Monday, August 17, 2015
Here's a little more info on our tune, L-M-N-O-P Break, as seen in our interview with The Independant Music Awards:
Work Submitted: “L-M-N-O-P Break”
Artists Featured: Billy Jonas, Ashley Jo Farmer, Sherman Hoover and Juan Holladay
Label: Bang-A-Bucket Music / BMI
Who are your influences?: Pete Seeger, Paul Simon, Igor Strivinsky, Fred Rogers, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa
Describe your nominated work: This is an educational “kid-hop” dance tune guaranteed to make you smile while you learn new words.
Did you use any unusual effects or instruments in this recording?: We used everything including the kitchen sink!
Were there any happy accidents while in the studio, or did everything go as planned?: The writing of the song was a happy accident. We were rehearsing something completely different and somebody said, “Can we take a break? I need to pee.” Somebody else said, “Pee break!” And started a rhythm – the whole song grew out of that.
How did you raise the funds for this project? How long do you expect it will take to recoup your out-of-pocket recording expenses?: We raised funds through Indiegogo, and surpassed our goal. We have completely recouped our expenses.
Why did you choose to submit this work to The IMAs?: We believe in the IMA, and supporting independent musicians. We believe this song, “L-M-N-O-P Break” is emblematic of the high level of creativity, attention to detail, and awesome musicianship we find other artists connected to the IMA.
What’s your definition of success and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?: Success in general depends on how you answer the question: “Did I put more love in the world today?” Success as pertains to this song is measured in the smiles on people’s faces who hear it.
How will you leverage your IMA honors to achieve your career goals?: The award will be featured prominently on our website, and broadcast through social media throughout the know universe. We have a large mailing list that will also be notified, and it will be announced at concerts! Our paper promotional materials (brochure, one sheet, posters, postcards) will proudly display the IMA logo with a note about our award. It will be mentioned in any radio, print media and web interviews.
Who’s sitting in your audience and what makes your fans unique?: Our audience is comprised of people ages 0 to 99, literally, and that’s what makes them unique!
What is your guilty pleasure on the road? French fries! Any close calls or mishaps while on tour?: Do speeding tickets count?! There have been a couple of “spinning tour van” incidents on icy highways. Angels intervened.
Are there any songs you wish you wrote and why?: I wish I wrote the song “Cactus” by Ferron. It’s expansive, beautiful, poetic, and haunting.
What artists are you listening to that would surprise your fans?: I’m listening to a group Free Planet Radio which combines jazz, Turkish, middle eastern, and classical influences.
How do you discover new music? Do you buy music or are you content with streaming?: Mostly suggestions from friends. Also, Pandora.
What don’t fans/audiences understand about the music industry today?: I think they don’t understand that the entire industry model has been influx – they’ve heard this but don’t know what it means. All the structures are changing and every musician is affected.
Are digital singles/EPs vs. full albums the future?: Probably! But there will always be albums, or “suites” of songs because this format is a tremendous creative catalyst for artists.
Finish this sentence: The music industry is…comprised of people just like you and me, and it is up to us all to create what we want.
What do you have in the works for the upcoming year?: I will be releasing my first Jewish influenced/focused CD. The Billy Jonas Band is hard at work completing it now.