To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here. To read part 3, click here. To read part 4, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: As an independent band, what are the main challenges that you encounter?
Brian Cook: Getting heard, getting our music to new ears and hearts. Radio airplay without a label behind you doing the big push. But the benefit is we have complete creative control of our music. Don’t get me wrong? we are open to guidance and advice, just stating it’s nice to be in control of your music.
Todd Laurie: I would have to say getting radio airplay. There are a lot of stations that only play proven hits which doesn’t allow for the new talent to be heard by a larger audience.
Rob Langan: Without a doubt, radio play. This is the problem for every independent band. We really believe in our music and we really think that other people like it too. Our MySpace has proven this to be true and so has our Facebook fan page which has grown to over 2,400 fans in just 6 months. But, radio stations are hard to crack and that is why the best thing a fan can do is request our songs. If the station gets enough requests, they will find our songs and play them.
Dave Bergmuller: We have a few rabid fans (love ‘em!) that keep our song(s) climbing on a local radio station, but getting heard on a bigger stage seems to be the big challenge.
CM: What kind of advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
DB: The big break is always just around the corner, or a phone call away, so always be prepared.
RL: Practice, practice, practice; never reject an idea until you’ve played it, and play lots of shows. The shows are why we all play, after all.
TL: If music is your passion then follow your heart and see where it takes you. Being a musician is not a 9-5 job, you have to love what you do to be successful.
BC: Bif Naked gave me some good advice in 2005…’it’s Not who knocks the loudest, but who knocks the longest.’ So what I took from that was never stop, you only fail when you quit.”
CM: What is next for you?
BC: Get this next album finished and then bring the music to the people. Really can’t wait to play these songs live. "Crash into the Future," "Prisoner of Hope" and "Do It Scared" are the only songs from the next album we’ve played live so far. Really excited about the new album. Should surprise a lot of people.
DB: While I have enjoyed the creative process and recording, until the music is in the people’s hands, it is just an expensive home recording. So I am excited to get it done, and to start getting the music out there, and run with it.
CM: Where can people find more information on you and your music?
BC: Visit us on MySpace, Reverbnation and Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.
CM: Any last words?
DB: Thanks for your time! We appreciate the chance for people to get to know us. Keep an eye open for the upcoming album!
RL: Thanks. Thanks to you, to the readers, and to the fans. We hope you enjoy the music and if you come to a show, come up and say hello to us. We always love to hear from our fans.
TL: It’s always a privilege to be able to show another side of WHY through written media and I appreciate your interest in what we have to say. Thanks so much Cendrine. :o)
BC: Thank you for talking with us Cendrine. Really appreciate your time. When a person gives you their time it means a great deal, as a person’s time is their most valuable gift. So thank you very much. We are honoured to receive such a great gift from you and your readers.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, blogger, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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