Behind the Music with Corey Craigmyle

As we all know a good song has a great melody, but a great song has great melody and even better lyrics and no one knows that more than songwriter, Corey Craigmyle.

This lyricist and I discussed everything from him major influences to his song writing process. [Another installment in the "Lost In The Server" Series] [6/19/12]

 Corey, you've done a lot of songs with different people, how does that usually come about? How do you collaborate? 

Collaborating can start from anywhere. It could be an artist that gets in touch with me directly and asks me to write a song for them. Sometimes, I’ll scope YouTube for up and coming artists that I would like to work with. Other times, I’ll meet artists at shows or performances in Montreal (where I live) and I’ll ask them if they’re looking to collaborate. As a songwriter, you really have to put yourself out there. Sometimes it’s musicians I’ve worked with or performed with too. I consider myself very lucky to have worked with so many talented artists that I admire!

How long have you been writing songs?

I’ve been writing songs my whole life! I started out as drummer though. I began playing the drums at a young age. I kind of got into songwriting by accident. I was playing drums in this jazz combo at school and we needed 1 more song for our concert. So I decided to compose my own rock/pop song and surprise the band. I showed it to them the next day and they all really liked what I wrote! The next thing I know, we’re performing my song in front of the entire music department. It was a blast!

 What is your process when it comes to writing?

The way I write is kind of untraditional. I don’t believe in writing things down because my brain works much faster than I’m able to write things out and it frustrates me. So I usually go behind the piano and make up the first thing that comes to mind because it gives you the right instinct. Then from there, I go back and edit it and might change a word or two just so I get to exactly what I want to hear. That’s basically my process.

  Is there one song that you wish you wrote?

One song that always gives me the chills is “Hold My Hand” by Michael Jackson. There’s something special about that song.

  I know this is a tough question, but out of all the songs, that you've written, is there one that you're the most proud of?

I’m really proud of some of the songs I’ve written for Tina Ray. She’s an up and coming R&B singer from Vancouver. Last year I wrote this song for her called “On My Own”. Everything came together perfectly with that song. She did an amazing job recording the vocals too. I’ve written 3 more songs for her.

 Who are your biggest influences?

I would say my biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Claude Kelly and Lady Gaga.

 How do you feel about poetry?

I love poetry.

 Do you ever think about stepping out from 'behind the scenes' and branching out into other aspects of music?

One aspect of music I would love to check out is jingle writing. I love jingles! I would do jingles in a heartbeat, a 15 second little tune off the top of your head like the Juicy Fruit song. "Get your skis shined up, grab a stick of Juicy Fruit the taste is gonna move you! Move you up! Move you out! The taste is gonna move you when you pop it in your mouth!" Then to the hook: "Juicy Fruit is gonna move ya! It's got a taste that gets right through ya!" I think that’s so cool because everybody knows that song, more than some of the songs that we love.

 What do you have to say to people reading this, that want to work with you?

I would say check out my music first! Then if you like what you hear, drop me a line! You can message me on YouTube or you can tweet me @coreycraigmyle

 How do you feel about YouTube's role in the music business now?

I love YouTube! The internet is a great way to get your music out there!

 Anything to say to the readers and your supporters?

Music is love. Love is music. Music is my life and I love my life. Thank you and goodnight.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much Corey!

Be sure to follow and subscribe to keep up with Corey!

http://www.youtube.com/user/coreycraigmyle

@CoreyCraigmyle

And The Beat Goes On.....

Stay Tuned for more Interviews and News

Contact Email: TheBeatGoesOn17@gmail.com

Twitter: TheBeatGoesOn1

Facebook: TheBeatGoeson1Promotions

This is....Fallen Riviera!

For this Boston born rock band, it's safe to say they don't care what you think of them. But chances are, you'll only be thinking positive things once you hear the first thirty seconds of any one of their songs. Whether it's "Those Times Are Gone" an acoustic guitar and bass driven  track off of their debut album, "Another World", or their slightly older, yet no less ear-catching hit, "This is Who I Am", you're guaranteed to be humming right along.

It was roughly a year ago when I was lucky enough to interview them. So, without further ado, I bring you another installment of the ["Lost In The Server" Series] [7/19/12]

 How are you guys doing today? And for those of us who aren't familiar with you guys, can you introduce yourselves?  

Hey Alyssa we’re doing great! We are Will (Vocals/piano), Steve (Guitar), and Matt (Bass).

 Your song 'This is Who I Am' is one of my personal favorites, and is getting a really positive response, can you explain the inspiration behind it?

First of all let me say that we are really happy with the response 'This is Who I Am' has received so far. The message is obviously clear but it seems to inspire anyone who hears it. After being contacted by a local school about using the song in an anti-bullying campaign the real meaning/inspiration of the song came through. The secret behind the song is that it started out focusing on a mischievous feline. We then related it to people and current issues with bullying, sexuality and race. The song changed from a piece of pretty music into an inspirational anthem. 

 Fallen Riviera is such a unique name, how did you come up with it? And how exactly did the band itself, form?

Well, we started out in Boston. The two founding members Steve Ornest and Will Parry went to school at Berklee College of Music. Will was born in the town of Torquay in the South West of England. Torquay is the English Riviera, traditionally a tourist destination, a holiday hotspot. Unfortunately, prices went down for a flight to Spain in the 90's. Torquay's popularity took a hit and is even worse now considering the state of England's economy. Obviously to all Torquay natives the town is still a hidden gem, but to some, it's the Fallen Riviera.

 For the people who are reading this, and may not have heard your music, can you sort of give a general description about what you think your sound is?

Our sound is a good honest blend of soaring vocals and guitar melodies, great grooves, and lyrics that hope to draw an emotional response from our listeners. We strive to create organic, timeless music with modern ideas. If the crowd are on their feet and singing along we are happy.

 Who would you guys say is the leader in the band?

Will and I (Steve) are the two founding members. While we are the ones that steer the course of Fallen Riviera, we are very much a cohesive band.  Matt helps make Fallen Riviera the groove machine that we have so badly needed since the two of us began writing!

What are your feelings towards Social Media's growing place in the music industry?

Mixed feelings for sure. The shift of power away from records labels and into the hands of artists is positive. Having your musical destiny in your own hands is rewarding in so many ways. The internet has made self promotion so much easier and accessible than ever before. With that said, it is extremely time consuming, and constantly changing. Being in a successful rock band is a lot more than just writing songs and playing shows. You literally need to become well versed and fully immersed in the social media frenzy.

 Where can we keep up with you?

Facebook, youtube, twitter, and itunes are all great places!

Anything to say to the readers? :)

Thank you all so much for the amazing support so far, and get ready!  

Thank you so much for your time and patience. 

Be sure to buy "Another World" on itunes! You won't regret it!

And find out when they're coming to a city near you by heading to their website:

http://www.fallenriviera.com https://www.facebook.com/fallenriviera - And The Beat Goes On...... Email: TheBeatGoeson17@gmail.com Twitter: @TheBeatGoeson1 Facebook:TheBeatGoeson1Promotions Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWT4ngl7g8CX60rFfe4XcyQ Stay tuned for more interviews and news!

Getting to know Xander Demos!

At long last, here's the interview I was lucky enough to do with the very talented Xander Demos!
[Lost in the Server series 6/24/12]

 Xander, you've been said to have 'talent bleeding out of your
hands',   how do you handle a reputation like that? I mean it has to be
flattering, but does it add any pressure?

Well, that's a great compliment! Overall, I am a humble guy so while
it is flattering, I don't feel that much pressure from the technical
aspect. I mean, I grew up in the 80's  and every guitar player was
competing with the other. Also, my attitude never gravitates "being
the best" or anything based in technique. If anything, I would feel
more pressure to write cool songs above all - and, to reach out to a
lot more audiences.

 When did you first playing, and how did you get into it?

I started playing in 1982 all thanks to MTV shoving all of these
awesome guitarists in front of me. There was a visual aspect that was
now different than just the sonic aspect of music. To me, guitar
playing now LOOKED cool instead of just sounding cool. Tom Scholz's
(Boston) guitar sound really wanted to make want to play in the
beginning though.

)Who are some of your favorite guitarists?

In the beginning: Tom Scholz, Neal Schon, Brad Gillis and Eddie Van
Halen. I later got into Yngwie and Steve Vai and all the Shrapnel guys
like Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and Jason Becker. Thru
the 90s, I started to get into Shawn Lane, Allan Holdsworth, John
Petrucci, Eric Johnson and Brett Garsed. Nowadays, I am a huge fan of
Guthrie Govan and Michael Romeo.

 Your style is unique, how would you describe your sound? And why do
you think people are gravitating towards it?

Well, I consider myself a technical player but I am really into
melodic songwriting. I think that people may be into the fact that I
don't just shred for the sake of shredding and that I actually can
write a catchy melody. At least, I HOPE they'll gravitate towards my
style.

Your new single 'White Knuckle Driving' has recieved international
air play, how does it make you feel knowing your music's being heard
all over the world?

It feels absolutely incredible and it's overwhelming! It's something I
have always dreamed about and I have to pinch myself on occasion.

 Can you tell us a little bit about the 'Xander Demos' guitar?

Sure - there is a 6-string and a 7-string version being created by
David Thomas McNaught. It's basically an offset double cutaway guitar
with 27 frets. There will be a few different variables of the guitar
meaning that the options can range from exotic woods to standard
finishes. Original equipment will be a FloydUpgrades tremolo,
Tremol-No stabilization systems, an EMG SPC control and Seymour Duncan
pickups. There are other options available that will be posted on
www.mcnaughtguitars.com

 Where can people go to see updates from you? Do you have a twitter,
facebook?..

I am connected on all forms of major social media:

* www.facebook.com/xanderdemosmusic
* twitter.com/xanderdemos
* www.youtube.com/user/xander
* soundcloud.com/xanderdemos

 Being from the City of Champions , like myself,are you a Steelers or
Pens fan?

I do like the Steelers - but I am Red Wings hockey fan. For what it's
worth, the Pens are my second-favorite hockey team.

 I personally would love to learn to play the guitar,but it seems
like
a bit of a daunting task, any words of advice for those of us just
starting out? Or to the  ones hoping to be as successful as
you one day?

Well, the idea is practice what SOUNDS good to you and develop from
there. Also, take advantage of the great tools that are out there like
social media and the internet. Definitely invest in some decent
recording gear and experiment with that and above all, don't have a
crappy attitude - there's enough of that out there. Make a change in
the way people perceive being a musician and do something
extraordinary.

 Anything to say to the readers and your fans?

Keep requesting the tunes and thank you all for the support that you
all have given me. 

Thanks so much for your time and patience,Xander. 

Thank you as well!

www.xanderdemos.com

And the Beat Goes On.....

Email: thebeatgoeson17@gmail.com

Twitter: @TheBeatGoesOn1

Youtube: TheBeatGoesOn17

Interview with Mr. Doug Briney!

     

[Lost in the Server Series]

Well as we all know, things happen and life slows us down sometimes, so now with my sincerest apologies  I give you this very belated interview with Country Superstar, Mr Doug Briney!

Hey Doug, how are you?

   I'm doing great, thank you for asking.

 I know you've probably been asked this question a million times, but how did you get into Country Music?

 I mean normally, perhaps stereotypically, when you hear the words 'Country Music' you think
Nashville, Texas, perhaps anywhere Southern.  Being in the complete opposite direction, how'd you do it?      I honestly have always been into country music.  While my friends were listening to rock, I was listening to Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. I think country music is much more diverse in where it is listened to then that. Here in Alaska the largest population of people listen to country music.

 I know with a list of accolades and accomplishments a mile long,
this might be difficult to answer, but what would you say has been your
career high so far? 

I think the nomination from the ICoMA for "Most
Promising New Country Artist" that nomination really meant a lot to me
and I was very honored to receive it!

 You're a two time 'Country Idol' finalist, that's really
impressive, what was the experience like?

I love singing and performing, the
first year was really a learning experience for me. Having only sang
in churches before where there isn't really a lot of "performing" I
had a hard time learning to connect to the audience. I'm still
learning and really enjoy performing for folks. So the competition is
something I really enjoy. I also enjoy hearing other really good
singers and have enjoyed building some good friendships.

 What part does your faith play in your career?

My faith is a huge part of who I am, so it really affects every area of my life. I really
pray over choices I make, from song selection to the words I say and
especially how I treat my audience. As a Pastor I'm learning to
balance my music career with the responsibilities of the church. My
church has been very supportive of my music.

 You have a very unique sound, who are some of your influences? And is
there one artist you've been compared to?

Early influences in my life were certainly Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin and even
Eddie Arnold. I've added to that list now to include Toby Kieth,
Ronnie Dunn and Chris Young. Truthfully, I'm not sure who I'd be
compared to, I've read some reviews that compare me to Ronnie Dunn.

 Your album 'It's All Country' was just released a few months ago,
and people are really loving it! What do you think it is about the album
that sets it apart, and draws people in?

I really worked hard to find the right songs. I think each song tells a story that people can
relate to and say, "ya, I know what he's talking about."

 It seems like you're always going, what motivates you?

LOL- I have attention deficit disorder. I need to stay busy to keep my sanity.
Aside from that my family and faith really give me strength and
motivation.
 How do you stay so grounded in the face of all this praise?

I'd have to say that my faith is what really keeps my life in perspective.
I know it isn't my talent it is God's talent and He's chosen to use
me. I only hope to be a good steward of the talent He's blessed me
with.

 What would your advice be to everyone else looking to get
involved in music?

Listen to everyone, but stay true to who you are as an
artist. Work on your craft and get feedback from people who will be
honest with you and not just tell you what you want to hear. Put your
ego on hold learn from mistakes you make. Then have fun and stay with
it.

 Anything to say to the readers and fans, both old and new?

The main thing I want to say is Thank you! I truly feel blessed to have so
many people enjoying my music. 

Thank you for your time Doug! 

They'll be more interviews, more music and lots of exciting news coming up! Stay tuned!

----And the Beat Goes On.....