Talking Music, Life and Hitting the Road with Justin Ray White from Houston based punk rock band Turnaways*

LLTM: How did the band get its name and is there any special meaning behind it?

Justin: I’ve always been a fan of band names with “The” in front of it, like The Strokes*, The Clash*, ect. But then we dropped the “The” and kept it just “TURNAWAYS” because it looks better on shirts/stickers haha.

LLTM: Does being from Houston, have any effect on your sound in your music?

Justin: Being from Houston has no effect at all on our sound. We don’t sound like anyone here really. Especially the new stuff coming out, it’s basically expanding our sound from the previous EP’s that are out. There has been a few times where people thought we were from California! Crazy!

LLTM: If you could swap 1 of your band members for any other musician for 1 day, who would it be and why?

Justin: I’d throw Deryck from Sum 41 to sing/play guitar to take my place. Funny story, recently I bleached my hair and people are starting to say I resemble him haha!

LLTM: What type of advice would you give to a young a artist, who is willing to give  up everything just to be able to perform and attempt to get their name out there?

Justin: Get together with your friends, and just play live. House shows, parties, graduations, venues and talk to EVERYONE. Hang out after shows and talk to people, show up early and talk to people. Be friends with everyone!

LLTM: What is your favorite and least favorite part about being in the music industry?

Justin: Favorite part is everything, because to me music IS and heals everything. If you have no one, you will always have that. I guess the least favorite is booking tours. We don’t have a booking/tour manager, so it’s super hard to book out of town when no one knows who the hell you are. But I wouldn’t take any of it for granted!

LLTM: If you could create your own music festival, what would you name it and who would be in the line up?

Justin: Turnaways Fest, I’d put a big stage and a small stage. Big stage has Green Day*, Rancid*, Sum41*, and Blink 182*. The small stage would have Fidlar*, SWMRS*, and us haha! It’s Crazy I’m saying any of this!

LLTM: What has been the biggest moment in your career so far?

Justin: Biggest moment was playing with and meeting Fat Mike of the band NOFX*. He was super nice to all of us. Real, genuine, funny person, that I could talk to forever, and he has done a lot for the entire punk rock scene.

LLTM: Of all your songs, which one would you recommend that a newbie listen to?

Justin: Probably “I Wanna Be An Outsider” because that’s a song about not fitting in, in your town, and I think everyone’s been through something like that. Also I love “Surfin’ In My Mind” because it’s easy to listen to.

LLTM: Who’s been your biggest musical inspiration, and has it changed within the last 5 years?

Justin: My biggest inspiration is The Ramones*. That band got me into playing guitar and writing songs about love!

LLTM: Do you have any summer/fall tours coming up, if so which city are you most excited about?

Justin: We are touring most of Texas, then Oklahoma, Denver, and basically all of the west coast August 2nd- 2oth. It’ll be our 3rd tour ever and also our first tour we are playing at Gilman in Berkeley, that we are all excited about! We promote the shows on Instagram (Turnaways) and Facebook (Turnawaystx) for whoever wants to check it out!

LLTM: When can we expect a new album?

Justin: New album will be out definitely before we hit the road, and it’s honestly my favorite thing I’ve ever been involved in and wrote.

To check out Turnaways music visit http://www.turnaways.bandcamp.com

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine

 

Interview coming soon with Justin Ray White (vocalist/guitarist) from the Houston based punk rock band Turnaways so check out this song – “Green day girl” on YouTube

Daniel Cole, Drummer For Kansas City’s Very Own Pop/Rock Trio Run With It* Who Lives Life To The Beat Of His Own Drum.

      

 

 

LLTM: Who came up with the name “Run With It”, and is there a special meaning behind it?

Daniel: Miguel(vocalist) and Clint (guitarist) came up with the band name. It was after searching to find a name so many times, the comment was made let’s just pick a name and run with it. That ended up being the name that stuck, so no real special meaning behind it haha.

LLTM: How did you 3 guys meet prior to forming Run With It*?

Daniel: Well Run With It*, used  to be a 4 man band prior to the current drummer, but we can share that part of the story another time. Miguel and Clint were roommates in college. So they have been friends, later after college the two formed the band. After the first two members of the band were gone, Miguel and Clint had auditions for a new drummer. They found me through a mutual friend who suggested I try out and the rest is history.

LLTM: If there was one particular person that you wish you could perform for, who would it be and why?

Daniel: I believe we all agreed we’d like to perform for Michael  Jackson being that he’s a common big influence in each member.

LLTM: Looking back over your life from past to present, which song best describes you and some experiences you’ve been through?

Daniel: What song best describes us as a band is a challenging question to answer because life is so dynamic that one particular song doesn’t cover enough of what we’ve been through. I also can’t answer for the other members.

LLTM: What music icon do you think tremendously changed the music in ALL aspects?

Daniel: I don’t feel like one icon changed all music, I believe that there was more than one icon that had a tremendous change in all music, which would be people like Prince*, Bob Marley* and Michael Jackson* just to name a few.

LLTM: How special has it been to have your community of Kansas City be so supportive of you and your music?

Daniel: It’s actually really hard for an artist/group to get support from their hometown. So we feel really awesome to be winning people over gaining love and support, we won’t be going far without it.

LLTM: What one song should any newbie listen to first, to give them a feel of what Run With It* is all about?

Daniel: “The Weekend” has been our single, but our song “The Future” probably is closer to the vibe of our new project.

LLTM: Do you or any of the other members ever question if all your work is gonna pay off, and if so, how do you motivate yourself to keep going?

Daniel: I think if we are being honest, all of us in the band have our fears and doubt if things will work out, but our confidence in ourselves greatly over shadows the fear. We also have created a plan for success, so it motivates us to see we are progressing along the path we set out for ourselves.

LLTM: For the song “The Weekend” what would you say is the important message that some people might be missing?

Daniel: The message of “The Weekend” is- In a world that seems so broken and disposable, I was able to catch a glimpse of something that could actually last.

LLTM: How has touring been this year so far, and will you continue to tour this fall as well?

Daniel: Touring has been awesome, we did our first tour back in April from 13th to the end of the month going to the east coast and back. The hardest part is sitting in a car for a long period of time, but everything else has been a great experience. We will be touring in the fall starting towards the end of August going back to the east coast and one overseas show in Doha, Qatar.

LLTM: In what time frame can we expect a new album release?

Daniel: We will be dropping a new EP around early fall, we are super excited for the new sound and direction but that’s all we can say for now!

 

For more info on music, tour dates and more visit http://www.runwithitband.com

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine

 

Interview coming soon with Daniel Cole, the energetic drummer from Kansas City’s very own Run With It* Watch “Run With It “The Weekend” Official Music Video” on YouTube

Listen To Houston native Hip Hop artist Jay Neezy “Clones” on YouTube

Doing some real talk with Hip Hop artist and Houston native Jahmaiki Nisbeth aka Jay Neezy

 

 

LLTM: Where did the name Jay Neezy* originate from?

Jay Neezy: Jay Neezy* came from my real name Jahmaiki (Ja-Ma-Kai) Nisbeth,so what I did was I took my initials (JN) and basically shorten it into something creative.

LLTM: When writing music, do you base it on experiences, imagination or is it a combination of the two?

Jay Neezy: I usually tend to do both, I don’t really like to write fiction songs like what most do, so if you hear some personal stuff in my music just know it’s a true story haha.

LLTM: Do you think being from Houston gives you a certain sound that maybe certain artists don’t have?

Jay Neezy: For me, I’m influenced by many genres and many things you know? I didn’t grow up with Hip-Hop. When I was growing up all we ever listened to was dance hall; soca and reggae, but Houston does play a part.

LLTM: If you could work with any artist dead or alive for 1 day, who would it be and why?

Jay Neezy: Hands down Drake! He’s running things you know, he’s dope at what he does and what he makes and that’s why he stands out as an artist.

LLTM: Of all your songs you’ve written, which one are you most proud of?

Jay Neezy: I would most definitely have to say my song “Section”, it was my first song that ever hit 1 million plays and will be forever be grateful for that.

LLTM: Who are you a big fan of that might surprise your fans?

Jay Neezy: Chris Brown*, that’s my favorite artist hands down.

LLTM: Do you ever find yourself fighting self-doubt and if so, how do you overcome it?

Jay Neezy: I do occasionally, I’m human. The best thing I can say is to do to overcome it is… don’t lose yourself in your thoughts, when you feel as if though you’re being pulled down, that’s the moment you need to pull yourself out.

LLTM: What artist or artists, would you say you sound most similar to?

Jay Neezy: Well it really depends on the song, but the artist that people say I sound like is Bryson Tiller*, Kid Ink*, and Chris Brown*.

LLTM: Do you have any shows planned this summer or fall?

Jay Neezy: Haha, I wish I did but my management is working something.

LLTM: Any news or expected release date that you can share about your new upcoming album?

Jay Neezy: No release date yet, but I do have an album called “Condolences” coming soon, but for that I’m going to drop a mixtape that will lead up to the album.

To check out Jay Neezy’s music on soundcloud it’s Jay_Neezy and go follow him on Twitter @Jahmaiki

 

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine

 

 

Getting To Know The Imagination of A.J. Garces from My Cardboard Rocket*

LLTM: Where did the name My Cardboard Rocket* come from?

A.J: So, My Cardboard Rocket is the nickname I have for my imagination. As a kid I remember building rocket ships out of cardboard in the back yard with my friends and cousins, when I decided to pursue a solo career I knew all of my music would come from “My Cardboard Rocket”.

LLTM: How did My Cardboard Rocket form?

A.J: I started writing music on my own towards the end of my time with the band “Not So Lucky”. I was just unhappy being a part of a group. After a long tour with We The Kings* in 2013, touring as a member of the pop outfit, “Keep It Cute”, I decided I would go full-time as a solo artist.

LLTM: For comparison of sound, who would you say you sound similar to?

A.J: I get compared to The Ready Set* and Owl City* all the time. I can hear a bit of both, I personally think I sound kind of like Metro Station*esc? I don’t know that’s a tough one.

LLTM: What do you hope people learn about you through your music?

A.J: I mostly want people to learn that I am not trying to force a message down people’s throats. I am all about fun experiences and I hope that’s what people take away from listening to my songs.

LLTM: When was the defining moment in your life, when you knew that you were supposed to make music?

A.J: The first day of tour with We The Kings*. We had already played our set and a few hours later, the Kings took stage and struck the opening chords to “Skyway Avenue”. I just remember getting this intense feeling of elation that I was once a kid in middle school listening to this band, now I am opening for them on tour. At that moment everything became real and my goals were locked into place.

LLTM: What song lyric has the most meaning to you?

A.J: Of mine? The first song I wrote off my debut EP, “The Positive & Negative”, was called “Gold Watch”. The chorus lyrics go, I’m gunna have a gold watch someday, gunna let it hang like a gold chain, I’m gunna see my name up in lights, so light up my gold watch.” These lyrics will always mean something to me because they were my cry for success. As far as lyrics from other artists, I would have to say “Swim” by: Jack’s Mannequin* changed my life. Andrew McMahon I can honestly say saved My Cardboard Rocket. There was a period of time where I didn’t know if this was right for me… “You gotta swim, don’t let yourself sink, just find the horizon I promise you it’s not as far as you think.”

LLTM: How is the chemistry different in MY Cardboard Rocket* versus other bands you’ve been part of?

A.J: I think the beautiful thing about this “band” is the chemistry is between me, myself, and I. With a band you have such a difference in opinion sometimes, with me being the heart of my own music I make all the executive decisions. I do have a live band though, we work together because we share the same idea that it’s just about having a good time up there.

LLTM: Has your musical inspiration stayed the same or has it changed in the last 5-10 years?

A.J: Oh gosh, I used to write a lot of tunes like Boys Like Girls*, The Maine*, you know 2007 pop rock. My most recent material has influences from artists like Phil Collins*, Prince*, Journey*, and Huey Lewis and The News*, so I think it has kind of morphed a bit. I have always been a fan of classic music.

LLTM: If you were able to give an award to the best male and female vocalist of all time, who would it be and why?

A.J: Male, I would give the award to Freddie Mercury*. He was such a iconic voice and the best showmen to ever take the stage. Female, wow that’s a hard one. It would be a toss-up between Karen Carpenter* and Aretha Franklin*. They are both so dear to my heart, Aretha with her passion, and Karen could just paint beautiful pictures with her voice.

LLTM: Are you planning on any summer tours this year?

A.J: No summer tours for me, I am preparing for a big fall release, so my summer is going to be relatively quiet.

LLTM: When can your fans expect an album release?

A.J: I think I may try to tackle a full length in late 2017. I have a few more things I need to accomplish before then.

If you want more info on A.J. or My Cardboard Rocket* visit http://www.mycardboardrocket.com

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine

 

 

Watch “My Cardboard Rocket- Losing Control (OFFICAL VIDEO)” on YouTube/ Interview Coming Soon ☺

Music For The Healing

I felt like I needed to write something about the midst of what has been happening over the last couple of days in Orlando. First of all my thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims, their families and the witnesses, their lives have forever been changed!  I always say music saved my life, but unfortunately music was playing when these innocent souls lost theirs. 😦  They were having the time of their lives until it was cut way to short due to HATE! But I still believe in my heart and soul that music can and will eventually heal and repair some of the sorrow that these victims and their families have endured. Whether you like music for the messages in the lyrics or just the feeling that music in general gives you, find a song and let it move you in a way you didn’t know was possible. If your not sure what to listen to, either search out for musicians with positive messages, like one of my favorites American Authors* or listen to the favorite music of the person your trying to honor. Please remember we can’t let HATE win and we can’t fear life! We are all here for a reason, but if we could show the world as much or better yet, more love and respect, compared to the amount of hate we witness everyday, our world would be a much better place!!! Be kind, crack a smile and make someone’s day, because it will make yours too…

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine

“Crazy” Talk with Robby Creasey from Farewell, My Love*

LLTM: Where did the name “Farewell, My Love” come from?

Robby: The concept of the name was created with the idea of letting go of things in your life that may be toxic or harmful to you. Sometimes they can be things that you love dearly or things that are an unhealthy obsession. Either way, we all need to move forward in life and look towards the future.

LLTM: Who is your biggest musical inspiration today compared to 5-10 years ago?

Robby: Five to ten years ago I’d say my biggest influence was Metallica*. That band singlehandedly inspired me to pick up a guitar. I wanted to be just like James Hetfield*. Currently I get a lot more inspiration from personal events, movies, or social situations. Songs come to me more naturally when I’m trying to express my personal feelings and stories.

LLTM: If you could trade in something to be someone else for the day, what would you trade and who would you be?

Robby: I would probably trade my cell phone to be Hans Zimmer for a day. It would give me a great excuse to not have to take calls and check social media for awhile. Plus I would get to see what it’s like to be my favorite movie score composer, which is another profession that I’m extremely intrigued by.

LLTM: If you had 1 word to describe your music to entice someone to listen for the 1st time what word would you use?

Robby: Theatrical

LLTM: Of all the guys ( Chad Kowal, Charlee Conley, and London Mckuffey and including yourself) who has the most annoying habits?

Robby: That’s a tough one, I’d say we’re all pretty equal with our annoying habits. But because we are all best friends, I think we have learned to embrace each other’s habits and make jokes out of them rather than let them annoy us.

LLTM: If there was a song that you could claim as your own what song would it be and why?

Robby: The song “A Little Piece of Heaven” by Avenged Sevenfold* played a huge role in the creatioof our band. I see that song as a modern day “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which is another song that has been a major part in my musical molding as a writer.

LLTM: What song or artist would you keep on replay if you could?

Robby: I would probably keep the entire discography of The Rolling Stones* on replay because throughout their records, they touch on every style, vibe, and genre of classic music. It would be impossible for it to get old because every album is so different from the last.

LLTM: What song best describes you?

Robby: “Another Travelin’ Song” by Bright Eyes* is a song that I’ve connected with a lot since the first time I heard it. I can relate to the situations it touches on concerning life on the road, anxiety about the world and future, and different mentally and emotionally exhausting experiences that come with being a songwriter.

LLTM: What are your top 3 things on your bucket list that you haven’t completed yet?

Robby: Skydiving, going to space, and headlining Rock am Ring music festival in Germany.

LLTM: When can we expect a new album from Farewell, My Love”

Robby: I can’t talk too much about the new record, but I think it would be appropriate to be on the lookout this summer.

 

For more info on music/upcoming tour dates visit http://www.fmlofficial.com

Leave a comment after reading this interview and watching their new music video for “Crazy” that I also posted, to be entered to win a free Farewell, My Love* Shirt 🙂 Winner will be chosen June 18th😀

Peace, Love and Music

Hope Romine