Jamie Alimorad – This Is Tomorrow Calling

By starrymag | July 18, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound has evolved over the past few years. During pre-production on this album, a clear creative goal was set – make a modern, contemporary version of the classic singer/songwriter. The music has a story, it’s melodic, it moves and changes. It brings in a lot of flavor.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My producer Gino Vannelli has been an influence since I was in 8th grade. The first band I ever liked was Go West. The Tubes are my all-time favorite band. Some of the other greatest influences include the Beatles, Toto, Richard Marx, Rick Springfield, Kenny Loggins, Styx, Yes, Van Halen – just to name a few.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Not Ready To Say Goodbye.”

 

A) “Not Ready To Say Goodbye” started as an exercise. I was experimenting with subtle key changes and I had these two guitar riffs I was tinkering with. I had the title written in my notes and once a melody hit, I inserted it. I wrote the lyric around that. At the time I wasn’t actively thinking of anything, but in hindsight I went through a breakup within the year, so the sentiment probably came from there.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) It grabs you right away. The intro is very alluring and it has a little something different from what you hear on the radio and the landing page for streaming platforms. The message is universal and the beat is hot. It’s a song you can get energized to and get lost in.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I came up with a concept that originally was based around a necklace and the love interest leaving it behind in my apartment. One of those, “Did she leave it there on purpose?” mysteries. It got too convoluted, so I simplified it and what you see is two people romantically involved and their perspectives. We often don’t see the other side of the relationship and may not get the closure we desperately desire. That’s the sentiment of the song. The video gives us a peak in.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) 99% of the time it’s music first. I may have a title written in my notes, like “Not Ready To Say Goodbye,” but I prefer to have a melody to sing to before I write a story.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) On this album I wasn’t as hands-on as in the past, but that being said, I still play keyboard, guitar, handled some of the programmings and do a majority of the background vocals. Gino is a wiz and played a bulk of the instruments and the session players he brought in are the cream of the crop. Ross Vannelli did the production for “Not Ready To Say Goodbye” and the track “Brighter Days” and he too played most of the instruments. I always gave my input and was next to them a bull of the time.

 

Q) What songs off your album This Is Tomorrow Calling are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) All of them! This album is so good and crafting a show with the material will be a pleasure. There are some things that needed to be cut for a studio version, but in a live setting I can make some of those extensions happen.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

 

A) This Is Tomorrow Calling is autobiographical; it’s honest, it’s a window into my me. All these songs have a story, they are melodic and musically so interesting. As you’re listening, let the music take you somewhere, get lost in it. It’s a beautiful album.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Jamie Alimorad performance?

 

A) I’m very energetic on stage, so there is lots of excitement! When the ballads take center stage, it gets more intimate. Most importantly the show is full. You get the complete range of music.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) The first time I felt “I arrived” was when I played the Whisky A Go-Go in West Hollywood. It’s legendary and all my idols performed there. When I was in my dressing room I thought, “If these walls could talk…” afterHOURS at Northeastern University will always hold a special place in my heart because that’s where I did my first solo performance of original material.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Any of my idols: Richard Marx, Fee Waybill, Rick Springfield, David Foster, Steve Lukather, Paul McCartney, Trevor Rabin. They’re all legends and it would be an honor.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Sting came out with an album of reimagined material called My Songs and I’m hooked on the new version of “Brand New Day!” That sucker grooves!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) It’s a way to be directly connected. I’ve been flooded with wonderful messages from people about “Not Ready To Say Goodbye!” It means the world to me! We can’t always hang, but with social media we can at least connect. Follow me on Instagram @jamiealimorad, Twitter @JamieAlimorad, and search Jamie Alimorad on Facebook.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) This Is Tomorrow Calling has been the most rewarding and challenging creative venture in my life thus far. Those who have been with me for years and contributed to the Kickstarter, I’m eternally grateful. The project reaching its goal was one of the most exciting experiences of my career because of what it meant. To people just being introduced to my music, hi! I hope you all enjoy and come see a show some time!