In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jody Laboz of AUTOM8theSKY about the latest music (Real to Me now available), technology, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Brooklyn, New York.  I describe the music on my album, “Real to Me” as guitar driven with a splash of electronics and a slight kick in the ass. It’s meant to move.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Music is part of my being. It’s always in me. 

The concept of the song, as a whole is what interests me. Putting all the elements together to create this  whole is no different than a painter  putting all the layers to complete a work on canvas. 

I’m always striving to create something that I feel might be better than the last. My goal in each song is to express as accurately as possible, my overall feel that I’m looking to convey at that moment in my life.

Creating songs is an outlet of expression for me that needs to happen. It’s a win, win knowing that I am able to share with others.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This is my debut. 

My goal was to release high throttle predominantly organic music with a balance of tech that I’m comfortable with. The lyrics have many themes.  
Among them include the diversity in perspectives within every person in this world. All these unique perspectives are mixed and meshed together among us all. They shape our actions which manifest into interesting results.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? 

I don’t look at it as a challenge being in an over saturated market. I’m happy to put my work out, create as I please and not have to answer to anybody breathing down my neck. I enjoy the freedom.

 What was the last song you listened to?

Talking Heads “Slippery People”. I love the “world” aspect in David Byrne’s music. The combination of percussion, synth and funk guitar is beautiful. I just saw his show on Broadway called American Utopia. It was phenomenal.

 Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Great question. As far as sound is concerned? It doesn’t matter all that much to me.

As far as experiential is concerned; CD or Vinyl, hands down. 

Preferably CD overall, even though I no longer buy CDs. 

The experience of holding a CD or vinyl in your hand; looking at the art work; opening the pamphlet or album and reading the lyrics; looking at the photos. You get to know the artists by studying the physical album. You get to see  who played which instruments on which songs; what special guests musicians played on each song as well as who produced it and so on. All the information you need to know is at your finger tips. 
There is nothing like that. 

When you bought an album, you were committed to it. You are not going to always fall in love first listen. You would hear it a good 2-3 times before it sunk in. The problem with streaming, very often, people are not committed to giving an album the proper listen it deserves. If that music didn’t capture you on that first listen, you are moving on to the next artist. Never giving it another chance.

Since that album was never in my hand, I never received the visual experience I needed which stays with me.  I often times forget the band altogether. By the way, since I switched to streaming, I am first to admit that I am guilty of all the above. Lol.

 How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why? 

I keep it simple, Spotify. I’m used to the format.  

 Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?  

Instagram @AUTOM8theSKY

Spotify

Facebook: @AUTOM8theSKY