They Sent Us Here

Biography: They Sent Us Here formed in early 2010. Based out of Long Island, New York, they have worked passionately to distinguish themselves from all the many musicians that surround them.

In September, 2010, they recorded their first three-song EP at Nada Studios with John Naclerio (My Chemical Romance, Brand New, As Tall As Lions, etc.) Now, they are hitting the ground running, trying to reach out to the masses.

Let it be known: They Sent Us Here will never take the easy way out. In a world where anyone can become a star from the convenience of their computer seat, these five artists strive to create a sound of their own. This intricate sound, while carefully comprised, aims to evoke the chaotic psyche of a turbulent world.



Interview with Jen Andujar and They Sent Us Here

Who is They Sent Us Here?
They Sent Us Here is James Barracca (vocals), Mike White (guitar), Mike Armenti (guitar), Joe Bariatti (drums, and Branden Gallagher (bass).

In ten words or less, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.
An eclectic mix of everything we like about music.

How did you come up with your band name?
We wanted something that was thought provoking. There are so many directions you can take with it, and that's what we like about it. If we can inspire people to ask questions and want to learn more, hopefully they'll become inspired to take a closer listen.

How did the band get together? Did you all know each other beforehand?
Well, we were sent here.

Do any of you have any formal musical training?
Joe went to school for music out in California. The rest of us have no formal training. We're comfortable with that because we aren't sure if our creative output would be the same if we had learned the things they teach you in schools.

Please explain your song writing process.
We've managed to write songs by taking many different approaches. Sometimes, we'll jam off of a riff that one of the guys came up with. It may be a brand new riff, or it could be an old idea. There are other times when we jam out and an exciting or interesting idea would come into light.

What is your proudest accomplishment so far as a band?
No doubt, our proudest accomplishment so far as a band has to be having the opportunity to record with John Naclerio at Nada Studios.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Hopefully, we'll be living comfortably and on tour, as we continue to write new music, explore new places, and meet new people.

If you had one hour to spend with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you do?
If we had the option, we'd probably go with a musician who's alive (like Paul McCartney or Bjork), so we can collaborate and jam.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
Batman. He's all about vigilante justice. Not to mention, he has the sickest whips.

BAND QUESTIONS
Who is the band is...

the most likely to get lost in a new city?
Mike (White) because he can't go anywhere without his GPS.

the biggest flirt?
Joe, if he wasn't tied up. He's definitely the most graphic about his sex life.

the shyest?
Branden? Maybe? None of us are really all that shy...

the most athletic?
James. He's all about running 10-20 miles a day.

the messiest?
Mike (Armenti). Words can't describe...

Where can we learn more about you/buy your music?
Our official website is our Myspace page, www.theysentushere.com. You can't buy our music though, because it's free for download! You can download them at our PureVolume page, www.purevolume.com/theysentushere, or our Reverbnation page, www.reverbnation.com/theysentushere. Also, if you want to add us on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/theysentushere.

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
Coexist in peace, love, and harmony. Evolve as one. The Venus Project.

Jointpop

Interview with Gary Hector and Jen Andujar

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who Jointpop is/where the band is from?

Jointpop the rock n roll band of Trinidad and Tobago (The Caribbean).
The new Jointpop album is “THE LONGEST KISS GOODNIGHT”.

Gary Hector...singer and guitar player
Damon Homer...guitar
Jerome Girdharrie...bass
Dion Camacho...drums
Phil Hill...keyboards

In one sentence, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.
We are just a rock n roll band...story tellers really...troubadours.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Dylan,The Stones, The Beatles, The Clash, The Pistols and many many more. 60’s British Invasion, 70’s songwriters, 70’s punk rock all mixed with modern indie stuff...plus being from T&T we got all the local undertones.

How did you come up with your band name?
It just “popped” into my head really...lol

Explain your song writing process.
Mostly travel and living and being in a rock n roll band in T&T... Sometimes it's just a phrase or some silly line. Just sit there and let it come along...

What is your proudest moment so far as a band?
Just staying together as a band in this non rock n roll landscape in T&T. Writing songs and making records also.

What is the funniest thing that has ever taken place at one of your gigs?
We played CBGB’s in New York City and there was this guy that looked right out of the NYC 70’s punk rock scene. He just kept shouting “Play on, play on! I’m the fifth Beatle” Then he disappeared...like a NYC ghost.

What is your favorite color m&m?
Isn’t he a white rapper?? He’s very good.

If you could be rich OR be a musician-which would you choose?
Rock n roll with pocket money for ciggs and drinks.

What's one random fact that not many people know about you?
That we are all born and bred in Trinidad and Tobago and we are a rock n roll band.

Where can our readers find out more about Jointpop?
www.myspace.com/jointpop
http://www.facebook.com/pages/jointpop/25241271136

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?
Thanks for the interview and all the best to all at ‘We Like it so There” and Ladylake. Sending sunshine from Trinidad and Tobago.

Rob Taylor

Interview with Jen Andujar and Rob Taylor

Hi Rob! Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview.

Before we get into the interview, could you please give a brief introduction on who you are/where you are from?

My name is Rob Taylor and I’m a singer/songwriter from Stratford CT. I am not a rock star, but live for writing, recording, and producing original music from my home studio “The Escape Hatch”. I play nearly all the tracks on my albums with the exception of drums, (played by Jon Peckman) and vocal harmonies sung by my wife Laurie Taylor. I am a professional photographer by day, hang with my wife and 2 boys in the evening; then I descend into the studio and work as a songsmith into early a.m hours.

In one sentence, describe your music to someone who may have never heard you before.

Sincere, storytelling, acoustic/electric pop music that is lyrically witty, generally positive, and hopefully inspiring.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Folk storytellers of the 70’s, heavy metal rockers of the 80’s, flannel wearing poets of the 90’s and the best of today. In other words, there are too many influences to site -- I draw my inspiration from so many sources spanning decades! I also hope I add a lot of myself in there as well. My music is definitely on the personal side.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a musician?

I remember being in middle school when the desire to write and perform music really set in. One of my main motivators at the time was to try and impress girls.

Describe your dream tour. Who would you tour with and where would you play?

I am mostly a studio musician right now, but would love to put together a full band with a small string section and tour the country. I would play intimate to mid-size theatres with guys like Jason Mraz, Train, and Joshua Radin.

Do you have any rituals you perform before going on stage?

I polish my guitar and pray that my voice doesn’t crack in an undesirable way.

What is your favorite song(s) to perform live?

I like performing my song, “88 Keys” from my album, “Sun in a Box”. I love to feel the audience connect with that song and the story it tells.

What's one random fact that not many people know about you?

I am also a guitar designer and have a passion for creating and collecting unique instruments. I have several models in production by Luthiers who license my designs.

You are stuck on a deserted island. What are three things you can’t live without?

Assuming that getting stuck on a deserted island would be a bad thing, I probably would not choose my family to come along, so I’ll choose objects that would increase my chance of survival:
1. A Swiss Army Knife – the big one that’s no joke and has a lighter on it
2. A fishing net
3. My acoustic Guitar (and case) to keep my spirits up

What 5 CDs/albums do you feel are the most influential ever made?

I will take this as meaning: which 5 albums have influenced me and my current sound because I hesitate to speak for the rest of the world.
1. Counting Crows, “August and Everything After”
2. Matchbox 20, “Yourself Or Someone Like You”
3. John Mayer, “Room for Squares”
4. Five for Fighting, “America Town”
5. Jason Mraz, “Waiting for My Rocket to Come”

This or That?
That

Country or city?
Suburbs

Winter or Summer?
Spring

McDonalds or Burger King?
Red Robin!

Pepsi or Coke?
Vitamin Water

Watch sports or play sports?
Ignore sports

New York or LA?
New York – though I usually try to avoid large cities in general.

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?

I would just like to thank you for the opportunity to introduce more people to my music!

Here are some links to my sites:
Website: http://www.robtaylor.com/

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rob-taylor/id326903704

Facebook Musician Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Taylor/128104770662