Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Vinyl


I am hanging out today with a band from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Vinyl brings a polished image to the front of the stage. With feel good lyrics, balanced instruments behind an educated voice, and a pure sense of success Vinyl is well on their way to wherever they want to go. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Vinyl.

Where did you guys all meet?

We actually met in Jail. We all got arrested for PI’s on the same night and struck up a friendship in the slammer.

When did you know that music was something you wanted to make a run at?

As for me, the first time I heard the Beatles when I was 7 years old. I use to rewrite their lyrics with my own. It’s still a tie on who wrote the better lyrics. John Lennon or I?

You guys all have other jobs or is music it?

Yes we all work day jobs as well. I’m opening up a mortgage brokerage so let me know if you or anyone else you know wants to refinance or buy a home!

What is it like being from Fort Wayne?

It’s cold and un-inspirational. Many of the local bands sound like Creed up here and it makes me sad.

Do you guys head up to Chicago a lot for shows?

I go to Chicago to watch Spoon and Ryan Adams shows but we have not played there yet.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

3,000.

The smallest?

Our girlfriends and the bar tender. So five but I don’t think our girlfriends were paying attention so basically one.

Any tattoos in the bad?

The guitar player has a bad one on his shoulder. If you’re reading this remember “Lazer Removal”.

Tell me about the other guys in the band.

Jim plays guitar like a Greek god with a bad tattoo. Andy plays the bass like an angel. Paul beats his drum like he hasn’t had sex in years. Joe, the singer, is just one handsome devil.

What are you drinking on stage?

I really enjoy Makers Mark on the rocks or with a splash of tonic. It truly is a beautiful drink.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Anything can spark a new melody in my head but usually it is the darker and more sinister things that inspire me. Those are generally the things that I enjoy the most out of life. Its sweetness is my weakness.

Who is the ringleader of the group?

We all think we are the ringleaders. It works out well that way. Each person thinks they’re the coolest but in reality we all four suck.

Where do you guys practice?

Drummer Paul’s basement equipped with our own bar, studio, vocal room, sound room, stage, and living room. I could live down there if he and his wife Jody would let me. “All I’m saying is think about it Paul!”

You guys ever tour?

This summer we have some open dates at Niagra in the east village in Manhattan so we’ll probably set up a mini tour and makes some stops along the way out east.

If you could tour with any band currently playing right now who would it be?

I personally would like to tour with Greg Dulli from the Twilight Singers and The Afghan Whigs. I would like to open for them and play their own songs each night before they get the chance to just to piss him off night after night.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

I like spinach and mushrooms on my pizza. Pizza is like music, to each their own.

PC or Mac?

It is like a mullet really. PC is all business on the top and Mac is nothing but a party in the back!

If you could be one cartoon character which one would you be?

I’m not sure who I’d be but I’d do Jessica Rabbit.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

San Francisco with my girlfriend and band mates rocking the Bay Area.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Beatles and Nirvana first and foremost. Then in no real order and I’m sure I’ll leave a lot out: The Animals, Jesse Malin, Dinosaur Jr., The Cure, The Replacements, The Afghan Whigs and the Twilight Singers, Duran Duran, The Sex Pistols, Bad Brains, The Cult, The Dead Kennedy’s, Spoon, Oasis and many many more.

What is the most embarrassing thing to happen to you on stage?

I don’t have much shame so I’ve never really been embarrassed on stage. I’m sure I should have been many times before but I’m too vain to recognize it when it happens.

If you could only play one cover song for the rest of your career what would you choose?

The Beatles ” The Walrus”.

What did you have for breakfast yesterday?

Blueberries, scrambled eggs, and some nuts.

Coke or Pepsi?

I’m not much of a soda drinker so either water or Makers Mark.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

The love we make baby (I’m going to leak out my own sex tape).

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Turn off the radio and check out some pure indie bands. And also, turn off your TV and read a book.