A manager that consistently sends me quality artists, emailed me a few weeks ago about a rare “find”, that I had to read about right away. This one contact always sends me great talent, so I’m eager to open his emails, since the artist he’s bringing me will surely be one of those that I should be watching.  I get emails stressing how someone should be “watched” or a rare “find” all the time - it’s buzz words that PR agents use to get writer’s attention. Some times they’re right, some times they’re exaggerating but with this particular agent, he doesn’t throw it around often. So, “Okay, I’ll bite. Let’s see what we have here.” Then, I open the email, and start reading. Next thing I know, my jaw hits my keyboard—hard. This artist was a rather rare find indeed. I use the term “find” loosely, since at only 31, Ruslan Sirota, an award winning pianist and composer, has been discovered for a very long time. A long time?... At only 31? Yes, Ruslan, like many musical geniuses before him was identified at a young age to have talent that surpassed those around him.

Ruslan is not like the artists I am pitched every week. There was no, “After playing dive bars in New York…” Or, “While working the coffee house scene in LA…”. Ruslan was different, and in a good way. Yes, he is where he is today from doing his “time” like every other artist but it’s how he did that time, where he came from and how he got here, that makes him stand out. After all, it’s not every day I get an email about a music phenom, that went from a humble upbringing in the Ukraine, growing up in Israel, receiving a scholarship to a premier music university, to travelling the world playing with some of the biggest names in jazz as well as pop music, and oh yeah, even racking up a Grammy in 2011.  Ruslan knows that his story is not an everyday tale and he it’s that mindset that has allowed him to soak up all he experiences his background offered.

“I’m a cultural mutt,” Ruslan says sarcastically when describing his background. “I’ve spent large parts of my life in cultures radically different from one another.” Born in Uman, which is now within the Ukraine, Ruslan’s family is rich in its musical roots.  Both of his grandfathers learned and played by ear, which gave way to his father becoming a professional musician in the Ukraine.  However, even though his family shared their love for music with Ruslan, it was a lot harder for him to capture the sounds of music outside of his own house, due to the state of affairs under the then Soviet Union. “In my early childhood in USSR (at the time) it was very difficult to get a hold of American, British or any other Non Soviet music. It was only sold on the black market and musicians like my dad would hunt it down and buy it for amounts of money that would constitute half of their monthly salary. And then make copies of copies of copies of these forbidden records.”

Ruslan stresses that his father’s passion for music, fueled his father to instill music of the world into Ruslan’s life, despite those restraints that were put on him. “I remember my dad spinning a Beatles vinyl at home. It was almost ritualistic. I grew up hearing that and hearing my dad’s band play every week.  It was so special!  I can only wish to preserve the level of excitement for music I experienced in those years (so far so good). Every rehearsal of my dad’s band was a real important event for me! I was just so into it!”

There would be many other important events in Ruslan’s life, starting with a move away from the Ukraine at the age of ten. His family fled to Israel, where his musical studies continued, however it was at age 17 when Ruslan would make his way to the States after a prized scholarship to the Berklee School of Music, with personal assistance from legendary vibraphonist Gary Burton. And this is the part of Ruslan’s story that seems to have the “Wow Factor”. After all, here you have a child whose father had to save up his earnings to buy bottom-of-the-barrel-quality black market records to now sitting in the classroom of one of the most prestigious music institutions on the planet. Come on, say it with me, “WOW!”

After graduation in 2003, Ruslan began playing with the most prolific and legendary names in Jazz and writing material for Stanley Clarke’s The Toys of Men on the track “Jerusalem”. As well, his talents earned him touring gigs around the world with Dennis Chambers, Marcus Miller, Seal and Brian McKnight. And in 2011, he reached the pinnacle of success in the music industry when he won a Grammy in 2011. Again… WOW! Here is a video of his acceptance speech at the Grammys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0CCqgUKP0

Ruslan’s latest work, a self-titled album is an eye opening look into his heart and mind, that even he is unsure where this journey will lead him next. I asked him about this work, and what makes it different – from other albums he’s worked on, other artists he’s worked with and his answer is rather, well I can only call it, Ruslanian. “Do you know how first dates go? There are two kinds of people on first dates; ones that slowly and cautiously open themselves up, afraid to overwhelm or scare the other person. And then there are those who just let themselves be fully themselves from the get go. The “Love it or leave it” kind of deal.  I’m somewhat like that with my music. This is my first album and I simply made a point of allowing myself full self expression. Allowing all of my experiences and emotions take shape in the form of music.”

His path to his point is picturesque but his more direct response is equally profound.  “What can you expect from this record? Honesty.  And expect to find yourself somewhere in it, you probably will.”

Honesty is the best way I can describe Ruslan as well. If you put the “tale” behind you, if you shelve the Grammy and forget where he came from, it ultimately comes down to the music. It was music that was handed down to Ruslan like a family heirloom. It was music that was smuggled into his house at time when the world around him was not allowing him to venture out his front door. And ultimately it’s his honesty of staying true to where he came from, that has mad Ruslan a leader in today’s music. “My music is just a pallet of emotions, like I am. Transmitting directly from one’s emotions and experiences is the way to go.”

For more information on great artists, follow me on Twitter @RichieFrieman

I’m at a loss about where to start when it comes to Meital Dohan. I mean, I’ve rewrote this line ten times already, and I can only think of,
“I’m at a loss about where to start…” Odd, I know but let me say that rarely do you get to interview a person with such an impressive record of success that it’s hard to put only one label on them.  With Dohan, this is the case. You’ve heard of the triple threat when it comes to entertainers but Dohan is more like the secret weapon—more of the Renaissance Woman feel than your “typical” celebrity.  It’s this reason that Dohan is known across the globe for not only her incredible beauty and poise, but her amazing gift to well, pretty much excel in every genre she dips her toe into.

“Let’s just say it’ll be something people won’t forget.” This is how Meital Dohan describes her live performances. It’s this confidence, swagger and pride that has taken the Israeli born (and raised), Oscar and Emmy nominated, Tony award winning actress, writer and world renowned singer to become of today’s biggest stars.  Whew, that was a mouthful! Although, Israel has known Dohan’s face for years, American audiences were first captivated by her with American debut as the sexy rabbinical scholar Yael Hoffman, in the Showtime original television series “Weeds” and as “Aurora” in the Sony Pictures comedy “Woke Up Dead”. Once you watch Dohan, it’s hard to imagine her not being on stage or in front of a microphone, but this artist admits there are times when she wasn’t too sure “entertainer” would be her job title. She talks about show shy she was as a child and describes life as “a wild creature”. “Maybe I would have been fishing or teaching diving in Costa Rica,” Dohan says when asked about other career paths, however, music is a calling and she answered with open arms.

Now, Dohan is bringing her talents back to the states with her upcoming album “I’m In Hate With Love” a heart pounding, yet sultry pop album that has a bit of everything you hope for but don’t expect, from today’s artists.  “As you know the cliché is that there needs to be a little bit of heartbreak to create good music. I guess it won’t be a lie to say that’s where I was.”

From heartbreaking songs to those that make you want to run out and dance until the sun rises, Dohan finds her music as a passion project, a discovery and a method that has allowed her to reach down deep into areas of her mind, that has been waiting a lifetime to get out.  “I think music came into my life in an unexpected way. It’s all about the people you meet and the energy around you. I’ve met people who really believed in my music and I felt it too, so that’s why it’s going in this direction right now.”

For more information on Meital Dohan, check out: http://www.MeitalDohan.com
As well for the latest in all the best music interviews, check out http://www.PensEyeView.com and http://www.RichieFrieman.com

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to speak with New York based artist Ari Hest, a voice that has become legendary in the modern singer/songwriter world.  If you’re not familiar with what the “modern singer/songwriter world” is, then turn off MTV, ignore anything with auto-tune attached to the vocals and listen to artists like, Ray LaMontagne, Donavon Frankenreiter, Brett Dennen, Trevor Hall, Amos Lee, Paolo Nutini and of course, Ari Hest.  If artists like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor are the roots of the singer/songwriter, these artists are an eclectic array of branches with vibrant leaves - a different color and pattern on each. 

I don’t want to say that Hest is leading the pack, because the category of artist Hest falls into has no leader – it can’t. This group prefers rather to work as one, sharing the same mantra of “let the music speak for itself”. They dispose of any “formula” and can’t stand to be a carbon copy. In fact, it was Hest that said no to “formulas”, “boxes” and any other form of ideologies that large labels like to place musicians into. I asked Hest what it was like being on a big label versus doing his own thing -  he admits to feeling achievement for signing at the age of 23, however he explains, “I didn’t know myself that well, and I wasn’t creating stuff that was coming from a real place. I think I’m in a much better position now to do what I like.”

What’s that position you ask? Well, it’s best shown in a series of incredibly poetic albums such as “Twelve Mondays”, the result of Hest’s “52 Project” where every week for a year, Hest wrote, recorded and released a tune to his eager subscribers. The project culminated in a year-end vote for the 12 best songs to be reworked and digitally released on “Twelve Mondays”  (NOTE: I highly encourage everyone to listen to the song “Cranberry Lake” - it will blow you away!). Most recently, Hest released his finest work to date - the heavily praised “Sunset Over Hope Street”. 

“Sunset Over Hope Street” is a collection of Hest’s storytelling at its best and most affectionate. With “52 Project”, “Twelve Mondays” and of course “Sunset Over Hope Street” Hest has proven he’s more than capable of formulating his own songs to create something that fans haven’t heard before. “You know I did it because I wanted to see if I could do it. I did it because I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I was on a big label like Columbia. They were not willing to do any new concepts and they were not willing to do something like that. They do things a certain way and you can’t really argue with it. When I got off in ’07, I knew I wanted to try something crazy and reinvent myself and see where it takes me.  And I was really into it and I just throughout the year I kept a really good mentality about it. There were a couple of weeks where I struggled, but I got through it. I think on a personal level it was good to work that hard and I think a lot of good things came from that.”

And even though Hest’s self confidence allowed him to go out on his own, he jokes that his first live appearance (during a high school Battle of The Bands) was a disaster, spending the entire show with his eyes closed and looking down at his guitar. Whereas the winner (an Axel Rose impersonator who was also the Math teacher) ended up stealing the show. “I couldn’t compete with that,” Hest laughs. Now though, when Hest takes the stage, the nerves disappear.

“It’s more of a thankfulness that I get to do what I’m doing. I’ve kind of taken it all in and know that I’m a performer and know that I’m a writer and know that this is what I want to do. Depending on the show, there may be some jitters but once you get out there, it all makes sense.”

Simply put – where Hest is now, despite any thinking that leaving the “big labels” behind was crazy, makes sense. It takes a real artist to not only believe in themselves but to prove to others they are capable. In the end, telling someone you can do something is only part of it - you have to deliver. And whether it takes 52 weeks, Twelve Mondays or a Sunset Over Hope Street, no one can deny the magic and power of the modern singer/songwriter.

For more information on Ari Hest and to check out “Sunset Over Hope Street” check out www.AriHest.com
And for the latest in all things music, check out www.PensEyeView.com

Having music around me nearly 24/7 (including the Wiggles, via my two and half year old daughter), I sometimes get in a zone where sounds start to run together; voices seem the same, beats seem repetitive and I need to constantly switch from artist to artist in order to keep going. Then an email about Mikey Wax was sent to me, and after visiting his site, I just knew I hit something pure and original. I had his songs on loop for the rest of the day and not once did I get distracted – Wax had my undivided attention.

I’m not the only one either – Wax is receiving a LOT of attention these days. For starters, his debut 2008 release, “Change Again” rose to #46 on the Top 100 iTunes Pop chart in US, UK, Canada and Australia. That was right out of the gate! Not many people can claim that much credibility on their first attempt! Wax says, “’Change Again’ is my baby. I spent nearly two years recording that album. ’Change Again’ is everything I wanted to be but couldn’t fully attain at the place I was in as a musician and person.”  It was “Change Again” that best illustrated what was instilled in Wax at a very young age, back when Wax was already building his repertoire of pop and rock music standards.

Growing up on Long Island, Wax says, “I played the piano, and it was pretty much standard to know every Billy Joel song. I knew all the Beatles songs by the time I was ten, which I owe a thank you to my older brother Evan for constantly playing around the house.” It took a little while for Wax to find his niche in the industry, but in college he found his place and purpose for music. “The first time I remember thinking I was onto something was when I wrote ‘Last Great Song’ as a freshman in college, and all my friends in the dorm kept requesting to hear the song. It was a real song, with people singing the lyrics back to me. It let me know that I could potentially write songs that lots of people would want to hear. As far as my overall career, I saw a big jump when the music video for my song ’In Case I Go Again’ was featured on the homepage of YouTube last summer getting almost half a million hits in a week.”

The experience and confidence Wax gained from “Change Again” allowed “The Traveler” – his latest release – to develop into something much more powerful than he ever anticipated. “‘The Traveler’ was an idea I had to record six songs I wrote where the lyrics contained different places and concepts/stories behind those destinations. I think in the record I supposedly traveled to California, Israel, Berlin, Peru, Alabama, and maybe one or two more…oh and the moon,” Wax kids. “At the time, only Alabama was true, but I guess the EP was more about wanting to live, learn more, see more, feeling both independent and grown up.”

Wax goes on to say that like most true artists, inspiration for his sound can arrive out of nowhere, something reflected on “The Traveler”. “The inspiration came from my first real year of touring and being on the road…all the faces I had met, and people I had the chance to play for. I really wanted to make an album that had more of a 70’s singer/songwriter style, and I think I captured that best in the song “Birmingham”.

Inspiration for this young artist has kept him busy. Even as “The Traveler” is being pushed out right now, Wax has no plans of slowing down. He’s currently working on his second full length album with producer Warren Huart who has previously worked with The Fray and Augustana.  “I want my next record to build upon what I’ve done so far by adding a little more pop and up-tempo songs, and I think Warren and I are going to make an awesome album together!”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in covering music, the real ones are the ones that do it because they can’t imagine not doing it. A true musician accepts their calling and uses that voice as fuel to create something memorable. There’s a passion, a drive involved that other art forms seem to come up short. I think Wax says it best, “I’d like to hope my shows make you feel something inside, even if I’m not perfect, I hope that passion shines through.”

For more information visit www.MikeyWax.com

When I was thinking about my next feature, I went down the list of musicians I knew that everyone would enjoy. Then as I was looking on http://www.PensEyeView.com for further inspiration, I remembered two individuals I knew everyone would get a real kick out of. Although not musicians, together their harmonious ability to create some of the funniest material online today, has become something I couldn’t wait to tell my readers. After all, millions of viewers on line have fallen in love with – and been busted at work for watching – Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld, the duo that makes up the hit webseries, JakeAndAmir.com of CollegeHumor.com fame.  Jake and Amir are coworkers as well as “best friends who share everything!” (says Amir, that is) who became an instant hit when they started airing clips of their daily work life back in 2006.

I was fortunate enough to land an interview with the budding duo back in 2007 on http://www.PensEyeView.com and even hold the title as being their first taste of press. Since then of course, many have flocked to them for their ingenious banter and quotes about their everyday lives together.  Millions of people have been enamored by their chemistry; Jake playing the cool guy and Amir the annoying friend, obsessed with anything Jake happens to find interesting.

JakeAndAmir.com, show the two separated by only computers backed up to one another, in a Seinfeld-esque style, discussing seemingly ordinary topics. Then filming interactions between two coworkers, such as music, clothes, an office tour and my all time favorite, when Amir surprises Jake at his parent’s house, for the weekend – hilarious!

Amir who majored in business at UC Berkeley always dreamed of a career in comedy and once an offer from CollegeHumor.com came along he didn’t think twice. Same goes for Jake, who was more than happy to land at CollegeHumor.com. Jake describes their meeting as purely happenstance, “We met in September of 2006. We didn’t really have any idea we would “work” on anything like this together. But when we moved offices Amir and I had new desks that were directly across from each other. We started joking around all day and then we just decided to film it.”

“Video it.” Amir adds.

“Same thing,” Jake corrects.

“Not really,” Amir adds.

“Next question,” Jake says, as usuall feeling it necessary to make up for Amir’s eagerness and confusion.

With such constant material being developed, I wondered if maybe people get wrapped up in the “TV” Jake and Amir versus the real life people. “I actually have gotten e-mails asking if this is what Amir is really like,” Jake tells me. Adding, “We pretty much play our characters nonstop in every conversation we have, so the videos are more or less real life.”

Amir is quick to point out though that fame does however have its drawbacks, “I think some people think I’m a huge loser. People have said that to me… they haven’t even seen JakeAndAmir.com either. Pretty weird.” Don’t worry Amir, I love you and so do millions – don’t listen to the haters.

The duo’s creative sense of humor helped convince MTV into airing “The College Humor Show” – a series based on all the staff members at CollegeHumor.com.  As well, Amir’s deadpan humor landed him another gig alongside CollegeHumor.com writer, Streeter Siedell as hosts of the hit series (in its second season) “Pranked”, commentating about videos of wild pranks online.

The other day I was able to catch up with Jake to see what the boys are up to now. “Our videos are getting close to a half a million hits per week, and we’ve been going to colleges all around the country and performing live. It’s getting tougher to come up with new ideas, but we’re still having a lot of fun.”  Needless to say I wasn’t surprised to hear they are still going strong.

For more information on Jake and Amir, check out www.JakeAndAmir.com and www.CollegeHumor.com

As well, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @RichieFrieman and @PensEyeView

With nearly one thousand interviews we’ve conducted on PensEyeView.com, I have asked each artist their opinion of life out on the road as a professional musician.  Knowing that road life can be both a grueling and enjoyable aspect for them, it’s always interesting to hear what they have to say. And in all my interviews, they either love road life or view it as simply the mechanism for getting their music out there. Even despite the way in which they travel – the high rolling jets to the low level vans with 200,000 plus miles on them – it’s always a mixed bag of emotions when I ask what it’s like living their dream out on the road. Then I get a band like Oregon born, Blind Pilot, who has decided that life on the road should be as challenging as humanly possible – from an outsider’s view at least.

In the days where large SUVs are being replaced by fuel efficient cars, Blind Pilot decided to fight global warming head on by… wait for it… biking down the west coast! That’s right – no trains, planes or automobiles for this band, it’s just them on bicycles, pulling along their gear. Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski, the duo that started Blind Pilot, took their first bike tour from Canada to Mexico… I repeat, Canada to Mexico, where Israel’s 6’1” frame dropped twenty pounds by the time they reached Eugene, Oregon. Just visualizing the map, you can realize at only Eugene, he still had a very long, loooooooong way to go. Talk about a true road warrior.

Israel told me, “There was one point when we almost bailed. We were both feeling like this was an insane thing to do and nothing was working like we hoped it would. That was up in Northern Washington (state). The bike trip was Ryan’s idea to start so it’s ironic that it was my stubborn nature that won out for us to keep going a bit further. But, things just got better and better as the trip went on. By the last weeks, we were just ‘in it’.”

With the confidence of knowing his decision to keep going was something that would alter his life forever, Israel adds, “There’s never been a time in my life when my path was so clearly laid out in front of me. I don’t mean for that to be a pun. It was hard work physically, but in another sense it was easier than trying to deal with daily distractions of my normal life.”

Having grown up in Gearhart, Oregon, Israel immersed himself in everything from The Grateful Dead to west coast artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog. Over the years, Israel’s love for music eventually led to the realization that this was something much more than a hobby.  “For a long time I was waiting for that day to come to me - I was hoping for it. But then at one point I just decided that it’s who I am and it’s what I’m going to do and that beyond that success is relative.” The day where Israel realized his life was meant to be on stage was just the kick start he needed to propel him and Blind Pilot to the top of the intense northwest music scene.  Faster than most, Blind Pilot went from “gigging” from bar to bar, to sharing the stage with major industry acts, to headlining their own tour.

Despite Israel’s humbleness to elaborate on the tremendous success Blind Pilot truly has had over the years, the band has not only expanded their sound, but they even picked up some extra bodies along the way. What initially started (when I met them) as a duo of Israel and Dobrowski, the group now includes Kati Claborn on banjo and dulcimer, Luke Ydstie on upright bass, Dave Jorgensen on trumpet and harmonium, and Ian Krist on vibraphone.

Currently, Blind Pilot is on a fall tour in support of their full-length debut album, “3 Rounds and a Sound”, which has earned them coverage on national radio (NPR’s “Morning Edition”, “All Songs Considered”), and television (“Last Call with Carson Daly”), even receiving heavy approval from such media outlets as USA Today, the Boston Globe, the New York Post and Wired Magazine (to name a few). Even the single, “Go On, Say It” was chosen as the “Single of the Week” on iTunes.

“3 Rounds and a Sound” speaks with much more optimism for Blind Pilot than ever before.  Blind Pilot is and always has been about the music and the lyrics. “3 Rounds and a Sound” is proof of that.  “As it formed, we knew we’d made something good and what we were trying for. For that, we were just beside ourselves with giddiness… I think we’re making music that is inclusive; that anybody could be a part of if they want.”

If you aren’t lucky enough to catch Blind Pilot this fall, than please grab a copy of “3 Rounds and a Sound” to check out what all the buzz is about. But if you are lucky enough, treat these guys to some pasta or something – chances are they will be carb loading for their next big ride.

For more information on Blind Pilot, check out http://www.blindpilotmusic.com . As well, always check back at www.PensEyeView.com to check out more great artists each day. If you are a band out there that thinks you would make for a great feature, drop me a line at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If there is one thing you can learn about me from my articles, it’s that I am a BIG fan of chasing your dreams. I love the pursuit, I love the hunt and I love it even more when it all works out.  In my beautiful tenure with PensEyeView.com, I’ve had the incredibly fortunate opportunity to come across some rare artists with amazing stories. And just when I think I’ve heard the greatest story behind how someone “became” a musician, another one extraordinary story pops up.  I’m not complaining – this fact makes my life as a writer that much more fun and enjoyable. However, with Bob Pressner, I’m so overwhelmed with his stories, that I don’t know where to start. So, when in doubt, just jump right in head first.

Let’s start back to when Pressner was just beginning his career and the first time Pressner realized he was onto something. It wasn’t congrats from his family or encouragement from a record label – all of which happened –but rather as Pressner told me, “I guess hanging out with the beat poets, when Allen Ginsberg told me I would be the next Dylan.” Wowzah! To be honest with you, I’d take that compliment over any top executive telling me, “Kid, you’re going to be a star.” But that was only the beginning.

Even though Pressner found success in the music industry playing regularly and sharing stages with top acts, he still juggled real life responsibilities with the love for the road. Then, back in 1993, while working as a commodities trader, Pressner’s life was shaken by the (first) bombing of the World Trade Center. Pressner says that after that moment he couldn’t go back to sleep; it forever changed his life.

It was that moment that made Pressner realize the dream of living his life as a musician was something he could no longer give secondhand time to anymore. He ditched the cushy confines of Wall Street and picked up his guitar, never looking back. One of the results of this decision is his latest work, “Honor Among Thieves”.  The inspiration for “Honor Among Thieves”? Pressner says, “Living an inspired and interesting life gives me the best ideas.”

In Pressner’s own words, he describes his sound as, “A combination of driving rock and beautiful ballads, diversity, complexity, beauty, spirituality, raw emotion. That is what I strive to convey in my sound and in my songs – to be real yet to make people wonder.” And I for one am wondering – and anticipating – what he will think of next.

For more information on Bob Pressner, check out my article with him on www.PensEyeView.com.

“This is the only life I know how to live,” says 27 year old, Zack Borer when asked if he always knew music would be his career one day. It’s an honest answer from an overwhelming grateful singer-songwriter, who is being compared to everyone from O.A.R. to Kings of Leon. As if such high comparisons aren’t praise enough, Borer’s talents have landed him on the same stage with the likes of Jason Mraz and even Dave Matthews – someone who Borer credits with helping shape his own musical styling. “Dave kind of revolutionized the way music was written on the acoustic guitar,” says Borer. So yes, compliments are nice to hear, but Borer hasn’t let those honors steer him in a direction of “the follower”. Very simply, Borer has etched his spot in emerging music hierarchy - a front-runner in the thick and competitive New York City music scene, which has been the springboard needed to send him across the country attracting fans in every city he lands.

Although the Canadian-born Borer carries a certain credibility with him now, his rise to the upper echelon of the singer-songwriter world was hardly an overnight endeavor. “The beginning years were developmental for me.  I was trying to find my ‘voice’ as an artist,” Borer recalls. Well, it appears that developmental time has paid off. After being named a Top 5 finalist in the MTV VMA’s “Best Breakout Artist in NYC” competition, Borer went from being the up and comer to the “now and established” – largely due to his explosive live performances. “I try to throw a party every time I perform, and I just want people to have fun.”

Fusing pop, rock and funk into a wild display of guitar mastering, Borer has made it his mission to conquer every stage he steps onto. “Once I get the sound right on stage for me, it is all about connecting with the music and making people believe that what I am singing is honest and true.  I think if I can convey that, then I am in good shape.”

His words echo his own character, which go far beyond wanting to just entertain his fans. Borer has decided to use his live shows as his own personal soapbox, becoming an official Lifebeat “Hearts & Voices” artist in 2009 and one of the main artists performing for HIV-positive patients all over the city. Borer also took his influence even farther - and global - with the “Movember” campaign, donating proceeds from his shows during the month of November.

If honest and true is what Borer is aiming for, he nailed with his new EP titled “Dollars Spent on Nothing”, which Borer refers to as “a snap-shot of where I am as a writer and performer.” I like to think that the title “Dollars Spent on Nothing” derives from Borer’s selfless personality and sharp sense of humor. It’s evident that although there may have not been many dollars in the beginning, Borer is surely reaping the benefits of time spent on his crafting his sound.  “Song ideas are a very difficult thing for me to explain or understand.  They come from nowhere and at the strangest times. If I ‘try’ to sit down and write, I come up with garbage, so I have learned to let the song come to me.”

Borer is one of the few gifted musicians who understand that just allowing music to come to you is only a small part of the deal. Music calls on everyone - it’s just a matter of who answers when inspiration rings. Borer chased his dream because he had the passion and commitment to take whatever came his way to achieve it.  Not everyone can take what comes with wanting to pursue music – good and bad - but if inspiration won’t leave you alone, it’s because you are destined to perform. Borer spent countless nights in numerous clubs just waiting to be heard and like any true artist, he was ready. It’s a fact that Borer does not take for granted. “I am overwhelmingly grateful to be where I am now, and excited about where I’m headed.” 

For more information on Zack Borer, check out www.ZackBorer.com

I’ve interviewed over 600 artists and bands in three years and let me tell you, sometimes it’s not as fun as it sounds. Don’t get me wrong, PensEyeView.com is the best job in the world - I’ve sat down with bands that I used to wait in line for hours at their concerts – so I’m not complaining about that. Sometimes though, getting answers from an artist can be tough. I often wonder how some of them were able to make it this far in the business, let alone make it out of bed in the morning. Then, I remember who put the meeting together; their loyal, dedicated, overworked and hyper attentive manager or publicist who keeps them afloat.

One of those magical multitaskers that I’ve been lucky enough to work with has been Jake Wilkenfeld-Mongillo, a musician, manager and publicist who has earned his stripes in the music business by working with mega bands from all genres of the music industry. When bands need help, they turned to Jake who found his own niche for being able to tackle the day-to-day operations of running a band. “Somewhere in college, I discovered that my strongsuit was always on sitting the planning side when it came to being a member of an active band. In every unsigned band, there is (and should be) at least one person who’s on the horn getting the shows, making the phone calls, organizing practices, and making things happen. By no means was I ever alone, but I found I was the point man when it came to these tasks.”

Early on, Jake scratched his teeth in various bands since high school, a pop/punk band called Push To Release, along with three years of college at the University of Connecticut playing bass in a nine piece band called Tap Out and is currently balancing his talents playing bass in a pop/ska band called Hey Stranger, and guitar in an early reggae band called The Hard Times. Despite being able to pick up any instrument and play on a whim, Jake was also managing the band’s career and making sure people were paying attention. “I had spent high school and college performing and running my own bands, and had to figure out for myself whether or not it was something I could do full time. I moved to New York City, and after about six months of knocking on doors, and through some very unexpected connections, I found myself a part-time Production Assistant at Rock Ridge Music in Newark, New Jersey, later moving on to Online Marketing and Product Management positions.”

Rock Ridge allowed Jake to really get into the inner workings of how bands operate at every level and with each band he took something different away. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing musicians and gifted songwriters that very much played the artist and creative “role” and I’m sure appreciated my ability to keep my head on straight and get things done. I love having the opportunities to perform and entertain crowds and I think I’m just one of the guys who enjoys the work that it takes to put the myself and my bandmates in front of those crowds.”  Jake adds, “I will say that being the “behind the scenes” guys means making the real relationships and has lead to some great friendships and some great opportunities to play with some of my heroes.”

Ironically, what seemed to be a gift of Jake’s from the start, his transition into the music business was first started by operating the “behind the scenes” of Hillel (at his alma mater), where Jake was part of the now defunct Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellowship, charged with engaging those who would not normally participate in organized Jewish life. His job was to spend time meeting those who would likely never step through the doors of Hillel. “My purpose was to help connect them on their terms, where they were at, to Jewish life in a meaningful way. This was by way of meeting students one-on-one, creating on campus initiatives, programs, events, and most of all having great conversations.”

Recently Jake has taken on another role as the new Communications Associate for Hazon. “I will be helping improve Hazon’s visibility. They already have a wide range of programming, including high profile bike rides and CSA programs for example, but I will be on the side that helps market those programs. My responsibilities will pretty diverse from writing copy, some web design, PR, mass communications, social media marketing, being a general tech guy, and any other challenges they throw my way.”

But don’t think for a second that Jake is stopping with the music while working with Hazon. For musicians - whether they are on stage, behind the scenes or in the car listening to rare live CD they were lucky enough to get a hold of - music is always a part of them. It’s a feeling you can’t escape and a desire that calls on you at all times of the night - the same feeling that brought Jake to New York in the first place and always reminds him that everyone needs someone to be there pushing them towards success.

“I’d like to leave this planet a little bit better off than I found it, and I think Hazon is going to be a huge help to me in that respect. When I’m not promoting sustainability, I’ll be playing music and helping out bands, which I can only assume help someone somewhere, given how much music has done for me in my life.” 

Each band has a unique story about how they formed. Without question, their discovery always beings with ‘Where they were, Where they weren’t and What finally brought them to find one another’. The members have different answers for the first two but the last part -‘What brought the band together?’ - is always answered with the same pride, excitement and gratitude. Take the eclectic rock band My Jerusalem who describes their meeting by saying, “They [My Jerusalem] wandered their 40 years, collectively at least, through bands and projects that dried up to desert. Milk and honey, stale beer and cigarettes, it didn’t matter – they found their Jerusalem when they found each other”.

Founded by critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Jeff Klein, who wandered the “musical desert” as a solo artist for years, never planned on starting a collaborative band of his own. However, after playing with each member of My Jerusalem, separately, he couldn’t shake the idea of bringing each member together as one.  “I didn’t actually start out thinking of forming a band,” Klein recalls. “I’d played with all of them at different times and was like, ‘How great would it be to play with all of these people at the same time?’ And then when we did, it made perfect sense for that to be what we do. We clicked immediately.”

Clicking immediately brought forth a sound Klein describes as “Spastic Chamber Gospel Southern Gothic Indie Rock” that can only be produced from a unique bond that each member brings to the band. “We actually all genuinely love each other and get along like the best of friends. Sometimes I feel like we all have telekinetic powers. Nothing has to be spoken and we all seem to know what each other is thinking etc. It’s just easy.” Speaking from experience, Klein adds, “Playing in bands aint always easy.”

Although playing in bands can be complicated, ease does comes to mind when you listen to the songs from My Jerusalem’s latest release, “Gone For Good”, which echoes the sounds of each member’s distinctive background, stretching from the diverse rhythm of New Orleans, to the eccentric streets of Austin and the sleepless night of Los Angeles. “Almost everything we played and recorded with was duct taped together,” Klein jokes. “It’s part of our thrift store charm. I think it’s a really rich record. There are some very lush orchestrated songs and some more visceral ones. It’s a bit of all of our personalities welded together. I think if you are a fan of any of the projects we have individually been associated with before, you are going to enjoy this.” Gathering inspiration for the album came from not only their various cities but also their personal lives, Klein says, “I think we draw inspiration from the world around us. People, places, nature. All of it. Our relationships with lovers and friends and the everyday struggle to live life to the fullest.”

What took years of bouncing from band-to-band, project-to-project has brought My Jerusalem together – finally - “Gone For Good” is proof that My Jerusalem are no longer wonderers. Are they still searching? Yes. But that is the life of an artist. If you stop searching you stop creating, which is one thing that Klein can never stop doing. Every night when My Jerusalem walks on stage they make sure the crowd knows they have found their place. “There isn’t a moment where any of us don’t feel blessed to still be doing what we do. It’s really all a bit of a blur. I think it’s always good to never look back though. There will always be people that insist your early stuff is better but with any kind of fashion or art, it’s best to always just look to the future. In the end it isn’t about where you’ve been but where you’re at and where you’re going. We’ve all worked hard but are gonna work even harder… And party along the way.”

For more information on My Jerusalem, check out: ThisIsMyJerusalem.com

Whenever I interview an artist, I always wonder what was going through their heads when they decided to pursue music. Now, I don’t mean the first time they were inspired by Springsteen or the White Album, thinking to themselves, “I can do that!” I mean the day that they literally dropped everything and jumped full on into the wild waters of the music business. An industry with such an unknown future, that plays no favorites, the odds of being a successful musician are highly stacked against you. Then again… some times it works.

One person in particular is Joe Firstman, who traveled from his hometown of North Carolina to Los Angeles on a Greyhound bus (that’s a story in itself), with nothing more than some cash, a guitar and a boatload of optimism.  I know what you’re thinking, “I’ve heard this story before…” Young singer leaves their home – heads out for the ‘big city’ – becomes penniless – goes back home – repeat. But before you shut the book on this story, always know there are some that make it and Joe Firstman is one of those lucky ones. 

Firstman made a faster-than-usual name for himself in LA shortly after he arrived. Before he knew it he was signed by Atlantic Records and was sharing stages with artists such as with Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Willie Nelson. Firstman even landed a four-year gig as bandleader for Last Call with Carson Daly. Not bad, right?  Needless to say, it gave the doubters - who called him crazy when he boarded that bus – a little bit to think about. And Firstman will tell you everyone is enjoying his success, especially when he gets to head back to North Carolina to play.  “As the years have passed the shows have become less like a reunion and more like a performance. I really like that. But no doubt, friends and family make up much of the audience when I’m in Charlotte.”

With those years under his belt, Firstman proudly released “El Porto” last year and this journalist for one has had it on repeat for quite a some time. Firstman says, “I got to work on only it for about four months without anything else to do. It taught me a lot about HOW to work and I will take those skills with me.”

“El Porto” has also allowed Firstman to look back at his career and remember all he’s learned along the way – whether on the road or in front of millions on TV with Last Call. The proof is all over the album. “I have no other choice but to start writing better songs. It’s the only game. Nothing works in my proverbial plan unless the songs continue to get better,” Firstman told me when I asked about the creative process behind the album. He continues by saying, “And I feel at the very least that has happened with ‘El Porto.’ I think there were moments and glimpses over the past, over all my records, including Atlantic. I lump them all in together; it was one fluid flow of mania. But now, I think it all got better.”

So, back to that trip across country. Back to when Firstman stared out the window, crossing over the United States by one of the most uncomfortable ways to travel, to one of the most unstable professions, in one of the most unforgiving cities - What was he thinking? Who knows?… But I do know he was right.

I often think about how I come across the people I meet through PensEyeView.com. I have even attempted on numerous occasions to draw a tree from Person A, to B, to Z… to ZZZ and over again to find out how I met them in first place. However, no matter how I met them, the thing that I like to think about even more is how I have been able to stay in contact with hundreds of people over three short years. Take the band A Clever Con -  four friends from Jersey (not like the MTV show!) Mike (vocals/guitar), Ryan (guitar/vocals), Bobby (bass) and TJ aka Smash (drums) whose lime green ties and dark shirts have made them a walking symbol of a band set out to do something totally different with their music. Whereas most times a band is brought to me by an agent, manager, PR team or just a CD in the mail, I met Ryan and A Clever Con through really, all of the above.

Ryan worked for a large management company that would often send me artists to cover.  Through several emails Ryan and I clicked, not only Jewish humor and but on our musical tastes as well. Ryan also mentioned that he was a musician and when he told me he was leaving the company to pursue his career even more, we agreed to keep in touch since I was eager to hear how his career would develop. Fortunately, Ryan did just that, sending me A Clever Con’s latest work “The Robot EP” and needless to say I was impressed. Not just me but it easily passed the smell test with the rest of my PensEyeView squad, which at times can be rather difficult.

The best part about “The Robot EP” is that it is unlike anything else on the radio – the first step in the right direction. Furthermore, “The Robot EP” kicks around so many different styles and techniques you really get a clear sense of how far these four friends have come since the first day the got they got together. Of this album, Ryan says, “We’re really proud of what we accomplished on “The Robot EP”. We really cover a lot of ground with the CD show that we can do anything. I really think the CD has some epic moments.” He goes on to add rather tongue and cheek, “I find myself pulling a Kanye West-  chillin’ at home listening to my music in awe of how awesome it is. Wait, was that redundant?” Only one brief shot of humor from these guys from their PensEyeView.com feature. If this EP is the first sample of what A Clever Con has to offer than I think we’ll be seeing a lot more lime green ties floating around bars and clubs across the country.

For more information on A Clever Con, check out http://www.aclevercon.com. To see more great artists, check out www.PensEyeView.com

Covering over five hundred artists in under three years, from all over the world, it’s always good to find someone to feature from your own backyard. Even better is when that same band not only leaves the backyard but goes on to become one of the hottest touring acts in music today. The Rockville born - now New York based – band Of A Revolution or O.A.R. as they are known today, is and has been one of my favorite bands for years. This comes in many parts however, since years ago at Camp Airy I met a skinny kid that named Marc Roberge, who at the time was a standout wrestler, but would later forgo the mat to follow his true dream of becoming a musician. And he did just that, forming O.A.R. as the front man and songwriter for the group since its inception. Little did I know when I was twelve, that the kid I spent summers with playing sports, hiking and seeing how much trouble our bunk could get into, would one day have his face plastered all over MTV.

Before MTV and radio came calling though, O.A.R. was an emerging band that every high school kid from in the mid-Atlantic area knew about. If the internet was around when I was in high school - and as powerful as it is now (with Facebook, MySpace, etc.) - O.A.R. would have been “that band” much, much sooner. However, knowing success takes time O.A.R. had a plan. Agreeing to all stick true to their dreams, O.A.R. (as a band) attended Ohio State University, where they sold out bars and clubs regularly. I had a cousin attending at the same time and would email me and say lines were wrapped around the block – twice! Now this is the late 90s, still pre-internet craze, so the only word of mouth was done… well by mouth so to be able to pull in such crowds several states away is astonishing! Needless to say it was sign of more to come.

Yet, despite several offers and many opportunities to leave school early, the boys of O.A.R. were committed to their schoolwork and made the best of their unique situation, that would only be a lesson learned for how to handle life on the road. “We’d find ourselves traveling back in the van with one light in the back, so only one person could study. I learned how to study in the back of a van, I learned how to study in the back of a bar, I learned how to study in all these weird situations and plus I was taking double the credits, since I wanted to graduate on time.” Like true professionals they earned it the hard way. But as fast as the diploma hit their hands, O.A.R. was back on the road opening and playing with the likes of Dave Matthews and many others.

Fortunately, O.A.R.’s years on the road has paid off, with 6 studio albums and 4 live albums selling a combined more than 2 million copies, O.A.R. no longer has to pile up in a van. This week, O.A.R. has put together a new package of material for their fans called “Rain Or Shine”, a 4-disc set with 37 tracks including acoustic versions and electric versions of our favorites and rarely played material. Covering hits like, “Crazy Game Of Poker”, “Hey Girl”, “Right On Time” and most recently, “Shattered” (which earned #2 on the Adult Top 40) “Rain Or Shine” offers a rare glimpse into the on stage presence of the band, which as one who has witnessed it live, is something to truly celebrate. They offer the crowd crazy live shows and the sit down acoustics that have made them a hit from the beginning. It’s stripped down and amped up - all in a way that makes the sound of O.A.R. stand out over other bands today. So, check it now and support a local band that really made it big. Cheers to dreaming big and nailing it.

If you want something bad enough, you have to go after it. Period. Anyone who has been successful has been told by others it will never happen but despite that, the real believers still chased their dreams. The story of Belgium born Steve Katz, is a perfect example of what happens when see your dreams through. Since Katz was fourteen, he knew he always wanted to be a musician. And like others before him that have tried to enter the cloudy jungle of the music business, he struggled. However, Katz, didn’t let that stop him, he did what he needed to make it work; he went to school, had a full time job- you know, did what your “supposed” to do as an adult (yeah right!). Still it wasn’t what he wanted to do. His dream - at times – may have seemed far off to others but Katz didn’t listen, he kept moving forward.

So, what did Katz do? Well, three years, he quit his job, packed his stuff and headed for the road to see where his music would take him. That road, lead him around the world, finding home in places like Nepal, Israel and India. Along the way, Katz learned more about himself and his travels only enhanced his abilities to constantly create music, “My diverse background has helped shape me both as a person and as a musician by opening my mind to different cultures, ways of life and forms of art.”

Katz eventually made his way to the U.S. where he spent endless hours hustling around the New York City music scene. And although the New York music scene is tough, Katz was welcomed, thanks to his unique folk rock sound and his devotion to his performances. “My goal in my shows is help people forget their daily routines and stresses for an hour or two, to help fuel up their souls, and to put a smile on their faces,” he adds, “Once I start playing I am at ease.”

When Katz isn’t busy playing around the country, he is putting the finishing touches on his debut album (Katz offers songs on his MySpace page www.myspace.com/katzsteve). If there’s one lesson that can learned from Steve Katz it’s that ambition and dreams can really drive to some incredible places, if you are willing to ride it out.  “I see my music as an expression of my feelings and my voice, which is obviously different from those of other artists.  I truly believe that every person is unique and has their own qualities, voice, and sound.”

It’s in no way easy to pull off “cool” in the music business, especially as a young artist. Granted yes, some new artists are cool for a few months… only to then check out to the musty waters of “One Hit Wondervillle” or out the gate think being cool is just wearing nice clothes and dating the latest supermodel. Others though, the real pros – the ones who when thrust into the limelight – do it effortlessly like John Legend, Michael Buble, Jay Z, the White Stripes, etc… are experts because well… they’re just cool for life. They show us that cool is more than just style – it’s about attitude and form. And to this point, you must admit that the coolest form of music out there is jazz. Yes, hip-hop has the attitude thing down pat, and pop stars can make you want to hang up posters of squeaky clean teens, but jazz will live on forever. The aura around jazz itself is a blend of sex, style, art and creativity that doesn’t allow just anyone to join its inner circle. You can either rise to the level of elite or end up singing bad covers in a hotel lobby outside of some random airport.

So when the Brooklyn-based Israeli artist known as J.Viewz – the jazz induced, electronic project from Jonathan Dagan was sent my way by a fantastic publicist I’ve known for years (who has yet to disappoint me), I was a little hesitant about immediately jumping on the band wagon. I read the bio – award winning, chart topping, radio play, etc. – all very impressive. But it was when I clicked on a YouTube link to J.Viewz’s jazz inspired take on Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” that I was totally sucked in.  Set in a dim lit bar afterhours, J.Viewz sets the stage for an interpretation of Jackson’s hit like I’ve never seen. The first word that came to mind, very simply – cool.

Dagan grew up listening to industrial music and progressive rock– “It’s still a part of what I’m listening to these days, so I’m not really sure where this came from. I think it’s the freedom in programming and engineering that I was after which drove me into jazz to begin with.” Dagan adds, “I gradually found how it can work in a natural way with breakbeat or rock, and I’m trying to incorporate this type of production in almost everything I work on.” Whether viral or in person, J.Viewz shows are knocking fans left and right between jazz, electronica reggae and everything in between. “When creating the live version of this project I felt like I had the choice to go along with the vibe that exists on J.Viewz’s studio releases, which is sort of calm, and could even be background music. But I chose to go full-on with it and take everything a few notches up in terms of energy and power. So we present some different versions to all songs, we go from jazz to electro to reggae to breakbeat, and the main thing that I find interesting in this show is the combination of the electronic elements with whatever is going on with the acoustic elements on stage.”

Recently, J.Viewz’s latest EP, “The Besides” has been grabbing attention, filled with a range of tunes including their interpretation of classic covers like “Smooth Criminal”, a Nina Simone Remix, and other edits for tracks from the first J.Viewz’s album “Muse Breaks”. “The Besides” is a compilation that showcases why J.Viewz is bringing jazz to the new millennium. “Every tune is very different from the other as it wasn’t written as an ‘album’ to begin with, but as single tunes. It shows a funkier side of J.Viewz I feel, not as relaxed as ‘Muse Breaks’. It also shows the change that my music has gone through by being exposed to the crowd in live shows and the group work of the live act itself… It also gives a taste of my works as a remixer with the Seeline Woman Remix and the Remix of Yasmin Levi’s ‘Naci en Alamo (Vengo)’.”

J.Viewz is a stunning example of what happens when a creative mind with classic roots can use modern tools to twist one of America’s finest forms of music. To take the slickest style and make it better? That’s a gutsy move… but when you successfully pull it off, it’s just plain cool.

For more on J.Viewz check out: www.jviewz.com and as always, to check out the best musical talent from across the globe, visit www.PensEyeView.com.

Nearing 500 consecutive features on PensEyeView.com, I’ve never featured the same artist/act/work more than once and I don’t plan to for my Tuned In blog either… but for this one – I’ll make a slight exception because, I got ‘em! Got who you ask? Well, if you have been following my blogs, you’ll see that I posted one earlier about an elusive artist from Baltimore by the name of Adam Duritz, lead singer of the Counting Crows – one of my the top musicians I have yet to cross off of my “Must See” list. That was until, ironically, only weeks after posting my Tuned In blog about his very entertaining social media entries did his people finally connect with me and I got to review him live in person.

Aside from watching my gorgeous little girl take her first steps, The Traveling Circus and Medicine Show concert featuring the Counting Crows, Michael Franti and Augustana (both of which I highly recommend checking out) was the highlight of my summer. When the circus arrived at the acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion last month and set up tent, the ring master himself –Duritz – was graciously welcomed home as one of Baltimore’s favorite sons as he peeked through the curtain to the loyal band of followers patiently waiting. Covering music for a while now, I’ve been lucky enough to attend many, many concerts, however, this time it was a little different – a little more personal. Now, I know the professional oath journalists take says we aren’t allowed to claim a “favorite” or make things personal, but once in a while, you have to let your guard down or at least lower the sword.

I first discovered the Counting Crows back in 1994 when I saw this wild character with long dreads, dancing around on the stage of Saturday Night Live singing “Mr. Jones”. I was hooked. The next day I begged my mom to drive to the local record store (anyone remember those places?) and bought a tape (how about? Remember them?) of “August and Everything After”, the Counting Crows debut record and the first album I ever purchased with my own money. It may sound cheesy but that collection started a new chapter in my life and helped me discover my love for music. With that said, I have to say there is something pretty amazing about watching one your favorite bands sing some of your favorite songs within an arm’s reach.

The flow and set up of the concert was nothing like your normal rock show; I mean, rarely – if ever – do the opening acts get this much attention. And I dare say, never does the main act, an hour before the show even starts when most people are still filing in, sit on the edge of the stage and play an acoustic set. Unheard of. So rare, that most people didn’t even believe it was Duritz and Immy perched on the edge of the stage at 7 o’clock! The commotion around me matched the crowd’s reaction, press folks saying “There is no way… can it really be them?”  And rightfully so, I mean, would any top artist do this today?

One fantastic highlight of this surprise jam session was when drummer Jim Bogios used just his hands and a thick book with a pocket mic mounted on the end as his “drum set”. I was laughing just thinking of him concocting this concept knowing some press person – insert me – would eagerly inquire about why he picked that book (which may not be appropriate for this blog but trust me it was very funny). Then like a vanishing act, the ring master and his lively flock headed back behind the curtain with another promise to be back again shortly.

When the curtain finally came up this time, every act in the Traveling Circus was there, including special guest Emmy Rossum who showcased her own vocal skills. The three groups; Counting Crows, Michael Franti and Spearhead along with Augustana all took turns sharing their stage… the way it should be done. This wasn’t your typical show where the opening acts – who you should be listening to – get little to no crowd since they come on before you’re even in the ticket line.

Both Michael and Augustana had their chance to perform in front of the packed Merriweather Post Pavilion, then slowly giving way for Augustana to perform alone. Then one by one, the other members came back on, and then slowly drifted away for Michael Franti to take center stage. You didn’t even realize the transition; it just worked perfectly. Finally, the Counting Crows took the main stage and everyone…connected. And even though Duritz calls New York and California his home now, the Baltimore native gave several shout outs to Baltimore, including an emphasis on lyrics such as “I was born on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay” and “Baltimore! I –Am – Home!”

This concert was one of the purest forms of musicianship I have ever seen… period. It was great to see the “opening acts” (a term I despise) get their fair share of the spotlight and refreshing to witness the headliner remain on stage with them to perform. This wasn’t mandatory – it is a Counting Crows tour after all, but this was a combined effort that fans won’t soon forget – the way it should be.

In my opinion, the world is divided into two kinds of people: those that wish, and those that see their wishes through.

Baltimore native Adam Kirr, the young singer and songwriter with more gusto than one man can handle is very much the latter. Kirr says, “Deciding to become a musician was just something that I felt like I had to do. As far back as I can remember, my intuition and heart has driven me towards music.” And drove him it did… all the way to Los Angeles – the hardest and most rewarding place in America to pursue a music career. Since then, it’s been nothing but driving forward for Kirr, because after all, he has what it takes to see his wish through to the end.

And it’s a good thing this is the case… because you don’t pull into Los Angeles to record execs with open arms. It took some time for Kirr to warm up to the LA scene, so in the meantime,  he needed to find a job. And wouldn’t you know it, Kirr found one in the music business and ironically, for one of the biggest musicians of his generation - Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots.
“I found a post on Craigslist for a ‘confidential record company’ seeking interns to help promote a new record. Having zero contacts in L.A. I thought I’d give it a shot. The company ended up being Scott Weiland’s new record label and I basically promoted his newest solo record online.”

Talk about a break! Kerr says, “I built a good relationship with Scott and his manager… I was asked to go on tour with The Scott Weiland Band to help sell merchandise. Touring was an incredible experience. Bonding with the band and crew, the long drives between cities, and just living on a professional tour bus was simply: Surreal.” I can see the email now, “Dear mom, dad and every single person I’ve ever known, I’m going on tour with SCOTT F’N WEINLAND!” Or at least, that’s how I would have handled it.

Okay, okay, this just doesn’t happen, right? I mean, how do you go from knowing no one to now touring for a legend in the music business? Very simply, Kirr saw it through. Weiland’s team didn’t have to give him a job, but they did. They didn’t have to invite him on tour… but they did. Kirr, has what it takes to do whatever is asked to make his dreams come true (plus Faith Hill’s first gig was for the Reba McEntire Fan Club, and that worked out pretty well).

In all of my time writing and covering musicians (over 450 of them to be sure), the same thing rings true; it’s the ones that want it the most that make it. It may not be now or tomorrow or even next year (sorry Mr. and Mrs. Kirr)… but it will happen. As Kirr says, “I have various ideas and philosophies about life and I love to color them with music.” Well make us proud Kirr and don’t forget I call first interview when you get your Grammy.

For more information on Adam Kirr, check out www.adamkirr.com and as always http://www.PensEyeView.com

A year ago, when I wanted to research an artist, I checked their web site, MySpace page, Facebook page, press releases; everything I could to find out exactly what they were up to. With all of that information in hand, I’d then create some questions for an in-depth interview, hoping to learn more about the artist behind the music, not just about the “mega famous celebrity”.

With over 425 interviews on PensEyeView.com over the past two years, I’ve learned a lot about artists I only knew from the radio – people I’ve admired for years that have been willing to open up to me, whether I was sitting in front of them, on the phone or corresponding through email.  But still, I wanted more. Despite getting great answers, I’ve always liked the more random questions that happen to come up during a conversation, like finding out the drummer from Lifehouse is an extreme germaphobe or how before every show, Puddle of Mudd has what they call a “Puddle Huddle” in which they gather around and say a prayer, or that Marc – the lead singer of OAR – enjoys being the handyman of the house, albeit more of a Tim “The Toolman” Taylor he admits.  Those are the kind of topics I like to cover. Those are the answers I like to get. A year ago, if I didn’t ask those kinds of questions, I’d walk away not knowing things like what these artists had for breakfast, who they ran into while jogging in Central Park or even where to get the best burger on the road… that was until Twitter came along.

Ah yes, Twitter, the little website that broadcasts 140 character messages to the world about anything you like. Some people love it, some people hate it but everyone has heard of it. Twitter is like a writer’s heaven of information from artists who are usually reserved and restrained. It also allows the artist to open up on an entirely new platform, letting followers tap into their unique thought process. And of my favorite Twitterers to follow, Adam Duritz - the lead singer of The Counting Crows who grew up in the Baltimore Jewish community - takes the cake. I work closely with his label, yet despite numerous interview requests, the dreadlocked poet has eluded me. Last year I was scheduled to interview him, along with several other writers that day, but due to a scheduling conflict, it never happened. Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely understandable and I’m by no means upset with him. I mean when your e-magazine is on the same call sheet as Rolling Stone, things come up and there is only time for so many interviews - it’s just a part of the biz. However, when I started to follow him on Twitter, I began learning so much about the lead singer of my favorite band.

For example:

Like a line out of one of his songs: I like the idea of Independence Day as a concept & for everyone else but I think I’d be happier if I could just survive being dependant instead. (10:27 PM, July 7th)

Why check TV Guide when you know the star? An inside scoop to actress Eliza (Patricia) Dushku, the star of Dollhouse: @ElizaPatricia: Sorry if you’ve been asked a thousand times but is DOLLHOUSE coming back? I’m addicted. (11:59 PM July 4th)

Gracious: Thank you so much to Sioux City. 30,000 people & you were the best audience any band could ever hope for. St. Louis & Sioux City were the joint. (11:53 PM July 4th)

Caught in thought: In retrospect, Sioux City was the perfect place to be today. I can’t imagine anywhere I would rather have played on the 4th of July. (11:50 PM July 4th)

Random thought: @Rachy123075: I suddenly remembered some ex-gf making me monkey bread years ago but I can’t remember who it was or what it is? (11:38 PM July 4th)

Ready to rock!: Now leave me alone. I have to make the setlist. (1:41 PM Jul 4th)

Granted from these tweets, I don’t know everything there is to know about Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows but as a fan it’s fun. I like knowing that the artists I listen to and pay to see in concert, are on some level, just like me. After all, 414,842 other people (and growing) like the fact that Adam enjoys sci-fi TV shows, celebrating the 4th of July and some monkey bread every now and then… even if he can’t trace who gave it to him. Well, now I know what to bring for lunch when I get the interview.

To discover great new artists, check out http://www.PensEyeView.com and drop me a line. Every great idea starts with a pen, paper and a vision.

New York City was the supreme destination for most of my fellow art graduates at The University of Maryland College Park (Go Terps!) – it’s a common path for budding musicians and artists, NYC after all being the east coast epicenter of modern culture. While I wouldn’t be taking the trip up north, I was excited for each of my classmates and wished them the best. However, when I asked each one where they were going to work or what they were going to do, each had the same canned answer revolving around the notion of “not selling out and living an artist’s life.”

Well, what is an artist’s life? To them, this meant living on a futon in some dilapidated studio apartment, with nothing more than paint brushes and canvases. Quite the contradiction to the $150 “vintage” jeans and t-shirts from Nordstrom’s they wore to class each day. My classmates thought that “looking the part” meant “living the part.” As if the curator from MoMA is going to magically appear on their doorstep and grant them a gallery opening, just because they were able to say they were starving artists. Good luck with that.

Harsh? Maybe. But I never understood the notion that all artists and musicians are supposed to look, act and live a certain way. To believe that you will be handed success the minute you get out of the Lincoln Tunnel because you resemble an artist sounds downright absurd to me.

I want to hear about artists who are standing out as individuals – the kind that stand out because of who they really are, not who they want to be. One artist that came to me via PensEyeView.com who embodied such individualism was Baltimore native and current NYC resident, Monica Ott; a stunning example of someone who is just going for it. Shortly after arriving to the Big Apple, Ott played her first live NYC performance at famed CBGB’s and even became part of the prestigious NYC Songwriter’s Circle, beating out 1000’s of others to garner an honorable mention in last year’s songwriting contest. Ott says, “I played solo [at CBGBs] so it was just me and my guitar. All I was thinking throughout those few songs was just ‘don’t screw up’... I know my voice was shaking the whole time and my fingers were sweaty and cramping up.” That’s what I like to hear – someone who has the guts to put themselves out there. Playing your first NYC show a world renowned venue in one of the music capitals of the world, alone? That’s a little thing in the biz we like to call chutzpah.

Following up on the inclusion of her song “The Way We Used to Be” on the play list of the NYC Songwriter’s Circle’s recent compilation album, Ott has released an entire collection titled “Only Human”. More comfortable to in the realm of power vocalists like Alanis Morissette, Ott says, “I think that everyone will be able to relate to these songs. I tend to write about stuff that many people feel but don’t talk about. I think that my voice is different from the female voices that are popular right now [the soft, gentle, almost whispery voices].  My voice is very full and I tend to really sing out on every song.”

While Ott has adapted quite well to the NYC lifestyle, she still remains an individual – a true sign of a natural artist. She’s also smart enough to realize her development as an artist. She wanted a certain sound and presence so she trained for it and has come a long way since that first CBGB performance. “My songs are more structured now, my voice is much stronger, and my confidence is definitely much higher.  Plus, now I see performing as a thing I love to do, not something I think I should do.” Monica Ott may not be known around the world – (yet), but knowing how to navigate herself around the music world will make her name one you won’t soon forget.

For more information on Monica Ott, check out: http://www.myspace.com/monicaott

And for all the best artists out today, check out http://www.PensEyeView.com

The phrase, “everything happens for a reason” has never sat well with me. Even when the end result was rewarding, I was never able to look back and say, “I’m so glad that happened.”  Don’t get me wrong, I have always considered myself an optimist but it’s hard to think positive in rough times. Take my first job out of college for example; headed by a crooked boss that had a habit of bouncing my paychecks on a regular basis. Even though quitting paved the way for opportunities like starting PensEyeView.com, it is still hard to think, “Yeah, it was worth it.”

Then again, sometimes that saying fits perfectly. It did for Tacoma Park, Maryland native and now world renowned singer/songwriter, Eric Hutchinson, that’s for sure. After achieving a musician’s dream of landing a major record deal, Hutchinson had the rug pulled from underneath him flipping his dreams upside down when his label’s parent company fell apart. However Hutchinson, who considers himself “constantly-optimistic,” landed firmly on his feet, accepting the situation for what it was and moving forward, releasing his debut record, “Sounds Like This” on his own label, Let’s Break Records. The result was something that even Hutchinson couldn’t foresee.

A good friend from Hutchinson’s high school days emailed celebrity blogger Perez Hilton a link to Hutchinson’s page, which Perez in turn gave an emphatic endorsement for and suggested to his millions of loyal followers to check it out. It catapulted “Sounds Like This” to #5 on iTunes album chart, making it the highest charting album by an unsigned act in iTunes history. Hutchinson’s life literally changed overnight – going from the guy next door to the guy whose album hung on iTunes’ Top 10 alongside releases from Kanye West and Dave Matthews. Success hit again when he was asked to join a whirlwind tour in January 2008 alongside OneRepublic

VH1 took notice as well, crowning Hutchinson as one of their “You Oughta Know – Artist On the Rise,” a title that has been given to only a select few of emerging musicians who are reshaping modern music today. Hutchinson talked about the honor, “It gives me good reason to keep on going. I couldn’t believe it when my manager told me.” And while it’s hard to believe, none of this would have ever happened had Hutchinson’s first record deal not fallen through.

“Sounds Like This” has a global appeal for all ages and genres, pumping with catchy pop and soul beats reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel as well as some of today’s top musicians like Jason Mraz and John Mayer. Even my ten month old daughter likes to bop her tiny body to the video for “Rock & Roll” on Hutchinson’s site – her eyes wide open, pointing at Hutchinson cruising along the LA streets. He says “I just try to bring some soul music, some singer/songwriter music to it. I want to show people a part of my life. It feels good to be who you are on an album and that’s what I tried to show.”

So maybe I’m wrong about certain things happening for a reason (wouldn’t be a first time, nor the last) or maybe I’m waiting for my own realization to surface? Either way, a story like Eric Hutchinson’s “constantly-optimistic” attitude is one worth paying homage to and respecting. As he puts it, “You always have to keep moving.” Adding of his live shows, “People clap, dance, sing… I want people to leave happy at the end.” And everyone does – the perfect reason to get on stage every night.

For more information on Eric Hutchinson, check out: http://www.EricHutchinson.com and always check back to http://www.PensEyeView.com for more great musicians from around the world.

When I started PensEyeView.com, I began receiving new CD’s in the mail on a regular basis. Consistently, I was so amazed by what I heard, I thought to myself, “I think I’ve heard it all.” But every time I said it, I ended up eating my words shortly thereafter when another album arrived or an email from an agent or record executive touting the next big thing came my way. However, as PensEyeView.com prepares to celebrate its two year anniversary on April 1, 2009 and over 365 consecutive features, I can at least say, “I have encountered some pretty interesting people.” And Ricky Orbach of Kohane of Newark is definitely one example of an individual that stands out of that 365.

Ricky not only blew me away with his music, but also with the story of how he became the person he is today.  Orbach’s tale immediately made me feel completely inadequate; granted he’s got some years on me, but with stories from the 70’s about playing bars in North Tel Aviv till the early morning and hanging out with The Beach Boys, Patti Labelle, James Taylor and Ann Wilson in a hotel lobby in London… I mean, how can you compete with that? I haven’t even been to Israel, let alone hung out with anyone of the legendary status that Orbach ran with (although, while in London, I swore I saw Mick Jagger at a hotel but it ended up being a woman – true story). It’s instances like this in Orbach’s life; the people he’s met, the music he’s heard and the venues he’s played, that have helped shape his sound and styling.

However, what his musical life gave him in style, his personal life gave him in soul. What Orbach holds closest is his relationship with his parents who are Holocaust survivors. Orbach says, “The Holocaust is the backdrop that shades my perceptions for nearly every aspect of my life.” He adds, “While almost every child of Holocaust survivors will have tales to tell about the darkness of it all, I am instead inspired by the quality of human beings to interpret events that evoke kindness, joy and love of all mankind.” This is an inspiring statement; you might expect someone in his position would be so built up with rage and madness that hate would totally consume every minute of their lives. But with Orbach, it doesn’t… or if it does, his music has allowed him to channel that energy into something more positive.

Orbach’s focus now is on his band’s latest release, “New Midlife Crisis.”  Orbach says “It’s in that moment - it’s kind of a creative sweet spot - that we come closest to the heart of our craft because our next move might just sink the ship or raise us to that higher place called transcendence.” The record seems to bounce from genre to genre allowing it to live a little bit in multiple playlists – perfect for any music lover. The title is vintage Orbach as well – “New Midlife Crisis” implies such a dynamic story with twists and turns in so many directions; it seems having a midlife crisis doesn’t always deal in age. So it makes sense that most will say that Ricky Orbach “beats to his own drum” and they’re right. Then again, all the good ones do.

Annapolis native, Jesse Rifkin knows a thing or two about getting his music into the hands of the masses. Rifkin first started out as a solo act, playing whenever and wherever the opportunity arose. From time to time he would call on fellow budding musicians to lend a hand, a project which slowly became known as “The Wailing Wall.” Historically, The Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) is the most sacred ground of the Jewish faith… so naming your band after such a startling monument no doubt adds some extra pressure for success! Rifkin doesn’t see it that way however; He looks at the title as an expression of self and the pride he takes in his music. “I am Jewish and grew up Jewish and went to a Jewish high school… I liked the musicality and alliteration of Wailing Wall… it is certainly not a political thing!”

After several previous EPs, Jesse and The Wailing Wall put out their first full-length album this past March - a collection of Rifkin’s style, personality and sound called “Hospital Blossoms.” Rifkin’s individuality doesn’t end with just rocking out as an accordion carrying front man; “Hospital Blossoms” also comes packaged in an environmentally-friendly, 100% recycled cardboard arigato pack – something most bands would never consider (but should!). Rifkin says, “We took a long time with this record, and I am very proud of it,” adding, “It is different from the other records in that a lot of the musicians on it are different. I guess the older stuff was also more lo-fi, and mostly me just playing all of the instruments.”

Adding more musicians to a record is one way to get ahead in the music business, but when I asked Rifkin,”How is ’Hospital Blossoms’ different from other music out today?” He says, “I don’t know if I can answer that question. There’s a lot of music out today! With that much information available, everything is bound to be like something else that already exists. I am not going to tell you that my music is absolutely unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. But, it is my own particular take on things, and I’ve worked very hard to try and make it the best record I could possibly put out.”

Rifkin calls “Hospital Blossoms” his best effort. This is an understatement. The album has a fresh sound, meshed with classic harmonies – which you don’t see in today’s mainstream music. Rifkin says he is “Constantly being influenced by things I am listening to, and constantly seeking out new things to be influenced by. Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Will Oldham, Bill Callahan (Smog), The Microphones/Mount Eerie, Bjork, The Mountain Goats, and Neutral Milk Hotel. I never really get sick of any of their records.” Quality influences. Rifkin’s sound is a lost art that has long since been replaced with skinny guys wearing jeans that looked painted on and donning $100 “vintage” t-shirts. Hopefully, The Wailing Wall can help bring back the truth in modern music.

For more information, check out:  http://www.MySpace.com/JesseRifkin

Don’t forget to catch up with http://www.PensEyeView.com and http://www.RichieFrieman.com for the latest in today’s pop culture and insights into the world of art and music.

For the greater part of his life, Park City, Utah native Bryon Friedman’s success as a member of the champion US Ski Team depended on how fast he could race down powdered mountains across the globe. Fame, rewards, recognition was achieved only when his body was pushed to extremes, at speeds that would make most pray for a rescue. That is the life of a professional athlete and the life of one at the top; the life that Friedman chose.

But what happens when an athlete’s body breaks? What do you do when the only life you have known is put on the shelf? Only the strongest willed individuals can answer that, and find peace in their decision. So at a time where most athletes would sit hollow, and worried about what to do with the rest of their lives, Friedman’s internal back up plan inched its way to the surface; a new direction that he’s always felt was his passion – music. And when his artistic vision was allowed to take priority, he found himself no longer chasing gold, but taking confidence in a casual sense of self resulting in Friedman’s December 2006 release, “Road Sodas.”

What “Road Sodas” helped build, the latest record, “Matchstick Memories,” has expanded and evolved, taking Friedman’s vision to new heights. The collection is a result of polished poise and melodic storytelling in its most organic form. Friedman’s natural approach to songwriting has layered “Matchstick Memories” with folk and pop honesty, brimming with everyman tales of life, love and optimism. Friedman is winter’s lyrical response to the summer born soul of Jack Johnson, a modern day narrator of not only his life, but also your life and your story, told through his eyes.

Those same eyes watched, perched on top of an alpine ski lift with skiers racing below, watching and wondering if their story would relate to his. “Matchstick Memories” is just that – Friedman’s life or in this case memories (so far), set to songs for everyone to relate to and connect with. As Friedman sings on Remedy “The voices in my brain telling me it will be ok/ Then it all just melts away when we sing/ Let us sing.” A perfect description of how Friedman’s philosophy on life; when in times of doubt, sadness and happiness; Let us sing.

For more information on Bryon Friedman, check out: http://www.BryonFriedmanMusic.com and always, stay up to date on the latest music and art with http://www.PensEyeView.com and http://www.RichieFrieman.com

I had already been looping Matt Nathanson’s break out album “Some Mad Hope” for months before I found myself taking the trip into downtown Washington, DC to interview one of today’s top bands, Lifehouse at the famed 9:30 Club. Upon arriving and learning that Nathanson would be playing the part of opening act, my PEV brothers and I broke out into an intense high five fest, ecstatic that the Boston native who took over the San Francisco singer/songwriter scene would be supplying his unique style combination of folk, rock and pop for our eardrums.

I’d been hooked for some time, and having never seen Matt perform live, had no idea he would be capable of stealing the show – but that’s exactly what he did.  The strength of his live show is his ability to relate; he says “I am very much on stage like who I am at all times.” If that’s the case, than Matt Nathanson is one guy I want to be on a tour bus with. The guy is hilarious. Before his song “Car Crash,” Nathanson spoke with the crowd, “This song is about a love affair I once had…” the females in the crowd providing an “awwww” and a sigh just waiting to hear about some former girlfriend of his. However, Nathanson then finished his tale, “… my romance, with Hulk Hogan.” Everyone lost it. Nathanson adds, “I feel like I am always putting on a party and I feel like I’m the host. I try to break down the wall between the band and the audience.” And being a good host, he made everyone feel at home. And the crowd returned the favor by singing back his hit songs like “All We Are” and one of iTunes most popular downloads, “Come On Get Higher,” all pieces from “Some Mad Hope.”

Talking about his breakthrough record, Nathanson says, “I used to think ‘Ok, I’ll sell a million records’ but it’s not about that anymore. It’s about ‘How can I evolve?’ You know, how am I going to write the next ‘Boys of Summer’ or ‘Burning Down the House?’ I am always like kind of right there but music always blows my mind that it’s like ‘How do I get closer to writing a record like that?’” The drive and motivation to constantly evolve has been his best ally and at times, his worst enemy. Therefore, it helps that Nathanson takes a very humble view of his career, saying, “It’s funny, I’ve been playing music for so long, that I’ve given up the idea that I’m going to be hugely successful. When you’re a kid you’re like, I’m going to be the next Pearl Jam or I’m going to be the next Radio Head. I’ve given up on that idea and it’s allowed me to let go. I think the music has become better because of it.”

True, Nathanson does not get mobbed when he walks down the street or at a Starbucks (which will most likely be playing one of his songs) but that does not mean Matt Nathanson is not one of the premier musicians out today. Just log onto VH1.com, where currently he is one of the “VH1 You Oughta Know Artist on the Rise” – a distinguished honor only bestowed on a few very select artists. And along with Lifehouse, Nathanson has been headlining shows and opening for the likes of Tori Amos, John Mayer, Pink, Guster and one of Maryland’s mega bands, O.A.R. (whom Nathanson collaborates with on a regular basis).

Nathanson is an example of the quality music selling itself, rather than some entertainer pushing a “product” to make a couple of bucks. “Some Mad Hope” has been out for a year and has undergone a sort of underground Renaissance, re-igniting partly because Nathanson has made become so accessible by utilizing his web sources such as Facebook, MySpace and of course his live shows. Nathanson explains the record best – “In some ways, I think this is a really mature record, but I don’t think it’s necessarily one that says ‘okay, I’m an adult now… I don’t think you need to stay stuck in perpetual adolescence, but you do need to keep part of you frozen — so you don’t lose touch with the wonderment of seeing the world the way you did at 17.” Truer words may have never been spoken. Check out “Some Mad Hope,” in stores and online now.  For more information on Matt Nathanson, check out: http://www.MattNathanson.com

One of the best parts of running PensEyeView.com is opening my eyes to a new artist every 48 hours that I otherwise may have never met, or learned about. Featuring a different artist so often has been a more than satisfying experience, and now it has become common practice to receive emails from friends, family and industry professionals teasing me with subjects reading, “Have you seen this guy?!?” or “You HAVE to feature this person!”

Back in 2006, my brother sent me an email of a YouTube video, featuring a guy sitting in front of a piano singing about eating Chinese food on Christmas and going to the movie theater – A habit of American Jews that has become as common practice as sneaking a cookie in before sundown on Yom Kippur. This YouTube celebrity, a young musician named Brandon Walker, just happened to be the first one to publicly divulge a secret many Jews figured was happening everywhere. Some million (yes million) YouTube hits later, the song was a classic.  In 2007, Walker put a new spin on his song, adding an entire music video and again received millions of hits worth of attention. It was then that I was fortunate enough to have him on PensEyeView.com – a feature that appropriately ran on December 25th and 26th last year. Needless to say, when I began work with the Jewish Times, catching up with Walker – almost a year later – was on my list of top priorities.

My initial interview gave audiences a much deeper look at Walker as an artist. Music has been an intricate part of Walker’s life since he was young child, beginning after his family inherited an old upright piano from a relative. He was seven at the time. Walker, who describes music as “the essence of everything,” has stuck to this philosophy his entire life, from playing in bands growing up to honing his craft at James Madison University with his band Midnight Spaghetti and the Chocolate G-Strings (which could very well be the best band name ever). Today, Brandon runs solo, dedicating himself to the overwhelming task of writing and posting a new song every month. He has kept his promise so far and frankly, I don’t know how he does it.

As a music teacher at Beth Tfiloh, Walker tells his students that inspiration is everywhere. “Music picks us up when we need a lift, and just as quickly it induces sadness. Music gives us energy and it mellows us out. It arouses fear just as easily as it brings relief.” His laid back approach to the fundamentals of artistic expression is rewarded by a loyal and eager class of musicians. It also helps that Walker could easily pass as a student himself. I asked him, “Do you feel that you can relate to the kids better since you are young and into similar music as them?”

“Certainly. Plenty of my students have said to me, ‘Mr. Walker, how old ARE you? You look like a teenager!’ So, even if I try to create that separation of student and adult, I’m not so sure the kids would buy it. That said, my students are respectful people, and despite our relative closeness in age, all my students recognize and respect my position as a teacher.” Keeping his title as probably the coolest teacher there, he adds, “Although they probably get away with more in my class than anyone else’s!”

But don’t take this as a fault for Walker. Music is about self expression, and letting go… and getting away. With music you have to go deeper than what you read in a book or see on a board – music is a world of open opportunity, for anyone to take full advantage of. Walker explains it best, “I think music is amazing. It has the power to guide our emotions.” Guidance is something that Walker offers to his students who, although like to tease him about his youthful appearance, will turn to him when they themselves are told a career in the arts is not a normal “path” to follow.

This is a problem that every artist has faced in their life – as Walker (and I) can attest to. When you are a kid and you pick up a guitar, sit down at piano or grab a paint brush, it is encouraged – in some case considered “cute”. Somewhere along the way though, artists are told it is better off as a hobby rather than a profession. Just imagine if The Beatles got “real jobs” or artist Jeff Koons listened to critics who said he was “wasting his time” or if Walker’s parents told him that sitting for hours at that piano would never take him anywhere.

Luckily, Brandon’s family and friends encourage him. He says, “They support me. If I want to move to LA and go for it, they’re behind me. I even got my entourage lined up, Marky Mark style.” Kudos to Walker for having the guts to follow his dream, and better yet being an example for others. After all, 1 million plus viewers can’t be wrong.

For more on Brandon Walker, check out http://www.BrandonWalkerMusic.com 

To find more great artists, check out http://www.PensEyeView.com every day!

Every year thousands of young hopefuls hop on planes heading out west to Los Angeles, chasing their dreams of success in the entertainment business. Many have grand delusions of being spotted on the street by Steven Speilberg or expect to find every top agent and producer waiting for them – contract in hand – on the tarmac. But, this is not exactly how things work. Success in today’s entertainment industry is rare; only a handful are able to ditch their job waiting tables and say hello to fame. However, earlier this year a plane left Chicago carrying Justin Stein – a young actor, dancer, singer and songwriter who has become one of those fortunate individuals. 

Two days after graduation, Stein, who deferred acceptance to NYU, bid farewell to his family and wished his college bound friends the best. He figured college could wait – his dreams could not. While his friends spent their summers in Ikea picking out furniture for their dorm rooms, Stein traveled the country with Corbin Bleu’s 2008 summer tour. He even inked a deal with Disney; “My manager is the one who hooked me up with Radio Disney. He gave them my demo CD and they told him that they wanted to play it and support me as an artist. My manager told me the news on my 18th birthday… definitely the best birthday present ever.”

This had to be reassuring news for Stein’s parents who had reservations about their son veering off the standard track of a high school graduate. Despite any doubt, both family and friends are rooting for him. “I am incredibly fortunate to have the support I have from my parents and friends. Mom and Dad come to the majority of the shows. My brother jumps on the tour with me sometimes and works merchandise. It’s great having him on tour.”

An entertainer since the age of 12, Stein understands the responsibility of a professional artist. After all, the Disney tag carries a higher standard of excellence – one which Stein plans to live up to. Years of performing in children’s and community theatre productions in and around Chicago, along with diligent vocal and dance coaching have given Stein what Disney sees as a bankable future. The attention that comes with being a Disney star has been helpful as well. “I especially like seeing Radio Disney reps at the venues. They always hype the crowd and are just really fun people.” But it hasn’t been a difficult job getting folks excited for this up and comer – His infectious blend of pop, rock and R&B has been compared to artists such as Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown. 

Today, Stein’s catalogue of teen pop hits like “Leave It On The Floor,” “Loose Control,” and “Don’t Be Playin’ With My Heart,” are just a few samples of Stein’s energetic stage presence, while tunes such as “Sweetest Girl” and “I’ll Never Look Away (Hey Girl)” allow Stein to showcase his classically trained voice. He has compiled these songs onto his self titled album in hopes of portraying the real Justin Stein, rather than what most pop acts are told to portray. This, without a doubt, is what has made him so successful.

Still, I can’t stop thinking about what must have been going through his head when he was on a plane with no plans of turning back and no cushion to fall back on. I had to ask him, ‘You left your family, said goodbye to your friends – What was going through your head on that plane ride?’ He replied, “Pursuing a career as a solo artist is something I have wanted to do ever since I started writing songs around 12 years old. On that plane I was just thinking ’Wow! I’m actually doing it!’” Stein is living proof that sometimes, all it takes is a “WOW moment” to have your dreams take flight.

For more information on Justin Stein, check out: http://www.JustinStein.com

To check out more great artists, visit my e-magazine, http://www.PensEyeView.com . It all starts with a pen, paper and a vision.

When I was little, my bubby used to call me a character. This was partly because I would do just about anything to make her, or anyone around me, laugh – even when most of the time it was at my own expense. Since then, I’ve surrounded myself with individuals who share a similar zest for life.

When I first met 25-year-old singer/songwriter Shwa (short for Joshua) Losben earlier this year, this “character” was being compared to everyone from Elliott Smith to Coldplay. Bit by the music bug rather early, the former Holland, Pennsylvania resident picked up a trumpet at age ten and then moved to the guitar in the seventh grade. Besides his interest in music, Shwa was very involved in the Jewish community at a young age, such as being a bar mitzvah and attending summer weekends with The North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY).

Shwa admits that his first stab at music, with a junior high band, did not go as well as he would have liked. “We were awful,” he recalls. Still, Shwa could not let those early, failed attempts at music halt his dream. Throughout high school he honed his skills, bouncing around with bands that had slightly more potential. However, it was not until Shwa attended college at American University in Washington, DC that he found a healthy home in the powerful DC music scene. As he landed regular gigs at the popular DC venue, Grog and Tankard, people started to really react and take notice of Shwa and his music. Not bad for the boy who once attempted Pearl Jam and Beatles cover songs with his eighth grade garage band.

When I caught-up with Shwa last week, he was still as positive as ever – cracking jokes and, well, being a character. Since leaving DC, he has found a home in New York City. And, with everything that New York has to offer, what does Shwa love best? “It’s great to know you can get dinner anywhere at 3AM.” Living in the city also gives Shwa the opportunity to stay in touch with his extended family. His older sister, who is a rabbi on Long Island, hopes that he will swing by for the high holidays. The job of a traveling musician does not exactly offer the best chance to attend synagogue. However, if his sister has anything to do with it, maybe that will change, for it’s family that Shwa leans on for support. “They’ve all been immensely supportive, especially my parents. I think they wanted me to go to grad school at first, but after they saw my CD in shrink-wrap, they became my biggest fans. I think they’ve sold more CDs than anyone else!”

Shwa is currently promoting his album, “Chop Chop”, which was released in February, 2008. When I asked Shwa what to expect from “Chop Chop”, a true songwriter’s album, he says, “At one point we were playing mouth trumpet and running it through distortion. We banged spoons on a toaster. We used kid keyboards from the 80s… just a lot of cool sounds. At the same time I feel like there’s a lot of open space in the songs, which is a cool thing too.” USA Today recently featured “Chop Chop” fan favorite, “Myriah”, on their Pop Candy podcast and XM Radio came calling as well, playing Never Too Soon to Compromise. Additionally, the Comcast Network featured Shwa on the program Backstage in May.

With the crowds growing at every show, Shwa is getting more comfortable with the intense New York music scene. So, what can fans expect from a live show? “Fire dancers. Lots of animals running on the stage…and gift bags,” Shwa says. Even though he is currently on tour and performing on a regular basis, Shwa – who in one word describes himself as a “Diva” - still manages to keep a steady head on his shoulders. “I’m still living off of grilled cheese and PB and J. I’m not really living the dream just yet.” After all, if everyone who dreamed of being famous got their wish, we’d all be celebrities, which takes away the appeal. That’s the crazy thing about dreams - you have to be willing to face the struggle that comes along with them. Something tells me that Shwa is pretty good at handling any struggle that may come his way.

For more information about Shwa Losben, check out www.ShwaMusic.com. To learn more about my interviews with various artists in the entertainment industry, from around the globe visit PensEyeView.com - it all starts with a pen, paper and a vision.