MAS: Congratulations Guy Copland, the winner of the Stand Up Comic: September 2010 Contest!! What’s the story behind the video clip you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Guy: This video was recorded at Chaplin’s Comedy Club in Clinton, Michigan. I was the MC this night, and edited out the announcement stuff. It’s also the club where Jeff Foxworthy was inspired to do his “you might be a redneck if…” jokes for the very first time.
MAS: That’s a great location! Tell us how you got started as a stand-up comic.
Guy:I was doing comedy for a radio show. Writing the bits, doing character voices & impressions and heard about a comedy contest at The Comedy Barn. So I wrote a routine using voices and entered. I placed 2nd, and became friends with the guy who won with a juggling routine. We didn’t know each other before, but discovered we were both also children's entertainers. He had a clown act, and I did shows as The Magic Guy, Go Go the Clown, and Jelly Bean the Genie. We started doing kid shows and comedy shows together across the state!
MAS: How do you feel when you are on stage as a comedian?
Guy: With a history of being on the stage as a magician and doing theatre starting back when I was 12, and then a career as an actor and radio personality, getting on stage or on a microphone is something I’m very comfortable with, and really enjoy. Scripted or ad-lib.
MAS: How do you gather information to write your jokes and put together a routine?
Guy: Jokes are things that just happen during a day that I find funny, then find a way to say it. A new joke could be inspired by something on the news, I see happen, or just about any situation. Comedy is all around us, we just have to watch for it. Once I have new jokes, I try to fit them into the routine, or use them as a building block for a new routine.
MAS: Have other people compared you to any other comics?
Guy: I’ve been told that I remind people of Ron White and Tim Allen. I don’t see it, but thanks for the compliments!
MAS: Who are your comedy heroes that have influenced your style?
Guy: Johnny Carson was the king. I love a classic monologue opening. And he started out as magician too! Soupy Sales was a big inspiration along with Robert J. McNae (Oopsy the Clown), Karol Fox (Milky the Clown), and Larry Thompson (Mr. Whoodini’s Magic Shoppe). All four of these men had kid shows on television. My dad was a weatherman on TV so these guys became true mentors for the fundamentals of entertainment for me. Tim Conway was great for character and expressions study, and listening to Bill Cosby, The Smother Brothers, Rowan & Martin, The Firesign Theatre, and Cheech & Chong albums was a past time for me at home growing up.
MAS: What is your career plans for the year ahead?
Guy: Write new material, and stay on stage! The film industry is picking up in Michigan, so I’d like to concentrate (if that’s possible for someone who is ADHD) on becoming more involved with it.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a stand-up comic?
Guy: The best is making them laugh! When someone laughs they forget about the worries of life. Yeah the kids need braces, you’re worried about your job situation, the bills are stacking up… whatever. For a few moments they let go, have fun, relax, forget, and enjoy. When I can make a moment like that happen, it’s very rewarding. And, if I can also turn that moment into a memory… wow. The worst is the pay grade and how hard it is to make a living doing just comedy.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the industry for comics today?
Guy: Everyone wants to be a star.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare (good or bad) with other talent websites?
Guy: MakeAStar is by the far the easiest to navigate, and consistent with its prizes and contests. I hope Fuse will pick it back up for more episodes!
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Guy: You should try peanut butter, bacon, & lettuce on toast sometime… put a little garlic powder in the pan when frying the bacon!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Make A Star Interview with Male Solo Artist Steve Rupert
MAS: Congratulations! Steve Rupert the winner of the Male Solo Artist Contest for September, tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.
Steve: I started my career as a singer somewhere around 1969, when some friends and I started a band called Live Peace, which was lucky enough to play at a few high school dances and some private parties.
MAS: How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Steve: My recording career began in the mid 80s, when I bought a 4-track cassette porta-studio; it was cool, but 4 tracks never seemed to be enough for an amateur like I was at the time. As far as my being the primary songwriter or a collab writer, I write all of my own music, but would love to co-write with others. Other influences can be very helpful.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Steve: The story behind the song is based on a truth/fiction account of the way I was feeling when it was written. I always try to write in a manner that will relate to as many people as I can reach.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Steve: MAS is a great site, but I feel that the number of songs a person enters should be limited to a max of 6 songs for all of the categories. Some people have so many, that it gets boring after awhile.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Steve: Musical influences that I have been compared to, vary greatly, because I love so many styles of music, and refuse to stick to just one genre.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Steve: I feel what sets me apart from other people in my genre, is that I try to be honest in lyric, and I really don't stick to one genre.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Steve: I get inspiration for writing songs from true life experiences, and I feel that my life is inspired by these same experiences. Truth in writing can inspire many people to listen.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Steve: As far as musical plans for the year ahead, I really have none other than trying to write a better song; I no longer enjoy playing in a full time band, and have no plans of going back on the road.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Steve: John Lennon/ The Beatles were by far the biggest influence in my childhood, but there are many others that also served an important role in my musical upbringing, such as James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Cat Stevens, Chet Atkins, and the list goes on! First album purchased- Introducing The Beatles First concert- The Guess Who
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Steve: The best part of being a musician, is people letting you know how great you are. The worst part of being a musician is people letting you know how great you are :)
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Steve: The best part of the music industry today is that musicians can eliminate big business and do it on their own. The worst part is- it still costs money!
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Steve: In finishing, I would like to thank all of my musician friends at liquidaudio.org, and I would also like to thank Ed/E-ISME for creating such a wonderful site for musicians to hang out and chat!
MAS: And thank you Steve Rupert for the amazing song you entered, the win is well deserved and we wish you the best!
Steve: I started my career as a singer somewhere around 1969, when some friends and I started a band called Live Peace, which was lucky enough to play at a few high school dances and some private parties.
MAS: How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Steve: My recording career began in the mid 80s, when I bought a 4-track cassette porta-studio; it was cool, but 4 tracks never seemed to be enough for an amateur like I was at the time. As far as my being the primary songwriter or a collab writer, I write all of my own music, but would love to co-write with others. Other influences can be very helpful.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Steve: The story behind the song is based on a truth/fiction account of the way I was feeling when it was written. I always try to write in a manner that will relate to as many people as I can reach.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Steve: MAS is a great site, but I feel that the number of songs a person enters should be limited to a max of 6 songs for all of the categories. Some people have so many, that it gets boring after awhile.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Steve: Musical influences that I have been compared to, vary greatly, because I love so many styles of music, and refuse to stick to just one genre.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Steve: I feel what sets me apart from other people in my genre, is that I try to be honest in lyric, and I really don't stick to one genre.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Steve: I get inspiration for writing songs from true life experiences, and I feel that my life is inspired by these same experiences. Truth in writing can inspire many people to listen.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Steve: As far as musical plans for the year ahead, I really have none other than trying to write a better song; I no longer enjoy playing in a full time band, and have no plans of going back on the road.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Steve: John Lennon/ The Beatles were by far the biggest influence in my childhood, but there are many others that also served an important role in my musical upbringing, such as James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Cat Stevens, Chet Atkins, and the list goes on! First album purchased- Introducing The Beatles First concert- The Guess Who
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Steve: The best part of being a musician, is people letting you know how great you are. The worst part of being a musician is people letting you know how great you are :)
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Steve: The best part of the music industry today is that musicians can eliminate big business and do it on their own. The worst part is- it still costs money!
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Steve: In finishing, I would like to thank all of my musician friends at liquidaudio.org, and I would also like to thank Ed/E-ISME for creating such a wonderful site for musicians to hang out and chat!
MAS: And thank you Steve Rupert for the amazing song you entered, the win is well deserved and we wish you the best!
Make A Star Interview with Female Solo Artist Melissa VanFleet
MAS: We are proud to announce the talented Melissa VanFleet as the September Contest Winner for Female Solo Artist. Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.
Melissa: When I was a child, I was lucky enough to be constantly surrounded by the widest range of music styles, ranging from big band music of the 1930's and 1940's to 80's heavy metal. As a toddler, my days were spent standing three inches in front of MTV with a microphone in hand, watching intently and singing along to Aerosmith, Debbie Gibson and Lita Ford music videos. I was a dancer since age two and thought that was the direction I'd be headed in, but after completing my first studio recording at age 12, I was hooked on creating music in every single aspect and it became my passion. I was in choirs all through school and began singing the National Anthem at sporting events and ceremonies, performing in weddings and cocktail hours, and playing with cover bands. After high school, I started working with producers at Pennsylvania, New York City, and New Jersey studios, and then was recruited to come to Nashville to pursue my dream further.
MAS: It’s in your soul. How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Melissa: Lately I've been writing a lot on my own, but I also have a tight-knit group of co-writers. I find it very therapeutic to write alone sometimes-- I actually wrote songs and poetry to help cope with my father's health complications during my childhood, which I think initially sparked my love of songwriting. I believe my best vocal training was a karaoke machine that I received as a gift when I was seven. I used to record my voice singing popular 90's songs and then listen back and critique every single note and write down what I thought I could improve on. I was a perfectionist even back then!
MAS: What's the story behind the song you've entered in the Make A Star contest?
Melissa: I wrote "Setting Myself Up For A Heartbreak" with Brittany Moses, one of my most frequent co-writers. The title was pulled from an informal conversation we were having, an actual situation. On a tiny Casio keyboard I came up with the intro/verse riff, and then the rest of the song just flowed from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Melissa: This was my first song entered into Make A Star and I love how the competitions are set up in bracket style. I have never taken part in a bracket contest before...it's a lot of fun! I usually have horrible luck with contests because they are either fixed or predetermined in some way, so regardless of if I won or lost this one, I would have just been happy knowing that it was fair!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Melissa: I am influenced by an extremely vast array of artists and genres of music. I definitely have an old soul and adore the Glenn Miller Orchestra (who I recently had the amazing opportunity to perform with), Rosemary Clooney, and Bing Crosby. As I began to take music more seriously, I was inspired greatly by the vocal stylings of Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes, and Elton John. One thing I am always happy to hear after a performance is that I have a very unique style with a lot of soul and a tone to my voice that is recognizable.
MAS: We would have to agree, so then what sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Melissa: I consider my sound to be piano-driven soul pop. I love catchy, unique and fresh melodies and combining them with interesting lyrical ideas. My ultimate goal is to be a complete entertainer, combining soulful vocals and piano with dance and a vivid artistic vision to create a full musical experience. I love constructive criticism because it undoubtedly makes you a better performer and a more well-rounded person. I am extremely driven, determined, and will let nothing stand in the way of my dream!
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Melissa: I am inspired by artists who are not afraid to be themselves in their music. I don't believe in "being the next (insert artist here)." I am so glad to have the opportunity to write and sing songs that I feel represent me-- that way, no performance or recording will ever seem contrived. I've learned that you can't conform or fit into a mold that's not you. Once you can be yourself in your music, your heart and inner spark will shine through and people will believe you. There are two people in my life that I truly wish to emulate-- my mom for her consistency and work ethic and my dad for his levelheadedness and positivity. I try hard to put those attributes toward my everyday life, in music and aside from it.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Melissa: I plan on writing new songs, recording, producing and arranging, and playing live shows in new and exciting venues in New York City, Nashville, and hopefully other cities as well. I'm also looking forward to working on my next CD, continuously expanding my repertoire, and finding new opportunities.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Melissa: I listened to absolutely everything. Music was always on, no matter what, and I'm so thankful for that! The first two CDs I remember buying with my own money were Janet Jackson’s "Rhythm Nation" and Elton John's "The One" in the early 90's. I received LeAnn Rimes' "The Early Years" album in 5th grade and heard something in her voice that I felt I could relate to. I saw her in concert soon after and my grandfather and I were first in line to go backstage and meet her after the show. That was the day I officially realized that music was my path!
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Melissa: I think the best part about the music industry today is new media and all of the online tools available to help artists succeed and advance in the industry on their own. In contrast, I always say I was born in the wrong era-- I wish it was still like the 30's and 40's when artists would sing one pass and that's the exact take that would end up on their album. No comping or fixing pitch was necessary, and I feel like it's kind of used as a crutch for vocalists nowadays. Things were so raw and heartfelt back then, and that's one of the things that I strive for in my recordings.
MAS: Beautifully put, now tell us something completely random.
Melissa: I have loved harp seals since I was six years old and am an activist against the Canadian seal hunt. My aunt made it possible for me to have a dream come true experience a few years ago in the Magdalen Islands where I took a helicopter out to the ice on the St. Lawrence River and was up close and personal with harp seals. I even got to hold one...it’s the most amazing thing!
MAS: As are you Melissa VanFleet, congratulations on your win and beautiful future ahead!
Links:
Melissa’s Official Website: www.melissavanfleet.com
Melissa’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s Email: info@melissavanfleet.com
Melissa: When I was a child, I was lucky enough to be constantly surrounded by the widest range of music styles, ranging from big band music of the 1930's and 1940's to 80's heavy metal. As a toddler, my days were spent standing three inches in front of MTV with a microphone in hand, watching intently and singing along to Aerosmith, Debbie Gibson and Lita Ford music videos. I was a dancer since age two and thought that was the direction I'd be headed in, but after completing my first studio recording at age 12, I was hooked on creating music in every single aspect and it became my passion. I was in choirs all through school and began singing the National Anthem at sporting events and ceremonies, performing in weddings and cocktail hours, and playing with cover bands. After high school, I started working with producers at Pennsylvania, New York City, and New Jersey studios, and then was recruited to come to Nashville to pursue my dream further.
MAS: It’s in your soul. How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Melissa: Lately I've been writing a lot on my own, but I also have a tight-knit group of co-writers. I find it very therapeutic to write alone sometimes-- I actually wrote songs and poetry to help cope with my father's health complications during my childhood, which I think initially sparked my love of songwriting. I believe my best vocal training was a karaoke machine that I received as a gift when I was seven. I used to record my voice singing popular 90's songs and then listen back and critique every single note and write down what I thought I could improve on. I was a perfectionist even back then!
MAS: What's the story behind the song you've entered in the Make A Star contest?
Melissa: I wrote "Setting Myself Up For A Heartbreak" with Brittany Moses, one of my most frequent co-writers. The title was pulled from an informal conversation we were having, an actual situation. On a tiny Casio keyboard I came up with the intro/verse riff, and then the rest of the song just flowed from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Melissa: This was my first song entered into Make A Star and I love how the competitions are set up in bracket style. I have never taken part in a bracket contest before...it's a lot of fun! I usually have horrible luck with contests because they are either fixed or predetermined in some way, so regardless of if I won or lost this one, I would have just been happy knowing that it was fair!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Melissa: I am influenced by an extremely vast array of artists and genres of music. I definitely have an old soul and adore the Glenn Miller Orchestra (who I recently had the amazing opportunity to perform with), Rosemary Clooney, and Bing Crosby. As I began to take music more seriously, I was inspired greatly by the vocal stylings of Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes, and Elton John. One thing I am always happy to hear after a performance is that I have a very unique style with a lot of soul and a tone to my voice that is recognizable.
MAS: We would have to agree, so then what sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Melissa: I consider my sound to be piano-driven soul pop. I love catchy, unique and fresh melodies and combining them with interesting lyrical ideas. My ultimate goal is to be a complete entertainer, combining soulful vocals and piano with dance and a vivid artistic vision to create a full musical experience. I love constructive criticism because it undoubtedly makes you a better performer and a more well-rounded person. I am extremely driven, determined, and will let nothing stand in the way of my dream!
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Melissa: I am inspired by artists who are not afraid to be themselves in their music. I don't believe in "being the next (insert artist here)." I am so glad to have the opportunity to write and sing songs that I feel represent me-- that way, no performance or recording will ever seem contrived. I've learned that you can't conform or fit into a mold that's not you. Once you can be yourself in your music, your heart and inner spark will shine through and people will believe you. There are two people in my life that I truly wish to emulate-- my mom for her consistency and work ethic and my dad for his levelheadedness and positivity. I try hard to put those attributes toward my everyday life, in music and aside from it.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Melissa: I plan on writing new songs, recording, producing and arranging, and playing live shows in new and exciting venues in New York City, Nashville, and hopefully other cities as well. I'm also looking forward to working on my next CD, continuously expanding my repertoire, and finding new opportunities.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Melissa: I listened to absolutely everything. Music was always on, no matter what, and I'm so thankful for that! The first two CDs I remember buying with my own money were Janet Jackson’s "Rhythm Nation" and Elton John's "The One" in the early 90's. I received LeAnn Rimes' "The Early Years" album in 5th grade and heard something in her voice that I felt I could relate to. I saw her in concert soon after and my grandfather and I were first in line to go backstage and meet her after the show. That was the day I officially realized that music was my path!
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Melissa: I think the best part about the music industry today is new media and all of the online tools available to help artists succeed and advance in the industry on their own. In contrast, I always say I was born in the wrong era-- I wish it was still like the 30's and 40's when artists would sing one pass and that's the exact take that would end up on their album. No comping or fixing pitch was necessary, and I feel like it's kind of used as a crutch for vocalists nowadays. Things were so raw and heartfelt back then, and that's one of the things that I strive for in my recordings.
MAS: Beautifully put, now tell us something completely random.
Melissa: I have loved harp seals since I was six years old and am an activist against the Canadian seal hunt. My aunt made it possible for me to have a dream come true experience a few years ago in the Magdalen Islands where I took a helicopter out to the ice on the St. Lawrence River and was up close and personal with harp seals. I even got to hold one...it’s the most amazing thing!
MAS: As are you Melissa VanFleet, congratulations on your win and beautiful future ahead!
Links:
Melissa’s Official Website: www.melissavanfleet.com
Melissa’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s Email: info@melissavanfleet.com
Make A Star September $100 Winners
October contests begin Thursday, October 7th at noon pacific time. Enter the contenders round of your contest category today to have the best chance to qualify for the October charts!
Congratulations to all the September winners of the $100 Make A Star Talent Competitions! It was a busy month with lots of fan votes pouring in especially in our music categories. The Make A Star judges had their say, but in many contests it was the fans that made the difference!
Favorite Music Video 1 : Michelle Vanda "Regret"
Favorite Music Video 2 : Dinosaur Feathers "History Lessons"
Favorite Male Solo Artist : Steve Rupert "One Beer For A Hard Days Work"
Favorite Female Solo Artist : Melissa VanFleet "Setting Myself Up For A Heartbreak"
Favorite Duo or Band : S-1 Operations "S-9"
Favorite Instrumental Artist : Rene Saucier "Rapture"
Favorite Stand Up Comic : Guy Copland "Comedy & Magic"
Congratulations to all the September winners of the $100 Make A Star Talent Competitions! It was a busy month with lots of fan votes pouring in especially in our music categories. The Make A Star judges had their say, but in many contests it was the fans that made the difference!
Favorite Music Video 1 : Michelle Vanda "Regret"
Favorite Music Video 2 : Dinosaur Feathers "History Lessons"
Favorite Male Solo Artist : Steve Rupert "One Beer For A Hard Days Work"
Favorite Female Solo Artist : Melissa VanFleet "Setting Myself Up For A Heartbreak"
Favorite Duo or Band : S-1 Operations "S-9"
Favorite Instrumental Artist : Rene Saucier "Rapture"
Favorite Stand Up Comic : Guy Copland "Comedy & Magic"
Make A Star Interview with Band S-1 Operations
MAS: Congratulations S-1 Operations for your win in Duo or Band August. Is there an interesting story behind your band’s name?
S-1: Yes, the theory of sound in motion, partly from Euclid’s theory of division of scale, we arrived at S-1 sound.
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.
S-1: I started this project 2 years ago, with S-2, I am the producer and song writer backed up by 9th Cat Recording Studio in New Ulm, MN. By S-3 we had Josh Wittman our lead guitarist...and Tim Tworzynski our drummer and now co producer and owner of 9th Cat Recording joined. Angel Mitchell joined as our bassist. The St. John Choir joined along with Vickie Tworzyanski in the back up vocal dept and came to help us on S-4 thru S-6 and as I had produced S-7, Tere Lang became our lead violinist and then it really got big. Vanessa Littrill came with us as a special guest for S-15 and we now have 13 world class musicians of all types mostly classically trained and they have backed me up ever since. I sometimes don’t know why, I cannot sing very well. I have to work very hard on my vocals to get by...but the core band is a very tuff 4 piece old school band and we are better live. We will continue to do things old school, the right way, with integrity. I do not name my songs. Call them what they mean to you as part of the art. I know what Tim calls them in the studio. When S-1 gets to the concert phase, we will have our fans name them for prizes...for now every song is just S-1 , sound named in the order they were recorded for copyright and in this way our fans see their bands progressions, victories and defeats.
MAS: Very interesting, how did you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
S-1: Hard work and development since S-2 thru S-9; each song got us a little closer to S-1 sound and by S-12 we knew we had it. We have our own sound and music that’s original without pinching but done as the masters from the days of George Martin and in the revolver tradition- traditions of the Beatles, Byrds and Zombies. I am the songwriter and producer and loser. I am grateful and very lucky to have these wonderful fine musicians helping me. I owe everything to them.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
S-1: Annies song is actually S-14. Annie is a very close and long time friend, she used to dance at clubs we all would go to. Not professional but she likes to dance and I loved to watch her…she could stop an entire dance floor and people would just watch her. She was so beautiful. I missed that so much.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
S-1: I have never known a site that was so alive, so much fun and to have such an outstanding A&R team judging. Even when I disagreed with their song ratings, I felt they were fair and consistent and I use and will continue to use makeastar as a tool for continued upgrades in song design. I am truly grateful.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
S-1: The Beatles, Byrds the Zombies and Steppenwolf, even though I do not really sound like any of them. Our music will remind u of this old school excellence.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
S-1: Hard work, dedication, sacrifice, not taking shortcuts and a little genius behind my maddening stupidity.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
S-1: No one. We don’t worry about the competition; we let the competition worry about us.
MAS: What are you or your band’s plans for the year ahead?
S-1: We are champions for independent artist. We are not beggers, I have never begged for listens. S-1 operations 1st CD GUNFIGHTER will be released in the summer of 2011 and the S-1 organization will themselves together take it to the people on every major radio station in the country. I believe we can afford a 3 month blitz bypassing the A&R of the big labels and not allowing them to decide our fate. Here the people will decide if S-1 operations lives or dies. The world will decide, the world always decides.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
S-1: My 1st concert as a child was the Beatles at the Hollywood bowl, most powerful performance I had ever witnessed to this day. Of course the Byrds and the Zombies and most of all was Steppenwolf. My favorite all time album is of course the most perfect album ever produced to this day, Revolver.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
S-1: The hard work, the sacrifice, the long hours, the hardship and being constantly tired and worn out on the road. Always on the hunt for money, and praying that it’s enough to get thru another day. The isolation, surrounded by a crowd and u still feel alone. Then the joy and magic of a song coming together in the studio, the joy of someone walking up to you and telling you that the song meant a lot to them. Then one day after so many defeats ,so many disappointments and days of despair you have a day like this day. They don’t come often and I thank you, I thank you all for this day. Wolf
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
S-1: I really don’t see the music industry in those terms. I was a child in the 60s so I know a great band when I hear one. And I cannot be fooled by all this, technology band in a can stuff. I seen the degradation of music starting at around the late 70s, I turned the radio knob to the left around mid 80s. The fight for the consumer dollars is fierce now. I understand the companies need to reduce cost in production but there was no excuse for not cultivating artist development. With more and more labels on the ropes, I think they finally get the point. Greed has no place with us now. The new generation is here, they are tuff, old school and they absolutely want to be the best, they have to start working with real talent as a team, truly believe and they must truly care. Because as S-1 will on their own, take it to the people, no matter what the hardship or sacrifice…others will follow. When that happens, the artist will win and the true talent will again take its rightful place. The big labels only right of being was the fact that most bands get stopped dead in their tracks in the marketing and promo phase of operations, it’s very expensive. But as new technology has come in to play it is now possible for a band with at least a solid budget on their own, go all the way and reap the rewards for themselves. When this starts happening and it is as we speak, the big labels will themselves be nothing but a whisper of the past.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
S-1: The great pyramids outer walls have an estimated 2.5 million 10 ton blocks built in a time frame of just under 21 years, quarried, cut, and transported over 600 miles, so if they worked night and day, and 24/7 they would have had to lay a block every 4 to 7 seconds for it to be finished in its time frame. Old guys with hand tools? I think not.
S-1: Yes, the theory of sound in motion, partly from Euclid’s theory of division of scale, we arrived at S-1 sound.
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.
S-1: I started this project 2 years ago, with S-2, I am the producer and song writer backed up by 9th Cat Recording Studio in New Ulm, MN. By S-3 we had Josh Wittman our lead guitarist...and Tim Tworzynski our drummer and now co producer and owner of 9th Cat Recording joined. Angel Mitchell joined as our bassist. The St. John Choir joined along with Vickie Tworzyanski in the back up vocal dept and came to help us on S-4 thru S-6 and as I had produced S-7, Tere Lang became our lead violinist and then it really got big. Vanessa Littrill came with us as a special guest for S-15 and we now have 13 world class musicians of all types mostly classically trained and they have backed me up ever since. I sometimes don’t know why, I cannot sing very well. I have to work very hard on my vocals to get by...but the core band is a very tuff 4 piece old school band and we are better live. We will continue to do things old school, the right way, with integrity. I do not name my songs. Call them what they mean to you as part of the art. I know what Tim calls them in the studio. When S-1 gets to the concert phase, we will have our fans name them for prizes...for now every song is just S-1 , sound named in the order they were recorded for copyright and in this way our fans see their bands progressions, victories and defeats.
MAS: Very interesting, how did you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
S-1: Hard work and development since S-2 thru S-9; each song got us a little closer to S-1 sound and by S-12 we knew we had it. We have our own sound and music that’s original without pinching but done as the masters from the days of George Martin and in the revolver tradition- traditions of the Beatles, Byrds and Zombies. I am the songwriter and producer and loser. I am grateful and very lucky to have these wonderful fine musicians helping me. I owe everything to them.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
S-1: Annies song is actually S-14. Annie is a very close and long time friend, she used to dance at clubs we all would go to. Not professional but she likes to dance and I loved to watch her…she could stop an entire dance floor and people would just watch her. She was so beautiful. I missed that so much.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
S-1: I have never known a site that was so alive, so much fun and to have such an outstanding A&R team judging. Even when I disagreed with their song ratings, I felt they were fair and consistent and I use and will continue to use makeastar as a tool for continued upgrades in song design. I am truly grateful.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
S-1: The Beatles, Byrds the Zombies and Steppenwolf, even though I do not really sound like any of them. Our music will remind u of this old school excellence.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
S-1: Hard work, dedication, sacrifice, not taking shortcuts and a little genius behind my maddening stupidity.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
S-1: No one. We don’t worry about the competition; we let the competition worry about us.
MAS: What are you or your band’s plans for the year ahead?
S-1: We are champions for independent artist. We are not beggers, I have never begged for listens. S-1 operations 1st CD GUNFIGHTER will be released in the summer of 2011 and the S-1 organization will themselves together take it to the people on every major radio station in the country. I believe we can afford a 3 month blitz bypassing the A&R of the big labels and not allowing them to decide our fate. Here the people will decide if S-1 operations lives or dies. The world will decide, the world always decides.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
S-1: My 1st concert as a child was the Beatles at the Hollywood bowl, most powerful performance I had ever witnessed to this day. Of course the Byrds and the Zombies and most of all was Steppenwolf. My favorite all time album is of course the most perfect album ever produced to this day, Revolver.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
S-1: The hard work, the sacrifice, the long hours, the hardship and being constantly tired and worn out on the road. Always on the hunt for money, and praying that it’s enough to get thru another day. The isolation, surrounded by a crowd and u still feel alone. Then the joy and magic of a song coming together in the studio, the joy of someone walking up to you and telling you that the song meant a lot to them. Then one day after so many defeats ,so many disappointments and days of despair you have a day like this day. They don’t come often and I thank you, I thank you all for this day. Wolf
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
S-1: I really don’t see the music industry in those terms. I was a child in the 60s so I know a great band when I hear one. And I cannot be fooled by all this, technology band in a can stuff. I seen the degradation of music starting at around the late 70s, I turned the radio knob to the left around mid 80s. The fight for the consumer dollars is fierce now. I understand the companies need to reduce cost in production but there was no excuse for not cultivating artist development. With more and more labels on the ropes, I think they finally get the point. Greed has no place with us now. The new generation is here, they are tuff, old school and they absolutely want to be the best, they have to start working with real talent as a team, truly believe and they must truly care. Because as S-1 will on their own, take it to the people, no matter what the hardship or sacrifice…others will follow. When that happens, the artist will win and the true talent will again take its rightful place. The big labels only right of being was the fact that most bands get stopped dead in their tracks in the marketing and promo phase of operations, it’s very expensive. But as new technology has come in to play it is now possible for a band with at least a solid budget on their own, go all the way and reap the rewards for themselves. When this starts happening and it is as we speak, the big labels will themselves be nothing but a whisper of the past.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
S-1: The great pyramids outer walls have an estimated 2.5 million 10 ton blocks built in a time frame of just under 21 years, quarried, cut, and transported over 600 miles, so if they worked night and day, and 24/7 they would have had to lay a block every 4 to 7 seconds for it to be finished in its time frame. Old guys with hand tools? I think not.
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