Dear City Lights Interview
-Who are all of the band members? And what do they do in the band?
E.J. Snock. I do everything from all the instruments/programming to the vocals. E.J. Snock is Dear City Lights.
-What's the origin of your band name, Dear City Lights? Have you changed the band's name before?
Well, my name is E.J. Snock. Although it is a unique name, I find it to be a little too unique and “out there”. Haha. When I think of “Snock”, I think of like, a big, fat, gross, and pimply swamp monster named “Snock”, who eats all of the forest creatures and wreaks havoc on everything. That’s just me. Haha. So I kinda just didn’t want to use my name and go with the whole ‘alias’ thing.
I chose ‘Dear City Lights’ because I’ve always had a fascination with traveling and seeing all the different skylines lit up at night time. When the idea of traveling from city to city, performing music for a living came to my mind, I thought that was really cool. So, every song I write is kind of an ode to traveling around the world and seeing all of the city lights, if that makes sense.
-What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
I would just say that it is ‘Pop’, for the most part. I feel like there’s a pretty strong influence of electronica, a little hip-hop, here and there, and little hints of just about everything. That’s the cool thing about Pop. I’m not limited to just a few instruments, like guitar, bass, and drums. I can let myself be influenced by just about any genre or style and somehow incorporate it into my own music. It’s pretty cool and gives each song a new and refreshing sound.
-How old were you when you started this band?
I actually started the production of this whole thing only about 6 months ago. So I was 19, the same age I am now.
-Do you have a record label? If so, what is it?
I am currently unsigned. It’s pretty cool that with today’s technology and social media, you can do so much independently. From recording, producing, booking tours, etc. It’s all possible to do on your own now. I think I’m going to do this on my own for as long as I can. One day, I plan on signing some sort of deal, though.
-Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed all over the Midwest on tour with Late Nite Reading, last fall. I also had a small part in acoustic performances, as well as guest vocals, on the Bryan Stars tour, last fall, with Late Nite Reading, Rocky Loves Emily, Farewell My Love, and CatchingYourClouds all over the nation.
So far, some of my favorite venues are The Rave in Milwaukee, WI, The Underground in Cincinnati, OH, and Club Radioactive in Kettanning, PA. I don’t really have a least favorite venue. I’m not that picky. Wherever kids come out to party and have a good time is fine with me.
-Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list for your shows?
People really seem to like ‘Rooftops’ a lot. I always try to save that one for last. I usually do my covers of Nicki Minaj & Rihanna’s, ‘Fly’, as well as my short cover of Drake’s, ‘Over’. My set list is pretty constant throughout the tour. I might switch it up, some nights, but I try to keep it simple throughout the tour.
-What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I’ve found that I like to write a lot of songs about just following your dreams, believing in yourself, and just doing what you want to do with your life. That’s kind of been the main theme of this whole thing so far. I was pretty confused as to what I wanted to do with my life, about a year ago, so I just gave this whole thing a shot, put my fears behind me, and followed my heart, as corny as it all sounds. Haha.
Also, I just like to write about relationship type of stuff. Whether it’s first-hand or from a hypothetical perspective, it’s just something that everyone can relate to at some point.
I think the topics might change over time, as I grow up. You never know what life might throw at you.
-Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
It usually just starts with my laptop and keyboard. I start to mess with sounds and electronic drums until it turns into some sort of beat. I usually let the beat play over and over until I come up with some sort of vocal melody to go along with it. A lot of times, it’s just jibberish at first. Haha. But yeah, I tend to like to make beats at first, and then fill in the vocals. However, every song is different.
-What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
It’s more of a spontaneous thing. I have a drummer and a bassist who come along on tour with me. The rest of the music comes out through my laptop. They just kinda jam along to the tracks from the laptop while I sing. It’s honestly not too hard, but we still try to perfect it as best as we can.
-What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
I think just putting my fears of failure and what others might think behind me has been the biggest challenge so far. Not everybody is going to like the stuff that you create or do. You just have to ignore them and focus on doing what you love to do and just working hard. I think I’ve overcome that pretty well, so far.
-What's your ultimate direction for yourself? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
I just want to be able to do this for a living and just have a positive feedback on others’ lives. As long as my art and work can bring happiness and enjoyment to others, that’s all I can ask for. Fame and fortune is overrated. We’re all just human, like everyone else, in the end. Of course, I would like for this whole music thing to keep paying the bills, but I’m not a huge fan of the luxurious life. As long as I have a lot of food, a clean apartment, and a gym membership, that’s enough for me.
-What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Make sure your product is high-quality, before anything else. No one will take you seriously if it sounds like your music is being recorded in a garage with a microphone from Walmart. Find a way to get nice and professional photos and videos. Take every aspect of the whole thing professionally. Finally, network and interact with your fans on the internet constantly, and always be reaching out to new people on the internet, as well. Social media is your best friend on this journey.
-How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard your music before?
Pop music with an alternative twist and a little bit of everything else thrown into it somewhere.
-How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
They can check out all of my songs on Facebook at Facebook.com/DearCityLights, on YouTube at Youtube.com/TheHyperCannon, or on iTunes at smarturl.it/DearCityLights
-Website links in which other people can find your music, or more information for you?
Facebook.com/DearCityLights
Twitter.com/DearCityLights
Youtube.com/TheHyperCannon
Instagram: @DearCityLights
-Would you ever do an interview like this with us again?
Yeah, let’s do it!
-Would you like to do more fun/funny questions in another interview?
Yeah! I mean, being serious is fine and all, especially with music, but I really like the dumb/funny questions the best.
-Any last words?
One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. Thank you.