Get Out to Live Music!

The sound can be heard loud from Melbourne, Australia…

“A Government plan to tackle alcohol-related violence at venues resulted in massive licensing fee rises and extra security requirements for venues with live amplified music.”

A huge crowd of musicians and music lovers gathered to show their support of live music and the venues that serve them.

We love live music…  Thanx go out to the thousands who support it all around the world.

See the full article here:  http://www.news.com.au/national/huge-crowd-gathers-in-central-melbourne-to-support-threatened-live-music-venues/story-e6frfkvr-1225833594574

There are many sides to this story.  So I will give you mine.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/02/news/companies/napster_music_industry/index.htm?hpt=Sbin

This article is about the decline in sales of music.  It presents a few different angles.  Mine is simple.  I buy a lot of CD’s and purchase from iTunes from time to time.  My music collection is nearly sanitary.  There is one more CD from Jonny Lang I need to purchase, and I will own it all.

My conviction is not so much from a legal or moral standpoint but from a person dedication standpoint.  I love Live Music and attend many festivals.  What the artists bring to me and my life is beauty.  So, I purchase a lot of CDs (over 1,200 in the last 8 years), and most of them directly from the artists.  I figure it is a symbiotic relationship.  I buy music and attend their concerts, and they make music which brings sooo much to my life…

Follow your heart.  If you like the music, buy it.  The music will be there next year again for you to enjoy again.  If not, it will fade away.  Nobody can work for nothing forever and survive.

The Soul Shakers opened up the show for Tinsley Ellis  on Friday, October 23. The Soul Shakers are a Rhythm & Soul Rock and Roll band out of the Atlanta. On the second Friday of every month, you can catch their performance at the Northside Tavern in Atlanta. They name their influences as Blues, Soul, Rock & Roll with a little bit of Surf and Honky-Tonk thrown in. Fantastic! This was my first time to see them, and I’ll see them again at Northside!

Tinsley has a new CD, Speak No Evil. Be sure to pick it up if you get a chance. As expected, Tinsley put on a loud, blues and rock show that always pleases his audience. I never pass on the chance to see Tinsley play. What a great blues guitartist,  singer, songwriter…

Get out and see some live music this weekend!

www.getouttolivemusic.com

Brenda and I made a surprise visit to see Deb Callahan perform again.  She is one very fine musician.  She was breaking in a new drummer this week, but they are coming together really well.

Deb hails from Philly and shares her tunes all over.  You can read a great article on her at http://www.getouttolivemusic.com/featured-artist.php?aid=10

Thanx for the tunes Deb…

On August 22, EG played at Chattanooga Billiard Club in downtown Chattanooga. The dining room is the perfect spot for EG’s acoustic set, and a great crowd showed up to see and hear her. EG’s been described as the “Georgia Songbird”. Don’t let that fool you, though. She’s a true blues singer and mean guitarist. Once you see her live, you’ll keep going back for more. See you there, next time!

Brenda

www.getouttolivemusic.com

Interview with Jo-Anne Carlson, Just Jo
by Sarah Powell

A woman of strength and true to herself, Jo-Anne Carlson, who recently became known as Just Jo, draws in her listeners with soulful rock and blues inspired by her life experiences. “People should be nice to me” she says jokingly – in a way, “or they might end up in one of my songs.” Jo-Anne shows her strength in the name Just Jo. “Just me,” she explains the name represents her and encourages other women to “just be yourself; don’t try to be a Barbie.”

When asked what drove her passion for music, she responded that “it has always been there”. When she was about seven or eight years old, she had a small piano with only three Cs. She laughed at the memory, “it had to drive the neighbors crazy” as she learned to play. Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, her family lived in a two-story home where the chiming sound of the small piano rang through the neighborhood. As she grew up, her passion for music grew as well. She took lessons in piano and classical voice as well as sang in choirs. She always wanted to learn the guitar. When she was laid off of work back in 2002, her husband bought her an acoustic guitar.  He encouraged her to play now that she had the time to learn.

She shared that it is a great challenge to play the guitar and sing simultaneously. “The nerves get to you” playing on stage in front of people. Everyone is different in dealing with their nerves, “just picture everyone in their underwear” or whatever works, she said as she laughed. Being able to accept this challenge is actually how she landed the gig at Cheyenne Grille and Sports Bar. She went just to speak with the manager about the style of music that interested him. When she told the manager she had an acoustic act and sang blues and rock, he was interested and put her on the spot to show her talent. After playing, he liked her style and she got the job. The patrons really enjoy her sound. Check out Just Jo every Friday night in August at 9:00PM at the Cheyenne Grille and Sports Bar in Atlanta, Georgia.

Coming up on September 21st, Jo-Anne is looking forward to performing at the Mason Murer Art Gallery. The Mason Murer Art Gallery is presenting an exhibit with the “The Great Gatsby” theme. Jo-Anne is one of three or four acts creating the atmosphere for the scenes with soulful music.

What brought Jo-Anne from Jamaica all the way to Georgia – you wonder? Education. When she was seventeen years old, she left Jamaica to attend Ambassador University in Big Sandy, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After graduation, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia for the convenience and necessity of public transportation. She also had someone to stay with as she waited for her work visa. Since then, she and her husband travel between Washington and Georgia, primarily for her husband’s family. In Georgia, she works as an executive assistant by day while enjoying her true passion for music by night.

Jo-Anne is an avid song writer. She’s written every song that she performs. Each song unfolds to provoke thought and enjoyment – from philosophical songs such as “Water” to love songs such as “On My Side” that tells a typical fairy tale that takes place in a grocery store.

When asked which song stands out and expresses her thoughts the most, she stated “Water” does just that. This song was inspired by a poem written by her husband. One day, she began writing a phrase and the rest just fell into place becoming an intriguing flow of lyrics. “Complementary opposites” that’s what “Water” is about; Jo-Anne explained as she began quoting the lyrics “I am water and air, fire and earth. I am nothing but something, I die and give birth”. Complementary opposites have been written about by philosophers. What it means to her is that it is “just another way of seeing the same thing.” Another perspective of the same situation. Jo-Anne continues with the lyrics “I am beauty and ugliness, darkness and light.” This suggests a person may be beautiful on the outside, but ugly on the inside; the reverse may also be true. “I am sorrow and happiness, blindness and sight,” which represents the times when people show happiness on the outside, but on the inside, they are feeling sorrow.

While Jo-Anne’s parents still live in Jamaica, Jo-Anne and her mother work together writing songs such as “Give Me Time” and “Be Yourself”.  At times, her mother writes a part of the lyrics and asks Jo-Anne to put them to music. Jo-Anne “modernizes the words” and composes the music to make the song complete. Jo-Anne admitted that she is certain she shares a characteristic with her mom of not being able to sit still and always driven to try something new. Jo-Anne is all the time working on something new with her writing and composing music and even picking up a new instrument – the banjo may be next. With her passion in music expressed in song, we can look forward to joining her in new experiences and stories to which we can all relate.

A word from Jo-Anne to all her fans… “Keep loving music. Spread your mind; open your mind to try new things. Thanks for listening and your support.”

Jo-Anne lives the life that she encourages others to live.

Keep being you, Just Jo! Keep on rocking.

Jeff Porter- Lead vocals, lead guitar
Jimmy Palmer- Piano, organ, vocals
Jerry Adamowicz- Bass, vocals
Sandy Hancock- Drums, vocals

Additional Musicians Available:
Cello, Mandolin, Extra guitars (electric/acoustic), Percussion, Horns, Harmonica, backing vocals

Interview with Mama Hagglin
by Sarah Powell

On the weekend of the 4th of July, I had an opportunity to interview members of Mama Hagglin – Jeff Porter, Jerry Adamowicz, and Jimmy Palmer.  Jeff, founder of Mama Hagglin, is lead singer and lead guitarist.  Jerry on bass and vocals is the newest member of Mama Hagglin. As Jerry has his own recording studio in California, he worked on the production of Mama Hagglin’s latest album, Vibe. Jimmy on piano, organ and vocals joined Mama Hagglin late 2007 when the band realized it was time “to add some keys”.  Sandy Hancock on the drums and vocals joined Mama Hagglin shortly after playing the drums with Jeff at a mutual friend’s wake ceremony.  On the 4th of July, the Block Party at Huntington Beach, California was the first live performance for the current line up of Mama Hagglin. Each member coming from well-known punk rock bands, returned to his passion of rock music like “he listened to as a child”.

In 2003, Mama Hagglin was born.  “The name was born, actually, before the band” explains Jeff as he reminisces the time.  One day when Jeff and Jonny Phish, a friend and bass player, were jamming in the studio, they talked about Jimi Hendrix’s blues compilation record.  In one of the live performances, Jimi Hendrix walks up to the microphone and mutters the words “mama mama hagglin”.  “Listen closely, and you can hear it.” In search of “a name with nostalgic ties to the era they [Jeff and Jonny] enjoyed, Mama Hagglin was born”, Jeff states.

Mama Hagglin brings together an eclectic compilation of rock music that brings me back.  From songs with a strong pro-peace message as ‘War’ to melodious ballads as ‘The Goodbye Waltz’ that reaches out and grabs you by the heartstrings.  From high energy songs as ‘Pushing Up Daisies’ to songs with a pop rock sound as ‘End of the Line’. When I recognized that because of Mama Hagglin’s eclectic sound each song is a new story in the lyrics and the music, Jimmy responded that “it’s nice to take a trip with the album” – rather than listening to the same style of song.  Each of these songs and many more can be heard on Vibe. 

Along with the core members, other musicians join in bringing together the band’s eclectic sound, such as a 14- year-old cellist with amazing technique from a local high school, a string section, and a horn section.  As Jimmy shares his passion for music with his family, he encourages his children to find their own passion in music.  One of Jimmy’s daughters even got the opportunity to contribute her musical talent in Vibe.  Another regular addition to the band’s sound is Tetsuya “Tex” Nakamura nicknamed “The Weeping Willow” who is a well-known harmonica player.

Music speaks differently to each member of Mama Hagglin and to the fans. In “The Goodbye Waltz”, Jeff wrote about his childhood; he did not have a great relationship with his dad who was abusive.  Despite the abuse, Jeff spent his life trying to get his dad to appreciate and accept him.  It wasn’t until he turned forty years old that he realized “it’s never going to change”.  It was time to say “goodbye to all the bad feelings…carried inside” and move on with his life. Jeff also spoke of a performance in which Mama Hagglin played “The Goodbye Waltz”.  An older lady who was standing in the back of the room caught his attention.  As Mama Hagglin played, this lady was drawn closer and closer to the stage.  When the song ended, she was no longer seen, until after the performance that night.  She walked up to Jeff and began to cry as she shared her story with him. She explained that this song reminded her of her husband who died while fighting in the war soon after they were married. He always spoke of redemption for what people were fighting. This song meant something to her and it touched her heart.  When speaking with Jerry about the eclectic style of music that Mama Hagglin performs, he commented that he normally enjoys the high energy rock music; but “the songs, “Let It Ride” and “The Goodbye Waltz” really hit home” with him as they are “very strong songs.”

Up to this point, Jeff has written the lyrics based on his personal or friends’ experiences.  Jeff states that Mama Hagglin now has three additional band mates who he feels have more talent than he has and can work together to carry Mama to that next level. He looks forward to creating new music and lyrics with the band and building on each others strengths of Jerry’s music composition experience, Jimmy’s lyric writing and music talents, and Sandy’s music and percussion skills. 

Though, Mama Hagglin is currently based out of California, they look forward to taking Mama on the road in the near future – even for a tour of Europe. 

Keep on rocking, Mama Hagglin!

Deb Callahan – vocals, guitar
Allen James – guitar
Tom Walling – drums, vocals
Garry Lee – bass guitar, vocals

Interview with Deb Callahan
by Sarah Powell

The Deb Callahan Band brings together a style of soulful blues with an edge of rock and high energy jazz into each performance.  The band’s passionate melodies take music lovers for journeys from heart throbbing stories to carefree dance rhythms.  The stories and unique style of music develop as Deb’s musical taste evolves as it has since her childhood.  Deb melds the sounds and rhythms from each genre that she connects with and loves to create her own sound.

When Deb was a young girl, she listened to blues and soul records with her mother. Nina Simone was one of their favorite singers as she had a powerful voice that expressed her soulful blues.  Deb really connected with her righteous anger.  Other records that Deb also enjoyed as a young girl were Bessie Smith and Stevie Wonder.  During her grade school years, she attended Elma Lewis School for Black Cultural Arts in Roxbury, MA where she studied gospel and African rhythms.
 
As a teenager, Deb was raised just outside of Boston and during this time in her life, her interest also grew for rock performed by musicians such as Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and The Doors.  These musicians amongst others she enjoyed for their rock style with an edge of blues.  She even searched for the musicians that influenced these bands and expanded her music knowledge and style.

“It wasn’t until I got into college that I really got into blues, and began understanding the culture,” Deb explained.  She began listening to the different styles of blues and even sang in her first blues band.  “I just really got into it,” Deb continues.  Jazz, blues, gospel…”that’s the kind of music I’ve been drawn to.  Music that is very passionate and emotional.”

As a songwriter, Deb’s songs are written based on a combination of “a little of my feelings and someone else’s voice that I see in the world.”  She writes songs based on her observations of the world around her – the joys and the sorrows.  Her life experiences shared with friends, family, and new people she meets all influence the songs she writes.  When it comes to the music behind the story, she usually has the melody or rhythm for the chorus or the verse and then collaborates with a musician who has a greater range of chords to help flush out the music. 

In 2002, the Deb Callahan Band’s debut CD If the Blues had Wings came out with a smooth blend of genres from fun loving rock such as “Coffee Grind”, to jazzy beats such as in “If Your Man Messes Up”, and soulful, blues as played in “Tell Me”.  Each song tells a different story.  On stage, Deb introduces “If Your Man Messes Up” with an anecdote of a time when she was walking downtown and came across two guys working on the street.  One guy called out “If your man messes up, can I give you my resume?”  Deb continued on her way as she considered the thought “What if a guy gave me his resume?”  She loved the idea of the clever, double entendre of applying for a job compared to finding a boyfriend.  Listen to “If Your Man Messes Up” for an entertaining story.

“Tell Me” has a gospel, soulful sound.  Deb wrote “Tell Me” as she was going through a most difficult time in her life.  She had been with someone for a long time and came to a point in the relationship where she asked “won’t you tell me the truth… do you want to commit to marry me?”  This particular song was “one of the easiest songs to write,” Deb explained.  At times, such as with “Happy Hour Girl”, she writes many verses and then has to go back to tweak the words over and over again.  “But with this song “Tell Me”, it just flowed; it was very real and heart felt.”  Many people have shared with Deb that they really relate to this song.

In 2005, the Deb Callahan Band came out with The Blue Pearl which has songs such as “Fat Cat”and “Blue Pearl Moon”.  “Fat Cat”has an upbeat blues sound that came from a poem about her ex-boyfriend who also starred in “Tell Me”.  It is actually a caricature of her ex-boyfriend; it describes the worst parts of him in a one-dimensional picture.  “Fat Cat” portrays his capitalistic views and his feelings of entitlement that he can do whatever he wants.  Deb and her ex-boyfriend are still friends so they can share in these amusing songs. 

“Blue Pearl Moon” tells of Deb’s experiences as a social worker at a drop-in center where she works a couple days a week.  She works with a lot of homeless people and runaway youth.  They are restless on the street.  “A lot of the kids I work with have been traumatized by issues.” Deb explains compassionately. “They turn to drugs, sex, alcohol, and acting out behaviors…things that take themselves from their pain.”  In “Blue Pearl Moon”, she encourages people that “in the face of your demons, find comfort within yourself.”  The “Blue Pearl Moon” is a symbol to show what is constant during the turmoil of life.  “Look up in the sky, the moon is there each night.”  As people are trying to figure out what to do with their lives, they are also struggling with their concrete needs such as food, health, and shelter.   At first, people are drawn to the drop-in center because their physical needs are being met with blankets, toothbrushes, tokens, and other needs.  After a while, they realize that people really care for them.  When they are ready, they can talk to someone who understands them.  As a social worker, Deb is available to counsel them.

The Deb Callahan Band’s newest CD, Grace & Grit, will be released on September 20th. It is more bluesy compared to her other CDs.  This CD challenged Allen James, the guitar player for the band, and Deb in their music composition and lyrical talents.  Deb wrote two songs completely by herself and pushed Allen to also write some songs.  “Allen is not a song writer but he has a good sense with the chords,” Deb commented.  With their collaboration efforts, Deb and Allen were able to bring together an excellent compilation that shares a variety of serious and amusingly, funny stories told with soulful blues and an edge of rock.  On each of Deb’s CDs, she adds a cover song of a musician who has influenced her music.  One of Ray Charles’ songs will appear on Grace & Grit. 

Some of the songs to look forward to on Grace & Grit are “Happy Hour Girl”, “Food on the Table”, “One More Obstacle to Love”, and “No Taxi Driver.”  “Happy Hour Girl” is about a girl and her adventures during happy hour.

On a more serious note, “Food on the Table” was inspired by Deb’s conversations with single, working class women.  It tells a story about a single mother with two kids trying to make it in America.  “I’ve got to put food on the table.  It’s all up to me, no one to rescue me,” Deb quotes her lyrics.  The song makes references to what the working class is experiencing right now – no health insurance because they cannot afford it and they want to go to school but they have too many bills.  At times, Deb performs “Food on the Table” in concert.  After one of her gigs, a woman came up to her and told her “I have to have a copy.  That song is about me!”  Since the CD was not yet available, Deb sent her a live recording of the song for which she was grateful. 

Grace & Grit also brings jovial, funny stories such as “One More Obstacle to Love” and “No Taxi Driver”.  “One More Obstacle to Love” has a fun, New Orleans groove.  “No Taxi Driver” is based on her daily adventure of people calling her for a taxi.  “I have a phone number that people are always calling me for a taxi driver,” Deb explains.  “Some people were pretty indignant [on the voicemails] about her not coming to pick them up.”  She had a couple friends re-create some voicemails for the CD.

The band that sets the beat and creates the musical support for Deb consists of Allen James on the guitar, Garry Lee on the bass, and Tom Walling on the drums.  Allen James has played for the Deb Callahan Band for about seven years.  “I just love his playing,” Deb commented, “I am primarily a singer and it takes a certain style to back up a singer in a band.”  He has a tasteful playing style. On the first CD, If the Blues had Wings, Allen guest starred in four or five songs and since then his role with the band grows to bring out his talents with each CD.  Garry Lee on the bass played with Allen for a long time before joining the Deb Callahan Band about four years ago.  He has played with a number of bands over the years.   Tom Walling on the drums is the newest addition to the band.  He also contributed to Grace & Grit.

The Deb Callahan Band has toured across the United States from Florida to Maine and as far west as Minnesota.  When asked if she had a dream venue that she has not yet reached, Deb stated “I would love to tour more in the West, but even more than that, I would love to go to Europe…to do some festivals and clubs.”

A message from Deb Callahan to her fans… “Whether you are a musician or not, follow your passions.  Be true to yourself.  Trust yourself.  Follow your heart and your dreams.”

Keep on rocking, Deb!

Michael Farkas – harmonica, washboard, kazoo, vocals
Joseph “Joebass” DeJarnette – sand-up bass, vocals
Parrish Ellis – resophonic and acoustic guitars, banjo uke, vocals
Teddy Weber – lap steel, acoustic guitar, vocals

Interview with Parrish Ellis of The Wiyos 
By Sarah Powell

The Wiyos performs a style of music that is pure old-fashioned entertainment reminiscent of old-time American music from 1900 through 1930s with a modern twist.  The Wiyos are not just one particular genre but an eclectic mix of all genres.  “We’re omnivorous,” Parrish Ellis of The Wiyos describes “from country blues to hip hop… We’re reverent to the music of the 20s and 30s.  It was a golden age, but we’re not archaic.  We want to turn people onto that music but we not stuck to it.  We want to fuse it with new life and inspiration.”  The Wiyos’ musical talent and energy do just that.  For inspiration, The Wiyos listen to 78s and remastered 78s on CD for countless hours of learning how the musicians perform and bring the music to life. Listeners can internalize and celebrate the musicians’ talent of the early years.

The Wiyos was formed in Brooklyn, NY about five and half years ago when Parrish met Michael in a bar in downtown Manhattan.  After much thought and the fact that they could not agree on any other name, they became known as The Wiyos.  The idea of the name came from an old street gang from the Manhattan area known as the Why’os. “It seemed euphonic to us,” Parrish explained.

On The Wiyos first album Porcupine, half of the songs are a collaborative effort of original songs.  Michael wrote most of the lyrics while the rest of the band contributed to the music.  Hat Trick is described by The Wiyos as “vaudevillian ragtime, jugband blues, and hillbilly swing.” It derives inspiration from the great dance bands and house party music of the early 1900s.  The most recent record, The Wiyos, is a tribute CD of songs from the 1920s and 1930s with inspiring tunes that people can really connect.  Both Hat Trick and The Wiyos were recorded live in three days with a pure sound.

When asked to share a couple of his favorite songs, Parrish stated he was partial to one particular song “Side by Side” that he wrote and recorded with a piedmont guitar.  What Parrish loves about “Side by Side” is that it is uplifting in lyrics but country blues in sound.  “It’s kind of contrary in the lyrical stereotype of the genre” Parrish explained.  “Jack and Boone” is a collaborative effort between Michael and Parrish.  Parrish stated that “it was musically inspired by early jug bands and ragtime guitar.  Lyrically, Michael was thinking in terms of a modern day heist or criminal caper that isn’t that far off from modern day.”  Look for each of these songs on their latest record, The Wiyos.

Their latest recording project coming out spring of 2009 “is the best collaboration we’ve ever had… recording a new record at the new recording studio,” Parrish said excitedly.  It is comprised of “all original lyrics with collaborations in writing and singing and experimental soundscapes and sound textures.”  Each band member contributes to the aesthetics.  “Some expressions are from the early swing bands and country blues and original songs that speak to our modern experiences,” continues Parrish.  “Everyone’s different.  We tend to be personal and tell what it’s like to be traveling.  Some of the songs are more abstract in content.  One is a tribute to New Orleans and the music. Others have no super great message.”

Since they recently expanded the quartet with Teddy Weber on the lap steel guitar, The Wiyos are just enjoying a good time traveling and learning new songs.  They are approaching 400,000 miles of travel.  “Regardless of the exact number,” Parrish stated “it’s a lot of traveling and an obscene tour schedule.”  In May 2009, The Wiyos are looking forward to going to Nova Scotia.  Though they’ve covered a lot of ground, Parrish stated “We’d love to go to Australia, New Zealand, and Western European such as Italy or Spain.”

Keep on rockin’ The Wiyos!

Tim Sealey – Vocals, Guitar
Sarah Finnegan – Vocals, Guitar
James Fitzgerald – Guitar
Wayne Walsh – Vocals, Bass
Rob McHugh – Drums

Interview with James Fitzgerald of Apartment 44
by Sarah Powell

With their neoteric pop rock sound backed with a funk rhythm, Apartment 44 brings their fans real to life anecdotes that impact our society today. James Fitzgerald, guitarist of Apartment 44, tells us how the band came together in April 2008. “Well I was working a job that I hated and one day I woke up and…went and did a one year music course in music performance, theory, and production. From there I met Sarah [Finnegan], Wayne [Walsh], and Rob [McHugh]. After we finished the course, Wayne’s mate Tim [Sealey] was the final piece of the jigsaw. No School of Rock jokes, please” James said jokingly.

James came up with the band’s name, Apartment 44, based on simple, nostalgia. He explains that “I lived in an apartment in Galway City (44) and when I was there I bought my first piece of recording equipment and laid down the first few experimental tracks.“ In remembrance of where he started, the band’s namesake was born. James continues “it helps really put things into perspective for me, from when I was sad to where I am now, happy.”

James describes that his passion for music is driven by “the simple love of creating it and sharing it with others. You can establish a connection with someone without either of you knowing each other just through a song. That and the love of performing and interaction, great buzz!”

With this passionate connection, Apartment 44 can interact with their fans through their music and in turn learn more about their struggles in society. James relates that recession is a struggle “for everyone not just musicians…and this is where we need music the most. Some of the greatest songs ever were written in times of hardship. This is why lyrics are very important in songs. It doesn’t even matter the genre as long as the song communicates well, that’s the power of music.”

Apartment 44’s lyrics are truly artistic and in some ways abstract to where the listeners can interpret the song based on how it makes them feel. James agrees “Exactly definitely in Circles…We are fortunate that we have three songwriters in the band but we are all for lyrics.” Tim wrote the lyrics to Circles which is Apartment 44’s debut single released September 2008. James describes the inspiration of Circles as “for Tim, he takes the songs as all the things going round in his head that he sometimes cannot get out either in spoken word or on paper…for me, I always take the messages that we in society are born to make the same mistakes over and over no matter how sophisticated and technologically advanced we get.” A quote from the lyrics states “If we stop looking for answers will the questions disappear?” James explains that “I take it as if we took life less seriously we wouldn’t find all these complications.” Though listeners are encouraged to interpret the lyrics in their own way, it is meaningful to know the story behind the writers’ thoughts.

Written by James, My Addiction is Apartment 44’s most recent creation. James describes that “I wrote it as a song to help inspire you to do what you want to do in life and not let other people sidetrack you from it or put you down. Not all addictions are bad. For me it’s my music and my will to succeed. The man and the girl represent the two different aspects of how people can be stuck in a dead end job and when they are forty thinking “why didn’t I do this too”… but again a story that you can interpret into your own meaning.”

“Tim wrote the lyrics for Circles but from where he had the song and where we took it musically is truly remarkable,” James admirably describes Apartment 44. “We all had our own input on every aspect. [With] Sarah’s intro picking to her background vocals, Rob’s drums, and my guitar, we have an all round package.”

In the near future, Apartment 44 is hoping to release an album. James stated “At the moment, we are concentrating on playing to our fans but we want to get back into the studio. We have so many ideas. It’s going to be hard to condense it down to a twelve to thirteen track album. We try to write about songs that impact on today’s society. I think people are losing the ability to communicate.” Apartment 44 currently performs at gigs in Ireland, and hope someday to play at Slane Castle.

A message to Apartment 44’s fans… “Learn an instrument, write some tunes, be yourself, and enjoy it.”

Keep on rockin’ Apartment 44!