A Popup Interview with Soulbelly (Nick)

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A Popup Interview with Soulbelly (Nick)
[ Artist Website ] | [ Buy Our CD ]

VR:
What is your favorite local venue?

Soulbelly (Nick):
The "Gig" in Hollywood, on Melrose. Great place, great people, great sound. Another one would have to be the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana.

VR:
If you could talk to anyone in the music business, who would it be?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Hmm. Anyone who's willing to listen?? :)

VR:
How do you guys put songs together?

Soulbelly (Nick):
We don't really have a set way of doing it. Sometimes, someone will bring something on tape to the band. Anything from a musical or lyrical idea to a completed song. And sometimes we'll come up with something together at rehearsal. That's actually been happening a lot lately. Having no strict guideline makes for a very open and creative songwriting environment.

VR:
Nice shirt your wearing, where did you find that?

Soulbelly (Nick):
In my closet. It's where most of my clothes reside. You should buy one, they're really cool.

VR:
How important do you think tour support is?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Well, if you're referring to label or management support, it would be nice to be on the road, knowing that there are people backing you up and spreading the word, making you a priority. If you're referring to funding, it's absolutely important. How could we travel without money? We want to be able to tour and share our music with people everywhere, but the reality of touring expenses and bills back home precludes us from just dropping our lives, buying a van, and traveling the country on a wing and a prayer. But the thought of that sure sounds nice. :)

VR:
Tell us about the hardest time surrounding a gig or studio project.

Soulbelly (Nick):
Hmm. Well, I can think of 2, off the top of my head. We got a recording offer from a producer who's main claim to fame was that he produced a Madonna song for a soundtrack in, like, 1982. We did two songs with him. The guy spent most of his time either gawking at my singer or trying to turn us into an R&B act. Complete with Doo-wops. The second time was when we played a club in Hollywood, a really popular club at the time. It was a big place, and our audience was the sound guy. Just the sound guy. That was a very long time ago, and needless to say, we have since discovered the absolute importance of promotion.

VR:
What you feel is the most important thing about your music?

Soulbelly (Nick):
We have a fresh sound. We're in touch. We're hip. We're now. Baby. Let's do lunch.

VR:
What would you do if you lost your musical abilities and are you a fullfilled enough person to accept that if it happened?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Tough question. I've been playing since I was 9. It's my favorite thing to do besides be with my son. I suppose I would have to do something artistic, like painting with my face or something.

VR:
Do you do any recording on your own?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Yeah, I love it. Mainly because it makes me better for my band.

VR:
Who are your biggest influences?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Waay too many to List. Everything from Led Zeppelin to Radiohead to Ella Fitzjerald to the Go-go's. Lately, I've been rediscovering my punk roots. Sex Pistols, Descendents, Generation X.

VR:
Are there any established artists with whom you would like to collaborate?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Yeah, C&C Music Factory. Gonna Make You Sweat. Kidding.

VR:
How do you write your songs (how do you think of them)?

Soulbelly (Nick):
They come from everywhere. Our own experiences, those of people close to us, TV, radio.

VR:
Do you have all your songs downloadable at mp3.com?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Yep. And at www.soulbelly.com, www.garageband.com, www.cdstreet.com, www.popwire.com and www.cdbaby.com. Just to name a few. :)

VR:
If you could get a message to the inside mp3.com what would that message be?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Back us. We'll make you rich. Oh, wait. They probably already are.

VR:
What makes you and your band unique?

Soulbelly (Nick):
Visit us at www.soulbelly.com and find out.

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