Interview with David Christison

Meet David Christison, folk-indie solo artist and self-taught pianist. Commonly known by friends as the whole package, Christison lives up to the hype. With lyrics like, "It's cold outside and I wish I knew how to stop the breathing of this vanity inside you, it's a bold face lie and you know its true, consider me dead for the weekend," it's clear his talent isn't just in his musical abilities but is gifted in his multilayered lyric writing as well.

Beginnings

When Christison was younger he would often hear his mother and sisters playing the piano. While they were gone he would prop himself on the piano bench and pick out the Phantom of the Opera theme he had heard being played earlier. He played by ear until he started taking professional lessons around the age of seven. Not only is he an remarkable pianist, he also plays guitar and percussion.

In high school, Christison started singing, writing and performing wherever and whenever he could, "I started messing around with some recordings, which I look back on now and cringe, and thought it would be a really enjoyable thing to do once I got better."

Salt Lake

Although Salt Lake has given us brilliant artists and bands, it's not recognized as such. I asked if Christison felt living in Utah has been detrimental to his music career. He said, "I think Utah has in no way been detrimental. We have a culture that really cultivates musical talents from an early age and values those talents."

He did express that he realizes other states have a larger market for singer/songwriters but says that he has seen fellow Utahan musicians make a name for themselves nationally and feels he could do the same if that is the direction he decides to go.

Christison has grown up in Utah and his single most favorite part about it is, "Summer." There couldn't be a more perfect answer.

Inspirations

I asked him who he is listening to and who inspires his music. He pulls inspiration from various Jazz artists due to his background in Jazz piano. He also said, "I find myself drawing inspiration from anything that makes me nod my head and tap my feet."

Most recently he has taken an interest in bands locally such as Band of Annuals, Fictionist, Joshua James and Isaac Russel. More commonly known bands he listens to are Wilco, Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens to name a few.

Listen

Check out Dave Christison on his myspace page and also find out about upcoming shows and release dates for albums. Listen to Criminal and Dead for the Weekend. He will not disappoint, he is the whole package after all.

Criminal

Dave Christison | MySpace Music Videos

image via: Dave's myspace

Kid Theodore: Interview with Ryan Darton

Three years ago I was given a burned CD from an old boyfriend. The boyfriend came and went, but the CD stayed with me. After a few listens I was instantly hooked to their unique sound and catchy beats.

The CD was Kid Theodore's first album, Goodnight...Goodnight featuring personal favorites, Sunken Ships and I am a Moth. Later I saw them open for Ben Kweller at In the Venue and purchased their latest album, Hello Rainey, and a T-shirt before the concert even began. I am a Kid Theodore fan.

I had the glorious opportunity of interviewing Ryan Darton, lead vocalist and Bass player (he has been known to lift it over his head while performing). The band decided to create their own gunslinger name and came up with indie pop-rock band Kid Theodore, comprised of four members, Ryan Darton, Cole Barnson, Brandon McBride and Gardner Stevenette.

Changes and Transitions

Originally based in Salt Lake, Kid Theodore has recently relocated to California. I asked Darton how he felt the the move to California has benefited the band. "California has been a great experience for us. We moved out here because this is where the music network is. And we have networked, and we have made some great friends/contacts in the music business here. It's been amazing!" says Darton.

Kid Theodore creates a positive and fun energy at all of their shows. It's nearly impossible to not lose all inhibitions and dance the night away to their unique beats and entertaining performances. California has been no exception, every show has broadened their loyal fan base.

The band has not always been made up of the same four members. There have been a few transitions with old band-mates saying goodbye and new band-mates saying hello. "It's kind of like shedding some skin to have a fresh layer, but the skeleton and flesh remain the same" Darton said of the changes. Although each time has been a challenge, it has been a great experience with each new member.

Song Writing and Musical Inspirations

Although Darton and Barnson are the main song writers, they bring each new song to band practice for the input of the band. Darton said, "...they get picked to pieces like a cow in the midst of piranhas. In the end, the band as a whole writes the songs."

They are currently recording a new album set to be released mid to late September. They are excited about the concept they have created and are eager to share it with the world.

Although each band member has their own favorite musical inspirations, Darton listens to Spoon, Louis Armstrong, Electric Light Orchestra, and Steve Miller amongst many others.

Listen

Kid Theodore encourages you to visit their site www.kidtheodore.com and sign up for their email list to stay updated with upcoming shows and the official release date of their new album. As a reward for signing up, Kid Theodore will send you a free MP3 download, truly priceless.

Visit their website and buy their album, you won't regret it.

Listen to Greetings From the Grave, This Scene is a Play, and Syncopated Heartbeat.

Their next show in Salt Lake will be held at The Velour in Provo on August 13 at 8:00PM.

images via: www.kidtheodore.com

Us Thieves: Interview with Chris Bjornn

After realizing their potential criminal theft behaviors, Chris Bjorn and Austin Archer came up with Us Thieves, the name of their newly found collaborative folk acoustic band. The name came from their desire to steal from Wal-Mart, although they have yet to commit any crimes. Originally both Chris and Austin were working on their own projects when they decided to join forces and produce something with more sophistication.

The Collaboration

Bjornn has been writing and performing music for years. I asked him what interested him in teaming up with another creative mind. “Being a solo artist is a wonderful thing. It’s more than just having the limelight all to yourself, it’s almost comforting. But it becomes old, and just like with any activity in life, it gets lonely,” Bjornn said. He also feels that his decision to no longer go solo will help them gain more respect and attention as a band. Of course when any two minds come together there are differences in ideas and Bjornn and Archer are no exception. “We both have different ideas for how the structure of the song is, or exactly what words to use, and it’s a little hard sometimes going with the other person’s way. But for the most part, we both will write our own songs to the fullest extent, and when we get stuck we call each other to help finish it,” he said.

Inspiration and Genre

Us Thieves find inspiration from bands such as The Cure and Bob Dylan. They admire well-written lyrics and it’s something they are constantly trying to implement in their music. “We care about intelligent lyrics, having catchy music, and also just being plain fun with our music, “Bjornn said.

Us Thieves is a folk rock band, but they promise their shows are lively and a good time. Currently, Bjornn and Archer are working hard to release an album spending countless hours in a recording studio. I asked if they were incredibly excited, the response, “Ridiculously, it’s a lot more work than anyone would assume; it will be nice to have something solid under us.”

Listen

Salt Lake has responded well to Us Thieves, placing them second in a Battle of the Bands competition held last weekend at Club Sound. They have been asked to compete at finals which will be held in October. They have played at local respected venues such as Kilby Court, Velour, and various other small venues constantly building their fan base.

They are currently working on a legitimate website, but for the time being you can listen to their music on their Myspace or Facebook page.

Listen to tracks A Simple Love by Us Thieves and Listen, Dear Friend by Us Thieves.

image via: Us Thieves Myspace