Hey guys! Got another new artist! This time it's up and coming United Kingdom native, singer songer Kirkhouse! (Or Kirkhousemusic1 as he's known on youtube)
After hearing one of the 19 year old's acoustic originals, I was hooked, and made it my mission to help get this guys name out there, even before 'The Beat Goes On' started. And as of today, mission accomplished.
So let's get started...
How ya doing Kirkhouse?
-I'm doing very well, thank you.
How long have you been playing guitar?
-I have been playing on and off for about six years now, but I've been playing non - stop for two years. I don't really know why I would only sometimes play my guitar, even though I loved to play it. Now, I'm hardly ever off the thing!
Outside of music, are there other passions, or interests you're pursuing?
-I don't have any other passions really. I can't see myself doing anything else, which, in a way, is good because then I only focus on the music.
A lot of people get into music for the 'fame' or because they think it'll make them look cool, what does music mean to you?
-Music means everything to me. It's a way of expressing myself in a way I feel comfortable with. It's helped me get through dark parts of my life. I find music fascinating as well. Like, how some people can make you feel happy or sad, just by playing four chords. It's also the only thing that I'm good at doing, so in a way, it's all that I've got.
If there was one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be?
-Confidence, definitely confidence. Because then i can actually put up YouTube videos of me singing.
Can you describe yourself in three words or less?
-Determined and passionate.
What was the best advice you've ever been given?
-"We only live once, so make the most of what we have" I think my uncle told me that one.
What would your state of contentment be? What do you hope to get out of this?
-I hope that I could make a career in music, and to live comfortably off it too. And hopefully spread my music across the world as well. I couldn't think of anything better.
Anything to say to the readers and the people that watch your videos?
-I would just wanna say thank you so much for sparing some time to watch the videos, and reading this interview. And thank you Alyssa for doing this as well.
You're very welcome, and thank you all for reading!
Hey guys, back with another artist. This time it's youtube singer, songwriter, Ian Thomson!
The sixteen year old musician and I talked about everything from what influences his music, to what he wanted to be when he grew up.
So let's get started...
What is your personal relationship to music?
-I have a great relationship with music! I think music is a beautiful thing. Through music people can express themselves and show their true colors.
What are your goals as far as a music career?
- I just want people worldwide to enjoy my music as much as I enjoy playing it.
You have a really creative lyrical style, who are your influences?
-I write a lot of love songs haha, so my main influences in writing are Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never and John Mayer.
Why Youtube? What made you start uploading videos?
-I have always loved the music side of YouTube! I just love how people from all over can come and listen to my music! I actually have had my YouTube account since about 2010 and my friend and I would upload videos of us chasing each other around with nerf guns. It wasn't until about a little less then a year ago when I decided to put my music on there. I was into Bob Dylan a lot at the time and Chris [Drew] was covering a bunch of his songs so I decided to give it a go and cover "Blowing in the wind" everyone really enjoyed so I just continued with videos from there.
In five years time, what do you hope to accomplish? What are your goals, both in and out of music?
-In five years I want to have a full length album out, have a national tour and maybe a hit or two on Itunes. I would really like to just travel around the world for a couple months too. Other then that I'm just going with the flow.
Do you do anything else in the music field?
-Well I started off playing piano when I was younger but I moved away from that and onto guitar when I reached middle school. I would love to start playing piano again! Its such a beautiful instrument.
Was it always music for you? Or have you pursued other things?
-I wanted to be an astronaut when I was younger but I've kinda moved away from that. Up until high school I wasn't really sure about what I wanted to do, but I've come to realize that music is what I want to do. It's kinda "cliche" to say this but life is too short to be doing something you don't enjoy. That's why I have chosen music because I love doing it.
Anything to say to the readers?
-Anyone reading and supporting thank you so much! Keep spreading the word and just enjoy the music!
Another interview, on another great artist!
After hearing some beautiful melodies, and seeing some soulful performances on Youtube,
I decided to interview the pianoman himself, Adam Courtney!
In this interview we cover everything from the first song he learned, to getting a reply from his idol. Let's get started..
How are you today Adam?
I'm really great how are you though?
I'm great, thank you. How old were you when you started playing piano?
I was about 4 years old, I remember visiting my Nan's house everyday after school and she'd be playing the piano. I always watched her thinking 'I would love to be able to play like that someday'. Whenever she would go into the next room to make dinner I would sneak up to the piano and try to play haha Loved that! That was when I caught the bug. I wanted to play. I never stopped, I loved teaching myself, loved that challenge. I used to listen to songs on the t.v .or video games and try my best to play the songs back from memory I still use only my ears to learn and play today.
Do you remember the first song you learned?
Hmm the first song I ever learned.. Actually yes! I remember my brother and sister were watching a film called 'The exorcist'.. It was to scary for me to watch at that time. Instead I decided to sit outside the room and listen to the music in it. It was a pretty fast piano piece.. Challenging but got my little head around it.
How long do you practice everyday? And do you view it as a chore, or do you enjoy it?
Well to be honest I never really sit down and sit down to practice. With me , music is enjoyable, it's just an everyday thing that I need. I don't like to stress things too much with music, I just let it be.
In your own words, what does your music mean to you?
What music means to me.. I find it really hard to put into words what music means to me whenever I'm asked. Music is something I was born with. My mom and dad played in a band all their lives. My Nan played piano my aunts played and still play piano. I was born into music. It means everything to me. Its the single most important thing in my life along with my family and friends. Anytime I'm feeling down or just not myself , I'll sit down on the piano and just let everything out. There's not a second that goes by without me thinking of the next step in my music career I'm always thinking of new things. I believe that everyone is born to be somebody and if you have a talent that you should embrace it. I try so hard every day to get to the next level and to be noticed. I'm always so positive. My mom raised us to be that way. Everyday we would get up to a new motivation quote from her like 'You can do anything' or something like that haha Turned out to be the truest worlds I've ever heard. I had a little something I wrote for a blog but I think it should be here, : The light might dim sometimes but never lose hope. I've felt like that too. A time when you think nothing will get better , nothing will work , no one will notice.. But no you're about one hundred percent wrong.
Guide yourself.. Treat yourself and your mind like a robot and everyday work hard to reach that goal of yours.. Perseverance will bring success!
I'll give you an example of this of my own personal account..
I remember it was about early January in 2010 and I'd tell me friends that id get 'Bear Grylls' to notice me and my music on twitter.. No one believed me.. I was doubted everyday.. In fact my friends would just laugh. But I knew I could do it.. My mom beat the enthusiasm into us as young children so I know Anythings possible :) I would secretly tweet bear everyday at mid day tweeting my music and telling him I was a huge fan.. Months passed.. Even a year went by. But I never gave up hope. I still knew. I continued being positive. I remember I was sitting down having a cup of tea in my pj's sitting on the couch opposite my cousin Aaron and my friend Ian.. And I decided to tweet bear just as an automatic action at this stage. I put away my phone and we carried on talking probably about fishing or going to the gym haha. Then my phone vibrated ,me thinking it was just a text message, not even caring one bit. I took a glimpse at the phone and the writing read 'Bear Grylls has replied to one of your tweet'. My face dropped , my hands dropped , my heart dropped and most importantly I dropped ,on the ground actually, ha. My heart started racing uncontrollably beating against my chest like a thump. I looked towards my cousin and friend with a big grin on my face , still shocked and screamed at the top of my voice 'BEAR GRYLLS REPLIED!!!!!!'
They didn't believe it at first but quickly released I couldn't of been joking because the fact that I was running around the house almost doing simultaneous front flips.
My mom and dad and entire family couldn't believe it.
But I could believe it .. I knew I could do it. I always believed in myself. I always DO believe in myself. I'd love to fly to Africa in the morning and help them starving children in need.. I'd love that! Or to fly to where children don't have the money to experience music the way I did. And I want to show you that you can achieve your wildest dreams ! I want every child my age and as young as I was to discover music. Discover it in their own way. Show them that anything in the world is possible. Teach them how to teach themselves the gift of playing by ear.
I believe everyone is born with a purpose. My purpose is to share my music and my story with the world and show everyone that dreams do come true. You can be and do anything once you put your mind to it.
Don't give up on me. I never gave up and I never will.. Ever ever ever.
Life is about getting the most out of what you have. I work so hard everyday to get where I want to go. Its the only way I can stay positive. But I know god is with me on this. I'll always stay humble and true to myself no matter what. I'll never get cocky. Never take advantage of the money. Ill always share. Help to make a change and show people in need that they can pick themselves up. They can be bright stars!
You can be a success.
Adam, you're clearly a fan favorite, but who are your favorite musicians?
Aw thank you! My favorite musicians.. I'm a huge fan and admirer of Michael Jackson he's one of my biggest idols. Jimmy McCarthy- an Irish song writer. Bob Marley , Phil Lynott , The Beatles are a bunch of amazingly talented musicians.
Besides piano, do you play any other instruments?
Other instruments? Of course! Actually piano was the second instrument I learned to play. I started with the drums. I absolutely loved them! I used to bring them everywhere with me. After the piano I took up playing the guitar and sometimes sang while playing, I love playing all three of those to this day. I'm always up for learning new instruments!
How do you feel about social media, in regards to music?
Social media and music is awesome! Without it I wouldn't be doing this interview right now. I owe a lot to it. It gives a lot of musicians hope that their music will be heard. Twitter has helped me hugely! My music was noticed by some of the biggest people in the world and my idols.
Piano players get a rep for being serious, but you clearly have a goofy side, care to explain how the Bear Grylls came about?
Serious just isn't my thing , I just love to be myself and say what I'm thinking, Bear Grylls was always a huge idol of mine.. So one day I decided to do a video doing an impression of him haha. Turned out lots of people thought it was hilarious, I'm serious when I need to be but mostly I'm a laid back giddy guy.
Now here's a little free for all question, tell us one thing that no one knows about you?
Hmmm.. something that no one knows... This is pretty embarrassing but I have had an operatic voice since I can remember. All of my family thinks I should do something about it but it embarrasses me haha. It's funny.
Anything to say to all the readers, and your supporters?
To the readers , supporters , my fans
My fans are the best.. It's so weird actually having fans. I never thought a guy like me living in this tiny town could be the crush of a girl on the other side of the world.. I'm so grateful though. I absolutely love them.. I make sure all of them feel loved and I genuinely care about each and every one of them. I owe them a lot.. Such genuine people and I want to keep it that way :)
There a constant reminder of how lucky I am.. And a reminder of my responsibility to keep going and setting a good example!THANK YOU ALL SO SO MUCH
Hey Guys! Back with another artist. Now normally I'm all about indie/ unknown artists, but I decided to break my own rule with this interview guys. But I guess I'm really only bending them, cause he is independent, since he pretty much did it all himself, and he's only 16! And he'll tell you how. So without further ado, Colt Chambers.
So Colt, How old were you when you started singing?
- I was five years old when I started singing. Of course, like every other musician, I started performing in church in the choir which then lead to singing solo and then to performing publicly at local fairs and festivals.
Why Country Music? Was it something you grew up with?
- Country Music is what I have lived my whole life. From growing up listening to Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, and Alan Jackson it really stuck with me. Country Music is really apart of everyone and every day life. It's very relatable.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
-Favorites, hmm. That's really hard. Definitely Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Rodney Atkins, and Zac Brown.
You've won numerous awards, are the President of International Music & Entertainment Association, and you're only sixteen, what would you say is the secret to your success?
- Whew! Well one secret to my success (which really isn't a secret) is hard work, drive, and a passion for music and everything I do and facing my fears and having the courage to step out and take chances and never giving up. I have been blessed with all of my success, especially at 16. I have to admit, it is a lot of work, and especially time, balancing all of the things that I do and have my hands in while keeping up with everyones expectations.
Now that you're practically a veteran at performing, can you tell us what your first experience on stage was like?
- On my first big solo show at a big festival in my hometown in Georgia, I was really nervous at first. Shortly after performing the first minute or so - I realized that performing is what I was meant to do and I felt like that's where I needed to be. For several shows after, I still had "butterflies" in my stomach before the shows, but once you get on stage and your nerves calm down it is so relaxing. Now - Whenever I get on stage I am a totally different person, I could literally live on a stage.
For those of us that don't know, what exactly is the International Music and Entertainment Association?
- The International Music and Entertainment Association (IMEA) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops musicians across the world in all genres through showcases, seminars, workshops, contests and an annual awards show. The IMEA works with new artists as well as established of all ages, young and old. Our goal is to bring musicians/artists/bands all together for the love of music. I have been honored to lead such organizations. We've got a lot of big and exciting things coming in the near future.
Since your life is different from a lot of 'normal' teenagers, can you point to a moment and say 'That's when it all changed.'
- Yeah, My life is far from normal, haha. Really, it was a gradual change starting from age 14. I moved to Nashville in 2009 [at age 14] when I was accepted into the Nashville School of the Arts for vocal expression and musical theater. That was a big change for me, a small town boy, but I immediately fell in love with the city. In mid-2010 I had to move back to the Metro Atlanta, Georgia Area when my grandmother got sick and later passed away. While I was in Nashville was when things really sparked for my career, but moving back to Georgia my career has grown and expanded even further. So, I'd probably say that it all "changed" when I moved to Nashville in 2009. Now, I'm CEO/President of IMEA (like mentioned), The Vice President of Front Row Records, Owner/Founder of Country Music Media, and ATL Unplugged Magazine.
Do you have any advice for other musicians out there?
NEVER GIVE UP! Quitting is absolutely the easiest way out, but follow your dreams. Don't worry about a fall back plan, be focus 100% on your goal - because if you divide your time up thinking about falling, that's what will happen, you will fall. If God didn't have a plan for your dream, then he would never have planted it in your mind. Again, Follow Your Dreams and Never Give Up.
Anything to say to the readers Colt?
- Thanks so much for your continued support through everything, It is very appreciated. If anyone needs any advice or support you can always count on me. I'm in the process of launching a new online "success" blog, where I will post frequently about life, business and health tips. Stay tuned for that.
Thanks again Colt!
Be sure to tell Colt happy birthday, by posting on his facebook and sending him tweets @ColtChambers he'll be 17 on June 25th!
For those of you interested in IMEA It's $50 membership - and people can register/join atwww.IMEAMusic.com. Questions or concerns? Email Colt atColt@IMEAMusic.com
And *ATTENTION ALL ROCKSTARS*Front Row Records is currently looking for talent - potential artists can send their submissions into : Colt@FrontRowRecords.com.
And don't worry, all of us promoters aren't left out either, he's also started up the Colt Chambers Media Group - A company which will host subsidiary music/entertainment promotions websites/companies.
You can send him things directly atPO Box 352
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Thank you all for reading! Stay tuned, big and exciting stuff on the way!
Hey Guys, back with another new up and coming artist!
So I was on Youtube looking at covers, like I often do, and I came across this cover:
And I said to myself 'Why don't I know who he is?' So I made it a point to find out, and now I'm giving all of you, the opportunity to do the same, and find out a little about the Dublin native. So, Ladies and gentlemen may I introduce to you, Mr. Oliver Moore.
How are you doing today?
-I'm fine thank you very much, how about you?
I'm great, thank you, so Oliver, when I was listening to your cover of 'Fireflies' I genuinely thought that you were playing to some kind of vocal backing track, have you ever taken any voice lessons?
-Well thank you very much haha, that is a nice compliment :) But no, I've never had any singing lessons whatsoever!
How long have you been playing piano?
- I've been playing piano since I turned 13 (I'm 16 now) but I only started piano lessons 2 years ago. My first year of piano was me teaching myself how to play from YouTube tutorials. [Ironically]
In your own words, what role does music play in your life?
- Without music, I wouldn't be as confident as I am. It never fails to make me feel better when I'm feeling down, and it's also a great way to make new friends.
What made you decide to start putting videos up on Youtube?
- My friends. I once played for some of them at one of my birthday parties and they said that I should start covering songs.
If you had to listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- It would be 'All the Stars and Boulevards' by Augustana. They are my favourite band ever.
If you had the opprotunity to collaborate with a group of Youtubers who would you pick?
- If I could choose, I'd have to pick Justin Robinette + Michael Henry. They're two friends who cover songs while playing the same piano at once. They're brilliant!
How do you think the Internet is changing the game when it comes to music?
-I think it has made becoming famous for your musical talent a lot easier for people. I've seen a lot of great people on YouTube who aren't very famous, and some people who are absolutely dreadful get famous just based on their looks. I don't think it's fair really.
Anything to say to everyone reading this, who are sure to be your future fans?
- I'd like to say hello to you all and thank you for reading this! I hope to cover more songs for you and maybe get noticed a bit more.
You heard the man, thank you all for reading and be sure to subscribe to Oliver for more music!
Today I got the opportunity to interview Youtube musician Austin Jones. That's right, 'The Austin Jones.' At least that's what you'll be referring to him as once you finish reading this, and check out his music. From his upbeat poppy sounding numbers, to his slower piano driven songs, emphasing the soulful quality to his voice, he proves to be someone to watch out for.
Over a million hits on youtube, your album 'Out Of Character 2.0' is out on iTunes, and just from some of the comments on your videos you've clearly got quite the female following haha, and you're just 19, what do you attribute to your success Austin?
-What do I attribute to my success?? Hmm... There isn't any specific reason. But one thing I can say is that I've built my following by being very friendly. I respond and talk to all of my fans, no matter what.
With your notoriety coming from the Internet, and you being a guy who sings pop music, you're gonna get the comparison, ya know, 'He's trying to be Justin Bieber' ect.. What would you say makes you different? What would you say to those people writing you off right now?
-I would never say that I'm something completely different, or incredibly unique, but I do believe I have a style that's slightly original. I constantly get compared to Bieber, but if critics actually took out the time to listen to my music, they would say differently. Not only do we have a different style of music, but lyrically we're polar opposites. A major on-going theme throughout my music is being hurt by relationships and life. No matter how poppy or catchy the song may be, lyrically it's the opposite. My leading single "Useless" is one of my catchiest songs, and yet the chorus talks about taking your heart through a paper shredder. Another popular song "You Know What You Do" has a melodic chorus to the lyrics "You know what you do to me, you tear me down to pieces and watch me bleed. You watch my heart break, and you laugh while my heart aches." Sometimes people get caught up in how poppy my songs are, that they lose sense of the lyrics. I've been rambling on now, haha, but like I said I believe I'm slightly original. I like to consider my music heartbreak pop.
If you had to describe yourself in three words or less, what would they be?
-Passionate, humorous, and insecure. Those are my three most important qualities. I'm so passionate about my music, and that drives me to push myself. My humor helps me stay resilient and positive when I get down. And I'm ridiculously insecure. Even before I started making music, I've always felt like I'm not good enough and I don't meet other peoples' standards. It's complicated, but I'm actually thankful for being insecure. My insecurities keep me humble, and keep me from becoming full of myself. The last thing I want to do is seem cocky.
Outside of music, are there any things you want to pursue?
-I don't really feel the NEED to pursue anything else. BUT, I really like doing artwork and making shirts. That's something else I take pride in, that I do everything on my own for my music. I do all the recording, production, artwork, videowork (except for music videos. My bud Clay directs those), promoting, managing, you name it. So other things I'd like to pursue would be assisting other bands with artwork, and recording and such.
You have a song on your album called 'Out Of Character', it's also the title of your album, can you explain what that means?
-Out of Character has a pretty deep meaning. My college professor actually asked the same question, so I decided to write an artist statement for this song. Here's the explanation:
I feel as though I used to only float through life. I let others dictate what path I was going in. After falling down to the lowest point of my life a few years ago, I’ve done my best to live off of my own ambitions. But living purely from drive is a difficult task; There’s a never ending struggle between following what the world asks of you, and what you truly want to do. Breaking out of character isn’t rebelling against authority and living recklessly; It’s doing your best to live freely from the characters society tries to make us. To find your own voice, and find yourself as an individual. It’s more than a message to others; it’s a reminder to continue my own life on this path. Fitting the mold others try to place you in is easy, take the challenge to find yourself.
What do you think about social Media? A lot of people are saying it's 'too much, too fast' in terms of pretty much everything being accessible, just by the click of a button. How do you feel about certain public sites like Myspace Youtube ect..
-Social media is complicated. There are so many advantages, but at the same time it makes things difficult for artists. Can you get huge in a matter of a day? Yes, you can blow up and go viral. But because of that fact, there are SO MANY people trying to make it in music now. It's to the point of being counterproductive. It's hard to reach out gain fans when you know that so many others are doing the same. I feel like the general population is getting annoyed with musicians constantly trying to get a listen. Haha.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
-I HOPE to see myself on a stage. In front of hundreds. Wait, no. Thousands. Ahhhh, that's the dream right there. But realistically I'll probably just end up being a cashier at a grocery store. haha.
Another song people, including me, really love is 'I Might Need Help' can you explain what that song means to you?
-I Might Need Help is a complicated song. I think I can do everything on my own, and I have a very difficult time accepting help from others and I’ve never understood why. If I’m going through a tough time, I will push others away rather than accept a helping hand. And by doing this, I’m miserable. The biggest way I figure things out about myself is by writing music. For some reason, it’s the best way I express myself and I ALWAYS find out something new or get a better understanding of myself. So to gain a better understanding of why I don’t accept help, I wrote this song.
Will you ever finish 'Beautiful Vocabulary' and record a studio version of ? The masses demand it!
- Beautiful Vocabulary is ALREADY finished!! Just not recorded or released yet. It'll be released on my next full-length album. I plan to released it sometime in September.
Any words of advice for struggling/ undiscovered artists/ fellow Internet musicians out there?
-Just don't give up. Cause to be honest, I'm still undiscovered. Sure I've got fans, but go up to someone on the street and ask them who Austin Jones is. They won't know who I am. So never give up and network like crazy. Musicians need to team up with other musicians to help each other out.
Final thoughts, anything you'd like to say to your fans and supporters?
-I'll say what I always say to my fans and supporters; I owe you my life. Without all of you, I'm nothing. I need and love you all.
