Exclusive Interview with Wikimusicguide.com
The Google of Music!
WMG Abby: What is it about acoustic music that made you love it a lot?
Jody Aaron: I began on playing music on a classical guitar, and transitioned to Acoustic when I was younger. I've always loved the pure sound produced from the wood and strings. It creates a wholesome and natural environment that inspires me to write songs.
WMG: Picking up the guitar, how do you feel playing it?
JA: How about some "E" words - Enamored. Elated. Empowered.
WMG: What does your music sound like?
JA: Imagine Simon left Garfunkel for Sarah Mclachlan, and they had a Southern Folk-Rock love child. I call it "Pop-Rock for your Soul".
WMG: Who are your musical influences?
JA: Dave Matthews, Sarah Mclachlan, Bob Dylan, Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Ben Folds, Johnny Cash, Kings of Leon, Indigo Girls, R.E.M., Soul Miner's Daughter, Peter Gabriel, Beck, Harry Chapin, Bad Religion, The Beatles, okay, now I'm just looking in my Itunes Library --- and the list goes on...
WMG: Where do you get your inspiration in writing your songs?
JA: Inspiration comes from life's experiences, and the feelings or mood that strikes me at the moment. It could be something I see on the News, or it could be a feeling I have for someone I love, or it could be a memory triggered by a cereal that I'm eating that brings me back to the way I felt at the point that memory took place. I think this is called Priming? The best songs come unexpectedly.
WMG: Was was it like being praised by Shawn Mullins?
JA: Shawn's writing and singing was and is still such a huge inspiration to me. Of course, any positive feedback from him feels amazing! I try to put myself out there as much as possible so it's great when someone like Shawn takes notice.
WMG: So I supposed living near Disney;and gave you a lot to imagine in terms of creativity in making music?
JA:I grew up going to Disneyworld every summer with my family. Their whole concept and what they try to engrain in kids is the idea of using your Imagination. When I write, I try to approach my songs by stretching my imagination, and pushing the boundaries of "originality".
WMG: How did it feel winning First Place in the International Talent Search for CNN?
JA: It felt really great to be praised and supported by all my peers at work. In a way, that contest jump started my career and gave me my first bit of exposure on a national level.
WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists?
JA: A tough question. I like to think that I can offer songs and music that is different than others, but lets face it, there is no such thing as completely original material.
I think I'm unique in that I can be poetic lyrically, and still create "Pop" melodies that people will enjoy, and remember. My lyrical content will sometimes be different too. Sure, I have plenty of songs about love and hurt, but occassionally, I'll write about something completely off the wall like "Orange Soda" or "Apple Trees and Honey Bees" or "Drug Store Connection".
I like to think I have a strong sense for melody and try to keep my writing fresh by experimenting and not using the same song structure every time.
What else might set me apart is that there seems to be a trend of artists today coming out of music institutions such as Berklee College of Music in Boston or Musician's Insitute. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I never had that opportunity. I haven't had any formal training and am completely a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. I do not read or write music. Not to say that other artists are not self-taught, but I think this allows me to bring a genuine passion into my playing and writing.
Lastly, I'm doing everything I can to work hard and learn about the music "business" so that I can apply that to my artist career.
WMG: How would you deal if you were criticised as another acoustic musician?
Did you mean by another acoustic musician? If so... read below..
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I get that not everybody is going to like my music. Music is a personal choice, so naturally there is no way to get fans across the board.
WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you wrote?
JA: On "est. 1980", I really like the 2nd track, "All I Wanted". The music and lyrics were complimented perfectly by the production. I also managed to create an awesome video shot in NYC by Great Expectations Video (www.gevideo.com) who also shot a video for another favorite band, Guster.
WMG: Any gigs going on?
JA: On occasion, I'll play a coffee house gig in and around Orange County, California. I'm working hard on putting a band together, and getting back in the studio to record again.
WMG: Tell us more about your debut album, Est. 1980?
JA: We recorded it over 3 months in the East Village, NY. Don't get me wrong, it was more like every other weekend over 3 months - not too much thought went into it. We did minimum overdubs, and it turned out good. I like to think of it as the first album in the beginning of a long career.
It is a good album, and listeners seem to be enjoying it. It was definitely a learning experience. As I said, I've written and am writing more songs and am hoping to get started recording a new album soon
WMG: How did you create the right sound for the album?
JA: It was a combination of different instruments and a wonderful invention called "Apple Computers". Oh, and some talented musicians helped along the way.
WMG: How are you dealing with the growing popularity you're getting so far?
JA: I'm getting popular? do tell....
WMG: Nice one. Recently you won an ASCAPPlus Award, how did that feel?
JA: "H" words - Honored. Humbled. Happy.
WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
JA: Making a difference in the world. Hopefully doing what I'm doing now with making music, making fans, and having fun.
WMG: Thanks so much for the time. Any last messages to your fans?
JA: There are never enough words to express my love and thanks to you guys. You all are the reason I keep going.
WMG Abby: What is it about acoustic music that made you love it a lot?
Jody Aaron: I began on playing music on a classical guitar, and transitioned to Acoustic when I was younger. I've always loved the pure sound produced from the wood and strings. It creates a wholesome and natural environment that inspires me to write songs.
WMG: Picking up the guitar, how do you feel playing it?
JA: How about some "E" words - Enamored. Elated. Empowered.
WMG: What does your music sound like?
JA: Imagine Simon left Garfunkel for Sarah Mclachlan, and they had a Southern Folk-Rock love child. I call it "Pop-Rock for your Soul".
WMG: Who are your musical influences?
JA: Dave Matthews, Sarah Mclachlan, Bob Dylan, Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Ben Folds, Johnny Cash, Kings of Leon, Indigo Girls, R.E.M., Soul Miner's Daughter, Peter Gabriel, Beck, Harry Chapin, Bad Religion, The Beatles, okay, now I'm just looking in my Itunes Library --- and the list goes on...
WMG: Where do you get your inspiration in writing your songs?
JA: Inspiration comes from life's experiences, and the feelings or mood that strikes me at the moment. It could be something I see on the News, or it could be a feeling I have for someone I love, or it could be a memory triggered by a cereal that I'm eating that brings me back to the way I felt at the point that memory took place. I think this is called Priming? The best songs come unexpectedly.
WMG: Was was it like being praised by Shawn Mullins?
JA: Shawn's writing and singing was and is still such a huge inspiration to me. Of course, any positive feedback from him feels amazing! I try to put myself out there as much as possible so it's great when someone like Shawn takes notice.
WMG: So I supposed living near Disney;and gave you a lot to imagine in terms of creativity in making music?
JA:I grew up going to Disneyworld every summer with my family. Their whole concept and what they try to engrain in kids is the idea of using your Imagination. When I write, I try to approach my songs by stretching my imagination, and pushing the boundaries of "originality".
WMG: How did it feel winning First Place in the International Talent Search for CNN?
JA: It felt really great to be praised and supported by all my peers at work. In a way, that contest jump started my career and gave me my first bit of exposure on a national level.
WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists?
JA: A tough question. I like to think that I can offer songs and music that is different than others, but lets face it, there is no such thing as completely original material.
I think I'm unique in that I can be poetic lyrically, and still create "Pop" melodies that people will enjoy, and remember. My lyrical content will sometimes be different too. Sure, I have plenty of songs about love and hurt, but occassionally, I'll write about something completely off the wall like "Orange Soda" or "Apple Trees and Honey Bees" or "Drug Store Connection".
I like to think I have a strong sense for melody and try to keep my writing fresh by experimenting and not using the same song structure every time.
What else might set me apart is that there seems to be a trend of artists today coming out of music institutions such as Berklee College of Music in Boston or Musician's Insitute. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I never had that opportunity. I haven't had any formal training and am completely a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. I do not read or write music. Not to say that other artists are not self-taught, but I think this allows me to bring a genuine passion into my playing and writing.
Lastly, I'm doing everything I can to work hard and learn about the music "business" so that I can apply that to my artist career.
WMG: How would you deal if you were criticised as another acoustic musician?
Did you mean by another acoustic musician? If so... read below..
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I get that not everybody is going to like my music. Music is a personal choice, so naturally there is no way to get fans across the board.
WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you wrote?
JA: On "est. 1980", I really like the 2nd track, "All I Wanted". The music and lyrics were complimented perfectly by the production. I also managed to create an awesome video shot in NYC by Great Expectations Video (www.gevideo.com) who also shot a video for another favorite band, Guster.
WMG: Any gigs going on?
JA: On occasion, I'll play a coffee house gig in and around Orange County, California. I'm working hard on putting a band together, and getting back in the studio to record again.
WMG: Tell us more about your debut album, Est. 1980?
JA: We recorded it over 3 months in the East Village, NY. Don't get me wrong, it was more like every other weekend over 3 months - not too much thought went into it. We did minimum overdubs, and it turned out good. I like to think of it as the first album in the beginning of a long career.
It is a good album, and listeners seem to be enjoying it. It was definitely a learning experience. As I said, I've written and am writing more songs and am hoping to get started recording a new album soon
WMG: How did you create the right sound for the album?
JA: It was a combination of different instruments and a wonderful invention called "Apple Computers". Oh, and some talented musicians helped along the way.
WMG: How are you dealing with the growing popularity you're getting so far?
JA: I'm getting popular? do tell....
WMG: Nice one. Recently you won an ASCAPPlus Award, how did that feel?
JA: "H" words - Honored. Humbled. Happy.
WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
JA: Making a difference in the world. Hopefully doing what I'm doing now with making music, making fans, and having fun.
WMG: Thanks so much for the time. Any last messages to your fans?
JA: There are never enough words to express my love and thanks to you guys. You all are the reason I keep going.
posted by Jody Aaron at 2:36 PM
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