short segments around L.A. I came up with the idea to write the song after reading books on metaphysics. The song is about love in a universal sense that states compassion and forgiveness are acts of love too. I wanted to encompass more perspectives about love from an expanded point of view rather than a purely romantic point of view.

Which of your songs is the most personal to you?

If I had to pick the most personal it would be “Stay in My Skin.” That songs describes my personal thoughts and feeling about genuine self-acceptance.

If you could have anyone to start a band with, who would be in it?

If I could have anyone, it would be Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews and Josh Homme to name a few. I really love their singing and playing.

If you could have any special power to use inside of a casino, what would it be and what else would you use it for?

I would use my special powers of focus to win a large jackpot and teach others how they can do the same thing! : )

Check her out on MySpace or on Facebook

When you were growing up, was there ever that kid in your class that was good at everything? Good at school, good at sports, good with the other kids, and good looking? Well, if that kid grew up to be a musician, he’d probably be like Julian Shah-Tayler who switches from songwriter to producer to performer to DJ with the greatest of ease, talent unwavering.

Already Julian has worked directly with Joaquin Phoenix, JC Chasez, and Violet Flames to name a few.  As a sonwriter, he co-wrote the smash hit “Wrap It Up” which has been featured in Whip It, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami. He has also remixed a number of artists and DJed in clubs worldwide from the from The Razzmatazz in Barcelona, the Maria in Berlin, Death Disco/Kill All Hippies/Transmission/The Queen is Dead/The Secret Door in London, Happy Endings in New York, and Standard Hotels in Los Angeles. Do you see what I mean? Julian Shah-Tayler is an artist to watch for his versatility,musical integrity and sophisticated artistry.

You have been in a number of bands over the years, how you feel about having a solo project?

It feels great. I have been writing with a solo project in mind before, during and after the time I was in bands. It would be fair to say that in a lot of the bands, the songs were tantamount to solo efforts anyway. Finally because I play all the instruments and produce the songs as well as sing them, I get to do exactly what I want with them now.

What inspired the lyrics to the song “Wetter”?

Ha ha. Strangely I wrote the backing track for JC Chasez (*NSYNC) because I was working with him on some other projects. When I thought of the “naughty” lyric, it just stuck, and I decided to finish the song myself. I read a lot about Prince in my youth, as I was a huge fan. I think that using provocative lyrics does not necessarily denote a lack of subtlety across the board with the rest of the oeuvre. It was only ever intended to be a fun song, and it has certainly proved itself a favourite with my live audiences and radio stations.

You have a full length coming out at the end of the year entitled Coito Ergo Sum, what does that mean and can you expand on it?

Coito ergo sum is a corruption of the Descartes maxim: “cogito ergo sum” which means “I think therefore I am”
Coito, however means “I procreate”…….. The idea is that the use of latin is a little highbrow, but the message is quite cheeky really. I think that meeting of highbrow and lowbrow culture and intent reflects the content of my music nicely. I am quite serious, but irreverent and silly at the same time. Think perhaps of CNN presented by Monty Python…..

How does making music in the UK differ from making music in the United States?

My methods do not differ in the slightest bit between the US and the UK. I think the way it is perceived is the chief difference. Los Angeles is obviously a far cry from London, but my process is the same. Filter life through art and make it sound as interesting as possible….. Repeat.

You have collaborated and/or produced a number of other acts including JC Chasez, Joaquin Phoenix, and Whitey, who was your favorite to work with?

My favourite collaboration is the ongoing one I have with Scott Fairbrother in “adamandevil”, although the experience of working with Joaquin was the most “unusual” as he is a self-confessed non-musician, articulating himself most often in sensate terms. He’s quite brilliant as a producer actually, as he could take the musicians out of their comfort zone into a non-musical paradigm. This creates a very specific mood which helps create an idiosyncratic sound.

What role do you prefer, producer, songwriter, or DJ?

I am most definitely in my element as a singer/songwriter which comprises certain production things as well.

I read somewhere that you write between 50-70 songs a year and put out a new EP every few months, where do you get all this inspiration?

The songs are cathartic. I guess I am writing my diary/autobiography in song form, I guess you could say. Any emotional baggage can be offloaded in musical form.

You were once in a band called Drink Me, so if you were a vampire and could blend any 3 celebrities’ blood into a drink who would they be?

Shannyn Sossamon, Prince, (it would be purple) and Sigourney Weaver (for that added zing).

Find him on Facebook and keep an eye out for his label Impossible Things Records.