BROOKE ANNIBALE INTERVIEW

While clicking through a number of artist profiles, I stumbled upon an artist that truly surprised me with her unique tone.That artist was Brooke Annibale.


Following a couple of quick listens to Brooke's songs, I couldn't help but be drawn to her beautiful voice, and honest lyrics.
For the latest information on Brooke, check out her site: 

	http://www.brookeannibale.com/

March 9: New Hazlett Theatre Songwriter's Spotlight - 8pm (Pittsburgh, PA)
March 16: NACA Mid Atlantic Fest - East Stroudsburg University
March 20: CLUB CAFE - Pittsburgh, PA 8pm
March 21: La Roche College - 8pm

Who are some people that you have looked up to in the past in terms of stage presence/live performance?
As far as stage presence/ live performance goes, Glen Hansard of The Swell Season is someone I've really looked up to. He can tell a story or the meaning behind a song so well. I also have been pretty blown away by KT Tunstall and Ingrid Michaelson's live performances. They were artists that I definitely liked more after seeing them live because of their stage presence and personality.

Before you began the recording process for Silence Worth Breaking, did you have a direction for the album in mind?

Yeah, I guess you could say that. I had a picture of how I wanted the songs to sound, but as we recorded everything developed beyond my own imagination. Before, I'd always felt I had never achieved quite what I was looking for in the studio. But as soon as we started recording and I heard the band come together on the songs, we just clicked... they just got it, you know? I knew I was working with a bunch of musicians that could really work with me and my songs to fully understand what I had imagined when I wrote them.

How did you land on working with Paul Moak on Silence Worth Breaking?

A good friend of mine from college has been working with Paul as an engineer for a few years now. He had recommended Paul and his studio the Smoakstack to me and had mentioned me to Paul a few times. Once I saw the studio and listened to the work Paul had done with other singer-songwriters I knew i absolutely wanted to do my next project there.

Once you guys got in the studio, how did the song creation process pan out for you guys?

I had sent him demo versions of all the songs a little while before we started. We dug into it right away when and recorded and mixed the entire album in 3 weeks (5 days a week).

Were there any songs on the record that you were completely surprised with how they turned out, from time the song was written to the final product?

Definitely! I was kind of surprised with "Don't Let Them Tell You" - I actually almost cut this song from the album, but Paul insisted on putting it on. So we went for it, and I loved how it turned out. The oldest song on the record was "Yours and Mine" which really developed throughout the recording process into a favorite of mine that I wasn't expecting.

How does the writing process normally pan out for you?

It definitely varies, but it usually starts with a melody and/or a guitar part and fitting lyrics to that. Sometimes it's the complete reverse. Sometimes a whole song spills out in one sitting, but usually it takes a few weeks/months or even a year sometimes. I guess there isn't a "normal" process for me. I just try to keep pursuing new ideas, and try to be patient when I can't find quite the right words or notes...sometimes I have to wait a long time before I finally find what I'm looking for. For instance, "Silence Worth Breaking" is actually the title of a song that didn't make it on to the album. I didn't feel like it was finished yet, and I was right. A few months ago I completely rewrote the rhythm and changed the chord structure up a bit. I also rewrote the chorus for about the 4th time. So I hope the song "Silence Worth Breaking" will finally break its silence sometime soon!

Do you write continuously, or are you more of a periodic writer?

Recently I've been trying to write as often as I can. But there have definitely been periods of time that I'll go without writing a song. That's always frustrating, but then one day it will break. I've been trying to be proactive about writing instead of waiting for an idea to come to me.

Some of your songs have been featured on shows like One Tree Hill, like "Yours and Mine." What have been some of the positive effects that you have seen to having your songs in these shows? Have you had a chance to see the scenes your songs were featured in?

It has been a real honor to have my songs featured on some TV shows. It really has always been a huge dream of mine. I've seen a rise in my online fan base and digital sales. I've watched every episode that they've been featured in so far!

How important is social media/networking to an artist like yourself?

It's definitely really important. It's the only way to connect with fans or potential fans besides touring. I can stay in touch with people and hopefully keep people interested in my music until I release more.

What kind of advice do you have for an independent artist just starting out?

It's funny because the world of an independent artist is already SO different from when I started out in about 2003/2004. Facebook and twitter didn't exist yet! There are so many tools and resources to use now. Obviously use social networks, but also make sure your music is available to the world. People are always surprised to find out my music is on iTunes but it's very easy to get it there! Independent distribution companies like TuneCore or CDBaby make your music available throughout the world with a few clicks. Team up with other artists in your area and surrounding towns and play shows, trade shows, and build relationships with the venues, the artists, and most importantly, those who enjoy your music!

Are you currently working on any new material?

I've definitely been writing songs, and I'm starting to get the itch to get back into the studio again.

Perfect day, driving in your car with the windows down, what are you listening to?

Oh gosh, my favorite time to listen to music is driving in the car, so it's a tough choice! But... Today happens to be a beautiful day and I had to search through a mix in my car to listen to The Shins new single "Simple Song" and turn it up!

Emile Millar Interview

I recently had the opportunity to speak with acclaimed singer/songwriter and record producer Emile Millar(PostFontaine, The Lapdancers), about his writing process and recent/future projects.
For the latest on Emile, please check out http://www.emilemillar.com.
How did this project begin?

I began the project three years ago actually. I worked with some usual suspects from California and Austin. I recorded close to 20 songs, it's crazy how time flies...

How would you say you arrived on "your current sound"?

I've been recording music for a long time now. As an artist I like to do different things, but I can definitely hear a common thread now. I think my songs and sound grow as I do.

What's the music scene like in Austin?

Austin is a great town and music is coveted. You can't throw a rock without hitting a musician or a writer. There's a lot of talent here.

Who are some people that you have looked up to in the past in terms of live performance and stage presence?

Well I'm a big fan of Wilco, Shins, Sea and Cake, Belle & Sebastian, etc. I'm a sponge for songwriting and craft. A lot of bands may sound crisp and cool, but the song is most important (to me).

What can people expect when they see you live? What would you like for them to take away?

It has been a while since I performed live. Over a year. It is still a part of my life but I took a break and locked myself in a studio. I've recently begun preparing a live show and hope to start touring this summer.

How did the writing process pan out for your new EP release? How would you say it differed from your previous release Neighbors?

This new EP is a bit different than Neighbors or Stay Here. But in a way it's a combination of both. The songs on this next EP are definitely lush but organic. There's a darkness to the songs and I'm curious to see how people respond, I am really proud of it but I did take some chances, sometimes you have to follow your heart and just hope it's received well.

Tell me how "Traffic Lights" specifically came together...

Traffic Lights was inspired by a short film called Amateur. I composed music for the film and the director Daniel Trevino and I knew there needed to be song attached. I wrote the song for the end credits and it was about a minute long. It came out beautiful and I knew this song deserved to be on a record. The song is about wanting something, having it, and than not knowing what to do...sometimes you need a red light or a green light to help you find your way...something like that.

What would you like for listeners to take way from your albums?

I hope the music speaks for itself. There's a lot of noise out there, if my songs can capture a moment in time or create a mood for someone, I'm happy.

Who did you work with during the recording process of the new EP?

I worked with producer Brian Standafer here in Austin. It was a wonderful experience. I also brought in Dony Wynn (drums) and Bukka Allen (keys). The EP is currently getting mixed in Santa Barbara, CA by Thom Flowers.

What attracted you to work with them?

I worked with these guys before. Brian and Bukka played on the track You & I from Neighbors. I wrote a song for the EP called Having it All and knew I wanted the same team to record it. Dony is my favorite drummer in the world and Thom Flowers' mixing is a sound I am familiar with and trust.

Any advice for new D.I.Y. artists just starting out?

I am a believer that talent rises to the top. It doesn't matter, if you can write a great song and perform it live and in the studio you have a future. If you have that trust in yourself than don't ever stop; keep recording, keep playing, and put yourself in rooms with people you've never played with - this is how chemistry is discovered. If you can afford it, a home studio doesn't hurt. Invest in a Mac, nice mic, mic pre, and compressor. Learn Protools and start tracking. In this day of independent music it's all about content. Keep writing, keep recording, never stop working.

How important is social networking/media for you?

I'm not much of a self-promoter. I never enjoyed asking people to show up to shows. I'm new to Facebook and enjoy it but find it a distraction mostly. I have a simple infrastructure: website, FB page, itunes, etc. It seems to do the trick and allows fans to discover my music on their own. I prefer it that way.

What kind of positives have you seen from having your music featured on shows like One Tree Hill and Dexter? Have you had a chance to see the scenes featuring your songs?

I have seen most of them. A lot of times I don't know their played until after it's aired. I have a DVR so I have a nice collection of shows with my music. It's amusing.

Do you have any other projects currently in the works?

I am finishing the EP, art work meetings and stuff like that. I plan to shoot a video in the next month and have begun preproduction on a record I will produce in April. SXSW is also around the corner and I am always writing and producing instrumentals for television. I just finished the score to a short film called Steal Away and it will be featured at SXSW. My new full length album is also on my brain and I hope to have it out January 2013...wow, weird saying 2013 - sounds odd.

Any shows coming up?

I'm doing a couple small things for SXSW but nothing crazy. Hoping to get the live thing off the ground this summer.

Perfect day, driving in your car with the windows down, what are you listening to?

I'd be listening to The Stones...maybe some Gerry Rafferty or Peter Sarstedt. Most likely The Rolling Stones :)

Belle Histoire Interview with Jane Smith (lead vocals)

I recently sent some questions over to the fast moving, indie group Belle Histoire. Since their formation a year ago this Cincinnati band has made major headway releasing their debut EP I Can Tell on February 14th, while continuing to work on their debut full-length(due out summer 2012).


For the latest on Belle Histoire, check out http://www.bellehistoiremusic.com/
  
You guys recently signed with InVogue records, what attracted you guys to them?

Nick is mainly just such an awesome guy, we knew who would work hard for us and he has definitely already proven himself!

 Your brand new EP I Can Tell came out February 14th. What would you like for listeners to take away from the album after hearing it?

That there is too much in life for all of us to sweat the small stuff. 

Did you have a direction in mind before you began writing/recording the record?

 Mainly that I wanted to start writing happier more inspirational music, that still dealt with real life issues and things that people can relate too.

How does the writing process normally pan out for you guys? Is it mainly a collaborative process?

I will go to the guys or just Aaron with all the melody and lyrics, and they build the song around what I already have completed!

Who did you guys work with on this record? 

Aaron, our guitarist, and Brandon Weaver, recorded at Brandon’s studio in Covington.

In what ways have you guys grown since your last EP release?

Mainly with our friendships. When we first started this band, none of us were really close at all besides me and Aaron, and now we are a big family, and have grown to be closer than ever.

 I cannot get enough of "I'll Be Alright," how did it come together? What inspired the song originally?

Over the past couple months, I have gotten into a new group of friends, and they are all incredibly positive and always telling me that everything will be alright, no matter what!

The music video is fantastic also, where did the concept for the video come from?

Our friend Jeffrey Riley did all of it for us, we were so excited to work with him!

Is there a full length currently in the works?

Yes! We start recording in March and are hoping to have a release in early fall or 2012.

What kind of advice do you have for new independent artists/bands? Any words of wisdom?

NEVER GIVE UP. I think that sums it up.

Perfect day, driving in your car with the windows down, what are you listening to?

Personally, for me, it would be either Death Cab for Cutie or the Clean Head EP by Oceana!