By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Zade Batal | @zadebatal
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would call it bluesy, dark, emotional music. The goal is always to make the most honest song I can and I’ve always been inspired by gritty and full productions.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Hozier, Arctic Monkeys, The Weekend, James Arthur
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “steal some love.”
A) The first night my girlfriend and I ever had any sort of spark, we went out on the town with one of our other close friends. Over the course of the night, jumping from bar to bar, it started with small looks and then hands touching in an Uber, until eventually we were arm in arm on the way home. I didn’t even kiss her that night, but there was something really special and beautiful in the air. This song is about that electricity and the first time you feel that spark with someone.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) There’s just a lot of joy in that song, a big sense of adventure from that first night that lives on in that song. I think most people can find themselves in that kind of feeling.
Q) Congratulations on releasing your debut album Take My Bones. What are some themes you explore on this album?
A) To me, this project is a story of new love and of me maturing along the way. From the darkness at the beginning to the beauty at the end, for me it’s about finding what’s right for you.
Q) This is your most revealing and emotional work yet. Why was it so important to you to be more open with your new music?
A) I think it’s what makes music so special, both as the person making it and for anyone that’s listening. My heroes have always been the artists that make songs that I can find myself in.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It goes both ways, but most of my songs start with noodling until we hear something that “sounds like a song” – almost like it’s something we’re discovering. From there it’s decoding what the song is “supposed to be about.”
Q) As a music producer yourself, how much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) Being a part of the production is huge to me. In today’s world, where so much of the emotion and “vibe” of modern songs is determined by the production, it feels like the only way to give the most of myself to the music. I’ve been lucky to learn from many great peers over the years to get to a place now where I touch the production of almost everything that comes out.
Q) My personal favorite tracks on the album are “waterfall,” “gravity,” and “steal some love.” Certainly, you love all your songs, but are there any specific ones that hold a special place in your heart?
A) For me the outro track, “ashes,” holds a special spot for me. There’s just something intangible there that feels so special to me in the way it wraps up the project.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to the album Take My Bones as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) I just hope people feel seen. From the good to the bad to the beautiful, I always hope the listeners can hear their own stories in the songs.
Q) Will there be an upcoming tour to accompany your new music?
A) Yes, but I can’t say any more than that. [smiles]
Q) What songs off the album are you looking forward to performing live?
A) “strung out on you” by far! I can’t wait to play that guitar moment live.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I think I’ll go with a dream pick for this one and go with Ed Sheeran.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) One of my good friends just started a new Midwest emo project called jerm’s best day and I really just think he’s doing it right. I love the way he’s making art he loves and connecting with people.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you. More than anything else YOU make this possible. I am so forever grateful for anyone who listens