Interviews

This area includes a running list of all the interviews we have published. We interview bands, venues, studios, business owners, producers, engineers, and any one else who spends a significant amount of time supporting independent music.

Interview with Raymond Dickerson – Command and Control, New Album Epiphany Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 9, 2019 10:11 am Tagged With: Funk, gospel, jazz, Louisana, R&B, Soul, United States

Raymond Dickerson is a retired US Army officer. In his last assignment, he served as project officer and course manager/developer of the Signal Officer Captains Career Course Reserve Component as part of 442nd Signal Battalion Officer of the Education Division at Fort Gordon, GA. Colonel Dickerson has always been a top notch administrator who has […]

Interview with Kris Kelly – We Flew

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 9, 2019 5:00 am Tagged With: Folk, New York City, singer, songwriter, United States

Kris Kelly blends classic chamber pop and indie folk on debut single “We Flew,” an intimate love song urging self-assuredness in the face of homophobia. Kris originally wrote “We Flew” to his husband as they navigated their new relationship in Buenos Aires, banned from reentering the U.S. as a married couple due to DOMA, but […]

Interview with Filthy Animals – Still Filthy

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 8, 2019 3:25 pm Tagged With: Canada, Hip Hop, rap

Still Filthy showcases the same booze-filled but razor-sharp technical lyrics alongside the comedic wit and storytelling fans of Filthy Animals have come to expect of the duo, over a mixture of boom bap and trap beats produced entirely by Pnutty Goldust, and with guest appearances by a handful of the Deepcave Records collective. Still Filthy […]

Interview with Tiny Tree – The Lion and the Meteor

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 8, 2019 5:00 am Tagged With: alternative rock, indie rock, Rock

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Addison Eilers (guitar, vox) and Paul Jensen (drums, electronics) of Tiny Tree about the band’s latest project, motivations, challenges and more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or […]

Interview with Whatevski – Cult Classics

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 7, 2019 12:27 pm Tagged With: Canada, Hip Hop

If you have been paying attention, you should know by now that Hand’Solo Records is one of my favorite independent Hip Hop labels. In this interview spotlight, I chat with Hand’Solo artist Whatevski about his Cult Classics album, motivations, challenges and much more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Cult Classics by Whatevski […]

Interview with Jackie Venson – A Million Moments

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 7, 2019 11:05 am Tagged With: alt-pop, Blues, pop rock, R&B, Rock, singer, Soul

Idiosyncratic singer-songwriter Jackie Venson prepares for the release of her fierce new single A Million Moments, out now via Big Indie Records The single combines Venson’s staple blend of blues, rock, R&B and soul to create a combustible cocktail that, when mixed with her raw power and warmth, is unforgettable. A Million Moments is instantly infectious, fusing alt-pop sensibilities with Venson’s […]

Interview with Drummer Isaias Gil

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 7, 2019 10:09 am Tagged With: drummer

Isaias Gil is a professional drummer whose credits include Jaci Velasquez, Salvador, and Thunderado to name a few. He will be heading out with Mike Valley & The Texas New Arms on tour soon! He is also on the roster for Q drums, Meinl, Evans, Vater and more. Some accomplishments worth mentioning include: Winner of Guitar Center Drum […]

Interview with Raw Proof – Blue Collar Music

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 6, 2019 9:22 am Tagged With: Hip Hop, rap, Tennessee, United States

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Raw Proof about the latest project Blue Collar Music, motivations, challenges and more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Blue Collar Music by Raw Proof – Eddie B. Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily […]

Interview with James Lee Baker

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman January 6, 2019 6:31 am Tagged With: Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, singer, songwriter, Texas, United States

Singer/songwriter James Lee Baker delivers a powerfully emotive blend of sounds from the country/bluegrass/Americana realm of musical styles. His songs come packed with passion, plenty of pop appeal and an atmosphere that will have you longing for the simple life. In this interview spotlight, I chat with James about his latest release, motivations, challenges and […]

Interview with Jimmy Travis Band – Desert Highway 66

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman December 15, 2018 6:00 am Tagged With: country rock, Rock, singer, songwriter

In this interview spotlight, I chat with the Jimmy Travis Band about their latest release, challenges, working with Elton John, how the music biz has changed over time and more. Full Q&A along with links and music below. Desert Highway 66 by the jimmy travis band Where are you from and what style of music […]