How important is the visual element of music? (Album covers, music videos etc.)
“It’s always cool if you can catch someone’s eye with a killer cover art but also it must make that person wanna pick that up and check it out..”.
Do you think the above has changed with the introduction of streaming platforms and the decline of physical sales?
“To an extent, it still has to catch an eye…even when you stream you still see that pic or cover on the band page…“
How important is music journalism considering the influence of streaming platforms and user-tailored playlists like ‘made for you’ on Spotify?
“I don’t allow anyone to (tailor make) me a playlist…and music journalism is important if your reporting about that said artist or band and not just voicing (your opinion)… “
What’s the hardest thing that every musician must face?
“Have you ever had any instances where you felt like giving up the dream of music? I have never wanted to give it up per say but the hardest thing or I should say fact, is it’s not about the (music) anymore…now everything is somewhat political and more visual than the music…I’ve heard some God awful shit come out lately but they garner attention by the way they look…“
How did you get into music in the first place?
“Seeing the video for No Reply At All…by Genesis…and this cat named Phil was just a badass singing and playing at the same time….that’s when I knew what I wanted to do..”.
Did you have other goals/dreams if it wasn’t going to be music?
“Standup comic…”
How do you spend most of your spare time outside of music?
“I play a lot of golf, play poker quite a bit and hang out at the lake either fishing, kayaking, sleeping, and eating samiches (sandwiches)”
If you could share the stage with a deceased music star who would it be and why?
“I would have to say Freddie Mercury…just so I could watch him take over the crowd and relive Live Aid 85…”
What’s your method for discovering new music?
“Usually by my Spotify…or just hear a song by accident…I don’t listen to a lot of new music…Big Wreck is about the newest band I listen too…and they’ve been around for a while now.”