Jon Ross Q&A

Your name: 

Jon Ross.

Where are you from? 

Originally from Chicago, IL, USA. Currently living in Nashville, TN, USA.

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

My music is mainly singer-songwriter style in the pop/rock genre. Many of the songs have a positive vibe to them and there's usually a message of positivity, encouragement, or something along that line.

Who are your main influences musically? 

My influences range greatly, from Beethoven to the Beatles to Billy Joel. I'm also heavily influenced by progressive rock groups of the 70s like Genesis and Rush, as well as 80s rock and pop, which is the music I grew up with.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

My purpose as an artist is to infuse the world with art and uplift this civilization through that. I want to be well known, well thought of, and well exchanged with in the world as a result. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

I got to perform on a cruise ship in front of dozens of people and the performance was very well received.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

I performed at an open mic night about 7 years ago, and I forgot the opening lyrics to one of my songs. I had to then stop and start over. That was really embarrassing!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

I would choose the song entitled Everything Happens For A Reason. I had adopted that philosophy many years ago, and there have been countless times in my life where that mindset has proven to be true time and time again.

Where can we listen to it?

My music is on https://soundcloud.com/jonrossmusic

Where can we find out more about your music?

You can go to www.reverbnation.com/jonrossmusician and that would probably be the best place to hear more of my songs. My website is currently under construction :).

I'm on Twitter at twitter.com/jonrossmusician and my Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/jonrossmusician/. People may also email me directly at jonrossmusician@gmail.com. I would welcome any opportunity to interact directly with the people who love what I create.

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask? 

I would simply like to say thank you for taking the time to interview me, and thank you to anyone who takes time out of their busy lives to listen to my songs!

Jessie Lee Cates releases Wayward Rose

COUNTRY star Jessie Lee Cates has released her single Wayward Rose.

And she has spoken to RealSoundsOK about her delight with the track, which is very close to her heart.

She said: "I'm really excited about this song because it tells the story of me growing up with my daddy in the woods of East Tennessee and learning a few life lessons along the way.

"The 'heartwork' on the cover for the single was also done by my dad, who was an amazing artist. I've treasured that little sketch ever since he gave it to me as a young girl."

Wayward Rose is already gaining rave reviews around the globe and you can listen for yourselves below.

You can find out more about the artist at jessieleecates.com or check out the Q&A she did with RealSoundsOK last October by clicking here.

The Sweetest Condition Q&A

Your names: 

Leslie Irene Benson (lyrics + vocals) and Jason Reed Milner (music + synths).

Where are you from? 

We’re fortunate to be part of a growing underground scene of electronic musicians in Nashville, Tennessee.

Name of band: 

The Sweetest Condition.

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

We’re an independent synthpop duo with electro-industrial and darkwave undertones.

Who are your main influences musically? 

We're influenced by a variety of artists. Some of our favorites (current and classic) include: Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Birthday Massacre, Dear Strange, Vivien Glass, Ashbury Heights, Blutengel, Ego Likeness, I:Scintilla, The Azoic, Ladytron, Chvrches, Train to Spain, Ayria, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Razed in Black, Front 242, Ministry, Gary Numan, David Bowie, The Cure, Die Krupps, De/Vision, Imperative Reaction, Gravity Kills, KMFDM, The Sisters of Mercy, Peter Murphy, Tori Amos, Prince, The Cranberries, Garbage, INXS, Duran Duran, The Cult, etc.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

The same thing that every artist wants to achieve - creative acceptance and validation. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

The outpouring of support we’ve received from the international online music community of alternative DJs, bloggers and fans. Hearing fans say they’ve listened to our album nonstop and they absolutely love it makes us feel like we’ve created something special. It’s great to see that so many people around the world are connecting with our music. We'll be scheduling a tour soon and hope to meet all of our fans in person.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

The necessary evil of working day jobs to make this possible.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

Control is a good representation of the overall feel of our debut full-length album, Edge of the World. One of our fans described the song as “the greatest madcap ’80s synthesizer throwback you never knew you absolutely had to have in your life". It's also featured as the theme song for a new '80s-themed sci-fi web series launching this summer called Doctor Beyond and the Agents of ABOVE. It’s narrated by Samantha Newark (the iconic voice of the original Jem from the original cartoon, Jem and the Holograms), who also lives here in Nashville. 

The story follows four remarkable women and their allies in 1987, working to understand new strands of superscience and fight off those who would abuse it. Please check out the YouTube trailer by project founder, and our dear friend, Paul F.P. Pogue, at https://t.co/H0LAeVMTOY. And support the indie film project on GoFundMe at https://t.co/Amsa3klD5C. Thanks so much!

Where can we listen to it? 

https://soundcloud.com/thesweetestcondition/control

Get the free download for "Control" here: https://www.reverbnation.com/thesweetestcondition/song/24336972-control

  

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Official Website: http://www.thesweetestcondition.com

Mailing List (get FREE music): http://thesweetestcondition.fanbridge.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesweetestcondition

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesweetestcon

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/thesweetestcondition

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GjpHmwVKqcyEbTbZd78rz

Tumblr: http://thesweetestcon.tumblr.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thesweetestcon

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thesweetestcon

BUY MUSIC BY THE SWEETEST CONDITION:

Truth & Light (EP, 2013) and Edge of the World (Album, 2015)

Bandcamp: http://thesweetestcondition.bandcamp.com

Physical CDs: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheSweetestCondition 

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-sweetest-condition/id638465304

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B012JAC7Y0?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=The%20Sweetest%20Condition&index=digital-music&search-type=ss 

Anything else you’d like to say about your music? 

Follow us on Facebook, Spotify and your other favorite social sites, and share our music with your friends. Some exciting news: We just got our new album back from our producer, Joel Lauver. The album, We Defy Oblivion, will be released on Bandcamp later this year. Stay tuned!

PreCog Q&A

Your name: 

Jason Thomas.

Where are you from? 

I am from Louisville, KY. Gerald Josef is from Nashville, TN.

Name of band: 

PreCog.

Who else is in your band? 

Just Gerald and I, although we are looking to do some collaborations later this year though! 

How would you describe yourselves? 

We are a synthpop/darkwave duo with a moody orchestral edge. We have been described many times as a modern Depeche Mode, which is probably the best compliment I have ever received while alive on Earth.

Who are your main influences musically? 

That is a tough question, our music tastes and influences have a really broad spectrum.  However if I had to single it down to just a few key bands it would be bands like Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, OMD, Dan Black, Active Child, & Tori Amos.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

Honestly just to make music that people enjoy, and be able to connect with others because of it. Hearing someone say they love your music or that it has moved them in some way is a huge thing.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

We are a really new project (only three months old) so nothing huge has happened for us yet. As far as the coolest thing so far i would say all the lovely feedback from our fans. It really encourages us to keep on moving forward. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

Nothing as of yet, but why would you want to forget anything. You wouldn't be able to grow as a band or a person in that matter if you just forgot the bad things in life/career.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

I would say Feast because it was the first song Gerald and I did for this project. It really captures all the feelings/vibes we wanted for PreCog. 

Where can we listen to it? 

https://soundcloud.com/precog_official_band/feast

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PreC0g/

SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/precog_official_band

Twitter - https://twitter.com/_PreCog_

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Just to give us a listen! We are starting live shows this year and plan to keep all our fans involved with all we do! Like currently we are working with our fans to make a music video starring our fans! So make sure to connect with us via Facebook or Twitter! 

Marshall Q&A

Your name:

Marshall.

Where are you from?

Originally from North Carolina, USA - but now I live in Nashville, TN.

How would you describe yourself and your music?

I'm a simple guy with a big heart and a lot of life experience. I would describe my music in a similar fashion as it is a direct reflection of my life experiences.

Who are your main influences musically?

I listen to a lot of different styles of music and always have. I grew up on The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Van Halen, Toto, the list is endless!

What do you hope to achieve in music?

It would be nice to be on a big stage with a big show and be on big tours, but I measure success by how well my music connects with people, and so far - by the response I'm getting from fans and the public - I think I'm doing well.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

The release of my current EP Sinners and Saints (available on my website in hardcopy only at this time). It's a heartfelt work that has come from the deepest emotional times in my life, I couldn't ask for a better highlight than that.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

One of the after show parties I attended ... oh boy what a crazy night that was.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

"Tailspin" - it's an uptempo song that makes you want to dance, but if you listen to the lyrics it will make you think.  

Where can we listen to it? 

https://www.reverbnation.com/marshallrockscountry/song/25104953-tailspin

Where can we find out more about your music? 

www.marshallRocksCountry.com

www.facebook.com/marshallRocksCountry

www.reverbnation.com/marshallRocksCountry

www.twitter.com/marshallRocksCountry

www.instagram.com/marshallRocksCountry

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

I'm the principle writer on all of the material on my EP, so you're getting a glimpse of my heart when you're listening to my songs. I think when listeners hear my unique style of country, and distinctive voice, they're going to enjoy it and when they read my lyrics, they will understand something genuine, honest, and profound about me, or maybe even about themselves. 

Jessie Lee Cates Q&A

Your name: 

Jessie Lee Cates.

Where are you from? 

Chattanooga, Tennessee (USA).

Name of band: 

Jessie Lee Cates.

Who else is in your band? 

Ron Miller (lead guitar), Dennis Greene (rhythm guitar), Darius Chignon (Bass), Chris Kearney (drums) and Brenna Fitzgerald (fiddle and background vocals).

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

I’m a Tennessee girl who loves her Southern roots and loves to make her own way in country music. I draw on classic country sounds and themes, but I put my own contemporary, rock-edged spin on it. 

Who are your main influences musically?  

It depends on the day, really. Some days, I’ll listen to nothing but independent artists I’ve discovered over the years; other days I’m rockin’ out to Patsy Cline or Waylon or Miranda Lambert. A little bit of all of them goes into me and my music.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

I have BIG dreams, but I also have realistic expectations of what it takes to make a living in this business. I’d love to win a CMA award, but whether I do or don’t, I'll always want to write and perform well-crafted, heartfelt songs that inspire people, songs that real people can use and sing along to in their real, everyday lives. If I can do that while earning enough to make a decent living, I’ll be happy.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  

Completing my first album was HUGE! It’s something I had dreamed about since I was young, so the morning I woke up and realized it was my first day in the studio, I was walking on clouds! It’s a feeling that can’t be repeated – it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime events you thank God you had a chance to experience.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  

I honestly don’t think I want to forget anything. Don’t get me wrong; there have been moments I could scream – LOUD! - but those are the times when I just got stronger as a person and as an artist. Having dealt with those rough times, I know that any success I have will never be taken for granted.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?  

That’s nearly impossible to do! Each of my songs is so different, and each one has a special meaning to me and reveals a different side of me, so you have to hear them all to get the full picture of who I am as a songwriter and as an everyday person. I guess the one that’s most personal is “Wayward Rose,” an autobiographical song about my life growing up with my dad. There’s raw emotion running throughout that song, and it tells a lot about how I became the artist I am today.

Where can we listen to it? 

www.reverbnation.com/jessieleecates

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.jessieleecates.com

www.facebook.com/jessieleecates

www.twitter.com/jessieleecates

www.reverbnation.com/jessieleecates 

I’m on Periscope (linked to my Twitter: @jessieleecates)

I’m also on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

I LOVE to hear from new fans on my Facebook, Twitter, Reverb Nation and website!  I always respond to folks who leave me messages, so come visit me on the web!

David Dewhirst Q&A

Your name:
David Dewhirst.

Where are you from? 
Currently, Chattanooga, Tennessee... but grew up in Detroit and have lived in Germany, Upstate New York, and Florida.

How would you describe yourself and your music? 
My tastes are eclectic and so is the music I write. I'm a throwback hippie and so that informs my music, but it's certainly not the entirely of what I do. I'm also very lyric-focused, and most of my songs play with language and words and meaning. I've formally studied writing and poetry and am a published poet from my college years, so those things are important to me.

Who are your main influences musically? 
The Beatles, Dylan, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, Phish. I think if you listen to my catalog on SoundCloud or Grumpadilly.com with those things in mind you'll hear each of them, to some degree... but I'm also certainly putting my own spin on it all, and people keep telling me other artists I put them in mind of. Most recently it was Springsteen and Mellencamp.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
I want to get my songs out in front of people, and I want people to enjoy them. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
I have played in / fronted bands and done solo shows off and on for many years. I would be active and then take lots of time away from the scene. But this most recent round is different - I'm writing better than I ever have, and I feel like these songs need to come out. That in itself is a highlight :)

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Hmmm. I've never been booed off, so nothing like that. Maybe the time I was playing a party at a frat house and one of the (very chemically altered) frat brothers managed to trip over the cables for both my mic and my soundhole pickup, in the process ripping the cable clean out of the pickup. Yikes, was I ever annoyed...

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
That's a toughie - like I say, I'm fairly eclectic and hard to fit into one well-defined genre. But maybe right now I would say Savannah Dreams of Bones; it's a pretty sophisticated extended metaphor lyrically, and musically it has kind of a semi-trippy groove thing going but with some decidedly modern elements as well. It's a little less rock than some others, but that's okay -- it still represents.

Where can we listen to it? 
https://soundcloud.com/david-dewhirst-2/savannah-dreams-of-bones-rough

Where can we find out more about your music?

https://soundcloud.com/david-dewhirst-2
https://twitter.com/DDewhirst_Music
https://www.facebook.com/DavidDewhirstMusic
http://www.grumpadilly.com

Two singles on iTunes, if anyone wants to enrich me by $ .70
Shine at http://apple.co/1EyHySC
Sink In and Stick http://apple.co/1I5Msb2

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?
First, thank you so much, Greg! Secondly, my Facebook page especially is sad in terms of Likes and lagging far behind Twitter, so if everyone could click on the page and give me a quick Like it might not be so sad ;) 

Sonia Leigh Q&A

Your name: 
Sonia Leigh.

Where are you from? 
I currently reside in Nashville, Tn.

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 
I play a lot of different styles more of a progressive country pop rock sound. I like high energy performances as well and heartfelt moments of sincere ballads.

Who are your main influences musically? 
I love everything from  2-pac, Iggy Azalia, Nicki Manaj to  Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, The Rolling Stones, Percy Sledge,  The Killers, The Sounds, Delta Spirit, Biffy Clyro, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Eminem, Katy Perry, Sia, Lana Del Rey, David Gray etc... I love music.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
I hope to write every style and collaborate with many different artists from all over the world. I want to travel the world and play music with people I admire. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
So far I am so thankful for all the experience I have touring all over the U.S. and playing some of the most amazing places there such as Red Rocks, The Gorge, Whiskey A Go Go, etc... I loved getting to play with some of my hero's like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Eric Church. However, my biggest dream has been to play in Europe. I am now about to embark on my first European tour in April. I am also so excited to play the pop up stages at the O2 in London March 7th and 8th for the C2C festival.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
I want to remember it all even the times that have not been the brightest have taught me so much so it all is very important to me.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
Fulgurites off of my E.P. Counting Skeletons. I am most proud of that song so far because it really hits the spot for me. I love the way my band played not he record and it just feels so fun. I wrote that song the first time I visited london. It is very special to me.

Where can we listen to it? 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/counting-skeletons-ep/id883296816

Where can we find out more about your music?
www.sonialeigh.com
www.twitter.com/sonialeigh
www.instagram.com/sonialeigh 

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask? 
I do not fit into a particular genre. I make the music I want to make and let it be what it was meant to be. 

The Darlins Q&A

Your names: 

Erinn Bates and Jude Toy.

Where are you from? 

Erinn is from Nashville, TN, and Jude is from Portland, OR.

Name of band: 

The Darlins.

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

We are a country duo based in Nashville. We write most of our songs together and sometimes with other writers. Our music is rootsy, real, and written from our own experiences. 

Who are your main influences musically? 

Our main influences range from Dolly Parton to Stevie Nicks. We also love Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, and Loretta Lynn. 

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We hope to be super successful singer/songwriters living the dream of performing and sharing our music with music fans around the world. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

The major highlight so far would be winning the second Annual Hourly Gig, the national battle of the bands sponsored by Snagajob, here in the US.  Being voted by the country to open for hit duo, Montgomery Gentry, opened major doors for us. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

I think we could both agree that having a band back you up on stage at the last minute (and they have never heard your songs before) was a really bad idea. That happened in Nashville at a major showcase early in our development as a duo and it was being filmed for a TV pilot! Not a good moment!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

At the moment, Crush would represent The Darlins very well. It is a song we wrote together that was the first one that really defined our sound. 

Where can we listen to it? 

Listen at our official website at www.thedarlins.com or at https://m.soundcloud.com/thedarlins/crush

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Please check us out and like us at www.facebook.com/thedarlins, say hi to us and follow us at www.twitter.com/thedarlinsmusic, www.instagram.com/thedarlins and for news, tour schedule, and more updates, please check out our website, www.thedarlins.com. 

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask? 

Thank you so much for finding us! We appreciate your time and interest in us and our music. We hope to make it to the UK soon!

Ashley Taylor Q&A

Your name:
Ashley Taylor.

Where are you from?

Well I'm from Bakersfield,California.Home of the Bakersfield sound and proud of it! LOL. I just recently moved to Nashville,Tennessee though and am loving it! 

How would you describe your music?

I have been described as country with a touch of bling! I mix country, pop and rock all together in one.

Who are your main influences musically?

I grew up listening to people like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and the Dixie Chicks. My grandparents always had country on the radio! My mom on the other hand was a rocker and would play artists like Bon Jovi, Pat Benetar, Heart and Nickelback. They all really influenced me and helped develop me as a artist.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

You know if there is one thing I have learned it is to never put a limit on your dreams. So whatever happens happens. I just wake up everyday and try my hardest to be the best I can be.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?

It's hard to honestly pick one. I think I have had a lot of  great things happen like when I signed my first endorsement contract, or sold my first download, but I think the real highlight is every time someone tells me my music means something to them or help them get through something. That is why we as musicians are here!

And what's the moment you want to forget?

Haha! You know, I have had plenty of those but to be honest I would change any of them. From having your voice crack, forgetting your lyrics to your own song, drop your pick, etc... They make you learn things and remind you that nobody's perfect.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

Oh boy that is a tough one! I will be releasing a new single this year so that would probably be the one. LOL! Look for it on my new site and on social media! It will be coming out this spring! 

Where can we find out more about your music? 

http://www.ashleytaylormusic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJLgMdYf6vvqrlygI8t32PA

https://twitter.com/_AshTaylorMusic

https://www.facebook.com/AshleyTaylor.Artist

http://instagram.com/ashleytaylor_music/

The Killing Floor Q&A

Your name: 
Mark Alberici.

Where are you from?
London, but I currently live in Nashville. 

Name of band: 
THE KILLING FLOOR.

Who else is in your band?
Marco Argiro, Oliver Alberici, and Peter Landi.

How would you describe yourselves?
Rock n roll with some nice catchy melodies.

Who are your main influences musically?
Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Muse, The Stones, Nirvana, The Clash.....there's tons.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I want to make music that will be listened to and enjoyed for years to come.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Touring America and getting to play some of the places I wanted to play as a kid like The Whisky A Go Go on Sunset in LA or working with director Joel Schumacher on our video 'Star Baby'. Supporting Marky Ramone was pretty cool. There have been a few highlights....

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Signing a bad record deal. Thankfully it no longer exists.    

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Our new single 'Corruption Capital'. It's rockin' it's got fat guitars and a catchy tune, and it has a cool political message. It has all the key elements that make the TKF sound.    

Where can we listen to it?
You can listen and watch the new single at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2tcrgG4PxQ

Where can we find out more about your music? 
www.tkfmusic.tumblr.com which has links to all our social pages
www.facebook.com/tkfrocks
www.twitter.com/thekillingfloor

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?I just wanted to mention that our single is out now on iTunes which is taken from our forthcoming second album due out early 2015.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/corruption-capital-single/id915710888?ls=1