Gimme The Gig

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thanks For The Memories GTG II!

In 2011, we brought a once in a lifetime opportunity to record with legendary music producer Don Was in Gimme the Gig II. 

But we didn’t stop there — Ford also invited “Mad” Mike Martin of “Pimp My Ride” to build a fully functional, state-of-the-art mobile recording studio in an all-new 2012 Ford Focus. The Focus Mobile Recording Studio represented a convergence of new digital technology and functional design, where the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. With the hottest mobile recording studio in town, the gig was on.

Offering the opportunity to participate in Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour events and a chance to compete for one of three recording sessions with Mr. Don Was himself, in the Ford Focus Mobile Studio, brought overwhelming and enthusiastic response from independent musicians and bands across the country.
2012 Ford Focus
Hottest Mobile Recording Studio in Town 
The Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour rocked the independent music scene from sunny San Diego, California, to mile-high Denver, Colorado. Musicians representing a variety of genres came together in one of the biggest independent blowouts since the original Gimme the Gig.


Checkpoint Charlie is ripping up the stage at the Citadel
The Shed House Bluegrass Band going country in the city at Fiesta on the Hill
Sheriff helps with sound check at Cerritos
Our very own Sam rocking it out
"Mad" Mike unveiling the Ford Focus Mobile Recording Studio
Tom Grill, Don Was, Krish Sharma at a performance
Fans and judges were challenged with selecting a few top bands that would perform for Don Was himself, and a chance to record with the legend in the Focus Mobile Recording Studio. All of the artists displayed tremendous talent, but only three could have a chance at this opportunity of a lifetime.
Rachel Wong
Aside Oceans
Lost in Atlantis
Halocene
HARGO
Pullman Standard
Eyeshine
Carson Henley
Bop Skizzum
Rachel and the Kings
Josh Blackburn
HARGO from San Diego, Eyeshine from Los Angeles, and Rachel and the Kings from Denver were offered an amazing opportunity to record with Don Was in the Ford Focus Mobile Studio and be featured in a 3 part KTLA TV special. Did you miss it? Check out their performances by clicking below.



The Gimme the Gig II team would like to give special thanks to Don Was, Tom Grill, Krish Sharma, Daryl Kinson, “Mad” Mike and Galpin Auto Sports for coming together to make all of this possible. We also want to send a huge shout out to all the bands and fans that have been a part the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour from the beginning.




Thank you all for an amazing ride!

Interested in future Gimme the Gig events? Visit www.gimmethegig.com and sign up to receive news about future events.   

Friday, May 25, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Josh Blackburn

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Denver artist Josh Blackburn.

Originally from Jackson, Mississippi; Josh Blackburn is one of the only two solo artists that have the opportunity to play in front of Don Was in Gimme the Gig II. His style combines a mixture of classic rock, adult contemporary and an occasional outburst of trippy guitar effects. Josh Blackburn compliments his skillful guitar-playing with a rich gravelly voice that’s always in control – showing he’s worth his weight as a solo musician. With four self-recorded and produced albums, this is one solo artist you wouldn’t want to miss. 


 Josh Blackburn

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Josh Blackburn!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Josh: Mine was in downtown Denver, at the Taste of Colorado.

GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus there? What was your favorite feature of the Focus?

Josh: I really like the gas mileage, I travel quite a bit and it would save me a lot of money.

GTG: What is one thing about you we would never guess?

Josh: I don’t like to wear shorts or short sleeve shirts, ever, no matter what. I have a thing that I just don’t feel comfortable in shorts or short sleeve shirts.

GTG: How did you decide to use your real name vs. a stage name as a musician?

Josh: It’s just the fact that Josh Blackburn is kind of a good stage name; my Mom did really good with that. Plus, it’s kind of like homage to my parents.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?

Josh: I have gotten to a show and realized that I have no guitar. I had to go home and get it and then end up playing late.

GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being an independent artist?

Josh: The hardest thing about it is how much you have to market yourself and work extremely hard to get radio play. Unless you have a large financial backing, it’s very hard to market yourself. Getting yourself played on a national radio station is pretty much undoable as an independent artist unless you have someone paying the stations to play your songs.

GTG: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?

Josh: I really like chicken wings a lot after a show. Never before a show, though – I don’t eat before a show.

GTG: Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Josh: Buying guitars! I have a fascination with guitars and beautiful wooden objects. (laughs)

GTG: What “inconvenient truths” does the independent scene not want the general public to know?

Josh: How hard it is to make money as an independent artist. Everything is flipped upside down; you have to pay to play for exposure. For certain venues, you have to pay to play there. You spend money to play at cool place just for your resume, and a lot of people don’t understand that.

GTG: What’s on the horizon for Josh Blackburn?

Josh: I just released my 3rd album and I play 8 shows a week right now; I keep myself completely busy. My short term goal would be for people outside the state of Colorado to hear my music.

Check out Josh Blackburn’s video message to Gimme the Gig and his fans below!


Make sure to check out his 4th album “Purple Elephant” available soon.

You can “Like” him at http://www.facebook.com/fearlesstone and you can follow him at http://www.twitter.com/fearlesstone. If you are a fan, give him a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Friday, May 18, 2012

10 Things You Didn't know about Rachel James


Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Rachel James!

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Rachel James played piano and sang for her family and friends as a child. She enjoyed the performances and music evolved into an everyday pulse of her life. Now, as Rachel pursues a career as a musician, she makes her mark with lyric-driven songs. Her lyrics are authentic, genuine, and brutally honest. Unwilling to write about anything she doesn’t feel, Rachel James opens her heart to her fans and creates truly emotional pieces filled with joy and sorrow.


Rachel James

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Rachel James!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Rachel: It was in Denver, Colorado.

GTG: While you were in Denver, did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus?

Rachel: I didn’t get a chance to sit inside of it, but I took a really good look at it and it’s beautiful; I love it. My Grandpa worked for Ford forever and loved the company so we always had Ford cars. The self-parking feature is definitely something I need in my life. (laughs)

GTG: What is one thing about you we would never guess?

Rachel: When I first started putting my band together, I found two of my members on craigslist; which is a really odd way of finding great musicians, but it worked!

GTG: Seeing that you named your band after yourself; if you had to name it something else what would it be?

Rachel: I really like the band name “Lost Things” and any name with the word “West” in it; because I really love the word.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?

Rachel: I had an old guitar player in my band that accidently unplugged himself and played half a show not plugged in. The sound booth guy eventually came out on stage and told us. It was so embarrassing. (laughs)

GTG: Do you or your band have any conspiracy theories?

Rachel: There’s 1 person in my band who has these crazy theories about people in the entertainment industry who get chosen to be the most popular people by a secret society group. We can never tell if he is joking or not. (laughs)

GTG: Would you rather be rich or famous because of your music and why?

Rachel: I can’t speak for the rest of my band but I would like a viable income. The famous part of it actually seems like a pain in the butt. My goal is a stable income so I can focus on my music.

GTG: Do you have a favorite independent band other than yourself?

Rachel: I really love this band that’s from San Diego, CA called “Dirty Sweet”. They make me happy, they are awesome!

GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other than the US?

Rachel: I would love to perform in England. The British have a great music sensibility; they are constantly putting out bands and people whose music I love. Also I am a history nerd and would love to visit for the history.

GTG: How did you start working with producer Joey Barba (Tickle me Pink)?

Rachel: He came and played on a song of mine called “Save Yourself” about a year ago. We just started writing songs together and I came to really appreciate how talented and how capable he is on the production end. So now we are working together on my new album.

Check out a video message from Rachel James to Gimme the Gig and her fans!


Make sure to check out her album “Rachel & The Kings” available fall, 2012.

You can “Like” her at http://www.facebook.com/iamracheljames and you can follow her at http://www.twitter.com/iamracheljames If you are a fan, give her a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Friday, May 11, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Bop Skizzum

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Bop Skizzum members Andy and Serafin.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Bop Skizzum takes full advantage of the fact that music has the power to get people dancing. Gathering inspiration from every corner of the record store, the band meshes their alternative pop rock vibe with groove-based funk, rock, and dance music to create an invigorating blend of unique instrumentation with phenomenal vocals to complete their sound. To truly experience Bop Skizzum, just sit back, get strapped in & enjoy the ride!


Bop Skizzum

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Bop Skizzum!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Serafin: It was last summer in Denver at the Taste of Colorado.

GTG: While you guys were there, did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus?

Andy: Yes, it was awesome. The best feature was definitely the Auto Parking (Active Park Assist). If I had money I would totally buy it.
Serafin: There are some geniuses that designed that car.

GTG: What is one thing about your band we would never guess?

Andy: We listen to a lot of different kinds of music; Indie Rock, Metal, R&B, Soul, Pop. Our range of music listening is pretty wide.

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name of your band?

Serafin: Andy came up with the name; Bop Skizzum, 11 years ago when the band first started. It’s onomatopoeia, kind of like Bill Cosby’s type of speech. It doesn’t relate to a specific kind of music which is nice for us because we play a lot of different things. It’s more like a vibe.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to your band on stage?

Serafin: We played a huge show up at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO; our old lead singer accidentally announced the rival school’s name and we got booed by 3000 people. (laughs) But the show went well after that, so it’s all good.

GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being in an independent band?

Serafin: The hardest thing would be trying to mix the business aspects of what you are doing with the artistic aspects of what you are doing, and trying to make both of those things really effective.

GTG: Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Andy: Chocolate little donuts from gas stations and Julie likes the powder ones.
Serafin: Hostess cherry pies.

GTG: What’s your band’s favorite album of all time?

Serafin: Thriller! The songs are amazing, production is amazing and it’s just a legend.

GTG: Any words of wisdom to other inspiring musicians?

Serafin: At the end of day, it all comes down to your craft. Just be the best in the planet at whatever skills you are going to be professionally.
Andy: Decide what you are; are you an awesome guitar player who happens to be a mechanic, or are you an awesome mechanic who happens to play the guitar. Never give up!

GTG: There are some pretty awesome skating pictures on your Facebook page; are you guys full-time musicians and part-time skaters?

Andy: Actually, we were just messing around at a photo shoot with skateboards; it was a super fun shoot. We were just trying to be cool for a day. (laughs)

Check out a video message from Bop Skizzum to Gimme the Gig and their fans!


Make sure to check out their newest single “Still Time” available now.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/bopskizzum and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/bokskizzum. If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Carson Henley

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Carson Henley.

Originally from Kent, Washington; Carson Henley comes from a family full of diverse musical interests. From his grandparents’ oldies to his mom’s soul music and his dad’s classic rock collections; Carson embraced the varying musical influences of his family and combined them into his own unique blend of soul rock with just a hint of classic oldies. With the increasing pace of today’s mainstream music, it is refreshing; to say the least, to see a young soul rock artist who can slow it down a bit.


Carson Henley

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Carson Henley!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Carson: It was in Seattle on top of a parking garage in downtown during a parade.

GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus?

Carson: I got a chance to sit in it; it was a really nice car. I like the look of the interior and the sound system.

GTG: What is one thing about you we would never guess?

Carson: I chip my teeth all the time. I chipped it a week ago on a microphone; I chipped it yesterday playing basketball, so I am going to have two fillings in a week. (laughs)

GTG: Why did you decide to use your real name instead of a stage name for your band?

Carson: Sometimes, a stage name fits a persona on stage better. But I am just me on stage, and I am not a good actor. I just play music and try to play it the way I feel it, so I guess that’s why I never thought about changing my name.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?

Carson: I was playing in a show where I was supposed to go out into the crowd. I caught my foot on a mic cord and fell down all the way down the stairs! Luckily, I stood right back up, but it was pretty embarrassing.

GTG: As a singer, who are your biggest inspirations?

Carson: I grew up listening to old Motown soul records from my mom, and classic rock from my dad. But as a whole I really gravitate towards soul music like Stevie Wonder, James Morrison (current) and Adele. 

GTG: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?

Carson: My perfect meal would be a pizza, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, and Jameson with ginger.

GTG: What “inconvenient truths” does the independent scene not want the general public to know?

Carson: The independent scene is a double edge sword; it’s hard to compete with the mainstream artists without money, but unfortunately, if you are independent, you don’t make much money. So it’s going to be a long and arduous road.

GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other than US?

Carson: I have a large fan base in the UK so I would love to play in London. But I am also an Italian, so I would love to play in Rome, Italy as well.

GTG: Sounds like you parents have major musical backgrounds, can you tell me a bit more about them?

Carson: My mom was a singer in a band, and my dad is a massive music fan. I grew up not allowed to listen to radio, and I could only listen to whatever my parents listened to and that has had a fundamental impact on my musical styles.

Check out a video message from Carson Henley to Gimme the Gig and his fans!



Make sure to check out his album “100 Hours” available June, 2012.

You can “Like” him at http://www.facebook.com/carsonhenleymusic and you can follow him at http://www.twitter.com/CarsonHenley. If you are a fan, give him a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Eyeshine

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Eyeshine members Maurice, Johnny, Polo and Crystal.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Eyeshine found success with a unique blend of pop punk and post grunge; called edge rock. Just like their genre suggests, Eyeshine members are edgy rock artists that personify the struggles of an independent band. Self-recorded and produced 8 albums thus far, Eyeshine lives by the band motto “Never Give Up” every day, and continues to produce authentic and edgy sounds for their loyal fan followings. With such dedication and commitment in their music; it’s no wonder Eyeshine landed a spot in our top 12 bands.       


Eyeshine

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Eyeshine!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Maurice: It was at the Lobster fest at San Pedro, California.

GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the Ford Focus while you guys were there? What is your favorite feature of the Focus?

Crystal: We did sit in it and it was amazing!
Maurice: I love the sun roof, because I like sticking my head out of it. (laughs)

GTG: What is one thing about one of you that your fans would never guess?

Maurice: Johnny, our front man, used to be a Power Ranger; he was the black one.

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name for your band?

Johnny: I was watching Crocodile Hunter, and he (late Steve Irwin) was at a lake late at night with a lantern and he said (in Australian accent) “You got to look for the eye shine!” And it just stuck in my head and we went from there.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage and/or on tour in general?

Maurice: We were playing at the Trocadero in Philly and the other band before us let us use their drum set. I nicked my middle knuckle while playing because I wasn’t use to the setup, and I ended up bleeding all over this guy’s drums by the time we finished our set.

GTG: Who were your biggest inspirations as a band in the beginning of your career?

Maurice: Part of it is our instrumental background. But I think our lyrics and emotions come from our experiences; the good and the bad, and our whole struggle as an independent band.

GTG: Would you guys rather be rich and unknown or famous and poor and why?

Crystal: Well, rich and unknown sounds pretty nice because we are already poor…
Johnny: …and unknown. (laughs)

GTG: Any of you guys have any guilty pleasures on the road?

Crystal: I don’t think the guys know this but when we are in the van, I like to pick my nose and put my boogers on the sides; it’s a tradition of mine.

GTG: Any words of wisdom to other inspiring musicians?

Polo: Be yourself and just keep going!
Maurice: Be realistic with your music and listen to professional bands and compare yourself to them.
Johnny: Record yourself often, try to fix what sounds uncool and fix it.
Crystal: Practice everything in the book; melodies, scales and just try to make yourself the best.

GTG: What’s on the horizon for Eyeshine?

Maurice: We are releasing our new album called “Revolution Airwaves” soon. We also have an Eyeshine DVD on its way and the teaser is available on our YouTube Channel.

Check out a video message from Eyeshine to Gimme the Gig and their fans!



Make sure to check out their 8th album “Revolution Airwaves” available soon.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/Eyeshinemusic and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/TheEyeshineBand If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Friday, April 27, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Lost in Atlantis

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Lost in Atlantis members Liz, Eric and Tim.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, the members of Lost in Atlantis (LIA) are as unique as their fan base, which LIA refers to as their “Little Evil Alien Bunnies.” Formed in 2008, LIA embodies an entirely modern genre of music – Rocktronica. This genre was defined by their fans, encompassing LIA’s style that combines catchy rock riffs and rhythmic pop sounds complemented by electronic dance synths. LIA works hard every day to produce fresh and unique pieces that continue to distinguish them in the Rocktronica world.


Lost in Atlantis

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Lost in Atlantis!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Liz: We played at the Cerritos mall in Anaheim, California; but we are from Arizona, so we had to drive all the way out there.

GTG: While you guys were there, did you get the chance to sit and try out the Ford Focus?

Liz: Heck ya we did! It was awesome; the guy (professional stunt driver) took us on a spin around the track, it was so scary but so much fun. He also showed us how the car parks itself, which is really cool because I can’t parallel park. (laughs)

GTG: What is one thing about you guys that your fans would never guess?

Eric: Liz is diabetic.
Tim: Me and Eric are brothers!

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name for your band?

Liz: An alien came down and told us to name our band Lost in Atlantis!
Tim: Well, Liz was just watching Discovery Channel and she saw a special on Atlantis. So she came back and said “how about we throw in a lost in there.” And that was pretty much it. (laughs)

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?

Liz : We had a show, and Eric put a fake mustache on my back, and it looked like I had huge hairy mole on my back throughout the whole show.

GTG: What’s LIA’s favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?

Liz: Anything and everything, we learned not to be picky, so whatever they give us. Oh In-and-Out!  
Eric: Avoid beans and taco!

GTG: What’s your favorite album of all time as a band?

Liz: Born Slave by Lady GaGa. (laughs)

GTG: Any guilty pleasures?

Liz: I love WOW (World of Warcraft)! Yeah I am a nerd. I had to stop because I got sucked into it and it consumed my life, and I stopped playing music. It’s such a wonderful game.

GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other than US?

Liz: Is the Moon a country? (laughs) Yes, definitely the Moon.
Eric: Or any other planets because it’s revolutionary! Ahh see what I did there!

GTG: How does it work out with 2 brothers (Eric/Tim) in the same band? Are there any friendly rivalries?

Eric: Basically, I control everything, so there’s no rivalry. I am also better looking.
Tim: I agree.

Check out a video message from Lost in Atlantis to Gimme the Gig and their fans!


Make sure to check out their debut album “Silent World” available now!

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/LostinAtlantis and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/LIAisRad If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimmethe Gig II Facebook page!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Halocene

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Halocene members Addie, Brad and Cash.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Halocene is a 100% independently run band. No labels, producers and managers here; just three fun, whole-hearted and slightly outrageous artists. They do absolutely everything you see by themselves. It’s no wonder their tagline, embraced by so many of their fans, is: “We Are | Halocene.” Halocene gives us a perfect blend of Pop and Rock; blurring genre boundaries but lifting musical horizons. So if you're looking for a different yet talented rock group, check out Halocene!



Halocene

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Halocene!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Addie: It was at the Arrowhead Town Mall. We actually played inside the mall, and the security said “HEY! PLAY QUIETER!” And we said “ah, but we are a rock band!” (laughs)

GTG: While you guys were there, did you get the chance to sit and try out the New Ford Focus?

Addie: Yes we did, and I thought it was so comfortable and it looks like a race car but drives like a regular car. I wanted it so bad!
Cash: The trunk is awesome, it’s huge! We can put all of our band equipment in the trunk so it’s awesome.

GTG: What is one thing about your band we would never guess?

Addie: We are self-produced. Brad actually records all of our songs in our home studio at the house.

GTG: How did you come up with the name of your band?

Addie: So, Holocene is a geological time period. And when Brad was texting it to me, he texted it with an “a” instead of an “o”, but it was cool and it wasn’t a word so we could let it mean whatever we wanted it to mean. So yes, it was a typo that was meant to be. (laughs)

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you guys on stage or on tour?

Addie: I fall off stages in almost every show. Last Monday, I almost broke my thumb falling off the stage.
Brad: Right before we went on stage for the Warped Tour, I accidentally poked myself in the eye, scratched my cornea and had to be escorted off the stage. I was blind for 3 days.
Cash: I tripped over the bass cabinet, and made a bunch of weird noises when they were building us up for a show.

GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being in an independent band?

Brad: FUNDING! We are 100% on our own. We all work our butts off just to have resources to travel and tour.

GTG: What “inconvenient truths” does the independent scene not want the general public to know?

Addie: Nobody wants you to know that they are not huge. We all have day jobs.
Cash: Fake it until you make it! We are cheesy and lame in a cool way.

GTG: Favorite Album of all time?

Cash: Ricky Martin – Shake Your Bon Bon. We just put it on a loop. (laughs)

GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other than US?

Addie: We really want to play in Japan; we have a lot of international fans in Southeast Asia. But playing in Japan would be a huge change.

GTG: How was your experience opening for Blink-182 and Jimmy Eat World?

Addie: The first person I met was actually Mark Hoppus, he was totally asking us questions and he is just the coolest dude ever. Everybody was super awesome and the day was just great.
Brad: It was mildly depressing for a couple months after that show for us. (laughs)

Check out a video message from Halocene to Gimme the Gig and their fans!


Make sure to check out their full length album “Can You Hear Us Now?” available now.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/Halocene and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/Halocene If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Friday, April 13, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About HARGO

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with HARGO members Hargo and Sanjay.

Originally from San Diego, California, HARGO brings haunting melodies anchored by a driving beat, undulating rhythms, and a wide vocal range, which evocatively accentuates the socially and politically charged lyrics. HARGO is a unique blend of personalities and international cultures drawn from a diverse range of eastern and western musical styles and influences, resulting in eclectic music that is much more than just melody and lyrics.



HARGO

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about HARGO!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Hargo: We played in San Diego; where we are from, in Del Mar at the fair ground at an event called Snow Jam.

GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus? What was your favorite feature of the Focus?

Sanjay: Ya, it was really cool! We saw a touch screen (MyFord Touch®) on there that caught our eyes right off the bat, it was the coolest thing.

GTG: What is one thing about HARGO that we and your fans would never guess?

Hargo: Sanjay is not the only Indian in the band! 
Sanjay: Also we drink more chai than whisky, which is uncommon for musicians (laughs).

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name of your band?

Hargo:  HARGO is my nickname from a much longer name. But it’s one word – it’s who I am. I think it was cool and made sense. Our bass player often jokes that I am just a little more HARGO than the rest of them (laughs).

GTG: Most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?

Sanjay: We were on tour in Bakersfield. While playing our single “Crashing Down”, we had a band miscommunication and our old drummer played the whole song at half speed. He just kept nodding his head like “YA! I am killing it!” It was like watching a train derail in slow motion; it was hilarious (laughs).

GTG: What’s HARGO’s favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?

Sanjay: Eating Indian food in different cities is our favorite thing to do on the road besides playing music.

GTG: Would you rather be rich or famous because of your music?

Hargo: Honestly, we’d just rather have people love and adore our music, and whatever the byproduct of that is what it is.

GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other than US?

Hargo: It would be awesome to play in the Czech Republic. We’ve actually written a song “Tekni-Colouring” about it in our new record.
Sanjay: Eastern Europe would be our first region of choice.

GTG: Any words of wisdom to other inspiring musicians?

Sanjay: Be super true to yourself; having too much ambition can work against you. At the end of day don’t be afraid to step outside of the conventional line that society sets up for us.

GTG: How has traditional Indian music influenced your music overall?

Sanjay: We draw a lot of inspirations from eastern music. When the band came together, Indian music kind of just organically infused into this band’s backbone. We also both have a continued pursing of education of classical Indian music as well.

Check out a video message from HARGO to Gimme the Gig and their fans!



Make sure to check out their album “Out of Mankind” available now.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/Hargomusic and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/Hargomusic If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!

Friday, April 6, 2012

10 Things You Didn't Know About Pullman Standard

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Pullman Standard members Kevin, Austin, and Timmy.

Originally from San Diego, California, Pullman Standard exemplifies the resilient and persistent qualities of independent rock bands. Refusing to give up his music dreams, vocalist Timmy Daniels recorded the first Pullman Standard song “The First Dance” on his computer with an acoustic guitar inside his old Jeep Cherokee where he was also living. Pulling from both rock and pop of all eras, Pullman Standard is able to bring us a truly vintage indie/alternative rock style while maintaining a high quality standard of music.


Pullman Standard

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Pullman Standard!

GTG: Where was your band’s live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Timmy: We played at the Ontario Mills Mall out in Ontario, CA.

GTG: While you guys were there, did you get a chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus and what was your favorite feature of the Focus?

Kevin: Ya, we got to ride in them, it was really cool. They are really nimble and quick and have a very sharp turning radius! And we rode with the stunt driver, so we had a really good time riding in it. I also love the USB ports in there, very convenient.

GTG: What is one thing about your band that your fans would never guess?

Kevin: I would say it’s our demeanor as a rock band, everybody always thinks you are very serious or you have an attitude about you. But we are just 4 really dorky guys.

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name for your band?

Timmy: Pullman Standard is actually a vintage rail car company and they set the standard for style and class at the turn of the century that other rail companies followed. It’s a cool choice that fits us because we move forward with who we are and we don’t worry about what else is going on. Maybe in turn, others will follow our footsteps.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to one of your members on stage?

Kevin: (Laughs) Well Timmy fell off a table that he was dancing on, luckily he landed on his feet! He just kind of slid down and the expression on his face was priceless.

GTG: Where does the inspiration for your music come from?

Timmy: Mine came a lot from early 2000 and late 90s rock, like Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, as well as late 80s pop and early 90s pop.

Kevin: I am really drawn to Timmy’s writing style. I am a big fan of melodic rock, very pop sounding stuff.

Austin: The Clash, The Rolling Stones, 50s rock and roll. Just all the greats of every era that have perfected their craft.

GTG: Do you guys have any guilty pleasures?

Austin: Gas station Sandwiches! We love gas station food in general.

GTG: Favorite Album of all time?

Timmy: I would say that the Weezer Blue Album changed the way I wrote music and thought about Rock and Pop melody.

GTG: Three words to describe your fans?

Austin: Loyal, Savvy, and Caring. We had a lot of equipment stolen from us not too long ago, and we actually received checks in the mail from people to help, it was really cool.

GTG: Does your band have any celebrity fans?

Austin: Katy Perry’s dad really likes us (laughs)!

Check out a video message from Pullman Standard to Gimme the Gig and their fans!



Make sure to check out their single “Ordinary Just Like Me (La La La La)” available now.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/PullmanStandard and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/Pullmanstandard If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!