Interview with Acoustic Rocker Joe Taylor by Paul Marino

Where did you get your start in the music industry?

Well, I got my start in Toronto where I attended Humber College to study vocal jazz. This helped launch my career in Canada. My music career didn't really start to kick into full gear until I made the move to NYC a few years later.

Did you plan on being a solo act from the beginning?

I actually started out in a band, the James Band, and was with them for about nine years. We were touring all over the Greater Toronto Area in Southern Ontario. I realized that to get to the next level, I had to do music on my own. It was a very difficult decision at the time to break from the band.

Where did your ideas and inspirations come from for the recording of 'Anything's Possible?'

My ideas come from life experiences. From day one it has been a struggle for me in the business. I started thinking about if a guy from the western suburbs of Toronto can move to NYC to pursue his music career, play in every dive in the U.S. and end up working with a Grammy winning producer in Los Angeles, then anything is possible.

Has your single "Around the World" fared as well as you hoped?

The song has done very well in helping me reach a new audience, however, until it's the top selling single in the world it has not reached my expectations. 

Any plans for your music after the summer?

Yes, I'm always writing new music. I am looking forward to going on tour to promote and support our current CD, Anything's Possible.

You've been dubbed the "Subway Idol" by the New York Times, what was your reaction to this title ?
I was very surprised to be called the Subway Idol by the Times! Of course, I was happy about it, however, my main goal is to make great music that I enjoy so whatever successful titles come from this is a bonus.

Do you prefer sitting down and recording in a studio or do you enjoy the experience of a live performance?

Honestly, I love both, but there is nothing more fun than performing in front of a live audience! The energy you get and the rush is amazing! On cloud nine! 

I have always been a big Beatles fan and it's the work that they did that gives me the direction in the studio. John Lennon always loved the raw, stripped-down live sound which you would get in front of a live audience - dry separation of sounds and lots of space. Paul McCartney on the other hand loved lots of production in the studio with lots of instrumentation and heavy mixing.

I love performing live and studio work equally.

If you were able to write a soundtrack for any movie, whether it's been released or not, which movie would you choose?

The next James Bond movie. Love James Bond...classic.

The quiet country life or the fast paced living of the city?

I love the country however NYC is my home. I need the hustle and the bustle. Make me feel alive and the energy of the city inspires my passions.

Any relation to the famous Taylors, like Zachary or Elizabeth?

Well when I was much younger I did have a crush on the 1960's version of Elizabeth Taylor but no relation to any famous Taylors.

http://www.joetaylorofficial.com/fr_home.cfm

http://www.reverbnation.com/joetaylor

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/save-me-ep/id306112962

Interview with Actress/Singer Songwriter Kate Todd

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Kate Todd. If you don't know who she is, you've been missing out on a talented young woman who's been on the TV screen for almost a decade. Her big break came when she played the character of Lily Randall on Radio Free Roscoe on Teen Nick's (then Noggin) hit TV series running with other shows- Instant Star and mainstay, Degrassi.





Always a fan of Kate, RFR, and her music; I looked her up and gave it a shot and asked for an interview. Thankfully she said yes!  So enjoy my first interview in a while, and be sure to show your support for a deserving individual.

What do you enjoy better, music or acting?
I enjoy both music and acting equally. For me, they both ignite a need for deeper understanding of myself, of others and the world in which we live in. Acting and music inspires the performer to find truth and authenticity. I’ve been fortunate that the two media have continually intertwined throughout my career and I am grateful that I have been able to follow both of my passions.


How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
Reflecting back, it probably stems from being raised in a rural, country setting and being left alone with my imagination. Performing played a large part in my early life with piano recitals to acting classes. That led me to obtaining an agent and securing my first acting role, a small part as Cassie on a show called Strange Days at Black Holsey High.


Did your character of Lily on RFR, inspire you to almost become the same person, or was Lily really an incarnation of you?
There are many parallels between myself and the character of Lily on Radio Free Roscoe. In many of the episodes I could relate to Lily in her daily life as a teenager, the pressures of high school and, of course, her love of music! 





Who are some actors or actresses who inspire you and why?
Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman….all great.

Musically who do you strive to be like, and have you been compared to anyone?
I’m striving to be myself before I can move on to anyone else. To be honest, as a musician, I’m just inspired by anyone who has played any stage at anytime, anywhere.


What goes into the preparation of a role and how do you become the character?
I read the script, get a feel for the character and visualize her life in my minds eye drawing from observations and personal experiences.


How does the songwriting process work for you?
I have no standard formula, but often times after developing a concept I lay down a basic guitar track and begin to formulate a vocal melody and lyrics around that.



What's your style and what makes you different than everyone else?
Roots based guitar driven pop would describe my musical style. I often sing about hope, inspiration and motivation. Does that make me different?


As a musician, what's your biggest rockstar moment and what's your biggest failure?
I met The Rolling Stones once, does that count? As for failures, I’ve experienced many but without failure there can be no success.

Can you tell me a little about your current role in "My Babysitter's a Vampire"?
I portray a character named Erica. I enjoy playing her as, other than her bloodsucking tendencies and devious ways, she is just your average everyday fun-loving high school girl! 


It’s kind of a Jekyll and Hyde role and that is which drew me to her character, two roles in one “best of both worlds.” Pardon the Radio Free Roscoe reference.  


Any other roles coming up, and what about an album?
I am currently on set for an as yet untitled television series. You can follow twitter for details. As for My Babysitters A Vampire a second season has been announced, looking forward to being part of that. In regards to my music, I continue to enjoy to write and perform.
Any and all new developments will be posted to these sites if you’d like to stay connected:

www.twitter.com/katetodd
www.katetodd.com
www.youtube.com/katetoddonline
IMDB
Facebook


Anything else you'd like to add or say?
Thank you
Peace&love
Kate Todd


See Kate's acting reel here

British Solo Artist "Annie Eve" Pushes Her Music to the States

From a few conversations and an interview, it was easy to see Annie Eve is no regular girl. At the age of 19 Annie embarked on a journey most wouldn't dream of, or even have enough courage to do on their own. This native of England decided her music was much bigger than the island she was on, and took a shot at fulfilling her dreams. Annie Eve was heading to America to show the rest of the world what she's got. Driven only by her passion and desire for her art, she believed in the music enough to take a chance. Going to a foreign country can be scary, but to come here to travel and explore on your own, is on a whole different level. However, there was only one objective in mind, music. Hopping from one open mic night to another, Annie made her way from New York to California. Although there was no official meeting, the interview was conducted over Facebook messages. here's the story...
Describe your music in a few words…
I always find it difficult to describe my own music, but I would say that it's an alternative kind of folk. I think it has an edge to it, me (haha). Whatever or whoever I am is in the music. So how it sounds and tastes, is me. Not sure if that makes sense.
Where did this passion/drive for music come from?
I dont know where exactly,but it was my brother who made me really want to learn guitar. He's just so good at it. I guess, from the moment I started I couldnt stop, there was no going back.
What inspires you to write music and describe the process of making a song?
Life, other music. Sometime when I’m moved by something, a person, a situation or some music it pushes me into the creative circle and a writing frenzy occurs. I remember the first time I heard "Don’t Think Twice" by Bob Dylan it completely changed me.
What kind of reception do you get in your hometown and the places you’ve played at?
In London I think it’s a little different. You don’t really go for each town, you kind of go for the whole thing. But I play a lot in Camden, and people are really supportive. I’ve met so many great musicians and promoters that are so into music. It's a great place to be.
Is coming to America exciting for you, and why do you feel it’s important to your “mission” as an aspiring singer/songwriter?
YES! I love the states. There’s more than one reason really. First because so many of my biggest inspirations are from America, for example: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Rilo Kiley, etc. Also because I've lived In London my whole life, and I really wanted to go someplace different and experience life in a different way. California was unreal, I've never felt so free in my life...
What is the biggest crowd you’ve ever played in front of? What about venue?
I'm not sure, maybe Birmingham's O2 arena. I won a competition that allowed me to play at both Eric Clapton’s and John Mayerss gig in the forum. Each shows had over 1000 people.

Do you have any other talents? Ex: Dancing, piano, writing, etc.
I dont know... I love to play the drums. Every now and then I write a short story or beginnings of a novel, but they never last... I dont have the attention span for it.
Would you ever consider playing with a band?
I actually have a band for my music now. It's mostly string players, double bass, cello, violin and a percussionist/vocalist. But yes, I've always wanted to be a guitarist in a kick ass band and rock out. A girl can dream (haha).
Describe your tour through America, and where did you go?
Loaded question... I stayed in NY and did some open mic nights while exploring. Then I went to Memphis and saw Beal Street, Stax Museum and Sun Studios. Next was Nashville, which was quite the experience. From there I coasted down from the north of California to the south. It was amazing. Out of everywhere, California was the best. You got these massive Red Wood trees, amazing beaches and diners with the best chocolate milkshakes. Doing open mic nights in America was something else, I loved it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years as an artist?
I hope that I’m touring and traveling, touching people with my music, meeting other musicians and making some money. On the music side, I just want to have created some music that I and anybody could love.
What should we know about you and how can we contact you?
I’ve recorded a five track EP, which hasnt been released yet, and I’m currently writing, recording and gigging, If anyone wants to find out about gigs they're up on my Annie Eve page on facebook.

www.myspace.com/annieeve
www.youtube.com/user/AnnieEveTracks
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&ref=mb#!/annieevemusic?ref=ts

For Booking InfoAnnieevemusic@hotmail.co.uk
info@antzinthejam.com