An interview with Decibel

1.  Describe the early years of your musical roots and how your talent
was nurtured.

When I was growing up, my alarm clock was my brother practicing
classical music every morning at 7am.  My family is very musical and
there was always classical or Broadway music playing.  I went the
other way and was into rhythms and listened to a lot of dance/pop
music growing up.  My parents are very supportive and always allowed
and encouraged me to get into music.  So long as it wasn't drums.

2.  Were there any events, people or catalysts that were musically
influential?

Sort of a three step program . . .

Besides my parents, my third grade teacher, Mr. Hammer, was
influential.  He was not your run of the mill third grade teacher and
every Friday we would sit on the floor and sing songs while he
accompanied on guitar.  When I was about ten, I also got into dancing,
which was really my first step into musical performance.

When I was thirteen, I was diagnosed with diabetes while having
troubles at school socially.  So I picked up a guitar, which got me
through some awkward years.

Before college, I did a post-grad year at a boarding school, which was
really tough.  To channel my distaste for the place, I mostly locked
myself in my room and taught myself as much as I could.

3.  How would you describe your sound?

A stripped down version of what ever I'm listening to at the time.  I
have a lot of influences and try to incorporate all of them onto an
acoustic guitar and into my vocals.  decibel. is my  love child of
acoustic rhythms and loud, pulse bending rock. Where the simplest folk
meets the hardest scream. It's the idea that the raw, stripped down
nature of acoustic music can have the power of an army at war.

4.  How many CDs have you released as a solo artist?

One EP, "The Catwoman EP" and I am currently recording a full length.

5.  What is the name of your latest CD and describe the creative process
that went into it?

'The Catwoman EP' started in October of '06 and has evolved through me
playing the songs out live.  I've been doing a lot more with my vocals
and that has evolved how I want my sound to be.  We started by
recording twenty songs and then we scratched them all and started all
over again.  We did about seven and cut that to four originals and a
Tool cover.  Then we re released the CD with all originals.

6.  Where did you record your latest CD and who was involved in the
recording and production of it?

We recorded 'The Catwoman EP' in Astoria, NY.  Doug McGregor, who is
the founder of Anywhere But Home Records, and I both put our input
into everything, though he has the great ear for the production of the
sound.

7.  How involved are you in the recording process of the projects you
have worked on?

Heavily.  These are my babies.

8.  Who are the current members of your band?

Myself, my guitars, and my microphones, and a vocal processor.

9.  How do you feel about playing to a live audience?  

Playing live is the greatest experience in the world, and I live to
play and connect with people.  I can't think of anything more
gratifying than playing in a place where people have paid their hard
earned money to come hear what you have to say.  It's surreal and the
biggest thrill of my life.

10.  What does your live set up consist of?

I mostly play a Rick Turner thin bodied acoustic and sing through a
digitech vx400.  I also sing through a bullet mic for a harmonica
which gives this great, raspy, lo-fi sound.

11.  Who does your booking? Are you under management?

Currently, I do all my own booking.

12.  What are your musical ambitions?

At the minimum, just continue to play as much as I can and have some
people listen and believe in it.  My biggest dream would be to write
one song that people will connect with forever.

13.  Have you ever insured your music equipment? If so, with what
company and would you recommend them to other musicians?

My equipment is not insured, so if you come to a show, please don't
steal my stuff.

14.  What music organizations are you affiliated with?

I have a very loose affiliation with BMI, meaning I sent them an email
to join and they sent me a confirmation.

15.  Is there a venue that you play regularly at?

I can usually be found at The Pussycat Lounge at 96 Greenwich St. or
at The Bitter End in on Bleecker St. in New York City.  I also drink
Irish Coffee and try new stuff out at Paddy Reilly's at 29th and 2nd.
But send an email to decibelofficial-subscribe@googlegroups.com and
I'll keep you updated on everything.

For more information on Decibel visit:

http://www.myspace.com/decibelofficial

 http://www.sonicbids.com/decibelofficial

 

 

© 2007 Yonge Music

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