Jeff Lewallen

My Story

Music is something that existed in me when I landed in this world. My mother said before I could walk I would drag pots and pans out of the kitchen cabinets and bang on them. Thankfully I was born to parents who supported my interest and never complained when I joined school band at age 10 and got my first real drum to play. Through many years playing concert music, marches, jazz and stage band through high school I developed a broad appreciation for many styles of music. Playing in my first regularly working rock band at age 15 with a Neil Young tribute band, Harvest, I learned the art and fun of entertaining people with my craft. Now at age 56 after gigging steadily with many people through the years I can’t imagine life that didn’t include making music. The language of music has allowed me to join 3, 4, or more strangers on a stage and play songs together unrehearsed that not only sound great but prove the power of a musical conversation. Music to me is a part of life and something that brings people together regardless of background, etc. etc....and just equalizes everyone into a single group of fun loving people. Music is the key to a peaceful world in my opinion.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is life. It gives me life

What is your music dream?

To be at a concert of Neil Young and to be able to be called up on stage to play like a hurricane with him and the band.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Making sure everyone had food to eat and clean water to drink.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Bare Necessities from the original Jungle Book soundtrack

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Neil Young Rush Chicago Maynard Ferguson Miles Davis John Coltrane Merle Haggard Cab Calloway Jackson Brown The Eagles The Who Sting Diana Krall

What inspires you to make music?

Living

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Live your life and be happy with it.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Exposed.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Don't be concerned with money. Make the music you like and don't change for anyone. The best improvement would be musicians refusing to play for free and instead recognizing their talent has value.

What do you think of Drooble?

I love drooble. The best social media site for musicians.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Me and A lack of time .

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes. I go out and support bands playing and buy their music.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Perseverance

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

The 5 L's, Clark Ford, Brice Sreet