JoeBryant Interview
Check out this awesome interview!
-What's the origin of your stylization of your name?
It actually was to throwback to MySpace era band name stylization, I really don't know. It'd probably be easier to have just kept itsimple, but I don't tend to do things that way. haha-What genre of music do you consider your work to be?I really have no idea what to put it under to classify it beyond justsimply acoustic. Somewhere between poppunk, folk punk, and emo Iguess...-Who were your major influences on this album?I really don't know, but if I had to point fingers at a few artist itwould have to be "Letting Off The Happiness" Bright Eyes, "I Love YouThis Is A Robbery" Spoonboy, maybe throw in a little bit of AndrewJackson Jihad, Speechwriters LLC, and Backseat Goodbye. It's really hard to say to be honest.
-How old were you when you started making music?
In general, at some point in 2003 when I got a keyboard and thisdecorative classical guitar. I didn't know what the hell I was doingwith either, but still managed to write a few songs. I recorded themterribly and I really hope they never leak out somewhere. Although, itwould be cool to hear again. But to answer your question I was 13 andat 14 I played my first tiny little set... It was only a lot of a bitawkward, I'll leave it at that.
-Tell us some about West Clark Records, like what made you decide tostart your own label?
I really don't know, when I first tried starting a label back in HighSchool it just seemed like a grand idea at the time. Then I gave up onit for a few years, then my friend Mike Klein had sparked the idea again. I'm ever grateful that he did. After that I teamed up with Roband now our little label is starting to blossom into something that wenever really expected
-What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subjectto brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available?)
I currently play a Kramer Ferrington which is an acoustic electric, I don't think I could say that's a preference. I am however not that picky about guitars, I tend to borrow other artist that I'm playingwith's acoustic guitars. My electric is an Ibanez I don't know what,that has been thrown at walls and bathrooms, I've had it for ages. I've also been using a Marshall practice amp at shows to make sure mysound is as accurate to my idea as possible, this is a long story.
-Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I've played quite a few places among the MidWest and East Coast. I'dhave to say my favorite venue by far was 602 Faye in Columbia, Missouri. That place was all DIY and tucked away in some sort of storage locker, but it was probably one of the coolest set ups I'veever been in. I'm probably only saying this because demonic light upjesus was there. My least favorite venue... I'm going to pass on thatone, just because I don't want to naysay anyone, they work hard tokeep their venues running and I respect that.
-Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list for your shows?
I believe, I have played "Polka Dotted Underwear" and "Rooms" at every show since I started playing solo shows again, two years ago. They're favorites of a few people, or at least that's what it seems like, haha. "I Still (sort of) Remember Everything" and "Life in the Midwest" are probably the closest runner ups. I play a different obscure cover at about every third show. Currently the covers I've been rehearsing are "Au Revoir" by The Front Bottoms, "Call Me WhenIt's Over" by Mansions, and "Pytor" by Manchester Orchestra. All that really depends on the night and what my inebriation level is... if it'shigh I go to the fail safe "The Living Song" by The Wonder Years. I usually write out a set list or two to rehearse but when it comes toshows, I tend to get a little bit off them.
-What are the main themes or topics for most of the new album, " I guess, I'll go home"? Is there a running theme within the albumitself?
I originally wrote these songs at different points in my life, mostly after break ups and some are even based off dreams. I think, the running theme in this album is just to stay in the direction you wantto go no matter what. But listen to it I might be describing it wrong, but I'm pretty sure that "calling everyone out, I’m sorry" sort of sums it up. It's an album that all the songs correlate through thes cenarios and references. Along with my intention here to makesomething that's less sad and depressed, in comparison to what waspresented in my prior releases.
-Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
Long walks, drunk nights, road trips, notebooks, sweet tea, a fourtrack machine, and broken strings. Does that help?
-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
I'd like to think that it's matured over the years, but that is solely up to the listener. I mean I've grown over the past 11 years, so I amassuming that it has. I mean, it's definitely gotten tighter andsomehow I've developed a unique sound(according to popular opinion).
-What's your ultimate direction for you as an artist? Are you seekingfame and fortune?
Definitely not fame and fortune, that's a pipe-dream that people wastetoo much time on. I don't really know what my direction is, I justlike making music and sharing it. I guess, my direction to begin withwas to tour and see as much of this ball we live on as possible. I kind of just go with it, I really just want to tour and meet newpeople. Hmmm... I guess if my music could self-sustain that that'd bethe ultimate goal. Maybe help a few people out in some way with mymusic. If I could inspire one person to just go for their dreams anddo what they want with them then my job here is done.
-What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Don't do it for the above question. If you're going to make music orany form of art do what's inside you without trying to mimic someoneelse's work. It's yours don't be afraid to step out of the box andfight like hell for it. Basically, the cliché, do it because you loveit and for no other reason.
-How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard yourmusic before?
It's probably pretty terrible, but if you listen to it I'll love you forever and ever. If you like it let me play your city. ;)
-How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a websitewith sample songs or a demo CD?
My entire catalog is available through Bandcamp, most of it is free I believe; joebryant.bandcamp.com. You can also pick up the physicalformats there as well.
-Would you ever do an interview like this with us again?
Anytime Kitty!!! Wait, I mean it'd be cool I'll have to check mynon-existent schedule though first. ;)
-Would you like to do more fun/funny questions in another interview?
K GO!-
Any last words?I guess, I'd have to use last words to shout out some other amazing artists I think you should all check out. Everyone on West Clark Records (Exit Emergency, Godsized & Growing, Corkbush Field Mutiny,Endstar, ETC), you have to check out the dudes in Bike Path and Worse Case Ontario. Last but definitely not least check out my best friend's music Mike Klein(we have a few splits together with another one in the works). A bit of self-promotion, "I guess I'll go home" is now available to download, and purchase in physical formats. "My Wayward Life: The Letters I Meant to Send" will be out here very soon. I know, I know, I know two albums within two months of each other is a bitridic.
Thank you for the interview, I really appreciate the gesture. Much love to all the readers, my listeners, and you guys. For real, it means a lot, hit me up if you'd like to chit chat, I'm always down! Take it easy out there.
Links and Contact Information for Joebryant:
http://facebook.com/joebryantmusic
http://twitter.com/aeroplanejetpac
joebryantmusic@gmail.com for booking and other info