Just me right now! But I'm looking for a live band.
How would you describe yourselves?
I'd describe Heaveneers as rock music that doesn't fall
into the usual trap of topics and sounds. I've really started writing about a
lot of science fiction topics and experimenting with different tones, so
hopefully that's made the music somewhat unique.
Who are your main influences musically?
Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Nine Inch Nails.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
I'd like to play a show at the Tabernacle, in
Atlanta.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
Well Heaveneers is pretty new, so I haven't had too many
experiences, but I'd say that recording the songs on my EP was by far the most
fun I've had making music in at least 5 years.
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Mixing the song Fascination was a pain, but I suppose it
turned out alright. Sometimes songs just give you a lot of trouble.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
I'd pick the Old Guard. It's definitely my most popular
and it is really driving.
Eve (lead vocals), Ryan Manning (drums) and Johnny V (bass).
How would you describe yourselves?
Well, we def like to have fun! We consider ourselves
rock, metal, progressive, alternative - so that there’s really no box to put us in.
We even do acoustic unplugged stuff too!
Who are your main influences musically?
Let's see, we all are influenced by so many great artists but
Ryan likes Suicidal Tendencies, Johnny likes Kiss, Eve likes Janis Joplin and
I like Sabbath, Disturbed, and way too many to list. Love Ritchie
Blackmoore though...
What do you hope to achieve in music?
Great question! I’m not in it for the lure of $$, or even
fame for that matter. I just humbly write songs that I hope people will enjoy. We do
write provocative lyrics which are reality based so that maybe one could be
inspired.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
So many, that’s a tough question. Leaving Eden has toured the USA, UK and Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest national
bands in the world including; Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, Black Sabbath (Heaven &
Hell), Ronnie James Dio, Rob Zombie, 5 Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Marylyn Manson,
Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Puddle of Mudd, Korn, Killswitch Engage,
BuckCherry (Jefferson Starship, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Country
Joe, 10 Years After, 40th Anniversary Woodstock) Shinedown, Dropkick Murphys,
Alice in Chains, Papa Roach, Bret Micheals, Halestorm,Theory of a Deadman,
Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Hell Yeah, Trapt, Dope, Soil, Fuel, Queensryche,
Saving Abel, Hinder, Damage Plan, 7Dust, Sebastian Bach, SoulFly, Days of the New,
NonPoint, Drowning Pool, The Misfits, The Butcher Babies, Collective Soul,
MushroomHead, Mudvayne, Chevelle, Godsmack, Powerman 5000, 10Years, Taproot, Gin Blossoms,
Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG & The Scorpions), Herman Rarebell (The Scorpions),
Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Kittie, One Eyed Doll, Uncle Kracker, Tremonti
(Creed/Alter Bridge) Lamb of God, Slayer, Stone Sour, Motorhead, Blackstone Cherry, HOOKERS &
BLOW Featuring GUNS N' ROSES, QUIET RIOT, W.A.S.P. Members, Steven Tyler, Ted Nugent, Lita Ford, LA Guns, Trixter,
Warrant, Apocalyptic Review (featuring members of Godsmack) & many more..
We were winners at the 2014 New England Music Awards (Best Hard Rock/Hard
Core/Metal Act of the Year), winners of The 2015 Pulse Magazine Music Awards (Best
Hard Rock/Hard Core/Metal Act of the Year) & (Sexiest Musician "Eve")
and submitted for consideration to 15 categories for the Grammys this year.
With all that said,
Sharing the stage with Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell) with Ronnie James Dio prior to
his untimely death was incredible. I think playing Woodstock Anniversary was
full circle in terms of where it all started. Got to hang out with Janis Joplin's band Big Bro
and the Holding Co, Jefferson Starship, Country Joe, ya man too cool!
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Well, hmmm, I very, very seldom get drunk, maybe once
every two years, and I remember on an off night on tour, we let our hair down (I
have a shaved head lol) but anyways, ya probably want to forget doing cartwheels
down the street somewhere in the Dakota’s...
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
Another good question. Let's see, we got four Albums released
to date:
So I guess on our Pinnacle album released by Rock Ave Records USA, “Feel
Alive” where I believe the lyrics and music are inspiring; “Walk on through
before the door closes, you have one shot so you better make it right. The door is
wide open, why are you waiting to feel alive?”
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.
You can go towww.reverbnation.com/jonrossmusicianand that would probably be the best
place to hear more of my songs. My website is currently under construction :).
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!
I am an alternative pop/rock singer-songwriter. I like to
blend different genres and have also dabbled in folk, country, Celtic, and
R&B with my songs.
Who are your main influences musically?
Sheryl Crow, The Corrs, and Alanis Morissette would
probably be my top three. Well, add Fleetwood Mac and Lissie to that list.
Probably also Garbage and Liz Phair. I love a great song, great musicians, and
an honest female vocalist. I also grew up listening to Amy Grant, Michael
Bolton, Mariah Carey, and James Taylor. For the album, I also tapped into
Michael Jackson, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Halestorm, Seal, Paramore, Matchbox
Twenty, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I'm all over the place! I've opened up my
ears as I have gotten older, which isn't usually the case for most people.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
I hope that I can be an artist that can live off of being
an artist. It's harder now with all of the competition, but it's also made it
easier for people to get their careers started. Anyone can do it now. I
want to tour and be able to afford to create new music regularly and work with
honest musicians.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
Probably my performances this past weekend (Ed's note - this was written in June)! It was great
hearing people resonate with my original music. Even better than being played
on SiriusXM!
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
The recording process was a nightmare. I was working with
people that were trying to change my artistic vision. And I was paying for it.
I was being used. Consequently, we aren't speaking.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
Probably You Are Not My Friend. I think it
encapsulates all of my influences in on song. It was also one of the first
songs I wrote for the record. King of Excuses is a close
second. The chorus is my favorite lyric.
Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I
forgot to ask?
I write songs from personal experiences. I don't
write hits, but I think I have songs that can become hits. I believe in being
true to yourself and the success with follow after.
We are an indie/alt-rock duo devoted to playing honest,
whole-hearted music!
Who are your main
influences musically?
Our primary influences as a band are The Front Bottoms,
The Gaslight Anthem, and bands like Tiny Moving Parts and Death Cab for Cutie.
What do you hope
to achieve in music?
Jake: Personally, I hope to achieve a steady career. I
want to travel the world writing and performing my music and making just enough
to get by! I don’t need to be playing arenas and what not; all I want to be
able to say is that I play music for a living!
David: For me ultimately, I hope that with this band we
can connect with our followers in a real personal way. Also I just really want
to be be able to progress our collective sound and our skills as
musicians!
What has been the
highlight of your career so far, and why?
Jake: I would have to say that the highlight of my
musical career was playing our album release show this past April! It was my
first time not only releasing a full-length album, but it was also the first
time The Backseaters had ever headlined the Marquis Theater (Denver, CO). We
had so much support and it was just a mind-blowing experience to be able to do
all that!
David: I think the ultimate highlight for us as a band
has been playing a headlining, album release show at one of our favorite local
venues in Denver, The Marquis Theatre.
David: Back when we first started playing as a band, we
played a couple shows that were just kind of jumbled and didn't go
smoothly, but as hard and difficult as those shows were, we learned so much
about ourselves and what we as a band could really be capable of.
If you had to pick
just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Jake: I would definitely have to pick our song “Limbo”
off of A Place To Rest Your Feet! It has the fast, driving beat, with the thick
melodies, and also encompasses the way that we can drop our dynamic volumes
down to a soft whole note strum with beautiful chords!
David: For me it would have to be The Lottery. I feel
like the sound really defines our musical sound and our ability as
musicians.
Anything else
you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?
Check us out, LIKE or follow our pages, and listen to the
music! At the end of the day, that is all we want! We just want people to hear
what we have to say and the music we love to make!
Anything from Dr Dre to Foo Fighters. I love
alternative rock with massive pop hooks that manages to avoid the same old
chord progressions you’ve heard 1000’s of times.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
Worldwide domination. Seriously though, we are
pretty happy doing what we are doing, making a living and having fun.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
We opened for the Goo Goo dolls in Idaho. We killed
it and were so swamped with fans they missed the Goo Goo Dolls concert to talk
with us and have us sign stuff.
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
So many. Every time I can’t remember a lyric or
badly mess up a part. Good thing is, I’m pretty good at forgetting the
negative stuff.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
I’d pick “The Call”. It has the rock and pop
elements that we love and is probably smack dab in the middle of what we
do. But I also want you to listen to the single that is doing very well
for us, “I Need You (Ay-O)”.
Who else is in your band?
Tim, Brad, Frank and Dave.
How would you describe yourselves?
This question is
always hard. I think, I am a very humble and honest person.
Who are your main influences musically? I would say Joe Pass. But honestly any musician that pays with a heart.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
To make music a
career. But most importantly share my story through my passion and hope it
helps anyone as much as it helps me by playing it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why? I would say releasing new music then play a show a week later and have
the crowd/fans sing along. That is still something I think will never not make
me smile on stage. It is a very deep feeling having a room sing/scream along to
our songs. Its kind of like showing your insecurities to someone and having
them accept you for who you are. No words can describe it.
And what’s the moment you want to forget? None. Either its good or bad. Mistakes or not they are memories. We are all human
and we all makes mistakes but they don't define who we are.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
I would say our song Cycles, which is our last track on our EP No Wounds that came out in the
beginning of April. Why? Because its about loosing someone that has made an
impact on our lives that are no longer with us and reflecting on the lessons
they taught us or memories we shared. To moving on to making it a positive
outlook on it. The song has a lot of emotions in it and people can feel
it, which makes me happy.
We are an four-piece original band that writes and records
songs in many sub-genres in rock and alternative. We blend hard
rock elements with acoustic/singer-songwriter concepts as well as a grunge
inspired twist with modern songwriting elements.
Who are your
main influences musically?
SoundGarden, STP, Nirvana, Radiohead, NIN, Smashing
Pumpkins, Tool, Alice in Chains.
What do you hope
to achieve in music?
To be able to make an honest living touring the US, Europe
and South America. To be played on many radio stations worldwide.
What has been
the highlight of your career so far, and why?
The completion of our album Tale
of Two Halves, it has received a lot of attention with radio stations all over
the US and parts of the UK.
And what’s the
moment you want to forget?
None, all moments are a stepping stone to tomorrow.
If you had to
pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
I'm a free spirit. I love using my life
experiences to create songs. The music is raw & real. I really love being
in a band and putting my head together with my guys to create music that makes
people feel something. It's rock music with pop and urban flare.
Who are your
main influences musically?
Guns n Roses, No Doubt, Foo Fighters, Kid Rock,
Eminem, Patsy Cline, Madonna .. I could go on and on. Very diverse and the
different influences definitely come through in the music we create.
What do you hope
to achieve in music?
Writing
the best songs that stand the test of time and bringing rock music back to the
forefront of mainstream pop culture.
What has been
the highlight of your career so far, and why?
There have been so many
incredible opportunities for us it's hard to pick just one highlight. We've
toured the US multiple times, opening for bands like Aerosmith, Slash, Sammy
Hagar, Kid Rock, Alien Ant Farm (just to name a few). We've worked with a Grammy
award winning producer. One of the most touching and memorable moments for me
was singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Detroit Tiger's game in front of
thousands. What makes it even more special is that it was on my grandfather's
79th birthday (he was a veteran and served in Germany with Elvis Presley in
the 50s) and he was there to see it. He recently passed away and I am so
thankful to have had that memory with him. He was very proud and supportive of
my musical career.
And what’s the
moment you want to forget?
None!! Every up, every down - has brought me to
where I am! I wouldn't change anything! It's my journey. If anything I wish my
memory was a bit better and I literally could remember every single
second.
If you had to
pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
My
Rock & Roll. Along the way many people have tried to influence, sway and
change our sound. That song is our response. We're taking back our rock &
roll. No one can steal that from us.
For now Starfinder is a project where I write, perform,
and record all the music. Although in the future I may have some other members
for live performance.
How would you describe yourselves and your music?
I'm a punk rock guy at heart who has also loved new wave
and synthpop since I was a young teen. I've been a member of several past and
present punk, garage, and indie rock bands including Porno Mags, whose
self-released debut album peaked at #47 on CMJ in 2014. I also a member of
Chicago bands Witchfeet and Joy Shooters. I started messing around with
synthesizers and samplers about five months ago and decided to start writing 80s
influenced new wave tunes in my spare time. It's been a blast so far and I'm
just completely out of this world happy how well received my first two singles
have been by both fans and the media.
Who are your main influences musically?
They are all over the place. I love 70s punk like
Ramones, Buzzcocks, The Jam and stuff like that. I'm also a huge fan of old
power pop and garage rock like The Real Kids. 90s indie rock is something I'm
way into as well, stuff like Guided by Voices, Dinosaur Jr, etc. For Starfinder
I take a lot influence from bands that used a lot of electronic elements like
New Order, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Human League, and stuff like
that. Blend all of this together and that's where Starfinder comes from.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
Ideally I'd love to find a label interested in pressing
some vinyl for Starfinder. I'd also like to do some short tours with Starfinder
in the future, possibly with a couple other people to help pull it off live.
Mainly I just want to keep writing songs and sharing them with anyone who's
into it. It's really rewarding just working on music on my own and releasing
songs when I can.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
I've had lots of great things happen over the years.
Touring in some of my bands, meeting great people all over the US, getting
played on college radio all over the US and charting on CMJ, playing street
festivals here in Chicago, hearing Starfinder on the Synth City radio show in
the UK, playing really fun house shows, recently having Starfinder reviewed on
the Indie Rock Cafe blog, the list goes on...
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Definitely had lots of van break downs in the past when
touring. One time it was the middle of winter in Wyoming in a huge snow storm.
We had to wait for a couple hours for tow truck in no heat. As we were sitting
there on the side of the road, we saw a flatbed tow truck coming in our rear
view mirror. We were happy to see our tow truck coming, when all of a sudden
the truck started sliding sideways. The truck slid off the road at like 50
miles an hour and missed hitting our van by inches. It was really scary.
Luckily that wasn't the truck coming for us! Another time our van flew off the
road, again in the snow and did a 180 spin at like 70 mph all the way across to
the other side of the highway. That was probably the single scariest moment of
my life.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
Well, I only have two singles out right now so either one
is pretty representational of the band at this point but I'll go ahead and pick
"If I Were You", it seems to be the fan favorite right now.
Your name: 
