Music Interview with JC Internet Indie Radio Community Magazine
Natural Born Rockers
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA
JC Internet Indie Radio Community Magazine is proud to present our latest interview with Natural Born Rockers. With a sound that puts the band in a league of their own, Natural Born Rockers are making music that fans are rocking hard to these days. In this recent spotlight with Natural Born Rockers, we get to know more about the band and their hopes, dreams, and goals. Enjoy!
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
Natural Born Rockers: For the band, 2008 was a very important year in our careers. We made a lot of connections worldwide and made our name know outside of our country. As far as the music world goes, 2008 was a good year. We could listen to very good albums like Death Magnetic from Metallica and Black Ice from AC/DC . And on top of that, we could see what was the vision of Axl Rose on Guns N’ Roses and Chinese Democracy.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Natural Born Rockers: Definitely was gettin’ our record released in the US through Renaissance Records. We have known a lot of people and bands that we shouldn’t have known if we haven’t released the record in North America.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Natural Born Rockers: We don’t believe there’s a scene that we can relate here in Rio de Janeiro. But there is a couple of bands that people would say there are similar to us. What we can say is there’s a live and strong independent scene here that reaches all kinds of band; which is good and bad at the same time.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Natural Born Rockers: There were a few of them. We usually say that the venue doesn’t matter that much if the audience was into it. And that’s totally true. Although we had great gigs at good venues like Cultural Space at Vista Alegre and the classic independent venue here in Rio. Circo Voador. The sound was great, the band was perfect and the crowd was insane!!! We couldn’t ask for more.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Natural Born Rockers: Wow, this can go on forever! From the Beatles to Kings of Leon, every awesome band there was around through all these time. But we can name a couple for their longevity and success like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. We’d like to name Kiss too, but since there’s a different line up…
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Natural Born Rockers: We believe that we can bring back that Bad Ass Mother****in’ Rock that we miss so much these days . With the exception of 3 or 4 underestimated bands around we are not seeing much of these bands anymore. And we are eager to take this torch and crave it at the top of the mountain again. And what we can bring to the music industry, that freedom and craziness that Rock N’ Roll is in need so much these days.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Natural Born Rockers: This is another question that can go on forever!! But right now we think we can restrict it to songwriters and producers. For songwriting, we would like to work with Desmond Child, Izzy Stradlin, Rob Thomas and Dave Ghrol. There all great with an amazing melodic sense. As producers go, we really like to see how Will.I.Am would sound in a true Rock N’ Roll record. Bob Rock simply because the guy is a genius. Brendan O’ Brien and Rick Rubin because they are always make up to date records without losing the old feel.
Beto Gonzaga Lead Vocals
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Natural Born Rockers: With 4 simple words… BAD ASS MOTHER****IN’ ROCK!!!
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Natural Born Rockers: We are getting amazing feedbacks from everyone who listens the band. And that’s the best part of all this hard work we’ve doing for 7 years. Now it’s really starting to pay off. And in the end it’s what matters to us.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Natural Born Rockers: Fans can locate us at these sites:
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Natural Born Rockers: Can expect more shows. It’s something that we are looking on constantly. More than anything we want to establish ourselves as a real good live band. That’s what matter the most. More than this they can expect an unstoppable search for the best. It can be on record, as far as music videos goes or at live performances. Basically in everything. There’s something that we are not giving away for nothing or no one
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Natural Born Rockers: We take this space to thanks everyone who have been supporting us through all these time, our fans, our families, our girls. Thank you very much, with you this long and winding road has been so much easier that it has been. All the love for all of you.
Isaac: Final words…
Natural Born Rockers: Check us out at all the address above and give us your feedback. Live in Sex, Peace and Rock N’ Roll!!!
John Enghauser has crafted the perfect sound that mixes elements of Pop, Rock, Alternative, Country, and Acoustic that has a mass appeal. John recently spoke to our community about his music and what fans new and old can expect from the talented Singer/Songwriter.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
John: Making my latest CD and 5th release "Lost in the Pages". Probably my most personal effort ever.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
John: Performing all of the different jobs in recording a CD... Vocals, all instruments (save drums), arrangement, production, marketing.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.
John: San Francisco has some of the best venues in the country which attract great artists to visit us regularly. The local scene is a bit more organic than LA which is very pop driven. I feel more of a diversity here [in this area].
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
John: The Red Devil Lounge and Maggie McGarry's. Both draw a crowd and treat their bands well. There are still other venues that I've yet to play and would love to (i.e. The Fillmore and Great American Music Hall).
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influence in the music industry and why?
John: Too many to list, but here are a few... Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, early Genesis, Yes, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamiroquai, Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chilipeppers, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, Level 42, and Weather Report.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
John: I think a freshness. I write completely organically (i.e. without the aid of listening to other songs and copying ideas). Though obviously my ideas have to come from somewhere, I'm not conscious of where. I'm told I write very melodically which has become my trademark. I also put on a very high energy show and no two shows are the same. Lastly, I'm well rounded musically and have a long resume of business experience as well as relationship building.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
John: Tony Banks who is the keyboardist and contributing songwriter for Genesis. I think Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder come a very close second.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
John: ElectroAcoustic Groove Rock. I and others have a hard time categorizing it which I think is a good thing.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
John: Melodic, hooky, refreshing, smart, grooves well, great vocals, and great harmonies.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
John: More songs. I'm already working on my 6th release. Hopefully, live performances everywhere that I have fans. I'm also working on a publishing deal so you might hear my music in movies and/or performed by other artists.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fan…
John: Thanks to my family, friends and fans for all of your support. You know who you are! Also, a special thanks to my co-producer, Joerg Stoeffel in LA. I couldn't find anyone who's better to work with.
Isaac: Final words…
John: I think the 40 and over crowd is a forgotten demographic for new music. There are so many great artists out there that would appeal to them, but aren't being heard. I think that is about to change.
Sander Owen is an amazing Drummer, Singer, and Songwriter who recently spent some time speaking with JC Internet Radio about his passion to make music the only way he can; his way. Enjoy this spotlight.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for you as an artist?
Sander: Taken the fact that I've only lived in the US for a year and a half, I guess I have acquired a complete understanding of how the industry works here. A lot of the things I expected to be similar are not, and vica versa.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your location (LA).
Sander: In LA, you're pretty much labeled as a jerk until they've heard you play. First of all, I'm a drummer, and I've stopped networking. No point. Instead I just play. That's when they want my business card, website info, and phone number.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Sander: Establishing the true goals of my musical and personal life.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Sander: Sting has always been the big one. I just love his music. As far as drummers are concerned, Manu Katche, Omar Hakim, Jeff Porcaro, and some of the other "hotshots from the nineties" definitely rank pretty high.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Sander: More music I guess...
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Sander: Again, I would love to work with Sting.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Sander: Funky grooves with jazzy bass lines, original rock riffs, and a dark male voice...
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Sander: Few people know that I have played (not programmed) the drums and bass on my album on a keyboard. I didn't even use a metronome. I think people can "see where I'm going with it" more than seeing it as the holy grail of all albums.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Sander: I'm kind of a cheap ass when it comes to spending my time on MySpace and stuff, so I guess the best thing to do is to either join my email list, or check my website www.sanderowen.com for updates.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in 2009?
Sander: Mostly drumming, not so much work with my solo stuff.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Sander: Not really.
Isaac: Final words...
Sander: Thanks for your time, and keep up the good work!
John Karma of The Karma Parade recently spoke to JC Internet Radio about what it means to make music that matters. He shares with us his vision, his dreams, and why he feels The Karma Parade will bring something unique to the music industry. Enjoy!
Isaac: please take a moment to elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Karma: My stage name is John Karma derived from my belief in spirituality and how every action or path we take effects everything else. I was brought up to be creative but private in my writing styles. It took some time to share these thoughts with people.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Karma: John Lennon was the first that influenced me in songwriting; Kurt Cobain brought everything out of my soul to the outside.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Karma: Hope Sandoval, her style fits my own, mysterious and melancholy.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Karma: Noel Gallagher at this time, he is one classic rock jukebox, a plethora or influences shared with modern influence.
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Karma: Well without a doubt that would be Bouncing Baby Boy, this was written about my son John right before he went for open heart surgery at the age of one. I guess I hid in my music at that time and both worlds collided. It is about how outer forces affect our lives and the outcome of our future. This song will stand the test of time with him and is set up to be listened to throughout his life.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Karma: I have in my mp3 player right now, Duke Spirit, Foxboro Hot Tubs, Ryan Adams, MGMT, Kings of Leon.
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support and why should people get involved?
Karma: We are not involved in any charities at this time but my family gives to Make a Wish, Big Brothers Big Sisters, St Louis de Montforte Church, Cistic Fibrosis and the American Heart Association. Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Karma; I wrote a song called Truly Free that is on our EP. It was written a few days after 9/11. I grew up and live about fifty miles out of Manhattan, it hit all of us pretty hard, many people I knew had loved ones they lost. This song is more of a political song on how this was handled by the government and with a twist of a possibly conspiracy theory. This song is currently number 54 on the Living With War Today chart’s on Neil Young's website.
Isaac: What is the main reason why should people listen to your music?
Karma: Well, we wear our influences on our sleeves; it could catch you off guard and capture your heart. It's all heart really, we spent "One Hundred Days" on each song, hence the name of the EP.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Karma: I used to play some songs prior to the mixing stage. Earlier in the process it was a bit more exciting to share things at an early stage. After a perfect version is created, then you keep them close to your heart a bit more, and only band members will hear them.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Karma: Never.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Karma: No you don't have to be, but I find a solemn or sad soul to be most influential. I now find other things for inspiration, my family, politics, etc.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Karma: Mostly autobiographical.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Karma: Well, the lyrics are usually written way before the music. I have some written works that took years to set to music; others were processed in one evening.
Isaac: Where can folks locate you on the Internet?
Karma: We could be found on MySpace, Music (iLike) on Facebook, available for download on iTunes, EMusic, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, Aimee Street to name a few.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Karma: Stay persistent, and sober.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Karma; Shout out to My Gorgeous wife Suzanne, my kids Maria & John, The Bronzin's, The DeCarlo's, The Dexters, & the Band Parade, I could not have done any of this without you guys.
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Karma: Two new songs at the same time, different sound like everything else, much more harmonies. Should have a new EP done by early next year.
Check out a quick Q&A that JC Internet Radio completed with the band Eve’s Burden.
Isaac: please take a moment to elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Eve’s Burden: We are a unique group very diverse backgrounds ranging from Marching to Orchestra to Indy Rock.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Eve’s Burden: Hendrix!
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Eve’s Burden: Led Zeppelin!
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Eve’s Burden: None at this time.
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Eve’s Burden: Butterfly Net.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Eve’s Burden: Jewel, Creed, Matchbox 20, Dream Theater, and the Mars Volta
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support and why should people get involved?
Eve’s Burden: "Gangs to Jobs" helps keep kids off the streets check out the book by reverend Manashian
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Eve’s Burden: Violence.
Isaac: What is the main reason why should people listen to your music?
Eve’s Burden: To go up in consciousness.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Eve’s Burden: I’ll play it right out the gate to anyone who is in shouting distance.
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Eve’s Burden: It’s a big free for all.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Eve’s Burden: Yes and no.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Eve’s Burden: Consciousness is infinite; so yes.
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Eve’s Burden: .02 seconds.
Isaac: Where can folks locate you on the Internet?
