rickyleepotts.com | a voice of rhythm, reason, & reality

The guy that I am sitting with today has been an inspiration to me in the world of graphic design for a couple of years now. He is young, a true go getter, and a guy that will not settle for anything but the best. He deserves it too because this kid works harder than just about anyone I know. He has traveled all over the world for conferences and for study abroad programs and that will only aid in his ability to land his dream job when he graduates from college. He is also a great friend of mine and one that I can call up for a cup of coffee or a snack on any given night. Plus, he plays golf so you know he can’t be too bad! Sit with me today as I introduce you to a movie buff, a graphic design student, and a true good heart in Josh Corken.

(For those of you that do not know how Twitter works, messages that start with @joshcorken are messages from me to the guest.  Messages that start with @rickyleepotts are his responses.  I have set a limit to 140 characters for this interview and all questions and answers must fit in a single tweet.  All of the messages you see have not been edited and are exactly as I received them.)

@joshcorken Any reason why you decided to break Twitter not minutes before our #twitterview?

@rickyleepotts Ha! Well, sometimes I like to challenge the programmers over at Twitter HQ to really test their skillz. They passed the test.

@joshcorken What is your official title over there at @axiik?

@rickyleepotts First off, it’s @xiik. ;] And I am an Account Coordinator/Assistant Art Director.

@joshcorken Oh, so you are kind of the like the Dwight of your office? You know, assistant to the regional manager? Do you have an iPhone?

@rickyleepotts Haha! Ya, you could say that. I’m kinda like the jack-of-all-trades, if you will. Yes, I live and die by my iPhone!

@joshcorken Have you had a chance to listen to the new @adamlambert album?

@rickyleepotts I have not. Been trying to catch up w/ a lot of other music at the moment. I’ve heard good things tho…mostly from you. Lol!

@joshcorken If you could only eat one type of cereal for the rest of your life what cereal would you choose?

@rickyleepotts That’s probably the hardest question I’ve ever been asked! But I’d probably go with Honeycomb. That stuff is like crack!

@joshcorken If you woke up tomorrow, and had no memory of the past, and could start over, start fresh…what would you do different?

@rickyleepotts I wouldn’t do anything different. My life is going in a direction I love. I’m completely happy! The future looks bright.

@joshcorken Do you prefer creamy or crunchy peanut butter?

@rickyleepotts Creamy. Hands down! I like my food silky and smooth.

@joshcorken Not sure why I am obsessed with knowing your food preference but do you drink Coke or Pepsi?

@rickyleepotts I was wondering the same thing. I actually don’t drink soda anymore. I gave it up over a year ago for health reasons. Go H20!

@joshcorken I thought water was H2O, not Bud Light!  So when do you graduate?

@rickyleepotts I saw recent studies showed beer was just as good for you as water. Or maybe that was on College Humor? I graduate May 2011.

@joshcorken College Humor is great.  What are your plans when you graduate?

@rickyleepotts I plan to work at Pixar as entry level and work my way up. I eventually wanna be a director & open my own studio! Dream big!

@joshcorken Let’s say that you are told you have a week to live. How do you spend your last seven days?

@rickyleepotts Traveling the world. That’s my goal in life. But I would have to bring all my friends & family along so I could be w/ them!

@joshcorken Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

@rickyleepotts Tough question! There are A LOT. My mom & dad, the founders of Pixar, Zeb Wood, Frank Tai, and a handful of my peers.

@joshcorken Thanks for doing this my friend.  I always let the artists get the last word.  Go.

@rickyleepotts Thanks Ricky! It was fun. Last words, eh? Stay passionate, do things that make you happy, be true to yourself, & live life!

My cousin sent me this in an email recently and I felt that it was important enough to share with all of my readers.  It is a letter to Mr. Hope and Change in the White House from an older gentleman who is obviously not a supporter of our president.  It comes from a war veteran reaching the end of his life. I would not call this a last ditch effort to make a difference but there are some people listening and some people talking about this letter.  You can see just in the way it was written that this man is not happy with the way our new found leader is acting from the oval office. So whether if you agree or disagree with the who our country voted into office this is worth reading.

(This letter is written exactly as the president received it.  I did not change any of the content to better fit my blog.)

Dear President Obama,

My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year.  People meeting me for the first time don’t believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos’n Mate.  Now I live in a “rest home” located on the western end of Pearl Harbor, allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country.

One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct even to the head man.

So here goes.

I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.

I can’t figure out what country you are the president of.

You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like:

” We’re no longer a Christian nation”

” America is arrogant” – (Your wife even announced to the world,”America is mean-spirited. ” Please tell her to try preaching that nonsense to 23 generations of our war dead buried all over the globe who died for no other reason than to free a whole lot of strangers from tyranny and hopelessness.)

I’d say shame on the both of you, but I don’t think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you.  To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.

After 9/11 you said,” America hasn’t lived up to her ideals.”

Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British?  Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War?  I hope you didn’t mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.

I don’t think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination.  You know the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected.

Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.

Shape up and start acting like an American.  If you don’t, I’ll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue.  You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.

And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don’t want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts, who was putting up a fight?  You don’t mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don’t want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.

One more thing.  I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you’re the Commander-in-Chief now, son.  Do your job.  When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him.  But if you’re not in this fight to win, then get out.  The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you’re thinking of.

You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president.

You’re not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy.  That’s not our greatest threat.  Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.

And I sure as hell don’t want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle.

Sincerely,

Harold B. Estes

From the moment I saw this guy I knew I had land an interview with him.  I am not sure if it was the confused look on his face or the ears from the hat he was wearing, but his pure creativity radiated off him like a bad smell.  (Just for the records, he does not smell bad.)  Add that to the fact that he has amazing lyrics, a polished set of instrumentals, and some graphic design work that could make the best designer jealous, he simply has the whole package.  Hailing from Springfield, Missouri, sit with me today as I introduce you to the one and only Jeremy Larson. (For the record I have a feeling there are multiple Jeremy Larsons out there. But none of them live to the talent that this man produces!)

How long have you been performing?

I’ve been doing my own music full time for about four years.  I had been a piano performance major at MSU for a few years, and decided that I was on the wrong career path.  I suppose I didn’t really write any music until after I got out of college.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My grandfather had an old Alvarez guitar that he kept in his basement (which I still have).  I was about six years old the first time I played it.  For some reason, it was able to keep my attention for hours at a time just strumming open strings on it; my fingers were not really strong enough to do much else.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in a small town in Kansas called Lindsborg.  It’s a small little Swedish town of about 4,000 people or so.  While I was growing up, there were still a large number of elderly citizens that still spoke Swedish, and we were taught Swedish folk songs and folk dances in elementary school.  It was a very unique place to grow up.  I visited there recently and was pleased to hear an elderly couple walking the streets speaking Swedish to each other.

Is there much of a music scene in Springfield?

Yes, absolutely.  There are tons of great bands in the area right now, there’s just not a lot of great places to play.  There were some laws that passed in recent years that put a large percentage of the venues out of business.  I’m not really sure on the details, I just remember seeing it in the paper a lot.

I have to know who came up with the idea for some of that photography?

That would be my girlfriend Elsie.  She makes all of my merchandise designs, and takes all of my pictures.  She’s a rare talent!  It seems that she’s made it her mission to turn me into some kind of soft cuddly plush toy.

Who does all of your graphic design work?

Ryan Strong has done the design work for my first two albums.  He’s one of my most talented friends.  He does graphic design, photography, and is great song writer too.  Elsie designed my MySpace layout and also helps me with my blog.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Outside of music, no.  This year I’ve been doing a lot of work as a producer and string arranger for some other bands, and that’s turned into my primary job.  It’s really nice to be able to step away from my music and collaborate with other great musicians.

You seem to be friends with some Indyconcerts.com favorites in Sleeping at Last and Eisley.  How do you know all those guys?

The funny thing is that I’ve still never actually “met” the guys in Sleeping At Last.  I have been a fan of theirs for a long time now, and recently got up the nerve to write them and introduce myself.  I saw that they were working on a new album several months back, and thought I’d write them and ask if I could collaborate with them on some string arrangements.  It’s a pretty gutsy thing to do; writing a band you respect and basically say, “Hey, let’s try to work together!”  Ryan, being the kind hearted person that he is, wrote me right back and agreed to try it out.  Since then we’ve become pretty good friends and will actually be sharing a stage for their album release show in a couple of weeks.  And by the way, their new album is spectacular!

I was first introduced to Stacy Dupree by my friend Darren King.  Darren and I were attempting to write a song with Stacy and her sister Christie a few years ago.  To this day, I’ve still never met (in person) any of the Dupree family except for Stacy.  All of our work together has been done by phone or email.  It’s funny how this has become so common.

You are a story teller, tell me a story.

I tend to be very long-winded, so I’ll have to pass on that one.  I know that my story would turn into a novel in no time at all.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Most of my inspiration usually comes from movies, oddly enough.  I’m a HUGE fan of Charlie Kaufman.  I’ve really fallen in love with the way that he tells stories.  His movies seem to be so three dimensional and complex, but yet with a very simple underlying theme.  It seems as though he is unable to let himself retreat into conventional ways of thinking about things, but rather is always attempting to tell an old story in a new way.  I’ve also recently gotten pretty obsessed with David Lynch.  I really love the freedom that he seems to feel in his writing, and the way that he is always pushing the limits of the viewer’s imagination.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

Not yet.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your career what would it be?

That’s tough…I suppose of all the songs I’ve written so far, I still feel the most attached to the song “Make Believe”.  Maybe I’d choose that one.

What are your thoughts on the passing of the King of Pop?

I guess I don’t have too much to say on this, because we are talking about a person I’ve never met.  The news was a little shocking, but then again we are talking about a human being, so it’s hard to be too surprised when someone doesn’t live forever.  It’s always sad anytime anyone loses a family member, and it must be really heart breaking for his family to lose their father while he was so young.  I imagine that losing your father has to be one the most difficult things that a person goes through.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Well, I mentioned Charlie Kaufman and David Lynch earlier…Right now I am listening to a lot of Chris Merritt, the new Animal Collective, and the new Sleeping at Last album.

Describe your genre in one word.

“Softandsometimesloudmostlywiththepiano”

Let’s say you are about to headline a show at Madison Square Garden.  Who is your opener?

Myself, but acoustic.  Just kidding.  I’m not sure…I’ve always wanted to share a stage with Ben Folds; mainly so I could just hang out with him.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I’m not on it much anymore.  Most of the mail I get is “Hey come check out my band and the Junk Joint in Alabama!  Free Demo!” and stuff like that.  Just this month, I finally signed up for Facebook.

Are you on Twitter?

Nope.

Where can I get some of your merch?

www.redvelvetart.com/jeremy-larson

Do you tour very often?

Not really.  I’m more inclined to stay here in Springfield in my studio. Like I mentioned, I will be headed out on the road in the fall for the Sleeping At Last tour.

Do you have a favorite venue?

It’s the Gillioz Theater here in Springfield.  We shot our live DVD there.  It’s beautiful!

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

My “patchy” beard.  Or my music.  Either one.

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

Thanks for having me on here!

What follows is a poem that was passed on to me by my favorite cousin. I call her my favorite cousin because, well, she is my only cousin, and after reading this she should be glad that she is my only one! As many of you know I am the single biggest Tiger Woods fan on the planet. Well, there might be someone out there that tops my dedication to the man, but I doubt it. So, when this recent media frenzy began I decided that I would wait until it was all over before I wrote my reactions on it. As you know, this is still going on with new women coming out of the woodwork and new allegations being spread about him and his personal life. So, this post is not my reaction to all of this but rather just the poem that was sent to me. Note that I do not laugh at the majority of the jokes that are being spread about him, nor do I approve with the lies that are being tossed around by sites such as TMZ and the National Enquirer. But, for those of you who are laughing I figure this might give you a little holiday chuckle. So sit back, grab a nice cup of eggnog, and read one writer’s reaction to the Tiger Woods scandal as he compares his saga to the holiday season. Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year!

Twas the  night of Thanksgiving and out of the house
Tiger Woods came a flyin’, chased by his spouse.

She wielded  a nine iron and wasn’t too merry,
Cause a bimbo’s phone number was in his Blackberry.

He’d been cheatin’ on Elin, and the story progressed.
Woman after woman stepped up and confessed.

He’d been cheatin’ with Holly, and Jaimee, and Cori,
With Joselyn, and Kalika. The world had the story.

From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues,
Tiger’s sad sordid tale was all over the news.

With hostesses, waitresses, he had lots of sex,
When not in their pants, he was sendin’ them texts.

Despite all his cryin’ and beggin’ and pleadin’,
Tiger’s wife went investin’ — a new home in Sweden .

And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade,
“If you’re gettin’ laid then I’m gettin’ paid.”

She’s not pouting, in fact, she is of jolly good cheer,
Her prenup made Christmas come early this year.

Does anyone out there know who Paul Poteet is? I mean, sure, he is a weatherman telling us all whether we should expect rain showers tomorrow or a snowstorm, but does anyone out there truly know who Paul Poteet is? I grew up listening to Paul, as a matter of fact, and have been listening to his forecasts for as long as I can remember.  But Paul has moved on to bigger and better things by landing a gig here in Indianapolis doing the same thing he was doing back in Terre Haute.

I recently got the chance to interview Paul on the social networking site Twitter. It is a new concept that I have started where, rather than interviewing someone in person, or via email, I do it in 140 character status updates on Twitter.  During our conversation I got to know a little bit more about what makes Paul tick.

Paul has been making a name for himself not only on Twitter but on Facebook as well. But that is not what got me excited about Paul. Being as I am also starting to dabble in restaurant reviews, it got me excited when I heard he was also working with local restaurants. His new side project is called Paul Poteet’s Gotta Eat and eat is what he does.

The concept behind this is similar to the restaurant reviews that I am doing. Paul will go into a restaurant, meet the chefs, see how the food is made, and then the best part of it all is taste the dishes that were prepared. He then, on the website that matches this concept, will post a video compilation of the evening.  And his most recent tasting happened downtown at the Skyline Club. I was in attendance and wanted to simply discuss not only how well these things are run but the behind-the-scenes networking that goes on during these events.

Based on what I know about Paul, he just simply seems to be interested in producing and packaging video content that is entertaining and useful. Paul has worked a long and hard career to be able to get to the point where he can pretty much do what he wants to do. He is quickly replacing the title of weatherman with something more along the lines of entertainer. His personality, as well, matches his decision to move to more video based production. As I once said to Paul, it is nice to put a face to a voice!

The show itself has only been around for a few months. They actually just began discussing this concept at the end of October. But since the inception of Paul Poteet’s Gotta Eat, the crew has visited New York Little Italy Pizza, Urban Element, and the Skyline Club. Having been present at the Skyline Club taping I can tell you he already has an eye for what it takes to make these events go off without a hitch. At the Skyline Club, for example, not only was there an open bar (funded by Paul from what I could tell) but there was a service staff that was at our every wish.  The camera crew was not in the way and proceeded to take their pictures in silence, and the conversation was unbeatable as I met numerous others associated both with PPGE and social media in general.

The taping will not stop come the first of the year. Paul already has some restaurants in store for the start of 2010. The first week of January, actually, Paul and the crew will be visiting Fireside Brewhouse on the south side of Indianapolis. Then they plan to hit The Pub downtown and are even in talks with Dye Grill on the east side of town. They are truly hitting all four corners of the city and seem to be hitting totally different demographics. The food is always changing, the atmosphere always has something new to offer, and when it is all said and done Paul gets to eat!

You heard me mention the camera crew a little bit ago but I wanted to introduce you to these extremely talented individuals.  The people taking these timeless images of this delicious food that Paul (and the others) get to enjoy are John and Victoria Karamanski.  They are a husband and wife production team and they actually do more than take pictures. With each food item they “stage” the food to best fit the environment. They put great care in the lighting and the angles in which the food is photographed. Their work in of itself is an art. Not to mention the chefs in the kitchen preparing these delicious dishes.

The concept that Paul has brought to the Indianapolis culinary scene is not only a new vision but also one that restaurants are eating up, no pun intended. These restaurants get the chance to host an evening with Paul and his guests, they get to put their best food forward by making the most delicious items on their menu, they get top notch photography and video work shot in and around their establishment, and they build relationships with not only Paul but all of the people who are reading this blog and watching these videos. The coolest part of it all is that Paul truly is just having a blast being able to expand his experiences in broadcast. This is a new medium for him, for all of us actually, and I cannot wait to attend the next Paul Poteet’s Gotta Eat event. If nothing else I get to hang out with Paul, and we all know that is a treat in itself?

I am always looking for new material and a new way to spread my opinion to the masses. My blog is full of articles that range from golf to technology all the way to art and interviews with bands from all over the world.  I have recently begun reviewing restaurants, and that was all based on the simple fact that I like to eat.  I figured it to be a good idea if I could go into a restaurant, have dinner, and be able to not only write a blog about it but to be able to also build a relationship with that restaurant. I have only worked with a handful of restaurants thus far, but it seems to be working, and the material that is hitting my blog leaves readers not only hungry but also drooling in their seat.

Tonight I was walking around Payless Liquors looking for a beer that I had last night at a beer tasting.  This particular liquor store did not have the beer in stock, but it did get me thinking.  I drink a lot of beer, wine, and spirits.  I am not an alcoholic by any means.  I do tend to have a beer pretty much every night after work, and I not only drink in moderation but I normally am tired after one or two. That is about all I can handle for an evening. This led me to yet another concept for my blog.

I am going to begin reviewing not only the adult beverages that I consume, but also giving you a background on the brewery or the winery as well as some other useful knowledge on the drinks.  I will discuss the pour of the drinks, the nose that the liquids produce, the initial flavors, the individual tastes that I can pull from the drink, the after taste; basically anything that you could experience if you were to take this beverage and enjoy it at home.

No beer is off limits here.  I will sample a Coors Light just as easy as I will sample a Goose Island Matilda.  However, each beer, wine, or spirit will only be tasted and discussed once.  I will also keep a running tally of each category so that I do not repeat samples.  I will keep this list public and post it on Facebook so you can see all of the samples that I am discussing.

I have a feeling this is not only going to produce interesting content but also will give me an excuse to sample new and exotic beers, wines, and spirits.  I have been drinking all of these beverages for so long so why not take the time to discuss them with you out there?  This will be a diary, of sorts, as I journey through these drinks and a learning process as well.  I could probably not tell you how beer is made or what makes a Merlot different than a Chardonnay.  I do not know the science behind why a Pinot Noir from Oregon is better than one from Napa Valley.  But I hope to find out while on this journey.  So sit back, pop open a fresh can of your favorite microbrew, and let’s start talking alcohol.

The band that I am sitting with today truly understands what it takes to put on a rock show. The first time I saw these guys perform was at a battle of the bands put on by the Hard Rock Cafe. They did not win the battle, but they left a lasting impression. Their lyrics are honest, stemming from real life experiences. You can even see it on his face as he sings. Matching that with good old fashioned rock and roll music makes for a perfect combination to melting faces. On top of all of that these guys are true gentlemen and can spark up a conversation and share a beer with you without provocation. Sit with me today as I am about to introduce an incredible band to you. These guys come from Indianapolis, Indiana and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Henry French and the Shameless.

Where did you come up with that name?

The Shameless was my doing. It just happened to fit the conversations the band tended to have mid-practice. To say there is a very DARK sense of humor between the members would be an understatement. 99% percent is unfit to print…just saying.

How long have you guys all known each other?

I’ve known KC the longest. He and I worked together at Guitar Center for a while, and that’s also how I met Derek. Derek was in Pro Audio, and KC in guitar…funny enough, no one even knew Derek played drums til he showed at an open mic I used to host…that’s where Derek started this road to the band as it is now.

How long have you been playing together?

As this band its been about two years.

Any tattoos in the band?

KC, and myself. Derek wants one, but he can’t decide whether to get a tramp stamp, or barbed wire around his bicep surrounding the StarFleet logo.

Who has the most?

KC I think…mine’s bigger though…the tattoo as well.

What is your favorite venue to play?

Too close to call…has a lot to do with the crowd. I’d say favorite crowd was the Vogue playing with Cracker. They weren’t there to see us, but a LOT of people left as new fans. That makes it a good gig, and place to play.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

We’ve all played with other bands in the past that had pretty good sized gigs at one point. Mine would actually be in South America…had the chance to play in front of about 15,oo people at an all day festival…brought the rock, scared the shit out of them with pyro…very Spinal Tap.

The smallest?

I played a gig at a coffeehouse once for the employees only…two left halfway through the gig. You know you’re killing when the venue downsizes mid-set.

Who writes all your lyrics?

I do.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I write about people but I love twisting the words present duality and juxtaposition. The crux of the lyrics and most of the songs is simple…the music has too feel good and be accessible (generally the same thing), but I try for depth in the lyrics; too many people have forgotten that in current songwriting.

Have you ever co-written with anyone?

Lots…different perspectives make me a better songwriter, and reassure me I DON’T know everything.

What was it like being featured in the Ambassadors of Rock this year?

Cool. It seems like it would’ve been a good opportunity had the promotion done more for the bands that didn’t advance to the national elimination. Last Good Year certainly deserved the win.

Who designed your EP cover?

Marshall Jones. He does a lot of the artwork for The Elms and Indy Uprising…just a truly gifted, AMAZING artist. The collage vibe he did for us was pretty much the perfect vibe for what we do.

Do you guys have any thoughts on a nation wide tour next year?

Money. Touring nationwide would be awesome, but money is always hinders. Time to start stripping on the weekends again. My stripper name? 

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

We do, but they all relate to music. The music biz is a lot like the mafia; once you’re in, you’re in for life, and everything you do is related to music somehow. It’s an affliction and a passion all at once.

What is like working with Spatula City Records?

(Laughs) That’s our own label shall we say. We recorded at my neighbor’s house (John Madden by the way…real name), after discovering he had a great room with beautiful reverb. It was perfect for he open, older-rock-school record we wanted. Spatula City was the name he chose, and after taking over his house for too long, his call goes. UHF reference for the uninitiated…

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

I had thoughts on it, but I posted them on Facebook right before it crashed while  I was in a text window.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Yup, but I can’t get a word in edge-wise.

So how do you know Davey?

He owes me money. And I remember the fact that he used to have hair that made him look like Carrot-Top. (kidding, but not really) I’ve known him for around ten years now, and somehow, he keeps showing up on my couch some mornings. He’s my “guy-on-the-couch”. Okay, I’m done. Davey is one hell of an entertainer. If he gets the opportunity, he’s gonna surprise a lot of people. Just not me…cuz I’m smart…and an inspired dancer.

If you could live anywhere other than Indianapolis where would you go?

I’ve lived everywhere…Spain, Peru, Panama, Argentina, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, East Coast and more. I live here by choice, not necessity. As much as people complain about he state, city, or midwest in general, this is a great town, and I’m proud to say I’m Indy.

Who designed your logo?

Me again. The things you can do with Photoshop.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Music…The Damnwells, Will Hoge, Foo Fighters, The Replacements, and anything that is transparently HONEST. Lyrics…Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Alex Dezen (the Damnwells) Nick Hornsby (writer), Dylan Thomas, W.H. Auden, and anyone who strives to be transparently HONEST. There is a dearth of honesty at every turn nowadays. Honesty, albeit brutal sometimes is the most precious natural resource we’ve used up as a coomunity.

Let’s say that you are offered a $250,000 record deal but it someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

NO. Not without a 1981 Caprice rollin 26” chrome in the deal. Oh, and snitches get stitches.

What is your association with Mardelay?

Great friends, great musicians, and bandmates. I’ve been playing with them for about 6 months now, and we’re working on the next recording now. Like any musician, I play with the people I want to, until I have to choose a specific project. For now, I split my time between Mardelay and the Shameless. With Mardelay, it’s a great relief just being a member of the band, and not the leader…whole different role that I get to relish at different points. Playing makes any musician better, and I enjoy improving every day with Mardelads.

Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?

Regretting the answer to this question…and content with the caliber of my art, as opposed to the general acceptance of it. Granted, I’m not trying to push the bounds of conventional songwriting and music production in general, but I am trying to keep true to what affected me in the music I love…reverence and respect for those that came before, and unfettered honesty in the ways that I speak. Five years, ten or 50 years later…THAT DOESN’T GO AWAY.

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

Strategery…maybe Lock box.

Being from a small town in southern Indiana, it is no surprise that I grew up listening to country music.  Over the years, I have come to love the genre of music and call guys like Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson some of the best musicians of all time. One of the guys that I came to practically obsess with has been singing now for over twenty years. He has had eighteen number one hits, runs his own record label, and has written some timeless lyrics that you just can’t help but memorize.

Last year was the first chance that I got to see him perform live.  When I heard that he was coming to town I sat at my computer ready for the moment tickets went on sale.  I ended up getting seats in the front row. The show was amazing, from the music being played behind him to the sheer emotion he showed in his facial expressions.  When I saw that he was again coming back to the Circle City I had no choice but to get tickets.  If you ever get the chance to see Tracy Lawrence live, I not only suggest that you go, but that you tell all of your friends so they do not miss a near spotless performance.

Both times that I have seen Tracy Lawrence he has taken the stage at 8 Seconds Saloon.  This is a venue on the far west side of Indianapolis and is one of the only places in town to see a true country performance.  The stage at 8 Seconds has seen some of the best country musicians. I have seen guys like Neal McCoy, Billy Currington, and Jake Owen on this stage, and Tracy Lawrence is just another star added to the list.

At 8 Seconds Saloon, you get more than just great live music.  You can get any number of alcoholic beverages including a selection of bottled beers to tall liquor mixers. Hungry?  Well, then head to the “kitchen” and grab a slice of pizza or a warm soft pretzel. (By the way, the pretzels are amazing.  They are saturated with salt and served with a cup of cheese.)  Speaking of food, you would think the prices would be outrageous at a venue like this.  However, the prices are not only reasonable, they are actually what I would call cheap. I bought a soft pretzel and a large soda for under $5. Are you hungry for a slice of pizza? You can get a jumbo slice for only $3. You can even order the full pizza if you are that hungry.

The venue opens their doors quite early.  For the Tracy Lawrence show, for example, doors opened at 6:00 PM. The first band did not take the stage until almost 9:00 PM.  Why does the venue open up so early you might ask?  Simple, so people can come in, start drinking, play pool, and begin dancing on their huge dance floor. The venue itself offers more than just a stage. There is even a place to get your boots shined.  8 Seconds Saloon is a one stop shop for everything that makes you feel right at home.

The band that started out the night was called Small Town.  They were a cover band, from what I could tell, and they had the crowd dancing.  When we walked in, somewhere just after 9:00, the place was packed. The dance floor was covered with line dancers and the bar had a line that wrapped around the pool tables.  The place seemed to be a sold out crowd and Tracy did not even take the stage for a couple more hours.

When Tracy finally did come to the stage, he started with three songs that I had never heard.  We were standing on the side of the stage, actually behind the speakers, which did not help.  I could barely understand what he was saying.  Of course, had he have been singing “If the World Had a Front Porch”, which he later did, I wouldn’t need to hear him sing as I would be taking care of the lyrics myself.

Tracy played just about every song that I wanted to hear except for one.  He did a song a few years back that sort of brought him back into the limelight.  The song, “Paint Me a Birmingham”, has some lyrics that can bring tears to your eyes.  The song has Tracy singing of a long lost love, cotton dresses, and the ability to reconnect through a painting for $20.  And just when I was about to give up, the song began. I sang at the top of my lungs swaying with the crowd. By the time he was finished, I was so happy that I had not only had the chance to see him perform again, but that I was able to sing along with a packed house to one of my favorite country songs.

The night was absolutely perfect from the soft pretzel to the bucket of Bud Light. Although I did not get my boots shined (for the record I do not even own a pair of boots), I still managed to take the entire evening in for what it was worth.  The people watching reminds me of an at home fish fry and the hospitality the staff offers is that of a five star hotel.  8 Seconds Saloon is a great place to not only spend a Friday night but also to see the next best country musician.

So who is Borrow Tomorrow? Borrow Tomorrow is a band. They are based out of Indianapolis and have been making their way around the Midwest winning fans one original song after another.  You might also have heard them being referred to as BoTo.  It makes sense, as Borrow Tomorrow can sometimes be a mouth full.  But outside of the fact that these guys are tearing up every stage they play on and melting faces in every city from Terre Haute to Des Moines, who makes up this incredible rock band?

First allow me to introduce you to Chris Jerles, front man and guitar player for Borrow Tomorrow.  Chris also dabbles on the keyboard and is the man behind most of the lyrics that BoTo spits out from night to night.  He is what the other guys call the creative juices of the band.  The lyrics that flow from the pen of Mr. Jerles are said to be influences by the great Bob Dylan.  Also, taking inspiration from guys like Jackson Browne has helped Chris get to where he is today.

To one side of Chris stands Robert Newport.  Robert, also throwing some vocals into the mix every now and again, thrashes on a guitar just for the fun of it.  It is often you will see Robert just playing air guitar in between songs as this man truly breathes the music that he plays.  The thing that sticks out about Robert is that he is a true showman.  He is the center of attention in most songs based on things as simple as his facial expressions as he slams from one chord to the next.

When asking Robert why he plays the guitar he will tell you time and time again that it was Mike Campbell who got him thinking about a career on stage.  Mike is the lead guitar player for the Heartbreakers, the band behind Tom Petty.  But does Robert stop there?  No, absolutely not.  He also is known for throwing some creative juice into the mix.  Robert has a talent for the arts outside of music stemming from acting to painting on canvas.  He truly does wear multiple hats.

On the other side of the stage you will see one of the most experienced bass players in the business today.  Not only does he have a set of pipes but he also has a smooth bass slapping that will have you wondering where he gets a talent like this.  It is my pleasure to introduce you to the talker of the band, Randall Trumbull.  When I say talker, I challenge you to ask him a question and not have a three-hour conversation.  There is nothing wrong with it as he is just as filled with knowledge and experience in this thing called life.  To top it all off Rando (as he is known amongst his friends) is hilarious.  He can tell jokes left and right and be right there to pick you up if you happen to be the butt of one.  Randall brings a lot of personality to this band and whether you recognize him by his handlebar mustache or his big ass sunglasses, you will hear his skills on a bass on every track.

Last but not least is the guy sitting at the back of the stage slamming on the drums.  He is the brainchild behind this great collective and the reason why I ever was introduced to them.  I actually met this guy as a fellow local celebrity judge at the 2009 Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands held by the Hard Rock Café.  He was stuck sitting next to me and we became immediate friends.  We shared business cards and the rest is history.  Andrew Newport has the talent on the drums but also has the street sense to get the band’s name in your ears.   He is constantly working tools like Facebook and Twitter and is always talking about their next big move as a band.  He has the band as his first priority and it shows.  Andrew is just as nice as he is talented on the drums.

Andrew completes a list of four of the nicest guys in the industry. Not only can this band party until the sun comes up (I have seen it) but they are truly nice individuals.  It is fun working with these guys and I cannot wait until you have the chance to see them perform.  Introduce yourself after the show and become a friend of BoTo.  You will not regret making yourself familiar with Borrow Tomorrow.

The guy I m sitting with today fits right into the group of guys I surround myself with on a daily basis.  Coming from the genre of what most call singer songwriters, he brings a certain mystique to the stage.  He has a very polished image, his online reputation is spotless, and his music is quite frankly incredible.  He brings a classic sound to the microphone and it reminds me so much of the great Tom Petty.  His lyrics are from real life experience and beg for more at the end of every single track.  If you have not heard of him you will. Sit with me today as I introduce you to an incredible talent in Jay Nash.

Is that your real name?

Yep.

How long have you been playing the guitar?

Since I was a little kid…almost 20 years now.

When did you decide to make a run at this?

During my senior year of college.  I studied engineering at the University of Vermont.  I spent way too much time in the computer lab and decided that I didn’t want to spend my life that way.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Nope.

Where are you originally from?

Upstate New York…the Syracuse area.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes.  Occasionally, I do collaborate with other artists to write and record.  Recently, I have been working on projects with Jeff Trott (played guitar on and co-wrote many of Sheryl Crowe’s hit songs),  Caitlin Crosby and a producer/songwriter, Chris Keup.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

That depends on what is going on in my life.  Could be anything…

Who designed your MySpace page?

Jenny Begin from Star Mile Designs.  She rules.

What are your thoughts on MySpace for that matter?

It’s an easy way for people to gain access to music and tour dates.   I try not to spend much time thinking about it though.

Are you on Twitter?

Yes.

Do you have a favorite venue?

I played the Troubadour last night.  It was a super rainy Tuesday in Los Angeles, so I think that we lost a good part of our crowd but I loved the room.  I think that it might be my favorite place that I have played so far.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

About 3,000 people.

The smallest?

2 people.

Ever been booed off stage?

No.

Do you ever forget the lyrics to your own songs?

Yes; I have a good excuse though. I have a lot of songs and sometimes an audience member will call out a song from the audience.  I’ll go for it.  If I haven’t played it for a long time, sometimes the words can escape me.

How many full-length albums do you have?

5 full length studio albums, 3 EPs and a soundtrack.

Tell me about the new one.

The newest release is an EP called ‘All the Stars in Copenhagen’.  The songs were mostly written on the road in 2008 while touring in support of the full length ‘The Things You Think You Need’.  Copenhagen was recorded in Denmark in two days in November of 2008, with overdubs in Berlin and then finished up in Los Angeles.  A global effort of sorts.  The previous full length ‘the things you think you need’ was record in October of 2007 in Los Angeles.  The stars really aligned for the making of that record.  It was produced by Chris Seefried.  We recorded live to 2 inch analog tape with some amazing legendary musicians – Charlie Gillingham and David Immergluck of Counting Crows.  Don Heffington (drums for Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams and many others).

Describe your genre in one word.

RocknAmericanaFolk.

Your beard seems like a signature part of your image.  Ever thought of shaving it?

(Laughs)  It comes off from time to time.  If you do some digging on the interwebz, you’ll find some photos of me without it.  I never really gave it that much thought.  I think I have one a lot of times because I spend a lot of time on the road and it’s easier to maintain the bearded look than the freshly shaven look.  Also – most of my heroes have beards.

You are too good to not be on a label.  What is the hold up?

Thanks dude!  I guess I’m just waiting for the right one.  Until then, it’s nice to be able to point my music and career in the direction that I want to go in without having to wrestle a giant corporation.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Band, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sam Cooke, and Greg Brown.

How many instruments do you play other than the guitar?

Most of them.

How did you react to the death of Michael Jackson?

MJ is a tragic story.  He’s kind of like Benjamin Buttons.  It seems like he was the most in control of his life and his music when he was a little boy.  I think everything went south from there.

Who would win in a pillow fight between Keaton Simons and Cary Brothers?

Good question.  I think that Keaton might have the edge on Brothers in terms of brute strength.  But then again Brothers is from the south, so he probably knows how to throw down.  He’s also quite a crafty fellow.

If you were told you only had a week to live how would you spend your last seven days?

I would spend 3 days Heli-skiing in Alaska, 3 days surfing in Bali and 1 day writing letters to all the people that I care about to let them know just how much I love them and why.  I would use a lear jet for transportation.  Evenings would be spent carrying adult activities with the woman of my dreams.

What connection do you have to Barcelona?

I spent some time there in 2006.  I was in the middle of some tough stuff relationship-wise.  It was the perfect juxtaposition of being completely moved and inspired by my surroundings and at the same time utterly lonely (though I was surrounded by beautiful people.)

What are you drinking on stage?

Room temperature water.  I do like to have a sip or two of whiskey before hand, but I have found that I put on a better show if I wait until afterwards.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you be and why?

Garfield.  He’s lazy, cared for and somehow content.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The same thing that I’m doing now except that I will be better at it and the rooms will be bigger.

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

Connecting and inspiring people with music and compassion.  also – my beard.

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

Use your turn signals, people.