1. PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your new project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Our new project is called “It’s Gonna Be … .” We decided to form our band after YEARS of playing covers. The synergy of this band provides a very inspiring, positive energy. The title signifies the possibilities present within our creative process. It is our first effort; there will be more. People tell us it has a real throwback sound. It has several different flavors to it. People seem to be picking out the songs they like. And those seem to change from listen to listen.
2. The Recording Process – there are so many interesting ways that music projects coming into being these days compared with what artists encountered years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
Debate raged over whether to artistically craft this CD or record it live. The emotional and passionate feel of recording it live was too powerful to dismiss. We wanted everyone to feel the essence of the band, and I believe we have accomplished this by recording live. Our producer, Jon Ciorciari at JRod Productions, was incredible! Three hours of recording plus four hours of mixing yielded this document. The packaging and artistic development is ALL Santi Briglia
3. Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
We feel very good about all our songs. They reflect our thoughts and ideas at that point in time. “What’s It Gonna Be Now?” is a timeless rocker. “Live Between the Extremes” is a cautionary tale for these trying times. There will always be unanswered questions in our lives. We believe in seizing the sail and following the winds
4. As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are you thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of them helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
There are SO many people we would like to thank for convincing us to follow through on this journey. David Bash, for his dedication to the cause of unsigned bands and his IPO concert series. My dear friend Pat Dinizio (The Smithereens) who told me I had what it takes and to NOT give up on my dream. Our wives and sons have been a constant source of inspiration on this journey. We TRULY would not be here if our boys didn’t play in jazz band together (crazy, right?). Last, but not least are all the people that we have met through our music. So thank you to Facebook and ReverbNation for letting us share. Also to all the bars and festivals who let bands like us get out the word, THANK YOU!
5. Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ might look like? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits?
We buy CDs! I have a huge vinyl collection; need to hookup my turntable….
6. So many artists are wrestling with different ways to approach the recording process now – I would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them. Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
Santi would love us to do a double album. We have so many damn songs to share. Sometimes I think that it is too much and some things we want to say will escape notice. Then again, if we’ve got something to say … I am artistically chained to the physical document. Long live CDs!
7. What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
It’s all working well for us. Great process, great band mates, great fans, great opportunities …
8. Okay – time for some light humor: Spinal Tap Moment – dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us! 😀
Okay, here goes … We’re opening for The Smithereens. Our keyboard wizard, Dr. Phil Klein, shows up four minutes before our time slot … no chance to sound check. He hits the keys but Santi realizes that something’s wrong. He yells “Phil, give me an A!” Phil does, Santi says, “That’s not an A!” Phil says, “I know what an A is!!!” The keyboard was backline, and transposed down a half step, but the owner forgot to tell us. The first song was a DISASTER. Luckily, we were able to stop and fix the problem so it didn’t kill the rest of our set!
9. Is there a particular musician you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
I was fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with Pat Dinizio on a song for my son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah. For the purposes of Sonny Lee & The Layovers, I believe that Bob Mould would lend a chilling darkness to a chosen lyric.
10. Advance apologies: the ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust me!)
Well, let’s see … Lou Reed, X, Johnny Rivers, and The Smithereens are influences that come through in the music we play. As far as Top 5 albums, here’s my call : John Doe – Meet John Doe, The Smithereens – 11, Lou Reed – New York, The Raspberries, Joe Jackson – Look Sharp!
11. We’re always trying to find new music discoveries here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of 2011?
My two favorite records this year are Harlem River Blues – Justin Townes Earle and 2011 by The Smithereens.
12. Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I always am asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s yr main gig?!’ ;-P
Wow, is anyone gonna respect me when I answer this one? My brother and I manufacture Hunter Douglas blinds in the great state of Connecticut. Everything I see and experience while I am working is fodder for my art. I also want to say that I am incredibly blessed to be able to do two things (work and play) that I love. Thank you to my family at Mill Supply and our GREAT customers.
13. We’re taking an informal PGH poll of all musicians: Do you own a Kindle or Nook? Any thoughts on what reading books looks like to you?
I am a NOOKster! I love it!
14. Okay, last question: Where can we learn more about your music and any other releases you have?
We’re on Facebook and ReverbNation. Come by and check us out! Don’t cost nothing!
