Break it down for us
Tim Permanent, make us dance
You make great avant-pop

TimPermanent (Yes, it is one word on purpose)

Tim, we hear you are about the release your new EP Marker, what have been the best and worst parts about recording it?

I would say the best and worst parts, both, are that I wrote and recorded the whole thing myself, alone. Being that I had full creative control was very much a plus but I am limited by my own resources. The only exception is that I had the help of Niki Haris who co-wrote “Black & White” with me, which was such a huge gift.

What song means the most to you and why?

The song “Asymmetrical” means the most to me as it came out as a rebuttal almost. I am not sure if it sounds like that but there most certainly was very high emotion at the time I was writing it. I was having a very hard go at things at the time and was struggling. Life was throwing me loads and loads of challenges and I was really doing everything I could to just be ok.

What inspires you to write a song?

I don’t know where the songs come from, really—they just kind of come. Sometimes it feels like I am like a vessel, like the songs happen to me. Then sometimes when I want to write I can’t.

Sometimes there is like an urge, like an itch I need to scratch and I go and press record and an hour later an entire production is done.  The opening song “Extraordinary” happened like that. I guess sometime they come at times of high emotion too but that’s not always the rule either. Hmm….

If you could have had any one artist contribute to your album, who would that be?

I guess it would have to be my very first and only real idol Michael Stipe of REM.

Describe your live show to us. Is there anything you expect to be different with these new songs?

I find it important to really connect on stage with each song’s truth .That being said, my show is very theatrical, not in visual way but I am a performer.  I engage in my songs live. I have already been performing most of these new songs, that’s how I knew to release them. My shows are like the test market for the releases.

Have you ever had anything embarrassing happen to you while performing?

Since I write and produce most of my music electronically I have been known to perform to tracks, like on a CD. And there have been times when the CD has skipped and that can be embarrassing. First, because I’m performing to a friggin’ CD but also I’d be right in the middle of some intense vocal or something and then clip, clip, clip, clip ——- it’s like AH!!!!! WTF!!!  HEY SOUND GUY! would you mind skipping ahead to the next track or maybe I’ll take the opportunity to play an acoustic song. Maybe someday I will have a band.

What have been some of your main musical influences?

REM, New Order, Depeche Mode, Missing Persons, Missy Elliot, Tori Amos, Madonna, Digable Planets, Mary J Blige, MIA, Imogen Heap, Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, Joan Osborne, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, throw in a ton of dance music too- techno, house, jungle, triphop, drum n bass- this list could go on and on and on and on-

In the spirit of the Halloween season, what has been your favorite costume you’ve dressed up as?

Honestly, I make an incredibly convincing girl. The only time I ever dressed in drag was on Halloween and I used to do it every year on Halloween and I loved it! I love it because I would dress like a regular girl not like a crazy drag queen and nobody would even know it was me. I would go and see friends and people that I knew wouldn’t even think twice. They would just think I was some strange girl because I wouldn’t talk. There was something fantastic about it!  I haven’t done it in 5 or 6 years but this question has brought out the memory of how much I enjoyed it so maybe I will do it this year.

Check out TimPermanent here or on Facebook

He’s great on guitar
Leave some talent for others
“Alright” Gary Melvin?

Guitarist Gary Melvin, he’s got a Bachelors a Masters and a whole lotta talent

What do you think the qualities of a great guitarist are?

I think the qualities of a great guitarist are also the qualities that would describe any great musician, on any instrument.  Specifically, I believe three of the most important qualities are time, tone and technique.

Time feel (aka groove or pocket) connects with that primal affinity for rhythm and pulse that nearly all humans (and even some animals) share.  Tone is each player’s auditory expression or representation of how they hear music— you might even call this the expression of a player’s soul.  Technique is the basic ability to maneuver and manipulate the instrument to achieve the music you desire, as well as a form of respect for the instrument and the discipline and practice required to gain facility. They are a big part of all genres and styles of music, and are foundational skills that all other elements of a player’s ability are built upon.

Can you do any cool tricks on guitar like play behind your head?

I can’t say that I’ve ever tried that, but generally speaking I don’t really go for tricks or gimmicks on the guitar.  I guess they have their place, but it’s not something I’m interested in being able to do.  I prefer to focus on music and songwriting. I’ll leave the tricks for someone else to handle.

What was your favorite part about touring with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons?

Without a doubt the best part about touring with Frankie was getting to perform for a different crowd every night.  In addition to simply being intensely fun and enjoyable, I also learned a lot about the dynamic of being on the road a lot, and the focus that’s required in order to be consistent and on top of my game while dealing with new venues, sound situations, energy levels from the crowd, technical anomalies, etc.  There really is nothing that can take the place of solid amounts of touring experience. It’s a whole lot different than playing guitar alone in your bedroom.

Why did you choose to title your first album Spare Time? Did you see your original music as more of a hobby at that time?

Music, whether original or otherwise, has never been a hobby for me. I’ve known for a long time that my purpose in life is to make music and share it with those who may be inspired by listening to it.  I chose the title Spare Time for my first record because I was writing and recording it during breaks from being on the road with Frankie Valli.  I have made several other records as part of other bands I was involved with, but this was my first solo album, and with the way in which it came about and was created, the title seemed to fit.

You chose to name your second album Trust, because the theme of trust runs throughout it. Why is that an important topic for you to write about?

I believe trust is one of those incredibly important human connections that are often taken for granted.  It’s present in every aspect of a relationship, whether it’s a simple friendship or a 50 year marriage.  Even further, we have to trust those we don’t know, like the other drivers on the road who we hope follow the same rules we do, or the men and women who teach our children or mend our broken bones.

Trust is everywhere, and if it gets broken or violated, it’s one of the most difficult things to mend.  It goes hand in hand with love, and yet it isn’t addressed as often or as in depth as trust is.  Trust also happened to be something I was thinking about quite a lot after the end of a relationship, and it became somewhat of a study of mine as I wrote the songs that are on the album.

What do you thing is the biggest benefit to learning guitar in school vs. self-teaching?

I believe the biggest benefit can be the community of students that you are a part of at a music school.  If you find a good program that is filled with talented students, you can potentially learn just as much from playing with them (if not more) than from the classes you take.

Music school is (hopefully) much more than sitting in desks and reading books.  I benefited heavily from all the numerous playing and performing opportunities at the schools I attended, as well as the experienced teachers and mentors I studied under.  You definitely have to be motivated enough to seek out all the potential benefits in any music school situation. You don’t improve your playing simply by attending.  If you get involved with the musician community at your school, it’s like having 100 teachers as opposed to 10.  It’s almost like being part of musical tribe – everyone has something to offer or learn from, regardless of whether or not they play the same instrument as you.

You have a song called “Behave.”  What was one of the worst things you did as a child?

The song “Behave” is more about not rushing into love, but to answer your question…I wasn’t much of a problem child, although maybe my parents would have a different story for you.  The “bad” things I did usually involved getting myself hurt or into situations where I’d need to be rescued or at least removed.  I remember being a little kid and wandering into a pen with a ram in it that, well… rammed me.  I also remember that hurting quite a bit.  I definitely learned my lesson after that one.

Find Gary on his website, Facebook, or Tumblr

Tony-award winning Levi Kreis

Tell us about your musical background.

It’s southern. It’s gospel.  The first album I ever recall listening to was Mahalia Jackson.  My granddaddy would spin her records, and Andraé Crouch as well.  I was the kid singing at a different church every weekend from the time I was 12 years old.  I also grew up on a good dose of country music as well, specifically those who were piano players like Mickey Gilley, Ronnie Milsap, and of course Jerry Lee Lewis.

What is the hardest part about playing Jerry Lee Lewis in The Million Dollar Quartet on Broadway?

The easiest part is the routine of it.  The hardest part is the routine of it.

We hear you are getting ready to tour in support of your new album, Where I Belong what part of touring are you most excited about?

Doing my own music again!! My recording career and touring has been on a bit of a hiatus while I’ve been doing The Million Dollar Quartet on Broadway.  It’s been a very rewarding experience, but I have discovered from this experience that I need my acting to be acting, and my music reserved for my own personal expression.  I’m most happy when I can convey my own personal ideas about love, life, and spirituality through songs I have penned in the privacy of my own bedroom.  Songwriting is like journaling for me.  It helps me express and heal.  I look forward to getting back to that level of personal expression in my music.

Besides coffee and songs in the key of life, what else keeps you going?

Hmm, a little daily meditation, laughing, a lot with the love of my life.  I’m also a gym rat, that’s a form of meditation for me as well and having time to myself; I’m such a scorpio that way.

What is your favorite song to perform off the new album and why?

“Not Afraid.” People really take ownership of that song, and it’s really rewarding to see.

What is the best advice anyone has given you regarding your musical career?

“Be nice to everyone, cause you meet the same people going up, as you do on your way back down,” Sophie Tucker, conveyed to me by Brenda Lee.

If down the road a Broadway musical is made about your life, who would you like to win a Tony for portraying you?

Someone like myself who steps on to the Broadway stage with no confidence in his acting skills, no formal training, and no point of reference for the strange new world he’s thrown into, yet he comes out the other end with the kind of recognition that forces him to believe in his ability, position that demands he find his own power, and opportunities that ask him to relinquish the awkward, insecure boy inside, and step into the world as a full grown man.  Whoever that kid is, I would want him to play me.

Which Disney character are you most like?

Ha.  I wouldn’t mind being Hercules on the outside, if I could stay Goofy on the inside.

Check out Levi Kreis and his latest album Where I Belong here or on Facebook. I highly recommend it.

Philosophical
Singer/writer/producer
Neil Rutman inspires

This year you will be releasing your second album Second Life, how is this album different from your last release Clawing My Way to the Middle?

Clawing was a good example of where I was at the time as a songwriter and producer but I knew when I released it that it had its limitations. Second Life shows significant growth in my opinion as a lyricist, vocalist and as a producer.

What are the main influences behind your lyrics?

I tend to write about things in my life that are happening or have happened or things I am aware of in others lives that deeply move me. Sometimes I write about things I don’t really understand and hope to gain some perspective on. I can’t say I am directly influenced by any particular lyricist though I imagine listening to Dylan, Waits and Springsteen must have rubbed off on me to some degree.

We hear you are also a producer; did you produce your own albums? What are the pros and cons of doing it yourself?

I did produce both of my own CDs though I did have a co-producer on several tracks from my first CD. One of the pros is that you can take the time to work things out that you might not financially be able to do with a hired producer (assuming you have your own studio). Another pro is that as your own producer, you dictate the schedule (to some degree) that everyone involved must work under.

One of the main drawbacks of being your own producer is that it can be difficult to say when something is finished.  When I produce others this is not the case, mostly because it is a collaboration. To make up for the lack of collaboration on my own projects I enlist the feedback of trusty friends and peers.

Tell us the story behind your new album art?

When I was in Florence, Italy several years ago, I snapped the picture which after much editing became the CD cover.  If memory serves me correct this was from the Uffizi. Later when the idea for the CD came clear to me I stumbled upon this photo and knew it would be right. “Second Life” deals a lot with starting a new chapter, new beginnings and saying goodbye, in some ways mourning the past life I had lived. The beautiful dove spreading his wings, determined to move forward said all those things to me.

What song on your new album are you most excited for people to hear?

I have a song called “Dancing On Your Grave” that I think will touch people and possibly start a dialogue. I’m not sure if it is a hit or not but musically I believe it delivers and the lyrical concept is about how people can bash someone or something without knowing the full story. “I was dancing on your grave and that’s when I found out about all the people that you saved…”

If you were leaving on a world tour, who would be on your dream lineup?

Sting, Dave Matthews, Steely Dan, Neville Brothers, Peter Gabriel, Radiohead

If you could have been the producer behind any album, which album would you choose and why?

Tough question because were I the producer rather than the actual producer (Gary Katz) then it may not have become the masterpiece that it is but I will say Steely Dan’s Aja.  Working with those writers, musicians and engineers would have been quite an amazing experience!

You currently reside in southern California; many think California is going to break off and fall into the ocean, what is in your survival kit if that happens?

If that happens I’m going to put my wife and son into a dingy with as much musical gear as I can fit (priority goes to my guitar collection), fill up the iPod with every album I’ve ever owned and a few videos for my son, then row to Hawaii where I’ll start my new life producing ukulele music!

Find him on his website or Facebook

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

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…

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.

Ever been out somewhere and find an intriguing melody floating around that you follow until you find some street performer? No doubt, there is probably a small crowd gathered with some people nodding their heads and a few others with a subtle smile. Yes, one individual has the power to infiltrate souls and fight boredom, if only for a moment, without even being asked. Way to go. Public art is the best kind of art isn’t it? It not only belongs to the artist, but also to the people.  So let’s put a story behind the face of the countless sidewalk performers that shine out there. Here is some of the story behind John Clinebell.

What inspires your lyrics?

So many things inspire me these days. When I wrote the lyrics for “Make It Land,” I was in a committed relationship that I was trying to express my gratitude for, and also seeing a previous failed relationship for what it was. Just kind of exploring the emotions that came out of that breakup and the emotional withdrawal I experienced from being with her. The songs were written over the course of a couple of years, so there were those different themes to the lyrics.

We hear you are quite the dodge ball player, how, if at all, does that influence your music?

On the dodge ball court I get to be a totally different guy. Like a comic book character. It doesn’t really influence my music, but I like to think that what makes me a good dodge ball player (communication, being present, and being a good sport in the end) also help me as a songwriter and performer.

Are there any epic dodge ball stories we should know about?

I’ve experienced both extremes of tragedy and triumph on the dodge ball courts. Recently my team, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, played on the Staples Center court for the West LA league championship and won. I’ve definitely had some great individual moments out there as a player as well. Like times at open gym where I’m the last person in on my side and I end up taking out the 8 players on the other side to win the game myself. Stuff like that. It’s so much fun!

What is it like being a street performer on the Santa Monica Promenade, knowing that most people are there to shop instead of listening to music like they would at a typical venue?

The first year I went out there, it was kinda rough. I had this expectation that a huge crowd was gonna form around me, that I’d sell thousands of albums, etc. I slowly came to realize that I wasn’t a show-stopping attractive girl, wasn’t singing covers, and wasn’t exactly doing a lot to make my performance a “street show.” Then it dawned on me that I didn’t have anything to prove to anyone out there, that I could just have fun. And the crowd that goes out there… they show their respect for you in more ways than giving you their undivided attention or tips. I get a big kick out of seeing the small signs of appreciation. The smiles, the bobbing heads, the peace signs, the toddlers dancing. The things I enjoy most about street performing are being outside, connecting with people, and being able to test out new songs.

You have a paper crane on your album cover, what is the craziest piece of origami you can make?

There’s a frog I know how to fold that takes about 10 minutes. You have to make the piece of paper more or less like a chessboard with all the fold lines. So many folds!

Currently, you are being played on over 65 college radio stations, have you heard yourself on the radio yet? What station do you want to hear yourself on?

I haven’t heard myself on anything but internet radio from that, but I’m sure it’ll happen when it’s supposed to. I’d love to hear myself on KCRW (in Santa Monica). They are really selective and didn’t add me to rotation. Maybe they’ll dig my next album!

If another musician covered one of your songs, who would you want it to be and which song?

I think Jack Johnson should cover “Sunday Afternoon” because it’s totally his kind of chill, peaceful song. Finger picked rhythm and laid back vocal delivery, all that jazz.

Since you live near the beach, if you knew a tsunami was coming which one of your original songs would you perform and why, “Lay Back and Die” or “Hold On”?

I’m sure I could think of other things to do in those conditions, but if I were to pick between performing those songs, I’d pick “Lay Back and Die” because I think that song is more about acceptance of what is—about realizing that we don’t have to struggle or strive to be satisfied with life. We could just lay back and die because we are so content. That’s definitely the emotional space I’d want to be in if I knew something catastrophic was about to happen.

To listen to John Clinebell visit him on Facebook or at JohnClinebell.com