J Minus

INTERVIEW with Jen Andujar and Dylan Fant of J Minus

Hi Dylan! First of all, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview.

Who is J Minus?

J Minus consists of:
Dylan Fant - drums
Trevor Wheetman - lead vox, guitar, piano
Chris Mongillo - lead vox, guitar
Myer Harrell - bass, vox

How did you come up with that name?

The name J minus actually comes from an inside joke actually... Back in 02, Trevor (lead singer) and I were in another band together and he was singing something that went way out of key. So naturally, I made fun of him and started singing something WAY off just to mock him... Then he came back at me with "whatever dude, it wasn't that bad... I wasn't singing in the key of J minus or whatever you were just doing."
It was just something stupid that popped into his head and it stuck with me. In the beginning, I couldn't sing very well when I was showing him my ideas, and it always seemed to end up in that key so that's where I got the name from.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I don't really have one a "biggest musical influence" anymore. I've pulled inspiration from so many artists and places I've lost track.

How would you describe your song writing process?

I usually work on musical ideas first, and then let the music speak to me. I can visualize people and places from the music itself and eventually words just start coming together, usually from something I recently experienced or heard about from a friend.

If you could spend an hour with any musician, who would it be and what would you do?

I would probably hang out with The Edge. I'm not sure what I would do though... probably just ask a ton of questions about the U2 experience.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened while onstage?

Actually, there really hasn't been anything crazy that I can think of. We've all blown it at different times, but nothing that couldn't be covered up. Haha.

If you could be rich OR be a musician-which would you choose?

Musician

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

That I can't answer.

What is the best thing about being a musician? The worst?

The best for me personally is the fact that I'm rarely ever bored. There's always something new to work on and create.
The worst? It's really hard to make money with it.

If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?

I'll have to think about that. Superman probably. He's hooked up with the most ability I'm thinking... It's been awhile since I read a comic.

Where can we buy your music?

All digital outlets ie itunes/amazon/cdbaby. You can also purchase cd's directly from us at www.jminus.com.

Do you have any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?

Yes, thanks for the interview Jen! We really appreciate your support!

Learn more about J Minus at www.jminus.com.

The Wrecking Ball Radio Show

HOT SHOW ALERT!! The Wrecking Ball Radio Show (hosted by Jayson Tanner) is NOT to be missed.



You may be asking yourself "What is The wrecking Ball Radio Show?" To answer your question, the show is where "Bonnaroo meets Merlefest" - it's a big, eclectic variety of music from bluegrass to blues, jam band to acoustic indie pop, alternative country and Americana, folk rock and more.

Where can you hear The Wrecking Ball Radio Show?
The Wrecking Ball Radio Show heard over several independent radio stations in the USA and UK with more to come!

Learn More on:
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/wreckingballradio
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/wreckingballradio
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/cosmicamericana
BLOG: http://www.wreckingballradio.blogspot.com/

Maxi Dunn

Interview with Jen Andujar and Maxi Dunn

Before we get into the interview, could you give our readers a brief intro on who you are?

I am a singer/songwriter from Liverpool, England who has been writing and recording on and off for the past twenty years. I started singing in bands when I was eighteen and gained a lot of popularity on the music scene during the 1990s. After taking a break in 1997 to have my two children, I returned to music in 2007 when I recorded a couple of tribute songs to Jellyfish & The Posies for a small Indie label based in the USA! I released my first EP "Winter Ghost" in December 2007 and my first album "Welcome To Soonville" in October 2008.

How would you describe your music to someone who may have never heard of you before?

My Music is quite dark, intense with a few bursts of Power Pop here and there! I am a moody songwriter who writes from the heart and experience and I like to move the listener, who hopefully can relate to some of the songs and subject matters.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Way back when I was a young girl I was very much into bands/artists such as Japan, David Sylvian and John Foxx! Biggest influences from a female artist perspective, I would have to say, Kate Bush, Aimee Mann, Sam Brown, Sam Phillips & Sarah Mclachlan! I am also a huge fan of A-ha & Jellyfish! Both Morten Harket and Andy Sturmer have fantastic male singing voices!

At what age did you discover your passion for music?

My Dad played Guitar all the time when we where children! He used to be in a little country band that used to play the pubs in around the area! So we grew up with music in the house all the time! There was always lots of singing to The Beatles tunes. So from a very young age!

What is your dream tour?

I would love to do a tour of the USA with a full live band! It would be totally amazing! Even if it was as a support to someone else, it seems just a dream at the moment!

Your latest cd is called "Welcome to Soonville." How did you come up with that title?

My exbest friend/ex love and myself referred to a place we where meeting as "Soonville", sadly our friendship and relationship ended shortly after this and a lot of heartache and devastation followed. It seemed quite appropriate to call the album that, especially as seven of the songs on "Soonville" where about the situation. Something that was meant to decide a new future, actually ended what was once a good friendship! It is all still very sad really!

Which song of the new album is your favorite to perform live?

I really enjoy performing "Always Be My Friend", it is really fun to sing and perform. Also it is one of the more poppier up beat tracks of the album too.

If you could record a song with any artist, who would it be and why?

I would really love to sing a duet with any of my favourite male artists really, David Sylvian and Morten Harket to name two! I think our voices would sound great together! Also I have loved there music for so long, they feel like part of my family!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would hope to find new love, get married, maybe have more children (I already have two to a previous relationship).

I would also like to be able to do my music full time and quit the day job! Wouldn't that just be marvelous :-)

Other then music, what are your other hobbies/interests?

I have two children aged eleven & nine, so they kind of keep me very busy when I am not working! When I get the chance I like to read and bake, I have this thing about baking at the moment! I love to cook too and make everything from scratch!

FAVORITES:
What is your favorite...
color? Green
song? This is a difficult one but I will say "New Mistake - Jellyfish"
food? Indian
article of clothing? I have a few special tops that I don't like to part with
tv show? The Mighty Boosh
candy? Jellybeans & Cadburys Chocolate

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about myself and my music! If you would like to purchase a copy of my debut album "Welcome To Soonville", you can purchase a physical copy at my website, www.maxidunn.info from dabooboorecords, CD Baby or Jam Recordings! You can also download at Amazon & Itunes!

My second album "The Neglected Gambit" is expected to be released around February 2011

Josh Hurt

Now featuring JOSH HURT!! If you like catchy music, then Josh is the guy for you. Make sure to stop by his Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/joshhurtmusic) because you do NOT want to miss out.



Here is the making of the video for Josh's newest single, "Midnight Racer". The official video will be released on Sept. 7.



Interview with Jen Andujar and Josh Hurt.

Before we start, can you quickly introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, everyone! My name is Josh Hurt, Urban Pop artist hailing from Dallas, TX.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Michael Jackson and Beyonce have not only influenced my music, but also my performances.

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

Singing in the church choir around the age of 4, and not wanting to hand the mic to the next "soloist" made me realize I wanted to be a major performer when I grew up.

If you had one hour to spend with any musician (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you do?

It would of course be with my favorite, Beyonce. I would love to just get some musical advice from her, and just tips to be a better artist.

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

Michael Jackson- Thriller
Beyonce- Dangerously in Love
Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation
Prince- Purple Rain
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers- Greatest Hits

You recently made a video for your single "Midnight Racer". Can you talk a bit about the shoot? How long did it last? What were some highlights?

The shoot was all shot at night on two separate days. It was a lot of fun, and the energy was very high. Everyone was very positive and focused about being the video an event!

Other than music, what are your interests/hobbies?

I love to eat and workout. Swimming is also a very fun past time, but I don't get out in the sun as much as I used to.

What's the most played song on your iPod?
I do tons of cardio during my workout, so I must listen to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" to keep my energy high!

If you could be rich OR be a musician-which would you choose?

A musician, because I rather be wealthy than rich.

What is your favorite color m&m?

Yellow, especially for the m&ms with the nuts. But, they all taste the same!

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

I am a very goofy person, but do not always literally "laugh out loud" at what I think is funny.

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

My Bible, my Blackberry, and my bottled water. I love water more than anything!

Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?

I really enjoyed this interview, and I hope to have another one with you all very soon! To the fans who want more updates, follow me at: http://www.twitter.com/JoshHurtMusic!

Donna Fullman

Donna Fullman



happiness + victory

Review by Cindy D’Adamo

From the ethereal artwork and exotic cover photography, this EP, ‘happiness + victory’ transcends the everyday and leads the listener down a mystical labyrinth of song. Bells, chimes, and an aura of enchantment open the disc, with an Eastern backbeat reminiscent of Loreena McKennitt . Donna could easily be singing this first track, ‘Who’, in the forest shown on the CD cover. The second tune, a song dying to hit radio- ‘Stone’ switches gears into a bit of British pop influence worthy of Lulu’s ‘The Boat That I Row’. ‘Changing Man’ follows, follows with a hint of Latin rhythm and spectacular guitar work. The next song is ‘Home’ which tells of a philosophical quest with a beautiful lyrical arrangement. The EP closes with ‘Hello Shanghai’, a very Asian inspired piece. In all, ‘happiness + victory’ gets four stars from me-absolutely one of the best EPs I have ever come across.

When asking Donna for a definition of her music, (for to me, it defies classification); ‘lyrical folk’, she said, so that I shall classify her as, but quite frankly, Donna’s current recording ‘happiness + victory’ is a delicious mixture of various musical influences which leaves the listener longing for more.

If you are a fan of Lulu, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Nicks, Loreena McKennitt, or Duffy, I know you will adore this EP by Brighton’s next star-Donna Fullman.

For more information on Donna, please visit:

www.donnafullman.com

www.myspace.com/donnafullman

www.wearelyricallyspeaking.com

Available on itunes and Amazon

Photo used is courtesy of Gill Orsman©

Chuck Kelsey

Chuck Kelsey is a singer/songwriter and live acoustic entertainer that is based in upstate New York. He is currently recording his new demo and will be creating his new album in the coming months. You can check out Chuck and his music on myspace.com/chucksoloact6.

Interview with Elena Tapia and Chuck Kelsey.

Ok sir, here are your questions...

1. Can you tell us about yourself for those who don't know you?

About me. I have been in the entertainment industry for 30 years. Have been in numerous bands and doing a solo acoustic act. Also a studio session musician. I have played all over the east coast of the U.S. From Virginia to New Hampshire. A few years back I was nominated by the Northeast Country Music Association for entertainer of the year, and also for song of the year. Mainly now my shows are in NY, and Vermont! I am very fortunate to make a good living playing shows!!! I do a mix of music at my gigs from originals, classic rock, alternative, trop rock, and main stream. I truly love what I do, and think I am very lucky!!!

2. What is your long term career goal?

I think my long term goal is just to keep doing my shows, writing new songs, and trying to give people a good vibe! I would be most happy with that!

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

Fishing pole, guitar, and lots of pens and paper!!!

4. If you could give a new artist advice, what would you tell them?

Be you, and keep it that way! Just do what you do. If it's meant to be it will. Also beware of a lot of people who make promises!!! Last but not least, knock doors down until they say yes, or tell you to go away. Some will, some won't, so what next!

5. Are there any organizations that you help support?

I am a member of the LGA [Lake George Association) and the ASPCA. I raise funds and awareness for both. Not to mention all the benefits, and fundraisers for many organizations and people in need!!!

6. If you could tour with another artist (dead or alive) who would it
be and why?

If I could, I think of 3 people-James Taylor, Neil Young, and Philly's own Robert Hazard. All are great story tellers.

7. What is your favorite song of all time?

Too many to count!!

8. Pepsi, Coke or Dr. Pepper?

I don't drink soda!

9. What do you do when you're not playing music?

When I am not playing music, I try and spend quality time with family and hang with friends. Of course, my passion is fishing and as I write this, I am starting the process of becoming an outdoor fishing guide! I love the outdoors and traveling to remote places! Everything else melts away!!!

10. Any last thoughts before we wrap this interview up?

Just be true to yourself and always continue to learn. Our greatest resource is ourselves!!

Breaking The Mold

The Breaking the Mold crew with Cartel.

What is Breaking the Mold?

Breaking the Mold is a creation of when music lovers get curious. Not out to ask the same boring questions, the show is supposed to not only be informative but be entertaining as well to suit the college crowd audience. Based out of Marywood University in Scranton, PA the show's producers just want to have fun yet be professional at the same time. Boasting studio visits from heavyweights such as Motion City Soundtrack (Columbia Records), NeverShoutNever (Warner Bros. Records), Duff from Food Network's "Ace of Cakes" and Cartel (Wind Up Records) along with on-site interviews with Rise Against, UnderOATH, Thrice, The Gaslight Anthem, and a slew of others, the show welcomes artists big and small. The name "Breaking the Mold" is indicative of the mission set out by the staff: no boundaries.



Watch more interviews and videos here: www.youtube.com/user/breakingthemoldtvm