Wednesday Whatup!- Your new weekly connection to the local music scene.

Quick Stats:

Name: osaka street cutter

Genre: Alternative/ Indie Rock

Interviewees: John Godfrey [JG] and Jimmy Farina [JF]

[FEE] What’s your band’s name? How did you come up with the name?

[JG] Our band name is osaka street cutter. And I’ll never tell you how I came up with it.

[FEE] Do you currently have a label/management?

[JG] We don’t, I’m functioning as the pseudo-manager for now.

[FEE] What are you currently working on (album, touring, writing etc.)?

[JF] Writing new material, jamming with our awesome new drummer Adam Salemeh, playing with some new toys and just working on our overall live sound.

[JG] We plan on hitting the studio again really soon, and we have an all-ages gig at Church on August 20^th. It’s our first with Adam on drums and me back on bass. We are all really excited for it…it’s gonna be a great show. There are four other bands playing with us and I think I speak for everyone when I say we’d appreciate you coming to check it out.

[FEE] When did you as an artist/band start playing? How long have you been playing?

[JF] John and I have been in and out of bands together since we were 15 years old and then we decided to make a love child called “Osaka.”

[JG]The current inclination of the band started as “Honey Fitz” in September 2009. We ditched that name quick and became osaka street cutter. We added guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Dan Garrity in January and drummer Adam Salameh last month, and here we are.

[FEE] How did you learn to play your instrument(s)? Did it start in school or was it self-taught?

[JF] I started taking guitar lessons when I was 13 for a couple months. I got bored with learning other peoples’ songs so I took the chords I knew and started writing my own stuff.

[JG] I started piano lessons at 8, bass lessons at 15 and taught myself drums at 21.

[FEE] What genre would you consider yourself/ your band?

[JF] Pance auff dance auff sounds.

[JG] I think he means emotional indie rock, owing some debt to 90s alternative rock and classic pop melodies.

[FEE]What artists have influenced you? Have any other factors influenced you as well?

[JF] Dean Deleo, the guitarist of Stone Temple Pilots. He has a unique way of taking strange chords and glue-ing them together in rock songs. He has very distinct guitar tones. I really admire that.

[JG] Ben Folds. The Beatles. The Beach Boys. Weezer. Common theme: great pop songwriters.

[FEE] Who are your favorite musicians, locally and nationally?

[JG] Locally, I love Oranjuly (I never shut up about them), Oldjack and my boys in Public Beach. Glenn Yoder is fantastic. Silhouette Rising is a great up-and-coming band.

[FEE] Do your families help your music career? Did any of you get any musical talent from your family members?

[JF] My great uncle wrote “Rock Around the Clock.” I think that’s pretty kick ass.

[JG] Both our families are incredibly supportive and we love ‘em for it.

[FEE] Who else has helped you the most throughout your career?

[JG] Andrew Brodeur.

[FEE] Where have you preformed? Which places are your favorites to play?

[JG] We’ve played at Northeastern’s afterHOURS twice and Hennessey’s Hooley House twice. We played in a kid named Andy’s garage a few times in Weymouth back in 2009. We’re psyched to get into Church; it’s a whole ‘nother level for us.

[FEE] What’s the most bizarre or crazy thing that has happened to you as you were playing a live set, or before/after a show?

[JF] John and I performed a half-assed version of a wrestling move at the end of a set at afterHOURS and got entirely no response from fellow hipsters and trash superstars.

[JG] We’ve had some terrible luck with equipment. At two different Hennessey’s shows, Jimmy broke two strings on the first song and I played a whole set with a falling ride cymbal and a high-hat that wouldn’t stay open. Rock.

[FEE] How do you prepare for a live performance? How do you get rid of any nervousness before you go on stage?

[JF] I learned that nerves are good. It proves that I still care about something.

[JG] Cheap draft beer. Just kidding. Cheap vodka drinks.

[FEE] What are your goals as musicians?

[JF] We would love to get big purely out of spite.

[JG] Yes. And I’d love to tour the country, have people sing our songs back to us. Typical, but undeniable.

[FEE] How do you set yourself / yourselves apart from all the other acts out there?

[JF] Dan and I rarely use power chords in our writing and guitar playing and John’s been bringing back the Big Muff pedal on bass. No one has the same band name as us so that’s a gold star on our fridge.

[JG] Musically, an emphasis on melody. Chops don’t matter unless you’ve got a good song. Also our versatility – I can play a couple instruments and Dan can play (deep breath) guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, synth, saxophone, and percussion. It’s amazing what he can do.

[FEE] What your biggest challenge as a band/artist?

[JF] Our personal schedules are our biggest challenge. It’s never easy being young attractive lads. Everyone wants a piece of your ass and it can get in the way of setting up band practices.

[FEE] What do you as an artist/group do to reach out to your fans?

[JG] Our fanbase is still growing since we’ve had to revamp the band so much to perfect our sound. Now that the band is on solid footing, I’ve got some marketing ideas up my sleeve. Without a doubt, our number one priority is to spend as much face time with everyone as we can.

[FEE] Is there any advice you have for the acts just starting out?

[JF] My advice for other bands is to have as much communication as possible and to be honest.

[FEE] What is your greatest success so far as a band/artist?

[JG] The completion of recording 2 songs, “Macy’s Beachway” and “Try,” as well as transitioning into an actively-gigging band. I’m so proud that we’re out of the proverbial basement.

[FEE]  Where can soon-to-be fans go and listen to your music?

[JG] http://osakastreetcutter.bandcamp.com for music and http://facebook.com/osakastreetcutter to connect.

Thanks in advance!

Wednesday Whatup!- your new weekly connection to the local music scene

Quick Stats

Name: Grey Sanford Band

Label/ Mgmt: Fleming Entertainment

Genre: Acoustabluesrockafunk (or Acoustic Rock)

[FEE] What are you currently working on (album, touring, writing etc.)?

[GSB] The writing for our new album is basically complete and we should be hitting the studio later this summer.

[FEE] When did you as an artist/band start playing? How long have you been playing?

[GSB] The band was formed a few years ago but we’ve all been playing since our teenage years which are roughly over 10 years for most of us.

[FEE] How did you learn to play your instruments? Did it start in school or was it self-taught?

[GSB] Greg, Mike and Neil were all self-taught with no real formal training while Angie and Kenny are both trained musicians.

[FEE] What artists have influenced you? Have any other factors influenced you as well?

[GSB] We’ve been influenced by a ton of bands and/or musicians ranging from rock to country to rap.  A good song is a good song, regardless of style.

[FEE] Who are your favorite musicians?

[GSB] We’re big fans of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Neil Young, Dylan, Death Cab for Cutie, Hendrix, and 311 to name a few.

[FEE] Do your families help your music career? Did any of you get any musical talent from your family members?

[GSB] All of our family members have been huge in helping us.  Whether through loaning us money or just showing their support at shows, they’ve all helped us in our musical pursuits.  All of us had parents or family members who were musicians and music has been a big part of all of our lives since we were little kids.

[FEE] Who else has helped you the most throughout your career?

[GSB] Besides our families, collectively as a band we’ve all helped each other the most.  This band is like a surrogate family for all of us.  In addition, our producer, Vini Poncia helped us develop our songwriting which in turn led us to Fleming Entertainment; they’re the first to really give us a shot.

[FEE] Where have you preformed?

[GSB] We’ve performed all over the northeast, from Boston to NYC ranging from sold out shows at Lupo’s in Providence and the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston to just 10 people at local dive bars.

[FEE] What’s the most bizarre or crazy thing that has happened to you as you were playing a live set, or before/after a show?

[GSB] We were playing a show at Kenny’s Castways in NYC and some guy had a goat on a leash which was pouncing on somebody’s car…not the type of thing you’d expect to see in Greenwich Village.

[FEE] How do you prepare for a live performance? How do you get rid of any nervousness before you go on stage?

[GSB] Practice, practice, practice… if you know your material there’s no reason to be nervous.  However, if we do need something though it’s usually a shot of alcohol.

[FEE] What are your goals as musicians?

[GSB] As musicians, our main goal is to write good songs and get them out to as many people as we can.

[FEE] What you biggest challenge as a band/artist?

[GSB] One of our biggest challenges has been how to get people to notice you without being gimmicky.  Most people don’t care about local music until it’s on the radio.

[FEE] What do you as a group reach out to your fans?

[GSB] We use social media and try to build a personal relationship with our fans.

[FEE] Is there any advice you have for the acts just starting out?

[GSB] Make sure your songs are as good as can be, rehearse and just get out there.  Don’t be afraid to hear “NO”.  Network with other bands, reach out club promoters and above all, don’t give up because it’s a tough racket but persistence pays off.

[FEE] What is your greatest success so far as a band/artist?

[GSB] So far our greatest success has been getting signed with Fleming Entertainment.  They’ve opened so many doors for us that weren’t there before.

[FEE] Where can soon-to-be fans go and listen to your music?

[GSB] They can go to www.greysanfordband.com, the hub for all things GSB including links to Itunes, Amazon, our shop where they can purhcase T-Shirts and other promotional items and check out some never released songs and live tracks.

Wednesday Whatup!- your new weekly connection to the local music scene

Quick Stats

Name: Jared Walsh (Vocals/Guitar) and Chris Norton (Vocals/Guitars) of Barricades

Label/ Mgmt: None yet!

Genre: Pop-Rock in the ilk of Jimmy Eat World

[FEE] How did you come up with the name?                                                                                                                                               [JW]Barricades, in high school the original four members of the band were in the show Les Mis at Braintree and we decided that was the most badass thing that you could come up with that has to do with Musical Theatre.

[FEE] When did you as an artist/band start playing? How long have you been playing?                                                                                             [JW] In the Summer of 2008 we got together and started playing and we’ve been going ever since. Our original bassist Norm moved to South Korea the next summer so we’ve had a carousel of bass players, but ever since Justin stepped in he’s really solidified the position and is a very important member of the band.

[FEE] What are you currently working on (album, touring, writing etc.)?                                                                                                                  [JW] We are currently working on a bunch of new songs for our live show. Constantly evolving our sound and music to keep pushing forward with what we’re looking to do. Hopefully by the end of the summer/into the fall we’ll start working on our first full-length album

FEE] What was your favorite song to record?                                                                                                                                                      [JW] I think for me it would have to be Lost. After our EP Strong Foundations it has been the song we put most of our effort into.                    [CN] Apology. My only Solo and sweet high note

[FEE] Who are your favorite musicians, locally and nationally?                                                                                                                                 [JW] Minus the Bear, Frightened Rabbit, Death Cab for Cutie, The Decembrists, Barefoot Truth                                                                    [CN] Patrick Stump. Loved him in Fall Out Boy. Insane vocal range. Ridiculous energy onstage for his live show

[FEE] Do your families help your music career? Did any of you get any musical talent from your family members?                                          [JW] My family has played a huge role in my music career. They are at just about every show and do everything they can to help/support us.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        [CN] Considering I’m in a band with my brother? Yes. Mom used to sing, Uncle started us on drums and me on guitar

[FEE] Where have you preformed? Which places are your favorites to play?                                                                                                            [JW] We’ve played just about every venue within the city limits of Boston. Also the Cantab, All Asia, Bar East in New York City, Jerky’s in Providence; My personal favorite venue has been the Hard Rock Café in Boston, where we are playing on July 8th.

[FEE] Where is your dream place to perform?                                                                                                                                                     [JW] I think it’d be great to play a huge venue like The Bank of America Pavillion, but on a smaller scale the Paradise, or Brighton Music Hall would be great.

[FEE] What’s the most bizarre or crazy thing that has happened to you as you were playing a live set, or before/after a show?                         [JW] One time at Church I/we forgot my guitar and we did our whole set down a guitar.                                                                                        [CN] Sold 11 T-Shirts to high school kids after the conservatory show. Win

[FEE] What are your goals as musicians?                                                                                                                                                             [JW] For me it’s to make good quality music that I can be proud to share with my friends, family and fans. I know we make good music and I would just want the ability to share it with as many people as possible.

[FEE]How do you set yourself/ yourselves apart from all the other acts out there?                                                                                                 [JW] I think melodically, with harmonies, and musically we’re doing a lot of things that people haven’t heard before. People can not really pin down a genre for us and I think that’s a good thing. I think when people hear us they can jive with the music because we bring such different elements to the table.

[FEE] What you biggest challenge as a band/artist?                                                                                                                                          [JW] My biggest challenge is just getting the word out, getting people to shows. Boston is growing right now, we’re living at a time where the music scene is growing and doing a lot of positive things. I think for us we just want to be a part of that.

[FEE] Is there any advice you have for the acts just starting out?                                                                                                                       [JW] Be organized and set small goals for yourself that you can accomplish and go from there

[FEE] What is your greatest success so far as a band/artist?                                                                                                                                 [JW] I think having Lost be played on both The Boston Local Music Show and the Cheap Seats down the Cape have been our biggest success. It’s a slow process but we’re beginning to move forward as a group and as a product.

[FEE]Where can soon-to-be fans go and listen to your music?                                                                                                                                Go to Barricadesmusic.com Click the Facebook link>Go to info> Listen to Lost

Welcome Whatup Wednesdays- your new weekly connection to the local music scene. Each week we will be interviewing an artist who part of the current Boston local music scene. If you have a band and/or questions you would like to see please email abrodeur@flemingentertainmententerprises.com.

Quick Stats

Name: AJ Edwards

Label/ Mgmt: Managed by Fleming Entertainment

Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Adult Contemporary – but under the roof of Pop

[FEE]What are you currently working on (album, touring, writing etc.)?

[AJ]Currently, I’m finishing up a five (maybe six) song EP that will be out in September.  It’s going to be called “Where the Rain Ricochets” and it’ll be available online, in stores, and of course at shows.  I’m very excited about the release!

[FEE] When did you as an artist start playing? How long have you been playing?

[AJ]I started playing guitar at 16 right after I saw U2 at the Garden.  I started out on an electric guitar, but discovered that I could ‘sing’ guitar solos better than I could play them… so; I got an acoustic and began to write music of my own.

[FEE]What artists have influenced you? Have any other factors influenced you as well?

[AJ]Bono, Jeff Buckley, Bryan Adams, Stevie Nicks, David Gray… all just wonderful singers that I’ve always admired.

[FEE] Who are your favorite musicians, locally and nationally?

[AJ]Locally… Will Dailey & The Rivals, Jesse Dee, The Deep North.  Nationally… U2, David Gray, The Damnwells, Barcelona, Ryan Adams, Wilco.

[FEE]Do your families help your music career? Who else has helped you the most throughout your career?

[AJ]Yes!  They are incredibly supportive and excited because I’m the first musician in the family.  I have their blessing in my pursuit of a successful music career, and my dad reminds me all the time to just not run out of money.  I’m like, “Got it, Dad.” [and] My girlfriend, Ashley.  She inspires me always.

[FEE] What you biggest challenge as a band/artist?

[AJ] Winning over the pop music haters.  A lot of people cringe at a catchy chorus, but I contest that despite what the major labels choose to release over and over again, there are at least a thousand great pop songs waiting to be written.  When I approach songwriting, my goal is to keep things memorable, but interesting and especially sincere.

[FEE]What is your greatest success so far as a band/artist?

[AJ]Opening up for Augustana in 2008.

[FEE]What do you as an artist/group do to reach out to your fans?

[AJ]Leverage social media for fan interaction.  I record videos, think of contests, ask for suggestions… you have to really walk the fine line between ‘spamming’ and being engaging.  Send them personal messages, too… let them know that you want to see them at your show next Thursday night.

[FEE]Where can soon-to-be fans go and listen to your music?

[AJ] My brand-new website will be up and running this month at: www.ajedwardsmusic.com and you can also ‘like’ my page on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ajedwardsofficial