So please tell me how you pronounce your name!

Your’is Vorn.

How long have you been a DJ?

I have been a DJ for about fourteen years now.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

In 2003 I had a chance to survive making and playing music instead of working at my day job as an architectural designer. From there it was over. I was meant to be a DJ.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Form anything; could be a sample, could be a synth sound, my mood, a movie clip…

Where are you originally from?

I am from Moergestel, which is a small village in the Dutch coutryside.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I like Amsterdam; where I’m now, but I’d love to try out New York, Tokyo or Hong Kong for a while.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever performed for?

That must have been Sensation. It was held in Amsterdam in a football arena for 40,000 people or so.

The smallest?

I’ve done some home parties for a few people when I just started playing, which was just as much fun as playing for thousands of people now.

Are you excited about Electric Zoo coming up this September?

Of course, I heard many good things about it, and as I said, “I LOVE NEW YORK!”

Do you play a lot of festivals like that?

Very many, especially during summer, countless actually.

I really like your MySpace design. Who did that?

Thanks! My brother Christoph designed it, with a little bit of my help. It brought him a career as MySpace designer. (Laughs)

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

It’s over its peak. Facebook is much nicer and more personal.

Are you on Twitter?

My Facebook page is linked to Twitter; that’s all.

If you could be any cartoon character which one would you be and why?

Dexter (not the killer but the scientist).

Has your music really been featured in all of those films listed on your website?

I wish. Where does it say my music is listed in those films?

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

I have to dig deeeep into my memory for that, but to keep it simple I saw Prince in France and that was deffinately something very special.

Tell me a little bit about Balance.

My second mix DJ mix CD, a cross boundary a musical adventure that represents everything I love about music.

So you are a producer as well. Do you like production more than performing?

I love both, but making music is where my heart lies most. Very amazing is to play my own productions for the first time and see how the crowd reacts. I couldnt be a DJ without playing my own tracks also.

How many stamps do you currently have on your passport?

I have a business passport with double amount of pages from December 2006 and it’s almost full!

What is your favorite city to visit?

Tokyo or Hong Kong.

Describe your genre in one word.

Crossgenreelectronicmusic.

What does a typical Friday night look like for you?

Normally flying to my destination, having dinner if there’s time and then sweating the night away in a dark club behind the mixer.

You seem like a pretty stylish guy. Where do you buy most of your clothes?

Same three cities; New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Although Paris is good for shopping too, and Amsterdam’s not bad either.

Tell me about working with Ultimate DJ Gear.

My Ultimate DJ Gear is Traktor DJ software from Native Instruments.

So if someone has never seen you perform before, what can he or she expect from a live show?

A great amount of groovy high quality dance music that doesn’t stick to one sound.

What was the last movie you saw?

L’été Meurtrier, a freaky French thriller from 1983.

Did you like it?

I loved it!

What are you drinking up there on stage?

Champagne is my drink of coice. Not too much beer, as the bathroom is usually too far away to take a break in the middle of a set.

Does it ever get lonely on stage?

I like having people around on stage making a party. Sometimes you can be very lonely playing on a huge stage for a huge crowd that’s too far away.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Answering interview questions like this!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

I’ve had many sound issues with my laptop last year, hard to describe the feeling when the music stops and everyone is looking at you and you don’t know what went wrong.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully still coming to New York once in a while, maybe even for Electric Zoo!

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

By someone who made one or two unforgettable pieces of music, that would be nice.

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

It’s hot here in my studio, and I think I need to take a break… See you at the Zoo!

What is it like being considered one of the biggest and best DJs on the planet?

(Laughs) What is it like? Pretty normal actually. I think the best part about it is that you are famous for only five minutes. Then you go home and everything is normal. It’s just a dose of fame when you first walk into the club or festival. You are quickly brought back down when you get back home and step off the plane.

Do you like living in London?

I really like it here. The weather is nice today. We don’t get too many decent summers and this summer has been really great. It makes a mass of difference when the weather is nice. London is such a cultural hub.

The name Above & Beyond came from a poster you had hanging on the wall if I am not mistaken. Do you still have that poster?

That’s right. I don’t. I don’t know what happened to it. It’s a part of history now I guess. It’s probably sitting in some closet somewhere or something. I don’t know; wish I still had it.

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

In 2007 on New Year’s Eve we played to a million in Brazil. I think that is the biggest gig we have done. You don’t really realize how many people you are paying to. It was a big crowd going down the beach. It didn’t feel that much bigger than any other gig really. We just did EDC in LA. I don’t know the numbers but I think the event had over 100,000 estimated to appear and in the main stadium (where we played) I think there were 50-60 thousand.

You guys looking forward to Electric Zoo this September?

Definitely. To be honest, all the gigs we do in North America are always fantastic. Things like satellite radio help our scene. Dance stations are always being played and people are really starting to get educated about this stuff. The scene is bigger in other places like London and Amsterdam, but America has a great scene thanks to the satellite radio. The radio has actually gone less dance over here than anything. It is good for the scene here, as it has made it more underground.

At the same tine, the gigs where we play to 100 people on a Monday are really important to us. If you can do that it is important to make use of those nights. I would much rather be doing a gig than sitting in a hotel room. Those gigs don’t make us a lot of money, but they are a great way to spread the Above and Beyond name. We are just playing to more people that way. We are giving people a chance who wouldn’t normally get to see it on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night. We save the weekends for bigger cities. Like I said, we would much rather be working.

Tell me a little bit about your new disc.

I think it’s more progressive than some of the other ones. It’s reflective of some more of the music we are getting into at the moment. Perhaps a little bit more groove laden and with a little more classic trance. We have some mixes on the disc that are more techno and funk. It covers the middle of that range I guess. I hope it’s a journey for some people.

You guys are also known as Rollerball and Tongue of God. Any reason behind those other names?

You are digging deep there. Years ago producers would work under different names so they could put our more material. The scene has changed and now it makes DJs put everything out under one name. These different names would produce slightly different sounds. Above and Beyond was for the lyrical stuff. The Ocean Lab stuff was specific to tracks and what not. Some of them were for even instrumental tracks.

What advice do you give someone thinking about a career as a DJ?

I think to learn off other people and copy other sounds. Learn the craft of producing. Listen and learn and then copy it. The most important thing is to always make sure there is an original edge to a track. We get sent stuff that sounds like Deadmous5, even though its good, it’s still a direct copy of that sound. Try to be original. You don’t have to be 100% original, use idea from other tracks, but if you copy a complete track and do everything the same, it will sound just like everything else. Take a bit of the Deadmous5 sound, then a bit of trace, then some house, then you have something original. There isn’t anything truly original, and it is all relative to something. This year we have had a guy called Archie, from Russia; he has done just that. He has taken some classic trance and has mixed it and it s a new sound that hasn’t been heard before.

You are good friends with Armin van Buuren. What’s he like?

(Laughs) We have known each other for ten years. We had dinner with him a few times but have never worked together. He is really professional at what he does. He knows exactly what he wants. He knows how to bring the scene together and sort of bridges all the genres of trace together. He is a very good leader.

Where are you originally from?

I am from the southwest of England. But I now live in London.

How do you usually prepare for a show?

It used to be a case of vodka and tonic. These days I hardly drink at gigs. I do sometimes, but in terms of the music we do a lot of preparation. We want to have an idea of which tracks we are playing. We know which of the big tracks we want to use. We leave some room to play what we want, but we try to prepare this stuff in the studio before hand. Some of the tracks might go on too long or we have even added drums to track when it didn’t sound right in the club. We add some more percussion to beef it up, we can do bootlegs, and we just make it fit the club and make those adjustments. We have even done stuff by remote desktop. Say we are in New York, get to the hotel, and go, “Oh god, the bass isn’t right.” The changes are something small, a little tweak here or there, and we will remote home, login and rebounce it.

Tell me why there are three of you.

It was just something we decided on; we just ended up working together. With any kind of band, unless you are missing a member of the band, you need a drummer in a there. What happened was I was working at university on my degree, and that is how we all met. Meanwhile Tony’s brother got in with him and introduced us. I used to work for Yamaha, and I made a sample CD that wasn’t too readily available. His brother bought the CD and we got talking and he gave it to Tony who was working at a record label at the time. He was at Warner Music. We ended up going out to listen to the music all together and they asked us to do a remix. We did a remix and Tony got offered a remix from Warner and that was the first we did together. That is how we started. It wasn’t a coincidence; it was just made sense. It makes us a bit different as opposed to what you are used to. Normally it’s always ones or two DJs. That gives us an edge in the studio as well.

Do you have a favorite club you like to perform in more than another?

It’s about the crowd. That said it is more than the club. Overall it’s about the crowd. One really club is Government in Toronto. The crowd is what makes it incredible. I like Decision in Chicago. Most of the gigs we do in the states are fantastic these days. Going back to the point about satellite radio, they hear it, know the songs, and are hyped up when they come. You don’t get that too much where they don’t have radio. In Poland and Russia you get that. They have a lot of radio support as well. With the Internet and radio, you will have a good night.

You have remixed tracks for Madonna, Britney Spears, Dido, and more. Do you get to meet these artists when working on their music?

Generally no, we don’t get to meet the artists. You get sent a link online, all the vocals are there, and then you put the remix together. They say yes or no, change this, and so forth. Can you just change this, or change that, and it is a very interesting musical cycle. Then finally its finished. They do make some really good changes to some things. The artist maybe you pump into them at an industry party. But not usually. It depends on the artist, really. If a small artist the chances are better.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

In five years (laughs). Funny, I will probably be doing fewer gigs and do less work in the studio but to be honest I will be doing just that in five years. I want to take more time with the music and develop the stuff more. You find that you are very tired when you return from a tour. It takes sometime to get back into it.

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

I am not sure if there is one thing. I will be happy being remembered for the fact that some people used our tracks at weddings. A few people have gotten married to Skies Fall Down. That I find touching. It doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for a wedding. It is nice to get into that area for people’s lives. Fans that send us letters are also really sweet. There was one guy who I met in Australia and he was having some medical treatments. He said that our music helped him recover from cancer. What can you say to something like that? You can just stay humble music helped him stay positive in more than one-way. You are not thinking about these when you are making these tracks. To have these tracks have that effect is kind of freaky, amazing, and all sorts of emotions are spent.

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

Thank you for supporting our music. We try to think about the fans in the things that we do, as a company as Anjunabeats and as a band and I hope you continue to enjoy what we are doing and if not, I hope that you enjoy what we are doing!

Where did this all start? Not the wine or social media stuff, I mean you. Where did the personality of Gary Vaynerchuk come from?

I would say if you look way back, I am no different now than I was when I was at baseball card shows at fourteen years old. I have always had confidence and some brashness. I always felt I was capable. There was no shot I wouldn’t do it. No shot I couldn’t do it. It was what I did well. I very much feel like all that is going on now is a replication of my DNA. This is what I am good at. This is what I do. It has been a journey of my DNA. Any new genre, the Internet, ecommerce, wine library; it has always been the same game.

I am going through the HubSpot Inbound Marketing University. You are one of the instructors in this webinar series. Do you suggest it and have you been certified yourself?

I do suggest, of course. But no, I have not been certified with HubSpot. It is great though. I love it any time I get the chance to educate. For someone who was such a terrible student it is amazing how much I enjoy teaching. That has been a lot of fun. Getting asked to be a part of the Inbound Marketing University was a great experience.

Tell me about your obsession with the New York Jets.

It’s one of the first things I remember about America. It holds a deeper meaning because of that. It means more to me than you could ever know. I have watched every game since. It’s pretty intense. I am a BIG fan. (Laughs) It’s what I want to accomplish professionally. I want to own them. It’s something I think about and I absolutely focus on.

Have you seen the trailer for The Social Network?

Yes, I have seen them all. I don’t go to a lot of movies, but I will go see that. It’s our world.

If someone were only going to use one tool, only one social network, which one would you recommend?

I would say Facebook. A Facebook fan page (business page) is the most important place to be.

If you could only drink one wine for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

Probably Salon Champagne. It is great stuff.

It has been said that you are notorious for returning every email you get. Is that true?

Yes I do. Although I am very behind on them right now, but I try to return them all. I am flying to Utah soon and I am excited to answer a couple hundred emails.

Do you fly first class when you fly or are you okay sitting in coach?

When I fly,  I do both. I end up traveling a lot of times with business so much is taken care of with the people I am doing the business with. It is funny; I almost never wanted to sit first class. I didn’t want to seem like a sell out. Just take care of yourself when you travel. I don’t think one way or the other is good or bad.

When should we expect the new book?

The next book is coming out in February. It is called The Thank You Economy. It talks about the return on investment (ROI) of social media and manners in marketing.

Please tell me you are carrying an iPhone 4.

No, not yet. It was crazy busy when it came out, and with the antenna thing happened I wanted to wait to see how it flushes out. I hate AT&T already with the number of issues they have. I didn’t need another one!

How cool is it being a New York Times best selling author with your first book?

Pretty intense. It is so humbling and awesome. I was a terrible English student and I could just laugh at thinking what my teachers think about it now!

You have been on a ton of television shows. Does any one appearance mean more than another?

I would say the first Conan appearance. It was my coming out party.

Is there such a thing as a social media expert?

I think it’s abused and that’s terrible. Every subject matter has people that are more knowledge about it than others. I do think superlatives are being thrown around too much. Things like expert, life changer, stuff like that. The truth is undefeated. I think anyone who is getting paid that doesn’t deserve to get paid will ultimately not get paid. The ones that suck and are cheesy will chance the next trend, and I think the people who have chops will work around the new marketplace.

What do I have to do to get a guest spot on Wine Library TV? If not a guest spot, at least a follow Friday on Twitter or something!

I stopped doing guests. I am going back to basics. I want it to just be the bottles, the camera and me. You have to patient first and foremost. Secondly, I think you are in the running. I appreciate your patience for this interview. You have been beyond gracious, that alone give you a shot!

Do you play golf?

Never. I want to. It’s so funny you brought that up. I better start learning now. Most people learned much younger, so if I don’t start soon I won’t be very good. I might never do it if I don’t start soon.

Explain a typical Friday night for you.

Spending time with Lizzie. You will find us doing things like seeing a movie or having dinner, that kind if stuff. It’s all about family time now. It has been that way for the last eighteen months. Prior to that it was heavy email work.

Not all press that you receive is positive. How do you handle the folks that have negative things to say about you and what you are trying to do?

I think by ratio it has been more positive than negative. That is good! But I would say I respect it and that I listen to it. Then I try to figure out why people feel that way. I understand I am over the top, high energy, and I respect their opinions. More than anything else actually. I try to wrap my head around why people feel that way. I hope I get the chance to meet them again and make them realize who I really am. I hope that if I get my head down and work I will win. Anyone that thinks I don’t have depth will be wrong, and if I don’t, then I won’t win. It’s not too difficult . You are good, or you are bad. You win or lose. I don’t spend my time trying to convince people I am winning player, I go out and let the chips fall.

What was it like being on College Humor with Jake and Amir.

I love those guys. They are crazy talented. I am a big fan of their work

Why do you always say, “sniffy sniff” when you smell a glass of wine?

Not really even sure. You know what, I have no idea how it started. I just started saying it one day. I think that is why it works. It came from a natural place. It wasn’t researched or anything, I just did it.

Do you ever go back to your hometown and visit?

No, because it is really a mess of a place. It still has a dictator. It doesn’t allow me to go back and experience it. I was three when I came to the USA and I have not been back since.

What is the Vook platform all about?

Vook is awesome. It is like having a Kindle or an iPad, but with videos thrown in through out. It is really cool. I am a big fan of it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t. I don’t think about it that way. I am not very focused on that short term. I think about being happy along the way and I think about buying the New York Jets, and that is kind of where that ends.

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

That nobody wanted to work harder and to do better and to care more than I did. I want to be known for all of my crazy DNA. That I was a good guy. I always say that there are two ways to be the biggest building. One is to tear down the other buildings. Or two, just build the biggest building. I just want to build the biggest building. I want every other building to be big, just slightly smaller than mine.

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

Love your family because no matter what you accomplish financially, nothing tastes better than having love from your family. When you are 90 years old that is the thing you will wish you did more of.

How long have you been playing golf?

I have been playing golf for about twenty years.

What is your first memory of the game?

The first birdie I ever made.  It was on the first hole of a par 3 golf course with my father and I played a lot while growing up.  I hit a shot that barely made it off the ground but rolled 140 yards or so to the edge of the green.  There, I was able to roll in a putt of 75 feet or so. Pretty cool stuff!  After that I was hooked!

What is your current handicap?

I am currently playing to zero (scratch).  I have been trying to compete in as many events that my schedule allows me to but with the knee injury and the demands of teaching the game I am not quite where I need to be in order to compete full time.  The short-term goal is to get to a plus 1 or 2 by the end of the fall.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I was involved with a lot sports while growing up including basketball, soccer, and baseball.  Golf was something I did with my father to spend time together.  It did not take long to fall in love with the game, abandon all other sports, and begin my travels on a road to professional golf.

Tell me about the “Think Tank” that you are associated with.

The “Think Tank” is my personal home teaching studio.  With the help, and permission, of my wife Meredith I was able to transform our garage into a home teaching studio. Being from the northeast it is somewhat difficult to keep my game in shape during the off-season.  My studio allows me to not only give lessons during the winter but to also work on my game and keep my tools sharp too!

Do you like working at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston?

I love it!  The Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston gave me my first official start into the golf business and I owe a lot to many individuals who have come and gone through the years.  The AVCC family is a big part of my life and I will always hold a special place in my heart for their kindness, generosity and most importantly their friendship.

You give a lot of lessons. I miss a lot of putts on the low side of the cup. Can you provide me, and the other readers out there who suffer the same things, any advice for making more putts?

We have all heard that putting is more than 50% of the game.  This is a proven fact.  I feel that golfers who miss putts on the low side are not hitting the ball hard enough.  100% of all putts that are short never go in.  Practice your speed by looking at the hole while putting.  Take the emphasis off of the line and practice by “feeling” a good solid stroke.  Players who concentrate on the line too much usually leave the ball short or miss on the low side of the cup.  A great drill that you can do is to place a tee in the back-side of the cup.  Hit a lot of straight five footers while looking at the tee.  Resist the temptation of watching the ball while you make your stroke.  Putting is all about feel!  Feel what it is like to make a stroke and you will be well on your way to holing more putts.

Have you ever had a hole in one?

No holes-in-one but I have had a double-eagle. (Note that a double-eagle is a two on a part five.) Some say this is more rare than hole-in-one.  It was kind of cool!  Foggy day, downhill 5-par…driver, 5-wood nothing but net baby!

What is the lowest round you have ever shot?

67…Don’t really remember it too much, I just remember having a lot of fun doing it!  Hopefully there are a lot of low rounds left in my golfing career…maybe even one that starts with a 5?

The highest?

110…in my first big event as an amateur.  Counted every stroke and posted my score.  That’s the way it should be done.  These guys who no-card or withdraw from an event because they are embarrassed with their score should be shot!  If you tee it up you post your score!  No excuses!

Thanks to you I am now reading Global Golf Post almost everyday. What is your affiliation with them?

The Global Golf Post is one of the most informative pieces of golf news that I know of…it is free and it is web-based which means no more piles of magazines cluttering up my home!  Everything you need, as far as golf news is concerned, can be found by accessing your inbox.  Global Golf Post will email you a link to the latest issue on a weekly basis, usually first thing Monday mornings after the completion of most major touring events.  Simple, clean, quick info at the click of a mouse, how easy is that?

Speaking of affiliations, whom else are you working with right now?

Callaway, Eyeline Golf, PGA of America, US Kids Golf, Titleist Performance Institute, Sport & Orthopedic Physical Therapy to name a few.

I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. You are a Boston Red Sox fan.

Yankee fan Ricky?  See you in the playoffs baby!

But then again, you also use Apple products.

Best technology on the planet in my opinion!  iMac, Macbook, iPhone…come on dude!  How can you go wrong!

What’s in your golf bag?

• Callaway 10.5 Degree FT-iZ I-Mix Driver
• Callaway Diablo 4-Wood
• Callaway Diablo 3-Hybrid
• Callaway Diablo Forged Irons 4-PW
• Callaway Jaws Wedge System 52,56,60 Degree
• Taylor-Made Monza Spider Putter

What is your passion when it comes to your fashion? What sort of statement are you trying to make?

I love color, plain and simple!  People, from time to time, comment on the outfits that I wear.  I sometimes hear “boy I wish I could pull that outfit off” or “Wow, are you trying to blind someone with those colors?”  Why should I dress like everyone else?  I am who I am and there is no changing that…I know what I like and I will never let anyone else determine what I do, say, or wear!

You have an insane playing schedule this year. How do you find time to play that much, practice to stay on the top of your game, and still work?

Playing and practicing has been a struggle thus far.  I have been concentrating on getting healthy since March and I still have a long way to go.  The tournament schedule that I put together in the beginning of the 2010 season was a best-case scenario.  Unfortunately, my game has slipped a little due to my injuries and a somewhat over-loaded work schedule.  I have been in the process of putting together a winter playing schedule.  This should give me ample time to prepare for some events in the West Palm Beach area of Florida during the winter months.

What is the one golf course that you have always wanted to play but never had the chance to get on?

St. Andrew’s; the home of golf.  Need I say more?  But someday my friend, someday!

You play a lot on the east coast. Ever make it to the west coast to play?

Not yet, although I am planning on making a trip out there really soon.  Maybe with my wife, maybe with the fellas.  I am not quite sure when and where but I know that I will get there soon!

Do you prefer to walk or ride when playing casually?

I love to walk when I play whether it be in a tournament or during a casual round.  Unfortunately, due to the two surgical procedures that I had done to my left knee over the past few years , it has been difficult to do so.  I am trying to get back into shape and build some strength back into my legs.  Hopefully with the help of my friend and physical therapist, Paddy Jarit, I will be able to walk the links on a full time basis really soon.

You put a lot of focus on goal setting in your teaching. What are some current goals of your own?

Becoming the best person and player I can possibly be, plain and simple.

What is the Branded Academy?

In November of 2009 I partnered with Interactive Frontiers, makers of the #1 rated Digital Coaching Software in the country.  Together, we developed a branded golf academy tailored specifically for my students and gman-golf.com.  I feel that video feedback is imperative in the development of any player and the GMan-Golf Branded Academy provides an online storage “locker” for my students to access their own video lessons from any computer or smart phone in the world.

Tell me about your experience at Methodist University.

What a place!  What an experience!  Methodist University allowed me to grow as a person as well as a golfer.  Best five years, yes five, of my life!  When not in class I played golf four-five days per week, mostly in the neighboring hills of Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Tough life huh?  The Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Methodist was, and still is, on of the best training grounds for young people who are interested in pursuing a membership into the PGA of America.

So on a typical Sunday afternoon where can I find you?

You can find me teaching at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Connecticut.

What do you drink out on the course to stay hydrated?

Lots of water mixed with Amino Vital.  This product really helps me to stay focused and energized during a round of golf.  I have been using this product for about two years and I have definitely seen a difference in my play, especially coming down the stretch of the back nine.

How important is a golfer’s fitness in today’s game?

Well, since golf is one of the worst sports for your body I would have to say that fitness is extremely important for any caliber of golfer.  From touring professional to the weekend player, it is a proven fact that having a sound golf-specific regimen will allow you to play longer in life with less potential for injury.  A fit golfer will have a better chance to shoot lower scores…what are you waiting for?  Seek out a local fitness professional, preferably TPI Certified, and have them develop a program that is in line with your golfing goals.

Explain your typical workout routine.

Cardiovascular, abdominal work, golf-specific stretching followed by weight training.  Stretching is the key, stretch as much as possible to keep your muscles loose and limber.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Playing the best golf of my life.  I will let you figure out the details.

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

As a person who put his best foot forward in order to accomplish his goals.

I always let the bands that I interview get the last word. Why not you? Go.

Protect your dreams!

Where did you guys come up with that name?

(Dan) ALPHA PREVAIL is a mantra that our former lead guitarist Brandon and I came up with. As a group, our belief is that a perpetually positive and self-confident attitude combined with hard work and dedication will inevitably lead a person to success in whatever goal they’re trying to achieve.

How long have you been performing?

(Steve) In terms of performances, we’re still pretty “wet behind the ears” but definitely feel that we’re beginning to form our particular stage identities individually as well as collectively.

(Dan) Our first performance was at the San Clemente Fiesta Festival last summer where we humbly entertained the set-up crew and some friends and family. It was a great experience though and we’re definitely looking forward to performing again at this year’s in the afternoon.

Where did you all meet?

(Andy) Steve, our bassist, and I are cousins and pretty much grew up together like brothers, so we’ve known each other our entire lives. We met Dan while attending Laguna Hills High School. Actually, Dan was the first person I met my freshman year. We jammed in garages throughout high school, but officially came together as a group after completing higher education.

(Chris) I came along later after the departure of the original lead guitarist. Andy lives down the street from me and we met through a mutual friend.

So I hear you have a new album. A debut album at that. Tell me a little bit more about the disc.

(Steve) We devoted most of our energy/time to our self-titled debut album for the first year or so. We’re extremely fortunate to have a man of Dan’s talents and skills in the band. He recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the record in the studio.  Well, not really a studio. It was his bedroom.

(Andy) We’re very proud of the album and feel that we developed our signature sound, which evolved throughout the writing and recording process, and continues to do so today.

Where can I get a copy?

(Steve) You can get your hands on the tangible disc at any one of our shows. The album is available for  purchase on iTunes as well, but you should take us up on our free offer on our website.

You guys have a very distinct style. Did the style come before or after the music?

(Chris) Fashion before function baby!

(Andy) NO!

(Steve) Being from Orange County, I’d say that our “style” is pretty tame and low-key to be honest. I think most people are genuinely pretty surprised when they find out we’re musicians and “in a band” because we don’t exactly wear the typical “uniform” of tattoos, piercings and what not. We’re a pretty clean cut dudes with the exception of Andy’s impressive “Man-Mane” he’s been growing. Our personal styles are definitely reflections of our individual personalities and orange county roots.

(Dan) Let me put it to you this way. “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m ******* gorgeous,” as made famous by Semi Precious Weapons.

So I understand that Alpha Prevail is not a band, it’s a way of life. Elaborate on that if you would.

(Steve) What a good-looking question…In a single phrase, ALPHA PREVAIL can be defined as Self-Actualization; the achievement of one’s full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.  Regardless of what your passion is, ALPHA PREVAIL is the harnessing of that emotion, the recognition of the talents you possess, and the channeling of the two to achieve your goals and dreams.  Simply put, it’s about being the best you can be.  This particular mindset is the “prevailing” (see what I did there) theme to our music and is the core belief that we strive toward on a daily basis. I hope that gives you a little better insight as to what exactly we mean by that.

Who write all of the lyrics?

(Chris) When it comes to our lyrics, Dan is the man. He writes all the lyrics and does an awesome job in my eyes.

Where do you guys practice?

(Steve) Andy’s father is extremely generous in allowing us to set up shop in the loft area of his sticker business in Huntington Beach. It’s actually a pretty sweet set-up for a makeshift rehearsal space and we’re extremely grateful to be able to use it. If you or any readers ever need any stickers made, you should begin and end your search with Stickers by Sandstone.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Andy) Jack Daniel’s and Diet Coke or a Red Bull and vodka if I need a little added inspiration just before the show. Usually a beer during.

(Steve) While we don’t all share Chris’s love for the Miller High Life, but we definitely like to indulge in a few adult beverages when we perform just to stay loose. I personally like to have a beer or two with me on stage but definitely always have a bottle of water with me as well. I’m a pretty big “beer-guy” and can pretty much get on board with any particular style. I’m also a big fan of whiskey as well but usually stick with a beer on stage.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

(Dan) We just performed for a few hundred people at a student-run charity organization called Up ‘Til Dawn at California State University Long Beach benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. However, this year’s Fiesta Festival in San Clemente should easily outdo that as it typically attracts around 25,000 people throughout the course of the day.

The smallest?

(Steve) Ironically enough it was another charity show we performed at. This was a little acoustic show to benefit the Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets at Envy Lounge in Fullerton.  It was a really intimate show and I personally had a blast breaking out the acoustics and stripping our songs down.

(Chris) That was our first acoustic show, and probably my favorite.

Who designed your album cover?

(Andy) Dan did all the artwork for the album and came up with the ALPHA PREVAIL strike through script logo as well. As stated before, he’s an incredibly talented dude and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work with him.

That is also your MySpace background. Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

(Steve) MySpace…well it’s definitely a tool that we use.  Having graduated from San Diego State with a degree in business marketing, I understand the value in being involved in as many social networks as possible. That being said, I’m not the biggest fan of MySpace. I used to be all about it, sending out friend requests as well as managing our account. As of late, though, the activity is lacking, as well as the honest connection we used to feel with our friends/fans on there. I feel like almost every other message or comment we receive is just some kind of spam; it’s exhausting. Granted, there are still plenty of real fans out there on it and we greatly appreciate those individuals and their feedback and support. Personally, I feel that that it’s gone a bit stagnant in favor of other sites like Facebook and Twitter. MySpace used to be our home-base, but now, the goal with all our online media is to steer people to our website. Anybody can create a music profile, I believe there are over five million but it takes an investment of time and money to have your own website. We’re proud of that and feel that it’s something that helps separate us from the “noise floor” and many other bands at the same stage in their careers.

Are you guys on Twitter?

(Steve) Yeah, I’m pretty active on the band’s Twitter account and tweet, though I still hate that term, on a daily basis…come follow us @alphaprevail. Initially I was a little unsure as to the value that it had to offer to the band, but after going to a seminar presented by the Orange County Register and learning some tips, I started using it much more effectively. I personally love it and it has definitely helped open quite a few doors and presented us with some really cool opportunities.  I mean, that’s how you contacted us.

Where are you guys originally from?

(Dan) We’re all from south Orange County; the Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo area to be a bit more specific.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go?

(Steve) I suppose I’d have to move back down to Pacific Beach, San Diego, where I lived while I went to school at San Diego State University.  I’ve had some of the best times of my life down there and would love to be able to relive some of those experiences with my band mates.

(Andy) We live in the best area in the entire world as far as I’m concerned. I’d just take a new house on the beach right here in Orange County.

(Dan) I’ll get back to you after the ALPHA PREVAIL world tour.

(Chris) Why limit us to the world, there’s a whole universe out there?

If you could meet anyone alive or dead, whom would you choose and why?

(Steve)  Wow, that’s a really tough question…I’d really love to meet Zig Ziglar. If you really have to ask why then I would simply suggest you search, on YouTube, Prime The Pump. That will certainly explain why more than I ever could.

(Andy) One of my idols recently passed way before his time. The Rev of Avenged Sevenfold was an amazing influence on my play and view of drumming/music in general. I could pick that guys brain for ages about gear, set-up, composing, performing.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

(Andy) As I said, The Rev is one of my favorites. My progression of drum heroes is as follows: Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Chris Adler of Lamb of God, and Nicholas Barker formerly of Dimmu Borgir.

(Steve) Quite the laundry list Andy, got any more? My biggest influence as a bassist easily would be Scott Shiflett of Face to Face…the dude’s awesome. Some others that I love are Eddie Breckenridge of Thrice, Paolo Gregoletto of Trivium and of course Flea of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

(Steve) Yeah we all have jobs outside of the band…for now.  I work part-time as a server to make ends as well as promote the band to my customers and co-workers.

Describe your genre in one word.

(Steve) Universal.

(Dan) Dynamic

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?

(Steve) I was definitely surprised and think everyone in the world was saddened by his passing. It’s a trip to think that he was perhaps the single most famous person on the planet and is now no longer among us.  I think what I’ll remember the most are his epic music videos like Thriller, Beat It and my all-time personal favorite, Smooth Criminal.

Are you guys using a PC or a Mac?

(Steve) I’m Steve and I’m a PC…(Laughs) Sorry, I’m a marketing dude so I pay attention to commercials.

(Andy) We all use PC’s except for Dan. His Mac Book is apparently the best way to run ProTools.

Did you guys celebrate Earth Day this year?

(Chris) Yes, I was living the High Life in honor.

(Steve)  Can’t say that I did…besides, what exactly does an Earth Day celebration entail anyway?

(Andy) Yes, how does one celebrate the Earth?

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

(Dan) Pretty easy to get embarrassed when you’re singing…anything can happen.

(Andy) Every time I drop a stick, I die a little inside.

(Steve) Definitely messing up the last note of the song One Lie at Chain Reaction in Anaheim…where the song ends with just me playing along with Dan’s vocals.  Rookie mistake to say the least…

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

(Steve)  Luckily my vocal parts are fairly small and in a backing style so remembering the words is not all too mentally strenuous.  Dan on the other hand might have a tale or two though however.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(Steve)  Returning to Orange County after headlining a national tour in support of our platinum-selling 3^rd album and absolutely dominating two sold out nights of shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim.

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

(Steve)  That we did it “right”…Ideally, I’d like people to look to ALPHA PREVAIL as the consummate example of how you’re supposed to go about this whole business of being a band.

(Andy) The group that inspired you to pursue your dreams.

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

(Steve)  Perpetual.

Where did you guys get that name?

It’s a metaphor for good/evil, hope/fear, seasons of life, etc. September is the first month of fall.  Fall is the transitional season between summer (the light season) and winter (the dark season).   The name September Sky represents the changes and seasons of life.  Got the original name/idea off a t-shirt but that was October Sky so we wanted to change it since that’s a movie title.

How long have you been performing?

We’ve all been in different bands for the last decade but September Sky has been performing a little less than two years. We formed in late 2008.

Where did you guys all meet?

Through work and family.  Larry (guitarist) and I met through work where we became friends and started working on acoustic projects.  Our bassist Jeff is Larry’s brother in law.  And our drummer Martin is also family.

Where do you practice?

We practice down in Larry’s basement.

You guys only have a few shows coming up. I assume you guys have day jobs outside of music?

Yep, we all have 9-5’s.  Have to pay the bills and unfortunately we aren’t rock stars yet. (Laughs)

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Around three hundred.

The smallest?

Forty or fifty probably.

I see you guys are on Facebook. Are you on Twitter?

Yep. You can follow us anytime you like!

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

It’s tough to pick a favorite venue.  We like different venues for different reasons.  We really enjoyed The Music Mill back in its glory days.  Birdy’s Bar & Grill is always a good time.  The Rock House on the south side has a great thing going on.  Spin Night Club was cool, but it’s gone now. We enjoy playing anywhere that has a good sound system with a cool staff.

What are you drinking on stage?

Mostly water. Our drummer Martin is partial to PBR (that’s usually post stage).

How did you guys react to the passing of the King of Pop?

It was surreal for sure.  Man, I grew up to Michael Jackson and his music.  It’s kinda strange (me being mostly a rock music guy) but he was someone who made me think that being a musician/singer was really cool. We all have massive respect for the guy even though his personal life started to unravel towards the end.

Describe your genre in one word.

One word? (Thinks) How about rock?  One word is tough. But rock best fits us.  More like hard rock, but that’s two words!

Who are some of your biggest influences?

We like the Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Shadows Fall, and Rush.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your careers which song would you choose?

It’s brutal to just pick one, but I would say the song Awakened. That was one of the first tunes we wrote that gave us a bit of direction for where we wanted our music/writing to head.  It incorporates a lot of elements.

Who is writing all of your lyrics?

I (Scott) write 90% of them.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

In life’s moments.  Usually a dark time in my life. When I’ve felt fearful or confused.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Hurt & Army of Anyone at Pierre’s in Fort Wayne.  First time I ever saw Hurt live and those guys were amazing! Our guitarist Larry would probably say the Pantera show where he about got trampled to death when the giant barricade wall fell down between the crowd and the stage. Complete chaos.

Do you ever forget the lyrics to your own songs?

Guilty.  Not often but it has happened.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

We literally almost got into a fist fight with a sound dude.  Apparently he didn’t think it was his responsibility to do a good job running sound.  He started screaming and cussing at all of us on stage when we made requests like “more guitar/vocal in the monitor”…of course this was all in front of a crowd. Not cool.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Ireland…or Brownsburg, Indiana.

Are you using a PC or a Mac?

PC.

I know you guys just got a new MySpace design. What are your thoughts on that dying service?

I agree that it’s not the #1 networking site it once was.  There are others that are better.  But I believe it really serves a good purpose for bands who want to have a web presence without designing a website from scratch.  A lot of time and cost involved with that.  And at the end of the day you’re showcasing the same things (pictures, song tracks, bios).

You guys getting any radio play on X103.3?

Yes, sure am.  But we could always get more.  In fact if anyone has a second feel free to go to one of the below links to request us on X103’s Facebook page or to listen to us from their local band section.  Local bands need all the help we can get to get on the radio stations.  You guys can help a ton…

I see that you guys are unsigned. Are you actively seeking a record deal?

We would never turn down a good record deal, but aren’t actively pursuing one.

Any thoughts of releasing a full disc this year?

Not this year.  Our upcoming debut album is actually a six song EP. It releases in August.  We hope to be doing a music video in 2011 to follow that up.  Full length will be awhile out.

Where can I get some September Sky merchandise?

You can get it through our MySpace page, through our Facebook page, or just email us and we’ll hook you up.

Tell me about the show you guys just did at Birdy’s Bar & Grill. (Are you coming to the rickyleepotts.com presents six bands for six bucks?)

It was a great show.  It was a ticketmaster event that featured five local bands, mostly hard rock.  We saw about two hundred fifty people throughout the course of the night. Not too shabby. Was a lot of fun. As far as the 6 bands for $6 event, count me in!

Explain what someone could expect seeing you perform for the first time.

Probably something different than what they expect.  At least that’s what we’ve been told time and time again.  I think people listen to our music (without seeing us live) and expect us to look a certain way or have a specific image.  But we’re really just a bunch of “dudes next door” type guys that enjoy rocking out. No dog collars or crazy piercings. (Laughs) (Not that those are bad things).  Just a live show that contains lots of energy. We really feel our music and enjoy getting into it. Some people like that.  Some people are surprised by it.  We love em all!

What does a typical Friday night look like for you?

Generally low key.  Hanging out at home with our families.  Or going out with some friends to catch a live show or a movie.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Anything could happen.  But I’d like to be in a spot where we’re well known locally and even regionally…and have had the chance to play with some awesome bands (locally and nationally). Full length album? Possibly. Music videos? Definitely. Tour? Hopefully.

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

That we were four guys that wrote music from the heart and did our best to put together quality tunes. And that we promoted the local Indianapolis scene best we could.  There are so many talented bands in Indy, and it is frustrating to know that many of them go unnoticed.  We’d like to play a part in changing that.  Even Seattle had to start somewhere right? (Laughs)

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

First and foremost we want to thank all of our families, friends and fans for supporting us.  You guys make it all worthwhile.  The debut album has been in the works for a long time now and we have a lot of people to thank for that. The album will hopefully be available online as your reading this through Reverbnation, our MySpace page and eventually iTunes.  We will have full CD production by August 20^th.  Our CD release will be August 20^th at The Rock House Café.  Special thanks to Scott Rainey at The Hit Department, Eric Gray at Eric Gray Designs for our album and merchandise design, Andrew Taylor of PROFILErehab for our brand new MySpace design.  And thanks to you, Ricky, for doing this interview.  We really appreciate your support of local Indy artists.  Keep rocking!

Tell me your first memory of the guitar.

My dad got an old Harmony with Green Stamps. He would drag it out of the closet once or twice a year, play it for about five minutes, then it would go back in the closet. I taught myself to play on this guitar while I was in high school. I would play from the time I got home from school until it was time to go to bed. On the weekends I would play until my fingers would bleed. Eventually a crack ran around the sides of the guitar. You could pull it apart like an accordion. Then one day someone sat on it and broke the neck.

How many guitars do you currently own?

I have four guitars. My pride and joy is a 75’ Gibson Dove. I have played it so much the face has been scraped off and a hole worn through it. It looks like I tied it to the back of my car and drug it around for a while. I also have three other guitars which are nothing special but they get the job done. Also, they aren’t too expensive.  I wouldn’t be devastated if they were lost or stolen or damaged. My goal is to have a slew of Rickenbacker guitars by the end of the year. Like the old joke says. How many guitars do you really need? And the answer, of course, is “just one more.”

Do you play any other instruments?

I play a harmonica with my guitar. I’ve tinkered with the mandolin a bit and even less with the piano. That said, I’m really only interested in playing guitar.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

Yes, for better or worse.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

It’s funny. You can rack your brains trying to write a song and get nothing you’d want to repeat. Then while you’re backing your car out of the driveway or waiting for a piece of toast to pop up you strike gold.

Do you only play solo shows?

For the time being. I’m looking to have something going with a band by the end of the year.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Indianapolis. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to leave, I always seem to end up right back home.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Europe. I’d love to see it all but particularly London and of course Liverpool.

You have a ton of shows coming up around the area. Do you ever travel?

Slowly but surely I’m getting farther away from home.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Paul McCartney. Chicago. It was my birthday. I had a seat in the 24th row…and binoculars.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

it was at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve played larger crowds but this was kind of a big deal for me. Songwriters come from all over to play there.

The smallest?

There was a little bar that is now a parking lot.  A lot of songwriters honed their skills there. I had a regular Tuesday night show. Often times it would just be me and the bartender. When he would duck into the kitchen for a sandwich it would just be me and the empty chairs.

Do you ever forget the words to your own songs?

Yes, all the time.

Tell me about D&S Productions.

This is a booking agency. I’ve only just started working with them recently. I’m pretty excited about this. It means I can spend more time concentrating on music and less time chasing down club owners.

You are no stranger to the music business. What are your thoughts on the future of live music?

I’ll just quote Neil Young.  “Live music is better, bumper stickers should be issued”

Do you have any merchandise people can purchase?

Not at the moment but I hope to have something on iTunes before long , and  a CD  soon after…could a bobble head be far behind?

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

Funny story, the first song I ever wrote, which is to say the first song I didn’t throw away after writing it, was a song I came up while sitting in the backseat of a Toyota watching the desert roll by. I was leaving Nevada on my way to Colorado. My guitar was in the trunk and I couldn’t very well tell the driver to pull over so I could fish my guitar from underneath three or four suitcases and sit on the roadside for an hour so I could write out a song. So I had to keep this song running through my head all the way to Colorado. This was a sixteen hour trip. I got home and wrote out the song and put it on tape. After that I couldn’t play the song for about three years. Take your favorite song and play it too much and it will become your least favorite song.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, shaken not stirred.

Explain to us what a typical Friday night looks like for you.

For this summer I have designated Friday night as songwriting night. My goal is to write something I like each week and then see what I end up with by the end of the summer.

You are playing a show at a winery here pretty soon. Do you drink wine?

I’m not even a fan of grape juice. For someone who doesn’t drink I spend more time in bars than anyone I know.

Your songs all tell a story. Songs aside, tell us a story right now.

When I was three years old I loaded up on this cereal which was mostly sugar. My mom was trying to get her ironing done and I was burning off a sugar buzz. Out of sheer desperation she pulled out a record player and a stack of 45s. Then she dropped the needle on the record.  I had found my first favorite toy. I would go through the stacks of 45s looking for buried treasure. I couldn’t read yet, so I went by colors. When I had two songs on the same colored label I could tell them apart by the scratches. I listened to everything from big band to country to rock n roll.

Where do you practice?

My favorite place to practice is in my kitchen. It has pine walls so it feels like an old cabin. Its sounds great in there and it’s comfortable but not too comfortable that I don’t get any work done.

Describe your genre in one word.

Pop…Sometimes they act like folk songs and sometimes they act like country songs  and sometimes they do what they’re supposed to do and act like pop songs. But no matter what they appear to be at first, when you look closely, they always turn out to be pop songs.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The Beatles are first and foremost. Neil Young. Tom Petty. Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Freedy Johnston, and Fountains of Wayne.  I’m looking to write somewhere between indie pop and alt-country.

How did you react to the passing of the King of Pop?

What! The CEO of Coca-Cola is gone?

What is your favorite venue to play?

I really like the Players Pub in Bloomington, Indiana. They really support original music. Plus Bloomington is such a cool town.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning his or her career in the music industry?

Do it because you love to do it. Do it only if, you can’t NOT do it.

Man I hear a lot of Tom Petty in your voice. Anyone ever tell you that?

Little by little he has become one of my favorites. But what you’re hearing could be a Hoosier accent that just won’t go away.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years older…But hopefully with more songs I’m proud of and more guitars than I really need.

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

That I was a good songwriter.

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

FIN.

Where are you originally from?

I am from Eschwege, Germany.

You are currently living in Miami. You like the heat down there?

It’s an amazing city, amazing vibe. I love the ocean and, yes, the warm weather. I’m on the road a lot, so for me to be able to go home to Miami is very welcome.

You have played in countries all over the world. Do you have a favorite city you like to visit?

No favorites, it’s sort of a rule of mine. I’ve found in the past that if you come with anything other than a long-considered answer to ‘favorite’ questions you can fall foul of yourself. You can look back and think, “Now why did I say that then when I’ve been to so many other incredible places?” Was that really fair? The other thing with doing so much in-and-out traveling is that you never really have the time to really get the full, proper measure of at place. Hence if I said that X, Y or Z places was ‘favorite’ just because I went to one amazing after-party, it wouldn’t be balanced or reflected on enough.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever performed in front of?

40,000, I think.

The smallest?

Probably 2. My son and my dog!

When you perform in Las Vegas, do you ever gamble?

I do, but not very often. A roll of the dice here, turn of the card there, if I’m walking past a table. I did have a stake on the Superbowl though. Happy to say that came off!

Tell me a little bit about your new album.

Well it’s called Do You Dream? If your local music store had a section marked ‘not 100% trance’, it would probably slot right in there! There are many tracks on there that I personally find impossible to categorize. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about the first track ‘Alpha State’ is beatless and has some lovely slow arpeggios in it, but it could never be called ‘chillout’ or ‘ambient’ – in terms of the album’s overture its way too intense and scene-setting. Likewise there’s a track called ‘Away’ (which has the fantastic vocals of Sir Adrian on it). It’s got real pace and tempo and drive behind it, but nothing really overt in terms of riffs – just this really amazing rolling bass-line and the vocals that carry it. It’s not tech-trance, it’s not deep trance – I really don’t know how you’d classify it!

The title, I wanted to put in the form of a question: do you dream? I want people to interpret that in their own individual way. As questions go it’s a highly open-ended one!

It’s been long enough since my last album that’s I’ve had time enough to hear many other vocalists singing on other tracks. When you do you either think to yourself, “I like that voice but I’m not sure its right for what I want to do,” or, “heh, that sounds great! I think I’d like to work with that person”. That was very much the case for people like Susana, Jennifer Rene and Ana Criado too. In terms of the vocals, I don’t write them, no. I leave that down to the lyrical professionals! I was very lucky indeed to have many talented ones working on the album. Raz Nitzan and Adrian Brockhuyse are two guys from the Netherlands and they wrote the lyrics for three of the tracks (Away, Surreal & Unsaid). These guys are basically the hit machine when it comes to electronic dance music. If you look them up their list of credits is really extraordinary.

So I hear you first started getting into dance music when you were young. What made you decide to make a career out of it?

There comes a breaking point I think. One day you’re thinking this is great, it would be a dream to do it for a living. And then something snaps and you think, “Heh, what’s stopping me, why the hell not!” And off you go!

How many stamps do you have in your passport?

Unknown! I don’t have it on me I’m afraid (which is unusual!). Let’s just say a lot!

Who do you think would win in a pillow fight between Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk?

Man, I’ve seen both those guys swing pillows in the past and let me tell you its fierce! I think that Paul would probably get some really good early shots in, but ultimately Armin would prevail. Now if you’d said snowball fight, probably the reverse would be true.

Do you speak any languages other than German and English?

Fluently, that’s my two. However you can’t travel the world all year round without picking up the odd phrase or two in a different language!

You are currently working with Armada Music. What is like working with a label as a DJ?

Great!

Do you still have a lot of creative freedoms?

Well it’s not quite George Michael at Sony or Prince and Warner. Creative freedom isn’t really a factor. I take my music in, sit down, play it to them and get their feedback. The spread of music on Do You Dream is a case in point to that I think.

I see you are on Twitter. What are your thoughts on these social media outlets available to you today?

I am indeed on Twitter, but then so is my dog! I’m a fan of virtually all social media; they all serve their own individual purposes. I think that maybe I’m just that much more of a fan of Twitter though, specifically because it’s just so neat. You say what’s on your mind and then it’s out there. I sometimes think of it as digital-therapy. You’re feeling something, you’ve experienced something and it allows you to instantly ‘share’. There’s nothing wrong with that; I think it’s great.

Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?

Yep, my pre-set checks…CDs and DVDs packed, headphones working, sound recording equipment ready to roll, drinks close at hand. You get the idea!

What are you drinking on stage?

Vodka and water, though not in equal measures and not necessarily in that order!

You used to have a spot at the Works in Phoenix, Arizona for quite some time. I am actually planning on moving to Scottsdale in the near future. Can we hang out sometime after a show?

The location for The Works is now a parking lot but I’m sure that we can! Have your people call my people!

You worked with Armin on A State of Trace. What is he like in person?

Very, very down to earth. If you see him doing one of his videos, where he’s interviewing people and you think, “That guy looks really on the level”. Well you’re right. That’s just what he’s like.

How cool is it to be considered one of the top 10 DJs in the world according to DJ Magazine?

It is cool, certainly. It is nice that what I do throughout each working year is reflected in someway. But let me put it to you this way, what I get up thinking about every morning isn’t the Top 100, it’s about where I am in the world, which country, city and club I’m rocking next and what I’m going to rock it with!

If you could only perform one track for the rest of your career, which one would you choose?

Impossible! It’s that old favorites thing again!

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Top of the world, looking down (I hope)!

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

As a guy who came along, made some music, went out and played that music (along with a lot of other peoples), blew some parties apart, made lots of people happy and did okay out of it.

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

Lipsmackinthirstquenchinacetastinmotivatingoodbuzzincooltalkinhighwalkin fastlivinevergivincoolfizzin!

Where did you guys get the name?

Digs has been a nickname of mine for awhile, since college. Bridges is my second middle name. I used to be in a band that used both of my middle names and people thought we sounded like a country band. So now, since I’m doing Americana music I found it appropriate.  It has an appeal to it, at least to me. And everyone knows how egotistical I am that I’d have to name my band after myself!

How long have you guys all known each other?

I met Ian (keys) through my friend’s neighbor.  Very strange story actually. Last summer I was hanging out with Scott Krueckenburg. He is from the local band Mardelay.  His neighbor went to a Mardelay show with us one night in Muncie and I was talking to her about how I was putting a band together. The conversation just went on from there.  She mentioned that her boyfriend’s band was breaking up and he was an accomplished piano player.  I thought to myself-through experience-that keyboard players are NORMALLY very tough to work with and often times flaky. Remember I said in my experience.  So eventually he and I met up to jam and we hit it off. He really liked the songs and we work very well together.  The bass player at the time ended up flaking out on us two weeks before our first show.  Ian then introduced the idea of his friend, jazz bass player, Tim Johnson. The only problem was he couldn’t do the first show. So, I called Justin Goldstein, the bass player in my first band, to fill in. Tim came in afterwards and, like Ian, was just as awesome.  We all got along really well and had the same ideas, wants, and goals for playing music.

I have to say how lucky I am to have them because they’re musically brilliant. They’re both students of music to where I am a barefooted, t-shirt wearing, dropout on the school of music’s courtyard yelling at passing cars and throwing rocks at road signs. The core of the band is the three of us. My cousin was our drummer, but he had some other opportunities that he wanted to pursue.  We have a drummer for the summer that I’m very excited about.  She’s a freshmen at Ball State University.  She, Ian, and Tim are a jazz trio, so once again, Ian’s connections have pulled through again! She’s a wonderful drummer and has a great presence.  We’ve only played once together, a show at DePauw University, with no rehearsal, and she was fantastic.

So this new drummer. Tell me more.

We recently parted ways with our original drummer, my cousin, Tyler Chapman.  He had some other opportunities he wanted to pursue and we were laying low-writing, and working on the business end of the music so we didn’t sweat it too much.  Ian and Tim play in a jazz trio at BSU and I asked if Jordan, the drummer for the trio, would be interested in sitting in for a college campus show in April.  She was and did. We didn’t rehearse ONCE! She listened to a handful of songs on the website and iTunes and just showed up.  When she showed up for the show it was the first I’d met her. Needless to say the show went off without a hitch.  I would begin each song by giving her an idea of the feel, the time signature, and just go.  She nailed it.  I mean sickness nailed it.  She’s only twenty years old and a freshman at BSU and is so much fun to play with.  She has great energy and I immediately loved being on stage with her.

Are you nice to her?

(Laughs) Absolutely! In the short time I’ve known her I find it hard to believe that anyone could be mean to her.

When you guys are on the road and you are all trying to decide where to eat, are you going to let her pick?

Her first official show was over last weekend at a private show we had in Michigan.  She wasn’t able to ride with us up there on our tour bus and had to drive separately.  So, that hasn’t been an issue…yet…but you can’t show favoritism in a band, can you?  The four of us get along super and all really enjoy Waffle House, so I’m sure we’ll be alright there!

This is sort of a new venture for you. What are your immediate goals?

I had no intention of going in this direction, musically, but I started writing new songs and they just came out like this. I went to my manager and friend, Eric Howard, and asked, “What the hell is this music? I don’t know what to call it!”. So we looked around and listened to similar music and found out that it is best suited as Americana. I love it. I absolutely love it. I’m not afraid to stand behind the new music that I’m writing, which I haven’t been able to do in other bands. Immediate plans are simple.  We have a single to release and promote.  We want to hit Indiana and certain markets in the midwest really hard.  I have a lot of smart, experienced people behind me so we’re doing things right, smart, and effectively.

I have heard a handful of songs, and I must say Davey, your voice has grown so much in the last few years. Tell me more about that and what you did to get where you are today.

Honestly, I should have had voice lessons. I think it’s because I’ve sang so much and learned as I went. Much like how I learned the instruments I play. I’ve asked a lot of questions to other singers and have had a lot of direction. I try to emulate what I like in other music and try to make my voice unique.  I want people to know my songs from my voice, much like Chris Shaffer, the Crash Test Dummies, or anyone else you know just by hearing the vocals.

Describe your genre in one word.

Strong.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

Intimately? 1,000 people. It was to this date one of my favorite gigs I’ve ever had.  My first band opened for the original line up of the Why Store on New Year’s Eve at the Music Mill.  I grew up a huge fan and it was the first time we’d opened for anyone that big. I believe it was their last show that they have ever played together.

The smallest?

(Laughs) A bar staff.

Let’s say you are about to headline a show out at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opener?

I’d rather be the opener for John Mayer and the Avett Brothers this summer! It’s a goal! But us being the headliner, it would have to be a friend’s band.  Stefan Rockenfeller, Mardelay, Eric James, or Nate Davis. A goal of mine is to tour with a friend’s band.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water. Beer. Vodka. In that order. (Laughs)

So you have a fast car huh?

Metaphorically speaking, yes. Very fast.

Who is Records Record Records, LLC?

It’s a record label I am trying to get off the ground.  We are fully functional minus the money and bands to represent. The goal is to establish ourselves then move forward with other acts.  Again, I’d like to work with friends. I already have my first four or five acts I’d like to sign when we’re at that point.

Isn’t there a band called that?

My most recent former band was called that. I took the name with me when I left. They changed it to something similar upon my exit.

Who are some of your inspirations?

John Lennon. He is my guru. (Laughs) Other than that, there are so many. I really love a lot of different songs and artists. I like to incorporate ideas I get from one genre and implement it into my own. For instance, I wrote a country song from an idea iI got from listening to Moby.

Where are you all originally from?

I am from Columbia City. Ian is from Bloomington, Indiana. And Tim is from Los Angeles, California.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Oh my…Phish, the five times I’ve seen them. And I’m going this summer! I really liked a band called 2 Skinnee J’s.  I recently saw a band from New York at the Vollrath called Asa Ransome that was a blast to see.  They are a mix of Modest Mouse, David Burne, and Rusted Root.  I encourage you to check them out. I really enjoy seeing my friends bands. Stephan Rockenfeller, Todd Sarvies, and Nate Davis are all worthy of mention.

You guys are a featured band on rickyleepotts.com presents six bands for six bucks. Are you excited?

You have no idea! I’m very excited to get out and playing with this band. I really think people are going to like it and get what I’m trying to do with this band.  Birdy’s Bar & Grill is always a great place to play and you are always a great person to work with so I’m sure it’ll be a great time!

What are your thoughts on social media and the success rate of a band in today’s market?

Wow. Great question. Let’s see…

I love the ability to market yourself in today’s environment.  It’s tough though because any jerk with recording abilities can cloud the scene. But that’s the beauty of it! Artists have to have a support system to elevate their online presence and it turns creating music and art into a business and somewhat of a competition and that’s a double edged sword when it comes to the bottom line of why artists create. It can compromise the integrity of what being shared on a certain level.  We’re in an environment where talented artists have to compete with wanna-be’s and depending on the ability to pander to certain groups of people to get ahead. I’m undecided on whether or not that’s a good thing, but it is a fact of where we are now so if you have to take what you want and play the game.

I know you are on MySpace. Actually, speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts of the service?

My-what? (Laughs) MySpace has fallen victim to social evolution. Facebook will too and so will whatever comes to replace it. Referencing my last answer, artists have to make themselves as accessible as possible so it’s necessary.

Are you on Twitter?

No. I have avoided that one because I see it as Facebook without all the extra garbage. Will you teach me? I know you love it.

What should someone expect when coming to see you live?

Well written and performed songs. A lot of heart and energy. I have surrounded myself with exceptional musicians because I am a very average guitar player. We’re not a jam band, but the songs aren’t going to be the same at every show.  Lots of melodies, harmonies, and hooks.  I would come to see Digs Bridges.

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

Several. The Roxy and the Whiskey a Go Go in Hollywood. The Verve in Terre Haute, Indiana is nice. I LOVE the room that the Patio used to be in. I wish someone would do something with that place to bring it back.

I can’t get over how much better your voice has gotten.

Thank you. How about the songs? (Laughs)

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

I work at Starbucks! I serve coffee.

Are you using a PC or a Mac?

Macbook Pro. The only way to go, in my opinion.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

Austin, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, or New York City. I want to live in all of those places before I settle in anywhere.

Who writes all of your songs?

I do.  As we start writing the next album, I’m sure we’ll all have a hand in it.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Everything. Mostly dreaming. I dream about songs and if I don’t wake up and write it down, I’ll forget it.

Are you guys planning on a full-length disc anytime some?

I want to run with this EP for now.  We have fifteen songs recorded but I don’t see the necessity for a full length right now. Maybe in the fall.

What about a nation wide tour? When are you leaving for that?

Right now our focus is going to be very concise.  Bloomington, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Muncie, and Fort Wayne, in Indiana. Chicago and Champaign in Illinois. St. Louis, Nashville, Cincinnati, Columbus, with special trips to NYC and LA when needed.  I’ll be performing for Austin City Limits this summer so that will be in the mix, too.

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

No Need to Cry. It’s my favorite song that I have done.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I will be thirty-three years old with a ten year old daughter. I like to think I’ll be wiser and healthy and supporting myself, my family, and band by touring and selling songs.

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

Being influential.

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

I really appreciate what you’re doing, Ricky. I appreciate friends and fans who have and are helping me and my goals.  I have to shout out my manager and friend, Eric Howard.  He has been a motivator and has inspired me to refocus my career and life. My parents and siblings who are unfaltering supporters for me. And, my music friends who have done the same for me as I do for them.  Stefan Rockenfeller, check him out.  He is the only musician I am envious of. I just want to share happiness and love and surround myself with people who treat me the way I treat them. That’s been a tough thing to find. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of me with new artists and friends. thank you again Ricky.

Where did you come up with the band name?

Our guitar player Kazimierz Szczyrba came up with it. He said when life gets you down you just have to rise from the ashes. So Burnt Down was born.

How long have you guys all known each other?

We met at That Place Bar & Grill in Greenwood, Indiana in late 2003.

How long have you been playing?

We have all been playing since we were kids. It’s been a life long love kinda thing!

Is there a ringleader amongst you all?

Well yes and no. Justin write’s alot of the lyrics but I write some to (Matt Gibson) and I book all the shows and take care of the website and things like that. We vote on major things like any other band.

Do you guys have a favorite venue?

In Indianapolis it would have to be Birdy’s Bar & Grill.  They always rock!

What is the biggest crowd that you have played for?

A couple hundred. Nothing major but hopefully that will change soon!

The smallest?

I don’t want to talk about it! (Laughs) But really like four or five. It was sad!

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

We have jobs that rock stars don’t have, are you kidding me?

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

We love it! It is a free website. What’s not to love?

Are you on Twitter?

No, not yet we are working on being that vain! (Laughs)

Who writes all of the lyrics?

We all do but it comes down to what Justin wants to sing.  Singer’s know what I mean! (Just a joke, Justin!)

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

What’s the old saying? Sex, drugs and rock and roll! Oh yeah, and the chick’s are great! (Laughs)

Let’s say you are offered a record deal for $250,000.  However, the deal calls for someone else’s lyrics and it is a country album.  Do you do it?

Why not, you only live once!

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, beer, vodka, whiskey, yager, and whatever anyone buys us!

What would you be doing if you were not playing music?

Is being worthless a pro sport yet ?

What are your thoughts on the passing of Michael Jackson?

He was a great talent. I don’t care what anyone says about him!

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

You can find that on our website!

Do you guys tour very often?

Not yet. We just play local shows for right now but we are working on it.

Where are you guys originally from?

Everyone but me is from Indiana. I am from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Go Panthers!

Where would you go if you could live anywhere else in the world outside of Indianapolis?

Anywhere warm with no snow!

Coke or Pepsi?

Booze!

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

Freebird, because everyone love’s Freebird! (Laughs) But really just wing it. A jam out type of thing.

If you could tour with any band in the market today whom would you choose?

Wow! That’s a hard one. I would say KISS, but we would have to go on first because who can top that!

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Dimebag, Jimmie Hendrix, Alice in Chains, Sound Garden, Poison, Motley Crue, Megadeath, Metallica, Ozzy, and you Ricky, you are our hero!

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Hopefully rich!

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

Good music and good friends. What elese could you want besides love?  All you need is love, as a great man once said!

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

Stop picking your nose when I’m looking, yes that smells bad, and please put your pants on when you walk through my room at four in the morning.  Nobody want’s to see that!