I first became known for my original song "Up In The Air," which served as the theme song for the Oscar-nominated Jason Reitman film starring George Clooney. But I've been writing songs for most of my life, and I have well over 200 finished songs now. I've recorded five CDs, including my newest one, "Clear The Way." People say I sound alot like Neil Young, and in fact, my side project is a Neil Young tribute band called SHAKEY DEAL. I definitely count Neil as one of my biggest influences. But an even bigger influence is Brian Eno, and there is nothing simple I can say about his role in my life. I would not be making music professionally if not for Eno. I also count Paul Simon, the Beatles, Nick Drake, Pink Floyd and Scandinavian pop music among my influences. I write songs about the passing of time, the difficulty of finding and holding onto love, and the "lost" nature of many people. I am a contemplative person and I think about things deeply. I try to convey that in my songs. Music is a genuine passion for me and I feel privileged to be a singer and musician in this world.
Music has been a powerful, pervasive element in my life since I was a kid. It is an ongoing soundtrack for the crazy, evolving drama of growing up and figuring out who you are. Music centers me; it gives me a sense of my values, and of life's endless possibilities. It continuously reminds me of who I am, and sometimes it is the ONLY thing that lets me feel my heart and soul. Music is a dream, a reminder, an ongoing commentary, a friend. When I perform it myself, it is an entertaining force and a way of communicating with other people.
To consistently make music that will stir people's emotions and make a reasonable living while doing so. I want to write and record great, widely appealing songs. And I want to tour other countries some day.
This isn't really a music question, is it? If it's a general question, I would eliminate the two-party system in the U.S., and I'd make it mandatory for candidates for high office to be brilliant, well-educated people who have passed a battery of psychological tests with flying colors. Almost certainly this would change the world.
There really are too many to name. I'll just pic three, for the purpose of this question: "A Hard Day's Night," by the Beatles; "Pleasant Valley Sunday" by the Monkees; and "Sweet Cherry Wine" by Tommy James.
Brian Eno is my all-time favorite, above all else. After that it would be Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, Cocteau Twins, Pete Namlook, Moody Blues and the Norwegian group Ephemera.
A love of the craft of songwriting and the glorious feeling I get when I write a good song. I also usually have a blast doing live shows.
That the uncertainty and fragility of life should motivate us to love each other, seek the true magic of different experiences, and try to communicate on a personal level about who you are and what you need, so that fewer people feel alone and overwhelmed. Also that real beauty is out there if you look for it.
Fantastic most of the time. Energized. Sometimes a bit nervous.
The financial hardship is difficult to endure. I don't know anyone who truly makes a great living from music. It's taken for granted. And it makes me sad that so few people still buy CDs, which I love. Performing musicians need to be paid a fair, decent wage.
It's a great site from what I can tell. I am still learning my way around.
The difficulty of booking gigs. The non-responsiveness of 90% of the venues I contact at any given time.
I go out to hear music when I can. I give positive feedback to other musicians when I get a chance to meet them. Once in a while I write reviews.
A great sound that has something unique about it. Good songs. A lively and worthwhile stage show.
Ephemera (fantastic Norwegian girl group)